Hi Gang,
I know it’s been quite some time ago that I posted on my blog. Have no excuse except to blame it on age. Having just hit the 85 mark two weeks ago, I’ve been busy responding to 100’s of emails, messages, and phone calls from, literally, all over the globe. What impressed me so much was how some remembered my birthday after all these years. Seriously, some of the brothers and sisters I received well-wishes from I have not heard from since five years ago, when I turned 80. What an absolute joy it is to realize the closeness we share as Marines. It is a bond that never goes away.
Anyway, I digress. My real purpose in coming onto the site this morning is to extend a very sincere Happy New Year to everyone. Can you believe it is 2026? Where did 2025 go? It seemed to simply zoom by. I was actually awake and watched the ball drop in Times Square on the TV. I can’t remember the last time I did that. It has to be well over 10, maybe even 15 years ago. And when they played Olde Lang Syne, my eyes watered as they always have. And I said a prayer to my Lord, thanking him for allowing me to meet another year on the green side of the grass.
So, HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS, RELATIVES, AND BROTHER AND SISTER MARINES. May God bless you and keep you safe. I love all of you!!
Semper Fi,
Jim
Good to hear from you Marine, (still on the green side of the grass or perhaps snow or ice) you made 85, outstanding,
god willing on 24 Oct 2026 number 90 arrives.
Living in Raleigh NC, with my better half, Shelly, has added
to our years, she is 85 as well 1 Dec 1940.
Best wishes to you and yours.
Al Pasquale
USMC 1954-1962
SEMPER FIDELIS
Tell Shelly I said hi , heck,m she is a fellow Sagitarious. LOL. Born 10 days before me. Stay well Al!
Jim Bathurst
aka “Popeye”
Happy New Year, Col. from an old Marine Buddy of the late Dennis Falvey, Echo Co. 3rd Recon Bn.
Larry Mullane
Thank you Larry. Falvey, he was my guidon bearer at 8th&I right?
He and I are on the cover of the July 1968 Leathgerneck magazine. It’s hanging on my wall right in front of me.