Sgt. Grit's Motorheads BS Page Volume 7

Marine Mom's Car

Submitted by: Ralph Ferrucci, Jr.

One Proud F-150

Sgt Grit,

I just had pinstripes painted and some airbrush work done on my truck that I thought you might enjoy. Tom the owner of Bonehead Designs in New Hampshire did an outstanding job on both the bloodstripes and Emblem. Plus I have had plenty of compliments on the decal on my rear window and hitch cover that I purchased from your catalog.

Thank you for the great products, news letters, and web site.

Semper Fi
USMC 90-02
Chris

Best In Show

My Dad entered this pair of vehicles in a car show in Florida on July 4th. He won Best in Show! All day long, people passing by declared, "Semper Fi!"

DE Huntington
USMC Corporal '79 - '83

Question

Sgt. Grit,

We have some pictures that were colored by employee’s children during our Memorial Day get together and would like to find some troops to send them too. Do you have any poc’s. You also asked for some bike photos so here are a couple of my 2007 FXSTC. It is a Soft tail Custom and had the Harley Marine Corps covers on it. The local dealer Killer Creek Harley had to find the air cleaner lid in New York as Harley Davidson stopped making them. I am not sure if they have resumed making them or not. Thanks and Semper Fi!

Dave

Choo Choo's bike photos

Semper Fi
"choo choo"
Sgt Marines
68-74
rvn 70-71

Tail Gate

my name is louis asta,i'm the very proud parent of lance corporal daniel asta.just back from iraq,and to all the men and woman were all behaind you yyour doing heck of a job and were all proud of you semper fi

- louis

1947 USMC Parade Jeep

Well, Here it is.. Just rolled out of the garage.. Thanks so much for the flags & tubs.

I had the color matched to the decals. Someday mabye I can afford someone to airbrush them, then clearcoat. Will need new rubber soon. I am taking it to the MidWest Annual Jeep reunion the 15, 16, & 17 here in Mason OH. I also will be carrying the Grand Marshall in the American Leigon Memorial Day parade here in Mason OH.

Thanks agian for the flags and tubs. If you change your mind about the Tailgateing Tent I would be VERY gratefull. Hate to have this out in the rain

Sempar Fi,
Mike Miller
Grill Sgt.

Semper Fi Motorcycle

Here are some pics of a bike that I put together over the winter. It started out with a licence plate frame. Some Semper Fi emblems and just took off from there. Any who I thought you might like to see it. I am a retired 22 yr Gunny7. I still have the chip in the back of my head.

Semper Fi
Muchael Munoz, GySgt, Ret.

Return To Parris Island

A Warm Hello and Greetings from Hobe Sound Florida!
It’s always good to be home after a great road trip!

It was O’ Dark Thirty when I wheeled out my Harley Fat Boy and headed to the Cumberland Farms Store where I was to meet Gunner. Our timing was good and we both headed North on I-95 to the rest area in Port St. Lucie where we hooked up with the rest of our Treasure Coast Chapter of Leatherneck’s M/C. Some rode from as far South as Miami, Ft Lauderdale, Boca Raton & West Palm Beach. There was Blue our President, Popeye our Sgt of Arms, Budda, Skip, Houdini, Gunnz, Gunner, some others and myself. Now we were a number of cycles in a safe staggered formation as we hammered our way up the super slab. We made several stops to meet up with other Leatherneck’s still further North. From my position near the back of the formation I could see everyone and counted tail lights after each stop to insure we left no man behind. I could not help but notice Blue up front there in the lead with his white pony tail waving in 80 MPH breeze. A good Marine who did far more than his job in Viet Nam, he earned a Bronze Star. Without exception, we all elected him as our President last year. As we rode I felt sure that each of us from up front to the back door had the same feeling - that this was really going to be a good ride. A ride that we will always remember…

Shortly after daybreak we reached the Georgia State line and we were now a large Company of Marines heading to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island South Carolina. Each of us had been through “boot camp” there at one time in our lives. This was to be a road trip back to that place where we had become Marines and to also attend a regional meeting of Leatherneck‘s M/C in the nearby town of Beaufort. I had rain gear stowed in my rut bag along with extra skivvies, T-shirts and cushion soled socks. Luckily, the weather was warm and clear and I would not need the rain gear at all during the trip. The Hooker exhaust on my Fat Boy sounded healthy, loud and clear. As I moved through the gears it played a staccato of pure , sweet - good ole’ Harley tunes, with a deep rumble which around town is always very pleasing to hear. Being very used to my exhaust notes I thought nothing of it while on the road. Now when stopped, my ears were ringing a bit. The thought of changing the exhaust crossed my mind. Then, on second thought it is seldom that I make road trips this long. I’ll let it be. Others spend really big bucks to try to duplicate that sweet sound and that’s really music to my ears.

