Other Marine Corps BS Volume 7

Team Semper Fi

Hello to all;

A couple of weeks ago we went camping to Lake Anna (1hr SW of Fredricksburg, VA). I took my kids there to see Spanky Gibson and his team of heroic Americans. They ran a 1/2 triathlon as a team for the "Semper Fi Injured Marine Program" . It's truly heart warming to see what the mind can make a body accomplish. At one point, I was caught between taking a photo of Mayor Adrien Fenty (DC) or Spanky Gibson, because they exited the 2000 mt swim at about the same time. F*** Mayor Fenty... I had to get Spanky hopping out of the water and through the event finish arch. He then slipped on his bionic contraption with an affixed cool li'l biking shoe and off he went to bike 55 miles.

Coming Home

Hi Ally, my son is due to come home early next month. This is the banner I made to put in my front yard. Brian is a SAW gunner with 2d LAR C Co., they have been in Iraq since after Labor Day 2006.

Barb Booker - VPMM of LCpl Brian

Special Gift

Dear SGT GRIT,
I just wanted to send some support and love to my husband who is serving his 2 tour in Iraq. Our son who is eleven was really missing his dad. We changed gears and went from Marines to Army. So the tours are a lot longer. So I wanted to get him a special present this christmas, even know I couldnt bring his father home, I wanted him to see his father everday, and know why he he gets to play. I took his bike and took it to Bud at S&SKustums and told him what I saw, how I wanted my son to see my husband ,when he got on ,and also all the others who serve now, and tomorrow. Three months later its here . I wanted to share it with you. Its a sweet bike. I will never forget where I came from my husband said. He is very proud of the Marines. It was the Marines who made him a man, a " great" man. One has to start a journery somewhere why not here. Thank You for all your support.

Sari Fisher
wife of SGT Robert Fisher 1 cav 3/82

The Gathering of Eagles

Sgt. Grit,
Last Saturday, the 17th, I had the immense pleasure of attending the Gathering of Eagles with my dad. It made me proud to see all those vets and volunteers there peacefully defending the monuments and statues. Unfortunately (but not surprisingly), newspapers and broadcasts misreported the event, or even lied about it. It's a shame that our troops might hear that we were outnumbered, when the truth is that we outnumbered them 3 to 1. Anyway, I promised you pictures, so here they are. I took way too many to send them all, but if you decide you want more than this, let me know and I'll send them.

Thank you to everyone who spent their own money and time in Washington, D.C. in order to protect our monuments! It was a great honor to me to join you, and I'm sure my heart grew bigger with pride that day.

Always,
Kate Coffman
(Daughter of a Marine)

Our Marine Family

Dear Sgt. Grit:

One of the toughest things about being part of a Marine family is the physical distance we often experience as a group. Our oldest son is now a SSgt and is stationed in Okinawa with his (ready reserve) wife and two children. Our second son is a Sgt and, along with his Sgt. wife and their two children, are also stationed in Okinawa. Our oldest daughter is currently at Miramar, but knows another trip to the land of sand is coming within the next year. Our 2nd daughter is a university student and our youngest is a HS freshman. So Christmas 2006 we decided we'd had enough of all this distance and we flew everyone to Okinawa for 2.5 weeks of fun in the sun. It was WONDERFUL! We got to play golf, visit all the sights, check out Gate 2 Street (yeah, you know what happened there!! LOL) and spend Christmas all together for the first time since 1999! We were also joined by one DILs brother (yeah...he's a Marine, too) for a great time and made some wonderful memories. We learned a lot about the island's history and the Marine's role in its occupation by American troops. As a place to visit one's Marines I would recommend it highly. So many places our young people get stationed don't offer a lot of options for places to stay and things to see, but Okinawa is a cut above.

Thanks for letting me share in this arena, where so many of your readers have been to the island and understand how nice it was to be there (especially the WARM weather part).

Sandi
SW Michigan

Distinguished Rifleman

Sgt Grit Everyone knows that Marines can shoot. Its true that we are the best riflemen in the world because of our training. Hold-em and Squeeze-em we are taught and you will hit your target. Well I was taught well at Camp Mathews in July 1964 as part of the last series to go to that Marine rifle range before Edson range was opened in about Aug of that year. I shot a 232 (expert) and still have my Record book to prove it.

