The Email surge is working!

We have an update today from the Fightin' 6th Marines. The email count is now almost at 9,000 - and still growing! That is Awesome, folks. But when you think about it, that is still less than 2 emails per Marine. Keep it UP!

Marines of the Fighting 6th need You!

How can you help the Marines of Regimental Combat Team 6? I'm glad you asked! How about starting out with an email to tell them you support them... We have a golden opportunity to make a direction connection with the help of Grim and Blackfive (with a tip of the hat to Kat), you can even do it right from your computer. How easy is that?! Just sit down and tell these warriors at the tip of the spear that you care, and that you support them and their mission. These are our Marines, putting it all on the line every day - thousands of miles from their homes and families. So take 10 minutes of your day to tell them you care. Then send another email to all of your friends and family who support the troops. And tell them to do the same thing. Let's make certain that these Marines know we support them, and completely flood their email box!

Happy Birthday to the Marines!

I just want to wish all active and former Marines and spouses (they also serve!) Happy Birthday! Here are the blogs of just a few active and former Marines so you can visit and leave a Birthday greeting: The Gun Line One Marine's View Straight White Guy Drunken Wisdom America's Son SandGram Akinoluna Howdy Hurl Adventures of Chester Grim's Hall Villainous Company The Word Unheard Major Mike Halls to the Shores Evangelical Outpost Ramblings/Ordinary Grendel's Dragon Random Firings Stacking Swivel Flight Pundit Social Sense Daisy Cutter In time for the birthday, there is a new museum in Washington, D.C. ... The National Museum of the Marine Corps. OoRah! go check out the pretty pictures - including the glass-encased flag from Iwo Jima. I've already placed this site on my wish list for a future trip to the capitol. Meanwhile, we are still engaged in the battle to raise funds for the Valour-IT project for Soldiers' Angels. Thanks to everyone who has donated, and for the rest of you, please consider a donation for this worthy cause!

A Eulogy to a great Father and Marine

Losing a beloved parent is very tough, and I knew my friends HanyaP and MrMan, her terrific husband, were struggling to deal with the loss of Mr. Man's dear father. What I didn't realize was how eloquent MrMan can be when pouring out his heart.  Nor did I know of the depths of his father's love of country and sacrifice in its service.  Not just in one war, but in two - and not just in one uniform, but in three.    "He was a great teacher, a great story teller, a great father, and a great friend."   Here is definitely Someone You Should Know.

Col. Greg "Pappy" Boyington not worthy?? (updated)

My favorite morning radio host, himself an alumnus of the University of Washington, passed along a sad little tale last Wednesday. It seems that the Student Senate of the U-Dub had voted down resolution R-12-18: A Resolution to Calling for a Tribute for Col. Gregory “Pappy” Boyington, USMC WHEREAS Col. Gregory Boyington who as a student at the University of Washington from 1930 to 1934, was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, served as an ROTC cadet, and represented this university as a swimmer and wrestler and held the Pacific Northwest Intercollegiate middleweight wrestling title before he graduated in 1934 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering with a 2nd Lieutenant's Commission in the Coast Artillery Corps, served as a combat pilot in the 1st Squadron, American Volunteer Group (the "Flying Tigers of China") and served subsequently as a Marine Corps combat pilot in the Pacific Theatre as Commander, Marine Fighting Squadron 214 ("The Black Sheep Squadron") from 12 September 1943 to 3 January 1944, during which time he was awarded the Navy Cross, America's second highest combat decoration, and the Medal of Honor, America’s highest combat decoration... And just "Why" was this resolution defeated? You can read the complete minutes of the Feb. 7th meeting, but here are a few especially telling quotes : Jill Edwards said she didn’t believe a member of the Marine Corps was an example of the sort of person UW wanted to produce. Ashley Miller commented that many monuments at UW already commemorate rich white men. Okay - I cherry-picked those statements, although they do appear together in the minutes. But I wonder whether Ms. Edwards truly intended to imply that all Marines are unsuited to be honored by any UW students? Then again, given the troubles we've had here in Washington with recruiting on campuses, maybe that is exactly what she meant. Gee, I wonder how many of her current fellow students have served in the Marines?? I'd be lookin' over my shoulder if I had made such an ill-conceived and rude statement. Just sayin'. I also have to wonder if Ms. Miller realizes that she is discriminating against Pappy because of his race?? Sounds anti-tolerant and non-inclusive to me. Share this little item with your Marine friends, and any interested UW alumni you may know. Hat/Tip to Ry, who pointed me to the post by AndrewsDad for the links. UPDATE I was certain that America's Son would have something thoughtful to say on this matter - and he did not disappoint. Please go read his Opinion vs. Truth for the view from a deployed Marine. Also, Sgt B pointed out in his comment below that "Pappy" Boyington was not exactly a paragon of virtue. In fairness, this is true - he struggled with demons of his own in the form of alcohol, at least. If the students had chosen to balk at a memorial for reasons of this type, it would make more sense (although I would still disagree). It's the fact that they explicitly chose to ignore him and his character completely, and rejected the resolution for generic reasons like those above that is the telling point. I also would like to add that young Andrew Everett, who initiated the resolution deserves high credit for taking this step, and for standing and defending his resolution during the debate shown in the minutes. He is exactly the kind of young man I think the U-Dub should be proud to have among its student body.

