My heartfelt thanks to you for your service. And a Happy Birthday to the Corp!
DC
I had a similar background, as far as the Marines go my father and brother were there before I was. So I couldn't wait for my turn. That came on 10 Jan 1963. There was about 25 of us from Buffalo, and all met at the train station, Paderesky Drive. All along the way the Train would stop and pick up more Marines It took about 36 hours to get to our destination, Yamasee, South Caralina, swamp country, where we were met by two Marines they put us on the bus and we were on our way to Parris Island. Not so bad.
It didn't dawn on us until the next day, when we were awakened at 4 AM, GI can reville, noise, chaos and confusion and scraming... That's when it hit me... Oh Lord what have I gotten myself into, then it really hit me, We aint Marines...yet !
Everybody on that train had this very mistaken impression that we were already Marines, in an instant all that was dashed, and suddenly realized, we were Maggots and the scum of the earth.
My father and brother told me it would be a unique experienced, Was that eve an understatement. Our heads were shaved, given clothes that didn't fit and had to run everywhere with a full seabag draped over our backs, did PT, if it rained we did PT inside.
After a week of this my legs hurt so bad, it hurt to walk, every muscle in my entire body hurt, I am talking serious pain here. I played football in high school and we ran and excercised, but I never experienced anything like this in my entire short life, 17 years. Then they tried to teach us how to march in formation, I couldn't even understand the Drill Instructor, the command 'To the rear March' was interpreted by me as some garbbled speech that I couldn't understand, he'd say it and suddenly everybody was marching toward me...Quickly though mind you, I learned to interpret what that meant.
But in 12 short weeks, everything started to come together, it was amazing how everything fit, by then we had been to the tailor and got uniforms and on 10 April 1963, at graduation, the Marine Corps, had turned out 57 newly minted Marines, basic Marines.
Looking back on now, it is still real a just as scary as it was then, but You know what I would do it all over again.
Saepe Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas
Happy Birthday, now 231.
Happy Birthday you magnificent bastards. And I'll be thinking of you on Veterans Day.
"It's still the best professional decision I ever made."
And also my best personal one. OO-RAH, Brother! Happy Birthday and Semper Fi.
I knew it was only a matter of time before the tree huggers got in here. And a Happy B-Day to you, too, T-Hug Sis. Oo-rah!
Mark, great story. I remember when I made the transition from slimy civilian. Those were scary but exciting days.
And Rhod, thank you, sir. And you have a great day, you magnificent bastard. I will be thinking of you and your sons tomorrow.
Great post, DC.
Happy Birthday, brother!
"It seemed from the conversation that this fellow, despite his appearance, had flunked his physical examination and the officer was giving him the bad news. The blonde guy pleaded for an exception that would allow him to become a Marine. The captain listened quietly, staring straight ahead, thought for a moment, then said, "An exception could be made only if you have some special skills or training that the Corps needs. In that case, we might consider a waiver in order to take advantage of those skills."
"Tell me, young man, what is your profession?"
"Teach history, Sir."
The captain stared into the blonde man's eyes, spoke slowly and deliberately. "Son, we don't teach history, we make it!"
--Stories From the Pacific
DC:
About thirty minutes ago, one of the twins called from Kuwait. The 61st Cav Regimental Combat Team (Recon) of the the 506th Bn of the 101st Air Mobile Div is on the way home.
Two to go, but this is a Vet's Day gift for me and the Missus.
Mixed feelings here, but one certainty. First, every soldier wants to be a Marine, even legs like me, and all the contention about who is best is over the standards set by the Marines. We don't argue about the standards set by the Army.
And knowing all this, I would still want to be in the 101st.
But this is no day for churlish competition. God bless everyone here.
Sincerely,
Rhod and Wife
To this day I am not sure what the difference between the Army and the Marines, but there is, maybe it is the magic of Parris Island, the mystique, the stories, like Guadalcanal, Tarawa, and Iwo Jima, maybe we had better press, and PR, hell Truman said the Marines had a better propaganda machine, than the Germans.
One General in the Army growled after the Marines took Inchon and raised the American Flag over the embassy, that he thought that since Iwo Jima a Marine would rather take a flag into combat than a rifle.
When I first got to Division, the 2nd MarDiv, FMF, (fightin' well you know the drill) that is, we had a CG's inspection. Every 6 months or so the Commanding General would conduct his inspection, it took about two days, the last part was an inspection and parade, There were 15,000 Marines standing at attention on the parade deck, from 2 Marine regiment all the way up to the cannon cockers, 10th Marines the CG would drive around in his jeep and the usual cursory inspection and return to the reviewing stand and then came pass in review. The band would play all the time pass in review was going on, Military bearing is part of being a Marine but to see it change when the Marines Hymm is played is an amazing sight, when they switched from Semper Fidelis to the Hymm, the whole division stood straighter and marched cleaner, than they had been, When coming in front of the reviewing stand the platoon commander would shout, 'Eyes Right', 'rifle salute' you could hear 47 sets of eye balls clicking.
