Marine Corps History from the Month of July The "Today in Marine Corps History" link from the TWS Home Page displays significant events of Marine Corps history. Below is a link to the events for the Month of July. Marine Corps History - The Month of July NEW! TWS Jobs Board Following considerable success on the TWS Navy site which in just 3 weeks has now over 200 positions listed, we have launched a comprehensive, categorized Job Board on Marines.TWS as well for the purpose of displaying positions which might be of interest to Marines who have left the service or will leave shortly. The Job Board, which is displayed on the left hand Home Page, is viewable only by TWS Marine Members and all jobs are posted by Members who are familiar with the credentials of US Marines. Latest Job Board postings are also featured in this newsletter (to over 100,000 members) as posted below. Translation, the TWS jobs board is an exceptional way to reach qualified, motivated Marines that are potentially your best employees. If your company has any positions suited to Marines seeking employment, you are very welcome to post these on the Job Board. This is a FREE service to TWS subscribers Post a Job on TWSCurrently Posted Positions Warrior Spotlight - Bronze Star awarded to Major Mark ListerHand Salute to this Marine Warrior!  The President of the United States presented the Bronze Star Medal to Major Mark A. Lister, United States Marine Corps. Lister is a 1988 graduate of Tidehaven High School (All-State Football 1988), and a 1992 graduate of Texas A&M University (B.S.). Lister received the medal for heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as Air Officer, Regimental Combat Team 2, 2d Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 04-06 from March 17, 2005 to Feb. 16, 2006 in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Lister distinguished himself by pioneering new terminal controller technology, exercising over ninety combat controls, and planning over sixty assault support missions, including three battalion sized heliborne assaults. Throughout 16 named operations, Lister developed tactics, techniques and procedures or employing state of the art video downlink systems. Able to obtain live motion video through various surveillance platforms, he controlled fixed wing aircraft and attack helicopters against multiple targets in the Western Euphrates River Valley. During Operation Matador, near the Syrian border, Lister controlled 14 combat sorties over a five-day period, resulting in over 50 insurgents neutralized. In support of Operations Spear and Steel Curtain, Lister operated out of both the Main and Jump Command Posts. He controlled thirty-six air strikes against enemy targets including fortifications, insurgents maneuvering against coalition forces, and improvised explosive devices detected through thermal imagers. While mobile with the forward command element during each major operation, he moved to the forward edge of the battle area and experienced multiple improvised explosive decive strikes and mortar attacks. By his zealous initiative, courageous actions, and exceptional dedication to duty, Lister reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He commissioned 2nd Lt. in 1992. He graduated Naval Flight School in 1997 and he flew F/A-18 Hornet from 1998 until 2004 while stationed in Beaufort, S.C. Now he?s flying the MV-22 Osprey stationed in New River, NC. He was promoted to present rank in September of 2002. Source: Bay City Tribune Member Submitted photos of the month TWS Window Stickers - Order Yours nowYou asked for them on the Forums and they're ready, TWS Window Stickers! The stickers are a 4" x 6" rectangle printed on vinyl with adhesive on the back for mounting outside the glass. These are high-quality stickers suitable for exposure to the elements. To keep it simple, they're only being offered for sale in packs of 3 for a flat cost of $10, which includes shipping. This first-run batch (which may be the only one) is of limited quantity so order yours now. Just send Cash, check or Money Order, payable to W.T.Prater, P.O. Box 50, Bryantsville, KY 40410. These are only being offered in quantities of 3, just to keep it simple, but you can order 6, 9, 12, as many as you want. Payment can also be made via PayPal to [email protected], please be sure to include your mailing address with the payment. Special thanks to Ken Foran for providing the artwork for these stickers. Cpl Ken Foran Member Comments"This sight is fantastic. I still need to scan in some pics. Thank you for setting up this site to make it easier to find our brothers-in-arms"
GySgt Kevin Padron
"Major, Thank you for the welcome. I found this site from another web site and thought it would be a good way to honor my Father who died in Vietnam. Thank you for this site.
Jeff Rutter"
Jeff Rutter (Family Profile)
"Awesome website, found out from a retired Marine, he gave me a card."
GySgt Jay Wilfrom
"Thank you sir. I deem it an honor to join this outfit and get to know as many fellow Marines and try to find Marines that I might have served with."