We arrived at the guard gate at Parris Island and were each completely checked out by the guards to insure security. We showed Driver’s Licenses, I.D., Insurance, tags, registrations and proper attire including bright colored long sleeve shirts, gloves, boots etc. Once satisfied, the guards issued each of us a guest pass that would permit us to come and go.

We stayed on Parris Island in quarters frequently used by visitors. Family members often like to visit when a son or daughter finally graduates and receives an EGA (Eagle, Globe & Anchor) from their Drill Instructor… The rates are really very low and truly a real bargain. They probably do not get too many veterans. Maybe it’s because who the hell would really want to go there anyway after once going thru boot camp there. Once would more than likely be enough for most sane folks. But here we are a bunch of Marine Veterans recapturing a bit of our pasts…Oorah!

Gunner had joined, been a private and over twenty years in the Corps was a Sergeant, rising to Warrant Officer and finally retired as a Captain. We shared a room at Traditions, the BOQ (bachelor officers quarters) on the water, while the rest of the “rif raf” had billets in the enlisted men’s area on mainside. There was little actual difference in rooms but it was fun kidding them that the difference was like the Waldorf versus the Super 8 Motel. We all rode, ate and spent time comparing notes and had plenty of real laughs and shared many sea stories and jokes over our long weekend trip.

To a visitor Parris Island is very unique and very beautiful. It is spotless, clean and well maintained. Surrounded by alligator and shark infested waters, strong tides, sinkholes and quicksand it is quite inescapable. It is the training ground for Marine Corps Recruits East of the Mississippi. It has a long and colorful history and has had Marine Corps activity since 1891. Located off the South Carolina Coast, Parris Island is midway between Charleston ,S.C. and Savannah Georgia, opposite Port Royal. This flat sandy piece of land covers an area approximately 8,400 acres and is covered with a verdure of tropical palms, cactus, pine forests with eerie looking Spanish Moss hanging everywhere. Billions of sand fleas love it there…and those of us that underwent recruit training there can attest to the appetite of those pesky little critters. Those sand fleas had a daily banquet all over us as we stood for hours at rigid attention or marching and doing squads drill on the grinder. Some say the term Leatherneck came from skin made deep tan and tough from countless hours in the sun combined with the many bites from the sand fleas. Historians wilI relate the term to a leather collar that was a part of the uniform worn by early Marines. Their job was to maintain order aboard ship, put down any mutiny attempts by sailors. These “Leatherneck” Marines who were all sharpshooters were often positioned high in the rigging to fire upon the Officers and crew of other ships during broadside battle prior to boarding.

I made a point of riding out to the rifle range and around each of the three training battalion areas. While some buildings have changed the traditional discipline and training of young men and woman to become the “first to fight” offensive tip of our nations spear continues…Some training methods and equipment have also been greatly improved and I’m here to tell you that they are still turning out top quality Marines.

I went through Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in 1956. I was in Platoon 63, C Company, third training battalion. We used old World War 11 aluminum Quonset huts and they served as a place to keep your foot locker and not too often - even rest your head in an assigned double decker metal bunk bed. My drill instructors were Tech Sergeant Muldrew, Sgt. Howell and Cpl. Palmer. They were squared away and taught by the book. Sgt. Muldrew, a WW11 veteran was about the meanest SOB I ever met in my life before or since.…but I am thankful in that he made Marines out of us. His training and discipline later saved lives. God bless you Gunny- If you are still around! The training was intensive and at times seemed unending. No question - it was tough. Many recruits dropped out and were sent home. Looking back over all my life’s experiences I believe the Marine Corps was about the best thing I have ever done. I would not want to do it again but I would not trade that experience for anything. After Parris Island all the places that I served, all the companies, jobs I have ever had - everything by comparison has been very easy.

Now, riding around the island I see that there have been some changes. The Quonset huts are all gone along with the old asbestos insulation - replaced by new modern brick buildings. What used to be a little 1200 square foot Post Exchange is now a big box store called Corps Values along the lines of a Wal-Mart selling everything from dress blues, t-shirts , food to home furnishings. From somewhere in the distance I could often hear a platoon of recruit voices all shouting in unison…Sir-Yes Sir. Aye Aye Sir Gangway!

