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Thread: Todays Moto
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03-18-07, 08:13 PM #46
Welcome To Vietnam
By Pfc Ray Keck United States Combat Veteran, Veitnam
Poor boy in Hell, rich boy in Yale
Off the plane, into the rain
Nineteen, still green
Ding Dong, Viet Cong
First day, learn to pray
Mud 'n rain, men in pain
Dawn's early light, firefight
Day patrol, keep your head low
Mortars at night, Charlie's delight
Incoming rockets, arms out of sockets
Trip flare, men who dare
Punji stick, pull out quick
Incoming tracers, lots of sad faces
M-60 whistling Dixie
M-16 hot, damn, another jam
Flak jacket, gotta hack it
Helmet on head, nights I dread
Pointman, Promised Land
Willie Pete, minced meat
Smell of death, hold your breath
Search and destroy, Charlie's ploy
Hand grenades, babies in graves
RPG, who will it be
Fill sand bags, days that drag
Best friend dies, days of cries
Mail call, time to bawl
Morning mist, the smell of ****
China beach, out of reach
Long Bin cell, a place in hell
DMZ, no place to be
Down on the delta, no shelter
Sniper fire, gooks in wire
Claymore mines, works so fine
Fox hole, a place to go
Rock 'n Roll, high death toll
Shooting gooks, a place of spooks
Distant faces, far away places
USS Repose ship from heaven
Purple Heart, broken parts
Jungle hot, feet rot
NVA, bad day
Lock 'n load, saddle up
Out of luck Corpsman up
Booby traps, open yaps
Humping the bush, no rides just push
Concertina wire, open fire
Short round, hearts pound
AK 47, sure way to heaven
Tag 'em and Bag 'em going home early
Get some, Charlie's on the run
C4, even the score
Men in tanks, welcome yanks
Men in jets, sure bets
B-52's, Charlie's got the blues
Medivac, won't be back
Napalm bomb, HELP Mom
Friendly fire, no desire
Monsoon, days of gloom
Skeeters 'n snakes, God's mistakes
Elephant grass, this war will last
Dead dinks, Nam stinks
Kool-Aid, got it made
Malaria, it do scare ya
Hole watch, lives lost
Hot LZ, not for me
Tunnel rat, black cat
Body bag, gun or frag
R & R, far away bar
Boon docks, hard knocks
Rock pile, no smile
Bouncing Betty, soldiers get ready
Twilight's last gleaming, young men screaming
Body counts, death toll mounts
Fire in the hole, last patrol
Ho Chi Minh SUCKS
Shot timer, fence climber
13 Months no more grunts
Freedom bird, back to the world
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03-19-07, 06:12 PM #47
For 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.
I love you, John. I miss you more everyday.
May God protect you and bring you home soon.
Your loving sister,
Tracy
6/03
This poem was written for John who left for Iraq in April. We are still awaiting his return home. It was a form of therapy for me and a tribute to him and will hopefully allow him to know how much we love him and miss him while he is away.
I hope that John made it back home safe and sound.
Jim
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03-20-07, 06:23 PM #48
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!
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03-24-07, 12:32 AM #49
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!
Murl D. Long
November 10,1945
Last edited by jinelson; 10-03-08 at 08:07 AM.
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03-24-07, 12:38 AM #50
All of this moto is getting me fired up, I guess I won't be hitting the rack tonight. Semper Fi Devil Dogs!!
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03-24-07, 11:43 PM #51
My brother left for San Diego on August 13, 2006 which is my mother's birthday. So I wrote him this poem, and I just wanted to share it.
Boot Camp
Author Unknown
We learn to fight
Down at dusk up at dawn
Building our bodies
Gaining brains, gaining brawn
I learn of my rifle
And all of its strengths
I crawl, and I climb,
And I run great, great lengths
I remember my home
And I miss its smell
If only I had known
This would be such hell
My girl, my girl
How could I leave her side
If only I were there
I would make her my bride
But now I must go
And put thoughts of home behind me
My world is right here
And the rest of the world is blind to me
Graduation is closer
Every single day
I wish it were here
These words I pray
Once it is over
I will have become a man
They say I will be strong
Strong enough to fight for this land
But in my mind
I am learning to fight for my home
That is where my brightest light
Has always shone
My family and friends
Will say where’s your canteen
But my dad will say
Have you met my son “The Marine”
Last edited by jinelson; 10-21-08 at 09:10 PM.