New milblogs added

Capt B of One Marine's View has spawned ... twice! There are two new Marine blogs to enjoy, which I cheerfully added to my sidebar. First, we have TacoBell at SandGram, who some may be familiar with from his AnySoldier journal. He's a good buddy of Capt B's, and the two of them may write a book after both get back from Iraq. Check out his Chunky post to understand his call sign and others! Then we have Sammie (AKA Sgt. M in this post) at MySkatterBrain who plots Payback, and learns some lessons! Semper Gumby, Marines!

Outside the wire

Marine blogger America's Son needed to work on his translations - from Army acronyms into Marine - on his latest operation outside the wire in Iraq. "I have never attended an Army mission brief before and it was an interesting time. Acronyms are as prevalent in the military as are egos; and both, at times, are equally hard to understand. I have been in the Marines for nearly eight years now and I have yet to master the art of acronym interpretation. Now, in this mission briefing, I was being exposed to a whole new lexicon. I wished more than anything that I had been issued an interpreter like our Iraqi officer counterparts. Many times during the brief, I found myself leaning over to my Army counterpart and humbly asking what this meant, or what that represented on the terrain model. By the end of the mission brief however, I had a clear understanding of our mission, timeline and the NAI's (Don't worry...you will get used to the acronyms after a while). I am not going to go into much detail about the mission out of concerns for operational security, but there were a few interesting and somewhat hair-raising moments during the mission which I would like to share." Go read Operation Arabian for the whole story ... even pics!

Wrap up and follow up - New Links!

