Memories of Mother's Day

This year, my son is deployed and probably won't get a chance to call me on this Mother's Day. There's no PX in his remote location, so I'm not expecting a card. But, thinking back through the past 21 years that I've had as a mother, I've never been prouder of my son, nor more content to be a Marine Corps Mom. Knowing that my son is one of the few and the proud . . . one of the best . . . . that is the best gift I could wish for. I have many memories of past Mother's Days that I will always remember and cherish. But several memories stand out as unique and completely unforgettable.

May 20, 1984 was my first Mother's Day. I loved every minute of being a mom and going back to work was difficult. The best part of each day was picking up my son and devoting my evenings and weekends to him. On the third Sunday in May, he was 4 months old and just starting to notice the outside world. We strolled through the local mall and another family stopped to talk. Our babies stared at each other and the other baby sneezed. Shane, for the first time, laughed out loud - not just a smile nor a quiet giggle but a definite guffaw. Another sneeze and he howled with laughter in his stroller. I thought it was the best Mother's Day gift ever.

In first grade, his teacher helped the children make cards and gifts for their mothers. Shane's Mother's Day package was accidentally picked up by another child on Friday afternoon and he was distraught. By the time I picked him up from school, he'd enlisted the help of the principal, custodian, and another teacher to help him track down the missing gift and make the switch. His determination and perseverence were typical - this was the child, after all, that hired his own babysitter when he decided that day care wasn't for him. (He went door to door in our neighborhood interviewing potential sitters - by the time I discovered what he was doing, he'd found a wonderful grandmother who was delighted to take on the care of my son for a few hours a day.)

When Shane hit middle school, he was a bit peeved to find that the only elective class to fit his schedule was Home Economics. His idea of a well-cooked meal was one he did not have to prepare . . . or clean up afterwards. However, he gradually became fascinated with the process of cooking and prepared several simple dinners. As Mother's Day approached, he decided that his gift would be breakfast in bed. As a single mom, I was touched but somewhat anxious that he would be alone in the kitchen.

In his usual style, he planned this event for weeks. One of his to-do lists mentioned locking the puppy in the bathroom among other things to remember. I went to bed at 10:00 on the night before Mother's Day. Shane told me that as soon as he had the kitchen set up for breakfast, he would go to bed as well. I woke up at 2:00 and heard noises in the kitchen . . . went in to find the table covered with cookbooks, the counters cluttered with bowls, pans, etc. and a fine dusting of flour over everything, including the floor, Shane, and the puppy. After offering to help (declined) and explaining why I do not own a pastry blender (a fork works for me but I did get one for my birthday later that year since his Home Ec teacher considered them essential equipment), I went back to bed. Shane told me that he had his alarm clock set and I was supposed to stay in bed until he brought me breakfast.

I woke up at 7:00 a.m. Sat in bed and read, mended, corrected homework until 9:00. His alarm went off . . . and continued to ring. We had to leave for church at 10:00. Finally, I tiptoed down the hall and peeked into the living room. Shane was sprawled on the couch, fast asleep, puppy curled up beside him, also fast asleep. I shook him gently. No response. Harder, and yet harder. Finally, he sat up and asked me to go get the tray from inside (!) the oven and a jar of applesauce. I brought back a tray with 3 small pastry shells, each with a lid. He filled each one with applesauce, handed me the tray, mumbled "Happy Mother's Day" and once more fell asleep.

He'd been up till 4:00 trying to find a very special recipe for his mom. He rejected the usual breakfast fare (pancakes, waffles) and finally came up with a unique and original plan. He made pie crust pastry, molded it around empty soda pop cans and cut lids to fit, made decorative impressions in the dough, baked them, and cleaned the kitchen afterward.

The pastry was . . . challenging to chew. I don't care for applesauce. That breakfast, however, was the most wonderful meal I've ever eaten as I sat on the edge of the couch, next to my sleeping son. I'll never forget it.

Six years later, he was a senior in high school and enrolled in the Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program. He told me to pick whatever I wanted to do for Mother's Day and I wanted to spend the day with him. So, we headed up to Portland, went out to breakfast, strolled through the downtown area, browsed Powell's Books, and sweltered. It was unseasonably warm for an Oregon spring. By midafternoon, he'd had enough of Portland and was ready to head out. However, I hadn't had enough of my son. Reaching our truck, I asked him what he wanted to do and his answer was, "Cool down". Then he fell asleep.