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03-25-07, 02:07 PM #52
Our Brother The Marine
by Omie Johnson
Our Brother The Marine
Our brother the Marine ~
is one of the toughest we’ve seen
He is off to travel far & wide ~
& we pray that God stays by his side
The things he’ll see & the things he’ll do ~
Is all to protect me & you
He’s serving our country in a time of trouble & doubt ~
We gave him some gadgets to make sure he is not without
A second generation Marine- we know he has a tough act to follow ~
So the words courage & honor will never be hollow
Our debt of gratitude for his service to our nation~
Is one that will be never be taken~
lightly or with out thought or prayer
for we know he is the one who is there~
on the front lines so we can stay safe & sound
for a family who loves him more could never be found
So here’s to our brother the Marine ~
Who is one of the toughest we’ve seen
May God bless him & keep him safe from harm~
Until we once again can hold him in our arms!
Our brother LCpl. Leon Deraps was killed in action on May 6th 2006, in Iraq. He was 19 years old. He was a baby of 6. I would like to see if you would put the poem I wrote to him when he was home for Christmas in your Newsletter. Take care!
~Omie Johnson
"In loving memory of LCpl. Leon Deraps ~ beloved brother & hero" Slow hand salute LCpl Deraps Semper Fidelis - may you rest in peace with Chesty.
Jim
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03-25-07, 05:25 PM #53
RIP LCpl Deraps, you will not be forgotten!
Jim, thanks for the poem
Maurice
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03-26-07, 11:19 AM #54
What I Am
by Donnie Marler
Tempered by the fire of battle,
Tested by fear and doubt,
Held up by my God and my brothers.
I have suffered,
I have hurt,
I have bled,
I have lived,
And I have died.
I have wept for fallen brothers,
I have prayed for my family at home,
I have hoped,
And I have loved.
Though I've died, I yet live,
I am reborn in each new generation of my brothers,
I live in them,
They carry my memory in their hearts,
They honor me,
And they will never forget me.
This land I love,
I have given it all I had to give,
And I would do it again.
I am one of The Few and the Proud.
I am a United States Marine.
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03-27-07, 08:03 AM #55
TILL THE DAY THEY DIE
Hank Donnerstag
The birth of a Marine is on that day
Having earned the Eagle, Globe and Anchor.
For that’s the day of standing tall
With a pride that couldn’t be greater.
Throughout the rigors of basic training
There’s a metamorphosis taking place;
A past life ends while another begins
With a title that can’t be erased.
With a heritage passed on
And distinctions so easily seen,
It’s more than just the uniform
In the making of Marines.
It’s fortitude and conviction,
Values taken to their graves;
It’s honor after tours have ended
For the remainder of their days.
The fire contained within the ember
Hides its heat without a glow…
It’s the Marine’s fire that burns forever,
The “Spirit” within their soul.
“Once a Marine, Always a Marine!”
It’s the ultimate of all truths,
For there is no other service on Earth
That’s paid such heavy dues.
Whether they served for 30 years
Earning ribbons and medals galore,
Or never having tasted battle…
They are Marines for evermore.
To say a Marine is “X” or “Former”
Will warrant immediate retraction.
Marines are Marines till the day they die…
But even then, the Title is everlasting!
Last edited by jinelson; 09-04-08 at 08:54 AM.
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03-28-07, 09:33 AM #56
Cool SSgt, you used my angel picture. Sweet, it looks nice with that poem.
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03-28-07, 10:23 AM #57
Side By Side
by Pfc Jay Keck United States Marine Corps Combat Veteran, Vietnam
Side by side we fought an died
One by one we came home to hide
Side by side for twelve or thirteen months
They didn't call us soldiers, they called us grunts
Side by side, and day by day
Our squad leaders trying to show us the way
Side by side, black, brown, red and white
Risking our lives in a firefight
Side by side, mostly young men
Fighting a war we thought we could win
Side by side, in jungles and mountains
The rivers and streams became our drinking fountains
Side by side, in rice paddies and plateaus
In a far away country that we didn't know
Side by side we went to war
To stop the communists on a foreign shore
Side by side, trying to keep buddies alive
Everyday and every night it took all our training to survive
Side by side we laughed and cried
So many being wounded, so many that died
Side by side we fought for our flag
So many of our friends in a body bag
Side by side we fought for what was right
Coming home to America was such a fright
Side by side we are forever more
Never to be forgotten by the Vietnam War
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04-04-07, 09:25 AM #58
Untitled...
