What to get my ex-Marine Pop for his Birthday?

[Cheez2112]

Hi there,

My Pop was in from 59-62, Lance Corporal, did some pre-stuff on the HCM Trail. He reflects upon his Service more and more as he gets older. He's been down to DC to see the Marine Corp band, has a sticker on his car and USMC pin for his jacket. I would always wonder why someone who served for only three years could have such a strong feeling of connection, and then i remember the core values he taught me: respect, hard-work, and perseverance and ton of others. I kind of get it :)

The reason I'm writing is that he's turning 77 in April 2016. He regards the Corp very highly and for this birthday I'd really like to do something special. I have some ideas but not sure they're possible. I was thinking something like a letter from the Commandant's office wishing a Happy Birthday, or, is there any paper trail stuff like his Service records that we could dig up to be copied and framed?

If you have any cool ideas or suggestion I would be happy to hear them. Thank you for your help!

Cheers,
Dave

*quick edit: looks like there are a few threads on this subject already. will look there as well! thx

[USMC 2571]

Welcome to the site. Two suggestions. Go to grunt.com and take a look, and order their free catalog, Sgt Grit is the name of the company. Let your dad pick out something, or give you ideas, lest you get him something he'll politely thank you for, then put in a drawer for the next five years. Unless you know exactly what he wants re the Corps, you won't know what to get. Neither would any of us.

Second, there are a number of places like citation express, and two or three others that I will look up the names of, that construct a certificate, nicely done, with his name, rank, duty stations, ribbons, medals----a very personalized gift.

[USMC 2571]

Citation Express is probably the best. It is run by a disabled Marine veteran.

The other site is cjm something or other, but is not half as good.

Not only this, but in addition to this----- medals of America and us military medals---if he needs replacement medals and ribbons, they have them. Regular or anodized (bright finish).

[USMC 2571]

Now, sit back and enjoy the feedback for the term "EX-Marine" rather than Marine veteran.:)

[m14ed]

Now,
sit back and enjoy the feedback for the term
"EX-Marine" rather than
Marine veteran .
:)


I was just going to explain IF nothing else.

Learn the fact that the "MARINE"
earned that tittle to wear for life.

His father IS a Marine.
His father is NOT a ExMarine.

[USMC 2571]

I knew it, Ed......true words

[m14ed]

Hi there,
My Pop was in from 59-62,
I would always wonder why someone who served
for only three years could have such a strong feeling of connection,
and then i remember the core values he taught me:
respect, hard-work, and perseverance and ton of others.
I kind of get it .

he's turning 77 in April 2016. for this birthday
I'd really like to do something special.

I have some ideas but not sure they're possible.

If you have any cool ideas or suggestion I would be happy to hear them. Thank you for your help!

Cheers,
Dave



You don't mention IF your mother is still with
him / (consider) a night in a cat-house/house of Ill-repute.
Do you have the time to spend with him Chaufering him
while you be his Designated Driver ? Can/does he drink ? that
well? if not , offer him practice and pick up the tab for him.

IS your dad up with some of the modern technoligy >?
Offer him help with locating some of his friends ? internet wise ?
help him search for telephone numbers perhaps using the internet ?

You probibly DON"t have to surprise him, to please him most.
Most likely, something you already know how to do/or your
children or friends / ...

ASK him , realy .

Good Luck with it please-
and give him a SEMPER FI -
from the "gang" on leatherneckDOTcom.

[Apache]

For. Starters
There. Are no ex or former Marines
Now suggestions
A K bar knife
M 1911 45 pistol ( get surplus. See soldier of fortune article )
His medals framed

[mexbearlll]

Cheez2112, You should know better than THAT ! Boy if I ever catch one of My kids or Grandkids calling Me ex-Marine, God help them no matter how old I'm... Give Your Dad a SEMPER FI and tell Him Happy Birthday.

[advanced]

I personally like the cathouse idea, oooooh, the memories.<script type="text/javascript" src="safari-extension://com.ebay.safari.myebaymanager-QYHMMGCMJR/24ccd4e1/background/helpers/prefilterHelper.js"></script>

[FistFu68]

Buy your PaPa a Shotgun w/Bayonet Lug on it Semper Fi

[Cheez2112]

Dear all, thanks for taking the time to set me straight! :) I sincerely appreciate the insight and look forward to checking out some of your suggestions.

Cheers!
Dave

[Cheez2112]

You don't mention IF your mother is still with
him / (consider) a night in a cat-house/house of Ill-repute.

I personally like this idea! He's has a girlfriend (unfortunately?) so I may have to take one for the team ;)

Cheers,
Dave

[Cheez2112]

I was just going to explain IF nothing else.

Learn the fact that the "MARINE"
earned that tittle to wear for life.

His father IS a Marine.
His father is NOT a ExMarine.

Duly noted and well said! Thank you.
Dave

[USMC 2571]

If you want to really make it a special birthday, get him everything we suggested.