The New Corps

During the 60's we had the Marines and the Hollywood Marines. That still exists according to the new recruits I talk with. Looking at the story about Marine week in St. Louis, I was offended by the marines wearing the white trousers in the picture. Being stationed at 8th & I the enlisted marines were the only marines in the Corps allowed to wear the white trousers and then only during official ceremonies.  I wonder want the Corps will allow next since I see marines wearing ear rings on liberty.  I guess it's part of the new 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' direction of the Defense Department. read more

FLAG OF MY FATHER’S

                My Dad, Cpl. William M. Beatty USMC(1942-1945), received the Purple Heart for wounds received on Iwo Jima, March 7, 1945.   After the war he returned home, got married, and had 4 kids.  I was the oldest with 3 younger sisters.   He died of a heart attack after dinner Feb 13, 1953 age 33.  I was 4 and my youngest sister 2 months old.   He had a military funeral complete with 21 gun salute and is buried in the military section of Morris Hill Cemetery in Boise, Idaho.   I joined the Corps in 1967 and served in Vietnam and my son also served 4 years from 1987.   3 generations of Marines. read more

No American Flags at GITMO in Submission to Muslim Terrorist Detainees

I was stunned to learn while researching Mastermind that Guantanamo detainees succeeded in convincing prison officials to no longer raise the American flag anywhere they could see it. Each morning on every U.S. military base around the world, the American flag is raised to a bugle. But in the interests of not offending the detainees, it was stopped at Guantanamo. read more

The Greatest Father’s Day Gift Ever!

As a former Marine Sergeant (circa 1972-1976) I was of course thrilled that my oldest boy Kurt chose to do a hitch in the Corps.  Curently a Lance Corporal, Kurt found himself in Afghanistan over the recent Father's Day.   He makes phone calls when he can but as you might expect, I had little expectation of a timely card or letter on Father's Day.  He missed it by one day and sent an E-Mail apologizing for missing the day itself.  I opened the attached photo and was floored.  It turned out to be what I personally consider one of the best pictures ever taken and a perfect Father's Day card for any ol' Jarhead.     I have sent it to everyone, made it my wallpaper on my computer and it's the last thing I see each night when I power down.  I thought it was well worth letting everyone see, so attached is what I consider one of the best Father's Day card a Marine father ever got.     Former Sergeant Kevin Kjornes.   PS.  Wish him luck on a safe return because he doesn't need skill, the Corps gave him all of that he'll need.