Well Sgt Grit, I have spent several Christmases away from home starting 1959, however, for my time spent in the Corps, that was my home and I enjoyed, Japan, Okinawa, Laos, Vietnam during the Christmas seasons, and I had 6 of them overseas on the Pacific Rim. Christmas overseas meant, USO shows with top artist at the time, Good meals in the Mess Hall cooked by Marines and lots of suds. (beer, booze) and great friends.
WWII Marine And The Young Marine
Here is a picture of the oldest and youngest Marine at the 30th Annual Tom Grosvenor USMC Birthday Toys For Tots Breakfast in Fox Lake, IL at the VFW. The WWII Marine is 92 and the young Marine is 22.
Kennedy Funeral Detail
Your gifts plus my purchases for door prizes helped to make our Mini Reunion in Allen, TX very memorable. I made a display of your gifts, sign and catalogs. I hope the Marines who took home your catalogs will make a purchase.
We marked the 50th Anniversary of our participation in the Kennedy Funeral Detail.
Death From Above
SOA Reaper Fit Perfect For My Style. I Am An 0341. “Steel Rain, Steel Pain.” “Death From Above”
Quilt of Valor
I've been a Marine Mom since 2002 when my one and only son left for boot at PI. Was always patriotic, but have become more so since that time. I joined Quilts of Valor a while back, when my Dad, a Korean War vet, passed after a quick, ugly meeting with leukemia. I have always "made" things, but could never quite master the quilt arena. NOT that I have mastered it yet, but Daddy passed something on to me that won't let me stop with these quilts for the veterans in our lives. Just wanted to share one with you that is near and dear, finished it on the anniversary of the USMC and posted it on their site once. Hope you enjoy. It will be going to one of six Korean War Veterans this month (I promised them a quilt!). It may not be the best, but it has my heart in there. And I have added a picture of my Marine. Thanks for all that you do, at Sgt. Grit – everyone wants to know where I get my great t-shirts.
Fix Bayonets
All the talk regarding the bayonet or no bayonet on the M1 Carbines in the South Pacific during WWII reminded me of the only time a bunch of us airwingers ever heard the command "fix bayonets" ever uttered "in anger" or maybe it was just "in ernest".
VMA 225
I just finished reading some of the stories in your newsletter. They brought back many memories of my tour in Vietnam. I was in country in 1969-1970, Da Nang with VMA 225, A6 Intruder Squadron. I served as a member of the ordnance crew. It was hard work but a great bunch of guys, and lots of good memories. Here is a picture of the crew if you wish to share. I am the one 4th from the left.
WW2 Era Uniform
Here is a picture of my Grandson in a WW2 era Uniform. It was passed down to me by my Aunt Ruth Hummel (Cpl. USMC) and her husband Paul Hummel (Pfc. USMC) who fought on Guadalcanal. When I enlisted in the Corps in 1966 they were very proud of me. At that time I didn't understand why they made a big deal of my enlistment. When I came home after 2 tours in Vietnam I understood!
My grandson likes seeing me in my Marine Corps League uniform. And likes to salute the American flag and say the pledge of allegiance when we raise it in the morning!
He makes me Proud!
Happy 238th Birthday!
Cpl Dave Franz '66-'72
Old And Salty
November 10, 2013 is 238th anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps. Traditionally Marines gather on this day to celebrate the birth of their Corps. The baker at Uncle Bill's Dining Facility, (Mess Hall for you Old Corps types) FOB Spin Boldak, Afghanistan made a cake in honor of the occasion.
Ready For Duty
Here is a picture of my grandson, Charles X. DeRoma, at 4-months old with his Blues on courtesty of Sgt Grit!
Semper Fi,
Dusty DeRoma
Get your infant Devil Pup outfitted in Blues at:
