Member Oorahs!
I wanted to take a moment and thank everyone at the association for sponsoring the Ground Awards Dinner on 3 June at the Crystal City Marriott. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and were tremendously pleased with the hospitality shown to us and the great accommodations. As well, I wanted to thank the association for the DVD of the event that was mailed to me. It is something that I will keep and treasure for the rest of my days. Again, thanks for everything.
Semper Fidelis!
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
I want to relay my many thanks to everyone at Marine Corps Association and Military Historical Tours for providing me the opportunity to experience such a wonderful trip to Russia. Had I not won this trip through MCA I may have never taken advantage of such fantastic travels. The group, the Russian Tour guide (Oleg Alexandrov) and Charlie Dunn were wonderful companions during the trip. It will be a memory I will cherish all of my remaing days on this earth.
Again, Many thanks and Semper Fidelis!
Ma’am,
I received the shipment of plaques, books and certificates today for
mail call. It was more exciting to me than candy or magazines! Thank
you very much.
Semper Fi,
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.
Jessica,
Thank you so much for taking the extra time and making the extra effort
to ship another hat to me for my husband last week. The second hat
arrived last Thursday... and he was tickled with it. Although it may be
"only a hat" it is a very special hat in many ways. He will always be a
proud Marine dad, and your kindness is very much appreciated.
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!
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,
I received my Dress Blues I ordered from The Marine
Shop in the mail today. And I just wanted to write and tell everyone there
that you all did a great job! Everyone from the tailors, to the customer
service reps. I am highly impressed with the quality and tailoring of your
uniforms. I will definitely keep coming back to The Marine Shop in the
future for uniforms!
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
Does anyone know who was in the Officer in charge of the Military Police at MAG 16 in 1969.? We were all grunts and came from all over to form an MP unit. I would like to find some of those men. Mike Brewer 1/7 and then MAG 16 on March 10th, 1969 to September 69. micbrewerusmc@aol.com 760-550-8083
0341 Mortarman on Meade River. Had to hump that damn base plate and tube! Always wondered how I would get to my rifle while walking! Does anyone recall who the Company Gunny for H&S on Hill 10 in 1969. Mike Brewer 1/7 micbrewerusmc@aol.com 760-550-8083
There is as much truth in this story as there is in Clint Eastwood and his gang of Marines fighting on Heartbreak Ridge. Give me a break!
Signed Anonymous uSA
This is a very insightful article. I applaud Captain Grazier for his courage n posting it. The actions he puts forward may be just the ones to cause a suicidal servicemember to rethink his plan of action. Thank you, Captain.
Where can I get your number?
Convictions should be final. If it comes about that the accused had been convicted unfairly or wrongly accused, the officer who held that court martial should be removed from his seat.
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My mother Tommye Fleming Kelly, 93, enlisted in the Marines in late 1943, reported to Camp LeJuene, and taught celestial navigation (CNTs). She feels honored to have been interviewed on 5/3/13 for a local news segment called Service and Sacrifice (NBC - WBIR) in Knoxville, TN. One question that John Becker asked us was whether Tommye was the oldest living woman marine and i have no idea how to check. I know at the Marine's birthday party last year in Knoxville, she was certianly the oldest - and received the first piece of cake - but that is no guarantee that she is the oldest woman marine. Do you know of an accurate way to find that out?
My boy friend was there in Khe Sanh in 67 and 68. Even though he finds it hard to talk about it. He wanted me to find something online to tell me more. Thank you for this blog to tell me the story of what went on. I am thankful for those who served, but lost their life. i pray their families have healing hearts.
Kathy
I was stationed at HMX-1 working on the White Tops 1957 -59.
Just got back from the reunion, cannot believe how things have changed
Sal Devito
Captain Grazier has put out something that I believe needs to be said. Recently I have had one of my Marines attempt suicide. We believe he flinched at the last second and the bullet passed through one cheek and out the other. Was he a combat vet, no! Does he have a stressful job, maybe? Was this anything work related, nope! This young LCpl put a pistol to his head because of a young lady that broke his heart. Several Marines talked to him that day, Marines trained in the programs of suicide prevention I may add, and no one saw it coming. I was currently in Afghanistan when this event occurred and the first thought by all is that he was trying to get out of deployment, and then it was maybe too much stress at work. It was none of the above. Relationship issues was the cause.
I have been told that if someone else said it better to quote them. While reading Dale Carnegie's book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" I have found a perfect context to sum up the Captains point. Hans Selye, another great psychologist, said, "As much as we thirst for approval, we dread condemnation".
