To all United Marines Marines, past, present and future, a very Happy 237th Birthday. We owe you a debt for our freedom that can never be repaid, so we remember you on this day and always.
On Friday September 15, 2012 two Marines were killed at Camp Leatherneck in Southern Afghanistan by what is claimed to be a Taliban attack. This was just just a few days after the September 11, attack on Bengazi. This series of events sent a chill through my spine. My oldest Marine son had just returned from Leatherneck in August and I was thankful to have him home during his post deployment leave.
He was assigned to MALS, or Marine Aviation Logistics and spent his time between the hangers, the flight line, and the warehouse. He worked 12 hours a day, seven days a week on night crew, during the same time the attacks occurred. He always assured me he was safe, there hadn’t been IDF (indirect fire) the whole time, it created a false security with Mom back in Nebraska. I had the attitude that he was just as safe on this base as he was in Yuma. (Which in a way is a good way to view a deployment) Marines are told “Don’t give information that would cause your family back home to worry”
How wrong I was. He could have been in the Harrier hanger when it was bombed. Thoughts run through my mind now of how I would be feeling had my son still been deployed and working in the shop on night shift. Could I even sleep until I knew he was safe? I’m sure I would be calling his FRO (Family Readiness Officer) for the latest news. But he’s stateside now, I got to hug him and tell him I love him. He’s safe and I thank God for bringing him home.
During his leave he showed me his deployment photos and where slept in the barracks ”next to the wire”. I’ve heard the phrases “outside the wire”, “inside the wire”, and there is a big distinction between the two. For those Marines who never get “outside the wire” moving “next to the wire” may be a subtle difference, but it’s a big deal. The small huts I saw in the photos were the same ones described in news accounts that may of aided in the attack. (don’t have permission to post those, for OPSEC can only publish non distinct photos without landmarks)
He said it was kinda crazy being able to see the wire and know just beyond, within eyesight, was clear and present danger. All Marines carry their weapons with them all the time, even on base. Now I know why.
I pray for the all Marines and troops in harms way and for their families at home worrying about them. Although I am furious at the indifference the media seems to have on the incredible increase of attacks and violence against Americans and our allies in the Middle East and Muslim countries.
The attack on Bengazi, the lack of media attention and outrage baffles me. I remember the Beruit embassy attack and it was plastered all over TV and how we as a country were outraged. The initial report of the Ambassador and three other Americans seem to be a diluted way of not recognizing that two Navy Seals were killed.
President Obama was quick to point out their responsibility in killing Osama Bin Laden, but does not give them the credence and recognition when they are killed in the line of duty.
So many emotions run through the mind of a Marine Mom, sometimes its hard to keep them straight, or under control.
As a Mom of two Marines, I was appalled at President Obama’s lack of knowledge, understanding and his utter contempt for our military during the third presidential debate. His condescending attitude and rude responses was not at all presidential and did little to bring honor to the presidency, or our country.
I totally agree with the other Marine Mom @SpunkyBraun who recently posted what could be the “Tweet of the Year”
Dear Mr. Obama, Amb. Stevens would have loved a horse or a bayonette or a
Marine with either one. Sincerely, mom of 2/Marines #debate
Buy this T-Shirt on CafePress
So, in honor of @SpunkyBraun and all Marine Moms who are proud of their sons and daughters I created this T-Shirt design as a reminder there Americans who support our military.
Below is a closer version of the design.
Marines, Bayonets, and the Cavalry
FACT: There are more bayonets used now than in 1917.
FACT: The military still utilizes the Cavalry, although the last time the Cavalry invaded was in 2001 to invade Afghanistan.
FACT: Bayonets are standard issue in the Marine Corps
Mr Mitt Romney, I applaud you for standing up for our military, they do need our support and I beg of you to NOT cut their budgets when you are elected president. If you may please, send a little bit more to the Marine Corp, can’t say I’m a little bit biased. I have two Marine sons.
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I’m the Mom of two Marines and I have the “Proud Parent of a Marine” sticker on my back window. However I want to tell the world that I’m the Mom of TWO Marines. I couldn’t find Marine gear on the “official” sites. So I created my own.
A year ago this month my youngest son left for Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego and started 13 weeks of the most challenging accomplishments anyone can face. Becoming and earning the right to be come a U.S. Marine. At the
Across the parade deck hundreds of new Marines march in their platoons as the last maneuver they will complete before leaving MCRD full fledged Marines. The Marine Band plays to open the ceremony, the chaplain leads every one in prayer and then the parade of dress blues begin. This is my second Marine graduation, my oldest is also a Marine, but the tears of pride still flow just as fast and my hands shake as I hold the camera.
Marine Corps Graduation, San Diego CA
Marine Corp Chaplain leading off the graduation
MCRD, India Company, Platoon 3213, October 7, 2011 (son 6th from right)
My New US Marine, November 2011
Since graduation my new Marine has attended MCT (Marine Combat Training) in Pendleton CA, Corrections training in San Antonio TX, and is now back at Pendleton as his permanent duty station. Congratulations to my newest U.S. Marine, he makes me proud.
I found this draft sitting in my WordPress folder.In evaluating my stats in WordPress my US Marine Corps postings represent 20% of views. Very popular topic, but considering every parent of a new Marine searches the internet for every scrap of information they can find to learn more about the journey ahead, I can understand.
I have two sons in the U.S. Marine Corp, one stateside and one in Afghanistan and have come across a Twitter theme #WarriorWednesday. So I thought why not start a new theme and feature on my blog. I don’t know how long this will last, but at least until I run out of photos and images. So it might take a while.
This image was taken on Family Day at MCRD San Diego after the MotoRun. The new Marines change into their Service Charlies uniform, and garrison hat, or cover (Marines often refer to it as their “piss cutter”.) and then have their first five hour liberty to spend with their families on base.
If a recruit wears glasses or contacts they are issued standard-issue spectacles, S9s or commonly called or BCG’s “Birth Control Glasses” because they are so ugly that no girl will come near you. They have been a staple in the military and are tough, sturdy and just plain ugly.
Marines joke about them, raze each other, but they are just as much as they are hated they hold a certain affection amoung the ranks. I just read on the Marine Corp blog they are being retired for those interested “Goodbye Birth Control Glasses” is a very good read.
This photo started off as “PhotoShopFriday posting until I thought of the #WarriorWednesday. I adjusted the levels, color selected the blue sky, and darkened the blues, used shadows and highlights to open up the shadows on his face and then cropped for a better balanced photo.
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