A couple years later I did a little shooting in Nam (Chu Lai) and came back to Pendleton to be a marksmanship instructor for requalification in 5th Div Hq Co. I liked shooting and in 6 months of PMI duty I had only one Sh*t Bird that was a non-qual.

Now days I shoot for recreation and compete in Service Rifle matches occasionally showing the younger guys how it's done. Many times I have had to answer the question "Where did you learn to shoot?" with the answer-- "in the Marines!". That's something I am always proud to do. I am also proud to have been inducted into the "Marine Corps Distinguished Shooters Association" at Quantico Marine Base in 1996 and have earned the gold "Distinguished Rifleman" badge to replace the Expert Badge that I earned in 1964.

There is no doubt that the shooting skills that I learned 40 years ago were the best instruction that could have been given to a Boot facing a tour in a war zone. I'm sure that it is the same for young Marines today. They will go to the Middle East with the best training available in the World today.

Meanwhile this 63 year old Marine is still hitting the middle with a Service Rifle, even though it is one of them new fangled M-16 type rifles instead of the M-14s I shot in the Corps. The pic below was taken only two weeks ago in Arizona where I was able to win the "Shoot Off" against some 200 other shooters and get the Award from Sandra Froman, president of the NRA. "Hold-em and squeese-em"

Jim Evenson
Plt 142 San Diego 1964
Distinguished Riflemans Badge #1256

U.S.M.C. EMBLEM WOOD CARVING

Sst. Grit,

Four year ago I had a tree cut down in my back yard, the moment I saw that piece of wood I knew what it was going to be, it measures 4"x12"x14", it sat next to my wood stove for 4 years drying out. I been a amateur wood carver for about 35 years, I have a few pieces that are among my favorites, but this one is on the top of the list. I retired about a year ago and got into my carving big time, I finally got the confidence to try to carve it.

I hope I've done it PROUD.
SEMPER FI. Scooter

Love of my Life

Thank You God for the Love of My Life.
You gave me 45 years as his wife.
You gave us 5 children to raise in Your Name
And 17 grand kids who will be raise just the same
Semper Fi
Faith Hopkins

China Marine Scuttlebutt

Sgt. Grit,

I reviewed your web pages yesterday and discovered your Scuttlebutt page which I was delighted to find and read. From November 1945 to late August 1946 I was stationed in Tsingtao, China at the airfield with E-2-22 6th Division. Noticed that your Scuttlebutt does not have much info on China Marines although you are the official supplier for our paraphernalia.

Received today the China Marine Association's Scuttlebutt and thought your readers might find this article interesting. They might also be interested in membership in the organization.

Semper Fi,
Ed Johnson

A Great Picture

Hey Sgt.Grit,
Wanted to share this great picture of my husband who is Ssgt.Bergeson and one of our daughters Taylor who is 5 years old, we were at disneyland and wrapped around her daddy like always! He is due to go for his second tour to iraq this august, so we are soaking up as much fun time with him before he goes off, he's a great Marine and a terrific daddy of our four children, Brooke, Taylor, Riley, and Chase and a fantastic husband! We are so proud of him and support him always. We love your stuff, Sgt. Grit, keep it coming!!!

Thanks for everything,
From an OOORAH wife who is so proud of my Marine of 11 years!
Leehee Bergeson

Semper-Fi

Sgt. Grit:
I appreciate so much the news letters and information. You keep adding to your inventory and have everything any Marine would want. I appreciate what you have done and have offered the Marine Family.

Being a ‘Viet Nam Marine, I envy every day those brave young “devil Dogs” who are standing in the breach for all of us. I wish every day that the Commandant would allow this 61 year old vet the opportunity to allow the enemy to meet his maker. I want those heroes to know that there a lot of old salts around that are very proud that they are upholding the standards and history of our beloved Corps.

