Military Pride

Carrie Underwood: Keep Us Safe

May 22, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Salute to Our Troops

If you’re going to release a song dedicated to the military and American troops what better time to release a patriotic song than at the ACM Salute to our Troops show? Carrie Underwood did just that when she put in special request to write an original song just for this all star event and donate the proceeds “Keep it Safe” to ACM Lifting Lives.

Please feel free to download the song here.

Remember, Memorial Day is not just about barbeques, picnics, and family celebrations. Take time to remember what the weekend and day is all about. Freedom is not free as the wall at the Korean War Memorial in Washington DC states.(Taken my trip in 2010)

Visit a cemetery, attend a parade, stand up and salute the veterans as they walk by, look at the American flag and think of all the people who have fought for our freedom over the years.

Keep Us Safe because Freedome is Not Free — Korean War Memorial: Washington DC on Memorial Day

There are men and women in today’s military training and fighting to Keep Us Safe, taking time out of their lives to serve our country, prepared, in case an attack threatens our freedom. Let us not remember the veterans who fought in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Lyrics to Keep Us Safe

“Deserts grow cold
Rivers run dry
We give up on each other without thinking twice
Hope gets lost
Can’t see the dawn
When the storm just won’t let up, give us the faith to carry on
When we get scared
Let this be our prayer
God keep us safe tonight
Keep our eyes toward the skies
Send down an army of angels
To make us brave
And keep us strong and unafraid
God keep us safe
We walk a thousand steps in the wrong direction
Broken and bruised, wearing tattered shoes
Asking Him a thousand questions
But we go on
Trying to get back home
Through the struggles and the troubles I know we don’t walk alone
Even when we get lost through the valleys we crossed
God keep us safe, safe tonight
Keep our eyes toward the skies
Send down an army of angels
To make us brave
And keep us strong and unafraid
God keep us safe
God keep us safe
Oh God keep us safe
Unafraid
And keep our eyes on the heavens and give us grace
Send us an army of angels
To make us brave
Keep us strong and unafraid
Keep us strong and unafraid
God keep us safe
Keep us safe”

What will you do this weekend? In my rural Nebraska town we start off the weekend by raising the flags in the cemetery, it is a cross generational event with kids and boy scouts placing flags on the tombstones marking our veterans with parents and grandparents helping hoist the flagpoles.

Learn More about Carrie Underwood song Keep Us Safe

Carrie Underwood: ‘Keep Us Safe’ Full Song & Lyrics – Listen Now!

Carrie Underwood: ‘Keep Us Safe‘ Full Song & Lyrics – Listen Now! Carrie Underwood: ‘Keep Us Safe‘ Full Song & Lyrics – Listen Now! Check out your first listen of Carrie Underwood’s brand new song “Keep Us Safe”! The 31-year-old country singer debuted …

Carrie Underwood Talks About New Song ‘Keep Us Safe’

At the ‘ACM Presents: An All-Star Salute to the Troops’ taping last month Carrie Underwood debuted a brand new song called ‘Keep Us Safe.’

Carrie Underwood Honors Soldiers With Song Written For …

ACMLiftingLives.org. ACM, ACM Presents An All-Star Salute To The Troops, Carrie Underwood, Keep Us Safe · Superstars Miranda Lambert And Carrie Underwood To Perform “Somethin’ Bad” Duet On 2014 CMT Music …

MUSICinsideU: Keep Us Safe – Carrie Underwood

The Meaning of Carrie Underwood’s Keep Us Safe is a prayer, with all five parts. 1. When things get dark (“rivers run dry… hope gets lost… the storm just won’t let up”) we start to pray – we stop playing superhero and get down on our knees …

Marine Corps Values

March 29, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Marine Corps values of loyalty, pride, strength, and integrity are what I have seen in my sons as they continue their career in the US Marines.

If your son or daughter is thinking about the Marine Corps I would highly recommend it.

The delayed entry program through the local recruiting center gives them a taste of the leadership skills, teamwork, discipline and confidence building that will help them succeed during boot camp.