Added 11/19 Matt has an update on Sgt. Wright posted at Blackfive, straight from the Marine's mouth. Original post The blogger challenge was a great success - with $88k raised for Project Valour-IT! A huge Thank You to everyone who participated, and who donated to this terrific cause! During the first week of the challenge, I displayed a picture of a young Marine saluting proudly. I found that great picture at Capt B's One Marine's View, and used it to illustrate the point. I didn't know the Marine's name or how he came to be wounded. I had no clue when the picture was taken, or what he was up to since that day. This weekend, by sheer luck, I found some of the details to fill in the blanks, and I think the story just got even better. First -- the original picture, with a proper caption ... Sgt. James Wright, who received the Bronze Star Medal with valor device from Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, salutes during the national anthem at the June 1, 2004 presentation ceremony in front of the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va. Wright was given a speed boat as appreciation for his actions while serving in Iraq. Photo by: Cpl. Richard Stephens During the fight, a round from a rocket-propelled grenade struck his humvee and changed the Marine’s life forever. The blast severed both of Wright’s hands and severely wounded his left leg. Incredibly, Wright maintained his composure, instructing his Marines to use a radio to call for help and to apply tourniquets to his wounds. Wright also directed his Marines to concentrate fire on enemy machine gun positions, assisting in the demise of 26 enemy fighters. For his actions, Wright was later presented the Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device for valor. As I finished the article, I realized two things : Sgt. Wright is from Seattle, Washington -and- he has just been presented with the gift of a fine custom speed boat by a San Diego based company called Ultra Boats. Jason Ewing of Ultra Boats shows Marine Sgt. James 'Eddie' Wright, who lost both hands in a combat-related explosion while serving in Iraq last year, the interior of Wright's new 28-foot, custom-made powerboat. The vessel is specially outfitted so that Wright can drive the boat using his prosthetic arms, before the boat was put in the water at Camp Pendleton on Thursday. The boat was given to Wright as part of a reality television show called 'Rock the Boat.' HAYNE PALMOUR IV Staff Photographer Check out some of the details of Sgt. Wright's new boat : The 425-horsepower boat was custom-airbrushed with scuba-fitted skeletons ---- a stylized Marine reconnaissance team ---- swimming through blue flames with Wright at the lead ---- his new prosthetic arms with hooks in full stroke. The powerful speed, ski and scuba vessel was rigged with voice-controlled navigational and operational gear that can be operated by Wright alone. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? If there are any Southern California based folks reading this - please tell your friends and neighbors to consider a visit to Ultra Custom Boats for their next boat purchase. This is the kind of military supporting business we need to encourage!! Well done, John and Leah West -- Good on You! UPDATE The Ultra Boats site notes that the Outdoor Life Network (OLN TV) runs a series called Rock the Boat. An episode showing the custom design of this special boat will air again on Sunday night, Nov. 20th, at 7pm Pacific time. Sounds like a LOT more fun than 60 minutes to me !! Check your local listings, just be case.

Happy 230th Birthday, Marines!

As a proud member of the Marine blog challenge team, under the inspired leadership of Holly Aho, I want to wish all active and former Marines Happy Birthday! Here are the blogs of just a few active and former Marines so you can visit and leave a Birthday greeting: The Gun Line One Marine's View Straight White Guy Drunken Wisdom Akinoluna Howdy Hurl Adventures of Chester Grim's Hall The Word Unheard Major Mike Halls to the Shores Evangelical Outpost Ramblings/Ordinary Grendel's Dragon Random Firings Stacking Swivel Flight Pundit Social Sense Daisy Cutter The US Postal Service is giving the Marines a birthday gift ... MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. In honor of the 230th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, the U.S. Postal Service is scheduled to release the U.S. Marine Corps Heritage Collection of four distinguished Corps postage stamps. The Distinguished Marine Stamps honor four of the most reputable Marine Corps war heroes including Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone, Sgt. Maj. Daniel J. Daly, Lt. Gen. John A. Lejuene and Lt. Gen. Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller. Purchase of the stamps will be available exclusively on Marine Corps installations Nov. 10 at $7.40 for a book of 20 stamps. Other post offices will begin sale of the stamps on Nov. 11. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., are scheduled to host the unveiling ceremonies Nov. 10. Brig. Gen. Michael Lehnert, Commanding General Marine Corps Installations West, is scheduled to speak at the West Coast event. (H/T to Wild Thing) This is a fine idea, and the timing is wonderful with Veteran's Day on Friday. Keep in mind that not all heroes get their faces printed on a stamp, though. Capt B reminds us about the nature of the Real American Hero ... The title of veteran is a term of great respect due to the patriotism, willingness to serve, and dedication to a larger cause. As the holiday approaches if nothing else Americans should remember the vets who made this country what it is today. I stand in front of a unit’s memorial board here in Iraq. A wall of warriors killed in action. I stare at the many fallen Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen, many so young and full of life, determined and brave. I stare at the memorial walls and a silent crowded wall stares back at me holding me accountable to complete the job we were sent here to do. They gave their all. It’s a shame we cant display all of the pictures from all of the battles that show these brave men so people could see who was number 7 and who was number 2001. So people can feel the eyes of men and women looking at them and telling them so much without saying a word. Their faces wind torn and chapped, uniforms faded from the hot sun, body armor stained with sweat marks, dirt and smoke. Many of them serving multiple tours defending America and freedom, not only in Iraq and Afghanistan but places like Omaha Beach, Iwo Jima and Vietnam. Some people don’t support war for whatever reason but I ask all of you to respect the warriors for the person they are, no the American that they are and always will be. For the fact that which ever war they fought in, they fought bravely. Some are gone now. Some never made it home but many are still with us. Some people on that wall may have wondered what would be said about them once they are gone. As on that wall, many names reside on the black Vietnam memorial wall in DC and the many walls, memorials to come which hold words of gratitude and honor, strength, determination and hope. ... There's more - go read it, and leave the Captain encouraging words while you're at it. He knows why he's in Iraq, let him know you understand.