With special passes obtained after close scrutiny by the main gate we rode our cycles on and off base and toured around for several days. South Carolina has plenty of interesting two lane back roads for cruising. I really do prefer them to the high speed super slabs. At 75 to 80 MPH you do not have much to look at but those ahead and the focus is riding with care and all at the same speed…

The US Military Vets M/C hosted and invited us to a birthday party they had way out in the boonies for “Spotter”and it was really great. Spaghetti, rich, thick meat sauce, garlic bread, cake, ice cream and plenty of cold beer…Yeah Boy! They were very hospitable and really some of the nicest folks I have ever met. As I promised, I had my camera along and captured some good photos that I share here with you. My thanks on behalf of all us Leatherneck’s to the USMV M/C for having us as their guests…

Semper Fi
MacMan
Treasure Coast Leatherneck's M/C

A Marine Fishing Machine

Hi Grit,

I have something here that some of your retired Marines might like, if they like to fish. It's a Kiwi Kayak named the "Angler". I got it three years ago and fixed it up to be my "Marine Fishing Machine". My Explorer, being my transporter, also plays the "Marine Corps Hymn" at my command. It only weights 65# - being 73 years of age - I can handle it by myself with no problems. The trolling motor give you 40# of thrust on a fully charged battery. I really recommend this to all Marines Active and Retired.

"Semper-Fi"
Gy/Sgt. Lew Souder, USMC/Ret.

USMC Flag

In this picture is the flag you folks gave me to replace one that did not hold up to well.

This flag is doing great and I tell everybody that will listen about Sgt. Grit and what good folks to trade with.

I ride with the Patriot Guard Riders, and this was on one of there mission.

The Marine Corp flag is shown on my yellow trike.

Thanks again for your good service.

H.L. Rogers

Send you a little motivation

Sgt Grit,

My son and I are almost done with his 1953 GMC motto truck. We've worked on it for about a year now. He's only 8, so I still have some time to finish it up before he can drive. I thought I'd share our pic's with you and your staff. Thanks for serving and providing us with great gear. Please feel free to use these pic's in anyway you see fit.

Semper Fi,
Sgt Sparks/USMC ret

True story

Thought you would get a laugh out of your sign, decal, emblem or what ever it is called.. I put the Marine emblem on my truck in the 3 spots where the original "Excursion" emblem is,,, I wanted to replace the original, but,, your emblem was too small to cover the factory holes for mounting.

Yesterday I am pulling out of my drive at my wife's place of business, "Halley's K9s for Veterans" and 3 guys, my age were standing talking about something. One stopped me and asked, "is that an original model excursion?" well it is, was,, etc, so I said yes, he replied, when did they make a model for the Marines? I could not help myself,,thinking he was pulling MY leg, I said in reply,, "Why 2000 was the special year for the Marine special order edition,,, it even out sold the Eddie Bower edition that year, buy the look in his face, I then knew he believed every word I said, he turned to his buds and exclaimed,, "Hey guys,, look at this,,, a Marine edition Ford".

Thanks Sgt Grit for the fun in my life,, I, as you can see, made a thin slice on a Vietnam ribbon and put it between the emblems in all 3 places, both sides and the rear,, looks great.

Semper Fi,
Sgt. Mike Halley
USMC 1060/68
Nam 1965/66/67/68
HMM-261

Embassy Guard Reunion

I read the Sgt. Grit 11/6 issue and saw a couple of the vehicles pictured. So, I thought I’d send a picture of my “2001” Corvette, proudly representing the Corps and the Marine Embassy Guard Association.

I proudly served from May 69 to May of 73 and was assigned to the Embassy in Vientiane Laos from Oct 70 to April 73.

The Marine Embassy Guard Association has an annual reunion every year in April or May. Even years (08) are at a location in the US voted on by the MEGA members, the April 08 reunion was in San Diego.

The odd years (09) are held in Virginia, where we attend a MSG graduation as one of the reunion activities. Marine Embassy Guards that were stationed all over the world attend, it is a great experience and time to reflect with old duty station Marines.

A few years back we went to Quantico and Fam-Fired all of the new weapons currently in use at the Embassies. What a change from the old M-14’s and 38 Revolvers. We burned all the rounds they provided and when they realized they had more available, in true Marine Tradition, we burned them too! No One tired of the experience that day, it was great!

The next reunion will be May 15th – 17th in Alexandria, VA.

If you are reading this and were a Marine Embassy Guard with an Honorable Discharge and would like to join, go to www.embassymarine.org for more information on the home page.

