Todays Moto

[jinelson]

"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!
Author: Gregory A. Phillips, Civilian Marine
Sgt. E-5
Service Number: 232 06 30

[jinelson]

A United States Marine
Written by: Hershey S. Gehris, CCAM

I am
A United States Marine.
My Tenets are Duty, Honor, and Commitment
in services to God, Country, and Corps.
No matter the Cost;
No matter the Sacrifice
Even to the last full measure;
I will do my Duty.
I will Honor the traditions of those Marines who have gone before me;
As they have passed to me so will I pass to those who follow,
The sword of Freedom, the banner of Courage,
the unblemished Honor of the Corps.
For services without Honor is not our tradition.
I will serve with Honor.
I will be, at all times, always faithful
To my Corps, my Division,
To my Regiment, my Company
To my Platoon, my squad,
To my Fire-team, and to these Tenets
I will be Committed.
I am a United States Marine
I am neither an Ex Marine nor a Former Marine
I am or I am not
For a Marine, there is no middle ground.
I am
A United States Marine.
H & S 1/8
USMC
1963

[jinelson]

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 known 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 been more proud to claim the title
of UNITED STATES MARINE

Semper Fidelis

[CJA]

Wow... that just.. makes me smile.. awesome

Eric Returns To Camp Pendleton
J. C. R. Forehand 2002

My first grandson, Eric B. Forehand, returned to Camp Pendleton
for additional training after his 10 day boot camp leave.

It had been nine months since the terrorist attack.

Eric was on his boot camp leave but now he was going back.
He had spent some time with his Mother, he had hardly been here.
But he packed up his sea bag and kept out the uniform that he would wear.
He had his Marine dress greens cleaned and ready to don.
His garrison cap fit exactly right when he put it on.
Two fingers were under the brim but you could still see the gaze
That only smiled rarely since his boot camp days.
The Kelly green uniform had been pressed so spick
That you could shave on the crease with nary a nick.
Even without the uniform you knew this was a Marine
For he marched instead of walking and was serious and keen.
But in his class A dress there wasn't any doubt
Here was a Marine and he was going out.
Now Oceanside and San Diego see Marines every day
They are inured to seeing men march that special way
But Houston seldom sees Marines in green uniform
In South-east Texas this was surely not the norm.
So when Eric marched into Hobby Airport that fine day
The traveling crowd did more than just give way.
It was like Moses crossing the Red Sea as the crowds split asunder
And the waiting room grew quieter like after a clap of thunder.
After a period of time like in a movie scene
A voice spoke up and said: "Look, a Marine!"
The ticket agents rushed to him and put him first in line.
The people waiting nodded like for them that was just fine.
He didn't seem so big and strong to raise up such a scene
But he stood straight and proud, because he was a Marine.
They checked his bags and gave him a boarding card to keep
They turned off the security machine because the Marine emblem would make it beep.
"I'll feel safer if he is on our flight." You could hear some people say
While he marched the aisle in cadence to his loading gateway.
Well Eric has gone now and he has called to say
That he made it to Camp Pendleton and everything is OK.
But here in El Lago we miss him every day
And a voice inside keeps saying, "Our Marine has gone away!"

[jinelson]

Semper Fidelis - Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow
by David Bounds

From battlefields of the past
To those currently in the news
Marines have fought to defend our land
And to protect our Liberties
Uncommon Valor is that common thread
That runs throughout The Corps
Binding each generation of new Marines
With those who have gone before
Where do they come from
And why do they fight
always willing to pay the price
For freedom isn't free my friend
It often requires the ultimate sacrifice

From the Halls of Montezuma
To the Shores of Tripoli
And on to the beaches of World War II
Marines have fought for me
They overcame the frozen hell
Of the Chosin Reservoir
Marines battled and bled in the jungles
Of a distant land called Vietnam
In Lebanon they came in peace
But terrorists would not reason
And the bombing of the Beirut barracks
Placed more Marines on Guard Duty in Heaven

Today's Marines continue the fight
And pay the price for Freedom
Many have bled and many have died
In the current War on Terror
Though some have questioned the job they do
And may even view them with hate
These brave Marines continue to serve
And courageously fight our battles
They are warriors who aren't appreciated
Yet they realize their mission is vital
These Marines are now and always will be
Deserving of America's honor

This says it all thats why I have repeated it!

