Enjoying life, as we travel, be it on a cruise, flight, or a car trip. So much to see, and so little time remaining. Every day is a gift to be thankful for. Still, much more to see and do, as we continue the march.
Other Comments:
Enjoying my full retirement from the USMC,(20 yrs),and the Department of Agriculture(22yrs) as a Federal Meat & Poultry Inspector. I conducted anti, and post mortem inspections on all red meat species, that are sold in commerce. I have also been tasked with inspecting equine(horses) for export to France. Inspected poultry, and red meat in slaughter plants, and processing plants, from Maine to Virginia. Worked with Veterinarians on pathology dispositions of all species of red meat, and poultry. Conducted Pre-operational, and operational inspections of facilities, and plant personnel. Had to ensure product ingredient formulations were being adhered to. Restaurants, and supermarkets were not under our control. Only Federally regulated establishments were inspected, by the field Inspectors. We were considered the "Police Force", for the meat, and poultry industry. Consumer protection was our ultimate responsibility, and goal.
Best Friends Pfc Jim Anderson, Pfc Roger Jerome, Cpl Lou Toronto, Cpl Ron Costantino.
Best Moment My Wife Amy had a baby girl(Donna Marie), and all the permanent personnel chipped in enough money so that we could buy needed items. Great bunch of guys.
Worst Moment Received orders to transfer to Memphis Tenn. As a PFC, we had little money for travel, and our total belongings, we carried on the train with us. Total dispair. But as a young Marine, I knew, and coped with my responsibility. We had the will to forge ahead.
Chain of Command My Mess Sgt. was an old time Marine, probably from WW11. M/Sgt. William Weymouth. I recall he was from Massachusetts. His assistant was a S/Sgt. Gordon Cameron. We had an excellent Mess Officer, Lt. John Kollway.
Other Memories It was here at the HQ Bn. Messhall, that I requested to be a cook. The permanent personnel treated me so good, and was generous to my Wife and I, in our time of need. I wanted to be one of them. That was the start of a fantastic career.