Semper Fi,

Sgt. Jim Hollister
South Bend, IN

USMC Custom Motorcycle

Sgt Grit,

This is my Marine Motorcycle. It was Custom built a couple years ago and was the only custom bike invited to the Grand Opening of the National Marine Corps Museum in Quantico , VA . It led Freddy Fenders Funeral procession and it comes with a Custom Trailer and motorcycle lift. The bike has also been in several motorcycle magazines and auto and bike shows. The bike was build by Franko’s Custom Cycles in San Antonio TX and it is still on his main webpage www.frankoscustomcycles.com

I joined the US Marine Corps in October 1983 and retired a USMC GySgt in October 2003. I have served in 2 wars and several operations in my career.

The name of the bike is “The Gunny” and its on the belt. The bike had a USMC NCO Sword as a Shifter when it had a Suicide Shift. It has a cable clutch now but can easily be switched back.

Marine ATV Racing

Sgt. Grit,

I am Sgt. William David Smith. I am stationed at NAS Oceana. I race ATV's in the Can-am Grand National Cross Country Racing Series(GNCC). I have been racing since the end of 2008. I am planning on making 9-10 races this season. Here are some pictures from my last race in Washington, Georgia. If you want more information about this series the website is www.gnccracing.com . I would like to thank my sponsors for this season. They are ODI Grips, ASV levers, Scott Goggles, Yoshimura Exhaust, EHS racing, Hotcams camshafts, and Caddis Sports Aluminum Rapid Shelters. If you want to see more pictures, they are on my profile at http://www.loopd.com/members/Smithersusmc/Default.aspx . I love the products that Sgt. Grit has to offer. Keep up the great work.

Semper Fidelis,
Smitty

USMC Mini Cup Car

I was in the Corps from 1979 - 1983 and was in Beirut in 1982. My son, who was adopted from south Sudan and actually remembers the day Muslim soldiers burned his village and killed his parents, hopes to enter the Corps this September. This is my father's race car in Florida.

Semper Fi!
Don Huntington

New Urban Assault USMC Motorcycle

I want one of these....

Designed as an equalizer for inconceivable and unpredictable lane changes, and other traffic related anomalies perpetrated by the cell phone using, motor home/SUV driving morons in California imposed on the rest of us. The below pictured machine was designed for that purpose.

Each mini gun fires at a rate of 3000 rounds per minute (6000 total). During initial test and evaluation it was demonstrated that a single 2 second burst would, and did blow a 40 foot RV with tow car clean off the road, leaving an open and unobstructed route ahead. It will vaporize an SUV in seconds!

Tests further indicated that after two or three RV's/SUV's in a row were eliminated, or "friggin smoked", others voluntarily pulled off the road and thus became a "non threat."

OBEY GRAVITY ... Its the Law

My other car is a tank...

One of Us

Sgt. Grit,

I love this news letter and came across these two pictures I wanted to share. I was with 3rd Bn 6th Marines from 1988 to 1990. Unfortunately my Marine Corps career was cut short due to medical issues. I was honorably discharged and returned to my hometown in 1990. I became a Police Officer in 1994, and still am today, which takes me to the two pictures I submitted. During our 16th of July festival this year, I was patrolling the area where most of the vendors set up. I saw this awesome SUV circling around the block. I remembered I had my camera with me at that time. About the third time the vehicle crossed my path I pulled out of my parking spot, and activated my warning lights, stopping the vehicle. As I approached the SUV the window rolled down. I asked the young Marine Staff Sergeant that was driving if he was lost. He stated yes, and asked how to get to the festival. I got a big smile and said I'll tell you if you take my picture with this truck. We pulled into the American Legion parking lot which was close by and the Staff Sergeant snapped my picture. After we exchanged a couple of stories, he stated " Ya know, when you pulled me over I got nervous, I thought I did something wrong. Thank God it was one of us". I must say it made me feel good to hear a current Marine refer to me as one of them by saying "US". Once A Marine Alwats A Marine! It's good to see there is still the same camaraderie between the old and the new. Thanks for a great news letter and Thank you Staff Sergeant. You made my 16th of July 2008.

Sergeant Sam Mavilla
New Jersey

1/9

Sgt Grit, After serving with "C" Co. 1/9 During 1987, I was surprised with the Walking Dead bumper sticker. Thanks for all the Good Stuff.