By Bruno Bonaldi
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
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04-05-07, 10:24 AM #59
Veterans Hat
Robert Charles Steinmeyer
I had a man come up to me
He asked me why I wore a hat in such a manner as I did
With patches and pins that clearly read Veteran United States Marine
I turned and proudly answered, well my friend it goes like this
I wear this hat not just for me
Although I certainly earned the right to bear the title of the United States Marines
No, I wear it for the veterans who served long before both you and me
Both on and off the battle fields offering their greatest sacrifice, again for you and me
I wear it for all who serve today both in the air, on the land and on the sea
I wear it as a reminder for all those who stand around and next to me
Of the blanket of freedom and security
These veterans afford us every day and every night we go to sleep
But most of all I wear in my fathers memory
Who valiantly served the 1st Marines fighting in Korea
Who when I volunteered and joined the Marines
Was so very proud me
I wear it in honor of my mother who endured the tears and sleepless nights
Waiting for her loved ones to call alone, homesick and filled with fright
You see my family has quite a military past
My Father and I in the 1st Marines
My brother in the US Navy
My Brother in-law retiring from the US Coast Guard
And now my Niece is in the Marine Corps and married to a Marine
Now with so much corruption and disregard for basic human rights
You might be comforted in knowing we who wear these hats
Still believe and are ready, able and willing to fight
For God, Country and decency
And for this I wear my hat so proudly
As the conscience and the heart of a person who will never forget
God Bless the USA and all its US military Vets
And Semper Fi to all my brother Marines
Robert Charles Steinmeyer
United States Marine Corps Veteran
Semper Fi
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04-06-07, 11:51 AM #60
Fallen Warrior
by JOE TOLEDO, USMC
A Warrior Fell Today
How He Is Remembered Is Up To You
How Will You Remember Hm?
Will You Remember The Warrior?
Will You Remember The Husband?
Will You Remember The Father?
Will You Remember The Son?
Will You Remember The Brother?
Will You Remember The Friend?
The Warrior Stood Before You
And Deflected Danger Before It Got To You
He Didnt Ask For Your Thanks
He Didnt Ask For Your Praise
It Was Second Nature To Him
That This Day Might Happen Was Before Him
And Still He Stood There
The Husband Was The Man Who Loved His Wife
He Too Stood Before Her And Deflected Danger From Her
It Was Second Nature To Him, He Did It Without Thinking
Her Love For Him Was All The Thanks He Ever Needed
He Loved To Make Her Happy
The Father Watched After His Children
He Watched Them Like A Wolf Protecting Its Litter
Delighting In Thier Smiles And Laughter
He Enjoyed Playing With Them And Making Them Happy
He Made Sure They Had The Best He Could Afford
Going Without Himself To Accomplish That Goal
Teaching Them Right And Wrong, Watching Them Grow
The Son Was The Man Who Made His Parents Proud
He Would Do Anything For Them
They Rejoiced In All He Did, They Helped Him Grow
They Watched Him Transform Into A Man Right Before Thier Eyes
Moving From Baby To Little Boy To Teen And Into Man
He Loved Seeing His Parents Happy And Always Did His Best
What He Was And What He Stood For Made Them Proud
The Brother Was The Man Who Watched After His Siblings
He Played With Them And Bickered With Them As Well
They Didnt Always Agree But They Loved Each Other
He Strived To Help Them, And They Strove To Help Him
He Loved To Be Around Them And Missed Them When He Couldnt Be There
Thier Bond No One Could Break
The Friend Was Always There For You
You Could Count On Him In A Pinch
Call Him In The Middle Of The Night And He Always Answered
He Was There When You Needed A Shoulder To Cry On
He Was There To Celebrate Your Accomplishments
He Backed You Up When You Got In Over Your Head
And Asked For Nothing In Return
Which Part Of Him Will You Remember
I Choose To Remember Them All
Each And Every Part Made Him What He Was
I Never Met Him But A Brother To Me Has Been Lost
He Will Always Be Remembered
My Brother Has Fallen But He Is Not Forgot
Joe Toledo
Sgt Usmc 1987 - 1993
Sgt Us Army 1993 -2000
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Devil Dogs....no more...
Yesterday, 02:03 PM in Open Squad Bay