I cannot believe how long it has been since I posted anything on this blog. In fact, I believe the last one was in May. For those who follow, I apologize, and for those who come occasionally, I’m sure I wasn’t missed. LOL

My only excuse is the title of this post. The kids have kept me so busy 24/7 planning the Washington, D.C. trip, plus I took a trip to Cuba, no not GITMO this time, but deep in the heart of that shithole. More about that experience in a later post; ten days wandering around that place was enough to tire anyone especially a 78 year old man.

Yesterday was a sad day for Nancy and I, but especially for me. At yesterday’s Fox Valley drill, I stepped down as the Unit Commander. Toughest task since deciding to retire from the Corps. These kids are absolutely amazing. To see how far some of them have come since joining the unit is unbelievable.

When we first started in May 2016 and I asked for some help financially, you, my friends, brothers, and relatives contributed somewhere close to $40K to these kids, yes, that’s $40,000! And you have encouraged me to stay with it and keep going even though when I agreed in April 2016 to be the Unit Commander (has to be a Marine), it was to be for one year to get them going. Problem is I fell in love with them. General Pace, a good friend and substantial donor to the unit,  said in his card with his first check, “Jim, I am happy to see you influencing another generation of kids,” and he was spot on as that was what it became.

My farewell action was to take them to D.C. on a six day, five night fun and educational trip to visit sites some of them would never ever get to see in their lifetime. It costs us $25,450, which we had raised beginning last fall. Much of that money came from you!

Thanks to contacts, we were given a tour of Marine Barracks 8th & I and they got to meet the drill team, color guard, and body bearers. Then that Friday night they had special seating right in front of the drill team, and the announcer welcomed them to the parade. What an exciting time it was for 15 boys and girls, ages 8-17. For me it was, of course, a homecoming as many of you know that Barracks was my OCS and TBS.

As a stroke of luck a very dear friend, brother, and mentor who taught me how to be a Drill Instructor was to be buried while we were to be in DC.  I was able to take the kids to ANC and they got to witness a full military funeral complete with a fly over of CH-53’s. He was a grunt, how fitting ! They witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns and actually got to lay a wreath on the tomb.

We visited the capitol, all the memorials, (Lincoln, Jefferson, Martin Luther King Jr., Washington), the war memorials (WW II, Korea, and the Wall). If you have not seen the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial, you are missing out; go see it next time you are in D.C.it is great.

The kids were truly in awe the entire six days.

But it is time for me to step down. As any commander always does, I trained my replacement, she is not a Marine; therefore, needs a waiver, but I have been assured that will not be a problem.  The Unit is in good hands

This was a well planned exodus by Nancy and me. This last winter’s trek to FL was not a vacation. We put lots of lipstick on that double-wide pig, sold it, and purchased our “forever home” in North Fort Myers. As soon as this place in Illinois sells, we will pack up only the special things we intend to keep and head south with the zoo. It will be my 29th move in my lifetime and my last! Of course, Nancy says I said that three moves ago, but I really mean it this time. I am done moving, no more boxes. No one knew about this action except our family. I finally told our unit XO in late April so we could start the transition of power, but she kept it close hold until yesterday when I made the announcement. There were lots of tears; they all promised to come see us this winter, and I know for sure certain ones will do so.

There is a Young Marine unit in Naples; I have visited them several times during their drills and they have asked me to come teach drill, color guard movements, and flag etiquette, and I probably will do so, but I will not join the unit. Fox Valley will always remain my unit to me.

Finally, one more time I want to thank all of you who visited the blog and donated, went to our Go Fund Me account, or sent checks directly to us; without your support we would not have been able to be an influence on these wonderful kids!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Here’s some pics of the kids in D.C.

While at the WW II Memorial, the kids met a veteran of the war. I believe it really made his days and kids as well!

Kids wanted a picture with their good looking tour guide at the Wall, Of course, I took one too. LOL

In front of the White House. They were closer, but this was better

The funeral of my dear friend, brother, fellow DI, and Mentor. John Francis Dunn, Sergeant Major (Ret) USMC  (Captain Ret)

Originally posted 2019-07-21 16:19:22.