GySgt Robert Shinkle"I am currently over seas, and have received an invitation to your site. I must say this is a great way to stay in touch with former and current marines of the same MOS or same interests. This is definately something i will be sending out to many friends of mine to join. Once again i thank you for such a great site."1stLt Colter Bahlau Marine Corps Reserve Ribbon & Armed Forces Reserve MedalThe Marine Corps Reserve Ribbon is a decoration of the United States Marine Corps which was issued between the dates of the December 17, 1945 and December 17, 1965. The ribbon recognizes those members of the Marine Corps Reserve who performed ten years of honorable reserve service.  To be awarded the Marine Corps Reserve Ribbon, a service member must have performed ten years of reserve duty in an "active drill status" implying satisfactory attendance at weekend drills and participation in yearly two week training periods. The ten years of service may be cumulative over a twelve year period. The Marine Corps Reserve Ribbon is not awarded to members of the inactive reserves or Marine Corps reservists who were called to full time active duty. The Marine Corps Reserve ribbon was declared obsolete in 1967 and was succeeded by the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.  If you rate either of these awards, please check your proifle display to ensure that you have the correct award posted. Suggestion submitted by: SSgt Randy Toskin TWS Fallen Marine Project TWS is a place to honor the service history of all Marines who served including those who fell in combat. So that they will not be forgotten, we have created a special facility where any TWS Member can post a Remembrance Profile for a Fallen Marine they knew or would like to honor, and this can be accessed via the "Remember a Marine" link on the LH Home page. We have also introduced a new feature which will enable TWS Members to adopt the Profile of a Fallen Marine already posted to the site. TWS has researched and compiled comprehensive information on all 14,387 Marines who fell in the Vietnam War, 1965-1975, and these will be put in place imminently. As no one is currently assigned to maintain these Profiles, we invite TWS Members to adopt one or more Fallen Profiles for the purposes of posting any additional information and perform the role of custodian for that Profile. We will try to avoid uploading duplicate Remembrance Profiles for those which have already been posted by TWS Members. To adopt the Profile of a Fallen Marine from the Vietnam War, please click on the Adopt a Fallen Marine Profile link on the left hand Home Page after you log in or click here Global Incident MapIf you want to know what is going on in the world of terrorism, threats, explosions, airline incidents, etc., keep this web page. It's not just about terrorism - it's about what is happening every day, every minute some place in the world that could affect all of us in some way. It updates every 30 seconds, constantly. You just click on any map icon for full info at any time. Global Incident Map Complimentary Upgrade to Those Serving in OIF/OEFTWS is proud to provide 12 months complimentary Full Membership to any active serving TWS Member currently deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. Please let us know who you are, on the honor system, by e-mailing us at the address below. Please inform other Marines in your unit that they are also entitled to this complimentary upgrade when they join TWS. Semper Fi Marines, we're proud to call you "Brothers in Arms". Email: [email protected] Cyber Corner: Website of Interest - AmericaSupportsYou.milAmerica Supports YouAmerica Supports You is a nationwide program launched by the Department of Defense, recognizing citizens' support for our military men and women and communicates that support to members of our Armed Forces at home and abroad.
-All across America, thousands of individual citizens, businesses, and groups - from local schools and establishments to nationally-known corporations and organizations - are hosting events and undertaking projects to support America's Armed Forces, especially in forward-deployed areas of the Global War on Terrorism.
-The support of the American people builds and sustains the morale of those fighting to defend freedom against the tyranny of terrorism, and communicates America's recognition and appreciation of their courage and commitment to our country.
-America Supports You spotlights what Americans are doing all across the land, encourages others to join the team, and allows all to tell their stories by giving voice and visibility to their efforts.
-The official launch of the America Supports You program commenced with kick-off events during November 2004. Subsequent events occured in various regions of the country to honor and recognize citizens' support for America's Armed Forces.
-All events and information will be highlighted on this America Supports You website that allows participants to register and be recognized, share their stories of support with the nation and the troops, and download program materials for distribution and dissemination. Military members can access the web and learn about America's support for their service.
-The America Supports You Dog Tag, emblazoned with the America Supports You logo, isthe official emblem of the program, and serves as a visible force multiplier in projecting the message that America supports our military men and women.
