Todays Moto [Archive] - Page 3 - Marine Corps Community for USMC Veterans

jinelson

02-11-08, 08:13 PM

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My Brother A United States Marine
by Tracy Crowe

The announcement was sudden and quite unexpected
My dad stood motionless, my mom looked dejected
My eyes filled with awe; I stared at my brother
He had made this decision without asking another

My dad, troubled but proud, hugged him and asked,
”Have you thought this through? Are you up to this task?”
“You are 26 years old with a college education.”
The words of a father, voice of contemplation.

Dad joined the Marines in 1964.
He knew what lie ahead and what John was in for.
The reprimanding, commanding and constant direction,
the intensity of training and demand for perfection.

John is strong in body and stable in mind
This test would leave his courage defined.
He had made his decision, signed up as a recruit
It seemed this was final and not up for dispute.

Mom had been silent in complete disbelief.
Her eyes filled with sadness and heart filled with grief.
She barely could talk as she choked back her tears,
“When giving birth to a son, this was my greatest fear.”

John held her close and said not to be scared.
He knew what to expect and felt very prepared.
“The world is calm now and no need for war,
I’ve always wanted to join the Marine Corps.”

He left the day after Christmas in 1996.
It was a terrible moment, one I’ll never forget.
Boot camp awaited and it was time for goodbye
We prayed that three months would soon fly by.

John walked to his car and gave me a wave
I wondered aloud how he could be so brave
I wanted to stop him and beg him to stay
We waited for letters and prayed everyday

Graduation soon came and we anxiously waited
To see our Marine this Corps had created
Soon came an announcement and he marched into sight
“There he is, There he is,” we exclaimed with delight.

Who was this thin, strong, strapping young man?
“Didn’t they feed him and look at that tan!”
We smothered him with hugs and words of adoration
Emotions ran high during that graduation.

A 6-year commitment with five years complete
He’s a man of 32 with a new career at his feet.
The word came by letter and asked them to report
They had 48 hours to get ready to deport.

I arrived at my grandmas; she greeted me at the door
I looked in her eyes and braced myself for
The news that awaited and despite my prayers
They needed more in Iraq and John soon would be there.

I fell into her arms and she held me so tight
“He’s tried to reach you and will call back tonight.
Now Tracy, be strong for your Mother’s sake”.
I nodded, breathed deeply, yet felt my heart break.

Her eyes glistened with tears and they fell down her face
“This never gets easier, no matter the case.”
Her husband, her son and now her grandchild,
Yet somehow she managed to keep emotions compiled.

This must come with wisdom, experience and age
For I felt myself reeling and seething with rage
Yet I knew she was right, keep positive perspective
Face down our fears and maintain objective.

My parents arrived and I stared at the door
awaiting their reactions, wondering if they knew more
My mom’s eyes were red, tired and swollen
My dad’s face was blank, yet full of emotion.

We were all still in shock and unsure how to feel
Not sure whether to believe if this news was real
The Marine Corps is famous for changing their plans
Yet deep-down we knew it was all in God’s hands.

The phone rang and I knew it was John on the line
I picked up the receiver and tried hard not to cry
He sounded the same, calm and collected;
If he was afraid, his voice didn’t reflect it.

He was gathering his things, making last minute plans
Moving his belongings, saying goodbye to his friends.
My voice began to crack and tears filled my eyes
“Don’t worry Trace, I’ll be just fine.”

Days and nights passed and plans changed a bit
The departure delayed but not canceled yet.
Soon the inevitable came and he called with goodbye
His voice strong and steady yet different this time.

It was late in the afternoon when I arrived home that day
Dialed my voicemail and I heard him say,
“It may be some time before I call again
We’re boarding the plane, but don’t worry and when
They give us a chance, I’ll be in touch,
Have a good summer and I love you so much.”

I phoned my parents and mom answered the line,
“Tracy, we just have to believe that John will be fine.
He’s being strong for us, so we will do so for him,
I know in my heart, we will see him again.”

Mom bought yellow ribbons and we hung them from trees
They flow ever so gently with each passing breeze
There they will stay until John returns
As a reminder of our love, hope and concerns.

It was almost a month before the first word arrived
He was doing ok and trying his best to survive
The harsh desert heat, lack of showers and shelter
Sleeping in tents, his life all helter-skelter.

My dad grows more anxious with each passing moment
Questioning the motives of each political proponent
Are his son’s well-being & innocent Iraqi’s worth such destruction?
Is this truly about Saddam or just oil production?

Time moves so slowly as we wait for each call or letter
Just praying he’s safe and that conditions get better
We go through the motions, trying hard every day
To stay strong and have faith while he’s so far away.

His friends call and write to ask how he’s doing
To find out the latest and what plans are ensuing.
Many send their prayers, love and concern;
All wanting to know, of course, when he’ll return.

We’ll remain optimistic until that days comes
And continue to pray to The One up above:
God, bless him, keep him and protect him each day
Please help him and guide him to find the right way
May danger avoid him and hardship be gone
Please bring him back to us, where he belongs.

jinelson

02-12-08, 09:00 PM

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A Son Of A MARINE!

by Jerrika Fuller - 9th Grade

My baby boy came to me
With a sparkle in his eye.
He came to say good-bye to me,
And of course I asked why.

He said " I'm going to see daddy,
I'll stay with him for a while."
I just looked at him with a tear in my eye
And gave him a gentle smile.

I told him, " Sweetie, he's too far away,"
I started to cry because I didn't know what to say.

Daddy and I were supposed to go fishing...
I guess that's something else important he'll be missing.

My son came to me later on that night
And asked why daddy had to leave to fight.

I knew I couldn't answer the questions that he had,
But I could see in his eyes, he was confused and sad.

My little boy is growing up too fast.
His daddy only remembers what he looked like
About three years back.

My son is seven now and getting tall,
His daddy gets to see him
And come home this fall.

We watched all the troops walk off of the plane,
But daddy wasn't there,
We wanted to cry but had to refrain.

So my mommy and I turned around,
and there daddy was... Not making a sound.

Daddy smiled at me and gave me a hug.
He held me so tight, I felt so snug.

My daddy's a MARINE that's all I can say.
He served three years in Iraq,
So YOU could live free another day.

jinelson

02-13-08, 08:33 PM

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My Marine

by Megan Six - 11th Grade

His camouflage uniform brings out the green color of his eyes
I sit and watch him pack his bags and anticipate our goodbyes
He must stand the ground that freedom upholds
And endure engagements wherever they may unfold
It's hard to comprehend what he must do
He's fighting for his country, for me, and for you
He puts his life on the line, cause freedom isn't free
He's forced to experience things I may never have to see
He has the mind and body of a warrior, he's been taught to kill
He was trained to do these things, cause no one else will
I glance at him once more, he's one of the bravest men I've ever seen
But then again, he'd have to be, he's a United States Marine!

"My boyfriend graduated from boot camp in November of last year and from SOI on February 2nd. I'm so incredibly proud of him and so thankful for what he's doing for me and everyone else who loves him. He's destined for Iraq this September. All I ask for is your prayers, every troop who has had to go over there deserves them. They're fighting for YOU!"

ggyoung

02-14-08, 02:27 PM

Now that is "Out Marine Corps Standing".

jinelson

02-14-08, 08:08 PM

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Carry On

by Kyle - 8th Grade

To those on the front lines, we salute you,
As you march onward to war, onward to unknown territory.
Marching to battle where you may not return.
So carry on, weary soldier, carry on.

As you fight to protect our American homestead,
Fighting to protect our freedom, our families,
Fighting to protect our way of life, our country that we call home.
So carry on, weary soldier, carry on.

While you are away don't forget.
Don't forget your family, your friends.
Don't forget the symbol of freedom that is the U.S.A.
Don't forget why you march to war or why you fight.
Don't forget where your heart lies
And don't forget to carry on, weary soldier, carry on.

Because we will not forget you.
We will not forget your work or dedication.
We will not forget that you march for us, that you fight for us.
We will not forget that you defend our home so we may be free.
Most of all we will not forget that you carry on for us.
So carry on, weary soldier, carry on. Kyle
8th Grade

Poem "recognized for creative excellence"
by School District of Lee County, Ft. Myers, FL

MotivatorOfTheGuard

02-15-08, 10:16 AM

This is moto just because this is how Marines make light of a otherwise undesirable situation. If you watch the video, you'll notice a lot of Marines of all ranks, builds and walks of life coming together to find comfort and humor with each other.

STUCK ON IWO JIMA (to the tune of Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison Blues)

I hear the whistle blowin,
It's revielle at six,
it's time for me to wake up,
I'm tired of this s**t,

I'm stuck on iwo jima,
a horrid place to be,
with that duty roster rollin,
it always lands on me,

Off the coast of beirut,
Doin' gator squares,
I wish those damn Israeli's
Would chill out over there,

Cause i lost my tax-free pay,
My bank is getting low,
Back on through the Suez,
Is where i want to go,

I almost killed a sailor,
just to get some chow,
Finally made it up there,
and all the rolls were out,

Now some chow-hall nazi's yellin,
Boys you need to leave,
I waited all this time,
and never got to eat,

It's 2200
I finally got to bed,
then the 1MC turns on,
and this is what he said,

We found a floating chem light,
Might be a sailor too,
Muster all your sections,
Time plus two,

Well i wish i was that chem light,
Floating to the states,
not on any roster,
i'm sure i'd get away,

But i'm stuck on iwo jima,
a horrid place to be,
and at 0600 tommorrow,
green on green PT.

You can see the video at Youtube, just type in "Stuck on Iwo Jima", this video really does show how Marines find comfort in their brethren. Enjoy.

ggyoung

02-15-08, 05:45 PM

I was referring to "Carry On"

jinelson

02-16-08, 12:59 AM

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Hope and Pride

By Leigh-Anne Hurley

A place free from one person power,
A place that holds liberty in it's highest honor.
A place where people can live free
A place where always be.

The day of the towers...9/11/01
Shall never be forgotten
In the hearts of many.
And our brave men and women,
Who are fighting for what we believe in,
Shall come back one day and tell their stories
And they shall be our generations' veterans and heroes
As we go on in life and strive to remember
That one glorious day, that was shattered by hate.

Let the following generations remember it,
As a day America stood up,
And made it a goal to stop hate.
And let the others know that you can't destroy America's towers.
Because the towers are still standing,
Called Hope and called Pride.
And you can't smash the towers we hold deep inside.

So, no matter what you may say
Or who you may hate
Remember that we are all created equal
In this country, in this land,
Called the United States of America.

jinelson

02-17-08, 03:15 AM

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My Marine

By Ruth E. Beardslee
In honor of my son, SSGT Dean J. Beardslee, USMC

My little baby boy,
Blond with eyes of blue.
Held close within my arms,
My son, I love you.

So many memories
Throughout the years,
Years filled with happy times
And sometimes filled with tears.

Dandelions in chubby hands,
Filled a water glass.
Then he’s in a fishing boat
Trying to get that big bass.

How quickly those years passed,
More quickly then we knew.
Soon the little boy was grown,
Now a man with eyes of blue.

Graduation and college bound,
Too big for Mama’s knee.
So many times I’ve wished
That little boy, again he’d be.

He is a man of pride,
A husband and a father.
Standing straight and tall,
A man of strength and honor.

I look with pride upon the man
My son has grown into.
Now he wears a uniform
And the colors of "dress blue."

The colors that he wears
Tell the story well.
He fights for our freedom
As he gives the Marine Corps yell.

The fierceness of a "Devil Dog,"
And the courage of a bear.
Don’t raise a hand against our flag!
Don’t you ever dare!

He puts his life upon the line
For you and I each day.
He is a man of iron,
Not one with feet of clay.

He’ll walk through the fire
And wade through the flood
And make a sacrifice for you
Even with his own blood.

He leaves behind his family,
Wife and children dear,
Mother, sisters and brother
And fights without fear.

He fights for right and freedom
And proudly bears our flag
As he goes into the battle
With feet that never drag.

He proudly wears the colors
Of khaki and desert green,
My son, one of the few and proud,
My son, United States Marine!

jinelson

02-17-08, 08:53 PM

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"Once A Marine Always A Marine."

by MSgt Paul Woyshner

Long after the uniform has been laid aside, the last order has been given, the final salute returned, the last handshake shared, and the occasional tear brushed away by a determined hand. Long after that, it still runs in your veins. Lives on in your mind. Dominates your will. Long after you feel the call. The espirit that can only be shared among brothers. Among individuals bonded together by the truest ideals.
"Once A Marine Always A Marine."

jinelson

02-18-08, 11:49 AM

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Poem for a Marine child

by M. Ramos, 1st Recon Battalion

Twinkle, twinkle, little star
My daddy's gone away real far.
Proud to answer his country's call,
He had to leave us early last fall.

With his cammies, boots, and ruck on his back,
he kissed us goodbye and left for Iraq.

Convoys, watches, and IED sweeps,
No time for play and no time for sleep.

Scorched in the day, froze in the night,
He endures it all and stands for the fight.

No shiny medals or special recognition,
To him all that matters is a successful mission.

He fights to keep me safe at play,
Free from the terrorists' harmful way.

For his brothers-in-arms he'd give his life,
So they could go home to their kids and wife.

Days, weeks, and months have passed.
He's set to come home to me at last.

There is one thing you can guarantee:
My daddy's a real life hero to me.

Clothed in desert brown and olive green,
My daddy's a US Recon Marine.

jinelson

02-20-08, 08:02 PM

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STONE FACED FEW

by LCpl Keel USMC

All this happiness,
All of these sorrows,
Bottled up anger and a smirk on the surface,
Do you all see this?
We rose to the call,
and at times of inspection we shine,
Eyes clouded with worry and doubt,
carrying the weight,
Endless humps and a longing glance,
A thousand yard stare and a sneer from one passing by,
Cold beyond the soul,
Clambering hands that search for our hearts,
Promises of punishment to those who hurt the ones we have,
On the inside these eyes see red,
On the outside, rifle in hand and a stone set face,
Our hands ready to release the anger,
Wishing to drop the weight,
Lashing out,
And still wondering why,
We see you walk by,
With your fake smiles and forced laughs,
Your ever critical stare,
Criticize I.
Not ME,
for there was only once a soul.
Not US,
for we have done nothing so undeserving as to receive what you readily dish out. Happily force feeding,
yet can you swallow your own poisonous criticism?
Have we lost these "souls" as you say,
or do you simply take your easy route and ignore them?
We watch you as your behavior is strange.
A cry for help then a shove from our shelter,
Were moving on.
Boots laced tight,
endless miles ahead.
True laughter and a shot held high for those who are gone.
We are ready,
Then the surface calms and the thousand yard stare is regained.

da Tiffinator

02-21-08, 10:04 AM

these are a HUGE inspiration for me. to know that people actually appreciate what Marines do for their country is amazing!

jinelson

02-21-08, 09:05 PM

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The Leader

S/Sgt Richard Carlson USMC

The qualities of leadership,
(expressed so many times),
Vary in the hearts of men;
But follow certain lines.

One line, of course, is self control;
Another, moral strength.
Disciples of courages men,
Will follow to great lengths.

Firmness of convictions;
The desire to suceed,
Capturing the thoughts of men,
(by sowing but a seed).

All of these combined in one,
Will make a leading man;
But only on the course he charts,
Can he expect to stand.

jinelson

02-24-08, 02:56 AM

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Training for the Corps

by Ms.V2Lo

He's off to Parris Island where
He'll train to fight the war.
My son, my heart, a piece of me
Will be a child no more
Before he left I hugged him
Every time he passed me by
I told him that I loved him
As a tear fell from my eye
I'm proud of him, it's what he wants
I cried and held him tight
And pray to God to keep him strong
Please guide him through the fight
And though I had prepared myself
I never felt such sorrow
As that day he left for boot camp
For we wouldn't hug tomorrow
And yes I miss him selfishly
But one thing that I'm sure
Is all his dreams are coming true
He'll soon be in the Corps.

jinelson

02-24-08, 09:02 PM

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"These Warriors"

By: Ashley Migliaro

From the Halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli
These warriors will fight
For our lives and our right to be free

From the barren land of training camps
To the hell that is the war
These men never ask, just always do
Knowing its freedom they're fighting for

These heroes form an elite group
"The few, the proud" they say
And if you ever get to see them fight
You'd realize they just have a way.

It's in their stance, and in their eyes
The knowledge of where they've been
They stand so tall and walk with pride
Never doubting that they will win

Strong in heart, and strong in mind
Always valiant in answering the call
Never knowing whether they'll live or die They still fearlessly give it
their all.

They are part of a noble brotherhood
Don't call this "an army of one"
Semper Fi til you die is the motto of truth Always Faithful til this life is
done.

Never hesitate to tell a Devil Dog
That you're thankful for all that they do It's because of men like them that
you're free today So respect and honor them too

You never know where a hero has been
What he's done and had to have seen
But if you know a true warrior who knows how to fight Chances are he's a
U.S. Marine.

jinelson

02-25-08, 07:59 PM

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The American Marine!

Written by Sybil Shearin

He stands straight as an arrow
Dressed in Red White and Blue
His dress blues starched and pressed sharp as a tack.
America, He's heart and soul dedicated to You.

His shoes are spit shined to perfection
Like a mirror in which he can see his reflection
His gloves are white like the new fallen snow.
His rifle loaded and ready to meet his foe.

His hands are calloused
But onward he marches never missing a step.
His eyes keen like the eagles
Scouring the fields for a buddy who may need his help.

His heart is sealed from God above.
His letters written to Mom and family with love.
It's his God and his country America's pride and joy.
Standing on the carrier ready to deploy.

No one sees his hands sweat and slightly tremble.
No one sees the tear fall from his American eyes.
No one feels his heart break when a soldier beside him dies.
Only God sees the pain the American soldier with honor defies.

He still remembers when the Twin Towers fell.
He still remembers the American Liberty Bell.
He still remembers "In God We Trust"
He still remembers Saddam's dungeons and mass graves called prison cells.

He remembers Mom's apple pie each Sunday at noon.
He remembers the ball games and rock and roll tunes.
He remembers Ole Glory there will never be another.
He remembers saying goodbye to his baby brother.

He will fight with honor with his blood spilled upon the hot burning sands.
He will dig down and live in the fox holes called the very pits of hell.
He will fight in swamps, jungles or in the dusty desert lands.
He is the American soldier with trigger cocked who will soon bid this war farewell!

jinelson

02-26-08, 08:06 PM

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A Marine is a Marine

by Cpl. Robert L. Cook USMC

Where e'er he may go,
Be he dressed in civvies
Or the uniform
We all know,

Be he fresh from
Boot camp,
Or a veteran on the go.
You will find him
Dressed so neatly

Be it khaki,
Greens Or blues.
If he's wearing overalls
He'll look that way too.

You can count on him in crisis,
He'll be there all the way,
Be he in a battle
Or a crash along the way.

He keeps his head about him,
He's cool beneath it all.
He knows he's a winner
Because it's his style.

I'm so glad the nation
Seems to favor, Us Marines,

They know they can
Count on us To keep the nation free.
If you can find another Corps
That can best us in the field,
We'll surrenderTo that force,
And vow no more to yield.

jinelson

02-27-08, 07:55 PM

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Where Are You Son

Kelly Cox

The days are long sense you left home.
We know you are serving your country and
Making us proud but we can’t help but wonder,
Where Are You Son.

You’ve moved here and you’ve
Moved there so we wonder,
Where Are You Son.

We knew when you joined the Corp
That you would travel, but still we wonder,
Where Are you Son.

We haven’t heard from you in months.
We knew the time would be long and
The communication short, but still we wonder,
Where Are You Son.

Things have changed and we are lonely.
We have an empty spot in are harts because we wonder,
Where Are You Son.

