Having been a victim of three attacks while serving as a U.S. Marine – didn't sway me whatsoever. After being raised in the streets of Chicago – one understands that at times the enemy will take advantage when your back is turned and when you give them the opportunity.
I remember a kid who took a crack from his DI and the recruit told him – " my old man hit me harder ". One tough azs hillbilly.
Such was the case while in Vietnam when a punk who believed he was supported by the platoon commander – jumped me in an unprovoked incident. I stood my ground – yet transferred out to another platoon for my personal safety after reporting the incident to my captain.
Then there was the personal attack on my car where the tires were slashed, antenna broken off and the phrase "wire job" was sprayed on the hood. This all took place on a Naval insulation – yet I stood my ground, had the car fixed, and left for my 2rd tour to Vietnam [ as preplanned before the incident ].
Then just before completing my five year career – a wall locker was pushed over on my single bunk – but as fate would have it – the door swung open and held the metal military wall locker in place and on end.
We had dopers within our own company and we began a well
coordinated effort to rid my platoon of these scumbags after a meeting with my C.O. They were gone after the Marine CID came through with the dogs. Shortly thereafter, we completed a well thought out field day plan where all wall lockers and bunks were carried out side – then a complete hose down and rinse out of all wall lockers was completed. They all complained – yet from that point – the dogs found nothing during the next few sweeps. Mission completed.
The word was let's get rid of Sgt, Spanos so we can continue
to smoke, sell and push their grass. In the end and after two meritorious promotions to Cpl. and Sgt. they wanted me to stay in.
I left the Marines and began my career as a Police Officer
where I served for twenty three years, earned the rank of First Lieutenant, completed U.S. Secret Service POB school, helped guard four U.S. presidents, rank a shift on both the Police and Fire side.
Yes – being raised in Chicago does toughen one up.
Vietnam was not that bad after all, people were chasing you,
shooting at us. Just like the 3rd Dist and more…
Stay tough – and don't allow anyone serving with you to bully your fellow Marines.
You owe it to them as a Marine NCO and the oath that you took.
Right is might!
Semper Fi Marines!
Have a safe and healthy new year!
Thank you.
Gene Spanos
Did Sgt Grit ever consider the sale of SGT GRIT Calendars , complete with important USMC dates highlighted??
Calendars would-be a good item.
I thought the words by Marine veteran Gene Spanos were very well spoken and great advice and his experience’s offer encouragement to Marine veterans and people everywhere!
That’s quite a journey from MCRD-SD, recruit platoon 1059 and singing the “Hawaiian drinking song” for cadence to protecting Presidents.
Wow, all I can say is ditto. When doing the right thing gets you flack and push back, it means you did your job well. I, too, have experienced some of the same things (incidents) my brother Marine Spanos speaks of both in the the Corps and my police service. After attaining a police command rank and (hopefully) some respect, doing the right thing is doing good for all. By doing the right thing eventually you will come out on top with mega support and respect! I tip my hat and give my respect to you for standing up and not backing down to backyard bullys! SEMPER FI Gene!
I have to agree you do the right thing and things will work out as a Sergeant in the Corps those I worked with knew me as a tough but fair NCO had many of the problems you talked about my people knew where I stood and as long as they did what was needed I didn’t let anyone mess with them.