-More information on the program/how to register is at AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
From our Marine Humor BoardThe GeneralAfter an Army General dies and enters the pearly gates, God takes him on a tour. He shows the General a little two-bedroom house with a faded Army flag hanging from the front porch. "This is your house General," God says happily. "Most people don't get their own houses up here." The General Looks at the house, then turns around and looks at the one sitting on top of the hill. It's a huge, beautiful two-story mansion with white marble columns and little patios under all the windows. Marine Corps flags line both sides of the sidewalk and a huge Marine Corps Emblem hangs between the marble columns. "Thanks for the house God," the General says. "But let me ask you a question. I get this little two-bedroom house with a faded Army flag, and that Marine up there gets a mansion with Marine Corps Emblems and Marine Corps flags flying all over the place. Why is that?" God looks at him seriously for a moment and then says, "General, that's my house." Submitted by: Cpl Mark Byrd Give the Gift of Full Membership
TWS is continuing the option for any Full Member to make a gift of Full Membership to another TWS Member by simply clicking on the "Upgrade to Full Membership" button on the Member's Profile Page. During the last month we have received several generous donations which has allowed us to upgrade all WW2 Marine Veterans to Lifetime Full Membership. We're proud to offer this facility to give the opportunity for Marines to support their Marine Brothers. Assisted Member Profile FormMarines from WW2 and ROK eras are becoming fewer in number and memories of their service are slowly being lost. Many Members have asked if we have a form that we could supply that will allow them to record the service details of these senior Marines who are unable to use a computer, or don't have access to one, and post their own Profile on TWS. This form will allow Members to post an "Assisted" profile for these Marines whose entire service will be honored on TWS, in words and photographs, for the benefit of their Family and future generations of Marines. An easy to complete Profile Completion form is available as a PDF file download from the TWS Home Page - "Remember a Marine" or by clicking here. Please consider to distribute these forms within your MCL Detachments or local VA hospital, for example, which may be completed by the Marines themselves. Please help preserve the legacy of those who served and post an Assisted Profile for a Marine. Technical AssistanceThe TWS profile pages are very detailed, so we've created a list of tips and pointers to help you navigate the site more easily. You may click on the "?" symbol at the top right of the book layout or follow this Link for assistance. Lost Your Password?If you have forgotten your User ID and Password you can be quickly and easily reminded by clicking on the "Reminder" link contained on the Login page or following this Link. Your Username and Password will be immediately sent to you by e-mail. Comments/SuggestionsPlease forward any comments or suggestions that you feel would further improve the website to [email protected] or just reply to this newsletter. Enjoyed This Newsletter?
Please forward this on to any other Marines you know.
As TWS grows so does its potential to find old buddies and new friends as well as creating a vibrant and enjoyable Marine Community representing all eras from WW2 to present day. |
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"Where do we get such men?" - Marines...  "Where do we get such men?"
"We get these Great Americans [Marines] from the same place that we have been getting them since the founding of this country.
Our Corps continues to draw the best out of the men and women who wear the uniform. Our calling is not something that you can measure definitively. Some men and women just are going to join our ranks. We come from all walks of life. From the big cities, small communities, farms, ranches, ghetto, mean streets and main streets. Black, White, Red, Yellow, or what ever color you are prior to joining our ranks makes no difference. Once we have endured the hardships of Boot Camp we are Marines. It is a title to be honored.
We are not supermen nor superwomen. We have never claimed that. We do claim we are Marines! Put us on the battlefield and we will accomplish super human feats. In my time on active duty less than 1/10 of 1 percent of the population of this great country could claim our title. I would venture to say that hasn't changed dramatically.
We all have one major thing in common.....We would rather make the ultimate sacrifice than let our buddies down.
Some say that we are the Spartans of current times. I would say that the Spartans are the Marines of their time."
The above quote was made by 1stSgt Mark Gordon, in response to the question "Where do we get such men," - a common question asked by many upon hearing the news of the stretcher-bound hospital re-enlistment of Cpl Garret Hawkins in Iraq. Well said 1stSgt, we couldn't agree with you more!
1stSgt Mark Gordon
Photo; Iraq Sunset; submitted by
Sgt Mark Wilson
Photo; Eagle, Globe, Anchor; submitted by
Sgt David Horn
Semper Fi Marines.
Maj Prater (Ret)
TWS Co-Founder/Admin
The "Brotherhood" at work This is what TWS is all about.
 We are saddened to report that due to age and various ailments, MSgt David Kemp is currently hospitalized and struggling. Upon hearing this news, in true Marine Corps fashion, a group of Marines in the area coordinated their efforts through TWS and took action to arrange visitations for this Marine, all to remind MSgt Kemp and his family that they are not alone during this trying time and to hopefully lift their spirits just a little.
