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.
1st Battalion, 8th Marines (1/8) is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The battalion consists of approximately 1000 Marines and Sailors and is nicknamed "The Beirut Battalion." They fall under the command of the 8th Marine Regiment and the 2nd Marine Division.
The unit's history goes back to World War II where they fought in numerous campaigns in the Pacific including Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa. After that they were part of the intervention in the Dominican Republic in 1965, saw action during the Gulf War in 1991 and since 2001 have fought the Global War on Terrorism by serving numerous tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
The battalion is probably best known as the unit that was the victim of the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing in Lebanon. A total of 241 Marines, sailors and soldiers lost their lives that day and the majority of them were from 1/8.
Good Food service man, and good Marine. He did a great job for me, and the troops, under adverse conditions.
Best Moment Major H.C.Johnson(Div. Food Serv. Officer) came down from MCB, Camp Lejeune, on an inspection tour of my dining facility, and equipment. He gave me an outstanding report. Major Johnson was a hard man to please. But he was a good, and fair leader never asking more from his men, than he wouldn't do himself.
Worst Moment I sided with an officer, over an issue of guard sandwiches not being picked up for the guard, after I complained about the waste of food. My food Serv Officer(Capt. Maynard) was very upset with me, because I protected the Officer who was partly at fault. I learned never to get in the middle of two Officers.
Chain of Command BGeneral Chaisson was the 2nd Mar Div Commander, Major Johnson was the Div Food Services Officer.