I remember spending Thanksgiving and Christmas on hill 881 south and couldn’t wait to get home for some home made Fried Chicken, Okra and home fries. How hurt I was to have tomatoes thrown at me, and profanities, while being called a “baby killer” “War Monger” etc. It’s even more sad for me to watch the news and discover that those same idiots who condemned us are now in Congress, Lawyers, Doctors and some even Presidential Candidates and past Presidents. You know what though? I would do it all over again knowing that at least America has the freedoms we do have whether I agree politically with their motives or not. I say to those brave heroes now serving and protecting us “SEMPER-FI, continue in your faith in our country, and you are representing those core values and tradition that so many men and women have done now for going on 232 years.”

I have included a photo taken Memorial Day in 2006 with a retired Navy Chief and the Mayor of Jacksonville.

SEMPER-FI
GOD BLESS AMERICA and our
CORPS

Serving His Country For You

Here is a picture of Aaron he sent me today. Please remember to pray for him. His deployment date is now April 5th and will be leaving that day. It will be a hard for us but God is still in control. Please just remember to keep him in your prayers also here is his address right now his Birthday is Feb 5th and it would be great if everyone could send him a card or maybe even snacks. Lets all show him we love him and support him. It is for us he is serving his country for.

Thank-You
Love Debbie and family

Handmade Blanket

My son joined the Marines in March of 2006 and went to boot camp at MCRD in San Diego in November 2006. While he was there this is how I passed the time. (The slogan " I survived my son's boot camp" was true for this mom.)He had requested that I make him a blanket (crochet). I sent him pictures as it progressed. His rack mate and a few others wanted one too. Sorry guys. It's one of a kind.I will provide the pattern if someone wants to make one. My son, Ryan, is a third generation Marine. My father-in law, my husband and now Ryan are all Marines. His father and I got to watch him graduate. We are proud of him. Marines are truly special people.

Genia Coffey
Proud daughter-in , proud wife, and proud Mom of a Marine

A testament to the Corps.

Recently had the opportunity to meet with Marty Brennaman, Hall of Fame broadcaster for the Cincinnati Reds, and an idea for a unique photo came to mind. I asked him to place his fist (with one of his World Series rings) on the table next to mine, held out the camera and took the shot. Understandably puzzled, he asked what type of ring I had. When I showed him the Marine ring my wife had given me he exclaimed, "Now that's impressive! That is impressive." Turns out that a brother of his is a Marine as well and we had an enjoyable chat. Just goes to show that the truly great know what's truly great!

Semper Fi, Brothers!

--
M. A. Thornton
Cpl. USMC '82-'86
"TOW by God!"

Devil Dog Road

Been there? Take a picture and show us!

Cpl. Tom Harris & Gene Simmons

dear sgt.grit,
i would like to share this with everyone.i'm a disable vet i've had two heart attacks this past may plus i have diabetees.plus i hurt my back and had to have two back surgiers.my doc.at the tus.al va will not let me drive due to me passing out alot.but any how back in oct.2006 i got to meet gene simmons from kiss. i wore my marine uniform gene just went crazy.gene started crying along with me he told me that the marines are the finest service in the entire world.i'm also with the disabled veterans at the tuscaloosa va. in tuscaloosa,al.chapter one.i have been a kiss fan since i was a kid.gene signed a poster for me that i had sine i was a kid.i would like to tell everyone if you go to parisians or belks buy the kiss perfume for men and women.this was a say that all that has happened to me in the past two years has really lifted my spirits.at one point i was so down that i just did not want to live anymore.but maybe there is some light at the end of the tunnel i just hope it's not a train.i would love to here from some one. i just want one more wish.and that is that i could have lunch or dinner with gene.i would never ask for anything else for myself again.also i love being a marine i served from 1987 to 1994.i then served in the al.nat.guard from 2000 to 2005.i wanted to go to iraq so bad but they would not let me go due to what all was happening to me and they finally came down and put me out.i just started getting my disablity.but enough about me.i just would like that wish with gene.

thanks. cpl. tom harris

Marine Vs. Soldier

Why you NEVER call a Marine, Soldier.
Thought you might get a laugh out of this. Maybe you can find somewhere in your news letter to post it.
THANKS !!! for everything and Welcome Home !!!!!
Semper Fi
Ed Hook
Sgt. USMC
73/80

Gunny Ready for Wedding

Dear Sgt. Grit,
We wanted to share these photos with you of our English Bull Dog Gunny. We had Gunny's uniform custom made for our son Lou's Wedding Day, Dec 23, 2006. Although Gunny didn't go to the reception, he was still our little Tuff US Marine. You can post them on your website if you'd like.