Marines and TWS Members Cpl George Reilly, Sgt Larry Pagley and Cpl Joe Lisi pulled together and coordinated an Active Duty Marine from the (NYC) area to visit MSgt Kemp. 1stSgt Charles Gromley (not YET a TWS member) visited with MSgt Kemp in the hospital, a Marine previously unknown to him. The following is an email note received from Donna Kimball, MSgt Kemp's Daughter:
"George,
Just wanted to let you know that 1stSgt. Charles Gormley visited with my father today at the nursing home. His presence in dress blues brought a spark of recognition to my father's eyes for a minute that I haven't seen in awhile. It was a nice visit and greatly appreciated by both my mother and I. My kids were also impressed with meeting an active duty Marine. Thanks again for all your help.
Semper fi,
Donna"
Sticking together is what it's all about, regardless of the circumstances. We here at TWS are proud that this simple website is helping to connect Marines in the most important ways. Perhaps the comments on this situation by Cpl George Reilly are more to the point:
"Maj, I had a telephone conversation with 1stSgt Gormley (conferenced in with
his SgtMaj). 1stSgt Gormley informed me that he could actually feel
MSgt Kemp squeeze his hand. 1stSgt Gormley went on to say that it was a
very emotional experience for him to know he was giving comfort to this
ailing Marine vet and his family.
I've seen so much heartache and grief in my time that I seldom get
choked up. This conversation with 1stSgt Gormley was certainly an
exception. I was also told by 1stSgt Gormley and the SgtMaj that there
will be additional visits.
Joe Lisi is the real hero in this Mission. He put it all together for
us. Joe and I were in the NYPD Narcotics Division at the same time.
He's really a great guy. He never hesitated when asked to take action.
This is one of the highlights of my life.
Semper Fi
George"
Follow-on news is that the Public Affairs office in the area is now involved and through efforts led by SSgt Forbes there, regular visits will continue.
Cpl George Reilly
Cpl Joe Lisi
Sgt Larry Pagley
Flowers in the Hospital
 "The picture is of the flowers sent to my wife who is in the hospital battling cancer. These flowers were sent to her from several of my Brothers here on TWS. My wife and I cannot begin to find enough words to thank those Marines for their thoughtfulness and kindness toward my wife in her struggle. They know who they are and believe, so do we. It will not be forgotten! Thank you so much!
In the few months I have been on the TWS site, I have developed many friendships with people that I feel are real true friends. Even though we have not met face to face...... yet. I feel like I have known and served with these men for a very long time.
The Marine Corps bond has really shown through in my experience here on TWS. Where else would one find such an experience? It says a lot for the Marine Corps training received and testifies to their character as a result of their training. Thank you Maj Prater and all the Staff of TWS for this wonderful site. I would have never been able to find my Brothers and Sisters if not for this site."...GySgt Kent DicusGySgt Kent Dicus
"Thank You" Forum Thread
Semper Fidelis Marines - that's what it's all about...
Buddies Found on TWS  "Capt Tracy was my first CO back in the day, Oct '76 - Dec '78, Lima Co., 3rd Bn, 6th Mar. Found in the TWS members, sent him a e-mail and received one back from him. Best way to describe it would be if I was 6 years old and received an answer from Santa Claus! A few of us are getting together the first weekend in Aug down at LeJuene, pretty excited about that. All of us are already planning our reunion for next year, we plan on going to Houston and hooking up with Capt Tracy.Also found the following guys;Sgt Brian LeClaire, MB GrotonSgt Richard Bishop, A Co, 1/8L/Cpl Billy Devlin, L Co, 3/6L/Cpl Steve Poulliott, L Co, 3/6L/Cpl Rick Lowery, L Co, 3/6"
 "After two years on TWS, I finally found someone that I served with. He was a great friend to me. He earned the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, which I witnessed him earning. It was well deserved. If there is anyone that I would like to hear from, it would be this Marine, Sgt. Alberto Diaz. He is a Marine's Marine.Thank you TWS. It took a long time, but sooner or later, it all comes around. Semper Fi!"
 "Found Major (then a Captian) Ralph Sinke Jr. On TWS. He was my Comanding Officer B Co 1/8 1975-1977, when I was a member of the Super Squad. Talked to him on the phone for 1 1/2 hours. It was great to remember those times. Thanks to Joseph and George for helping me get his phone number.Semper Fidelis, Marc"
Please help do your part to make TWS an even more powerful buddy-finder that will be of service by helping even more Marines find each other - Help spread the word about TWS by inviting other Marines to join!
