The Marine Corps and Harleys

**SGRock** · 10-24-2005, 09:34 PM

I was explaining to my wife about Beirut and how it is a sore spot for me and all Marines of that time period. She doesn't understand how something that happened 22 years ago, in the past, still affects me. I took her to Parris Island and we walked a little and drove to different areas of the base. I stopped in front of the barracks that I was in in Boot Camp, and just remembered and told her different stories. She did not understand the importance of that stage of my life either. Now I wonder if any other Marines, or even soldiers or Rangers or airmaen or Sailors have this happen to them. Does your family understand how you are still a part of all that or it is a part of you? Or is it like the biker told the cute young lady when she asked why he liked Harleys so much. "I could explain it to you, but you'd NEVER understand."
Semper Fi!

Grimmy · 10-25-2005, 01:44 AM

Every time I hear about Marines deploying I think of Beirut. I think about the power that dumbass political appointees and State Dept drones will have over those Marines' lives. I think of all the incredibly stupid ROE that those Marines will have to work under. And I think about how it's alwase been like that and alwase will be.

Well, not every time but most times. Some times I remember deploying to Korea or the PI and all the fun that went with those times.
I wasnt in Beirut. It's still a symbol of all that can go bad to me tho.

I wasnt very good at being a Marine. I wasn't real happy when I left the Corps either. I am not able to maintain the standards of the Corps anymore, I'm a fat assed lazy bastard suckin off the gov tit. But I still love the Corps and the farther away I get the more dear it seems to become.

Luckily, there's no one in my life that I'd need to explain anything about all that to. Hell, I cant even seem to muddle thru a decent explaination to my own self on it.

**Vulture6** · 10-25-2005, 07:39 AM

Rock - I think a lot depends on whether or not your family was with you throughout your Marine experience. I've been married for almost 21 years, and my son was born at Parris Island (okay, Beaufort Naval Hospital, but PI sounds better!), and they have a pretty good understanding. They know why I mourn on certain days, why I tear up when I read the casualty lists, why I clinch my jaw and still want to go to the sandbox even though I have trouble just getting up and down stairs, and they understand why I still make trips down to Bethesda Naval Hospital even though it upsets me for days/weeks afterwards.

It's a part of who we are, not a part of what we've done.

**SGRock** · 10-25-2005, 11:25 AM

Thanks guys. The last couple of days have been tough to get through. I KNOW I am not alone, but around here sometimes I feel that way.
Semper Fi-Bob

USMCRET6391 · 10-25-2005, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vulture6

I've been married for almost 21 years, and my son was born at Parris Island (okay, Beaufort Naval Hospital, but PI sounds better.)

jeeeze vulture, my youngest was born there in 1981, I was at MCAS Beaufort, MAG-31. I think it was called the Port Royal Naval Hospital then.

USMCRET6391 · 10-25-2005, 11:44 AM

Rock,

I guess I am lucky in a way to be part of an older generation and having quite a few military people in my Family. My father in law was a Marine for 27 years (one of the Chosin Frozen and two tours in Nam). I have an uncle who did 30 years in the Navy. There are some civilian friends who don't understand.......I tried explaining "Conduct Unbecoming" to a friend after seeing "A Few Good Men" didn't work well, but most of my friends and family understand there are certain days when leaving me to my thoughts is probably a good idea.

**SGRock** · 10-25-2005, 11:08 PM

I know what you mean Top. My dad was Army (59-81). He was in VietNam twice and still finds me hard to understand in ways of the Corps. There is a big difference in the pride between a Marine Grunt and an Army supply Sergeant. He did his time driving supplies through "Indian Country" and did a lot of Dog Robbing ( for the untrained that is a nice term for stealing the supplies you need). I respect the hell out of him but I don't think he understands why I wanted to go to Beirut. Why when I was given the choice of going anywhere I wanted after Mogadishu, I picked Bogota over Australia, London, New Zealand or any other Embassy where I would not have a price tag of $50,000 on my head.
Oh well. There are a few around that do understand and that is why I am on this web site with y'all (MAN! My accent even comes out when I type) and I have to see my best friend, also a Marine, at least once a year so that both of us can unload.
Semper Fi Fellas. Good Night Chesty, where ever you are.

SpongeJuan · 10-27-2005, 02:46 PM

Well, I guess I wont know how ya'll feel untill I get out of the Corps.

**SGRock** · 10-27-2005, 02:48 PM

Spongie- You will feel it a little when you go home on leave and see your old friends and try to relate with them. It will be different.

ArchAngel · 10-27-2005, 03:05 PM

I haven't even joined the Corps yet and already it seems as if it's hard to explain to my friends, why I want to join and why I love the Corps so much already when I haven't even experienced it yet.

I'm not going to say I know what you all are going through because, I don't, at all. But I can relate in a way because I know how much pride you guys have and how much the Corps means to you. That's why I love the Corps so much even before I've joined, it seems to be the only military branch that has so much Pride and Commitment.

Semper Fi!

Rusty24 · 10-28-2005, 08:51 AM

rock I can definately relate on this one. My wife and I have been together for 8 years. All of her AF career has been centered around "AF" exercises and ways. She always asked why I had to shoot a weapon other than a M-16/M-4, or why I did ruck marches etc. Basically Army stuff because that is who we support. After her training in Texas to do her convoy duty last year she was able to finally relate to what I was doing and going through. She had to do the same stuff I have been doing for the last 9 years.

You wife may never be able to relate because she hasn't "Been There, Done That". All of you brothers in arms have so we can relate. Some people let things go because that is the way they are.

**SGRock** · 10-28-2005, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vulture6

It's a part of who we are, not a part of what we've done.

I think Vulture summed it up the best.