I believe this speaks to the heart of today’s problem. There is more approval for suicide than condemnation for it. The numbers are on the rise because of this. Do I feel bad for the families affected by this act? Of course I do with all my heart. Do I believe they rate to have the same treatment as someone that did not passed away in battle, no I do not.
I do not know a solution to this problem nor will I try to come up with one. I will not preach to my Marines that suicide it acceptable or refer to the families or the one that committed this act as a "victims".
As for my Marine that attempted to end his life, I will not give him any special favors or treat him any differently. I will always remain there for him to talk and guide and mentor him and if needed show him where he can receive outside help. I will never judge him. I will continue to be there for all my Marines past and present.
I am a Staff Noncommissioned Officer in the United States Marine Corps. As such, I am a member of the most unique group of professional military practitioners in the world. I am bound by duty to God, Country, and my fellow Marines to execute the demands of my position to and beyond what I believe to be the limits of my capabilities.
I realize I am the mainstay of Marine Corps discipline, and I carry myself with military grace, unbowed by the weight of command, unflinching in the execution of lawful orders, and unswerving in my dedication to the most complete success of my assigned mission.
Both my professional and personal demeanor shall be such that I may take pride if my juniors emulate me, and knowing perfection to lie beyond the grasp of any mortal hand, I shall yet strive to attain perfection that I may ever be aware of my needs and capabilities to improve myself. I shall be fair in my personal relations, just in the enforcement of discipline, true to myself and my fellow Marines, and equitable in my dealing with every man.
Semper Fi,
SSgt Mac
It may sound threatening to those leaders identifying the standards their unit needs, but it's not. General Dempsey, CJCS, has an obligation as the senior ranking service member in the nation to keep his subordinates "honest."
General Dempsey stated, "that with women now eligible to fill combat roles in the military, commanders must justify why any woman might be excluded – and, if women can’t meet any unit’s standard, the Pentagon will ask: 'Does it really have to be that high?'”
He follows that up with an excellent point: we have never asked this question. General Dempsey said, “Importantly, though, if we do decide that a particular standard is so high that a woman couldn't make it, the burden is now on the service to come back and explain to the secretary, why is it that high? Does it really have to be that high? With the direct combat exclusion provision in place, we never had to have that conversation.”
Remember, the law of the land is now that women are allowed to participate in previously closed MOSs. The burden is on the service to justify its exclusion. Expect some exclusions to stick, if well supported.
What will be interesting to see is which justifications will be accepted and why.
Beth, thank you for your kind words about my father and his service. My apologies to you for forgetting to thank you for this insightful article about the Viet Nam War and the heroic sacrifices made by the Marines. I have always been Gung Ho Marine Corps my entire life and I am printing full copies, with your permission for my three grown children to have and to look back on when I am gone from this life so that they have an even better understanding than they already have about the Marine Corps, their grandfather, and just how terrible that particular war really was. I lost my father to an even greater enemy 17 years ago...cancer, and my mom this past Jan., also to cancer. I can't thank you enough for writing this article...it has meant so much to me and will be passed on to not only my children, but my four grandchildren. Through your efforts, future generations will know of the terrible price that was paid for their freedom. As a nation, I feel that we have lost much of that focus because the average American's life is so busy and fast paced now. I have only one sibling, a sister 12 years my junior, who was only three when we retired so she has no true connection with the Corps and all it represents. When our dad passed, the funeral director asked if we would like for him to try to contact appropriate Marine Corps authority and attempt to have a Marine Guard and Twenty-One Gun Salute. My sister said, no, I think guns would just scare people. As I looked at her, my rage built. I slammed my fist on the table and said our father's career was one of carrying and using a rifle and I will do whatever it takes to see that he gets what he EARNED!!!! As we approached the National Cemetary, my husband whispered to me, Vickie, look who's here. I looked up from my terrible grief, and saw United States Marines stationed around the perimeter. My dad was buried with full military honors. It was the last gift I was able to give him Beth. However, with your diligence and devotion to the article you wrote, I now have one more gift I can give him by keeping his memory and the memory of all the Marines and their sacrifices that have directly impacted us all for the better, alive. Thank you, Beth, so much, for this is a true gift to me, as well. Your article is a gift that I prize more than anything wrapped and handed to me. With deepest gratitude, Victoria Timmermeyer Kaelin
Gentlemen,
their is only so much a junior enlisted marine can do. for example my rifle qual was almost outdated just before my deployment. being in a new unit that had already done its qual i asked to go to the range with another battalion in the regiment. he told me id get a chance before deployment. well then i chopped over as the scout observer for the infantry unit on the meu. when i asked my mgysgt about requal he told me that the battalion had already done a qual. i asked if once again i could go with another battalion. i was denied and because of the compistion scored got zeroed out do to not quilifying on a range. we have limited power and if our higher ups make a wrong move or choice and dont listen to the needs of the marines who are truly concerned about doin the right thing and staying up to date on their shit. then that is when they have fail.