Maybe the difference is the 'Title', never given always earned. Whatever it is I have believed it for the last 43 years.
Semper Fi. and Happy 231st Birthday.
Happy birthday Marine. Special post to that effect on the Tattler. I think you'll like it.
As Sean Hannity would say, "You are a great American, DC." Your words continue to inspire me as I'm sure they do many others. Your continued commitment and dedication to your country and it's success is greatly appreciated. As I read what you write and read what is being said by many of our enlisted men and their leaders in Iraq I continued to believe that the mission there is a noble one, one that is right, and one that we cannot walk away from. If only those who have recently come to power in Washington would listen to them, what a difference it would make. Those men and women who fight for our freedom and for the freedom of those who cannot fight for themselves are so much smarter and more understanding of what is at stake than those who sit in their plush offices in Washington who hold themselves up as the experts in this war that is like none we have faced before.
Please continue to speak out as you do. This country needs more like you.
My heartfelt thanks,
Gaye
The Senrinels
You ancient, rusty relics- if you
could only tell
Your history and your legends, of
the battles and the hell.
You lie silent on those beaches,
where you formed a battle line,
Now decaying hulks of rusting steel
from a different place and time.
Ghostly figures man your turrets,
though the surf's the only sound.
Aye, your guns are long since si-
lenced, while the ground swells
rage and pound.
I close my eyes and visualize those
beachheads long ago,
When young Marines were fighting
through that surf and undertow
All too many never made it and, like
you, they shall remain
Silent sentinels at your turrets, while
the hourglass drops its grain.
Time, to you , is unimportant; You're
a monument to the past,,,
But your presence is a waning, if
again the die is cast.
Let no tyrant, King or ruler ever tam-
per with our land,
Lest you start your rusty engines,
and your gunners rise and stand.
May you never be forgotten; May the
old vets spread your fame,
For your colors still fly boldly, and
Old Glory still her name.
Carl Dearborn.
To Mark and DC:
Thank you for being Marines and thank god for the Marine Corps. This fall I read several histories about the D-days in the Pacific in WWII. I have also closely followed all of the operations in Iraq (especially Fallujah). The Marines have been the same magnificent fighting men throughout their history. Semper Fi (I am nervous to write Semper Fi as I have not earned the right, not being a Marine myself - please forgive if it is inappropriate). There is a Marine (Iraq Vet.) that I see occasionally on the platform waiting for my train into work (he is working in recruiting-related in Chicago). Even though he is in civvies you know he is a marine right away - he has mix of solidity, pride and quiet confidence. It is great to see an institution that has kept its core values.
Rhod and Mark: On this Veteran’s day, and on every other day, thank you for your service to this country.
To Rhod and his wife. Great news on you son returning from Iraq! May the others follow soon. Enjoy a warm Thanksgiving and Christmas together. Also, thank you for you brave sons. Your family is truly remarkable. I admire you all and pray for your well being.
Well, I came back here after watching a disapppointing football game on this Veteran's Day night, and it's good to get back to reality. Mark, you're like the Energizer Bunny, but what would I expect from the "Old Corps"?
You all inspire me and fill my heart with gratitude for what this nation is and remains.
Gaye, parents like yourself have my utmost respect. You and Rhod have put your precious treasure, your sons, where your mouth is. I stand and salute you on this Veteran's Day.
C-Fish, thanks for dropping in, you Texican you, and for saying Happy Birthday to the Corps.
Cruise, great words. And it's certainly not inappropriate to give a Semper Fidelis. I found your remarks very moving and thank you.
DC
I saw the game last night and UT looked good until McCoy got hurt, What is the prognosis ? Just goes to show you how important the QB is. It was a good game but it is obvious why Colt McCoy is the starter. Tuff loss. The Officiating seened not up to par and the ABC announcers couldn't get the calls right or the players, I don't know who was doing play by play but they were terrible.
When I was firt in, it was the 'Old Corps', the 'New Corps' and "Now this ('s***')". But now to be considered part of the Old Corps is a real honor. To me though those are big shoes to fil. DC Thanks for all the complements.
Cruiser, anyone who supports the troops and his country as much as you do, has every right to, Semper Fidelis.
I have had a 43 year love affair with the Marines and it is not hard to remember and talk about it. Maybe I just enjoyed it too much. At times it is just like it was yesterday, maybe thats my problem I wish it was.
Crusier your post was much appreciated and a humbling one, for me. My generation never got too many thank yous, in fact my first 'welcome home, brother' caame from Rhod, and I consider him a brother and his Sons are first rate.
God Bless and Semper Fi.
The sound from the parades hasn't drifted away and the first stages of the Donk catastrophe have begun.
Jellyfish Levin tells ABC that US troops should begin a phased withdrawl in four to six months; his puppy Biden agrees.
Arab countries lift restrictions on financial aid to the Palestinians because of Bolton's veto of a resolution condemning Israel. Bolton will no doubt be gone before long, replaced by some compromising entity from the Donk Party.