Semper Fi,
The Freda Family
New London, PA
Barbara Freda
Proud Mom of a US Marine

Gunny Claus

Amanda
Thanks for your kind help in helping me get ready for the Christmas Campaign.
(See Attached)
Merry Christmas & Semper Fi

Gunnery Sergeant Claus
1st Reindeer Division
Marine Corps Base North pole

Merry Christmas from the Porter family!

Merry Christmas from the Porter family!

My future Devil Dogs!

Thanks for all the good swag!

Semper Fi!
Don Porter
USMCSFCO, Naples Italy
Alpha Company 1/9
MEU SOC
The Walking Dead, ’93-’94 tour - Live in Somalia

Picture of a future Marine

Sgt Grit,
My husband that it would be funny to send you this picture of our son. We didn't know if there was a place on the website or the newsletter for this kind of thing, but if there is, please post it. We thought his form was pretty good for holding such a large gun.

This is our son Beaux, he is 2 1/2.

Melissa Wojciechowski (USMC CPL 95-97)
Chris Wojciechowski (USMC SGT 93-97)

The Greatest Man I Ever Knew

I would like to take a few lines to tell you about the greatest man I ever knew. He was born on September 29, 1933 in Pensacola, Florida and raised on Weeks Bay in Magnolia Springs. He was in the USMC for 28 years and recieved the purple heart and bronze star. I am proud of him for fighting for our country and our rights. He did 3 tours in Vietnam and where he got sprayed with Agent Orange which gave him all his illiness to which he died from on June 10, 2006. So it's hard for me because it is my 1st:

FATHER'S DAY
HIS BIRTHDAY
THANKSGIVING
CHRISTMAS
NEW YEAR'S EVE AND NEW YEAR'S DAY

He retired as a Sgt. Maj. Arthur M. Bonal and my mother is still having problems on his military benefits.

So I miss him alot and wish he was still here. I have a room in memory of my father and I got this first DRESS BLUES.

Thank You for your time.
Michele Bonal

The Silver Rose Agent Orange Medal and Certificate

Semper Fi Sgt Grit,

Once again I would like to share information about The Order Of The Silver Rose. This is a gratis medal and certificate for veterans who have been disabled or died of agent orange causes. This organization also helps veterans with claims and information concerning agent orange. Theiir web site is www.silverrose.org. I have enclosed some information and would be glad to answer any questios that veterans may have. I myself am 100% disabled due to leukemia as a result of exposure to agent orange. Anyone interested may also contact me directly at navajodrive@yahoo.com. Hope that this may help someone!

Semper Fi,
Ron Hurwitz

Soldier Ride

Sgt Grit recently sponsored riders from Soldier Ride on their trip as they rode through Oklahoma. They were also given some of our great Marine Corps Bicycling Jerseys.

Take a look at their website and see how you can support these great Marines and soldiers.

Annual ‘Soldier Ride’ receives local support

Renewal of Vows

Bob and Patsy Emerson
Wedding Date: 5 Nov. 56
MSgt Aviation 55-75
Renewal: November 4th, 2006

