Sgt. Grit Community

Pride

Sgt. Grit,

I would like to share with you some pictures.

My husband and I got married on October 27th, 2007, and just days later, he was promoted. I got the privilege of pinning him and putting his new chevrons on. I was so nervous and at first I put the first pin on upside down, (I felt stupid — but what new wife hasn’t done that?) I’m so proud of my husband, (and any Marine). The first thing the SgtMaj said to me after the pinning was over meant a lot to me. He said to me — “welcome to the family”. read more

Mothers Blue Star Flag

This is a photo of my Mothers Blue Star Flag that I made in honor for my Son Lcpl Gregory Kelley. He is currently deployed in Iraq and this will be our first Christmas that we have not been together in 20 years. I can’t say enough of how proud I am of him and all the other Men and Women in the Service. I am going to miss my Son this Christmas and I wanted something that I can look at and think of him this Christmas. read more

Platoon 100 – B Company – First Battalion MCRD Parris Island SC 1958

Hello Sgt Grit,

Please consider posting this reminiscent of bygone days. I recently purchased some items from your compound and wish to tell you that I am enjoying all the articles. Makes me wish I was 50 years younger and had it all to do over. read more

Thankful for Marines

This is an emotional time for me.Thanksgiving is a time when we think of Home. I can’t tell you how many Combat Vets I’ve enrolled in the VA Health Care System. I have a a heartfelt desire to continue to serve, that’s why I serve as a Credentialed Health Benefits Advisor at the VA San Diego Healthe Care System. I am still as motivated as I was a young Doc like I was. I prepared & trained hard & maintaied Marine Corps PT & proficiency standards as a SAR Doc, & FMF Doc. Hell, I wish I could go in place of your sons or daughters. read more

The Speech

Good day and “As you were Gentlemen and ladies”…

I just finished reading the newest Sgt Grit news, and as always, I am impressed by the letters sent into the news. As I read through them, I find myself running the the gauntlet of feelings, and rememberances….as well as feel the pride in my beloved Corps swelling once more inside me. I must commend all the mothers and fathers out there that have a beloved son or daughter serving in my Marine Corps. Parents, I salute you, and tell you “Thank you” for raising such a fine and moral child….one that is standing tall and ready to give his or her all for their country, with no questions asked. This is the sense of duty I can only wish the populace of the entire country felt. read more

I needed to tell you this

Dear Sgt Grit Well it was that time again when I said goodbye to my son, of the few, of the proud. Strangely it was harder this time than the last time. Last time I watched a boy go off to war and this time I saw a man climb onto that bus. The reality of it is that the 3/2 lost 14 brave, courageous men at the last deployment. I started a scholarship here in Tampa, Florida for Lance Corporal Eric W. Herzberg, 20 years old killed by a sniper in Al Anbar Province and a friend of my son’s. read more

Best Officer (Lt. James Capers)

Thank you, Lt. Capers wherever you are, Happy 232nd Birthday and Semper Fi???..Sir!

My MOS was motor transport; I completed my first Vietnam (VN) tour in 1967 with Whisky-1-13 a 4/Duce mortar unit. I was looking to do something different. I volunteered for a security post not really knowing what it was all about. I filled out all the paperwork and did not hear anything for a long time. Figuring I was rejected, I continued my duties with 8th Com BN at Camp LeJeune NC as a mechanic. Then in March of 1968, I was assigned to Marine Barracks (MB) Fort Mead, MD. During this period the MB provided physical security for the National Security Agency. read more

My Uncles and Aunt all served…

Dear Sgt. Grit –

Although I never served, I consider myself a Marine “in spirit”. Not a “phony Marine” that I have often read about in your online newsletter, but someone who has always had much respect for the U.S.M.C.-(JHJ was my favorite Uncle!) as well as all the branches of our military. I appreciate that I live well because others sacrificed. Freedom isn’t free! read more

Colored Iwo Jima

Sgt Grit,

I’m married to a Marine up at 8th and I and I spent a lot of the summer at parades. I took a picture of Iwo and I played around with it on a picture editor. I hope you like it!

Semper Fi,
Kathleen Heckman

Cherry Point

They were still issuing those in the summer of ’62 at MCRD San Diego. I don’t recall ever being instructed on the appropriate time and/or way to wear the scarf.

It stayed folded up in my sea bag for four years, two months and twelve days, only coming out for a junk on the bunk. I still had it up until last year but never knew what to do with it. read more