Jim

[jinelson]

Here is a poem that I wrote when I was in the DEP myself. It means more to me now than it ever did.

By: Lisa Spencer, proud wife of Cpl Jason Spencer Wpns Co 3/25 loving mother of Sydney,9, Dylan,6, and Dakota,2 praying until he comes home safe

It's a crazy world we live in
Surrounded by cruelty and strife
We all need heros to belive in
Role models who live a good life

Where are these heroes you may ask
I've heard nothing about them at all
My favorite hero's hardest task
Is throwing or catching a ball

You can find them anywhere
Scattered all over the world
Marine Corps heros everywhere
Semper Fi, their motto unfurled

HONOR--no matter the circumstance
COURAGE--no matter the test
COMMITMENT--to freedom with confidence
MARINE CORPS--UNITED STATES BEST!!!!!

[jinelson]

"Cream of the Crop"

By Gregory A. Phillips 5-23-2004

The United States Marine Corps

We the few, the proud, the Marines. Hated by the other branches, with the exception of Seabees and Hospital Core Men 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!
Author: Gregory A. Phillips, Civilian Marine
Sgt. E-5
Service Number: 232 06 30

[JAMarine]

The start of a HUGE Thread I believe. Keep it up Brother.

Semper Fi
rich

[jinelson]

A Marine's Day in Court

Written By: Cpl. Andy C. Purchase
USMC Retired


From the halls of Montezuma to the deserts of Iraq
We may bleed and die but the Corps has got your back

I read the letters telling of another standing at the Pearly Gate
It makes us sad but I'm quite sure St Peter is irate

Because they say that heaven is a place of peace alas
But just last week an old Jar Head kicked somebody's ass

As you might imagine this caused some great uproar
It's been since the days of Lucifer someone was shown the door

So in the High Courts of the Mighty his fate would be determined
Should we keep the trouble maker or send him to the burnin'

All rise they heard High Court is now in session
Our brother he stood tall heels together at attention

Defense was loud and long then came cross examination
Is it true Marine you proudly served your God your Corps and Nation

The answers they came quickly as the Sgt. spoke with honor
Two Purple hearts and a Silver star and I'd like to thank my Father

For teaching me to stand for what I believe is right
Even if that means I die I'll not give up the fight

And so before you ban me from this beautiful Home Base
You should know the one I fought with once used to roam this place

It was Lucifer himself I don't know who let him in
But I do thank God it happened and I'll explain just why I grin

In the Great Book it is written Satan pays the final sacrifice
Who better to get the job done now please take my advice

If you want this place to stay as peaceful as it's been
Let me stay here and guard it from the Devil and his Den

Case Dismissed was all you could hear then the gavel came down like thunder
The Mighty judge smiled at the prosecutor and his mighty blunder

Then He walked up to the stand where stood the proud Devil Dog
Semper Fi he said returned his salute and I'm proud to be your God

[jinelson]

Gone for way to Long

Author: U.S. Marine, Al Sad, Iraq OIFII "the Sunni Triangle" 040714

We've been layin' here tryin' to find ourselves. We look behind ourselves, We need to go back ourselves..Always looking for the big pay back listen for the news distorted play back They say that all men bleed just like us.

Were never number one always the last in line. We watch our friends go by but it doesn't help pass the time. Were fed to many pills that never eases the pain. We took a couple towns but it doesn't help erase the pain. Nobody really knows us but that's the price we pay.

People try to mess with us we, kinda stick out in a crowd. And when these towns come crumbling down, we will all still be around. People don't know bout the things we've been through and the things we've seen.

Its been so long since we've been home...Lookin back we've been gone way to long. Maybe we've forgot all the things we've missed and maybe there's more to life then this.

