All posts by Jim

Left HS before report cards came out. Enlisted in the Marines for four years. By the time those years were over, I was hooked - they had me for life. Spent nearly ten years as enlisted. Received a Silver Star, Bronze Star w/V, Purple Heart as a Sgt during first RVN tour. Upon returning to the State's received a combat commission to 2Lt. Retired after 36 total years as a Colonel. Book follows my career, but is more about the heroes with whom I served, the great mentors I had, and the leadership principles they instilled in me.
Recent Posts

Google and Elections

You really need to watch this video of a subcommittee hearing that took place concerning election tampering, and if it doe not scare the pants off you, you need to crawl back under your rock. This 2020 election will undoubtedly be the most fraudulent in my lifetime and you and I may have no say in it. Hear it for yourself and you decide. What can we do?

Please copy and paste into your browser and sit back and listen.

https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4808035/googles-election

Originally posted 2019-07-29 16:57:31.

Recent Posts

VFW Windbag

7 Comments

I apologize for my absence, been too darn busy, but don’t ask doing what; I haven’t the slightest. I have no idea where my daytime hours go but they certainly speed by. One thing that has garnered my attention is trying to sell this damn RV. Can you imagine a guy with two motorhomes? Well, that be me. Should not have bought the second until I sold the first, but it’s not the first time I have done something stupid like that. Bought houses without selling the one we just moved from several times. DUMB!, and for someone with a degree in  Economics you’d think he’d know better. Still trying to sell the Navion 24D, what an absolute steal for some young couple with children.

Anyway, I digress.I am a life member of the VFW thanks to my parents who moved to PA when Dad retired and to a dry county. Mom asked if I was a member and wasn’t so she asked if I’d join so they could go as associate members . This was immediate post RVN war when we were not welcome in those places. So, I joined and finally did the life membership things vice renewing every year. Great story in the “The Book” about my first visit to their VFW in 1974.

Anyway I get their trashy magazine that’s filled with nothing but advertises which I never read. And I even sometimes get emails from them when the higher ups think they have something important to say which is always a joke. Anyway, I got one today that really pissed me off so I am posting here.  Please read what the Commander of the entire VFW worldwide has to say. And even look at the date he chose to write this POS.

VFW National Commander Reacts to Resolution on Military Promotions

‘Let’s remember, veterans vote’

December 07, 2023

WASHINGTON — “The VFW is relieved the nearly year-long obstruction of hundreds of general and flag officer promotions has ended thanks in large part to Senators and fellow VFW members Dan Sullivan and Joni Ernst. The hold on military promotions was endangering our national security and that of our allies, further jeopardizing the sustainability of our all-volunteer force, and negatively impacting the lives of countless service members and families. Going forward, we urge Congress to work together to resolve political disputes within the halls of Congress and permanently abandon the dangerous practice of casting partisan politics on to those wearing the cloth of our nation. Let’s remember, veterans vote.”  — VFW National Commander Duane Sarmiento

Yes sir Mr Heavy, let us please remember Veterans Vote! I certainly hope like hell they vote! This fellow hasn’t a clue. I can’t believe that even the VFW has gone woke.  Congressman Tuberville’s “hold on the the flag promotions is jeopardizing the sustainability of our all-volunteer force.” WHAT? And “negatively impacting the lives of countless service members and families.” Give me break. He hasn’t a clue what the hold on the promotions was all about, but then maybe some of you are in agreement with this windbag. I shall not embarrass my readers by outlining why the astute congressman did what he did and continues with the four stars. Do you know how much a three star makes? A 3-star over 24 (that’s his max) makes $212,101.20 a year, and that’s only his base pay. So this poor fellow won’t get his 4th star until the congressman says so. And guys, he is punishing the right people, although I wish he would not have eased off lower Gen/Adm promotions. They are the problem! They are carrying out the orders of that idiot in the WH instead of standing up for what’s right.

Did you know that an officers oath of office is not the same as the oath of enlistment? The officer’s oath does require him to follow the orders of the president of the US and those officers appointed over me. The officer’s oath acts as a safeguard against power corruption by not swearing obedience to the president or other officials, but rather to the Constitution.  Many people do know there is a difference. If you want to read more about why there is a difference copy and paste the link below for a very good explanation from the Marine Corps. You just may learn something. So, these generals and admirals should be sounding an alarm vice rubber stamping everything DOD says.

I simply find it so sad that this VFW fellow is one of “them” The libitards have invaded the VFW.

https://www.quantico.marines.mil/News/News-Article-Display/Tag/53864/oath-of-office/

Recent Posts

At “The Tomb.”

2 Comments

Four Young Marines of Fox Valley, who will never ever forget what they did this day. They were YM/Sgt Luis Gutierrez and Cpl Alex Gutierrez (our two senior YM’s, ages 15 and 14 respectfully, and the two who actually laid the wreath, YM/LCpl’s Andrew Fidanzia and Xavier Koczka, ages 13 and 11 respectfully. Can you imagine how nervous they were?

Now you see why I am so very proud of this unit and how much I will sincerely miss them.

My final act on Saturday before stepping down was give them what I titled “A Gift from the Colonel.” It was the “Message From Garcia,” which I am certain many of you reading this know to which I am referring. Then we talked about it and how becoming a “Message Carrier” will allow them to accomplish whatever it is they desire in life. My hope is they retain it and read it often. God Bless them!

Originally posted 2019-07-22 16:46:42.

Recent Posts

Fox Valley Young Marines

8 Comments

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.

Recent Posts

The Gunny Knows Best

2 Comments

I never post something funny, yet appropriate here, but I just had to post this one a fellow Marine sent me, in fact he was one of my recruits back in the early 60’s. Enjoy

A Pvt, a Cpl,and a Gunny were walking along Pulgas Beach at Camp Pendleton, CA one day. The Pvt was, as usual for him, dragging ass as was his feet when he kicked something bright. Up popped a Genie. She exclaimed, “Oh Masters, you have freed me from my spell. I will grant you any wishes you desire.”

Without any hesitation at all the Pvt shouted, “I hate this crotch, get me out of here, make me a civilian with a million dollars, and a good looking chick.” Poof, he was gone.

The Cpl chuckled and stated with finality, “He was a typical private, silly and no plan for his future. I want a private island, ten million dollars, and surround by many gorgeous chicks.” Poof, he disappeared.

The Genie looked at the Gunny who was lighting a cigar. She said, Well Gunny, what are your wishes.

The Gunny took a long draw on his cigar and calmly said:

 

 

 

READY?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Have them back before reveille.”

 

As a former cigar puffing Gunny, I certainly identified with the Gunny. It’s called looking out for you men!

Originally posted 2019-05-19 17:06:24.