In Japanese mythology, the dragon is one of four legendary creatures guarding the four cosmic directions (Red Bird – South, Dragon – East, Tortoise – North, and the Tiger – West). In translation, I protect those who are around me and the skulls in my tattoo are raptures of evil being dispensed by the dragon into the bowls of hell are results of my protection depicted by opposing axes of truth and justice. Truth always sets you free and justice is appraisal of my judgment for no protection. The dragon is wrapped around the cross which represents my protection of Christian faith. Around the cross ‘Peace be with you’ is the greeting that Jesus gives to his disciples when he comes and stands among them and in today’s faith languages, it is known as graceful open communication to all those around me. The USMC in the center of the cross represents that I am Marine Corps veteran and proud to protect God and country. The Aquarius tattoo symbol is my astrological sign by a pair of undulating or zigzag horizontal lines, representing water that characterized me as social, intelligent, and humanistic.
1-A-34
1960/61 in K-Bay I was a crewman then crewchief of tractor 34 (probably not the same vehicle though). It's nice to know the line is unbroken.
Looking For Fellow Marines
I just viewed the posted picture of the Lima Company Reunion. I was attached (81 mortars) to Lima Company during Mead River and Operation Taylor Common (1969) and would like to get in touch with fellow Marines that I served with at the time. Could someone please contact me with info as to how I can find out about futureLima Company reunions.
Hawaii Marines
Hawaiian Marine Tattoo
Eagle Globe Anchor and Flag
Done by Brian at “Skin Deep” in downtown Honolulu, HI
My First Tat – 23 Years After Being Promoted to CPL
23 years to the day after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait I got this Tat the shows what I’m about. Semper Fi!
DEVIL DOG
The Germans gave the Marines this name,
and pretty soon it brought them fame.
The reason for this name is said,
for all the blood the Germans shed.
Marines fought to keep this country free,
They fought for you,for him, and me.
Several more times they went to war,
Camp Lejeune Traffic Circle
I would like to comment on the article by John Vaughn in this week's (August 22nd) newsletter.
John mentioned that he never heard the term "swooping circle". I, too, was at Camp Lejeune from Feb 1965 to October 1965 and clearly remember the "traffic circle". I never heard the term swooping, either. I don't remember the details of exactly where it was located, but it was central to the base and all Marines who had automobiles and were traveling for the week end would pull into the circle (as I recall, it was more of a parking lot) and one of the MPs would call out to those of us who were looking for a ride, how many riders the car could take and where they were going. I think the standard price was about 1¢ per mile. Riders were dropped off anywhere along the route the driver was passing and usually met him at the same place on the return trip back to base.
I’m a United States Marine Through and Through
If there is one thing I know to be true,
I'm a United States Marine through and through.
My blood is Crimson, my heart is Gold.
I'm one of the Few, The Proud, brave and bold.
I'll fight for Freedom, and would die for it too.
Stand up for Old Glory, Red, White & Blue.
Trigger Puller
I was in Washington D.C. the weekend of August 3, 2013, for my niece's wedding. I went to the various memorials with my son and his wife. At the Iwo Jima memorial we were there at the right time. A bunch of Marines of all ranks and grades showed up to promote a Staff Sergeant to Gunny. I introduced myself as a 1966 Vietnam, E5, 0311 Marine. They called me a "Trigger Puller". I liked that. They then requested that I participate in the promotion ceremony. What an honor. Once a Marine, Always a Marine.