sincerely,
LCPL of marines
Gentlemen,
their is only so much a junior enlisted marine can do. for example my rifle qual was almost outdated just before my deployment. being in a new unit that had already done its qual i asked to go to the range with another battalion in the regiment. he told me id get a chance before deployment. well then i chopped over as the scout observer for the infantry unit on the meu. when i asked my mgysgt about requal he told me that the battalion had already done a qual. i asked if once again i could go with another battalion. i was denied and because of the compistion scored got zeroed out do to not quilifying on a range. we have limited power and if our higher ups make a wrong move or choice and dont listen to the needs of the marines who are truly concerned about doin the right thing and staying up to date on their shit. then that is when they have fail.
sincerely,
LCPL of marines
Captain Grazier writes: "...in the same way that cowards who betray their comrades on the battlefield by voluntarily surrendering should be forever considered lesser persons, so should servicemembers who take their own lives."
Captain, seriously, do you really mean that? You have taken it upon yourself to judge servicemen who have committed suicide as, "lesser persons" as compared to, well ... yourself. Do you think that is how an officer should look upon a Marine who has killed himself?
Captain, I understand where you're coming from. I get it. But let's stop blaming the boogeymen of "modern sensitivities and moral relativism." And, no, I don't have a hip-pocket solution myself. However, I don't think adopting a position of moral superiority and arrogance is the solution.
LtCol(ret)
Promise me you are getting help as you write this. You are very brave.
I too agree that the focus should be on the survivors. The family, Marine family and friends are all left with the what ifs and guilt. Pain of Why. So much can be learned just by seeing the faces and hearing the stories.
As a Marine Corporal in 1963-64 I shot on the Marine Corps Trap and Skeet Teams. Although the primary focus was rifle and pistol Col Walsh went out of his way to make sure we felt a part of the total Marksmanship Unit. I was fortunate to stand before him to receive a letter of comendation from the Comandant, and then some good Col Walsh worldly comments and advice. One of the most proud moments of my life.
Happy 106th Birthday Sir
Semper Fi
Dave Baldwin
First division H/3/5**
My father was one of the frozen few! Thank God he is still with us!! We hear of many stories and would love to have him contacted, if anyone knows anyone from the frozen H/3/5, few please send an email to: nmanness@yahoo.com!
Suicide is the most selfish act: the most permenant solution to truly temporary problems. No matter the financial rewards, family and friends are left asking why, what could I have done, wasn't I good enough, how could I have helped.
I have to remember that, when the world does not seem to need me, when my problems overwhelm my resources or sensibilities, when the antidepressants or therapy do not fill the void that is my failed life. That being the pain and shame my death would cause is a far greater negative than my current existance.
I only speak from my experience of dreaming of killing myself, that yes, we potential suicides think long and hard about what we are going to do. The thinking may be circular, irrational, and unproductive, but I believe some level of cost-analysis goes on before a potential suicide kills himself. Getting potential suicidals to stop thinking about that one single course of action and about different plans/issues they care about is a standard step in suicide intervention.
I'd take away the SGLI money; a yeoman told me that we didn't get any insurance if we killed ourselves, but I'm a Sailor, not a Marine. Take away that motivation.
Instead of a safety standdown after a suicide in a unit, talk about the survivors. They are left asking all those questions from the first paragraph. Just because they're Marines doesn't mean that they don't need counseling. And the truth is they failed that member who killed himself. If Marine Corps units are so tight and cohesive, why didn't his mates tell the command, get him in counselling, have their wives talk to his wife, get him an appointment with a financial planner?
Lastly, combat stress may not be the primary cause of suicide for service members. I do think that being away from home and family causes many of the problems that lead potential suicides to believe their death is a solution.
met a iwo vet tonight his name is peter fabergast 4th marine div. what a wonderful man my 1o yr oldson an i went to wendys for dinner and i seen him sitting with his wife he had a hat on that said ww2 vet so i stopped over to say thank you and we got to talking and he told meabout his time on the island may god bless him and all our vets for whatthey did. if anyone knows him and would liketo get in contact
my email is jtmc31@aol,com
thank you for this article
my parents knew he and his lovely wife well through their First Marine experiences
General Davis was a great person who lived up to his legend and even more important to USMC standards.
Chief Operating Officer
We loved you guys in the NAM, and it sure looks like there's no loved lost between you fly guys and the grunts. Damn fine work you guys. You make us old grunts proud. OOOH-RAH! S/F Irv Greminger Sgt. 0331 66-67 70-71 RVN