People call and people ask, how is your Son.
Where is your Son and we tell them we don’t quite know,
Where Are You Son.

You mother and I say a prayer for you
Each night in our own special way and we wonder,
Where Are You Son.

I look at Ol’ Glory waving in the breeze which I
Know you are defending with your life and I wonder,
Where Are You Son.

As I lay my head down at night and try to get
Some much needed rest I can’t help but wonder,
Where Are You Son.

I know the day will come and I hope
It isn’t long when I don’t have to wonder,
Where Are You Son.

jinelson

02-28-08, 08:03 PM

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"LEAN - MEAN & SEVENTEEN"

By: "Rocky" Fortner

Let me share with you a story, bout a young man seventeen,
Who had plans & dreams of joining the United States Marines . . .

He had taken all the pre-test at a small recruiting store,
Where they told him he had qualified for infantry and more . . .

He was off to San Diego where the sun is scorching hot,
To see if he might have the grit to be what he was not . . .

The days turned into weeks, then months and muscles to turned to steel,
a sense of pride & honor filled his heart & soul with zeal. . .

He had conquered all his dragons; he had finally seen the light,
He knew now, what it really meant to be the first to fight . . .

He was Lean, Mean & Seventeen when he donned the Tan & Green,
he had paid the price to earn the name UNITED STATES MARINE. .

He knew that war was looming in some far off distant land,
with heat and bugs and other "demons" buried in the sand,

So, he said a prayer & packed his bags, what else was there to do,
Like so many gone before him, he would fight for me & you . . .

The sweat, the blood, the loneliness were often hard to bear,
A buddy lost within the ranks, the "1000 meter stare". . .

But the kindred spirit of the Corps and all those that he knew,
would help to keep him focused on the job he had to do . . .

He has stepped into a BROTHERHOOD that few have ever seen,
And wears the Anchor, Globe & Eagle of a UNITED STATES MARINE

Bradly Powell

02-29-08, 09:27 AM

those are very inspiring and encouraging!!

Firefox

02-29-08, 07:53 PM

Very good SSGT Keep 'em coming.

jinelson

03-01-08, 02:16 AM

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"Cream of the Crop"

The Cream Of The Crop
The United States Marine Corps

We the few, the proud, the Marines. Hated by the other branches, with the exception of Seabees and Hospital Corpsmen and Amphibious Ready Groups, and lately Special Op's of the other branches, we are superb. We did our thing at Bellow Wood, Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal and numerous other battle fields.

Why we are so good, we let Special Op's of the other branches freeze areas for us so that Force Recon and Scout Snipers can be fresh and rested when we reap havoc on opposing forces. We are handsome and witty. We are cool; when the **** hits the fan we become ugly in a handsome Marine way. We kill maim and render enemy fighting forces ineffective with the greatest of ease. We are the tip of the spear. Doggies (Army, Ain't really Marines yet) Squids/Swabbies (Navy, Not able to finesse out of water) and Fly Boys (Air Force, Air in the brain mechanism, also known as Wild Blue Yonder Wonders) envy us. We charge in growling with supporting arms. Our Harriers, Snakes and other choppers growl from the sky, our artillery, tanks, LAV's and AMTRACS growl from the ground. Our grunts breathe fire as they growl, with weapons blasting. Our support troops awaiting orders to ferry supplies to the front so that they may growl too.

No enemy is a match for us. We have prevented the eternal war between Heaven and Hell since we were born of a rifle and a bayonet at TunTavern.

God and the Devil are over joy'ed with us, we keep the gates of Heaven and Hell revolving and we impress the ladies in both places. Lieutenant General Chesty Puller (Eternal Commandant of all Marines who crossed the final line of departure), maintains a Marine Barracks in Heaven and an Air/Ground Proving Ground in Hell, commanded by Pappy Boynton himself. The Black Sheep Squadron is in charge of Marine procurement.

All that is left to say is SEMPER FI! THE CORPS IS FOR EVER!

Dave Coup

03-01-08, 04:49 PM

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Dave:thumbdown
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jinelson

03-02-08, 03:31 AM

http://marinecorpsmoms.com/new_images/PvtTownsend.jpg

A Marine Mother's Love

by Gloria Ray Harrison

Because I am your mother and I love you, I have endured the last 13 weeks of your being away from your family. Often facing each day, with tears streaming down my cheeks.
Because I am your mother and I love you, I found the strength to sign the papers and let you go because I knew it was what you wanted and needed to grow.
Because I am your mother and I love you, I somehow found a way to make it through those long weeks praying and counting each and every day.
Because I am your mother and I love you, I hold you very close in my heart. Reminding myself daily, of why we are apart and your ambition to succeed as a United States Marine.
Because I am your mother and I love you, I have faithfully stood by your side.
My heart soared when I saw you standing so straight and tall, and I was filled with overwhelming pride.
Because I love you so much, I willingly face this time in your life when you are spreading your wings with love and understanding.
I know some would not choose to be a "Marine's Mother," but I wear that honor with pride.
You are my son, and I'm proud of who and what you are, and love you with all my heart and soul.

jinelson

03-02-08, 11:41 AM

http://www.defenselink.mil/home/images/photos/2006-11/Face-of-Defense/pr20061106a.jpg

Wake Up!

by: Jeff Fischelli USMC

One week until graduation. One more week and I would finally be a United States Marine. Three months of sweat, pain and hard work were about to make a lifelong dream come true. I had made it - finally.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. If you ever have to endure Marine Corps Boot Camp, do it in San Diego in the early spring months. Gorgeous. I was admiring the city's skyline, the houses on the cliffs, the crisp clean air, and dreaming of home. Life was great. I was going home in a week!

I was doing all of this 'sight-seeing' while my platoon was on the gigantic parade deck, practicing for Final Drill competition. The shouts of our Marine Drill Instructors echoing across the wide expanse of asphalt - "Co-lumn Left, Haaaarch!", "Ex-teeeend, Haaaarch!", "Close, Haaaarch!", "Port, Arms!" Only Marine DIs can march a platoon with such command, such precision. A demand for excellence emanated from them constantly. From their razor-sharp uniforms to their stone cold, piercing eyes, dedication and honor oozed from their pores, and we recruits couldn't get enough.

"Pla-toon, Halt!" Snap! After twelve weeks of Marine Corps training, Platoon 3065 was good, and we knew it. Perfect execution of our drill sequence was what we lived for at this point. We had our sights on being the best in Final Drill - and our DIs would accept nothing less.

"Column of files, from the right! Haaaarrch!" Fourth Squad stepped off, then Third. I was in Second Squad, third rank. Third Squad Leader stepped off behind the last recruit in the Second, then the 2nd rank. My turn to step off...

Ahhh...I can't wait to get home. Brand new pickup truck waiting for me. Strutting around town in my Marine uniform. The respect I will receive. The girls I will meet. Home. I have arrived. I have made it. Rest up now, recruit. Kick back and let that mind of yours wander. Take in the sights. You have made it! So busy daydreaming, I had little time for bothersome things like stepping off when it came my turn.

Reality hits. I come to my senses, but it's too late. I just messed up the entire platoon's movement! Fear. Panic. A lump in my throat. Beads of sweat form on my brow. Oh, dear God! Please tell me this isn't happening! I screwed us up! Please let me recover in time to not be noticed. Please! I am in Third Phase! Third Phase recruits don't do this! Stop this nightmare!

Footsteps coming closer and closer. Heart pounding. I am frozen solid at the position of attention. Here it comes. My due punishment has arrived. Bracing myself. Footsteps...

"BAM!"

Drill Instructor Sergeant Wilson's campaign cover, the famous "Smokey Bear" that all Marine Drill Instructors wear, slams into my forehead. Then his eyeballs. Oh, there's nothing like a Marine Drill Instructor's eyeballs. We're toe to toe. Man to man. DI to recruit. Fear. There are only two people on the earth at this moment - him and me. The hunter and the hunted. Fear. Fear. Fear.

"Wake Up, Fischelli!"

It stung. Those words cut deep as they came from the man that had dominated my life for twelve long weeks of training. The man that had taught me so much. The man that embodied everything I ever imagined a Marine to be. He showed me what a Marine was. He was Marine, and I had let him down. His passion was a well-disciplined platoon. His life was teaching his recruits the art of Close Order Drill - the Marine Corps way.

More than anything, I wanted to beg for forgiveness. From Sergeant Wilson, for failing him. From my platoon, for halting their training. For being the only one responsible for this lack of concentration. But the Marine Corps doesn't want excuses or apologies, and neither does your platoon. They want, and deserve, results.

There's a saying in the Marine Corps: "There's always one." There will always be one who doesn't want to follow the rules. There will always be one who wants to screw everything up for the rest of the unit. There will always be one who gets others killed in battle. For this moment in time, I was that ONE, and it felt terrible.

Luckily, I can say that I was not "the one" in my platoon very often. I was a squared-away recruit, and I desperately wanted to be a Marine. Maybe that's what hurt so bad from those three words, "Wake Up, Fischelli!" I knew better. I knew the drill movements and when it was time for me to do my part for the platoon, yet I didn't do it that time.

At the time, I probably wished the entire incident would be removed from my memory and that I would never have to dwell on the hard lesson learned that day. Now, though, I am glad it's still very fresh in my mind. Whether you're marching in a platoon, storming a beach, going to college, playing civilian, or wherever you are in life - learn from my mistake and the lesson given to me by one highly dedicated Marine Drill Instructor...

"Wake Up!"

Just as a Marine Drill Instructor has a special way of getting your attention, so does life. Live it the way it was intended to be lived. Live it with honor and dignity. Play by the rules. Pay attention. Live your life out of care for those around you - whether it be your platoon, your wife, your children, your country....

Semper Fi.

jinelson

03-02-08, 07:51 PM

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x157/usmc3537/445257.jpg

Marine Mom Poem

by Author Unknown

August is near
But September's the month
That we will hold dear
When you grow older
Time usually moves fast
But this summer
Seems to last

Babes seem to grow
In the bat of an eye
So pardon me son
If I sometimes cry

Don't worry about it
For they're tears of joy
A man has evolved
From our beautiful boy

Don't mind if I treat you the same
Please don't scorn
For to me
You will always be our first born

It's hard for a Mother
To realize you've grown
They want you forever
To be all their own

But honestly Gary
I'm willing to share
With God and Our Country
And the Marine Corps they care

Don't ever forget though
If you're feeling blue
Your Mother will
Always be there for you

And when you are happy
Remember me too
For I am the one
Who wished it for you.

It's been over a year
Since I wrote that poem
We're sitting here waiting
For you to come home

Your new mission in life
Is successful so far
The only hard part is
We can't be where you are

Your Father's big dream
Has now come true
You've become a Marine
We are so proud of you

So keep up the good work
We know it's not fun
But we're happy to say
"That Marine Is Our Son"

Semper Fi and God Bless

jinelson

03-04-08, 09:38 AM

http://www.grunt.com/images-bs/doloras.jpg

Another Marine Mom Poem

by Author Unknown

The talk in the service is all kind of new
You march past the flag; they call it "Review"
You stand in a "chow line"
While we site and dine
You polish your boots, call it "spit shine"
When you have to go potty
You use the "head"
You jump into your "sack"
We call it a bed
I'd wake you for school
You wake now for "muster"
At that early hour
It sure is a buster
They gave you a number
In place of a name
But you'll always be "Gary"
To me just the same
You learn all the jargon
And don't ever balk
But remember it's Mom
Who taught you to talk

Master Sephiroth

03-04-08, 02:10 PM

Nice poem there

Master Sephiroth

03-05-08, 09:51 AM

Is that wall part of the confidence course?

PooleeAdams 1

03-05-08, 11:01 AM

I hope so.

Bradly Powell

03-05-08, 02:22 PM

My mother would probably like some of these poems. I think they're ok.

jinelson

03-05-08, 08:12 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/jinelson/tower.jpg

U.S.M.C.

By Travis Dohlin

They are the guardians of our ships and shores
They fight on sea, in air, and on the land
They have so very many faithful lores
They even have their own great marching band
Their troops number fewer than the rest
Through it all they still have much to gain
But they are still amoug the proud and very best
They are this way because they train, even in the snow and rain
They have fought on countless foreign lands
At range and even man to man
On unfamilar beach and desert sands
Eating food from field ration cans
Who are these mighty warriors you ask?
Its the U.S. Marines up to the task.

jinelson

03-06-08, 11:29 AM

http://www.combatwife.net/fifthmarinesembop.gif

BALLAD OF THE 5TH MARINES

by Harry R. Geibus USMC

Fighting men from our land
They have shaken the devil's hand
And when they wear their battle greens
They are known as the 5th Marines

We're the men of the 5th Marines
Dirty rotten and fighting mean
From the states we came this way
Couldn't care less about the Green Beret

We stalk the paddies night and day
Don't need shutes or a green beret
Have no wings upon our chest
U.S. Marines our countrie's best

We patrol and kill V.C.
Fighting Cong to make men free
One hundred men overrun today
We saved their ass the Green Berets

I saw Marines who gave their lives
So Green Berets could tell their lies
If I should die in this far land
I hope it will be for a better man

While they jump and sing their songs
We search the fields and kill the Cong
We are the men who fight each day
Since '76 its been that way

Back at home a young wife waits
Her brave Marine has met his fate
He has died so others could live
For his land that's what he'll give

I know this song won't be a hit
But a good Marine don't give a ****
And when it comes to glory and fame
We'll kick your ass and take your name

A poem that Harry R. Geibus wrote on the way to Okinawa... a parody of Barry Sadler's hit song.
~ Marko Whiteley, India 3/5

I remember how proud I was when a brother fired this shot, back in the Nam. I reckon the only ones this will make sense to is us old fartin few.

Jim

jinelson

03-06-08, 12:51 PM

I saved my 4,000th post to thank you all for reading this thread and your comments online and PM's. This thread keeps me green and I have nothing but gratitude for the privilege of posting it daily for as long as I can. Please feel free to post on it, that includes Pups and Wannabes too since your contributions have always been as good or better than mine.

Semper Fi Marines and Thank You All Others

Jim

Parker-0321

03-06-08, 01:06 PM

Hope these aren't too big..

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h37/imarockfan/DSC00033.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h37/imarockfan/DSC00042.jpg

Couple pics from my trip to Iwo Jima. Thats Mt. Suribachi and PFC Parker where the flag was raised :iwo:

jinelson

03-06-08, 01:32 PM

Awesome and Moto!

Jim

Master Sephiroth

03-06-08, 08:31 PM

Place is beautiful. Who'd have thought that sixty-three years ago, this was the site of one of the bloodiest conflicts in the entire war; the place where Medal of Honor recipient, PFC. Lucas nearly sacrificed himself (and damn well meant to) to save his fellow Marines; and the place where five Marines and a Corpsman raised the stars and stripes on top of a mountain, telling old Tojo that his end was nigh. Certainly a very motivating photograph.

Parker-0321

03-06-08, 10:12 PM

Glad I could share those with ya'll. I've got more pics and some video of the island. We crawled through what felt like 50 miles of tunnels.

jinelson

03-08-08, 02:31 AM

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/20083593942/$file/080229-M-8077B007low.jpg

Just to heal a tortured heart

by SSgt. LeMay USMC

Just to heal the tortured heart: I will relay a hero chart
You know the Marines are built to part
Every two, they deploy to be smart
In preparation they do train, every clime to be prepared.
Come March, they did arrive to impart
A relief to the Army, so they could depart
To see those heroes souls to America cart
Though not to happen, a plan designed the ground be shared.
In the year 04, they felt this change start
Commander Bush needed our best to, again, depart
To fight with vigilant resolve to dart
The insurgent evil in Falloujah was despaired.
As the fight progressed, the public felt this heart
In every note, or news, all felt apart
The headquarters sorted those that would be marte
And every Marine's work to execute was totally squared.
The battle was pit, as the strategy of tacticians prepared a flip-chart
1st Marines collected prepared to battle this jarvik-heart
As deemed in history, day one saw the honor of the purple-heart
With honor and resolve the Marines did as were dared.
Marines, in true tradition, fashioned their tart
As Echo Company dispatched to mark a head-start
While pinned in an alley, some lost, they diverted with some martial art
Response came to alert, as the enemy strength was stared.
Never to lose their spirit, the Marines advanced on belly to take freedom-heart
Upon a mission devised for compassion, and right-smart
One designed and focused as of Descartes
As the news chatter continued; as politicians compared.
The pundits did chatter in struggle to take part
Of an American election soon to be fought, seeking victory in-part
Upon the lonesome, tough work of heroes a-la-carte
The unfettered Marines continued the fight to restore those spared.
In the Sunni Triangle...the war did impart
Marines doing business without a star-chart
For the love of each other and nation, always state-of-the-art
They pitted their trained skill to destroy the evil laird.
Marines doing business to secure a good start
Crawling, sleepless to prepare love and heart
In a nation of turmoil, skillfully to avoid the destruction to tear-apart
Brave warriors shared, to restore a rose where thorns were shared.
A mother's love is always perceived pure within her heart
While a Marine's mother's love remains hard to pick-apart
The loss of courageous souls of the future provides a kick-start
And carries forward a mission of purpose-n-resolve;
That the history of such heroes always be aired.

jinelson

03-08-08, 09:05 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/jinelson/234341.jpg

This Generation

by Micheal Woodall Pfc USMC

Dedicated to Cpl. Dave Blaylock for his undying spirit, determination, friendship, and espirit de corps.

There is always time to ponder how the world might be today or what the future may hold if not for the actions of countless young men who have selflessly taken up the call for freedom. We must ask ourselves if tyranny would reign supreme and overshadow the light of liberty. Even today young men take up this same desire to preserve freedom and ensure that the light does not fade or perish from this land.

We may not be the "Greatest Generation" of the World War II era or the "Lost Generation" whose test in Vietnam was overcome with gallantry and heroism and helped preserve a world for equality, free from oppression, and would lay the cornerstones for eternal freedom among all civilization. We however are a generation much like those before us who have sacrificed our normal everyday lives to answer the call; to combat a new age of warfare and ideals pitted squarely against the United States of America

The horrific attacks of September 11 placed the world in a divide. This foreign vice caused nations to choose between chaos at their doorsteps or to force these radical war mongering idealists to flee from their ways and abandon their countries as strongholds. Some chose the path to darkness, but others reached deep, beyond their selfish desires, understanding the consequences of terrorism, and thus dedicating their very existence to combat this evil.

During this challenging time in our country's history it is those men who stand up for their fellow man, for a stranger, for their country, and who is willing to sacrifice their own life to protect every one of them and their posterity who is the wisest of all men. These are the men for which I've joined ranks. These are the men who those beside me have become. We are willing to leave it all behind: our families, our friends, our jobs, and even our country, in order to straddle the line between war and peace in an unknown land and fortify all that is good in the world and while doing so blast all that is evil back to the hell from which it arose.

Though we are not different from the ordinary man, we are cut from a different stone. We have a righteous calling that demands us to forge a new identity within ourselves strengthened by a new form of integrity that exemplifies the values of HONOR, COURAGE, and COMMITMENT. It places us around the world, in every corner of the globe in order to cement an international society of liberty for the generations of the future and set forth for them a tradition of peace so that they may live in it, among it, and protect it, the same way as those who have come before them.

We ask not for compensation or charity for our deeds, but by humbly carrying this burden for all Americans we ask only for your utmost respect. We are the fathers, sons, and brothers of this country sewn from the seed of the heroes of our ancestry and the fathers of this great nation. Let us be known as the "Generation of Prophetic Guardians" We, though made of flesh and blood, not only had the foresight to recognize a threat that uses unconventional and coverse means to spread death and destruction masked by an ideology of hate; we knew their survival alone would crumble the fabric of American freedom and spread like a virus around the world. We were not only able to recognize this threat however. We are the ones with the unshakable courage to stand face to face with these cowardice killers hellbent on destroying everything our country stands for and in the process allow no American man, woman, or child to survive their deadly onslaught.

