MCA&F News and Announcements
Inside the May issues of Leatherneck and Gazette :
MCA&F Poll
Member Oo-Rahs!
Good Afternoon Louise,
The commissioning ceremony was a tremendous success! Thank you very much once again for all your efforts!
Have a wonderful day and God Bless.
Respectfully,
It is ALWAYS a pleasure to work with a consummate professional such as SgtMaj (Ret.) Frank Pulley. As the company 1stSgt for Hotel Company, MCT, SOI (West), I’ve attended a number of his briefs and one can visually see a positive change in the student’s attention levels as the SgtMaj delivers his presentation. The SgtMaj truly cares about the Marines and the Marine Corps and represents the MCA in an extremely admirable manner. It has been my experience that all Marines (including myself) benefit from the experience of attending a MCA presentation. And regardless of rank or years of experience, Marines should always seek to increase their level of proficiency and knowledge and MCA briefs provide us with that opportunity.
Louise,
I just wanted to say thanks so much for making sure the uniform got back
to me in time for my commissioning class's photo. It fits me well and I am so excited for commissioning which takes
place in 17 hours! Thank you again!
Very Respectfully,
My Name is Sergeant Major Juan. M. Hidalgo, Sergeant Major of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) out of Camp Pendleton, CA. Sergeant Major (Ret.) Frank Pulley is one of my mentors and is someone that I have a tremendous amount of respect for. The MCA and SgtMaj Pulley do a phenomenal job in helping us recognize our Marines and Sailors and they continually demonstrate that they are always more than ready to support; anytime...Anyplace! And on behalf of the entire 13th MEU, I thank you very much!
Colonel Ford, I have to pass this on because I'm in shock that I was able to Connect (on the first Ring), Chat and concluded my business with "Sharon" in less than 30 seconds, at the MCA-Office. I was taken by surprise. Why, I'm Not used to anyone answering the phone especially on the first ring. AND...a human being...a lovely lady with a disarming voice, which at first I thought was a recording. WOW! I commend THE MCA for doing such an outstanding service for its members...make me proud. Just think...I was not asked "if I knew my parties Extension."?
Wish I had a Blog...I would spread around how delighted I am. What transpired to me today is Rare, just doesn't happen anymore. See, I'm so impressed I'm blitzing you here.
S/F
You have been the easiest person I have ever dealt with since I have started MWR out here. You were very quick to respond to my every question and very knowledgeable about your work for an order over a phone that was my greatest experience. If you were in the Marine Corps Skylar I would write you up for a meritorious promotion. I will surely write it in my books to pass the word to the next MWR rep to continue the membership with you guys.
Sgt Richard Colmenarez
Ms. Pappas,
Congratulations. You are more responsive and informative than any other website contact I can recall. I appreciate that very much. It’s really nice to have someone like you at the MCA “front door.”
Sincerely, Alfred
I received them this morning. Thank you so much for your help! you guys are awesome and you will have my business for any uniform or military need in the future as well as a hearty recommendation via word of mouth to anyone who wonders where they should purchase uniforms from!
Christina,
Thank you for all your help over the phone today. Planning a Marine Corps Ball is a lot of time, energy and work.
Timothy C. Summers
Thanks for the email; I purchased the two Marine Corps. Cups for my brother who served with the First Marine Div. in Vietnam . He was very pleased with the cups and I was very impressed with the purchase. The online catalog did not do the product the justice it deserved. Thanks again and I am sure you will hear from me in the future.
Professional Marine Discussions
A location for professional communication and informal dissemination of information within the Marine artillery community.
Debate the issues in this month's magazine.
Discuss your Marine Corps and the issues it faces.
Outstanding blog post, I have marked your site so ideally I’ll see much more on this subject in the foreseeable future.
http://www.louverlineblinds.com/
my grandad was a u.s.marine in the boxer rebellion in china, and fought in the p.i.,my dad was a u.s.marime ww11, and korea, and early vietnam, retired master sgt.,i was a us.marine, and son-inlaw u.s.marine two tours in the sands.
My father was Cpl. Jimmie L. Rogers asst. MG He was with I Co. 3rd Batt. 1st Marines at Hagaru-ri. He was WIA on 29 Nov 50. He stayed in the Corp for many years after but never saw the appreciation that people are showing for the vets of Korea.If you knew of him or served in that area please contact
S/Fi
Lonnie Rogers
LRogklx@aol.com
I served three years in the U.S Marine Corps ,1957-1960, and the time spent in boot camp and on active duty made were invaluable in making me the husband, father and grandfather i am today. proud 0311.
