My wife and are enjoying our grand children and in one case A Great Grand child. We head out for a cruise every couple of years. Already planning one this fall if all goes well. The cruise ships are a lot of fun and the weather is usually perfect.
Other Memories In 1964 I was a JDI for 4 Platoons--396,320,341 and 379 (Take note Larry) In 1965 I was a JDI for 2 Platoons-- 3003 and 315. In 1965 I was moved up to an SDI and had 3 Platoons-- 339,375, and 3008. After 3008 I made SDI of the Quarter and made Meritorious SSgt and was assigned to the Drill Instructor School. After observing for several weeks I was the instructor for Recruit Training SOP. This was the hardest subject to teach and actually the most important part for a future DI since knowledge of the SOP kept ones ass out of a sling. RTR (Recruit Trng Regt) didn't tolerate a lot of bull shit from the DI's. We all knew that these recruits were going to Vietnam. Playing silly games was a no-no. We had to use every minute to teach these young recruits basic skills that help them stay alive. Generally we taught them to be good Marines and look out for their fellow Marine. Anyone that completed Boot Camp will never forget their experience and will always be proud to say "I am a Marine." I was proud to march with my Marines on graduation day and watch them stand tall with their chests stuck out when the Battalion Commander gave them the title of United States Marine.
I am not ashamed to admit that I shed more than one tear on graduation day, knowing that these young Marines would soon be in harms way. I have never kept track of how many of my recruits names are on the WALL. I can not imagine what this would do to ones insides. It would probably break ones heart. I went in the Corps with my friend, Joe , from Dover, NH. Seeing his name on the WALL is tough enough. God Bless all the recruits that will pass muster and head off to maintain our freedom. If you see a young Marine home on leave-- give him/her a hug--it will make your day.