We will NOT stand by idly for our Armageddon. We will stand fast and fight and if necessary we will die for OUR country and OUR ideals. Some may sit at home ignoring this threat while others even protest our actions to stop it. However, there are those courageous men who continue to stand up tall and protect every American citizen’s freedom to speak and live freely. I am one of these men. If I must lay my life down and sacrifice everything I have for the freedom of America. I must say that the price is cheap. I know that the very days I have been allowed this opportunity by Almighty God to live free in this country is worth more than life itself.

Whether in life or death I will always be known for my morals and my values molded by the freedom of these states. Therefore through all eternity my name will ring loud...because my name is United States Marine. However, the Corps will always be bigger than one man. It is because of this spirit of team over self, mission over all else, and death before dishonor, that has made the Marine Corps what it is to this day. Let the Corps forever be known as the savior of America, born before the country itself, and bound to its protection forevermore. By the blessing of God and those who stand for freedom may the Marine Corps and America live forever.

jinelson

03-10-08, 12:36 AM

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x157/usmc3537/ea42fc2d.jpg

LOVING A MARINE

by Elizabeth

Loving a Marine is not always gay
Loving him truly is a high price to pay.
It's being alone with nothing to hold,
It's being young, but feeling old.
It's loving him whisper his love for you,
It's whispering back, you love him too.
There's always a kiss and a promise for more,
As his ship slowly glides away from the shore.
Reluctantly, painfully, letting him go,
While you're dying inside from wanting him so.
Watching him leave with eyes filled with tears,
Standing alone with your hopes, dreams, and fears.
It's sending a letter with the stamp upside down,
To a far away love, in a far away town.
It's going to church, to kneel and to pray,
And really meaning the things that you say.
Days go by - no mail for a spell,
You wait for some word to hear that he is well.
Then a letter arrives and you're given in,
To open this letter and read with a grin.
Yes, he is well and misses you so,
And filled with the love you wanted to know.
Weeks are like months, and months like years,
You wait for the day you'll have no more fears.
Days go by slowly - how many have passed?
Then suddenly you realize it's here at last!
Yes loving a Marine isn't much fun,
But it's worth the price when the battle is won.
And remember he is thnking of you every day,
He's sad, he's lonely, while so far away.
So love him and miss him and hold your head high,
Be strong and have faith - wipe that tear from your eye.
Your man is a Marine, like those who have gone before,
It's a high price to pay for loving a Marine!

RockSteady85

03-10-08, 01:43 AM

jinelson

03-10-08, 07:28 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/jinelson/f5cd923561283a00859f0794a93e84f8.gif

Marine

by Stacy Boes

He rises before the sun
He keeps a watchful eye,
Often pushed beyond the limits
He never questions why?

The answer is in the many faces
He sees each and everyday,
It's freedom that he protects
It will never be taken away.

He rarely receives a passing glance
This angel defends our way of life,
Fighting here or on foreign land
Often with great sacrifice.

His halo is a helmet
He has combat boots for wings,
His rifle is his trumpet
The cadence of freedom he sings.

His honor is unmistakable
His bravery will never part,
His pride resonates from within
His courage comes from the heart.

He belongs to a sacred brotherhood
The EGA is his family crest,
Always Faithful till the end
He is the best of the best.

As the bell of freedom rings
He is fighting for me and for you,
He is a United States Marine
Preserving, forever, the red, white, and blue.

Master Sephiroth

03-11-08, 08:39 AM

Remember, you are First Marines Not all the communists in hell can overrun you! -Chesty Puller

jinelson

03-11-08, 08:28 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/jinelson/marines_training1.jpg

THE FIGHTING FIRST MARINES

by Jim Curtis

OH SAY MARINE ALL DRESSED IN GREEN
WITH RIFLE BY YOUR SIDE
WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THE TWO OF YOU
CAN TURN THE BATTLE'S TIDE
MISS IT ISN'T JUST THE TWO OF US
ALTHOUGH IT LOOKS THAT WAY
MARINES THAT GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR YOU
FIGHT WITH US EVERY DAY
AND SO YOU SEE THE ENEMY
DOESN'T REALLY HAVE A CHANCE
CAUSE THERE'S SEVERAL THOUSAND LEATHERNECKS
HERE TO KICK HIS ASS
OH SAY MARINE ALL DRESSED IN GREEN
WITH RIFLE BY YOUR SIDE
YOU MUST BE ONE OF CHESTY'S BOYS
YOUR HEART IS FILLED WITH PRIDE !

jinelson

03-12-08, 08:49 PM

http://z.about.com/d/history1900s/1/0/7/O/viet40.jpg

He was only 19

by GySgt Marvin Bush USMC Retired

He was an only son and he was only 19,
as long as he could remember he wanted to be a Marine.

Then one day he decided to enlist, in the service of his choice,
his parents weren't too happy, you could hear it in their voice.

Mom and dad, this is what I have dreamt to do, so please do not try to stop me, I will make you proud that I went, you just wait and see.

He finished at the top of his platoon, his graduation was really loud,
When he came home on leave, his parents were very proud.

When he got orders to go to a land that he had never seen,
to a land very far away, he was only 19.

When he arrived in Vietnam, the weather was cold and damp.
The helicopter landed on the pad and the Marines ran down the ramp.

They looked around and saw the terrain was dark and green,
Just a bunch of raw recruits, they were only 19.

They were sent to an outpost, up on top of a hill;
they were told to store their gear and take cover if they didn't want to get killed.

They were issued ammunition and two full canteens,
a bunch of gung ho grunts, they were only 19.

Then when the battle began, he took a shot to the head,
The Corpsman went to his aid, but he was already dead.

Now he's on his way back home, from the land that he had never seen,
From the horrors of a war, he was only 19.

When the aircraft landed at the airport, they offloaded his casket draped with an American Flag, A detachment of Marines were there to honor their fallen comrade.

He was laid to rest in a place that honored our brave Marines,
On a spot high on a hill, he was only 19.

jinelson

03-13-08, 09:38 AM

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x157/usmc3537/429110.jpg

A Marine Poem

Kai Laemoa

Honor, courage and commitment as one is Pride
so pure and strong as a stallion at full stride
Its grace and beauty like an eagle soars through the sky
pride that is seen in every Marines eye

To hear the words of our nations hymn brings tears of delight
our stars and stripes waving in the breeze, a heartwarming sight
Young children with innocent faces, hands on their heart
our veterans saluting, remembering how they fought their part

These are but a few privileges we Americans have every day
we have choices to believe in God and the choice to pray
our troops are fighting with pride for this gift to you
let us show them the power behind the red, white and blue

Support our sons and daughters, husbands and wives
who are fighting for justice and freedom with their lives
Lets not forget about that awesome feeling of pride
let us unite as a nation and stand strong side by side

recruitcampbell

03-14-08, 01:13 PM

I just have to say thank you to those of you who have gone to iraq and other wars and i hope that i will soon have somebody looking up to me like i am to you.

jinelson

03-16-08, 03:55 AM

My name is Bryce Walters. Im from comanche texas and Im 18 years old. Im enlisted in the Marines and ship out for San Diego on July 20th of 2007. My older step brother is also in the Marines and currently serving in Baghdad. I wrote this poem to my family so they would understand why im making this choice that others are too scared to make.
Bryce

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x157/usmc3537/275267.jpg

Why?

by Bryce Walters Poolee USMC

There are people who don't understand
Who just don't realize
Why I'm doing what I am
And why I'll pay the price

I tell them someone's got to go
It might as well be me
But if you really want to know
I do it for Liberty

Because the freedom we all have
Didn't come for free
It was won with the lives
Of others just like me

Sons and daughters who gave it all
Who put it on the line
Some of whom would sadly fall
And leave us all behind

They left their friends and family
Doing what was right
Protecting those in need of help
That couldn't stand and fight

With honor shinning in their eyes
They held their chins up high
And now they're waiting for the day
When we will reunite

So as you see I made this choice
Because I love this land
And will defend it with my own life
Until the very end

So mom and dad and sis and bub
I have to leave you now
And if we never meet again
I hope I made you proud

So if your wondering who I am
Or if these words I mean
I'll simply say just one thing
I'm a United States MARINE

Very well said Poolee well said indeed!

Jim

jinelson

03-16-08, 09:22 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/jinelson/07company01-2.jpg

THE AMERICAN DREAM

By: Sergeant Aaron M. Gilbert

Through all the fires,
Through all the pain,
The Marines stand tall,
To fight once again.

Always on call,
The Presidents own.
Always fighting,
To protect our home.

My life for our freedom,
My freedom to you,
These are gifts that we give,
For the Red White and Blue.

We die for you,
We die for them,
We do not complain,
About where or when.

For this is our job,
To fight around the world
And give the gift of our freedom
To every boy and every girl.

And yes peaceful solutions,
Can not always be found,
To free a trapped people,
From the terror around.

So we fought in this war,
With resolve in our hearts,
To help Iraq's people
Have a new and free start.

So speak of your "Peace,"
And how war is so wrong,
But shut your face when we're called
To give out the freedom we've won.

For you did not fight,
And you did not bleed.
And you did not die,
For the American dream.

JSam

03-17-08, 12:26 AM

So we fought in this war,
With resolve in our hearts,
To help Iraq's people
Have a new and free start.

So speak of your "Peace,"
And how war is so wrong,
But shut your face when we're called
To give out the freedom we've won.

For you did not fight,
And you did not bleed.
And you did not die,
For the American dream.

Man... you people have some powerful stuff here.
:iwo:

jinelson

03-17-08, 08:43 PM

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x157/usmc3537/579f808d.jpg

Leatherneck Visitations

Cal Atwood USMC

Here in this quiet plenitude of life,
surrounded by sweetwater oaks
and splendid truth-blue hydrangeas
and grass plucked free of weeds
by slender fingers
and orchids taller than my carbine.

