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View Full Version : MCL National Northeast Div. Conf. - Scranton, PA - Guest speaker~~Gen Gray



Lisa 23
03-28-10, 11:57 AM
For the past 6 months, I have been looking forward to this past Friday & Saturday with the MCL National Northeast Division Conference right here in Scranton, PA (about 10 minutes away from where I live) on having the opportunity in meeting our Marine Corps 29th Commandant - Gen Al Gray on Saturday evening at the banquet.
He's now 82 years young and doesn't even look it. I guess it's the busy life that he has doing events like this and still being involved in on what's going on in our Marine Corps of today and the Marine Corps League.
When I first saw him walk into the Radisson Hotel lobby, I had to do a double take. For some odd reason, I thought Gen Gray was much taller than he was. I'm only 5' 3", and he wasn't much taller than me...lol!
Now since I still had on my MCL cover on, and saw Gen Gray walk back towards the area I was in, I came to attention and gave him a nice crisp salute, whether it was appropriate or not, I did it out of respect. He just smiled and went on his way.
Anyway, the evening at the banquet was great. Gen Gray spoke of his time in the Marine Corps, going from private to General, and being Commandant. I was truly amazed at how well Gen Gray looks for his age. He made the 6 hour trip up from Virginia by himself (got a bit lost---those darn GPS's...lol) and was returning to Virginia first thing this morning. On his way back to Virginia, was making a stop a Bethesda to visit our troops.
Along with having the HONOR and PRIVILEDGE of meeting Gen Gray, I also met a lot of great Marines from all over the country. When talking to some of these Marines, it was like I knew them for years. The brotherhood of the Marine Corps continues even when your long done from doing your enlistment. It DOES NOT go away.....Once a Marine, Always a Marine!!!
I do have to say this...when your enlistment is done in the Marine Corps, or even if you're an active duty or reservist Marine, get involved in a local MCL Detachment. We are always looking for new members. They do a lot a great things for our Marines, their families, children, the VA, the community, and so on. I'm so grateful to my brother for getting me involved in the MCL a year and a half ago. We have 3 local Detachments in our area, and my brother is Commandant and I'm his Sr Vice Commandant of our Detachment. Another great organization to get involved in is the Military Order Of The Devil Dogs. I was initiated as a Devil Pup last weekend at a MCL Dept meeting at Ft Indiantown Gap, PA.....and was a great time it was. So far, it's a lot of fun attending the Growls, and money raised from the Devil Dog Growls, goes to the Children's Hospital. This is an organization that is for Marines Only, as to where the MCL is open to Associate and Social members.

Marines, get involved in one of your local MCL detachments. It's a great way to continue on with the brotherhood and meet a lot of great Marines out there.

Lisa 23
03-28-10, 12:00 PM
Here are some pics of Gen Al Gray from the banquet on Saturday evening, 3/27/10.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/wmarineluvstaylor/MCL%20Convention%20Scranton%20PA%203-26%20and%203-27-10/IMG_0034.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/wmarineluvstaylor/MCL%20Convention%20Scranton%20PA%203-26%20and%203-27-10/IMG_0038.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/wmarineluvstaylor/MCL%20Convention%20Scranton%20PA%203-26%20and%203-27-10/IMG_0039.jpg

Lisa 23
03-28-10, 12:02 PM
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/wmarineluvstaylor/MCL%20Convention%20Scranton%20PA%203-26%20and%203-27-10/IMG_0043.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/wmarineluvstaylor/MCL%20Convention%20Scranton%20PA%203-26%20and%203-27-10/IMG_0047.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/wmarineluvstaylor/MCL%20Convention%20Scranton%20PA%203-26%20and%203-27-10/IMG_0057.jpg

Lisa 23
03-28-10, 12:04 PM
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/wmarineluvstaylor/MCL%20Convention%20Scranton%20PA%203-26%20and%203-27-10/IMG_0058.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/wmarineluvstaylor/MCL%20Convention%20Scranton%20PA%203-26%20and%203-27-10/IMG_0061.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/wmarineluvstaylor/MCL%20Convention%20Scranton%20PA%203-26%20and%203-27-10/IMG_0062.jpg

Lisa 23
03-28-10, 12:07 PM
This pic of my brother and I with Gen Gray is a pic that I will treasure for the rest of my life!

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/wmarineluvstaylor/MCL%20Convention%20Scranton%20PA%203-26%20and%203-27-10/IMG_0048.jpg

Lisa 23
03-28-10, 12:09 PM
These pics are from the Devil Dog Growl Friday evening. Ahhhhh...the fun you can have...lol!

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/wmarineluvstaylor/MCL%20Convention%20Scranton%20PA%203-26%20and%203-27-10/IMG_0017.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/wmarineluvstaylor/MCL%20Convention%20Scranton%20PA%203-26%20and%203-27-10/IMG_0015.jpg

Lisa 23
03-28-10, 12:13 PM
We all got together in the hospitality room on Friday evening before the Devil Dog Growl...

Marines doing what we do best.....drink...lol!

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/wmarineluvstaylor/MCL%20Convention%20Scranton%20PA%203-26%20and%203-27-10/IMG_0005.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/wmarineluvstaylor/MCL%20Convention%20Scranton%20PA%203-26%20and%203-27-10/IMG_0002.jpg

Lisa 23
03-28-10, 12:17 PM
Marine Color Guard practicing right before the memorial service to honor those Marines on active duty, and MCL members, who have passed on in 2009-2010.......

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/wmarineluvstaylor/MCL%20Convention%20Scranton%20PA%203-26%20and%203-27-10/IMG_0021.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/wmarineluvstaylor/MCL%20Convention%20Scranton%20PA%203-26%20and%203-27-10/IMG_0023.jpg

Rocky C
03-28-10, 12:23 PM
This pic of my brother and I with Gen Gray is a pic that I will treasure for the rest of my life!

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/wmarineluvstaylor/MCL%20Convention%20Scranton%20PA%203-26%20and%203-27-10/IMG_0048.jpg


Lisa!!! What a Great Picture :thumbup:.
That's so Wonderful that you got to experience that and Feel that Great Feeling of Pride of being one of " The Few and The Proud ".
That's Great that you are involved in the MCL to that level and all that you do.

Congrats and I'm Glad you had a Great time and to Have that picture is PRICELESS !!!!!!!!!!!!

Semper Fi,
Rocky

Lisa 23
03-28-10, 12:30 PM
Thanks Rocky. You're right...that picture is PRICELESS!
I did want Gen Gray to be in the middle, but he insisted that I be in the middle...lol!
I'm very thankful and grateful that Gen Gray took the time not only for my brother and myself, but for others who wanted their pics taken with him. He was very gracious to do so.

Rocky C
03-28-10, 03:49 PM
Thanks Rocky. You're right...that picture is PRICELESS!
I did want Gen Gray to be in the middle, but he insisted that I be in the middle...lol!
I'm very thankful and grateful that Gen Gray took the time not only for my brother and myself, but for others who wanted their pics taken with him. He was very gracious to do so.


:usmc::thumbup::flag:

PS, BTW, You Look Great Lisa, Nice Smile!!!

Lisa 23
03-28-10, 04:13 PM
:usmc::thumbup::flag:

PS, BTW, You Look Great Lisa, Nice Smile!!!

Thanks Rocky!

USNAviator
03-28-10, 06:42 PM
Lisa

Great photos of a great man.I'm sure you and your brother enjoyed yourselves.

Thanks for sharing Lisa

Dan

Lisa 23
03-28-10, 08:25 PM
We sure did Dan. :thumbup:
It would've been nice if I was able to get one of the General's challenge coins, too....but he doesn't carry that many on him anymore. The ones he had on him, he gave to the 4 Marines, which they deserved more than I do.

USNAviator
03-28-10, 09:05 PM
Lisa

As Rocky said, great smile!!! Good to see you without your cover LOL Thank your brother for his service please. It seems a dying art as 9/11 fades away!!

Glad you got a chance to meet the General

Dan

Lisa 23
03-28-10, 09:39 PM
I'll be sure to thank my brother for you. And thank you for your service, Cmdr. :thumbup:

Zulu 36
03-28-10, 10:12 PM
I love the General's jacket. He always was one for the cammies.

Lisa 23
03-29-10, 12:38 PM
I love the General's jacket. He always was one for the cammies.

My brother liked his jacket too. :thumbup:
Gen Gray is the only Commandant to have his official Commandant portrait taken in cammies.

USNAviator
03-29-10, 06:47 PM
Lisa

One of the Senators from my state of Virginia is Jim Webb. While SECNAV, Sen. Webb pushed and pushed hard for the General's appointment as Commandant. He knew that Gen Gray was the man for the job.

I'd like your permission to send Sen. Webb the link to your post. Not that we are on speaking terms but I know he reads his email. If you could grant me permission I think he'd get a kick out of seeing the General back "home" amongst his Marines. And to be honest I think Jim Webb would have loved to been there!!!!

I won't send without your permission

Dan

Sgt Leprechaun
03-29-10, 06:52 PM
Great stuff, Lisa. I can't see the pics from work but will try and get a chance to look at them tomorrow.

Semper Fi!

Lisa 23
03-29-10, 06:58 PM
Lisa

One of the Senators from my state of Virginia is Jim Webb. While SECNAV, Sen. Webb pushed and pushed hard for the General's appointment as Commandant. He knew that Gen Gray was the man for the job.

I'd like your permission to send Sen. Webb the link to your post. Not that we are on speaking terms but I know he reads his email. If you could grant me permission I think he'd get a kick out of seeing the General back "home" amongst his Marines. And to be honest I think Jim Webb would have loved to been there!!!!

I won't send without your permission

Dan

Not a problem, go ahead! :thumbup:

Lisa 23
03-29-10, 07:02 PM
Great stuff, Lisa. I can't see the pics from work but will try and get a chance to look at them tomorrow.

Semper Fi!

Sent you an email! :thumbup:

USNAviator
03-29-10, 07:27 PM
Thank you, will do

Lisa 23
03-29-10, 07:30 PM
Thank you, will do

You're Welcome! :thumbup:

USMCM38A1
03-29-10, 08:02 PM
I always liked General Gray when he first became Commandant he suggested doing away with the old pft and doing something similar to the new course.He said we aren't breeding Marines to run away we should be breeding them for strength to stay and fight then carry any wounded back when they are done.That is a picture to cherish WMARINE .Did the Khaki shirt issue come up at all it all you hear in Ohio.

Lisa 23
03-29-10, 09:19 PM
.Did the Khaki shirt issue come up at all it all you hear in Ohio.

The Khaki shirt issue did come up during the afternoon meeting on Saturday and I highly doubt that MCL members will be wearing that shirt again, and I do have to agree with what was said about not wearing it. We have middle aged to older Marines who just don't comply with the uniform standards of wearing the Khaki shirt.....a bit round in the middle, longer hair, beards and so on. While we are all Marines til the day we die, some retired Marines in the MCL just don't look good wearing the Khaki shirt anymore. That's a uniform that should only be worn by Marines on active duty or being a reservist, not by retired Marines who are in the MCL and are overweight and not groomed to Marine Corps standards.

USNAviator
03-30-10, 08:11 PM
Lisa

Sent a link to Senator Webb with your photos. Ever try contacting a member of Congress? DON'T!! the questions are incredible. If I hear back from Sen Webb I will post. Thank you again for sharing those great photos and giving me the permission to forward them

Now from the sublime to the ridiculous. I try to hang back and offer advice to potential officers etc but I was stupid enough to step into the sh$t storm re. the recruit who was worried about transportation problems. I sent him two PM's explaining that he is getting the best advice possible and that he should walk away and get ready to ship. Don't think I did much good

Dan

Lisa 23
03-30-10, 08:20 PM
Never tried contacting a Senator...lol...and hopefully I won't have to.
Glad you liked the pictures!

As for the young man you're talking about, it's nice to ask those types of questions and get a general idea of what to expect $$$ wise, but it's something he has to leave up to the ones who do that for a living.

Phantom Blooper
03-30-10, 09:00 PM
On General Grays lapel....under the American/USMC colors pin is the Life Member of the Beirut Veterans of America pin....he was 2nd MARDIV CG when that happened in Lebanon in 1983....Great man!

Great pictures Lisa...as Rocky said....nice smile!

How can those poolees perceive you as being mean?:evilgrin:

Lisa 23
03-30-10, 09:15 PM
Thanks for letting me know what that pin is on Gen Grays lapel. My brother and I were trying to figure that one out today.




How can those poolees perceive you as being mean?:evilgrin:

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/wmarineluvstaylor/animal%20buddie%20greetings/smiley-whome.gif

Phantom Blooper
03-30-10, 09:18 PM
Without taking over your thread the little tree in the middle of the pin is the "Cedar of Lebanon" and the colors are the Lebanese flag colors.....

Semper-Fi!:evilgrin:

Lisa 23
03-30-10, 09:23 PM
No, you're not taking the thread over. Thanks for the info on the lapel pin Chuck! :thumbup: