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Marine Corps

Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day

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Marine Mom Annual Letter

This Marine Mom has written several previous letters to the Marine Corps. It’s been a couple of years since I wrote my last letter. But this year I felt compelled to write again.

It’s late at night this year and I’m reviewing the past couple of years. Two of my Marines are veterans. My third, a son from another Mother, is finishing up his last tour after two enlistments.

The years 2020 and 2021 have seen a lot of changes and challenges. Everyone has had their challenges and obstacles to overcome. I do have to say that my boys have gained the skills from the USMC to not only deal with the challenges but come out the other side better men.

Dear Marine Corps,

Thank you Marine Corps for teaching my Marines, patience, flexibility, motivation, and endurance through trials and life.

Thank you for teaching them patience. They learned patience in many ways. Patience was needed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The lockdowns, masks, and shutdown of a career that was just getting started required not only patience but flexibility.

Patience, from the “hurry up and wait” mantra of the Marine Corps taught them to endure this past 18 months. The inability to attend college classes, and not being able to go to the gym on base.

A Marine stand in front of the Eagle, Globe and Anchor at MCRD San Diego.

The constant need to adapt to the needs of the Marine Corps gave them all the flexibility to change, adapt, and create new daily goals to stay motivated and help others do the same.

Motivate!

Yes, thank you for this phrase. I hear often from my oldest Marine veteran. It was not only a challenge to stay motivated during the lockdown, but to keep his colleagues motivated during the lockdown and work shutdown.

A US Marine who served in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom 2012

He not only endured but thrived and took the lessons he learned from the United States Marine Corps, and experience in Airwing supply logistics and applied them organizing crews unloading semi-trucks for stadium tours and Broadway shows.

Lastly thank you for the endurance given to a specific deployed Afghanistan Marine this year. I am sure he saw more than he probably wanted to see, and will never look at freedom and home the same after the end of August.

Honoring our Armed Forces on the Marine Corps birthday and Veterans Day.

I haven’t had a chance to give him a hug yet and tell him how proud I am of him. He doesn’t think I thought of him often, but I did. He has grown so much during these since I first met him at age 10 and now he has the eyes of experience. Thank you for bringing him home safe and sound.

Thank you again,

A Thankful Marine Mom

Marine Corps Birthday

So on this unofficial holiday of the Marine Corps birthday, I want to remember how the Marines have helped make men out of boys.

USMC Birthday Message to Marine Corps Parents

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In years past I have written my USMC Birthday message to the Commandant of the Marine Corps or to the U.S. Marines in general.

United States Marine Corps Birthday 2017

I am now addressing the new Marine Corps parents and families. Being a Mother of three Marines gives me a different perspective than my first year. Marine history, traditions, and responsibilities I understand more than ever.

Yes, I WAS that nervous Marine Corps boot camp Mom who couldn’t hold her camera still due to my hands shaking. I wear Marine Mom clothing and have my share of Marine decor around the house.

After attending three Marine Corps graduations and listening to my Marines complain has given me a thicker skin. My viewpoint is a little different.  It is said, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” and the saying is also true. Once a Marine Mom, always a Marine Mom.

In years past I have written my USMC Birthday message to the Commandant of the Marine Corps or to the U.S. Marines in general.

I am now addressing the new Marine Corps parents and families. Being a Mother of three Marines gives me a different perspective than my first year. Marine history, traditions, and responsibilities I understand more than ever.
Yes, I WAS that nervous Marine Corps boot camp Mom who couldn’t hold her camera still due to my hands shaking.

After attending three Marine Corps graduations and listening to my Marines complain has given me a thicker skin. My viewpoint is a little different.  It is said, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” and the saying is also true. Once a Marine Mom, always a Marine Mom.
The United States Marine Corps teaches new recruits to become independent adults. We notice the initial change during the family day and graduation. Our new Marines stand taller, more confident, and have an air about them that is sometimes completely foreign to the son or daughter that left home 13 weeks earlier.

USMC Letter to Parents

Read my previous letters to the USMC and the Commandant below

This Mother of two Marines writes a letter to the Marine Corps as a way of gratitude for her Marine sons.” 
2017 Marine Corps Birthday Message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps


The United States Marine Corps teaches new recruits to become independent adults. We notice the initial change during the family day and graduation. Our new Marines stand taller, more confident, and have an air about them that is sometimes completely foreign to the son or daughter that left home 13 weeks earlier

USMC Letter to Parents

“Dear Marine Corps Parents,

Marine Moto Run on Family Day

Your new Marine is has been put through the toughest military training and has NOT been babied. They have NOT been coddled. You may cry a little inside when they tell you stories of boot camp. You probably did when you read their letters from home. It is said it takes three weeks to form new habits. Your Marine formed new habits and broke old ones. 

Trust in the Corps, trust in your sons and daughters. USMC training is tough, it is meant to be. It prepares them for their duties ahead, it prepares them deployment, for war, for battle, and for life after the Marines.

When your Marine complains, bite your tongue, don’t enable but encourage. If they say they are broke and have no money, don’t send any. Seriously, don’t.

A message to new Marine Corps parents as they attend their first Marine Corps Graduation

Marines HAVE money.  According to my THREE Marines, they have expendable income. Their rent, utilities are paid. Your Marine needs to learn to manage money better. Drinking, tattoos, pizza three times a week and the cursed vending machines suck them dry. Mess hall food IS edible. It is not Mom’s home cooking, but it’s better than MRE’s if they are deployed. 

New Marines don’t need new vehicles. The payments coming out of their check and insurance could easily pay for a good pre-owned car and plane tickets home. 

Marines do NOT have to pay to have their taxes done. On every base, there are free tax services provided. An appointment is all that is needed. Signs are posted on bulletin boards as tax time approaches. They can also deduct all uniform and haircut expenses. That $9.00 haircut every week adds up. New boots, dress cover? Save receipts.

Did you know they can also be saving money for savings and retirement every paycheck? A class on financial responsibility is given in boot camp. They can designate a portion of their paycheck during the boot camp class and years later they will have thousands of dollars saved. Most will even forget about it and have a nice nest egg for a new car or down payment on a house when they get out.

The Marine Corps gives every Marine an opportunity to earn college credits, volunteer at civic organizations, and advancement in rank and pay. It’s a system of rewarding achievement. Challenge coins, ribbons, Marine of the Month, Quarter and LOAs (letters of achievement) can be earned and stay with them in their record.

Encourage your new Marine to participate, “embrace the suck” and when they receive their DD214’s at the end of service they will come to work in the “real world” is a piece of cake compared to the Corps. It is rare that a Marine enjoys their enlisted career, but it is rare that they don’t talk about it and stand a little taller when they get out. The camaraderie is one that remains for a lifetime. Once a Marine, Always a Marine.

So Semper Fi parents, breathe, relax and enjoy the ride!

Best regards,

A Marine Mom 

USMC Graduation is the time for new beginnings for both Marines and their parents

 

Read my previous letters to the USMC and the Commandant below

Please feel free to read my previous letters to the US Marine Commandant, the Marine Corps as a whole and my heartfelt wishes during each year of my Marine Mom journey.

Marine Mom Message on the date of the Marine Corps Birthday 2017
2015 Marine Mom Letter to the USMC Commandant on the 240th birthday of the Marine Corps
A Marine Mom writes letters to the United States Marine Corps on the eve of the Marine Corps Birthday to thank them for what they do and tell the story of her sons.
A letter from a Marine Mom to the USMC. This Mother of two Marines writes a letter to the Marine Corps as a way of gratitude for her Marine sons.

2017 Marine Corps Birthday Message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps

A USMC Birthday Message From a Thankful Marine Mom

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My USMC Birthday Message

Happy Birthday Marine Corps

This will be my fourth year writing a USMC Birthday message to the United States Marine Corps.

Last year I was anticipating attending a third USMC Boot camp graduation at MCRD San Diego. It is with our 3rd Marine son in mind that I write this letter, and my appeal for all new Marines to watch, learn, and carry forth the tradition of Semper Fidelis Marines.

Marine Mom shirts are perfect gifts for a Mother with a son or daughter in the United States Marine Corps.

Letter from a USMC Mom

Dear Marine Corps

I sit here on the eve of the Marine Corps Birthday with nothing to write. Seriously. In years pasts I’ve written to you that I am proud to be associated with the finest branch of the United States military.

I have expressed a military Moms pride, I have thanked you and have appealed for increased military leadership in the US Marines.  

But this year, I struggle to put words down. Why?

Maybe because you have taught this Marine Mom well. I don’t worry about my sons. They are in good hands. The USMC has taught them to survive, to take the bad with the good, and embrace “The Suck.” 

Never have I been that helicopter Mom who hovers and micromanages my kids. But it is only natural for a Mother to worry. I do see this in other Marine Moms, however, who worry if their sons and daughters are getting enough to eat, or is their drill instructor being too mean.

New Marine Moms struggle with the empty nest syndrome and lack of “instant communication” during boot camp. 

They wonder if their sons and daughters are getting enough to eat, is their drill instructor being too mean? Those are just some of the worries. These are eliminated during the USMC graduation family day, however.

If you know a USMC Mom then you always know what to get them. More Marine Mom shirts. Seriously, they can't have enough.