Marines come wandering here
whose blood bled through my hands
some sixty years ago;
they wonder how I reached
these golden beaches
after the flaming ones we knew.

They laugh at me some, they jest -
no envy in their visit here -
they come to find
the love they missed.

The kisses on my lips are meant for me
but also them.
Their pictures on the wall
and all the other ones behind my eyes
tell them they have every right
to come here,
help themselves to beer,
the whiskey, the cheese.

The Frigidaire is theirs, the books,
my uniform, my Kabar on the bar.
How honored we you come -
keep coming here.

jinelson

03-18-08, 07:41 PM

http://www.defendamerica.mil/images/photos/jul2004/profile/pri0701204a1.jpg

A Marine Corps Poem

by Author Unknown

There is a story, that I love to tell, of thirteen weeks of misery, thirteen weeks of hell, I was living in the city, working everyday, Until one day a man in blue, happend to cross my way, I signed my name, upon the dotted line, Packed all my trash, got on the plane, Off to serve my time. They sent me to an Island, Where they made Marines, They say a thousand boys may come, But only men may leave, They issued all my gear, Combat boots and skivy shirts, In a few short hours, They had me in the dirt, My Drill Instructor, Trained me rough and hard, He taught me how to fight, He taught me how to march. In three short months, As long as it had seemed, I finally had earned, The Title of Marine, How well I remember, Graduation Day, As I left I swore, I wouldn't be back this way, I went to my Drill Instructors, And gave them my hand, They made this boy a Man. I served my time proudly, Out in the FMF, But back at Parris Island, There was something I felt I left, So I'm back a second time, A smokey in my hand, Training U.S. Marine Recruits, The vary best I can, I found out what I lost, In the very end, The making of Marines, Down Where It All Began.

HABU

03-19-08, 11:06 AM

some good stuff there!!:thumbup:

jinelson

03-19-08, 09:12 PM

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x157/usmc3537/e38e8c90.jpg

"THE BREED"

By Bob Holtzer

Look at them...who are they??
I'd really like to know.

These gallant young men that stand
ready to defend and challenge our nations foe.

You may ask this question when you come upon this scene,

When there is a crisis in our world and all seems dim, just call
on any
"MARINE."

It was "1775" when they formed into the Corps.

to fight and defend our country on many a distant shore.

The fought in actions around the world and they earned a new
respect,

they served with pride and honor to become known as "LEATHERNECK!"

In World War one at "Belleau Wood" with a courage that few had
seen,

they painted our history with valor,
"DEVIL DOG!! "
a name for a "MARINE."

In World War two in the pacific they planted their courageous
seed,

Then again in Korea and Vietnam to become known as "THE BREED!"

It doesn't matter what action in which they may have served,

they are Marines..."THE BREED!"
an honor well deserved.

In peace they carry the legacy of those that have gone before,

These young men are "THE BREED!"
"The heart of the Corps!!"

jinelson

03-20-08, 11:12 AM

http://www.pe.com/imagesdaily/2007/12-18/drill18merc_1_400.jpg

The Drill Instructor's Creed

These recruits are entrusted to my care. I will train them to the best of my ability. I will develop them into smartly disciplined, physically fit, basically trained Marines, thoroughly indoctrinated in love of Corps and Country. I will demand of them, and demonstrate by my own example, the highest standards of personal conduct, morality, and professional skill.

jinelson

03-21-08, 02:34 PM

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x157/usmc3537/795edc90.jpg

This one will make you say... OORAH!!!.

Jim

If you don't know GOD, don't make stupid remarks!!!!!!!

A United States Marine was attending some college courses between
assignments. He had completed missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of
the courses had a professor who was an avowed atheist and a member of
the ACLU.
One day the professor shocked the class when he came in. He looked to
the ceiling and flatly stated, "God, if you are real, then I want you
to knock me off this platform. I'll give you exactly 15 minutes."
The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop.
Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, "Here I am God. I'm
still waiting."
It got down to the last couple of minutes when the Marine got out of
his chair, went up to the professor, and cold-cocked him, knocking him
off the platform. The professor was out cold. The Marine went back to
his seat and sat there, silently. The other students were shocked and
stunned and sat there looking on in silence.
The professor eventually came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the
Marine and asked, "What the heck is the matter with you?"

The Marine calmly replied, "God was too busy today protecting America's
soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid stuff and act like
an idiot. So, He sent me."

jinelson

03-23-08, 02:56 AM

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200832245230/$file/20080318-LEAVE-01LOW.jpg

The Title

by George L. Scott, Jr.

It Can Not be Inherited
Nor Can it Ever be Purchased
You or No One Alive
can Buy It for Any Price
It is Impossible to Rent
and It Can Not be Lent
You Alone and Our Own
have Earned It
with Your Sweat, Blood and Lives.
You Own It Forever
The Title

jinelson

03-23-08, 08:14 PM

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x157/usmc3537/unitprofile1a.jpg

The Silent Reaper

by Garth Holt Cpl. USMC

"The silent reaper comes to me
In shades of tarnished gold.
Questioning and beckoning,
I fear his icy hold.

He reaches out and grasps for me,
With bony misformed hand.
I strike out in a desperate wrath!
For this is not my land."

"Go away, Leave me be!
I've much yet must be done!"
He looks at me a deathly stare
I turn for I must run.

Down the road eternity
Is ever drawing near
But with my small respite has come
A lessening of fear.

I turn to him and raise a sword
I've found that's in my hand.
My eyes are strong, my voice is true
I make my final stand.

"Come good Reaper, try this man
For I shall run no more."
"My Country loves me far away
That's what I fight for."

He hesitates and slows his gait
He sees that I wont run.
Marine Corps Honor strong in me
He faces more than one.

Then he turns and disappears
My battles won this day.
My love for Country strong and true
I raise my eyes and pray.

kbs95125

03-24-08, 12:07 PM

<TABLE class=blog cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=30>http://x.myspace.com/images/spacer.gif</TD><TD>I know I haven't posted in awhile but wanted to send some motivation everyones way....

A Military Man

The average age of the military man is 20 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's.

He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away.

He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap. He is 10 or 15 pounds heavier now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk.

He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark.

He can recite to you the nomenclature of a m-16 or 240bravo and use either one effectively if he must.

He can apply first aid like a professional.

He can march until he is told to stop or stop until he is told to march.

He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient.

He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other.

He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.

He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle.

He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.
If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job.

He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering
and death then he should have in his short lifetime. Just in training.

He has or will stand atop mountains of dead bodies, and helped to create them. He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.

He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking.

In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful. Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy.

He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.

He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood, going to War when our nation calls us to do so.

As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot: A short lull, a little
shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.

Please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our Marines, soldiers in Afghanistan, sailors on ships, and airmen in the air and on the ground, and for those in Iraq:

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen."

There is nothing attached...
Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Coastguardsman, Marine or Airman, prayer is the very best one.
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t217/jenlovely22689/marine-6.jpg

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

jinelson

03-24-08, 08:13 PM

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x157/usmc3537/bfc4c4b4.jpg

ONLY THE FEW

Murl D. Long

Let me provide you a small glimpse of real life
Of a man preparing for coming strife
It begins with training unsurpassed
Compared to all others, far outclassed

It begins at 4 AM with the 'Devil' pounding a stick on a garbage can
We sit up straight in our bunks, to a man
Without question, for sure you are awake, to the head you run
Shower, shave, dress, police your area, the day has begun

Fall out in the dark of night
Straighten up the line, dress to the right
In cadence, run to the Mess
Chow down. What is this stuff? Take a guess

30 minutes. Fall back in ranks, back to the barracks in quick time you go
Brush your teeth, wash your face and assemble again. What next? You don't know
86 men learn to march in sync
They move as one, in tandem they think

The day wears on, every minute used to learn
No time to rest, not one second to burn
Lights out exactly at 10.
Rest 6 hours, another day will begin

Proper dress, hygiene, history, protocol, chain of command
Weapons, survival, defense-hand to hand
Repeat it over and over again, until
The 86 move as one, body and mind, at will

You trust and respect that comrade by your side
He, too, has taken this most difficult ride
77 days out of the pages of 'Hell'
You, and the other 86 have similar tales to tell

About pain, sweat, doubt and fear
There is a powerful mystery born right here
Nothing you have learned will you ever forget
An inner strength has been formed, you will never regret

A hundred years you may be allowed to live, God willing
Your life has been forever changed, indeed, fulfilling
Like a fine steel from the hot forge of fire
Your goals will always be higher

Only those who have weathered this gut-wrenching test
Will be referred to as "The Best"
What sets this man apart from all others who strive for perfection, as we have seen
The answer is simple, dear friend. He's a MARINE!

jinelson

03-25-08, 07:49 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/jinelson/237683.jpg

THE MARINE

by Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert USMC

We all came together, Both young and old. To fight for our freedom, To stand and be bold.

In the midst of all evil, We stand our ground, And we protect our country From all terror around.

Peace and not war, Is what some people say. But I'll give my life, So you can live the American way.

I give you the right To talk of your peace, To stand in your groups, And protest in our streets.

But still I fight on. I don't *****, I don't whine. I'm just one of the men Who is doing your time.

I'm harder than nails, Stronger than any machine, I'm the immortal soldier, I'm a U.S. MARINE!

So stand in my shoes, And leave from your home. Fight for the people who hate you, With the protests they've shown.

Fight for the stranger, Fight for the young, So they all may have, The great freedom you've won.

Fight for the sick, Fight for the poor. Fight for the cripple, Who lives next door.

But when your time comes, Do what I've done. For if you stand up for freedom You'll stand when the fight's done.

jinelson

03-26-08, 01:35 PM

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x157/usmc3537/wwii_2.jpg

The Marine

by Nihil D. Benuche (Bulldog), PFC. USMC, 1955-59

The morning silence explodes in a roar

As ship after ship sends shells slamming into the shore.

Up on decks in rank after rank they stand in silence, waiting.

The word yet to come.

The Gunny roars out, "Saddle up! Stand by!"

It's over the side and down the rope ladder, on the rising tide.

Four abreast its over the side, down the rope for a Higgins Boat ride.

As each boat fills and moves, another appears to take Marines for a ride.

Out in the water, 'round and 'round they circle,

"Now keep your head down!"

Boat after boat till they're all there.

The Marines are ready; the run to the beach is near.

The ships still fire round after round.

Good Lord almighty! Is anyone still alive on the ground?

Out of the heavens in screaming dives,

Planes drop their bombs, taking still more lives.

In sweeping turns, they wash the beach clear

For fellow Marines so dear.

The flag goes up, the boats move forward,

Lining abreast like an old Calvary charge.

Gunning their engines to hold the line.

Some Marines peer over the side to see

This island we're taking . . . just so wide.

God! Its dirty and dark with a mountain on the side.

For this piece of dirt were taking this ride?

"Knock it off! Get down, if ya wanna stay alive!"

Closer and closer the boats on line

Head for the beach and a place in time.

"Incoming!" yells the Gunny this time.

"Keep your heads down; we'll ride with the whine!"

Up onto the beach the Higgins Boats climb,

Dropping their ramps amid the incoming whine.

Out over the ramp the pride of the Corps

Roars in unison, "This island is mine forevermore!"

The bullets and shells find there marks.

Blood makes the black sand blacker.

Whole units are wiped from the roll call of men,

All that remains is the pride within.

For days on end they fight and die,

There is not a Marine who from death is shy.

Shot down once, twice, three times or more,

Onto and up this bloody beach they did pour.

Up that mountain they climbed,

Into the history books and forever in time.

Out over the land a Marine could see,

Dark dirty beaches and a bloody sea.

Through the horror of it all some did live to pay respects,

To those that fell on that dark dirty beach and bloody sea.

Here as in many other lands

The pride of the Marines made their stand.

The history books can tell you the feat of these men.

But listen close, brothers and sisters — to the pride within.

jinelson

03-27-08, 09:13 PM

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x157/usmc3537/453667.jpg

The Rusty Marine

by Jennifer Wallace

The rusty Marine, born gallant and brave,

To his country, his allegiance was raised.

He served in war to honor and protect,

While in battle, he did not defect.

Through foxholes, trenches, gunfire and hell,

His honor and pride never fell.

For in his heart, his faith was strong,

And yet for home, he did long.

Our great land protects the free,

For this he fought; for you and me.

Now he sits, tired, and worn,

For his youth, he does mourn.

Because it ran so quickly by,

He often thinks, “how time did fly,”

Then he dons his old dress blues,

And in his spirit, a change of hues.

He straightens up and stands with pride,

His great honor, he cannot hide.

Gently then, he begins to weep,

The memories come, pile upon heap.

A single tear falls from his eye,

As he whispers, “Semper Fi”.

jinelson

03-29-08, 02:25 AM

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x157/usmc3537/498475.jpg

Operation Iraqi Freedom

by Author Unknown

A young man of only 18 years
Leaving his family, fighting back the tears.
Going to a land that is full of hate,
Not knowing what might be his fate.
Going off to fight a war,
He will never be the same as before.
For his safety we all have prayed,
We could never understand the price he paid.
He is one of a few good men,
He will never forget the place he's been.
Honor, Courage & Commitment are the things he has learned,
Our respect is what he has earned.
As he comes home, a veteran of war
"Semper Fi" United States Marine Corps

jinelson

03-29-08, 11:10 PM

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x157/usmc3537/marines-at-yellow-footprints.jpg

A Marine

by Cpl. Louis A. (Tony) Gilman

As you scrambled off the bus
And raced toward the yellow footprints
The Drill Instructors yelled at you to reach,
You began to change.

You suffered intense pain, physical & mental anguish
For the next 12 weeks and took it all, because you wanted to be
One of the best. You must have run hundreds of miles with those
Crazy men in Smokey Bear hats yelling at you to move your ass,
Pick up the pace, you maggot!
80 of you at the beginning, learning to work as a team,
to overcome, to adapt, to win.

Now you are at the rifle range, learning how to shoot,
To kill the enemy, to march 20 miles or more with full pack,
Learning hand-to-hand combat in case your weapon jams.
Now there are 60 of you.

You are polishing your close order drill, your rifle a part of you,
And you take the orders from your Platoon Commander as he yells
Right shoulder arms, left shoulder arms, and the platoon now acts as a unit,
A well oiled machine. You are fit, strong, a bad SOB now, and
Graduation is not far off now. You learn you are going to Vietnam,
And you are ready, willing, and able to fight for your country.

Graduation is here, and the 50 odd men of your platoon are excited to leave.
The Platoon Commander yells Platoon 2104, Dismissed!
You say one sir, two sir, aye aye sir! And turn around, throwing you hat in the air.
You are FREE ! You are now a MARINE ! You grab some of your buddies and scream
URRRAAHH ! The three men who made you the man you are today are crying,
With joy and sadness, for it has been a long 12 weeks!

Now you are in Vietnam, as many of us were sent, bullets and motor rounds all around you,
You deploy your men, make sure they have effective fields of fire, and fire back at the enemy.
Someone yelling Medic, I'm hit! Pvt. Martinez, who you never liked, but he is a Marine,
So you make your way over to him and apply first aid. Suck it up, Martinez!
Help is on the way.

You serve two tours in Nam, are wounded twice, and receive two PURPLE HEARTS.
You come home, try to raise a family, your duty to God and Country done.
As you get older, you are no longer that young wild-man, that life taker and heart breaker.
But you stay true to your word, and are a man of Honor.
Now you are in your 60's and your health is getting worse,
But you keep your raunchy sense of humor, your kindness, your smile.
You never turn away a friend in need or a stranger down on his luck.
The word on the street is if you need a place to crash or something to eat
Go see Doug, he is always willing to help someone.

Now you are having trouble getting up the stairs, and are as weak as a kitten,
But you still have that laugh, that sense of humor, that kindness, that Doug smile.
Then the day comes when The Lord visits you and takes you into His loving arms,
And God Says:
"Come Home with Me Marine, you have served your time in hell."

Dedicated to my Good Friend
Robert "Doug" Apshire
B. Aug 12, 1944 D. Feb 12, 2007
Sgt. United States Marine Corps

SEMPER FI DOUG !

jinelson

03-30-08, 08:08 PM

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x157/usmc3537/454658.jpg

A Day and a Wakeup

by LCpl Vieira, Grunt, RVN 66-67

Twenty-one hundred, when he got the call,
sadly four or five grunts down,
in a distant rice paddy.
Said the Corpsman: "Can't help 'em."
He's just prayin; kneelin',
and he thought about his ol' chopper
that keeps bucking and squeelin'
But he knew right away
he had to get em, you see
Hell, no hard decision man,
THAT COULD BE ME!
While he threw on his helmet
and tightened it on
His stomach kept squeezin'
and jumpin' around
He kept thinkin' "No problem
for sure it will pass"
while an inner voice yelled
"This flight is your last."
This suckers' too old, too shot-up
It can't fly"
As he smiled at his crew chief
right fist tightened, thumb up-high.
He went through the process
that started the motor
looked up out in front
saw the turn of the rotors.
His ears were wide open,
perched, his ears alert
for any strange sound, he
pulled up on the collective
she's off of the ground.
It was up in the clouds
the vibration began
Co-Pilot said "Sir?"
he waved back with is hand.
Don't worry 'bout nothin'
she's just talkin you see
Says' them grunts on the ground
COULD EASILY BE ME!
But he thought real hard
as he lowered her down
Better take my chances
with fire from the ground.
Just when he thought
his odds were too low
"Look! Straight ahead,
a marker --
Let's go!"
He set the craft down
First left then right tire
And wouldn't you know it
Here comes the ground fire.
'Bout twenty or so enemy
we ain't gettin' out
when just as he thought it
He heard Marines shout!
"Go men! Move it up!
Move them wounded!
Cover that chopper!"
"Open ya sixty! Keep 'em down!
The s ain't gonna stop 'er."
Three troops and the corpsman
moved the wounded all intact
While two squads of grunts,
held and pushed 'em back.
The pilots chest swelled
in incredible pride
He saluted a corporal
and got set for the ride.
When the blades created
a typhoon on the ground
From the troops or the enemy
He heard not a sound...
Now back in the sky,
He set off for the ship,
Thought of his wounded,
felt the motor sputter and skip.
As he thought of the guys
who were back on the ground.
His eyes puddled
His jaw tightened
His mouth stuck in a frown.
Now off of the coast
and out over the sea
He spotted the ship
Where he'd hoped it would be.
A huge white vessel
With a burning red cross
He thanked the good Lord,
That he didn't get lost.
And at that very moment
When he was sure he would make it
The engine started skipping
The fuel gauge?
Empty! Nothing in it.
No time for approval
from the ship
He could land
He knew this was it
The time was at hand
The voice in his ears
so loud and so close
"Sir, you've not yet been cleared to land.
On the good ship Repose."
He held onto that stick
with all that he had
And kept his eyes glued
on the landing pad.
About fifty foot left
and the engine just stalled
He calmly and quietly said
"Repose, hear my call."
"Your nurses, your docs and
your surgeons don't hoard
Were comin' in now
with five souls on board."

jinelson

03-31-08, 08:07 PM

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x157/usmc3537/391347.jpg

U.S. Marine Grunt

By S. Haffey

We marched and marched some more
And sung about the core
When we got to the town
We all looked around
There was no one to be found
Gunny told us to hush
Explosions and bullets ripped through the air
We were caught in an ambush
I felt the wiz of a bullet go past my ear
Grunts all hit the ground
While rpgs rained down
My friend was hit in the gut
So I moved him into a hut
The fire did not let up
I could hear the cries of the U.S. Marine Grunt
“Core men up front”
I was pinned down in a bend
I knew this was the end
But I had been trained to be a Marine Grunt
So I started to fire, I was the best
As I fired I grew calmer
Then a bullet hit me in the chest
But did not go through my body armor
The bad guys were held up in a fort
So we called in close air support
The battle was over
The next week at the funeral
They played taps as they were put in the ground
We lost ten good men in that god damned town
We all knew they were heaven bound
We went on patrol the very next night
But there was no one around
As we sat in a tight 360 the rain did not let up
We were all on the hunt
This is the life a U.S. Marine Grunt

bgsuwoody

04-01-08, 11:34 AM

I hate commenting on this page here, but this is by far the best MOTO I've seen here. I had this on my footlocker at bootcamp...my wall locker at SOI and now it is here in the fleet. This is what the Marine Corps is about...Oohrah

jinelson

04-01-08, 08:47 PM

http://www.leatherneck.com/photopost/data/3055/20070523-M-8136F-001low.jpg

It Was Rifles, Always Rifles

Author Unknown

The young Marine was weary
and he sought a little rest
With his helmet for a pillow
And his rifle on his chest.
He has seen the gunships fire.
He had heard the cannons roar.
He had seen the Navy's power
as he made his way ashore.
Then he thought about his rifle
And he found it rather small,
With the gunships and the cannons
It was nothing much at all.
The efforts of a rifleman
Meant little, it would seem.
Then, as he slipped to slumber,
He dreamed himself a dream.

The man who stood beside him
Held a musket in his hand
And close around his neck he wore
A heavy leather band.
"When I was on Old Ironsides"
The apparition said
"There were cannonballs and cutlasses
Wherever danger led.
There were pistols too, and daggers
At every fighter's side
When the ships would come together
On the rolling, heaving, tide.
But when it came to boarding,
With the battle fury hot
It was Rifles, always Rifles
That made the telling shot."

The apparition faded
And standing in its place
Beneath a shallow helmet
He saw another face.
"When we were in the trenches
In the wood they called Marine
There were mortars, tanks and cannons,
More than I had ever seen.
But when the final charge was made
To push the Germans back
It was Rifles, always Rifles
At the point of the attack."

The face changed only slightly
And the helmet stayed the same
But the island that he spoke of
Had a more familiar name.
"They hit us very early
On the day the war begun.
On the wings of all their bombers
We could see the Rising Sun.
Our pilots and our gunners
Who fought and fell at Wake
Wrote a story full of glory
That time can never shake.
But when the enemy drew near
To make his final reach
It was Rifles, always Rifles
That met him on the beach."

There next appeared a shadow
In a swirl of stinging snow
And it breathed a fierce defiance
And its eyes were all aglow.
"In Fifty at the Chosin
When the big guns couldn't talk
And the First Marine Division
Took a fighting, freezing walk,
When all the world, except the Corps
Had counted us as gone
It was Rifles, always Rifles
That let us carry on."

The scene was changed to summer
And the face was hard and lean
And the tired eyes were fired
With the light that says "Marine".
"At Khe Sahn when they shelled us
We were wrapped in rolling smoke
And the thought of our survival
Was a grim and ghastly joke.
But when the waves came swarming in
To finish the assault
It was Rifles, always Rifles
That called the final halt."

There next appeared a General
As solid as a tank
With three stars on his collar
to signify his rank.
His stature and demeanor
Were the military type
And in his hand he carried
A stubby little pipe.
His jaw was squarely chisled,
His eyes were clear and keen
And his bearing left no question.
He was all Marine's Marine.

"The message they're conveying"
The burly General said
"Is that through our troubled history
The rifles always led.
We've had cannons, tank and mortars.
We've had weapons by the score,
We've had Battleships and fighter planes
To complement The Corps.
We've a most impressive arsenal.
That's obviously true,
But the final thrust for victory
Has always been with you.
It was Rifles, always Rifles
When The Corps was sorely pressed
And the rifle that you carry
Must meet the final test.
So sling that rifle proudly,
For everything we do
With mortars, tanks and cannons
Is just an aid to you."

The young Marine awakened
And put the dream aside,
Though now he clutched his rifle
With a certain touch of pride.
And then he chanced to notice
That lying near his hand
Was a stubby little pipe
And a heavy leather band.

jinelson

04-02-08, 08:36 PM

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Semper Fidelis

by Breann Arant

Drawing closer and closer
to where our new home would be
Parris Island came in to view
for all recruits to see

a funny felling in my stomach
grew as we drew near
a feeling I've often felt before
a feeling know as fear

the funny feeling grew and grew
as we were swallowed by the isle
my hands were growing clammy
my heart pounding wild

the sky was black as black could be
the air was slightly chilled
fear, excitement, adrenaline
my heart was completly filled

quickly and quietly we gather our things
as all recruits hurriedly piled out
our eyes bombarded by darkness
our ears invaded with shouts

we were issued standard clothing
allowed one phone call home
to tell out parents we were ok
and make our presence known

the weeks that followed were crammed with work
as we all longed for home
all we did was drill and drill
although none were alone

the time went by so very slow
graduation so far ahead
thats all we ever dreamed about
at night when we lay in bed

before we knew it ten weeks had gone by
the final test drawing near
I felt a feeling all too familiar
a feeling known as fear

reville was sounded at three a.m
the crucible comming soon
we gathered our equipment and our strenght
as we marched as one platoon

we overcame our obstacle and solved our problems
we did it as a group
we made it through one of the toughest days
with little time to recoup

with little food and little rest
we pushed on harder and harder
our final goal was in reach
so we went farther and farther

we fought with courage and with pride
as the final march was done
we had achieved our goal with honor and commitment
all out battles won

all platoons lined up in formation
as the ceremony proceeded
tears came to everyone eyes
because we knew that all had succeeded

I recieved my eagle globe and anchor
I shook my drill instructors hand
I realized I was no longer stranded at sea
but that she alone had led me safely to land

I now serve our country proudly
in the air, on land, at sea
I have never been more proud to claim the title
of UNITED STATES MARINE

Semper Fidelis

jinelson

04-03-08, 08:25 PM

jinelson

04-04-08, 12:12 PM

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Poolee Commitment

by Author Unknown

Yes I am joining the Marine Corps
Yes I am requesting my MOS to be Infantry
Yes I will be trained to fight to kill to protect freedom and democracy
Yes I want to be at the FRONT!
I will make the Corps my house where I will guard it from all evil
My fellow Marines will be my family, and I will risk my life to save theirs
My Strength, My Honor, My Pride, My Courage, My Commitment, My Desire will be my shield against the enemy...
I will fight for the Red, White and Blue and everything it stands for...
The Same Red that represents the BLOOD of all Warriors that fought this country's battles
The Same White which represents PEACE
The Same BLUE which represents our Blue sky where we look up to dream away, to wonder, to imagine, to look for hope...
Yes I am joining the Marine Corps

Jonny Destroyer

04-04-08, 12:21 PM

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I'm The One Called Doc

BY: HARRY D. PENNY, JR. 1997

I SHALL NOT WALK IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS,

BUT I WILL WALK BY YOUR SIDE.
I SHALL NOT WALK IN YOUR IMAGE,
I'VE EARNED MINE WITH PRIDE.

WE'VE ANSWERED THE CALL TOGETHER,
ON SEA AND FOREIGN LAND.
WHEN THE CRY FOR HELP WAS GIVEN,
I'VE BEEN THERE RIGHT AT HAND.

WHETHER I AM ON THE OCEAN
OR IN THE JUNGLE WEARING GREENS,
GIVING AID TO MY FELLOW MAN,
BE IT SAILORS OR MARINES.

SO THE NEXT TIME YOU SEE ME,
AND YOU THINK OF CALLING ME 'SQUID',
THINK OF THE JOB I'M DOING,
AS THOSE BEFORE ME DID.

AND IF YOU EVER HAVE TO GO OUT THERE
AND YOUR LIFE IS ON THE BLOCK,
LOOK AT THE ONE RIGHT NEXT TO YOU...
I'M THE ONE CALLED 'DOC'.

That one is great. A lot of times Marines dont give enough attention to the Corpsmen that fight along our sides. Sure, we poke fun at them, but we love them like a brother. They are one of the best assets to our beloved Corps. So to all you new Poolees, and new Marines, make sure you respect your Doc, cuz that could be the man saving your life.

Semper Fi, Corpsman!
-CPL Maines:usmc:

jinelson

04-05-08, 04:15 PM

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,Training for the Corps

by Ms.V2Lo

He's off to Parris Island where
He'll train to fight the war.
My son, my heart, a piece of me
Will be a child no more
Before he left I hugged him
Every time he passed me by
I told him that I loved him
As a tear fell from my eye
I'm proud of him, it's what he wants
I cried and held him tight
And pray to God to keep him strong
Please guide him through the fight
And though I had prepared myself
I never felt such sorrow
As that day he left for boot camp
For we wouldn't hug tomorrow
And yes I miss him selfishly
But one thing that I'm sure
Is all his dreams are coming true
He'll soon be in the Corps.

jinelson

04-06-08, 08:51 PM

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Our Fight For You

by Adam Billings

We fight for what many won't
Our bodies battle like many don't

We save lives in the field
Knowing that we may be killed

Freedom is saved by what we do
You don't understand that it's all for you

We take the punishment to help the others
Our mission is to save our brothers

Mothers at home worry about us every day
Just so you can have everything your way

Some people at home put us down and call us names
While miles away we fight for freedom so that our nation can reign

We see the blood of our brothers
But we keep on fighting for all the others

We never give up and we always try
When banded together we will never die

Know this peace lovers,
war haters,
sad mothers,
and mob creators

We fight the war for you as well
We take the bullets in our chests and go through all the hell

We are the Marines
We battle day to day
No Matter how much pain we take
Our freedom is what we save

We take our guns, and we take our lives and put them on the line
We knew the suffering we would go through before we ever signed

Deep inside we buried our loved ones and our memories
Cause we knew that our duty was not for us, but to set You free

So when your lying in bed tonight thinking about your family
Remember all of us to
The people who go out everyday
and fight the war for you

We Are Marines
We always fight for you
Remember our sacrifices
As you look up at the red, white and blue