Sgt. Grit Community

Marine Article

Good After noon,
Attached is an article from Stars and Stripes to give everyone who isn’t a former Marine an ideal who we are.

Semper Fi

Marines Won’t Separate Family – Even If It Means Not Seeing Theirs

My son, Pvt Christopher Merrin got married on St. Patrick’s Day, 2007 and joined the Marines that same October. He is currently waiting to begin his MOS training at Camp Lejeune. He was given a few days leave this week (Spring Break 2008) and his intention was to surprise his wife for their first anniversary.?Everyone knew that he was coming home ? except his wife! read more

Pics of my son

My son, Sgt. Matthew Aldridge returned home from Iraq in April of 2007. I flew to Twentynine Palms, CA to be there when he arrived. The first picture is of the bus bringing our soldiers to the field to meet their families. I sent this pic to you because you can see our soldiers in the bus and the reflection of their loved ones in the bus windows. Next photo is my son calling home after his arrival. Next pic, he is in San Diego on Pacific Beach. He wanted me to see the ocean, so we spent 3 days there. It was wonderful. (San Diego apparently is more receptive to Marines than “pink” Berkley, the people there were friendly). Last two photos were when he arrived back home in Indiana. He visited my nephews school. The children and staff at Mackey Elementary were so excited to meet a “real soldier”. I just wanted to brag a little. Thank you for you publications and newsletters. read more

In Memory

Here is a little appreciation to the crew of MAG 39 whether abroad or in the states. i know this will be late but i hope everyone has a safe Easter weekend.

charles harris in memory of my son CPL JOSHUA HARRIS (best man at his brothers wedding) read more

Passing of a WWII Marine

Dear Sgt. Grit,
This is the second letter to you. I wrote about my two sons serving in the Marine Corps at the same time this past summer. Well one is out and my youngest is at Camp Lejeune. We were able to visit with him in January but it was a bittersweet visit. His grandfather, my father, passed away on January 25, the same morning my son, Johnny returned from his MEU. He was on the USS Gunston Hall. His brother Jerry contacted the Red Cross and they were able to get the message to the proper authority. He was allowed a ten day emergency leave. My father was a Sgt. in the Marine Corps during WWII. I miss my dad very much, but I do know he was so proud that his grandsons became Marines and I am too. They were both in uniform at his funeral and I couldn’t have been more proud. read more

RE-UPPING

As most of you know, my marine recently re-upped, quite to a shocked mother’s mind and heart. In a telephone call from my marine, SSGT. currently serving his 4th tour in Iraq, he and I further discussed his choice. I am VERY PROUD to say that my son is a very wise man who had taken a good long look at the prices of things today, the current status of employment/or lack thereof, the benefits available to himself, his wife, and his one year old son. These things, discussed btn husband and wife, led to their decision. read more

Marine brothers at the War Memorial

Here is a photo that was taken of a few of my club brothers & myself. The picture was taken on December 14, 2006 at the War Memorial. We were at Arlington National Cemetary the help lay wreaths for the wreath project. I can identify everyone in the picture but do not have the name of the person that took the picture. It was an individual that happened to be there and asked if he could take the photo. Thanks. read more

A Heck of a Marine: In memory of PFC Daniel B. McClenney, USMC

I’m an Air Force veteran but enjoy reading the newsletter. I have a strong respect for Marines as my nephew was one. He fell in battle in Afghanistan on June 24th, 2004. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him and his devotion and sacrifice for his fellow Marines. The military is indeed a band of brothers, regardless of service affiliation. The chain is strongest at local squadron/company levels but then encompasses each subunit, the service division, and finally the military as a whole. I’ve stood with my Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Marine brethren as we protected Memorials in Washington DC as part of Gathering of Eagles and Eagles Up. Those that do not know the resolve of the military brotherhood and hope to spread their venomous hatred for the military through their recent actions in Berkeley, California and at a recruiting center in Washington DC, will be met toe-to-toe and eye-to-eye wherever they gather. I look forward to meeting many of you brothers in the future at pro-troop rallies. I am Mustng959 or Mustang, listed with www.freerepublic.com www.eaglesup.us as well as on the Air Force-Together We Served web site and the Charlie Daniels message board web site so give me a shout. read more

Reunited

Dear Sgt. Grit

I am the happiest girl in the world to share with you that my husband is finally home! He deployed [second tour in Iraq] in January 2007 in support of OIF 06-08. While there he received his 4th Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. After nearly thirteen long months, he finally came home January 31st 2008. I cannot begin to express the level of pride I have for that man. It’s more than just “what he does”. Being a Marine is who he is. And he is my hero, the one I look up to, my one true love. It is so touching to read all the stories Marines & their families send in, it always fills me with pride and admiration. The Marine Corps is an amazing family, filled with some of the most outstanding people this country has ever produced. Thank you all for your loyalty, service, and dedication to this country. So to my Marine, and to his fellow Wolverines from MALS 29, welcome home and a job well done! OOHRAH SSGT! read more