Donks begin to push for limitations of oil and gas drilling along the coasts...
Gates and Baker appear to be preparing a plan for constructive engagement in the Middel East, in the the Carter, Brzezinski tradition..
I'll take the first hour of America's suicide watch. This is almost too much to bear. The party of treachery, cowardice and hallucinations is in control. Prepare to be drenched in the bloodbaths to come.
When the cut and run conservative who crossed over and there are just enough to ensure the victory to the dems, and they know who they are, I don't want to be in the same 'hole' with them. We couldn't trust them to vote for the country why should we trust them now.
As Rhod has pointed out before the helicopters on the roof of the Al Rahsid hotel, well that plan, now seems to be accelerated. History is indeed, seemingly, repeating itself.
Mark, when one side in a fight announces he'll leave the ring, as you know everything changes.
The end of the VN War resulted in about a million Vietnamese in boats, in re-education camps, across borders where they were killed, or killed in-country.
We can expect more of the same now, with intricate planning by our enemies in other fields to hasten the arrival of the helicopters, and not only in Iraq, but in Afghanistan and the entire Middle East.
Another generation of Americans and innocents abroad sold down the river by Democrats. Cowardice invites violence on this terrain, and there will be no end to it for years to come.
And if some idiot troll wanders in here and moans about the current violence, STFU, you don't know what you're talking about.
Rhod
You are right on. The cut and run policy is starting to wind up and the dems can't wait to start selling out the country and the troops. Once again, the paper tiger will remerge, only this time it won't stop with the boat people. If we pull out of Iraq with in the six month time frame, this will be a clear invitation for Syria and Iran to start moving into Iraq in force and Israel had better be on alert.
I keep reading where the Liberals are saying that, 'Well those people(Iraqi's) can't handle democracy, they don't want democracy, and on and on'. How in the hell do they know this. The voter turn out in Iraq has far surpassed any turnout we have in this country, which tells me they might like to try it. But no, I am wrong, and we will sell out another couple million people just to appease the liberals and support their idea of what the world should be and not what it really is. It doesn't matter what the facts are they never let facts get in the way of their agenda.
If they continue on this path there will be other attacks on our own soil and soon. Our fellow citizens have been duped once again, only this time I don't know if we can come back. This time it will be in our own back yard.
As you say, Mark. One of the ideological assertions of the New Left in the 1960's was that Vietnam posed no threat to the US. That was never the point, Containment was the point, but they were right for the simple reason that they willfully misunderstood the stakes. Today they're too stupid to understand the stakes.
Things are different now; the world is too complex and inherently vicious for the assembled brain power of the entire Democratic Party, and requires more strength of character in leadership. Their list of committee chairman, for instance, is a carnival wax museum, with the waxiest being Waxman, a man so low and contemptible he could slide under a dead snake.
The Kos Kids are currently battling over James Carville as a replacement for Dean, which is the beginning of the accelerating cancer in the old Democratic Party, the one developing around the mutated cells of the crazy left. And the body itself, the stained party of Bill Clinton with kidney stones like Levin and Biden is trying to medicate itself against the pain. Pandora's Box is a slim fable for what's in store for them.
Chaos everywhere for a long time is the rule now. Western Culture is the exception in history, not the rule, and maybe it's time we were reminded of it. I don't need it, neither do you and DC and the others here, but 48% of Americans do.
Good morning, gentlemen,
You are both right and I appreciate that you have taking up your fighting positions. We will have to be vigilant now, for sure. What we are beginning to see is what I feared. The Demos are coming out and telling us what they really want, which is retreat. It is just too hard. And to them, I really don't think they think it is worth it.
As we have discussed here at length, I fear we will long for bumbling Republicans before too long. At least we know what side the Republican Party is on. As for the Democrats, it is hard to say.
As an illustrative item in all of this, I saw this a.m. that Joe Lieberman has not ruled out a party switch. Now, that is my kind of liberal.
The only hope is that Lieberman could be the deciding factor in the control of the Senate. He has always supported the War effort, if not though then all bets are off. But I think if he feels that the dems are to sell out Israel and the US he may have to stand up and be counted on our side. Maybe.
The screamer or the serpent wow, what a choice and this is what the KOS kids are arguing over, I would think they would be concerned about the direction the country is headed, but why would they do that, they put these losers in power all because they hate Bush, what will it take for them and the rest of the people to wake up, another attack ? God help us if we have gotten to that point.
The screamer or the serpent. That's no choice at all, in my view. But the Leftus Idioticus likes Dean, and sees Carville as the Clinton establishment. They have a point, too.
It's Back to the Future with Nancy and her gang of failures, losers, crooks, plagiarists and bloaters. There aren't enough Fort Marcey Parks in the country to hold all of Clinton's enemies in his own party.
Nothing will happen, though. Kos and DU have prattle power, and nothing else. I'm more worried about the policy wonks and weanies like Baker and Graves. They can actually do some damage.
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