Todays Moto - Page 4
Create Post
Page 4 of 52 FirstFirst 1234567814 ... LastLast
Results 46 to 60 of 778

Thread: Todays Moto

  1. #46
    Marine Free Member jinelson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Newark, CA
    Posts
    4,881
    Credits
    13,264
    Savings
    0
    Images
    57


    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



  2. #47
    Marine Free Member jinelson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Newark, CA
    Posts
    4,881
    Credits
    13,264
    Savings
    0
    Images
    57


    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



  3. #48
    Marine Free Member jinelson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Newark, CA
    Posts
    4,881
    Credits
    13,264
    Savings
    0
    Images
    57


    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!



  4. #49
    Marine Free Member jinelson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Newark, CA
    Posts
    4,881
    Credits
    13,264
    Savings
    0
    Images
    57


    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.

  5. #50
    All of this moto is getting me fired up, I guess I won't be hitting the rack tonight. Semper Fi Devil Dogs!!


  6. #51
    Marine Free Member jinelson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Newark, CA
    Posts
    4,881
    Credits
    13,264
    Savings
    0
    Images
    57

    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.

  7. #52
    Marine Free Member jinelson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Newark, CA
    Posts
    4,881
    Credits
    13,264
    Savings
    0
    Images
    57


    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



  8. #53
    RIP LCpl Deraps, you will not be forgotten!

    Jim, thanks for the poem

    Maurice


  9. #54
    Marine Free Member jinelson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Newark, CA
    Posts
    4,881
    Credits
    13,264
    Savings
    0
    Images
    57


    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.



  10. #55
    Marine Free Member jinelson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Newark, CA
    Posts
    4,881
    Credits
    13,264
    Savings
    0
    Images
    57

    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.

  11. #56
    Cool SSgt, you used my angel picture. Sweet, it looks nice with that poem.


  12. #57
    Marine Free Member jinelson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Newark, CA
    Posts
    4,881
    Credits
    13,264
    Savings
    0
    Images
    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



  13. #58
    Marine Free Member jinelson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Newark, CA
    Posts
    4,881
    Credits
    13,264
    Savings
    0
    Images
    57

    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



  14. #59
    Marine Free Member jinelson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Newark, CA
    Posts
    4,881
    Credits
    13,264
    Savings
    0
    Images
    57

    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




  15. #60
    Marine Free Member jinelson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Newark, CA
    Posts
    4,881
    Credits
    13,264
    Savings
    0
    Images
    57


    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



Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not Create Posts
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts