Archive for August, 2007

It's Not True, Marines

I really hate to see images like this. It makes me feel like 40 years has gone by and nothing has changed. This little ditty was reported to have been seen scribbled on a Marine barracks door near Iraq but I think it's a fake. It's something a Marine might say privately but it would not be allowed to be displayed where the wrong person might see it, I can almost guarantee you. However, as a Viet Nam vet I can tell you that you might have seen a similar message, inscribed by using a bayonet on a bullet-scarred wall in Viet Nam some 40 years ago right out in the open. 

It is a not-so-subtle message that speaks to the heart of the frustration that troops on the line feel when they are away from home and under the stress of combat. (I know, I felt plenty of it myself) It's only natural for troops in that situation to want the world to stop and pay attention because "I could lose my life here, sports fans, and many of us already have." So how can the folks back in the "world" carry on like everything is normal? It may seem that way sometimes but the show must go on in America regardless of the horrors of war. (more…)

More From Lowcarb Marine

• It's Time To Get The Marines Out Of Iraq
• Marines And Super Marines
• Remember Me Marines?

This Could Be Your Marine

We invite our readers to submit their favorite Marines to be recognized here. Active duty, discharged or retired Marines that are a proud part of your life. Just submit a picture and a short bio and we will let you know what month to look for. We will add our own Marines from time to time, family, friends, friends of friends, etc.

Our First Marine Of The Month

Having a USMC DI for a neighbor might be a common occurance at places like Camp Lejuene or Camp Pendleton but out here in the civilian world it's rare to find Marines like this retired Master Gunnery Sergeant two doors down from me.

You know the exact house not because of the American flag there but from the Marine Corps colors flying below it. He is an interesting man, a colorful character and was a Drill Instructor at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC for 8 years. I'll never forget the first day I met him, his wife and daughter were having a garage sale in their driveway one day when I drove by and I saw "Bobby" out there in his USMC sweats.

Thinking it would be as good a time as any to meet him I stopped the car and headed in his direction. His "situational awareness" antennae was working perfectly and I could tell he was sizing me up before I got too close. "Hello Marine", he says, "rank and unit?" I had to laugh since he didn't know me from Adam and he stood there with a sh** eating grin on his face. I think he suspected that 40 years later a Marine Corps Drill Instructor, even a retired one still has the ability to strike terror into the heart of any of us that lived through USMC boot camp. (more…)

More From Lowcarb Marine

• Out Of The Corps
• Proud To Wear The Uniform Of United States Marine
• It's Time To Get The Marines Out Of Iraq

Marines in Iraq Would Love The Guy From Boston

My friend Joe, known to the world as The Guy From Boston, wants to go to Iraq and Afghanistan to tell Marines that terrorists and Osama - you know who, can kiss his ***. If you have ever seen one of Joe's Rants you know it would be a great show but the brass might not appreciate his brand of politically incorrect humor. After I saw his first video about going to see the troops I knew that I would become a huge fan. Anyone that passionate about things that are wrong with this country has got my vote. Joe is the guy that verbalizes what we are all thinking. So I emailed the big guy to ask his permission to use some of his Rants on this site. He was gracious enough to reply "it would be an honor to be associated with Marines." He has a personal stake in this conflict as his cousin is a Marine currently serving in Iraq.

A Brand Of Humor Marines Can Appreciate

I think it's a great idea for Joe and friends to go to Iraq and the troops would get a kick out of it. With his "no holds barred" and "tell it like it is" brand of humor, Marines would be rolling in the isles. GFB should put a show together like Bob Hope used to do and travel around to entertain the troops. You know, a few pretty girls, some jokes, etc. Instead of a golf club for a prop GFB would wave around that huge stogie of his. I don't know that the brass is ready for Joe, sh** still flows uphill in the Corps. If Joe suspects mischief he is going to tell you about it, whether it comes from the brass or the enemy. After all "he's the guy that has the balls to say what we are thinking." I love this guy!

PS. As you can see, part of Joe's shtick is that wheezing delivery of his. But (confidentially) Joe is on a diet and has already lost 30 lbs. He says you can't really tell because "it's like throwing a deck chair off the Titanic." A hilarious analogy, one that I can appreciate myself. But keeping in mind that this site focuses on the low-carb approach to health, nutrition and weight loss as well as Marines we wish him the best and will provide regular updates as to his progress. Like I told him just today, "The Skinny Guy From Boston" just wouldn't have the same impact.

More From Lowcarb Marine

• It's Time To Get The Marines Out Of Iraq
• The Patton Plan Has Marines Vote
• Marines And Super Marines

Did He Or Didn't He? – This was sent to me as the "Jay Leno Letter", you know the one that talks about how we should all be thanking our lucky stars because we live in the USA. I guess it's been floating around in Cyberland for a while but after doing some checking I don't think this can be attributed to Mr. Leno. He might share the sentiment but would have written it better technically and just might have been a bit nicer to his friends in the media.

It's fun to think he did write this but, alas,  I think it's just another one of those "urban myths" that pop up on the Internet from time to time. I couldn't find anything about it on Snopes.com but that doesn't meant it's true. This may sound like an oxymoron but it reads to me like it was written by an intelligent Marine! Personally I don't give a hoot about who wrote that letter, I would like to meet him or her so that I could tell them thanks for presenting me with some good skinny that I could pass along to my fellow Marines. I like to give credit where credit is due and I would thank them for sharing, what could have been, if it was real, a remarkable letter. (more…)

More From Lowcarb Marine

• Marines And Super Marines
• Do Our Marines Think We Don't Care?
• The USO Show Marines Will Never See