Poster at the Hard Rock Cafe

Sgt Grit

I would like to first thank you for all you do. Boy do I have a story for you. Ok first I will start off by telling you my Husband is a Marine serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom on his second tour . He and the Brave Marines of 2/25 have Volunteered to serve along side their Brothers in arms 1/25. I am very proud to tell you they are kicking a$$ in Fallujah and making us all proud. The 1st Sgt has an awesome Blog http://charlie125marines.blogspot.com/

for anyone interested in reading. My daughter is on a Color Guard team and they have won the North East Region and South East Group and New York Wing Competitions. With that being said they made their way to the National Color Guard Competition in Washington DC. I want you to know this is the first time NY has made it to Washington for this event in 30 years. I am proud Mom of an Air Force Auxiliary Cadet (CAP). My daughter had a knee injury and would not give up she had torn cartilage on the knees and still ran her mile run and was able to get through the Competition and receive knee surgery after it was all over. I truly believe she did this for her Dad to make him proud ( he already is ) The Marine Corps has also instilled these Corps values in our children. Never give in Never Give up .Ok on to the meat of the matter. We took our cadets to see all the Memorials in Washington and went to have a bite to eat and stopped at the Hard Rock Cafe. There were 17 of us and as we started to make our way towards our table one of the cadets said '' Mrs Martino you are not going to like this" I look to the left and there was a picture mocking Iwo Jima Marines and the worst part was it had a JAPANESE FLAG . So half of our party was seated already my daughter and a few of the Cadets started taking pictures of it. I asked to speak to the Manager and he came out and I said can you please explain to me what this is ? My husband is a United States Marine and I find this to be disgraceful and insulting to every Marine who has ever served in the United States Military I went on to tell him 7,000 Marines died taking Iwo Jima during WW 2 and it was a Monumental moment . I asked him to take it down he didn't so Our Party of 17 got up and exited the restaurant . He told me Jane Fonda hung it there. I told him I took a picture of it and their license and would be sending it to every Marine I know including Fox news. I was sick to my stomach for hours after even the cadets 15 and 16 year old Teens were offended. Our Cadets fathers have all served in the Army Navy and Marine Corps. One of them said this is not just insulting to the Marines but to all branches of the Armed Forces. The kids inspired me to write a letter to the Hard Rock cafe..here is there response....and I will also show you the photos..I am definitely happy the picture was removed I almost feel a small victory over Hanoi Jane. Message to Jane Don't underestimate the power of a pissed off Marines Wife and Daughter . Ooh Rah.

To Our Marines serving all over the Globe God Bless you and to My husband and the 25th Marines. Your Families are proud of you and we are Honored to be your Wives Mothers Fathers and Son's and daughters. There is nothing we wouldn't do for you ALL.

Semper Fidelis Sharon Martino
Proud Wife of SSgt Joe Martino
H&S Co SSP 2/25

Dear Mrs. Martino,

Thank you for contacting Hard Rock Cafe International to share your comments and concerns regarding our selection of music memorabilia in our Washington DC Cafe. We would like to thank you for being such a loyal Hard Rock Cafe customer and assure you that Hard Rock would never want a guest to feel uncomfortable in one of our cafes. At Hard Rock Cafe, we select memorabilia from all music genres including such classics as Elvis and The Beatles to more obscure artists, such as Husker Du, a band featured on the concert flyer mentioned in your email. These pieces are certainly not intended to offend any of our patrons, but are meant to show the history of rock music and its irreverent nature. We do recognize and understand that due to the variety of customers that we serve, that not everyone will agree with the selection of memorabilia we choose.

Here at Hard Rock one of our favorite sayings is that “Rock is Democratic.” From the love it or leave it rock of Lynyrd Skynyrd to the protest songs of Pete Seeger we strive to reflect the breadth and depth of music during many of our Nation’s most turbulent times. We greatly respect the sacrifices made by our armed service men and women. World War II was fought to keep us free from the most totalitarian and repressive fascist regimes in history. It was their sacrifice that enables us to enjoy the freedom of speech and expression that we have today.

Out of respect for your opinion, and others like you, this piece has been removed from the walls of the Washington DC Hard Rock. We hope this gesture will ensure your return to the Hard Rock Cafe and restore your faith in the Hard Rock Brand.

It is through correspondence such as yours that we have the opportunity to learn how to provide better service to our guests. For this, we thank you for taking the time to write to us. Please accept our sincere apology for any dissatisfaction you may have experienced while dining at the Hard Rock Cafe. We do hope to serve you and your family in the future.

Love All Serve All!

xxxxxxx

Customer Care Team Supervisor
Hard Rock Cafe

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