Young Marines

Young Marines

article clipping that shows young marines raising flag on Iwo Jima photo of young marines raising flag on Iwo Jima photo of Young Marines John Basilon Det.

Dear Lindsay,
I am a 70 year young MARINE.I was in the Corps from 1960 to 1964,like the saying goes “once a MARINE always a MARINE” In 2005 I went to Iwo Jima with Military Tours.I’m enclosing an article and picture an incedent that took place on Mt. Surabachi.I’m the MARINE with the blk leather jacket (EGA patch I purchased from Sgt. Grit.) raising the American flag ;thus becoming the oldest MARINE to raise the flag on Iwo Jima.Also enclosing a pic of one of the 13 times I ran trips back to the Holy Land (Parris Island)Please note guidon flag was purchased from Sgt.Grit.Keep up the good work. read more

Marine Corps Mud Run

Sgt Grit,

I served with our Corps from 1970-78 and was on active duty from 1970-74, the highlight being a platoon commander with 3/8 from 1971-72 and a taking part in a NATO overseas deployment where, tragically, five of our Marines were killed in a helicopter crash. In honor of the Corps I was determined to remain fit and active as best I could during my aging process and have an annual adventure (includes a 30,600 feet HALO skydive, a great white shark cage dive, flying the L-39 military jet, a trip down the Amazon River and catching a piranha, etc). Last September the adventure was taking part in the Marine Corps Mud Run with a team of "youngsters" (who I made honorary Marines for the day). read more

Marine Corps Marathon

Sgt. Grit,
I was in the Marine Corps Reserve from 1970 to 1976 and still have a strong allegiance to the Corps. For the last ten years I have been participating in road races and have two specially built wheelchair/stretchers that I use to push disabled people. I would like to make an offer to a disabled Marine the opportunity to participate in this years Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. The race is held in October and I would consider it an honor to run with those who have given so much. If you think this may be of interest let me know and I can send you pictures of the two units. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
John Treuil read more

Mike’s Wedding

Mike’s Wedding

Sgt Grit,

Had to send you some Wedding shot’s of my son Cpl Michael Sebastian part of the 325 Weapons unit, Akron Ohio (part of the 325 out of Brook Park, OH). This was a special day as he and the Marines in the 325 are gearing up for what looks to be a trip to Afghanistan in August or September.
Sword Detail Mike, Terine and Grandpa This was a toast to all veterans and those wh served, Grandpa stole this one The Groomsmen and Best Men Mike & Grandpa Mike and Terine
Please note (third photo) this was the second toast to all veterans of all branches and all who served and my dad, Mike’s grandpa who is a WWII pacific Marine veteran, Hats were off to grandpa here. The first toast was the Marines of the 325 and I have to say they are brothers and will be fine! If you look close in their hands you will see the Sgt Grit shot glasses we bought last week for this special toast so that all will have something from their wedding day. As always, supper service and support from Sgt Grit and company! I know where to go when it has to be Marines! read more

2d Force Recon Marine

2d Force Recon Marine

Skydiving Marine

My brother is a SSgt stationed at Camp Lejeune. He used to be in the Anglico unit and is now Recon. When Force Recon re-activated in 2008 he was privileged to become a part of the unit. Says he’s old (he’s 28, so that makes me laugh a bit) and can only have this honor for 2-3 more years. Anyway, he sent me this picture the other day and I thought it was pretty awesome. I noticed you posted some interesting pictures and thought this may fit the bill. If you’d like more information feel free to ask. Thanks and God Bless the USMC. read more

Taps for a true Hero

Taps for a true Hero

MSgt Troy Gary Mitchell in Dress Blues MSgt Troy Gary Mitchell in Bosnia Mitchell's Lock and Safe van MSgt Troy Gary Mitchell and family

I wanted to tell you of the death of a true Marine Hero, my sweetheart, MSgt. Troy Gary Mitchell (retired). He served 22 years and during that time was in Operation Desert Storm, Bosnia, Mobile AL (where he did body recovery for the Amtrack that went into the bayou), Okinawa, Camp Pendleton, Camp Lejeune and the Pentagon (he was present on 9/11). He was 44 years old and my husband for almost 25 years, daddy of 7 boys and “Pops” to a little grand-daughter. After retiring, he became a locksmith and started his own business “Mitchell’s Lock & Safe” in Jackson, TN. As in all things because of his honesty, integrity and self-discipline his business was growing and doing well. On October 28th, 2009, he was working on a customer’s car switching out a faulty ignition at 9:30 am. A 15 year old that was given a gun by a 24 year old robbed him at gunpoint and shot him in the face. The next night, October 29th, as it became clear that he would not be here much longer our family sang Amazing Grace around his bedside and he marched into Eternal Glory. As in life, he was the same in death, giving all he had. He was an organ donor and because of his gift of life 5 men’s lives are restored. An insulin dependent diabetic is no longer taking injections. He was and is a true American Hero in every sense of the word. He bravely served his God, Country and Corps. The world is not as good as it was. I look forward to the day I see him again. I know he’ll look amaing guarding those gates of Heaven. I miss my Marine. Kelly Mitchell read more

WASHINGTON D.C.

WASHINGTON D.C.

Dear Sgt Grit:

In December my boyfriend and I took a trip to Bethsda MD. He is one of many Vietnam Veterans who a participating in the Vietnam Warrior Head Injury Study. The study has tracked Vietnam veterans who had combat head injuries for the last 12 years. The result of this study are being used to help treat our soldiers who are now dealing with those types injures. read more