ismith
Well-known member
I only missed being issued one in basic by around 4 years. My younger brother was issued a M1 Garand during his basic training.I am old school
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I only missed being issued one in basic by around 4 years. My younger brother was issued a M1 Garand during his basic training.I am old school
That's cool as hell, Hank!I was picking some apples at the store yesterday. I heard a voice say, "It sure beats rotting pineapple and bananas"
Looked up and there was an old guy with a Marines cap. I recognized the combat bars. 8, and 3 the same as the ones I had.
"Damn, I thought I was the only one". I shook his hand.
He just said, "There are a few".
The ones that made it home alive. And still here.
He had seen my cap. Brown, Navy.
We blocked the fruit isle and talked for half an hour. Then he said,"I gotta hit the road." We exchanged numbers.
Got a call this morning, 0300.
"Morning Cheif". "Morning Master Sargent".
"I knew you would be up,today. You were always the 1st ready in the boats".
What? He remembers me?
The last patrol. He was there. He says he has some pics.
He will dig some out. He lives in SD.
We talked for an hour. About life.
I have not spoken to anyone from those days since 2001. And he is the 1st Marine that was at the base.
He is almost in Dallas and will be at a service today.
His son. A Vet.
God bless America.
I have to say you guys had the best chow.We call it remembrance day in Canada. Today is most likely my last in the regular force (active duty). I've been thinking a lot about hanging out with "the boys" lately. Playing fussball, drinking near beers and watching stupid movies around a laptop that we would quote for the rest of the deployment.
My last stint in the Middle East was in an HQ/Advisor type role. Not the same camaraderie when you chill with senior officers but we still had tons of fun playing poker or karaoke. I created good bonds with the Palestinian troops I mentored. Got home in time for that part of the world to fall apart and who knows what's going on with those guys now after seeing their hometowns and refugee camps raided daily.
It's hard not to be all doom and gloom when every mission you have been on has failed, you habe to focus on the inpacts you have made, not the overall outcome. But regardless of all that, I'm home with my family, unlike many others who never will.