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30 September What is an American?Ok, so I'm late, it's past that time of the week. But, I'm still reading, though I found one letter that I HAD to post for you all to read. As always read the newsletter in full here.
What Is An American? You probably missed it in the rush of news recently, but there was a report that a Pakistani newspaper had published someone's offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American. So I just thought I would write to let them know what an American is, so they will know when they find one. An American is English…or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani, or Afghan. An American is Christian, or Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan. The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as they choose. An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for God or the government. An American is from the most prosperous land in the history of the world. The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God-given right of each man and woman to the pursuit of happiness. An American is generous. Americans have helped friend and foe in their time of need. When Afghanistan was overrun by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country. As of the morning of September 11, Americans were giving more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan. An American does not have to obey the mad ravings of ignorant, ungodly, cruel, old men. American men will not be fooled into giving their lives to kill innocent people, so that foolish old men may stay in power. American women are free to show their beautiful faces to the world or not, as they choose. An American is free to criticize his government's officials when they are wrong. Then he is free to replace them, by majority vote. Americans welcome people from all lands, all cultures, all religions, because they are not afraid. They are not afraid that their history, their religion, their beliefs, will be overrun, or forgotten. That is because they know that in this country they will always be free to embrace their religion, their beliefs, their history, as they choose. And just as Americans welcome all, they enjoy the best that everyone has to bring from all over the world. The best science, the best technology, the best products, the best books, the best music, the best food, the best athletes. Americans welcome the best, but they also welcome the least. The national symbol of America welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, the tempest tossed. These in fact are the people who built America. Many of them were working in the twin towers in New York on the morning of September 11, trying to provide a better life for their families. So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo and Stalin and Mao Tse-Tung. But in doing so you will just be killing yourself. Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American. So look around you. You will find more Americans in your land than you thought were there. And you can expect that one day they will rise up and overthrow the old, ignorant, tired tyrants that have troubled too many lands. Then those lands too will join the community of free and prosperous nations. And America will welcome them. Written by Peter Ferrara, Associate professor of law at the George Mason University School of Law and a member of the Board of Scholars of the Virginia Institute for Public Policy http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/comment-ferrara092501.shtml 25 September Five pointsI received this from my friend Karli, and I thought I'd chose the 3rd option, stick it on my blog because most likely all the people I care about will read it here anyway. Enjoy
Five points to make you think about the way we treat people. 1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady. During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello." I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain One night, at 11:30 P.M., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached.. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away... God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others." Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.
3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve. In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled is hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies.. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip. ¶
4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path. In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand! Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition. ¶
5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts... Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away". Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her. Now you have 2 choices. 1. Delete this e-mail, or 2. Forward it to people you care about. I hope that you will choose No. 2 and remember. Most importantly.................. "Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like you do when nobody's watching." 22 September Pain is temporary, pride is foreverIt's that time of week again. Read the whole letter here. A few letters I found interesting.
In the first few days of April, 2003, Task Force Tarawa was pushing through An Nasiriyah. I was scheduled to board a supply chopper which would drop me off with Headquarters Co., so me and a few other Marines loaded up into a helicopter crewed and piloted by British Marines. We tried to enjoy the ride over the sands of Kuwait, but I know our thoughts were of what was to come once we landed. We passed over a huge berm laced with tank and humvee tracks. Shortly afterwards, the gunner passed a note around and I almost p!ssed myself when I read it. It said, "Welcome to Iraq, the local time is 0930. Thank you for flying British Air." It helped lighten the mood, and I've never forgotten that even internationally, humor is not forgotten in war.
Semper Fi- Sgt. Shawn Rhodes 2d Mardiv '01-'05 Sgt Grit,
I have read your newsletters for years now and have been rocked by every emotion under the sun while reading the different letters from Jarheads, Corpsmen, and loved ones. I have never written in myself though. However, after reading the letter from "Doc" Joseph Brown about his actions with the 5th Marines on Hill 812 in Korea, I knew it was one of those times I just had to speak up. "Doc", don't let the pompous comments of some rear echelon surgeon type ever make you doubt you did your duty and did it well. What I, and any other Marine reading this can clearly see is that you, while wounded yourself, were the first to rush to the aid of an injured brother. You cared for him, plugged the holes, and got him to help. You got him there alive. You did your job and, I think I can speak for every Marine past and present, you did it well. You gave him his fighting chance. No matter what you do, there will always be someone there, standing in the rear, chomping at the bit to criticize and demean any act to make themselves feel superior. To h&ll with their BS. You are the reason this Marine had any chance at all to live. I hope you find this Marine and he has the opportunity to tell you all this himself. But in case you don't, allow me the honor of thanking you for him, and for all the other Marines you helped live to come home. Semper Fidelis, Jason Coyle Sergeant, USMC '85-'94 Currently in Afghanistan "Get off the bus, you scumbags, you maggots," bellowed the mouth with the bulging eyes shaded by the Smokey Bear hat. Emerging from the bus, I noticed odd little yellow footprints painted on the asphalt parking lot in rows and columns. "Plant your feet on a pair of yellow footprints ladies!" It was another Smokey Bear hat growling and cursing as we scrambled to do his bidding. He had a gnarled, tanned face, but no visible neck, just a head attached to shoulders. As I stood on the yellow footprints, I knew my journey was over. I had arrived. This was Parris Island!
One of the Smokey Bear hats welcomed us to the Marine Corps and to Parris Island. It wasn't "we're glad you're here," but more "you will do what you are told and you will do it when you are told!" "Is that clear?" "Yes sir!" "I can't heaaaaar you!" YES SIR!" We stood at attention and listened. It was as if God was speaking, and we hung on his every word. I guess we were a captive audience, and he certainly was in charge of our lives. Finally, we left our yellow footprints and were herded towards a long, two-story building they called a barracks. The barracks looked like something left over from another time or a movie set. "You're too slow!" "Get it in gear!" "Move, move, move!" The Smokey Bear hats were every where, yelling and screaming, sometimes at the herd and sometimes at an unfortunate new "boot" who just happened to be in the Smokey Bear hat's way. We scrambled to get in line and we waited to enter the door to the barracks, not knowing what was inside. As my turn came to wait at the door, I looked inside and saw a row of barbers and piles of hair strewn about the floor. Soon, my hair also fell to the floor. I was no longer a civilian! All through the night we ran, never fast enough,... Read the rest here. The letter written by Joseph Brown touched me. After 50 plus years he is still tortured by the ill thought rant of an doctor. I think that had that doctor known the depth his comment would be taken by medic Brown he would have chose his words more carefully.
Mr. Brown; your concern that you may have not done enough or may have failed this man is not warranted. My father was a combat veteran of that war and I know it was quite savage. I was a peacetime veteran but as a 20 year police officer I can tell you from my own sometimes painful experiences that under stress that many cannot even fathom, routinely making decisions with far reaching implications, all people will occasionally make a mistake or, at the least, look back upon a task and in hindsight, know that it could have been done better. You were a godsend to that wounded man and you don't owe anyone. I cannot imagine anyone feeling ill towards you. Medics and Corpsman are held in high esteem because all us grunts know you are lifesavers. You saved people! You were bearing an unbelievably difficult burden and did it the best you could. The fact that this bothers you yet tells me you are extremely conscientious and I am confident you did your duty. Thank You! Cpl Robert Wollwert 0311 1982-1986 To Corpsman Joseph Brown of the Korean War,
Doc - you did just fine. You did way more than any Marine could've done under those same circumstances. You helped a fellow Marine under terrible and dangerous conditions. The fact that you did, or didn't, tear more of his uniform away had nothing to do with you saving his life. (Notice that I said "saving his life", not causing his death.) Your training, your instincts, and your caring manner took over and you succeeded. You were there, you were the man on the spot, the person under pressure, doing what you thought was best. He lived, and believe me - he's most grateful to you and all the other Doc's, as are the rest of us Marines. You are one us Doc. And the guy in the operating room who told you what he did? From my experiences, forget about him - he was just another navy puke who didn't have a clue as what Marines are all about. Semper fi Doc, Stephen M. Blank Canton, MA 2039646 USMCR, 1963 - 1969 This is in reply to Doc Brown and his pain and hurt when some A#$%ole told him he had failed in his duties. I was the BN Chief Corpsman when my unit hit the beach in Somalia in Operation Restore Hope. While we in Baidoa, in the deep desert, we got a call to assist some UN Aid workers that had hit a land mine with their Landrover. The driver was killed when the explosion took 3/4 of his head off and spread it all over the roof of the car. When my Corpsmen delivered the wounded and the dead man to the LPH off shore the doctor there gave him h&ll for not bringing the mans head along with the rest of his body. My Corpsman gave him the best answer that any of us could have thought of. . . He told the doctor "I didn't bring my f#$king squeegee with me." I know that it seriously ticks me off when people that haven't been under fire criticize those who have. Until they have been in that situation where someone is trying very hard to kill them they won't ever understand what field medical Corpsmen, who have been under fire, do. Don't ever doubt yourself and your abilities. The fact that the men that you worked on survived tells me you did everything that you could and was necessary. I hope this helps in some way.
S. T. Higgins HMC(SW/FMF) USN retired. SSgt. Huntsinger,
If you are still inhaling oxygen, you are still a Marine and, on appropriate occasions, still authorized to wear your uniform. That is how I understand the Corp's uniform regs. I am in somewhat of the same dilemma. My son has been in the Corps for 2-1/2 years now and will be getting married prior to his next deployment to Iraq. He wants a military wedding with me in my blues. His future father-in-law was a grunt/radioman in Nam and he needs to put together a set of blues too. I am a member of Marine Corps League #1122 in Santa Clara, CA, and there are members who frequently need uniform articles for special occasions or to just retain a set as a memory. We have a recently retired "butter bar" - oops, Lt. - with lots of years enlisted time who knows of ways for Marines who are no longer on active/reserve duty to purchase uniforms. You might check with your local League and see if they have such a contact. Also if you are not a member of the Marine Corps League, check it out. I joined this year and found myself humbled in the presence of Marines who fought on Iwo Jima, trudged through the high tide at Tarawa, froze at the Chosin with Chesty, patrolled in the jungles of Vietnam, and saw much combat in Iraq. It's good to be around Brothers of all ages. They will not always be the one to tell you that they were awarded the Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross, or some other significant decoration for actions above and beyond. They are just proud to be Marines and to be part of a unit that helps those in VA hospitals, those who are deployed, participates in parades and community events, and, unfortunately at times, funerals. It is a very active organization, and like the Corps, it doesn't just sit around. Semper Fi, Mike Damigo All Men are Created Equal, Then Some Become MARINES. Fun in classSo I had a CJ class tonight and this chick basically made a fool out of herself in class. We were talking about how cops have to be on their best behavior on and off duty. And she tells us this story that she was at a party and met a guy, and they were drinking and talking. Next day, she finds out he is a cop, she's with her friends who happen to have bags of alcohol, so he asked to see their ID's, they happened to be underage and got tickets for minor in possession. She felt that since she "knew" him that he shouldn't have given the tickets. Most of the class disagreed with her. I would never want the guys I know not to enforce the law if I broke it. Just cause I know Officer so-and-so doesn't mean I shouldn't be punished if I broke the law. I was chatting with Goddess about this, and though I do agree the officer shouldn't have been at the party with underage drinkers, this chick shouldn't have expected that she/her friends wouldn't get a ticket. What do you all think? 15 September Little men with loud voices cry doom,It's that time of week again. Read the whole letter here. A few letters I found interesting.
Dear Sgt. Grit,
This letter is to address the young lady, "Thanks for listening...", that receives no support from her family and boyfriend; First, DUMP THE BOYFRIEND. Then, hold your head up and embark on the greatest career you could ever hope to achieve. What you will learn in the Marine Corps will stay with you the rest of your life. The confidence, character, discipline, patience, and motivation to do whatever you desire will be engrained in every fiber of your being. Do not be discouraged by the nay Sayers in your life. While continuing through the Sgt Grit Newsletter, I read a quote from Ronald Reagan that I though was fitting for your situation: "We've come to a moment in our history when party labels are unimportant. Philosophy is all important. Little men with loud voices cry doom, saying little is good in America. They create fear and uncertainty among us. Millions of Americans, especially our own sons and daughters, are seeking a cause they can believe in. There is a hunger in this country today-a hunger for spiritual guidance. People yearn once again to be proud of their country and proud of themselves, and to have confidence in themselves. And there's every reason why they should be proud. Some may have failed America, but America has never failed us, and there is so much to be proud of in this land." --Ronald Reagan You have a family now young lady. One that will not let you down. Sincerely, Tom Schubach Sgt. Grit~
It's been a weekly joy to read your newsletter for the past few years. The emotions evoked have been many; ranging from anger to sympathy, sadness to joy, and back around. I just want to relay a small bit of praise and comfort to all wives, and women dedicated to the men of the Corps. In the past four years I have been one of the most blessed women. I have evolved from a Marine's girlfriend to his fiancée to ultimately his wife. It has been quite an emotional journey, learning how to support and love a man who doesn't know how, or simply doesn't want, to share his emotions from or stories of the war. My husband and I were married on July 4th, 2006, exactly one year after his first departure for the sand box. We had a beautiful military wedding, laden with men in dress blues and an honor guard. The groomsmen and ushers, who were all war veterans by a few months, camped on my parent's property for a couple nights before the wedding. One of the mornings, as they all stumbled groggily from the back yard, my father couldn't help but chuckle. They were quite an amusing sight, being half asleep, and feeling rather ill from a few too many drinks the night before. He turned to me as I was helping prepare the guests' breakfast and said with a solemn and tearful smile, "They are so young… but they are such good men." He had shared some time with them over the previous two days, and heard some of their stories, and laughed at their jokes and real-life escapades and pranks while in the Corps. On July 4th, 2005, Cpl. Jordan departed for his first tour to Falluja, Iraq. He is with 2/7 Fox Co. out of 29 Palms, CA, and his unit was the one to lose 10 brothers on December 1st, 2005. Those who went to guard Heaven's gates were of 2nd Plt., and he was in 1st. After the devastating event, Cpl. Jordan (just a LCpl at the time) was moved to 2nd to replace the fallen 10. He doesn't speak much of that day, nor do any of our friends who were there with him. I hear bits and pieces from time to time, and have patched somewhat of an idea as to what occurred within the ranks that fateful Thursday. I've learned to not ask. Only at a recent bar-b-que where men from both 1st and 2nd platoon were celebrating a birthday, did I learn of the initial despise the grieving men of 2nd Plt. had against the replacements. They believed that their fallen brothers could not be replaced and no one had the right to even try. Well, as the war carried on and more tragedies plagued them, they couldn't let their personal issues effect their survival; which, relied solely on their brotherhood. Today, the men are closer than can be imagined; and, what initially was believed to tear them apart ultimately banded them together. Several of hose men have volunteered to go back this coming January, including my husband, Cpl. Jordan, and his groomsmen, to ensure that their junior Marines make it home safely. It is not easy for the grunts of the Corps to leave their homes and loved ones, nor is it painless for their faithful wives, fiancées or girlfriends when duty calls. As these men stand at the front of the ranks defending and fighting for our freedoms, we women stand behind them and quietly pick them up when they have fallen inside. So, to all the women dedicated to the Corps I commend thee, you are not alone. And, as a wise man once said of our Marines, whether they have served for a few months, a few years or a few decades, "They are so young, but they are such good men." Semper Fidelis in Christ, Lauren E. Jordan Sgt. USMC 1972-1978 In response to the letter of the individual not receiving support from their family for joining the Corps, I am sorry that your family feels this way. I too felt at one time that my family did not always support my decision to join. I know that it can be a hard thing to endure. But at no time in my life whether it was in the middle of PT, long hours at the rifle range, sitting on a Navy ship off the coast of Bosnia or enduring the heat of day in Cuba did I ever regret my choice. If your family does not respect you for your decision, then it is their loss and not yours. You will always be able to get support from your Marine Corps family. I thank you for your service, and am proud to call you my sister.
Semper Fi! Sgt. Leese USMC Beirut Remembrance Walk DC 2006 http://thewalk.beirutstamp.com
Contact: Bill Kibler (USMC Beirut Veteran) 2005 Columbia Pike #624 Arlington, VA 22204 703.209.USMC – cell Bill @ beirutveterans. info (no spaces) REVISED: August 31, 2006 Summary On October 21-23, 2006, a group of people will walk in remembrance of those killed on October 23, 1983, while serving in Beirut, Lebanon. On Sunday, October 22, the walk will follow the White House Commission on Remembrance Ceremony being conducted at Section 59 in Arlington National Cemetery where 22 of those brave men are buried. The Ceremony begins at 12 Noon and the walk will start at 1:00pm. "At approximately 0622 on Sunday, 23 Oct. 1983, the Battalion Landing Team headquarters building in the Marine Amphibious Unit compound at Beirut International Airport was destroyed by a terrorist bomb. The catastrophic attack took the lives of 241 Marines, sailors and soldiers and wounded more than 100 others. The bombing was carried out by one lone terrorist driving a yellow Mercedes Benz stake-bed truck that accelerated through the public parking lot south of the BLT headquarters building, where it exploded. The truck drove over the barbed and concertina wire obstacle, passed between two Marine guard posts without being engaged by fire, entered an open gate, passed around one sewer pipe barrier and between two others, flattened the Sergeant of the Guard's sandbagged booth at the building's entrance, penetrated the lobby of the building and detonated while the majority of the occupants slept. The force of the explosion [12,000 pounds] ripped the building from its foundation. The building then imploded upon itself. Almost all the occupants were crushed or trapped inside the wreckage." -DoD Commission Report "They Came In Peace" On October 21-23, 2006, a group of people will walk in remembrance of those killed on October 23, 1983, while serving in Beirut, Lebanon. On Sunday, October 22, the walk will follow the White House Commission on Remembrance Ceremony being conducted at Section 59 in Arlington National Cemetery where 22 of those brave men are buried. The Ceremony begins at 12 Noon and the walk will start at 1:00pm. The group encourages others to join the procession and walk a lap or three, 50 or even all. Each lap is approximately 1/2 mile around the pond/gardens and takes under 10 minutes to complete. Those not walking the full distance will be given an index card before each lap with a Marine, Sailor, or Soldier's name/information killed while serving as a Peacekeeper. After completion of the lap, participants are asked to sign the card on the back, and return it so someone else can walk in memory of that soldier. Those 'going the distance' will receive a roster with all the names/information accordingly, checking a name after each lap completed. The walk is free and open to Beirut Veterans, Family Members, Veterans, Active Duty Military and the general public (Anyone affected by terrorism). Sgt Rock, I got to stand on the edge of your Parade Deck as I hugged my new Marine. It was an awesome experience. The day before at the motivational run, we all stood outside waiting for our first glimpse of the new people our sons had become. The officer told us what would take place, but I think few of us were prepared for the actual sight. We heard them first, 204 men moving as one. When they finally stood in front of us, my heart was so full of pride. He didn't look at us, but I knew he knew we were there. Then they were off again, the four mile run ending at the theater. Watching "my" platoon, standing in the light drizzle, I noticed one more similarity among them, all their eyes were wet. I don't think it could all be attributed to the rain. The words the Commander was saying were so profound. The EGA ceremony, graduation and walking on the arm of my son the Marine, events I would not have missed for the world. Thank you Sgt. Rock for your insight and perspective and most of all your service.
Julie Steveson Mother of a Marine Dear Sgt. Grunt,
My name is Joseph Brown and I was a Corpsman with the 5th Marines in Korea in 1951. I've been meaning to write you for several months. My subject has been an extremely difficult one for me to face for the past many years. September 17, 1951 I was wounded in action on Hill 812 and we were there for 3 days under heavy assault by the North Koreans and I do believe some Red Chinese. On or about the 18th I went to assist a Marine forward observer that had been severely wounded by incoming artillery. After a period of time I was transferred to a field hospital, "E" Med, and I asked one of the surgeons if he recalled the patient I had treated. He asked why and I told him I was the first to get to him. The Dr. them proceeded to tell me I didn't do my job and I was flabbergasted to think he would say that. I asked in what way did I fail my duty and he said because I didn't cut enough clothing away from the wounds. I was so shocked I didn't have a reply for him and carried those thoughts for several years. A few years ago I did receive some counseling from the VA and it did help. Until this day I have been carrying the thoughts I did not do enough. I was involved in an on line survey for almost 2 years with a lady named Lynnita Brown, no relation, and she tried to help me find the man I had treated but I have not had any success. Mrs. Brown has and maintains a web site Titled "Korean War-Educator" and has several peoples memoirs of the war. I don't recall the Marines name, the name Garvey comes to mind, but he was attached to the 11th Marines and he was wounded on the 18th or 19th of September 1951. Sgt. Grunt, I don't know if you can help me as I realize this goes back several years and from reading the letters on your site most are fairly current. This has been one on the most difficult notes to write and I appreciate anything you can do for me. Thanks for taking time to read this, Joseph F. Brown (S/N 719-09-06) An applicant for a job listed his last occupation as "US Marine Corps." He gave his title as "Sergeant" and duties as "Operation Desert Storm." Under "reason for leaving" he printed, "Won the war." 11 September RememberWhere Were You When They World Stopped Turning by Alan Jackson
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children Working on some stage in LA Did you stand there in shock at the site of That black smoke rising against that blue sky Did you shout out in anger In fear for your neighbor Or did you just sit down and cry Did you weep for the children Who lost their dear loved ones And pray for the ones who don't know Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble And sob for the ones left below Did you burst out in pride For the red white and blue The heroes who died just doing what they do Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer And look at yourself to what really matters I'm just a singer of simple songs I'm not a real political man I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you The difference in Iraq and Iran But I know Jesus and I talk to God And I remember this from when I was young Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us And the greatest is love Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day Teaching a class full of innocent children Driving down some cold interstate Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor In a crowded room did you feel alone Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her Did you dust off that bible at home Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened Close your eyes and not go to sleep Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages Speak with some stranger on the street Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow Go out and buy you a gun Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger Stand in line and give your own blood Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family Thank God you had somebody to love I'm just a singer of simple songs I'm not a real political man I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you The difference in Iraq and Iran But I know Jesus and I talk to God And I remember this from when I was young Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us And the greatest is love I'm just a singer of simple songs I'm not a real political man I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you The difference in Iraq and Iran But I know Jesus and I talk to God And I remember this from when I was young Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us And the greatest is love The greatest is love The greatest is love Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day |
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