A Marine

Subject: A MarineI like the fact that if you are a self-declared enemy of America, Running into a Marine outfit in combat is your worst nightmare... And that your health record is either about to get a lot thicker, or be closed out entirely. I like the fact that Marines are steadfast and consistent in everything they Do... Regardless of whether you agree with them or not. I like the fact that Marines view the term 'politically correct' with Nothing but pure disdain.I like the fact that Marines stand tall and rigid in their actions, thoughts, And deeds when others bend with the direction of the wind and are as confused as A dog looking at a ceiling fan. I like the fact that each and every Marine considers the honor and legacy of The Corps as his personal and sacred trust to protect and defend. I like the fact that most civilians don't have a clue what makes us tick. And that's not a bad thing. Because if they did, it would probably scare the Hell out of them. I like the fact that others say they want to be like us, but don't have What it takes in the Pain-Gain-Pride department to make it happen.I like the fact that the Marines came into being in a bar, named Tun Tavern. And That Marines still gather in pubs, bars and slop chutes to share sea stories and Hot scoop. I like the fact that Marines do not consider it a co-incidence that there are 24 hours in a day and 24 beers in a case. Because Marines know there is a reason For everything that happens. I like our motto... SEMPER FIDELIS, And the fact that we don't shed it When the going gets tough, the battlefield gets deadly or when we hang up our Uniform for the last time. I like the fact that Marines take care of each other... In combat and time of Peace.I like the fact that Marines know the difference between 'Chicken Salad' and 'Chicken Shit' and aren't afraid to call either for What it is. I like the fact that the people of America hold Marines in the highest esteem And that they know that they can count on us to locate, close with, and destroy Those who would harm them. I like the fact that people think we are cocky.... Yet we know that we have Confidence in everything we do and the fact that they don't know the taste Of that makes them look at us as if we are arrogant. I like that fact that we know the taste of freedom and would give our very Lives for it. And that it is a taste the protected will never know.I like the fact that Ronald Reagan said... 'Some people spend an entire Lifetime wondering if they made a difference... Marines don't have that Problem!' I like the fact that we are brothers to the end... And that no matter what Happens in life, we know that we have one another's 'six'. I like the fact that an elected member of congress felt compelled to Publicly accuse the Marine Corps of being 'radical and extreme'. And I Also like the fact that our Commandant informed that member of congress that she Was absolutely correct and that he passed on his thanks for the Compliment.I like the fact that Marine leaders - of every rank - know that issuing every Man and woman a black beret - or polka-dotted boxer shorts for that matter - Does absolutely nothing to promote morale, fighting spirit or combat Effectiveness. I like the fact that Marines are Marines first... Regardless of age, race, Creed, color, sex, and national origin, or how long they served, their former Rank, or what goals they achieve in life. I like Marines...and I love the fact that I am humbled to walk among the ranks Of other Marines.I like the fact that you always know where you stand with a Marine. With Marines, there is no middle ground or gray area. There are only Missions, Objectives and Facts. In closing...if you aren't a Marine, the next best thing is to have a Marine for a husband, wife, and father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, best friend, or friend. SAEPE EXPERTUS, SEMPER FIDELIS, FRATRES AETERNI (Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever)

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A friend shared this letter with me and I wanted to share it with you. I was blessed because Dad was a Marine and always shared the Pride he had in being one. I also have a few cousins and some very special friends who served. The above letter completely sums them all up. If you ever meet a Marine make sure you say THANK YOU for your Service and give them a BIG HUG!! For that matter-anyone that has served deserves the same reaction.

God bless them all-

Annette 'Patches' Wood

Proud daughter of a US Marine Veteran

We laughed, cried and hugged-WHAT A DAY!!

SPC. Philip Pannier was Killed in Action in Iraq on January 8, 2008. He was part of the 101st Airborne out of Ft. Campbell Ky. There were 9 members of that unit that gave the 'Ultimate sacrifice' for our Freedom. The picture is of his mother and the guys in the unit.

On Sunday, February 8, 2009 we had the opportunity to meet with many of men in his unit for a Memorial. We met with his parents and other Gold Star family members. I have described some of our day for you.
All the PGR met at McDonalds in Knoxville (even without our McNailer) then went to pick up the Panniers, Palmers, Gayle Tharp and Jeff Baumgardner. We then went to the Super 8 to pick up the 17 or so guys from the 101st Airborne out of Ft. Campbell Ky to go to the gravesite of SPC. Philip Pannier. I started through the line for hugs and the others were like 'Hey, do we get our turn to hug them.' Told them to get in line. One of the guys (Mike) had a big truck that he used as a 'dirt bike' in Ky on Thurs or Friday. It was covered in dried mud/dirt from roof to tires. Took a pic of him proudly standing next to it. They also had signs written on ALL the vehicles describing their very colorful and thought provoke nickname.
We then went to the gravesite. The guys all stood around it with tears in their eyes. Cowboy, Terry and Pastor Rob spoke. They told us to let the guys know how much we loved them and to thank them for their sacrifices. I don't think there was one over 21 and hardly any THAT old. Looking at all of them you just wanted to hug them until the hurt went away. We took several pictures of them behind Panniers tombstone-which included Mrs. Pannier and Phillip's girlfriend.
We went on to AJ's Bar for dinner. Part of the bar had tables and the food. The other part had the bar with only a doorway between them. After they ate the guys decided to continue their socializing. Terry joined in one shot of a Keigerbomb (sp) and then decided NO MORE! I joined them in one shot. We had 3 Wise Men (Jose Cuervo, Jim Bean and Jack Daniels). They then thought of trying the 4 Horsemen (add Jimmy Walker Red-I think) Deb and Mrs. Palmer heard all the cheering and hollering and said they were having a good time and wondered what was going on. Then Lola said 'hey where's Annette?'
Mrs. Palmer told me 'I thought you were a nice girl. I have lost all Respect for you now trying to corrupt those young little boys'. Then she roared with laughter.
There were LOTS of hugs and cheek kissing by the guys. I tried to resist but it was hopeless....hahaha
One of the poor guys had quite a few shots. After I finished talking to a few of them and was walking back to the table he yelled 'PATCHES I love you!' and kept hugging me and wouldn't let go. I said 'Honey, I love you too. Now sit down.' Several of the others kept echoing the same phrase. One of the guys is going to mail me a patch from their unit if I promised him I would put it on my vest. I had given a few of them my card in case any wanted pictures. He even told me the spot he wanted it placed and pointed it out. (no more need added.... ;D ) PATCHES is my PGR ride name which is on my vest. I will tell you, if you ask, why that is my name.
Ron and Lisa came in with their karoake machine and they were all ready to sing. The guys did a few songs, not very well and booed each other most of it, and then it was the PGR member's turn. We did 'God Bless the USA' and they started singing with us. I rode up with Deb and Ken so I left with them after that. Before we left we went back and gave each of them one last hug. We told them 'Thank you for your Service and remember we love you.' They were VERY appreciative of all of us being there. They said the PGR is great and wished they had this much support back home. I went up to one of the guys and told his girlfriend 'I only want to borrow him for a moment.' ;) I told him thank you and we loved them. He was so emotional and hugged me so tight even when I loosened up he didn't let go. His knees almost buckled as he cried. Deb rubbed his back and eventually she got to hug him as he cried.
It was FUN and REWARDING and I wouldn't have traded it for anything. I can't even imagine what the other guys we know have gone through. It takes a special person to CHOSE that life for our Freedoms. These young men already have scars that will take alot of time to heal-if ever.
We will have several more Memorial runs this year, as well as, the 'All Eras Veterans Healing Field' in August to honor our men and women in the Armed forces.