Two hours later, I parked, turned off the truck and as he woke up, I asked him if he was cool enough. Incredulously, he looked out over a snow-covered meadow. We were at Timberline Lodge, far above the snow line on Mt. Hood. We spent the rest of the afternoon watching the snowboarders and wandering through the Lodge. It's another memory that always makes me smile.

That next year, he was in Iraq where he participated in OIF I . . . the first Mother's Day that we had spent apart, let alone on opposite sides of the world. And, he waited in line for over three hours to call me. The phone call was 3 minutes long. I will never forget the sound of his voice . . . "Hey Mom? Happy Mother's Day!"

This year, I can't spend the day with him and I probably won't hear his voice. But I couldn't be prouder of the man he's become and I have 21 years of memories to hold me until he comes home next fall. We'll celebrate then.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there . . . cherish your children for the joy they bring.

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May 13, 2006

"I want to tell everyone how great he was"

On May 3, another hero fell. Captain Brian Letendre, deployed with 1/25 Marines, was killed on May 3 when a suicide car bomber attacked his observation post in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. A Potomac News story shares details of Cpt. Letendre's life:

"He's a hero. This young man is fighting the global war on terrorism for other people to give them a chance to have a better life," said Bill Bann, a friend of the Letendre family and a retired Marine Lt. Colonel. "He was over there, saw it, experienced it first hand and wanted to go back because he believed in what they are doing."

Letendre, a Marine since he graduated from Milligan College in Tennessee, made his family's friends proud, they said.

"He was a fine young man, the best our country has to offer," said Bann, whose twin sons befriended Letendre in elementary school. "He was full of passion, a man of courage, conviction and integrity. He loved being a Marine."

Since they were teens, Letendre and friends David and Brian Bann dreamed of becoming officers in the Marine Corps.

They played G.I. Joe in the woods near their Woodbridge home, said David Bann.

Letendre's father, Milton Letendre, said his son was strong, high mannered and moral.

"He was looking forward to [his tour in Iraq]. He's a very motivated, very patriotic young man who believed in what his country is doing," said his father.

Letendre, a 1996 Potomac Senior High School graduate, won a posthumous Purple Heart Medal and an Iraq Campaign Medal this week, said Gunnery Sgt. Pete Walza, DoD spokesman.

Those medals add to Letendre's 14 other awards during his nearly six years of Marine Corps service.

He joined in May 2000 as a second lieutenant and nearly at the same time married his college sweetheart, Autumn. She and their 3-year-old son live in Indianapolis.

And last week, Autumn Letendre wrote a letter to the men of 1/25 who served with her husband.:

Dear Friends and Family,

I write this letter with a pain I never imagined could exist. It was just last week that I was telling you our story and what a story we have. Although I feel cocooned with extreme sadness I could not be any prouder. Brian loved the Marine Corp and all that encompassed its purpose. He believed that being in Iraq was right and that no one should resist the chance to liberate another human being even if that meant putting his life on the line. He leaves our three year old son Dillon- a blessing and mirrored image of Brian. I can not find a word with enough meaning, enough passion to explain how great of a father Brian was. Dillon loves his daddy so much and has truly lost an American Hero.

I am smiling right now as I reminisce our first date, our first kiss, the day he told me he loved me, when he proposed etc. Wow, what happiness fills me with these thoughts and how I want to tell everyone how great he was.

(To those of you separated by deployment)

As our news shocks and terrifies you, please stay strong for your men. They need your strength as they must complete their mission. Do not let fear take away the great bond that deployment can create between you and your spouse. I encourage you to write them and write often. Tell them how you truly feel and live with extreme pride to be married to one of the few.

I have no regrets as I always told Brian how proud of him I was and still am. I may have lost the love of my life, but I have gained a life and story that few in this great country have.

Thank you for your prayers
Autumn Letendre

I am reminded of another example:

The night before last at dinner, I listened to General Mattis speak of another helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Desperate for a replacement, he contacted Washington and obtained one from the command back home. Later he learned that, that evening, the young widow of one of the men who died in the crash, seven-months pregnant, showed up with fresh-baked brownies to bid farewell to the outgoing crew as it headed out to Afghanistan.

Fallen Marines are often described as having given the ultimate sacrifice for a free country. That is certainly true. But their spouses give the penultimate sacrifice - the loss of the love of their life - as they assume the mantle of both parental roles. Think of the widows of those fallen heroes tomorrow on Mother's Day.

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Update from Camp Fallujah

Here's an update from Col. Larry D. Nicholson, commander of RCT-5 :

Dear Families and Friends of the Regiment,

Already May, and after nearly 3 months in Iraq, we are really starting to hit our stride and find our daily rhythm. So many great things being done by our Marines, Sailors, and yes Soldiers. Most of these things never make the news, but I am immensely proud of our accomplishments and the manner in which we are treating the Iraqi people.

Currently we have 3/5, 1/1, 2/6, and 1st RECON BN on deck along with Tank, AAV, Engineer, and Arty Company's / Batteries from both coasts. Nearly 5 thousand folks on RCT-5 morning reports and this is just the US side. We also have 5 Battalions of Iraqis working under the RCT-5 banner, and with them our daily count is near 8 thousand. So as you might imagine, we are exceptionally busy moving all of these units and personnel in the same direction every day. We are also in the middle of unit turnovers for some of our Battalions, and this complex and challenging process is going very well so far.

Life inside Camp Fallujah is "almost" comfortable in the sense that the weather is still nice, California like in fact, and the food and billeting for all hands is much improved from my last trip here. This does not mean however that we do not need care packages from home. We each look forward to the mail trucks arrival and just like kids at Christmas, can"t wait to rip into those packages.

I am very encouraged by the great participation of our families back home in attending our sponsored events. Our family network is doing a wonderful job of keeping the lines of communications open and providing the critical support required for our family team.

On a sad note we morn the loss of LTCOL Jay Bargeron and Capt Jason Freeby's fathers these past few weeks. Our prayers are with them, their families, and all of our Marines and Sailors who have suffered family losses or illness during this period.

Thanks you again for your continued strong support of your Marine and Sailor, there is no way any of us could make this deployment successful, and stay focused on our important work, without the dedicated support of our loved ones back home. I very much look forward to writing to you again in June.

Semper Fidelis,
L.D.Nicholson
CO RCT-5

Comfortable weather is a relative statement - other reports indicate that temperatures are ranging upwards of 100 each day. I'm adding powdered Gatorade to each care package - staying hydrated is essential in the desert heat and Gatorade helps. And, I'm sending a couple dozen pairs of socks a month since it is essential to change socks frequently - my son said he'd pour a pint of sweat out of each boot at the end of the day. The comfort of a new pair of socks cannot be overestimated.

Deb

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May 11, 2006

Will work for food - 3/8 Update from the Al Anbar Province

Photo and story details by Lance Cpl. William L. Dubose II

3/8 Marines at Ar Ramadi are working for their supper via the "sandbag program." The note on the chair reads: ALL HANDS 1 MEAL = 1 FILLED SANDBAG (NEATLY STACKED ON A PALLET) THANKS THE MARINE OR SAILOR SAVED BY YOUR SANDBAG The program is strictly enforced and regulated by food service specialists in an effort to help aid the reconstruction and fortification of various observation sites.

From Lt. Col. Neary:

LETTER FROM THE COMMANDING OFFICER'S DESK On behalf of the Marines, Sailors, and soldiers of Task Force 3/8, greetings from Western Ramadi in Al Anbar Province. It is impossible to put into words just how proud I am of these young men and how they have represented the Marine Corps, their family name and the United States. They perform their duty willingly and with unprecedented courage. Your men truly represent the best of America. Over the past month, you may have seen 3/8 on CBS, CNN, as well as in many major newspapers and websites. Everyday and night, we persevere with our mission of developing the Iraqi Security Forces (Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police) in Ar Ramadi in order to set the conditions for Iraqi Self Control and Reliance. Our goal is to turn over more battle space and responsibilities over to the ISF and we have already made significant progress in our area. Your men have been more than meeting the challenge at hand. Many of our young men are being recognized for their valor in combat earning awards for their bravery as well as combat promotions. These heroes will tell you they are just doing their job. Challenges lay ahead and our men are prepared to meet those challenges. The current temperature is a High: 100 and a Low: 70 at night. Please keep in your prayers, those Marines and Sailors recovering in hospitals as well as those families who have lost a warrior. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We miss you all very much. God Bless. Fortune Favors the Strong. Semper Fi! LtCol Neary

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May 10, 2006

Update from the Al Anbar Province

Major General Rick Zilmer, Commanding General of I MEF Forward sends this update from the front:

The tough mission of securing the western province of Iraq and training our Iraqi Army partners continues to keep the Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen busy, and focused on the task at hand. The Marines and Soldiers in Ramadi had a lot of success working with their Iraqi partners and rid the city of a large number of insurgents in the past couple of weeks. Slowly, but surely, the Iraqi Army becomes stronger and is more and more capable. This past week, a new class of Iraqi recruits graduated from boot camp and will join our efforts. The new recruits are the result of efforts to bring more Sunni Muslims into the Iraqi Army and Police Force to fight in the Anbar province, which is made up mostly of Sunni Muslims. We work hard everyday making sure that the service members are well equipped, well prepared, and well supported. Despite the rising temperatures -- we're just breaking 100 degrees now -- the operational tempo remains high. With the promising new leadership in the Iraqi Government, it is clear that Iraq is moving in the direction of democracy. The Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen, with their Iraqi counterparts, are unfazed, dedicated and are doing a great deal to move the nation toward their goal. Recently, a couple of visits from former heroes and entertainers gave the service members a much needed break from the seriousness of the task at hand. Two Medal of Honor recipients recently visited, sharing their war stories with our young warriors, and providing them an evening of camaraderie and inspiration. The Charlie Daniels Band also came out for a well-attended concert at Camp Taqqadum. A large part of our resilience and ability to continue the fight is due to your outstanding support! Thank you. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers and continue to write, email, and MOTOMAIL. Please check back after May 15th to hear more news about your Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen doing a fine job out here in the Al Anbar Province. Until then, take care on the home front and Semper Fidelis.

Good news . . . except for the hot weather. I just mailed a box of 48 Snickers bars for my chocolate-deprived son and his Marines. Sounds like they'll be Snickers Soup by the time they get there . . . but they'll eat them anyway. Life as an infantry Marine does have its challenges.

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May 09, 2006

Lunch with the President - "It was just some motivating stuff"

Most enlisted Marines rarely - if ever - talk with their battalion commander. Chains of command are there for a reason and messages are passed up and answers are passed back down. One of the high points of SOI for my son was the day he went through grenade training. He pulled the pin, threw the grenade and just then realized there was a full bird Colonel standing right behind him. As he hit the deck, he managed to throw his body into attention while saluting. He said the landing was a bit uncomfortable but he wasn't going to take a chance on not following protocol.

Imagine having lunch with the Commander in Chief of all U.S. armed forces. It happened last week for the Marines of the Combat Center, 29 Palms.

Cpl. Jesse Markel, recently returned from Iraq with 2/7 Marines, shakes the hand of President Bush.

Cpl. Markel's mom (Nicole Markel who coordinated Operation Santa for 2/7 Marines last fall), commented, "Leave it to our son to get an opportunity to sit at the head table next to the President for lunch! He had a great time, said they talked about everything from Iraq to football. He said he is very down to earth, easy to talk to. Pretty cool!!!"

Cpl. Evan M. Eagan, Combat Correspondent, reports on the day's events:

President George Bush came to the Combat Center April 23, to visit Marines, Sailors and their families during a three-day tour of the Southern California area. Marking the first time a president has visited the Combat Center, Bush attended church services at the Protestant Chapel and ate lunch with the service members and their families at the 7th Marines mess hall, where he addressed those who assembled. During his speech, Bush expressed his appreciation for the Marines, Sailors and their families for the sacrifices they have made whether overseas or stateside. You represent the very best of America, he said. You represent men and women who volunteer to serve during dangerous and historic times. And because of your service, we're defeating an enemy overseas so we do not have to face them here at home. Because of your service, we've liberated people from the clutches of a tyrant. And because of your service, we're laying the foundation of peace for a generation of Americans to come. These are historic times, and your service makes me incredibly proud. And I also want to say something to your families, Bush continued. It's hard when your loved one is overseas. I respect your sacrifice, and want to thank you very much for your service to our country, as well. Many Marines who ate lunch with the president were excited to meet with their commander-in-chief.

For Sgt. Daniel D. Reuss, an assault gunner with Weapons Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, meeting President Bush was a rewarding experience. I sat about 20 feet away from the president when I ate brunch with him, said the Redding, Calif., native, and two time Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. He said he was very happy to see us. He told us the Marine Corps was doing an excellent job. It was an awesome experience, which was worth a lot. Not everyone gets to meet the president. Lance Cpl. Christopher L. Parks, an infantryman with 3rd Platoon, Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, wasn't seated as close to the president, but still had the opportunity to meet him. When he first came in to the chow hall, he became social with all of us who were standing in line,"said the Corpus Christi, Texas, native, and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. After eating, he walked around the whole chow hall to shake hands with everyone. When he got to our table, he told us how much of a good job we're doing. He also asked about our families and how things were going at home. It was a pretty motivating experience. He gave me inspiration to keep doing my job and doing it well. He really showed us he cared and he wanted us to know that. It was an honor to see him because it's something that I might not have the privilege to do again. Sgt. Matthew L. Barber, a machinegun squad leader with Weapons Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, was motivated by the president's visit. Eating with the president is an experience he won't soon forget. I was very motivated to even get to see the president," said the Olathe, Kan., native. "When he first got to the chow hall, he busted out with a Semper Fi. That was very motivating. We all were very happy to have the president come to our base, continued Barber. “He actually took the time from his very busy schedule to come see us for a day. I know everyone in 3/4 was honored to talk to him. It was my best experience here. It was just some motivating stuff. After spending time with the Marines, Sailors and their families, President Bush made his way to the Combat Center parade field where he boarded Marine One and departed.