Recruits also learn the Young Marines Obligation, which states, “From this day forward, I sincerely promise, I will set an example for all other youth to follow and I shall never do anything that would bring disgrace or dishonor upon God, my Country and its flag, my parents, myself or the Young Marines.

These I will honor and respect in a manner that will reflect credit upon them and myself. Semper Fidelis.”

In some areas, the Young Marines program is available for youth ages eight to 18. The program instills a sense of dedication, honor, and commitment to country along with patriotism. They learn to honor and respect themselves and others.

I am a very proud Marine Mom and designing Marine clothing and gifts on CafePress is just one way I express my pride. This design is one of my favorites.

Return to Rolled Sleeves For the Marine Corps

March 9, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Today, March 9th, 2014 the Marine Corps returned to rolled sleeves after a several year hiatus.

You may not think rolling your long sleeves up to become a short-sleeved shirt is big deal, but to the grunts, POGs, leathernecks and Devil Dogs of the USMC it’s a tradition, sets them apart, and it IS a big deal.

On October 18, 2011 the Marine Corps announced Marines would wear sleeves down all year round when not in a combat zone. In an online poll 90% did not like the change. Commandant General James F. Amos listened to his Marines (ok, they want more important things, but hey you take what you can get) and gave them back what they were wanting. Rolled sleeves. On February 25th, 2014 he announced sleeves would return to rolled up status the word went viral across the internet. Even my sons took notice, can you tell who is no longer active duty?

My oldest Marine EAS’ed as of January and lives in Chicago, he had to live with sleeves down in the heat of Yuma Arizona for several years, my youngest Marine son went through Marine boot camp learning to roll sleeves, but didn’t get to stick with the tradition very long before the rule changed. I’ll bet last week he was brushing up on his sleeve rolling skills.

For those Marines who have never rolled sleeves below is the official video from the United States Marine Corps on how to achieve fitted rolled sleeves on the desert blouse. Properly rolled sleeves should lay flush against the arms, look neat and professional without a lot of bulk. Can you believe it was the Marine Corps who taught my son to properly iron?

However, if a Marine has arms of a weightlifter, or “guns” that make the girls blush there is a trick to not cutting off your circulation. It’s called the “cut and stitch” method of rolled sleeves and many drill instructors use this uniform tactic without anyone knowing. My oldest Marine learned this tip in boot camp and when the sleeves down rule went into effect he had several blouses which were no longer usable.

The Marine Corps is the only branch of the military who rolls their sleeves as part of the official uniform.

Learn About Marine Corps Traditions

Backbone: History, Traditions, and Leadership Lessons of Marine One of Us: Officers of Marines–Their Training, Traditions,Marine Corps Lore: US Marine Corps Customs, Traditions,Encyclopedia of the U. S. Marines

Read What the Rest of the Marines Are Saying About Rolled Sleeves

Sun’s out, guns out: Rolled sleeves to make return with Marines

SAN DIEGO — Good news, Marines and fans of Marine biceps (ahem): Rolled sleeves are coming back. Commandant Gen. James Amos and Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Micheal Barrett announced Tuesday via Facebook that the Corps is bringing back …

Marines greet new sleeves-up order with cheers, confusion

Posted on the Marine Corps’ official social media platforms, the announcement that rolled sleeves were back went viral, shared more than 20,000 times on Facebook by Marines who missed the look. They are nearly equaled in number, however, by those who …

Amos: My wife was all over me about sleeves down

Marine noncommissioned officers weren’t the only ones complaining after the Marine Corps banned rolled sleeves on camouflage utilities in 2011. Gen. Jim Amos’ wife, Bonnie, also opposed the change. The commandant himself made the startling admission …

Marine Mom Challenge Coin

March 4, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Look what I just found! A Marine Mom Challenge Coin, I didn’t even know they made them. If my Marine Corps sons ever read my blog this is a ~~big hint for my birthday, Mothers Day, or Christmas.~~ (no more need for a hint) Both my sons have received Challenge coins from their superiors while in the Marines. They have also purchased commemorative coins to recognize their service. I love the meaning behind them and how they chronicle events in a Marines life.

Proud Marine Mom Challenge Coin in the military tradition of the United States Marine Corps

I recently took did a photography shoot of all of their coins when they were home on leave. Some I have transformed them into cards and other gifts, but many I just took photos of for posterity. But, I didn’t know there was a challenge coin for Marine Mothers.

I’ve since had inquiries on Twitter whether the company makes Proud Army Mom or Proud Navy Mom challenge coins, and they certainly do. So if you have a soldier for a son or daughter, or a sailor you too can have a challenge coin to keep in your pocket, purse, or on your desk as a talisman or sorts. As military Moms, we have our challenges of our own, we have to know what to say, what not to say, all in supporting our sons and daughters.

UPDATE: I’m not sure if my son read my blog or not, but he was home shortly after Mothers Day and after handing me a “fake” Mothers Day gift he then handed me a small packet, then put his hand over his mouth as he was hiding a smile and a smirk. I did get my Marine Mom Challenge coin. I keep it with me in my purse and love it. My son’s are so thoughtful.

Yes you can say I’m a pretty proud Marine Mom. I have my coin, I have my shirt and I have my bumper stickers on my car. I also have a necklace and a few USMC blankets. I don’t get to see my boys very often, but whenever I see or use one of my US Marine gifts I think of them and get a little teary eyed.

If you’re looking for a Marine Mom gift you can’t go wrong with any of the below items.

Marine Mom Gifts

Marine Mom Dog Tag Necklace Marine Mom Hooded Sweatshirt in Dark Heather Gray CafePress One Proud Marine Mom T-Shirt Women’s Dark White 6in X 6.5in — Proud Marine Mom Marine Mom Mother’s Day Dog Tag MMF Necklace: USMC Strong Pendant Necklace by The Bradford

The Title Marine is Earned During Boot Camp and the Crucible

January 29, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

The Marine Corps Crucible

The title U.S. Marine is not given, it is earned. A young boy or girl, upon entry into Marine boot camp at MCRD, is called a recruit, not a Marine. Thus the name Marine Corps Recruit Depot. They must earn the title during 13 weeks of rigorous training during boot camp. It is not until the completion of the Crucible the recruits are finally called Marines.

The Crucible is the last test of Marine recruit training and held during Phase Three of training. It is 54-hour test over 45 miles of marching teamwork and leadership. It epitomizes endurance, a brotherhood, and a no man left behind mentality among the warrior.

USMC Keepsake Box – Made a Difference – Ronald Reagan Marine Corps Quote Keepsake Box – Boot camp graduation gift United States Marine Corps Crucible Candle for the final boot camp challenge.Marine Corps Christmas Ornament | Military Christmas Ornament | Boot Camp Graduation Gift | Retirement Gift | Keepsake Ornament | Military Gift

Recruits use problem-solving skills to maneuver and accomplish tasks at challenging stations which replicate real-world situations, named after famous Marines and battles. They survive on only a few hours of sleep during the Crucible, eating a few MRE’s to sustain themselves and if lucky they get tossed an apple or orange, which they devour.

If you would like to try an authentic MRE meal and get an idea of what the military eats in the field you can actually buy them for yourself. Your Marine may think your nuts, ok I guarantee it, but I know younger brothers and sisters of Marines would get a kick out of eating like their big brother on deployment.

Boot Camp: The Making of a United States Marine Marine Boot- by Daniel Da Cruz a Drill Instructor THE YELLOW FOOTPRINTS TO HELL AND BACK: The starting point for every Marine: a drill instructors’ story of life in Marine Corps boot camp during the Vietnam War.

At the end is the last 12-mile march ending with “The Reaper*”, a hill so intimidating it is a legend among Marines. Up they hike, with 60 lb packs, trying not to be last in line and helping their buddies along the way who falter. It’s a right of passage to climb the top, onto the parade deck, see the flags waving, music playing and to have placed in your hand, the Eagle, Globe and Anchor which indicates they have finally earned the right to be called a United States Marine.

*The Reaper a hill unique to the San Diego MCRD boot camp experience