Thanks and Semper Fi
Fire and Smoke!
Fire and Smoke!
Dear Sgt. Grit
Dear Sgt. Grit
Thank you so much on your advice regarding if our Marine son should wear his dress blues to his brother’s Army graduation at Ft. Leonard Wood. We thought you’d like to see the end result! One more graduation to this month at Ft. Benning!
Tripoli
Tripoli
Oohrah!
Sgt Grit,
This photo is an “Official” USAF photograph. While stationed at the American Embassy in Tripoli, Libya. We were asked to participate in this ceremony. The ambassador or the deputy chief of Mission, also participated. To the best of my knowledge, this photo was taken during the ceremony honoring the Unknown Soldier, right on the inner harbor on the shores of Tripoli 1964-1966 “Cemetary”. 
Veteran’s Day 2004
Veteran’s Day 2004
Here are some pictures of a Field of Heroes put togther by the Veterans Organizations in conjunction with the National Yellow Ribbon Campaign. It was done on the IrvingMiddle School Footbal Field in Pocatello, Idaho. Each cross represents fallen American Soldier or Marine from Afghan or Iraq as of the Novemebr 11 morning. Each Marine Cross has a Marine Corps Sticker placed on it.
Belleau Wood Drive
Belleau Wood Drive
Thought I’d pass along a few pics from my hometown of Lexington, KY. The first in Belleau Wood Drive, the the best place in town to sit down, get an oil change (Or just about any other automotive mechanical service) and shoot the breeze, Semper Fi Automotive. Semper Fi is owned and operated by Brother Marine Terry Elm and located at 3801 Nicholasville Centre Drive, Suite 203, Lexington, KY, 40503; and can be reached at (859) 971-0339.
Semper Fidelis,
James H. Johnston
Corporal, USMC
1987-1991
Mardi Gras Marines
Hello everyone,
I went to a Mardi Gras parade in Slidell La. Jan 9th and in the parade there was a Marine marching band and they looked great. I was so happy to see them in the parade. The Marines looked so sharp and all had their uniforms so sharp and straight. The Marines were all in sequence and in time. They really did a great job representing the Marines and all that they stand for. I was so proud to see them. I just wanted to say Thank you for being in the parade and Thanks for all that the Marines do for all of us. Thank you to all the Marines everywhere and I am proud of each and everyone of you. May God bless each and everyone of you.
Sincerely, Richard
Boot Camp Prayer
Boot Camp Prayer
Dear Sgt Grit:
Attached is a picture I took of my son the day he graduated from Boot Camp in San Diego, CA. It was November 27, 2004 and it was the proudest day of my life. This picture was taken after he had graduated and introduced us to his Drill Instructors. After we all started winding down, I saw the flag waving in the breeze and thought it would make a good picture with my son. He wanted to say a quick prayer and I could not pass up the opportunity to take the picture. It came out much better than I had anticipated. I would very much like to pass this on to everyone else because I am so proud of my son. Thank you Sgt Grit for having your web site and news letter.
Kenneth Dameron
Crofton, KY
Scared of Marines?
Scared of Marines?
I was going through some old WWII stuff for my grandson and thought you might get a kick out of this.
…”when his wife, Mignon, joined the Marines a year ago, he wrote to her: ‘That does it, I wouldn’t dare live with a Marine'”…
Toys 4 Tots
Toys 4 Tots
Sgt. Grit: I am a former Marine lieutenant, my son is currently a Major, and I am honored to convey this wonderful story about the local Oklahoma City “Jag” Club donating to Toys for Tots. I am a friend of one of their members, Mr. Harry Frantz. I have kept Harry informed about the good things our Marines are doing in Iraq and Afghanistan for some time, and have educated him from time to time about our unique and special history and ethos. Unbeknownst to me, Harry went to his local “Jag” Club after I told him about Toys for Tots, and the photos below speak for themselves.
John G. Fears
Former 1st Lt., always a Marine