Read my previous letters to the USMC and the Commandant below

2015 Marine Mom Letter to the USMC Commandant on the 240th birthday of the Marine Corps
A Marine Mom writes letters to the United States Marine Corps on the eve of the Marine Corps Birthday to thank them for what they do and tell the story of her sons.
A letter from a Marine Mom to the USMC. This Mother of two Marines writes a letter to the Marine Corps as a way of gratitude for her Marine sons.
Happy Birthday Marine Corps!! Let's give a shoutout on November 10th of every year to the United States Marine Corps. Find Happy Birthday Marine Gifts for everyone including veterans, parents and wives.

Date of the USMC Birthday

The date of the USMC Birthday falls on November 10th every year to celebrate the founding of the Marine Corps in 1775.

They have a long tradition of brotherhood that dates back to their birthplace in Tun Tavern. Below is the annual message to Marines and their families from the Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller.

This Marine Mom sweatshirt is perfect for the proud USMC Mom as a boot camp graduation gift.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOSuslaKKHY[/embedyt]

 

A Marine Mom Letter to the Marine Corps on Their Birthday

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The Marine Corps birthday is just around the corner and once again I begin my Marine Mom letter to the Marine Corps.

My first letter was a request, last year was a letter of thanks and this year is emphasizing a Marine parents concern and an appeal for future Marines. Tonight I wait for photos from my second son’s Marine Corps Ball, to all Marines active, retired, or inactive, I wish you the best on this 240th Marine Corps birthday.

Marine Mom Letter to the Marine Corps

For the first time I have a family member in every phase of the Marine Corps journey. My oldest is using the Post 9-11 GI Bill to attend college, my youngest son is still active duty with less than a year left before he obtains his DD214 and begins a new chapter in his post USMC life, and my stepson is currently at boot camp. So another trip to MCRD San Diego is in the near future.

Marine Corps Graduation, San Diego CA
2011 Marine Corps Graduation, San Diego CA

So this year my letter is to Commandant General Robert B Neller, why not go large and speak right to the head person in charge. Here is his official Marine Corps birthday message and below is mine.

 

Dear Marine Commandant General Robert Neller,

This year another member of my family enters the United States Marine Corps and I want to impose on your to listen to a Marine Mom and our concerns as parents. Like our Marines, we come from different background, different ethnic groups, and different social economic backgrounds. Each one of us is unique and different, but there is a common thread, we love our sons and daughters.

Please continue to stress to NCOs that they are leaders and they should hold themselves to a higher standard. Junior Marines not only want good leaders, they NEED good leaders. So many young men and women enter the fleet barely out of high school and immediately leave for boot camp. Many times I hear of young Marines with money problems, girl problems, drinking problems and even bigger ones that land them in the brig or worse. 

In no way am I blaming the USMC, I recognize this is often the result of gathering young, hormone, gung-ho, “invincible feeling” men together in one location who have expendable income for the first time in their life.

However, I know from listening to my sons, the Marine Corps offers continuing education opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and various activities with the Single Marine Corps. Please continue to strongly encourage these men and women to take up a hobby, stay busy, and stay involved in not only the base community but the surrounding town in which they live. 

I am very lucky to have two Marine sons who listened to good leaders and are the best examples of what it means to be a Marine. I have watched as they serve their community, I have watched how they respect others, and notice their surroundings in order to respond quickly and lend a hand to someone in need. 

This year I will be attending my third Marine Corps graduation and as I watch the chaplain lead off the ceremony with a prayer, I pray the emphasis and dedication to God and country always remains an important part of the United States Marine Corps.

Signed a very proud Marine Mom

Happy Birthday Marine Corps Greeting Card Buy from and Support the USMCHappy Birthday Marine Corps Greeting Card Buy it from

My Previous Letters to the Marine Corps

You may be interested in reading my previous letters to the Marine Corps, here is 2014 letter and the first one I ever wrote. They are very popular this time of year and I welcome your comments below.

A Marine Mom writes letters to the United States Marine Corps on the eve of the Marine Corps Birthday to thank them for what they do and tell the story of her sons.

A letter from a Marine Mom to the USMC. This Mother of two Marines writes a letter to the Marine Corps as a way of gratitude for her Marine sons.

2016 Marine Mom letter on the USMC Birthd

This year I’m adding a new Marine video I just found and it’s quickly becoming my favorite. Performed by Madison Rising and with an introduction by R. Lee Emery, the actual Marine Drill Instructor in the movie Full Metal Jacket.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPLfGbtdlUM[/embedyt]

Facts About Iwo Jima, One of the Most Famous Battles of World War II

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Ever since my sons became Marines I have been interested in my family’s military history and wonder where my Dad would of been on significant dates like Iwo Jima. February 19, 1945 the landing at Iwo Jima and he was assigned to the Destroyer the USS Edison DD439. I can’t find record of where exactly on this date his ship was, but I do know my Dad was only twenty years old.

