The Veteran Thread

[theoddz]

Wow, have things ever changed in the past 39 years since I trained at Parris Island MCRD and earned my Title (U.S. Marine). Watching this, I'm filled with pride, yet I feel a bit jealous, too. I'm extremely proud that Women Marines have made these giant steps of equality, and a large part of that is the fact that that accomplishment is largely due to the courage and commitment of not only my generation, but of millions of others who came before. On the other hand, I'm jealous that my generation didn't get the opportunity to meet the challenges that this new generation has.

To understand my perspective here, let me say that my boot camp series (each "series"/company consists of 2 platoons), back in the Spring of 1979, was only the second series to be issued the camouflage utility uniform (aka "BDU's" or Battle Dress Uniform) and leather combat boots. Prior to that, the female utility uniform consisted of a pair of blue trousers/slacks and a light blue blouse. Back then, we didn't get training with the M16 rifle in boot camp, nor did we receive any instruction with hand to hand combat. Instead, we had classes on makeup and military bearing.

Still, I am pretty proud to have served as a Woman Marine. Nowdays, I just call myself a Marine. It's what I am and will always be. Semper Fi.



~Theo~

[theoddz]

Today marks the 242nd Birthday of the United States Marine Corps. On this day, every man and woman who has ever earned that precious Title with his/her blood, sweat and tears, shares a common birthday. It is a part of us, a piece of us that will never leave our hearts and souls.

We are a unique club. I have witnessed this nearly my entire adult life, in so many places, even those I did not expect. I found it in my 20 years working in the VA system, stretching across the generations, in the smiles and nods of other Marines who proudly sport caps, pins, shirts, jackets, bumper stickers.....nearly anything that proudly identifies us to others. I found it in firm handshakes and the quiet (and sometimes not so quiet!!) utterances of those precious two words, "Semper Fi", that Marines say to each other that bond us as one.

Today, we Marines celebrate our common birthday. It was on this day, back in 1775, that the Second Continental Congress authorized the raising of two battalions of Marines with these words:

"That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other battalions, that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies; unless dismissed by Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of Marines."

So, happy 242nd birthday to my fellow Marines.

Here's this year's message from our Commandant, Gen. Robert B. Neller:

Semper Fidelis, always.

~Theo~

[theoddz]

Posting this as a tribute to the Armistice of 1918. One hundred years ago, on this date, World War I, the "Great War" and "War to End All Wars", ended with the signing of the Armistice. So began the journey home for hundreds of thousands of war weary Veterans. Many would find war torn landscapes, families devastated by death and loss, but also the promise of peace and rejuvenation....and also opportunity and a responsibility to rebuild that which was destroyed. They would also do what Veterans, the world over, have always done. They would rebuild their lives and families the best way they could. They would "march on".

This is for them, and all Veterans on this Armistice Day, now celebrated as Veterans Day for all of us who served.

Semper Fi,

~Theo~

[girl_dee]

[Greco]

Found out about this today and am sharing with all of you Vets, and lovers of Vets past and present who completed basic training and/or AIT at Fort McClellan, Alabama WAC or US Army no matter the year.

https://fmvets.org

"THE STORIES & PORTRAITS OF U.S. VETERANS EXPERIENCING A RANGE OF DEBILITATING & LIFE THREATENING HEALTH ISSUES THAT THEY BELIEVE ARE CONNECTED TO NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL HAZARDS THEY WERE EXPOSED TO WHILE STATIONED AT FORT MCCLELLAN - A U.S. ARMY INSTALLATION IN NORTHEASTERN ALABAMA CLOSED IN 1999. THEIR EXPOSURES HAVE NOT BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OR THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION. READ & LISTEN TO THEIR STORIES..."

Pass this on your social media as well, thank you.

We Stand Strong Always, Greco

[theoddz]

I have to share this beautiful story about a lovely Lady who served in the U.S. Army during WWII. In these days of the darkness of political corruption, it's kind of nice, every once in awhile, to see a story like this. Enjoy!!!!

A WAC's Journey to Find Her Husband In the Middle of WWII



Semper Fi...

~Theo~

[girl_dee]

Originally Posted by theoddz

I have to share this beautiful story about a lovely Lady who served in the U.S. Army during WWII. In these days of the darkness of political corruption, it's kind of nice, every once in awhile, to see a story like this. Enjoy!!!!

A WAC's Journey to Find Her Husband In the Middle of WWII



Semper Fi...

~Theo~

Thank you for sharing Theo!