[jinelson]

With a Rifle in my Hand
Written By Melissa Wood
Former Corporal, USMC

I was just a private with a rifle in my hand
Along with fellow Marines, we go to make our stand
The plane ride took forever as the tension filled the air
To a place called Vietnam, our country sent us there.

I've been on base, we're packing up our ammo and some knifes
Heading out into the foreign fields where we could lose our lives
The jungle all around us, we're crawling on the ground
The enemy is very near, and the sun is going down

That night was just the first of many, the death roll moving on
The men I fought with side by side was also someone's son
Time just kept going by, everyday slower than the other
I yearned to see the smiling face of my dear old mother

The blood shed and the smell of death from villages we would roam
Hoping that we were closer to the day we're going home
Two years in Vietnam had come to pass when it finally caught up with me
I saved a soldiers life by taking out my knee

They flew me back to the U.S.A. I was going home at last
In a wheelchair with half a leg that was wrapped up in a cast
But what was waiting for me when I got home made me sick as I could be
People were protesting against this war. Is this reality?

I watched my fellow Marines die with honor and valor, in a country far away
For the rights of your freedom, their lives they had to pay
Words like liberty and honor you'll never understand
We provided you these privileges with our rifle in our hand

Semper Fi! Dedicated to all the Vietnam Vets.

[jinelson]

Reflecting

By Tom Bartlett
Leatherneck Association, Inc


We waded ashore in
"65,
with weapons in our hand;
Not a single shot
was fired, as we dashed across the sand.
Since then, six
long years have passed, and we recall with pride
The grins and pains
of many friends who fought and bled and died.
Bleeding isn't glourious; there's no success in dying.
But to keep
men free of slavery is worth the grief of trying.
So, God,
if You'd accept the men who passed the final test,
We'd appreciate
Your kindness if You'd grant them
lasting rest.

[jinelson]

Marine Sniper

By: Bradley Karr Holland

I am a Marine Sniper
Alone and fearless I fight
I sit still not making a move
As I wait in the pale moonlight
I wait for some helpless soul
To walk into my sight
I slowly squeeze the trigger
As a shot rings out through the night
A red mist fills the air
I can smell the blood from here
As I put away my gear
I take one last look in my scope
His head was blown completely off
He did not shed a tear
And when it troubles me in my sleep
I try to get my conscience clear
I will see their faces for the rest of my life
But this is the burden I choose to bear

[jinelson]

Ten Days Until an Ounce

by Janeen Robichaud

The ten days after Marine boot camp...until he leaves again.

The excitement rose when graduation was over

Finally Marine boot camp was over....he could come home for 10 days.

While he was home, I took in every ounce of what I missed about him...

The silly pranks

Playing the keyboard

Late night talks

The loving name-calling (it's a family thing)

His respect for me.....and vice versa

His amazing good looks

His generous nature

His love of family

Just the all-around love of being in his company

The ten days are over now. It's back to missing him...but this time it's not for 13 weeks. It may be for life! Only the government knows...how long my son will be gone.

God be with Zach! Thank you

Janeen Robichaud on authorsden.com

[jinelson]

A United States Marine

Written by: Hershey S. Gehris, CCAM

I am
A United States Marine.
My Tenets are Duty, Honor, and Commitment
in services to God, Country, and Corps.
No matter the Cost;
No matter the Sacrifice
Even to the last full measure;
I will do my Duty.
I will Honor the traditions of those Marines who have gone before me;
As they have passed to me so will I pass to those who follow,
The sword of Freedom, the banner of Courage,
the unblemished Honor of the Corps.
For services without Honor is not our tradition.
I will serve with Honor.
I will be, at all times, always faithful
To my Corps, my Division,
To my Regiment, my Company
To my Platoon, my squad,
To my Fire-team, and to these Tenets
I will be Committed.
I am a United States Marine
I am neither an Ex Marine nor a Former Marine
I am or I am not
For a Marine, there is no middle ground.
I am
A United States Marine.

H & S 1/8
USMC
1963