Eighth and I (... and Me)

[cincymarsdad]

I was priviliged to visit the Marine Corp Barracks at Eighth and I Friday, 29 April, 2006, with my daughter, Pfc. Sarah Dyer (not in uniform at the event). We were invited to the reception. General Kelly sought us out to speak to us for a while about the events of 3 August, 2005. I proudly introduced Sarah to him as one of our newest Marines. He wasn't quite sure what to make of her. Of course, she had gone in 3 weeks from eating MREs to dining at a reception with more bird colonels than I have even seen at this prestigious address. She remarked later that there is a difference between being a "senior recruit at Parris Island and the juniorest of junior Marines at such an event where lieutenants were singular, captains rare, and majors in the minority."

We were accompanied by a number of combat Marine veterans from Lima Company 3/25, 4th division based in Columbus, Ohio, including Major Greiner, who invited us along with them. Then Captain Greiner had been a company commander previously at the Marine Corp Barracks so we were afforded in "inside look" at several items. The Lima Marine also presented a plaque to the Marine Corp Barracks commander, Colonel Loggert (sp?). [The colonel had kindly assisted me with parking earlier in the day!] Photos were made and I suppose this could appear somewhere in public later.

Afterward, Major Greiner invited me and Pfc Sarah into the O-club, where said Pfc became somewhat agitated (though not in unform). The Major reassured her she was his guest, which did little to comfort her. It was quite crowded, but we saw it, "The Drum Room", and met a few more Marines including the PAO there, who is female. We had to bug out and try and get part way back to Cincy at that late hour and just arrived home a bit back. I wanted to capture my remembrances here.

The previous day, we had toured Arlington National Cemetery, seeing the changing of the guard, and then visiting Section 60 where so many of their comrades in arms lie today. Sergeant Major Altieri, among others, were clearly moved to tears and silence from this visit. The s'arnt major spoke to me at some length about my son and what a fine Marine he was, "not afraid of hard work". He commented that 1st squad 3rd platoon was his best squad when he was company first sergeant. That meant something to me.

Following the reception, we were escorted to the parade grounds for the Evening Parade. My words can hardly dignify the events sufficiently to recount. As Major Greiner commented afterwards, if you didn't feel something deep down after seeing that you need to check your Americanism closely. I hope every Marine - and every American - can somehow view this, either in person or via the DVD, "Pageantry of the Corp" available through the History Channel. The Silent Drill Team is particularly notable. The sequence of events was remarkably similar - though more involved - to the graduation ceremony at Parris Island.

Earlier on Friday, Sarah and I had a private tour of the WH by the Director of WH Communications, including lunch in the basement of the West Wing. Again, no resemblance to MREs. I had crab cakes. Sarah was in uniform (Service Charlies). The VP Chief of Staff sitting next to us directed the Navy Chief serving us to provide her with a chocolate desert called "American Freedom" (not free from calories I fear) for one who is serving out country. I wondered how these senior Navy noncomms felt asking a Marine pfc "Ma'am, would you care for some more cranberry juice?". Of course, they were completely professional - a story for them both no doubt. We then spent some time in the office of Admiral Fox - Manager of White House Operations, who presented me with WH cuff links and Pfc Sarah with his challenge coin. So, Pfc. Sarah has probably met and spoken with more senior officers than your average new Marine on boot leave.

The tour reminded me of Winston Churchill's famous quote "Democracy is the worst possible form of government - except for all the others."

Despite all our troubles and disagreements and antics of some, I still believe in this country. I believe in our ability to disagree as Americans, but doing so while putting the country ahead of our private dreams and desires. I have met enough "politicians" and civil servants in my unwanted "fame" to realize that there are many as idealistic and well intending as I.

So, I guess my message to those of you who serve, have served, or will serve our country in the front lines, I think it's worth it. Don't get dragged down by the silliness and stupidity and cynicism. Take pride in what you have done.

Maybe I'm too idealistic, but I think all your sacrifices are worth something. The alternatives are far too grim to think about for long. So, thanks.

[USMCRET6391]

Absolutely wonderful note John, thanks for posting it.

Semper Fi

[ClutterbusterNY]

Thank you John,
You know sometimes I worry about the future of our great
country, but then I am reminded that we still have great patriots such as you and your family. I believe those who truly love this land far outnumber the few who grab the headlines, and that our nation and its ideals wil continue to thrive for many generations to come.

[USMC Chuter]

Thanks for posting that, John. It sounds like it was a good experience for you and PFC Sarah.

[RR691983]

Great story, thanks for sharing the experience with us.

[Hasbeen]

It was a great story, and quite an experience for the both of you. Best wishes!

[Field_Sailor]

Very Motivating. I wish I could have had the honor honor of treating you and the PFC to a lunch or beer. God Bless you and your family

[66MP1]

Great story John, you must be so proud of Sarah. Has she made her decision yet? I have been out of the loop lately.

[cincymarsdad]

She's going to Ohio State on the NROTC scholarship. She had decided to go to WP, but spent two sleepness nights at PI before coming to the conclusion it wasn't right for her.

She's at 29 P right now waiting for MOS training (comm), but as soon as the right paperwork and authorization catches up to her, she may be back ... or not. She went to MOS training before MCT. It's all crazy, but apparently no enlisted person has won the NROTC thing recently, if ever, and they can't figure out if DD214 will do to job or not and who has to sign.

The good news is that she kinda wanted to have the Comm training and definintely wanted to go to MCT, but if not, she'll be RA back here until she is released to be a "midshipman" at Ohio State. She has already contracted for the Marine option of the scholarship. Hopefully in four years I'll be back with more good news.

She'd be a grunt if they'd let her. No, Vulture6, I'm not raising old arguments. She understands, she just would pick the dirtiest, hardest, sweatiest, most dangerous, most thankless job there is if she could. I don't ever remember being like that myself. Anyway, if you ever find yourself in deep kimchee and discover the only officer around is a female 2nd Lt. just out of TBS, you MIGHT still be OK.

Funny, every Marine officer I spoke with at any length was a mustang, even General Kelly. Major Greiner said he was a misdirected youth in his youth who might have ended up in jail had not an experience at PI intervened. He did 3 years, went to college, and went back in as an officer.

[66MP1]

John, that sounds great, I know she will do well at whatever she does. Just keep supporting her and keep us updated.

[11bang_bang8387]

Awesome story Cincy. That had to be an excellent experiance. Something you'll remember forever. Thanks for sharing that.