Mike--thanks very much for taking the time to comment AND we thank you very much for your service in the Navy.
S/Fi
Editor, Leatherneck
First Sergeant Firebaugh- Thanks for the comment. Ed McCourt is high up on our list of top-caliber Marine leaders. I'm glad you enjoyed the article--
Semper Fidelis
Editor, Leatherneck
The blog is absolutely fantastic. Lots of great information and inspiration, both of which we all need. Thanks.
http://www.louverlineblinds.com/
I agree with you Eddie, but the fun really began for me when Ssgt McCourt was assigned to us. He left F company too soon in Vietnam but his leadership and espirit sure kept us motivated. I have kept up with him online to an extent, and am proud Leatherneck provided this article.
Don Firebaugh
1Sgt (ret)
I wanted to thank you for this great blog! I really enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.
http://www.nuvodev.com/
I wanted to thank you for this great blog! I really enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.
http://www.nuvodev.com/
Back in 1964, I was a member of B-1-1 Camp Pendleton, Calif. This gruff S/Sgt came to our company from somewhere and made an immediate impact. He was assigned to my platoon sometime after our lockon training and I became "very familiar" with him after that. He was a no bs leader and very demanding. What I didn't understand until years later was that he probably was the reason many of us returned home from Vietnam with all our body parts and especially our lives. I still communicate with Ed and although we haven't sat down together since Vietnam, I know the welcome mat is out.
S/F Ed
MSgt Eddie Wyatt (ret)
Eddie,
I commented to Doc that your nicname suggested quite a story. After reading your story, I understand why Doc recommended I read it. I have been working with Doc for quite a while, intially on my Ralph H Johnson research then later on other stories. I learned a lot about Doc's tour with the 1st Recon, going on patrols in Elephant Valley, Dong Den, etc. Then, his service at 1st Med at Camp Reasoner.
I was in Corps 1970 - 77, never served in a combat area. I served with many distinguished Vietnam Marines. After I got out, I put the Marines behind me as I went on to other things. It is a long story about how I became interested in writing a book about PFC Ralph H Johnson, MOH, 1st Recon, 1968.
Whether or not I am ever able to get the research I need to write his story, I know I will write a book about the Combat Marine in Vietnam. There are so many compelling stories. And I think that what is missing in the chronicalling of the War in Vietnam, is that these stories haven't been told, widely enough. The stories. That is the only way the people of this country will ever come to really understanding the war from the perspective of the combat troop...Sorry to bend your ear...wish me luck with my latest attempt at the Johnson story...SF..Bill
Post #1 ... Oh.... just a bit different than when I stood it. But I see the Log book and pen still at the center of the desk. Semper Fi !
My 1st cousin Jr. served in The Marines in the 50s. ...my brother served in rthe Marines in..12/1972...my second cousin is currently serving four years with the Marines...my sister's husband served four years in 1972.... I served in Navy two years with the Marines in 1969 / 1970 aboard USS Wright CC-2 and USS Newport News CA 148... I thank all Marines serving and those who served for Our Freedom of Our Country of The USA. Mike..
Can anybody help me get my address changed so I can get my first copy of Leatherneck Magazine I'm waiting to receive? If you know who to write to please email me at kimlovestulips@yahoo.com, thanks!
Kim
I was an Army brat growing up, and have always admired and respected our servicemen/women and their families. However, the last 3+ years working for the MCAF& has given me an opportunity to meet so many incredible Marines, it is quite humbling.
To all of THEM, my best and my sincerest gratitude.
Semper Fi,
Bradley (Web/IT)
He is expressing a view held by many Americans and I suspect many servicemen and women. Sgt Stein has a right to express his views, but should have exercised restraint on posting his views. However, his career should not be ruined because of political correctness. In my estimation President Obama should never have been elected because he never served in the military and has no concept of what the military, let alone the Marine Corps, stands for. Sgt Stein should have received an Article 15 at most. No reduction in grade and certainly should not have been discharged for his actions.
Gene Battelle
Staff Sergeant (1965-1974)
Vietnam Veteran
My father, Donald L. Northcutt was in Kilo 3/7. He participated beginning to end in Starlite. His best friend Alvin Chester was killed the second day they were just outside the jungle more or less dug in deep on the beach.
My father told me Alvin was killed by friendly fire. Alvin got out of the foxhole to urinate when he stood up he was shot by someone who was higher up and in one of the other units. He knows his name, but I can't remember his name. They shipped the man who shot Alvin away for his own safety.
My father said everyone was jumping at the noises, because the men had been throwing their ration containers and whatever was left over into the jungle. This caused wild hogs to try to eat the leftovers and they made lots of noises. The Marines thought the VC were in the jungle. My father said this contributed to Alvin's death, however, my father said there was a certain way to wear your gun over your shoulder so you would not be confused with VC. Alvin was in compliance. My father thinks it was just jumpiness and fear. Alvin was a full blood Apache Indian who grew up on a reservation in Arizona. I've seen a few sites who have told many stories on how the Indian died. I've read each of them to my father and they are not the way my father remembers it and he has no idea who they are. The stores I've read call him "The Indian" and they're great stories, but they weren't in Kilo so they heard it from one person to another. They were not there. Alvin landed on my father in the foxhole and begged him to kill him. He was shot though the gut. He died in transport, because he was placed on his left side which was the side his ruptured lung was on. He drown in his own blood. Alvin was the first person killed in the war. I did ask my father six months ago which is the last time I found something online about Starlite and I was reading it to him I ask if he believe Alvin would have lived if he had not been laid on him left side. My father said I don't know and then he said he probably wouldn't have made it, because the shrapnel went in his side and everything in him came out the other.
My father said a magazine (Life?) followed them around for a month and released the issue as a monthly issue instead of weekly. My father said Kilo 3/7 was included. I would love to get this magazine for my father, but I can't find it.
This is the best information I've read that mentions Kilo 3/7 dueling Starlite. Thank you so much!
That, Marine, is an entirely separate issue, and one on which I might well agree with you. But that is NOT the issue, and in both your mind and your heart, as an American fighting man, you know it.
The issue is: when you raised your right arm to the square, and swore an oath under the sight of God, to a Federal (hopefully, Marine) officer, you accepted the rule of law, UCMJ and the lawful regulations of the Department of the Navy. And, you gave your spoken and written word, as a Marine, after innumerable lectures, briefings and blocks of instruction about what rights you retained in toto, and which of those were modified to foster the needs and missions of the Naval Service. Among those are both long-standing, and more recent iterations of regulations forbidding any denigration of the CinC and your chain of command. Every Marine understands this. He is not given the chance to misunderstand this.
This particular Marine was, also, informed, counseled, chastised and given direct lawful orders - directly to his face, and in formal written declaration by regulation by his chain on multiple occasions with review at each successive level.
What part didn't this Marine claim to understand?
The moral, civil and criminal standing of the CinC is, or is not, an issue to be discussed by Marines, or any other service's serving members only under the restrictions you have already agreed to under regulations.
There is no leeway here, as much as it may personally disgust individuals such as myself. It is the rules you agreed to, unless or until it is modified under regulations, or changed in US law.
Thus, this entire discussion is not only moot, it is flogging a very dead horse.
Personally, I am a simple man named John Valentine, not 'anonymous.'
All the best, Marines.
CARLTONI WAS WITH KILO 3/26 KHESANH UNDER MSGGT RIMMEL UNDER CPT JASPER(CO), MJR KARL MUNDY (EXECO) IN COUNTRY FROM 6/1967 - 3/13/1968 (WIA 5TH TIME) HILL 861.
I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE CONTACT.
VR
BARRY WRIGHT
614-439-7867
email:semperfibhw@gmail.com
WHAT ABOUT ALL THE OTHER WARS! WHEN YOU GO TO WAR YOU TOOK THE OATH. WAR IS HELL! WHAT WAS HE THINKING> YOU RESPECT THE PRESIDENT WE HAVE. KEEP YOUR ISSUES you have after work. IT takes more than one person to change what has happened. Alot of the military men and women have gave their lives without starting issues against the President. COULD HE RUN IT? Could Anyone? SHUT UP! AND SUCK UP YOUR FEELINGS AGAINST THE ONE THAT LEADS US! HELP AND PRAY WE GET PAST THIS. GOD BLESS.
i saw my first Phantom shot down while straffing **!. i was with 1/3 from sept 67 till aug. 68...
So, where are the officers partying??
I was the first in my family ... I served from 1955 to 1963. .. My eldest son served from 1976 to 1982, my youngest son from 1982 to 1986, one grandson from 2003 until 2008 and one grandson currently a S/Sgt from 2000 until present.
Our "University of Parris Island" experiences holds many memories and is responsible for a great family of which we are very proud. ... Semper Fi, Mac