Lou Mazza
Semper Fidelis & Merry Christmas

Marine Corps Pride

Dear Sgt Grit,

Ensure that no Marine who honorably wore the eagle, globe and anchor is lost to the Marine Corps family. General James L. Jones Jr., Commandant of the Marine Corps

I have found this to be so true. Whenever I meet fellow Marines, I instantly seem to bond with them. We have that special something that quietly bonds us as "brothers". I served in Vietnam from 1967 - 1968, and was sent home after being wounded during TET of 68. Because of the Marine stickers, and my license plate, I have been thanked many times for serving. It gives me a feeling of pride and satisfaction to receive their thank you's, even after all these years. I'm enclosing pictures of my vehicle for you to see. I'm looking for someone who will be able to airbrush my vehicle with Marine ensignias, pictures, etc. If I ever get that done, I'll submit pictures so you will be able to see the final project. Thank you for your service, your web site, your news articles and everything you do for the Marines of our great country.
Sgt. Joe D. Hill
"Hq & Delta Company"
1st Bn, 3rd Marines
1967 - 1968

2005 Royal Star

The attached photo's are of my 2005 Royal Star that I'd had repainted to reflect not only my personnel pride but an inner tribute to those that continue to change the course of history. I've had many complements from all types of bike owners and when I'm out riding I get a lot of Honks and thank you's.

77-83 & 89-90
Cpl Rich Parrish

USMC Motorcycle

Retired GySgt 1972-1992.

Durable USMC License Plate

Dear Sgt. Grit:

How are you? This is Jim Haley, Jr. I know that you have many people email you. I have emailed you before. I am a former Marine Corps Captain.

Last Saturday as my wife Barbara was driving our Mariner a 6 Point Buck ran into the Mariner. The buck darted out of a wooded area that was adjacent to Rt 422 (outside of Phila, Pa). Fortunately, neither my wife or I were hurt. Unfortunately, a Pa. State Trooper had to put the buck out of its misery.

Please at the attached pictures and note the durability of the U.S. Marine License Plate that I purchased from Sgt. Grit. I thought that you may enjoy the story.

OORAH
Semper Fi,
Jim Haley, Jr.

2007 Harley Davidson Streetglide

Sgt. Grit, wanted to send you a picture of my 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON MARINE CORP. PATRIOT EDITION STREETGLIDE. I saw them advertising that would build one for you in late 2006. I sent in a copy of my DD 214 and then picked up my new Harley in early 2007. It has the Marine Corps. emblem on the tanks combined with the Harley. Also has a United States Flag on the rear fender. Just recieved my new USMC licence plate holder from your catalog and put it on. Looks great !! I joined the Marines in 1981, served active until 1985. Stayed in the reserves until 1989, then after 7 years of missing the comraderie I joined the US Navy "SEABEES". I was called to duty at Ground Zero for 9-11 under Gov. Pataki in the NY Naval Militia. Was there for a few weeks providing security. My Battallion NMCB 27 is in IRAQ right now, couldn't go with them. They took me down to an E-3, so i had to work my way back up the chain. I'm also a member of the "LEATHERNECKS" motorcycle club, and the "LEGIONRIDERS". Keep those e-mails coming, it's great to read the stories and quotes.

SEMPER FI !! EO1 {SCW} Tomcat Gray

New Marine Transport

that thought you would like to see the new marine corps transportation system. marine designation "bmxt". stands for bicycle motorcross transport. just kidding. my son who is 15 and an expert bmx racer in oklahoma city got me a bicycle and wanted me to start racing in my age group (which will remain open but i got out when we liberated kuwait). wanted to throw a little of my own style on it so here it is. stickers were all courtesy of sgt grits. a little hard to tell but the camo was a custom paint job by my self and my son. turned out really special and i hope when we take it to some of the national events that the marine corps gets some of the respect they earn everyday.

rick sills - sgt usmc reserve
1984-1993

Midnight And Dawn

Well, I finally put up my new flag pole with the new USA flag that I ordered from you and my son-in-law and my grandsons helped me put it up. As you can see, they did a great job raising Old glory. I have a lot of pictures of the Iwo Jima flag raising and they wanted to do the same. So today after church we all took part in the flag raising ceremony.



Also you can see my new vehicle with the emblems that I ordered from you too. Everywhere I go and park my vehicle, I get a lot of compliments and ask where I got the emblems and I refer them to order on line from SGT GRIT.

My youngest grandson, Max, wanted his picture taken by "his grandpa's" car and he wants to be a Marine too when he grows up.

I served in Vietnam between April '66 thru August '67. I served with 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, Headquarters company. I was stationed on Hill 55 , south of DaNang the first year and then my last 6 months I was stationed at Khe Sanh, where it was h&ll. We were hit by artillery at midnight and dawn without missing for the last six months we were there. We lost a lot of my comrades and a lot were injured. I will never forget those friends that gave their lives.

Well, I hope you can use some of my pictures. I always look forward to reading the letters from former Marines on your web page of Grunt.com.

Take care and God bless!

Semper Fi
SSGT Mario Moreno

Gives Chills

Ferrari Amtrac

Every day a holiday.
Every meal a feast.
Every paycheck a fortune.
Every formation a parade.
Every ride a...