Where's your Marine Spirit?

I found this picture at One Marine's View. This young Marine fought alongside his brothers, and saw things I am sure I can't imagine. He lost his hand, and may have lost fellow Marines as well. Helping our wounded is what Project Valour-IT is all about, and the picture speaks in volumes much better than I can write. The best words I can share are from my blog-challenge teammates, like Gunn Nutt, and Sgt. B. Our original inspiration came from Chuck Ziegenfuss, who I met through his blog From My Position. Chuck was wounded this past June, and is once again back at Walter Reed undergoing procedures to graft skin on his damaged arm. He has been able to blog, when he isn't under the influence of medications, by using a voice-controlled laptop. This led directly to the formation of Project Valour-IT. So here we are - in Day 2 of the Blog Challenge, with a goal of $21,000, and a friendly rivalry to spur on the bloggers. As you can see in my sidebar, the Marine Team (headed by Soldiers' Angel - Sally Aho) has raised over $1800 - Whoo Hoo!!! That's barely ahead of the Navy team, and far behind the leading Army team, although happily leading the Zoomies. Show your spirit! If you are a Marine with a blog, please join the team! If you don't blog and want to join, download the flyers (Thanks to the Armorer for hosting them!) and spread the word. Take some time to read down the Marine Team blog list in my sidebar - leave a comment to let them know of your support. Most importantly - Dig into your pockets and spread some green for this great cause, please. In the words of my blog bro Sgt B, let's Get Some!!

Blogger Challenge - Join the Team

The blogger competition for Project Valour-IT is launching today - and I'm joining the Marine team of Soldiers' Angel Holly Aho. The concept was to create the teams around the military services, and use that friendly rivalry via a Blog Challenge. Holly has taken the lead for the Marine team. No, she has not served in the Marines, or any of the services, directly. But as a Soldiers' Angel she works hard to bring comfort to members of every service. Holly couldn't let her Marines down, so she's leading the way. What: Friendly online blogging competition to raise money for Project Valour-IT, a Soldiers’ Angels operation. Who: There are 4 3 teams competing so far. Army – Led by blogger BlackFive Air Force – Led by the Mudville Gazette Marines – led by Holly! Goal: The goal of the Project Valour-IT fundraiser is to raise enough money for 30 new laptops with voice activated software for our wounded soldiers with hand and/or arm injuries. Each laptop costs approximately $685 plus shipping, so the fundraiser’s total goal is to raise $21,000. How: Donate online with Paypal (button at top of this page) or send in a payment to: Soldiers Angels Valour-IT Fund Marine Team 1792 East Washington Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91104 When: November 2 – November 11 The men and women in the military give so much, it's our turn to repay them. Watch this space for updates often, and go give some Green!!

