This is why I joined the Marine Corps. This picture was taken on Nov 8, 1955 when I was 5 years old in downtown Baltimore, Md. It was published on Nov 10, 1955 in the Baltimore Sun newspaper celebrating the Marine Corps birthday. From that point on I knew that I wanted to be a Marine. I fulfilled that dream in June 68 and served four glorious years. I was able to find the Marine Staff Sergeant pictured with me in October 2001. He is Retired Sergeant Major Francis C. Rohrs. Hope you enjoy.
Semper Fi
Kevin W. Lowe
Sgt USMC
One of many great stories submitted to Grunt.com
Now that is the kind of story that I like, (My Opinion). Short and makes the point. Thanx Kevin!
Semper Fi !
I went through PI in June-August 1968. Platoon 188.
I arrived at PI July 9th 1968 Platoon 293.
Errah!
Do you know if SgtMaj Rohrs served as a 1stSgt at Marine Barracks Rota, Spain in the mid 60s?
I absolutely love this! What caught my heart was the 200th birthday of the Marines as celebrated by a parade in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. I was in 5th grade. So this really touches me. Thanks for sharing.
Semper Fi
Xander glad you liked the story. Im trying to get more stories published and I need some help to be able to build our Marine Community back up. Share your story. Semper Fi!
Kevin, what a memorable event! This pictures tell a thousand tales! Thanks for sharing!
Sgt Steve G.
USMC 72-78 (Active)
USN 86-94 (Reserves)
My brother-in-law had just finished his second tour as a D.I. at Parris Island and with my sister and their two kids set up housing in south New Jersey as he was heading to Okinawa and as I was out of school that summer of 1961 he asked me “What are you going to do with your life?” I replied sheepishly “I don’t know.” Next thing I knew he shaved my head and basically taught me COD and had me read the Guide Book for Marines. Next thing I knew I was headed to P.I. and Plt. 238. 30 years later I retired from our beloved Corps.
I arrived PI October 4, 1971 platoon 196
That November the Marine Corp birthday was 196 years old which made special to to all in p. 196
Outstanding store brother Semper-Fi
Story stupid spell check
Maybe you need to turn off “auto correct”…..Bob 1381
Great story, made my day! Semper Fi
James, Leave a story for us to share. I need more content to share with you guys! Lets build the community back up in 2020.
I joined in January of 68 and was a Hollywood Marine Plt 123. Our whole Plt was from California and to punish us the Drill instructors gave us a pussy cadence which was embarrassing to say the least! It was fun once the initial shock wore off.
Thanks for sharing, Semper Fi!!
Would somebody point out to the various companies,that when we are young we may not be interested in collecting various items that would mark the time and dates of our particular enlistment, discharge, retirement, etc….
If I could order those items that are dated according to those parameters I would pay a premium to get those things…
Go to your local engraving shop and have them make something for you. Dates,MOS, and duty stations etc..
“United States Marines “. A title which conjures images of a serious squared away ass kicker. Representing the values and ideals of these great United States of America! Where anyone anywhere in world would immediately know who we are and that the situation was well in hand! That’s why I wanted to be a Marine. OOH-RAH!
Why I joined the Maine Corps, all my Dad’s brothers were in WWII. One of which was captured by the Japs on Batan, Uncle Bill was to old but lied about his age, he wound up in North Italy. Uncle Shotty, jumped with the 82nd and wound up in the battle of the Arden Forest. Uncle James was to young and lied about his age, and was in 1/7 on the Canal and by the time he was 19 he was on Okinawa. My Aunt Helen joined the Army Medical corps, and was in Northern France. My Grandmother had 5 Blue Stars in her window, by the Blessing of the All Mighty, they ALL came home. Even my Uncle Buddy, after being a POW for 3-1/2 years.
Lcpl. Kelly R. Daniels 0351- 2nd Bn. 7th Marines 1st Mar Div. ’77-’80.
God Speed, and Semper Fi,,,
Kelly, I would like to hear more about this would you like to submit your story? with us?
Swagger sticks were a perk for SNCOs in the ’50s.
My dad had a swagger stick. He retired Mgy/Sgt, 1942-1972. WWII, Korea, Vietnam vet.
Semper FI!
I joined the marines in 56, pi. Ist batt. Platoon 384. Best decision I ever made, stayed in for 6 years, should never have left.