Marines in Combat: The Korean War; 25 June 1950 - 27 July 1953 (Ceasefire)  The Korean War
Photo: The Korean War Memorial; Washington DC
1950-1953
The Korean War began as a civil war fought between 1950-1953 on the Korean Peninsula, which had been divided by the post-World War II Soviet and American occupation zones. The civil war began on June 25, 1950, when North Korea attacked South Korea. The civil war was greatly expanded when the United Nations, led by the United States, and later China entered the conflict. The conflict ended when a cease-fire was reached on July 27, 1953.
The principal support on the side of the North was the People's Republic of China, with limited assistance by Soviet combat advisers, military pilots, and weapons. South Korea was supported by United Nations (U.N.) forces, primarily from the United States, although many other nations also contributed personnel. When the conflict began, North and South Korea existed as provisional governments competing for control over the Korean peninsula after the Division of Korea by the United States and the Soviet Union.
In South Korea, the war is often called 6·25 (war), from the date of the start of the conflict or, more formally, Han-guk Jeonjaeng, literally (Korean War). In North Korea, while commonly known as the Korean War, it is formally called the Fatherland Liberation War. In the United States, the conflict was officially termed a police action the Korean Conflict rather than a war, largely in order to avoid the necessity of a declaration of war by the U.S. Congress. The war is sometimes referred to outside Korea as The Forgotten War because it is a major conflict of the 20th century that gets far less attention than World War II, which preceded it, and the controversial Vietnam War, which succeeded it. In China, the conflict was known as the War to Resist America and Aid Korea, but is today commonly called the 'Korean War'.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_War
Official Marine Corps History website; Korea
Marine Corps Forces Korea website; History
Profile of the Month: MgySgt James Leather
The Profile of the Month this month is MGySgt James Leather, a true American Patriot and Warrior who served for 30 years in our beloved Corps (1945-1975), one of over 3,400 Korean Veteran Marines with profiles on TWS.
Hand Salute to you Master Guns and Thank You for your service, you are truly an American Hero.
TWS Profiles of Korean Veterans: 3,457 "Also There" with MgySgt Leather
Featured Upgrades This Month Jobs Board
We now have a jobs board available on the Home tab - by default you will see the last 10 jobs in all categories but by choosing a category you can focus on the jobs of interest to you. If you know of any employment opportunities that would suit your fellow Marines, then please take a moment to publish the details on the board. Access is open to all both for publishing opportunities and for browsing openings.
State and Country Flags
If you check your profile you will find that we have added flags for your state and/or country of birth. Not only that but we have redesigned the Home Tab - Member Listings by Country option to include national and state flags as well.
Improved Gallery Navigation
Taking a lead from the improved Forums layout we have added some new navigation options to the Photo Gallery - you can now jump directly to any page in the gallery and navigation options repeat at the foot of each page to simplify moving to the next page after browsing a long page full of photos.
Reassign Photos to Different Events
When you edit your photos you can now reassign them to different sections of your profile. Simply pick a different selection for the "Filed Under" field to move them.
New Text Editor in Forums
We have switched to a new HTML editor in the forums which seems to solve the problems that some members reported with the old one, but has created a few new headaches! The worst of those was that text was getting double spaced - which we have just corrected. Please let us know if you have any other issues with this new editor.
Some of the new features include emoticons, and paste from Word features. We may add more features in the future if requested.
Note: While there is a spellcheck button it does not work in all browsers as it requires a plugin to be installed.
Reunions & Get Togethers TWS Island Storm 2008!
Who: Any TWS Members interested - attendance will likely need to be limited, pending guidance from the Island.
What: A TWS Sponosored Get-Together at Parris Island.
When: Early 2008, final Date(s): TBD
Where: "The Island" - MCRD Parris Island
How: As planning progresses and more details become available they will be posted on the site and in future Newsletters - and by email. If you're interested in attending and/or more information, please email: [email protected] to register your interest. That will add you to the mailing list and reserve your spot in the event attendance is limited. If you're interested in helping to coordinate the event (especially if you live in the area) please note that in your email.