According to records I found on Ancestry.com, my father was AOL (absent over liberty) more than once. Once in July of 1945 after liberty in San Diego. I can’t even imagine being twenty years old and loading guns on the deck of a destroyer, seeing men die on your ship, rescuing prisoners from an enemy sub off of Italy and keeping your sanity. Maybe that’s why he took extra time when he was on liberty leave, he didn’t want to go back.

My Dad rarely talked about World War II, and most of the men who fought on that hell hole of an island, filled with Japanese hiding in caves and tunnels, didn’t want to talk about it either. Many young men just like my Dad landed on February 19, 1945, many didn’t return, many saw things they would rather forget, but carried with them all their lives.

Books and Movies About Iwo Jima

By far the best book on Iwo Jima is James Bradleys, Flags of our Fathers is on the USMC Commandants reading list for Iintermeidiate level enlisted personal: INTERMEDIATE  GYSGT, MSGT, and 1STSGT. I think its a book everyone should read to appreciate what the sacrifices our military makes not only during war, but when they return.

Flags of Our FathersIwo Jima: 50 Years of Memories

Facts about Iwo Jima

Dozens, if not hundreds of books and movies have been written about this famous battle that turned history, but below are just a few facts.

  1. The island of Iwo Jima is 4.5 miles long by 2.5 miles wide and lies 650 miles south of mainland Toykyo.23
  2. The island was a strategic airfield position for the Japanese who intercepted US flying missions to Tokyo. Once taken the United States could then invade Japan and thus end the war.² ³
  3. The Battle of Iwo Jima lasted for 36 days starting on February 19th and ending on March 16, 1945.
  4. One third of all Medal of Honor award for World War II were given for gallant action in Iwo JIm, a total of 23 out of 82 given to Marines during the war.¹
  5. Iwo Jima was the costliest battle in the history of the Marine Corps, One in ten Marines lost their lives on the tiny island. 70,000 Marines fought on the island and 7,000 lost their lives ³
  6. Out of the 21,000 Japanese troops only 1,083 survived, the remainder were either killed or committed suicide.²
  7. Two Japanese soldiers didn’t surrender until 1949, they dug into tunnels and caves to avoid detection for over four years.¹
  8. Major General Howard Connor gives the Navajo code talkers, who relayed messages in their tribal tongue, for the success of the Marines taking Iwo Jima.¹
  9. Mount Suribachi, the highest point on the island at 528 ft in elevation
  10. Mt Suribachi was taken on February 23rd on the third day of fighting and is the site of the the famous flag raising.
  11. After the battle the island served as an emergency landing strip for more than 2,00 B-29 bombers thus saving more than 24,000 airman.¹
  12. The United States returned the island to Japan as a gift in 1968.¹

Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial Card

The question is often asked and disputed by many, was the iconic flag raising staged. The answer quite simply is no. Yes there were two flag raisings, the first was a smaller flag which was celebrated and cheered. However the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal wanted the flag as a souvenir and thought the official flag should be larger.

Joe Rosenthal, an AP reporter, missed the first flag raising as he was shooting photographs of the harbor. He actually didn’t see the photo before it was sent in and published in the papers. When he was told it was all over the front pages he asked “Which one, the posed one?” for he had also taken another photo with the same flag with all the men standing and raising their arms.

The actual US Flag flown at Iwo Jima displayed at the National Marine Corps Museum
The actual US Flag flown at Iwo Jima displayed at the National Marine Corps Museum

I was lucky enough to view the actual flag in the Rosenthal photograph at the Marine Corps museum in Virginia with my youngest Marine son.If you ever have the chance to visit the museum it is very much worth your time.

One of the most popular exhibits is the Iwo Jima area, and the most popular person is Frank Matthews (24th Marines, 4th Marine Division – Iwo Jima) a volunteer docent at the museum who was 18 years old when he fought on that island in the middle of the Pacific. Frank was not at the museum when we visited that weekend and I wish he was, I would of loved to meet him and shook his hand.

On this 70th anniversary of Iwo Jima let’s remind people that is was the military who deserves the recognition for keeping our country free and safe. World War II was the first time American soil was attacked at Pearl Harbor and if it hadn’t been for our brave men and women in uniform fighting in foxholes, ditches, and in muck and grime American history would have been a lot different.

To all the veterans the world owes you a lot of thanks.

References

  1. The Battle of Iwo Jima: 5 Things You Didn’t Know, Ross Bonander
  2. The Battle for Iwo Jima, The National WWII Museum
  3. Was the Flag Raising at Iwo Jima Staged, Skeptical Humanities blog