• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • About My Blogging World
  • My Dogs
    • Finally Found an Indestructible Squeaky Dog Toy!
  • Favorite Recipes
    • My Famous Sweet Pickled Jalapeno Recipe
  • Military Pride
  • Photography
    • Project 365
  • Joy of Advent
  • Affiliate Disclosure

3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

  • Graphic Design
  • Military Gift Store
    • Military Gift Ideas
    • Marine Corps Gifts
      • Marine Mom Gifts
      • USMC Veterans
      • USMC Ornaments
      • Boot Camp Books
      • Custom Designed USMC Gifts
    • Army Gifts
      • Custom Army Gifts
  • Shopping at 3 Quarters
    • Unique Photography Gifts
    • Unique Dog Gifts
    • 3 Quarters Photography Shop

military

My Dad a WWII, D-Day Veteran

June 6, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

My Role Honoring Veterans of WWII

WWII Peace at Last

How did you spend your nineteenth birthday? For my Dad on June 7, 1944 he spent that day sitting on a gunner of a destroyer overlooking the beach of France.

It was D-Day, code name Operation Overlord when Allied forces landed on the beaches of France to liberate France from the Nazi Germans.

My Dad was NOT at Normandy, like I thought. But was in Southern France in the third D-Day which lasted several weeks and was a battle at sea.

I didn’t know this when I was a kid, he never told me about his military service. So now my role in honoring veterans of WWII is telling my Dad’s story.

ORDER History Of The United States Navy Wood Sign

Life on a Navy Destroyer

I know very little about my Dad’s military life, he rarely spoke about it and when he did I was too occupied as a teenager to really listen and remember.

When I was thirteen we went to Fall River Massachusetts to tour the USS Massachusetts and my Dad was more interested in showing us the  USS JOSEPH P KENNEDY JR DD850 destroyer. We climbed aboard the gunners and that was one of the few times I heard him talk about WWII.

The role of destroyers at Normandy is recounted in detail in an online book Destroyers at Normandy published by the Naval Historical Foundation. Most of which I don’t understand and can’t appreciate due to me know knowing the terminology.

Order USS Fiske DD DDR 842 T Shirt Vintage 90s United States Navy Destroyer Ship 50/50 Mens Size Medium

Through official military records, I have since learned my Dad served on the USS Kendrick DD612 and USS Edison.

He was very young and  first  was a “runner” then became a “gunner”. He wasn’t very big, about 5’8″ and about 125 lbs. His nickname was “Tiny Terry the Terrible” he was a scraper from what I could tell.

My Dad said the deck it was loud and confusing. His hands burned from the heat of the gun and at the time they didn’t really know what was happening.

Remember, this was before the days of instant communication, all they could do was their job, do what they were told, and pray for the best.

WWII and Korean War Veteran Ribbons, us army 82nd airborne division

Because my Dad’s WWII duffel bag was lost, stolen, or lifted immediately upon returning to the United States. He lost all of his medals, paperwork and memorabilia from World War II.

Enlistment in US Army Airborne 

He enlisted into the US Army 82nd airborne Division just five years later. I wonder if his WWII experience with the Army Airborne was part of his desire to become a paratrooper.

Although his medals were lost, his still wore ribbons from his previous service in World War II. It is these military ribbons that hang in my shadowbox on the wall.

Why Dad Decided to Join the Military

PFC Leo T. Tyrrell 1952, US Army Airborne

My father was one of five kids and his Mother had just died during childbirth. Their father was in and out of their lives and at this point had abandoned them.  Dad and his brother Vern Tyrrell (“Jub”) tried raising their sisters on their own, but they were teenagers themselves.

Eventually, the kids were divided between family and the poor farm. At the time being 18 years old was the only requirement to enlist in the navy.

According to official military records, my Dad joined the military on his 18th birthday. However, according to oral family history, he was 16 years old when he joined.

I can’t imagine having one of my sons at age 19 in such a battle. Yes, they are both Marines, but we don’t fight wars as we did back then. Thank goodness. I heard on the radio this morning that over 2,500 men lost their lives on the beaches of Normandy on one day, June 6, 1944.

My Dad died in 1995 and today he would be 89 years old. Happy Birthday, Dad. I miss you and wish you were here to watch your grandsons grow up to be fine young men. He would be so proud of them and they would love to hear your stories.

USS Fiske DD-842 Destroyer “World’s Greatest Navy” Embroidered 2-Sided Blue Satin Jacket

World War 2 Books and References

US Navy Ships Camouflage WWII: Destroyers and Destroyer Escorts - Specials series (6099)US Navy Ships Camouflage WWII: Destroyers and Destroyer Escorts – Specials series (6099)Scurvy Dogs, Green Water and Gunsmoke:Fifty Years in US Navy Destroyers, Vol 1, us navy destroyers ww2Scurvy Dogs, Green Water and Gunsmoke:Fifty Years in US Navy Destroyers, Vol 1US Navy Destroyers WW2, naval destroyer shipsUS Navy Ships
Three Years Aboard A Navy Destroyer, life on a navy destroyerThree Years Aboard A Navy DestroyerDestroyer Captain: Lessons of a First CommandDestroyer Captain: Lessons of a First CommandUnited States Navy Destroyers of World War 2, life on a navy destroyerUnited States Navy Destroyers of World War 2

History of Destroyers in WWII

US Navy Ships Camouflage WWII: Destroyers and …

US Navy Ships Camouflage WWII: Destroyers and Destroyer Escorts – Specials series (6099) book download Al Adcock Download US Navy Ships Camouflage WWII: Destroyers and Destroyer Escorts – Specials series (6099) …

Navy Matters: Warship Design

The 5”/38 was splitting the difference, and for armored mounts on WWII destroyers, needed electrical power for AAW or even rapid surface fire. And there were sailors who swore that the Sumner was much more vulnerable …

TaskForce/Convoy Attacks Pre-1944 Advice Please …

And so were the WWII destroyers. They might have stayed there for 24 hours or even longer. At the end of the war there were destroyers as close escorts and as hunter killer groups. The hunter killer groups were not tied to the …

Navy Matters: Mk45 Assessment

Consider the size of WWII destroyers compared to today’s versions or the size of WWII cargo ships compared to the supertanker size vessels of today. Finally, the 5” gun of WWII was an effective AAW weapon (to the extent that …

Capt. Kirk Takes Command Of Hot New Ship – Really! USS …

We had several WWII Destroyers that took several hits and continued fighting. After the battle they would limp back to port, get repaired, and rejoin the fleet. You could penetrate the hull with a 30 caliber bullet. John Taylor.
 

Filed Under: Military Pride Tagged With: childhood memories, d day veteran, D-Day, family, historical events, history, memories, military, military history, navy, Normandy, veteran, WWII

Memorial Day Patriotism

May 25, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

The Internet and Social Media Patriotism

I’m so glad to see Memorial Day patriotism spread all over the vast social media networks, including Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter. People may criticize social media, call it a waste of time, snippets of fluff, but I do think one positive aspect of short exchanges of sentiment can be a statement of not only what you had for breakfast, but a reminder of what really matters in life.

Memorial day photos, MEMEs, and military tributes are covering the internet, signs of patriotism, love of country, and respect for our military. This is a good thing. In these days of political squabbles and infighting let’s not forget our men and women in the armed forces:the Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force, who have given the ultimate price and died serving our country and freedom.

I have combined my three passions (Quarters) photography, graphic design, and the military to give you the image below. Please feel free to share with your friends and family this holiday weekend.

Memorial Day Patriotism
Let us not ever forget, but always remember the reason for Memorial Day.

“Memorial Day,” a poem by Wallace Bruce, is the source of this patriotic quote. The poem was first published in a book called Wanderers in 1907. The glorious men “who kept the faith and fought the fight” are the soldiers who fought and died for their country; the citizens who owe their freedom to these individuals now have the duty to uphold the values for which these soldiers fought. Specifically, the poem is about the soldiers who fought in the Civil War. source

So this weekend, go to your picnics, enjoy your barbecues, throw a steak on the grill, but also take time to visit a cemetery, attend a Memorial Day parade or ceremony. Just think and reflect that while you are enjoying your life and freedom soldiers, Marines, sailors, and airmen fought in many wars before your time to ensure the freedom and rights of the United States of America.

Memorial DayMemorial Day for KidsMemorial Day SurpriseThe Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans

After our annual trip to the town cemetery for a service and recognition I will head over to the senior center where lunch is served for the town and then to the GAR Hall to stroll through our Veterans Museum.

I’d like to know your holiday traditions and how you spend Memorial Day weekend, leave me a comment below and share how your town recognizes this patriotic holiday.

Filed Under: Military Pride Tagged With: celebrate, flag, Flag of the United States, Holiday, internet, memorial day, memorial day patriotism, military, Nebraska, patriotic, patriotism, quote, small town, Social Media, traditions, united states of america, veterans

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 …

 

Filed Under: Military Pride Tagged With: carrie underwood, carrie underwood keep us safe, country song, Holiday, memorial day, military, rural america, troops, veterans, video, washington dc

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.

Famous Marine QuoteThe 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. 

 

Filed Under: Marine Corps Tagged With: armed forces, cafepress, Gifts, marine corps values, Marine Mom, marines, military, shirt, US Marines, USMC

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?

Marine Corps returns to rolled sleeves

 

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.

On March 9, 2014 the United States Marine Corps is returning to rolled sleeves after more than a two year hiatus for their summer uniform of desert digital camo.

 

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 MarineOne 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 …

Filed Under: Marine Corps Tagged With: Marine Corps, marines, military, Military uniform, news, rolled sleeves, United States Marines, USMC

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Page 5
  • Page 6
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 12
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

What I Write About

Shop Amazon

Follow me on Twitter

My Tweets
  • RSS - Posts
  • RSS - Comments

Categories

Visit my Facebook Page

Visit my Facebook Page

Pages

  • About My Blogging World
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Army Gifts
    • Custom Army Gifts
  • Best Place to Print Political Yard Signs
  • Cool Gifts for Photographers and Camera Lovers
  • Food & Recipes
  • Google Search Results
  • Marine Boot Camp Resources for Parents
  • Marine Corps Gifts for Any Occasion
    • Best Gifts for Marine Corps Veterans
    • Marine Mom Gifts
    • Marine Mom Shirts & Gifts
    • USMC Ornaments
  • Military Gifts for Birthdays and Christmas
  • Personalized Custom Graphic Design Services
  • Unique Dog Gifts for Pet Owners

Recent Posts

  • Starting a Small Business in the Second Half of Life
  • Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day
  • Local Farmers Market Booth Ideas
  • High School Graduation Party Ideas
  • How I Became a Face Mask Designer

Tags

365project Advent animals Block Island christmas Connecticut cooking country dogs Elmwood-Murdock Faith family flowers Food God Holiday Holidays Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod marine Marine Corps memories midwest military music Nebraska Omaha pets Photography Photoshop postaday Product Review project365 recipe rural Silent Sunday small town snacks snow Spring summer tradition travel USMC video winter

Follow me on Twitter

My Tweets

Footer

Copyright © 2025 · Lifestyle Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...