1st Btn, 1st Marine Division [1/1]
 Vietnam 1965-1971 ,2007 reunion will be held in Savannah GA.-September12-16..Reservations must be made before August 10. Need more info drop me a line
Cpl Michael Kline
11th Engineer Btn, Vietnam
Members that served with the 11Th engineer Bn
3rd Marine Division - Vietnam/DMZ area from 66/69 will
be hosting a reunion in October 2007.
Date: Oct 5Th to 8Th 2007
Location: Ft. Mitchell, Ky (near the border of Ind & Ohio)
Hotel site: The Drawbridge Hotel
Contact Person: Gary Gratton; email: [email protected]
Sgt Gene Spanos
Marine Corps Stuff - Unique Marine Corps Placards for TWS members
Congratulations to Cpl Ken Foran and the folks at FJ Designs for creating a unique line of Marine Corps/Military memorabilia. These unique and impressive designs are of the highest quality and worthy of consideration to add one to your collection. Click the graphic above to visit their store website.
Liberty Call - Visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial Discounts for Military Families
 Visit the Battleship Missouri Memorial
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii -- Every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces recognizes a specific date as its official "birthday." To commemorate these special anniversaries, the Battleship Missouri Memorial will offer complimentary admission to all active-duty and retired military personnel throughout the week of their respective service birthday. Immediate family members will enjoy 50 percent off admission.
In addition, both will enjoy 10 percent off retail purchases at the memorial's pier side Victory Store.
Qualified visitors must present a valid military I.D. during their corresponding service birthday week at the Missouri?s ticket window on Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Active-duty and retired military personnel and their families are encouraged to take advantage of these specials during the following 2007 dates:
June 9-17 U.S. Army (Birthday is June 14; Note: Previously announced)
Aug. 4-12 U.S. Coast Guard (Birthday is Aug. 4)
Sept. 15-23 U.S. Air Force (Birthday is Sept. 18)
Oct. 13-21 U.S. Navy (Birthday is Oct. 13)
Nov. 10-18 U.S. Marine Corps (Birthday is Nov. 10)
Dec. 8-16 National Guard (Birthday is Dec. 13)
The Battleship Missouri Memorial is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $16 per adult and $8 per child 4-12. Regular military and kama-aina (local resident) rates are $10 per adult and $5 per child. All military in uniform are granted free admission at the gate, year-round. Guided tours are recommended and begin at just $7 additional. For more information or to reserve a tour, call toll-free at 1-877-MIGHTYMO (1-877-644-4896) or visit www.ussmissouri.org.
The Battleship Missouri is an American icon maintained and operated as the Battleship Missouri Memorial under the tireless care of the staff and volunteers of the USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc., a private Hawaii-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to create and maintain a fitting memorial to the people and historic events reflecting our nation's legacy of duty, honor, strength, resolve and sacrifice. Battleship Missouri Memorial does not receive government funding. The memorial's continued success is made possible by visitors' support, grants, memberships and the generosity of donors.
Click the image above to link to the Memorial website; www.ussmissouri.org.
Weapons Board - From our Friends at Bushmaster Firearms
As TWS continues to grow and reach an ever increasing number of Marines, we endeavor to provide content that is both relevant and of interest to all Members. In the spirit of cooperation, TWS will now spotlight a new weapon or piece of equipment each month available from our friends at Bushmaster Firearms.
Featured this month:
Bushmaster .450 Rifle & Carbine
The Bushmaster .450 - big bore power in an "AR" platorm...
Rifle Features:
Caliber: Bushmaster .450
Operation: Gas Operated - Semi Automatic
Magazine Capacity: 5 Rounds
Rifling: R.H. Twist - 1 turn in 24"
Overall Length - 20" Rifle: 39.25"
Overall Length - 16" Carbine: 34.25"
Weight w/o Mag./Rifle: 8.5 lbs.
.450 Spec Sheet
Hornady Ammo
The "Big Bore [Boar] in action
*This is not a paid advertisement...
Changes to the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP)  ARLINGTON, Va. - First the Marine Corps made Chuck Norris an honorary
Marine. Now the Corps wants all Marines to follow in his footsteps.
All Marines must now qualify for their tan belt in the Corps' version of
martial arts by the end of 2007, Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway said in
a recent Corps-wide message.
The move mostly affects those who joined before 2001, when the service made
the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program part of basic training and the Basic
School, said 1st Lt. Brian P. Donnelly, a spokesman for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.
The Corps originally hoped to have all Marines earn their tan belt by the
end of fiscal 2003 and then have Marines attain higher belts by the end of
fiscal 2004. Now the higher belts are no longer goals but requirements for Marines, Donnelly said in an e-mail to Stars and Stripes.
"All infantrymen will be trained to green belt by the end of CY [calendar
year] 2008," Conway said in the July 16 message. "All other combat arms
Marines will be trained to gray belt by the end of CY 2008."
The changes apply to all Marines, including reservists, said retired Lt.
Col. Joseph C Shusko, director of the Martial Arts Center of Excellence.
"A Marine is a Marine," he said.
The tan belt shows that Marines have mastered basic skills such as how to
fall, move, throw punches, choke an opponent and counter someone coming at
you, Shusko said. The gray belt is the next step up and shows Marines have learned techniques such as lower-body strikes, chokes and how to get out of a headlock, he said. The green belt is third in the series and shows Marines have learned skills such as how to rip muscle from bone, Shusko said.
The martial-arts training also teaches Marines how to hone their mental
skills as warriors, Shusko said. This involves learning about other cultures such as the Spartans, Zulus and Apaches.
Another component of the training is character development, which ties the
physical skills Marine learn with what they do as good citizens, he said.
Conway praised the character development aspect of the martial-arts training in the message.
"It has, at its center, the Marine Corps ethos that includes our core values of honor, courage, and commitment, as well as the legacy of selfless and honorable services passed from one generation of Marines to the next,"
Conway said in the message. The switch to mandatory martial arts training came after Training and Education Command recommended revamping the program as part of changes to Marine character training, Shusko said. Those changes include moving the climactic "Crucible" exercise - where Marines march about 40 miles over 54 hours with little food or sleep - to the end of basic training.
Source: Stars and Stripes,
referred by Seamus Garahay's "All Hands" email network
ALMAR 034/07 Updates to the MCMAP Program
Trade Banner Links with TWS If you operate a Marine orientated website and are willing to trade links with TWS, click here for information on posting a TWS banner on your site. In return, please contact us at [email protected] with your site's URL, up to 100 words describing your website and a 468x60 website banner in jpeg format, if available. We'll be happy to post a reciprocal link in our Preferred Marine Links Section in the category of your choice. TWS Marine Links Pages are conveniently organized under different categories including Marine Associations, MCL Detachments, Marine Businesses, Marine Charities and others.
TWS Invite Cards - Free for the asking Pre-printed TWS invitation cards are available and free to any member. These are the perfect tool for you to use to help Spread The Word about TWS to any and all Marines you come into contact with, and they're a great conversation starter! It's the perfect way to get to know those Marines in your community.
Also as a reminder, you will receive 6 months of Premium access added to your profile for every 5 Marines you invite that build a profile. While we haven't fully automated the routine for you to be credited with face to face invites yet, it is still easy to do. Just write you rank and name on the cards and ask everyone you invite to visit your profile after they join and click the "Credit as inviter" button on your profile page. That way, the server will automatically keep track of all your invites.
If you'd like to receive a batch of these cards, please send an email to [email protected] and tell us how many you'd like to receive and where to send them.  "I was having a bad morning back in the winter...apparently my brake line had water in it and it froze, so I couldn't move my car (yes, this is relevant to the topic). So, by the time I dumped enough hot water on it to get it thawed out, I was about 45 minutes late in getting to the FedEx Office to pick up a part and get to the site for the down machine I was working on.
Crusing around the I-240 loop in Memphis, I was pulled over by the MPD for doing 73 in a 55 zone. I babbled some stuff to the officer about why I was speeding, blah, blah, blah... (and this time I was sincere, not like the other times I was trying to get out of a ticket). To my amazement, the officer just said, "Mr. Armstrong just slow down and be safe". Wow! Never had that happen before.
While putting my drivers license back into my wallet, I pulled out the last TWS invitation card in my wallet and handed it to him, and asked, "If you have any former Marines at your station, could you pass this around"?
His eyes lit up, and he said, "Semper Fi, Yes I will!"
I don't know if he was a former Marine. We didn't have time to chat because there were too many crazy idiots driving way too fast that he had to deal with.
So, my point is, don't break the speed laws and carry plenty of TWS invitation cards.
Semper Fi, Brothers.
Mike Armstrong (former SGT, USMC)"
SemperToon of the Month
Sincerely,
The TWS Administration Team
http://marines.togetherweserved.com
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