Comments on: Friday Musings

By: Neptunus Lex » All kinds of heroes

Neptunus Lex » All kinds of heroes — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 23:14:40 +0000

[...] I mentioned a few weeks ago that my OR professor from Monterey was battling stage IV cancer. I think I mentioned that I respected the fact that he was spending the time he isn’t passing in chemo trying to teach us how to, you know: Optimize things. [...]

By: Daveg

Daveg — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:52:39 +0000

What can we purchase for them that will repay in any measure what they have offered up for us?

The most important thing we can do for them is to start electing Congressional representatives that have honor, ethics, and a frikking spine.

By: FbL

FbL — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 06:32:20 +0000

Actually, I think Lex only had a Valour-IT button during the November fundraiser. But you can donate here anytime.

Lex (and so many commenters above), that was absolutely beautiful writing. I haven’t had the privilege to attend an MCRD graduation, but I see exactly what you describe in the families and new Marines who come through the USO.

It’s amazing to watch the kids that come through for boot camp [the DI's meet them at the USO], then see a new recruit with his family three months later and know him to be so changed that you don’t have a chance of recognizing him.

I can usually identify newly-minted Marines in/out of uniform a mile away; they have a bearing that fiercely proclaims, “I’m a (proud) and disciplined Marine,” yet is unable to hide the wide-eyed “God, I hope I don’t mess this up or embarrass the Corps” fear. If you doubt the truth of that dichotomy, watch an older Marine’s reaction when you mention it to him.

And I love to say “congratulations” to them and watch that stern Marine bearing shatter into a huge, open grin. It’s all at once humbling and gratifying and a stab to the heart to watch past, present and future collide as they once again stand where they started as very different people three months ago.

By: unkawill

unkawill — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 02:17:57 +0000

Phil, You could do so much more with a donation to Project Valor IT. I think LEX has a button.

MajHarvey, Good workout, Huh!

By: Phil Andrilla

Phil Andrilla — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 18:19:07 +0000

Caftsman – Last few times I’ve flown anywhere I’ve told the person working the check-in counter at the gate to up-grade to 1st class anyone on the airplane flying in uniform on my tab.I stay anonymous and just enjoy my secret.

By: MajHarvey

MajHarvey — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 06:25:02 +0000

This past fall I had the privilege of being invited to attend the MCRD graduation for a friend’s nephew. Turned out it was 17 yrs to the day from when I myself marched across the “grinder” and was ushered into the hallowed halls of those who call themselves Marines. A bittersweet moment, if you will. Bitter, because I have since left the Corps (not that you actually “leave,” mind you) for to pursue another career as a chaplain – in the Army, fer cryin’ out loud. Sweet, because there’s nothing like going back to the depot as a field grade for to see all the snapping and popping that comes your way. I thought my saluting arm would give out before I made it back to the car.

But to see all those young men, once individuals, now welded into a tightly disciplined UNIT – now that is a sight to behold. Gives one goosebumps, to say the least.