My family and I were on a cross country vacation in June of this year. The trip included a visit with my brothers outside Buffalo, New York. It was at this time that a wake for a 21 year old fallen Marine was highly publicized in the Tonawanda News paper. The Marine was from North Tonawanda, New York. As a Marine veteran circa 1960-64, I had the feeling that I had to pay my respects to this Marine. The parking lot was lined with outriders standing at parade rest with American flags held at their positions. The Tonawanda police were there and opened the door to the funeral home as I entered. I paid my respects and said a prayer before the casket. I then turned to the Marine's mother and step father to convey my condolences. I mentioned to them that I was on vacation from Washington state and just had to be here for them. The mom hugged me and thanked me for being there.
US vs. THEM
Sgt,
Here's a couple things. No rant this time. I was in the LRS (logistics readiness squadron—-vehicle maintenance) shop today. I was waiting around for service and I noticed something. Us (USMC) vs THEM (AIR FORCE) I read a report (again) the other day about HMLA 367 Scarface in Marble Mountain Vietnam (my squadron) as how in a COMBAT zone at one time they had 100% AIR CRAFT up and flying. That's US. We strive to attain 100 percent efficiency in everything we do.
Marine photos in need of a rightful owner
Sgt. Grit, what can you do with this?
Probably hear from others soon.
Thanks,
Semper Fi
Hamberger
'53-'59
Another Marine reporting Sir
"Another Marine reported to St. Peter this week. My father, Albert R. Ruggiero, PFC, 1943-1946, passed away on 11July2010 in his home of Huntington Beach, CA. He served with the 9th MAW, Cherry Point, NC as a radioman on a B-25 bomber. He was a native of Grenich Village, NY. Upon leaving the Marines he moved to California with his mom and resumed his life in Los Angeles, CA where he worked as a deputy sheriff in the West Hollywood area then with IBM and retiring from IBM after 36 years. He is survived by 2 sons, Ralph & Paul and his daughter Christina. He was a wonderful good natured man and will be missed dearly. I love you dad. Semper Fidelis.
In Remembrance of Michael Portella
Sgt.Grit,
Enclosed is the obit. of a real fine Marine. Sgt. Portella, was a member of the WWII, DI's for many years, and traveled back to Parris Island, with them until a few years ago, when they all got a little old to travel anymore, and many had passed away. You would bring a lot of joy to a bunch of WWII, Marines if they could see Mike remembered in your great newsletter. Thank You.
The VFW – Philly GritTogether
I was invited to a gathering last night along with about 11 other former Marines.
We met at a VFW club in Philly on Martin's Mill Rd.
I am not a member of the VFW and have never been to a VFW club, so this was a first.
Plenty of parking, cool central air, pool table, a couple of flat-screens with the Phils getting clobbered, shuffle board, darts, and a boatload of men mostly my age enjoying each others company is what I discovered.
4TH JULY CONCERT WITH JOSH GRACIN (FORMER MARINE)
A former Marine LCPL in the 1st Force Service Support Group put on one heck of a concert on the 4th of July at River Wind Casino in Norman, Oklahoma. Not to mention it was free!
And to show his patriotic spirit he was signing autographs and taking pictures with all his fans.
Meeting a general
I took the roadster over to the store to get a 7up ande some pogie bait for the weekend. As I drove in some old guy in a suit bowed and gave me a short round of applause. I said hi and then looked at his hat. It said ROK but he had a 1st Marine Division pin. I showed him the EGA on my shorts and we got to talking. This dude had some war stories. I asked him if I could take his picture and he was very happy to say yes. He shared some of his pictures and there were pictures of Marines with him. He was at some 1st Mar Div Function in Oceanside. His friend came out of the store and we had a good conversation also. When I asked if I could take his picture he said yes. He went to the car and got his coat, he is a GENERAL. I'll send you the pictures, they are on the phone.
Unit photos from Port Gamble 2010
Marines,
Here is one of the Unit photographs taken at Port Gamble June, 2010.
Here is the group photograph of the Cannoneers.
Meeting Skip Adams
My name is Cpl Owen King of the New Century Young Marines. I am 11 years old. May 27-June 5, 2010, our troop took a trip to Washington DC.
Tuesday night we went to the Iwo Jima Memorial to witness the 8th and I Silent Drill team and Sunset Parade, but, unfortunately it was cancelled. That was a real bummer. But, we did meet a Marine that survived the Iwo Jima attack. His name is (Harold) Skip Adams, he is 83 years old. He came over to us and took the time to talk to us, about Iwo Jima, about the raising of both flags on Mt Surabachi, drilled us, and took pictures with us. It truly was a once in a lifetime opportunity! I know not too many made it out of Iwo Jima, and the fact some are still alive, was absolutely amazing to me. He was a very interesting man. He deployed with the 5th Pioneer Battalion, B Co of the 5th Marine Division. He landed on Red Beach One the morning of 2-19-1945.