Proud Grandfather

Love reading the various stories you share with us. I came across this picture that was taken 4 years ago at my sons graduation from Parris Island. It was and will always be one of the most memorial events in our lives. Not only because of what my son accomplished but the fact that my father (Cpl Kenneth Oltman) could be there for that impressive day. We weren't sure that my mother and father would be able to attend because he hadn't been well but all the plans worked out for them to come. While standing in the bleachers listening to the men and women singing the Marine Corp Hymn I looked over at my father who had tears in his eyes singing along. He was so proud of his grandson, you could just see him beaming. My father since passed two years ago from cancer but when ever I hear :"From the Halls of Montezuma, to the Shores of Tripoli…" I remember that day and how proud my father was of being a Marine. It brings tears to my eyes and makes me beam with pride. He was and will always be our inspiration. read more

Our New Marines

SGT. Grit.

I am very proud to announce we have (2) new Marines in our family. Our sons Pfc. Andrew M. Boston (21) & Pfc. Jimmy H. Boston III. (20). They Graduated Boot camp aboard MCRD San Diego, Dec. 18th, 2009 as part of 1st bn. Charlie Co. Plt. 1053. They are currently attending MCT at Fort Pendleton in preparation for their MOS school 6111 Tilt rotor/ Helo mechanic. read more

Platoon 315

Dear Sgt Grunt.

While looking at photos posted on your website I found one of Platoon 78 Ist Battalion Sept 1955. One of the DIs is Sgt A V Stacey. I graduated at Parris Island in Sept 1954 in Platoon 315 C Company 4th Recruit Training Battalion. The Senior D I was Sgt P A Wood and Sgt Stacey was one of the junior D Is. I considered all of my Drill Instructors to be the finest of men and great Marines. and there were none more fair and upstanding than those of Platoon 315. read more

New Proud Marine Mom

Sgt Grit,

I found your website when I was looking for Christmas gifts last November for my son. He has wanted to be a Marine since he was twelve years old. In November 2008 he signed up and was in the Poolee program the rest of his Senior year. Although he wasn’t a Marine yet, we purchased a few items from your site and tried to become enthusiastic about his decision (which I’m very proud to say we are very happy for his decision). It is a very scary thing for a Mom to let her son grow up and go out on his own but when you add joining the Marine Corps to the mix it adds a new dimension to the feeling. Nonetheless, I have since enjoyed your newsletter, loved the items you sell and found great comfort from the stories I read in the newsletter. I have since discovered what Honor, Courage and Commitment truly means and now understand the pride felt by all Marines, new and old. I have learned to embrace my son’s decision and to be very proud of his decision. I wear a badge with my son’s picture and tell everyone I meet about how proud I am to be a Mother of a US Marine. read more