Recruiter to be Interviewed on NPR

If you live in the Pacific Northwest and read Blackfive, then you may recall Matt's post about a Marine Corps Recruiter, after a local Seattle newspaper printed a wild tale of recruiting supposedly gone overboard. If you haven't read that post - you should do so first, as the article is included along with very useful notations from Matt. Be sure to go through the comments as well ... very illuminating! The story in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer painted a picture of over the top recruiting, including "a relentless barrage of calls" and other actions by a Marine Corps recruiter that I found hard to swallow. In addition, the author of the story claimed her "request to speak with the sergeant who recruited Axel and with the Burlington office about recruitment procedures went unanswered." Maybe they just didn't ask nicely? Whatever the reason, others were able to perform interviews, and NPR (among others) was able to talk with the recruiter, Staff Sergeant Marquez, regarding the story. I spent some time last month visiting with the Army recruiters at the South Jackson recruiting office, when the local anti-recruiting forces came out in force on (of all days) Armed Forces Day. I found them to be very pleasant and easy to talk with, and extremely professional in manner. So I am looking forward to hearing the interview on NPR this Saturday between noon and 2pm, on KUOW 94.9-FM, during the Weekend America program. The interview with SSgt Marquez, who is based in Bellingham, WA, will be one of the items featured in the program. UPDATE I neglected to express my gratitude to Staff Sergeant Marquez and Mrs. Marquez for coming forward, and alerting us to the interview, and for their service to the country. Recruiters have the toughest job in the service, and military wives sacrifice in ways I can't being to understand. Thank You!! Check out the Part Two update over at Blackfive, complete with a picture that's definitely worth the proverbial thousand words. Not that Matt is at a loss for the right words. Here are a few describing the works of the so-called author : Susan Paynter is a muck-raking, shrill, mean, and talentless hack who's knack for smoke, mirrors, and untruth is matched only by Howard Dean and Dick Durbin and Al Sharpton.

Seeing Double

What are the odds of twin brothers joining the Marines and both being deployed to Iraq? Pretty high, as it turns out - but what about the odds of a chance meeting between them ... Lance Cpl. Scott Siska was in Kuwait on his way home to Camp Pendleton, Calif., with the Marine Corps' 1st Service Support Group after a seven-month tour in Iraq. Lance Cpl. Kevin Siska was headed into Iraq with the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion's Company C, Weapons Platoon, from Camp Lejeune, N.C., for a similar tour. The brothers' mother, Carol Siska of Mantua, Ohio, said she had hoped her 20-year-old sons would get a chance to see each other while they were in Kuwait, but she knew the chances were slim. And they got slimmer and slimmer as Scott's return date kept changing. "On (Scott's) deployment schedule everyday there were two groups that were being sent from his base (in Iraq) into Kuwait. First it was going to be March 5, and then it was going to be (a later date). You know, it kept fluctuating back and forth and changing," Carol said. "We knew Kevin was leaving (Camp Lejeune) March 7 and that he'd go right to Kuwait." Scott had left a message on his brother's cell phone saying he had good news and bad news. His unit was finally heading to Kuwait but wouldn't be there until March 8. He figured he would probably miss Kevin. As Scott tells it, his unit had finally gotten into Kuwait and took the opportunity during the brief stop to eat. He struck up a conversation with another group of Marines at the table. When he found out they were from Lejeune and what unit they were with, he asked if they knew "Siska". "They looked at me, and they're like, 'You are Siska,'" he said. "They thought they were already talking to (my brother). They had no clue." When they put two and two together, one of the Lejeune Marines told Scott to stay put. Scott didn't quite understand why, but he stayed put. Shortly he heard the sound of feet running up behind him and saw the expression of the Marines sitting across from him. The Marine had gone to find his brother. "I couldn't say anything," Scott said. "I was just totally amazed that he was there." You can read the rest of the story here. As wonderful as the Siska brothers' story is, here is another twist on twins. I give you the Hanson brothers - Cpl. Dustin Hanson and Cpl. Kyle Hanson. The Hansons are serving together at Camp Fallujah with Engineer Platoon, C Company, 8th Communication Battalion, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, where they are heavy equipment operators. Looks like good things come in pairs - Semper Fi, Marines!