I'll send these pictures to my son, currently deployed in Iraq. He missed meeting President Bush by a few hours in Ireland last February, to his regret. And if he had to miss President Bush's visit to his home base, he'll be happy that his good friend, Jesse, was the Marine who sat next to the him, chatting about the things that are of interest to men everywhere - sports and combat.

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May 07, 2006

Angels on the battlefield

This afternoon, I was privileged to attend the funeral of an American hero. Petty Office 3, Marcques J. Nettles was remembered with tears and laughter by friends and family who gathered to say goodbye. Marcques was deployed with 1st Combat Logistics Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I MEF, Camp Pendleton, Calif. On April 2, 2006 Nettles was travelling with seven Marines when the truck they were in rolled over in a flash flood near Al Asad, Iraq.

• Cpl. David A. Bass, 20, of Nashville, Tennessee.
  
• Lance Cpl. Patrick J. Gallagher, 27, of Jacksonville, Florida.
  
• Cpl. Brian R. St. Germain, 22, of Warwick, Rhode Island.
  
• Petty Officer 3rd Class Marcques J. Nettles, 22, of Beaverton, Oregon.
  
• Lance Cpl. Eric A. Palmisano, 27, of Florence, Wisconsin.
  
• Lance Cpl. Felipe D. Sandoval-Flores, 20, of Los Angeles, California.
  
• Staff Sgt. Abraham G. Twitchell, 28, of Yelm, Washington.
  
• Cpl. Andres Aguilar Jr., 21, of Victoria, Texas.

In a memorial service held inside the Al Asad base garage on April 18, hundreds of U.S. service members and civilians remembered the fallen troops. Staff Sgt. Jim Goodwin was there:

Standing atop the backside of a large, military flatbed truck behind a wooden podium, Lt. Col. Drew T. Doolin, the unit's commanding officer, spoke of the Marines' sacrifice and offered words of encouragement to those in attendance.

"We honor them best by remaining steady in our resolve, in our professionalism and in our faith in each other," said Doolin, whose comments opened the hour-long ceremony. "They will not be forgotten."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and many friends who grieve their loss," said Doolin.

Nestled underneath an open, steel-roofed area where normally a large, military truck would be, Marines and other attendees sat and listened as Marines and sailors took turns speaking of the fallen Marines and sailor.

"They died doing what they love, and they are deeply missed," said Capt. Carrie M. Pendroy..

And Corpsman Nettles was remembered by the sailors and Marines with whom he served:

Always the one to find good in any situation, Nettles was recalled by fellow Navy corpsmen at the service, a person who "never backed away from a challenge," and was always willing to help a fellow Marine or sailor.

"He made me realize that there is still good in the world, you just have to look around for it,"said Hospitalman Jorge Arreola, who worked with Nettles at CLB-7's medical clinic. "If you were searching for hope or just a piece of mind, all you had to do was look at his smile."

"If someone came back from a convoy in a foul mood, he'd be the one to greet him with a smile and ask, 'Do you want to talk about it?' offer a drink, and let the guy vent," said Petty Officer 1st Class David A. Pope, who also worked with Nettles at the battalion's medical clinic. "By the end of it, they're both laughing and things are good. He was a good man and friend."

In today's ceremony, Marcques was described by his football coach, Bob Corey, as having the biggest heart on the field. He described a pivotal game, when Marques was a sophomore and sprained his ankle shortly before the game. Despite his injury, he was a one-man offensive force and carried the day for his team. Corey said that every team, every class at Westview High School will know about Marcques Nettles. His legacy will live on.

Christina Mullen and Marcques Nettles.

Christina Mullen, who first met Marcques in 7th grade, spoke of an instant bond. They dated in high school - she was a cheerleader and he was co-captain of the football team - and there was never anyone else for either of them. After high school, they married and he joined the Navy. With tears on her face, she spoke of his "amazing smile" and the love they had for each other. She thanked Marcques for "every laugh and every tear, too many fishing trips, and for getting up to make me coffee even though he didn't drink it."

Curtis (left) and Marcques Nettles.

Marcques' brother Curtis, also a sailor assigned to Camp Pendleton, spoke of growing up with Marcques - fishing, golfing, snowboarding, and finally enlisting in the Navy - and looking forward to being stationed together at Camp Pendleton. He finished by singing In the Lord's Arms by Ben Harper:

Like the wings stolen from an angel
Like petals gone from a rose
Like a dove caught in a storm
Tonight he's in the Lord's Arms

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, a former Marine, spoke of how Marines cherished their Corpsmen - the only non-Marines authorized to wear the prized Eagle, Glove and Anchor - as angels on the battlefield. And Curtis Sr. and Suzie Nettles, Marcques parents, shared their recollections of a son who brought something special into every life he touched. Suzie remembered his prayers as a young child with a speech impediment . . . "Oh Lord, take care of them that they not twip and bweed". And he carried that concern into his professional life as a Hospital Corpsman. Curtis's pride in his son was evident - there were few dry eyes in the sanctuary as he sang Proud to be an American and I Can Only Imagine.

There'll be a party in Heaven tonight as one more soul is welcomed into the Kingdom where the best and brightest guard golden streets.

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May 06, 2006

Poem for a Marine child

Deployment brings out the inner philosopher and poet in many Marines. They may be hard as nails on the outside but they have soft hearts . . . especially when a little one calls him Daddy. This poem is, as yet, untitled but is a testament to the love of a Marine for his child . . . and vice versa.

Twinkle, twinkle, little star
My daddy's gone away real far.

Proud to answer his country's call,
He had to leave us early last fall.

With his cammies, boots, and ruck on his back,
he kissed us goodbye and left for Iraq.

Convoys, watches, and IED sweeps,
No time for play and no time for sleep.

Scorched in the day, froze in the night,
He endures it all and stands for the fight.

No shiny medals or special recognition,
To him all that matters is a successful mission.

He fights to keep me safe at play,
Free from the terrorists' harmful way.

For his brothers-in-arms he'd give his life,
So they could go home to their kids and wife.

Days, weeks, and months have passed.
He's set to come home to me at last.

There is one thing you can guarantee:
My daddy's a real life hero to me.

Clothed in desert brown and olive green,
My daddy's a US Recon Marine.

- M. Ramos, 1st Recon Battalion

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May 04, 2006

24/7 Marine Professionalism

Pfc. Andrew M. Kalwitz correspondent for the RotoVue at MCAS-New River, had this to say about Marine decorum, on and off duty:

Since we perform our duties as a service to the American people, it is essential to the Marine Corps existence that we have their support. In order to gain this support, Marines must conduct themselves professionally; on and off-base. When recruits get off the bus and stand on the renowned yellow footprints for the first time, they begin a 13 week indoctrination to become U.S. Marines. Their training will take them from the parade deck to the rifle range and from the gas chamber to the swim tank. They also attend numerous classes to learn the history of the corps, how to provide first aid, customs and courtesies and the appropriate behavior expected of a Marine. These things are not to be forgotten.

One man who owns a business outside the New River gate, retired gunnery sergeant Anthony P. Waters, co-owner of Muddys Coffee House, said there has never been a problem inside the coffee house, but he is aware of the inappropriate conduct Marines have displayed elsewhere. "I have seen some pretty bad stuff," he said. The majority of Marines is very respectful. However, many Marines seem to have become much too comfortable with the use of profanity. It isn't unheard of for them to use inappropriate language in public places and around children, said Waters.

Waters said he recently witnessed a Marine wife speak to a master sergeant using profane language after her husband was corrected for wearing one of his green undershirts with his civilian attire. “The Marine did nothing to stop his wife,� he added. Waters said he also saw a private first class walk into a sitdown restaurant in his blue coveralls. But that doesn't qualify for the number one spot. “The worst thing was in Wal-Mart. It was a lance corporal and he was wearing his Alphas,� he started. “But they were unbuttoned and the belt was completely taken-off.�

In a military community like Jacksonville, where many retired and former Marines reside, there is a strong influence to ensure today's Marines maintain current standards. Retired Sgt. Maj. Ihor Sywanyk, owner of Sywanyks Scarlet and Gold Traditions night club, explained that Marines need to have a respectable appearance while in public. By dressing like a Marine, one is more likely to act like a Marine, he said. “I personally believe that when people dress better, they act better.� Sywanyks Scarlet and Gold Traditions is the only place in Jacksonville with a dress code, he said.

Aside from appearance, speaking professionally also says a lot about the Marine Corps as an organization.
"I ask all Marines to be aware of their own actions and to take charge of themselves," said Sgt. Maj. Lewis Summerville, Station sergeant major. "We have to stop setting the wrong example to those that we serve and protect. Every Marine has to remember that he or she is part of the Marine team and that team is much bigger than any individual." Many young Marines also agree that using profanity is unprofessional and tarnishes the Marine Corps' reputation with the surrounding communities. “We are Marines 24-seven and it is unprofessional,� said Lance Cpl. John D. Floyd III, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron weather observer. “We should be professional 24-seven.�

Floyd explained why Marines need support from the community. “We need their support. We wouldn't be here without them,� said Floyd. “They pretty much put the money in our pockets.� Sometime after the proud moments that followed the graduation of basic training, many Marines lost some of the professionalism and pride that had been instilled in them. If it was worth working so hard to become a Marine, it is definitely worth the effort it takes to stay a Marine.

When my son is home on leave, he stays cleanshaven and his haircut is within regs. He wears a belt and his shirt is tucked in. Although, there was that one time when he had a two-day beard growout. I told him I'd wait for him to shave, but he didn't want to take time. So, I waited until we were in the Costco parking lot before acting. "Shane, is that Gunny Dukes?" He knew better than to take a chance on the senior recruiter for our region finding him in need of a shave. Nothing more painful than a dry shave with a dull razor in the front seat of Mom's car. And we bought an electric razor that same day with a car charger. No more excuses.

Posted by Deb at 09:45 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

May 03, 2006

What NOT to say to a Marine wife

Life after retirement brings adjustments for most couples, but military retirement has unique challenges. One of my favorite writers, Diana Hartman Culture Editor for Blogcritics and outspoken Marine wife, has this to say on the frustrations of finding a place to call home after the Corps. They'd hoped to land in Kansas where she has strong ties. But then, she ran up against the roadblock of the Kansas higher education system. Do read her essay - it's an excellent reminder of just one of the many sacrifices that military families make. And the doors that remain closed for them.

Dissimilarly, there was that minor issue with Senator Sam Brownback's office. The person who had been briefed of my situation before taking my call had an observation to make once she took the call and then hung up without answering the question, "What is your name?" She said something we military spouses everywhere loathe to hear. It has been bad enough to hear it from civilians over the years, most especially from distant and insensitive boofs from my own family, but to have heard it from my Senator's office was a bit too much. "Well," she said. "You chose that life." Yes, I did. I'm not sure what in the Sam Hill that has to do with the price of tea in China, but yes, Mr Brownback's voicebox, you are correct. My husband chose to join the Marine Corps and I chose to marry him. Let us eat cake. Or, in this case, wheat.

Ouch.

Posted by Deb at 01:01 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

How to support the troops

Quote from an Army Captain:

Support the troops, right? WE DONT WANT CARE PACKAGES. We want letters to go to senators telling them that we want to stay and win, because we do. Did the soldier I lost in June die for nothing? Its up to the American people.

Posted by Deb at 12:34 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

May 02, 2006

Sgt. Major Brad Kasal - An American Hero

On November 13, 2004, (then) 1st Sgt. Brad Kasal led his 3/1 Marines into a Fallujah firefight. Before it was over, he would receive 47 wounds and lose sixty percent of his blood supply. 40 of those wounds were from shrapnel - he shielded a wounded Marine, LCpl Nicoll from a grenade with his own body - and the other 7 were from enemy bullets. And he walked out of the fight, pistol in hand.

Photo by L. Read

Yesterday, he received the Navy Cross - this nation's second highest award for valor and bravery - in a ceremony held at Camp Pendleton. He was also promoted to Sgt. Major - his career goal.

Photo by Col. B.B. Yarborough, USMC Ret.

From Col. B.B. Yarborough, USMC Ret. (father of Yarbz from Juggernuts), who attended the ceremony:

The order of the ceremony today was the award of The Navy Cross, promotion to Sergeant Major, reenlistment, and oath of office.

The SgtMaj will head up the recruiting territory headquartered in DesMoines, Iowa, near his hometown.

A point of interest is that his father died last night, following a long illness. The father was saluted today by Maj Gen Lehnert in his comments following the award. I sat behing Kasal's brother.

In Kasal's comments, following those of the General, Kasal said he had been advised by surgeons to amputate his right let below the knee, but he was guided only by one thought, to get back to duty and complete his career. He said he would go to Iraq again, that he would go 1000 times if needed. Also said that he ran 1 1/2 miles last Saturday morning, that it wasn't pretty, but he did it. He still walks with a slight limp.

In an interview last year, Kasal stated:

"I don't believe in war. I believe in a just cause - and I believe what we are doing over there is a just cause"

And in yesterday's ceremony, he reaffirmed that belief as he reenlisted to serve his country and his Corps.

1st Sgt. Kasal's heroism under fire was chronicled by one of the other Marines in the house, Cpl Robert Mitchell:

During their movement, Mitchell's first sergeant and another one of his Marines had been hit. Unable to make it the room with Mitchell, they remained on the ground in a room slightly behind the stairs. Mitchell ran from the room he went in to the first sergeant and the other injured Marine. The first sergeant had been shot in the right leg and still conscious. He told Mitchell that he had taken a few shots in his calf. The blood around the area was evidence enough. Mitchell's other Marine had been shot in the leg as well, but the first sergeant thought the Marine might have been shot in the gut as well.

"I was getting ready to help the first sergeant out, but he told me to take care of the other Marine first," said Mitchell. "I went over to the Marine and started stripping his gear off. I was looking around for a wound. I thought for sure that I was going to see just his guts spilling out all over the place but that wasn't the case. He hadn't been shot in the gut. He did receive a shot to the left center of his back though. I thought that maybe he had taken a lung shot. He wasn't bleeding to bad."

The Marine he was tending to happened to be one of Mitchell's best friends. Seeing his injured friend hit Mitchell pretty hard. Despite his feelings, Mitchell knew he had to do something. "I had (medical) gear and went through the squad medic's course. I was pretty much prepared for whatever," said Mitchell. "I ended up just slapping a dressing on his back and throwing a tourniquet around his leg to stop the bleeding. After that, there wasn't much I could do for the first sergeant because I was out of dressings and tourniquets."

Although Mitchell didn't have enough tourniquets to use on the first sergeant, he noticed that the wounds were not bleeding too excessively, and he knew the first sergeant was a tough Marine. "I mean, it was 1st Sgt. Kasal, the guy that was the epitome of Marines," said Mitchell.

And Bing West wrote of his exploits in the book No True Glory Here's an excerpt from Chapter 27, The House From Hell:

Kasal pulled Niccol to his left into the room. He propped Niccol's shattered left leg on his stomach, trying to tie a pressure bandage as a tourniquet. His hands were sticky with blood and he kept fumbling, worrying that Niccol was going to bleed to death due to his clumsiness. He heard a thump to his right and turned his head to see a pineapple grenade laying just out reach. He rolled left on top of Niccol and bear-hugged him as the explosion went off. He felt sharp pressure in his legs and buttocks and knew he had been hit again. When his head stopped ringing, he shoved his rifle out the door so the Marines would know which room they were in. He didn't want to be hit by friendly fire and he knew they would be coming for them.

The key quote in that paragraph is "he knew they would be coming for him". Just as he'd gone after his wounded Marines. Sgt. Major Kasal is truly the epitome of a Marine and his story needs to be told, over and over again.

Posted by Deb at 09:50 AM | Comments (7) | TrackBack

May 01, 2006

Spas (thank you) from an Iraqi Kurd

The new blog Iraqi Future, Iraqi Hopes, Iraqi Dreams is one I'll be reading frequently - the author is an Iraqi Kurd who now resides in Washington D.C. His first message is a must read for those who do not understand the difference our troops have made in Iraq.

I felt it very necessary for the first blog to be the true message that every Iraqi wants to tell the American soldiers, marines, airmen, sailors, and American public. That message is simple, it is thank you. We thank you for everything that you have endured in bringing up liberation and bringing us a chance to move forward for tyranny and oppression. After the decades of misery the Iraqi people had really given up all hope that anyone would come to help them but then one day we saw those stars and stripes waving in downtown Baghdad and everyone knew what that flag represented. Without the selfless sacrifice that the American people made despite international pressure to not liberate Iraq, we would not have the opportunity to even write on this blog. Without the liberation there is no way we would ever be able to tell you about the terrorism ties Saddam and his regime so truly enjoyed, without the liberation there would have been no way to tell you how much we yearn to be like you, without the liberation there would have been no way to tell you how much we love you.

Read the rest here.

Posted by Deb at 10:47 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack