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April 10, 2004

Score one for the Marines

Here's a note from "Sgt. Pappy" - a career Marine who will soon return to the sandbox:

Disclaimer: This is by no means "Army-bashing". The author's expressions are not necessarily that of USMC, DOD or any other alphabet-soup agency.

I had a conversation with the folks today, and I was at once appaled by some, and made to rejoice by others. My sister and brother-in-law are friends with a couple named Jay and Melissa. Since they live in an Army town, (Clarksville, TN) it is no surprise that Melissa's father is retired Army. Her husband Jay took a job about 3 months ago drving trucks as a civilian in Iraq. According to Jay, this is what happened a few days ago.

As he was driving in a convoy, escorted by Army vehicles (he's not sure of which unit) they came under attack near Fallujah. The trucks were cut off, and the Army unit took off into the sunset, never bothering to stay with the trucks and maybe provide just a hint of support. Jay says at this time, seeing the escort take off made him a bit nervous. There was a disabled vehicle, so the truckers circled the wagons so they wouldn't leave anyone behind, and shortly thereafter a local showed up. Due to events in the area, the sight of the local really frightened Jay, but the local said not to worry, he'd be back with help. After a while, the local comes back with help - a butt-load of US Marines. Jay said he was never so happy to see a jarhead in his whole life. The Marines stayed with the truckers until they could get them all out, and made sure there wouldn't be a repeat of what we all saw a few days earlier.

After I was told this, I felt a lot better about my fellow Marines. Sometimes, we lifers think the "new breed" has lost sight of the traditions and ethos that makes us special. As I prepare for another trip to the sandbox soon, I feel better knowing that the Marine Corps as a whole, and not just the aggressive, belligerent, sometimes drunk, often dirty, crude, rude and tattooed platoon I'm in charge of still knows their role as America's elite. Semper FI, and good day.

Oohrah! As he heads back, please keep him in your prayers.

Posted by Deb at April 10, 2004 07:50 AM