Tag Archives: Marines

Recent Posts

Time Out for a Commercial

6 Comments

Okay, time out from my political rant for a commercial break. Many of you who follow me here have read “the book.” Yes, I am talking about my humble approach to become a writer, the title of which is the  name of this blog. However, for those who simply stumbled onto this site you may not know of the book, let alone having read it.

So if you will beg my pardon I thought I’d throw in a short commercial break, I mean, damn it’s my blog right? LOL 

BTW, that’s 2nd LT Bathurst standing in front of the world famous Marine Corps Silent Drill Team at Marine Barracks, 8th&I Streets, SE, Washington, D.C. which was his OCS and TBS

The book is a print on demand, which means I paid to have it printed through a POD publisher (IUniverse), and while it was costly, they provide nothing, no marketing, advertising, etc. Oh, they’ll do that, but at a significant cost. I bit into their BS the first year and bought a few  of their packages, but never once could I point to a sale and say it came from their marketing.  For any future authors on here, I would not recommend a POD publisher, especially IUniverse. 

It comes in soft cover (not a paperback, but better), eBook, and hardcover.  IUniverse did an outstanding job on the cover based on my stern guidance. It is a beautiful book. I had no voice on the prices except on the eBook, it was the publisher’s call based solely on page count, and it’s a big book (564 pages including numerous  pages of photographs). The list price is $42.95, $38.95 for the soft cover, and the eBook is $7.95.

Amazon, Barnes & Noble and few other online book stores sell all three at the list prices, plus shipping in most cases. I do sell the hard cover, but bear in mind I do not get the same deal from the publisher as do the online book stores, I’m only the author! UGH!

Okay, here’s my deal, I have recouped my initial printing costs; therefore, it is no longer a money thing to me, I simply want folks to read it and hopefully enjoy it.  I sell the hard cover personally inscribed anyway you want it, signed, and dated for $35.00. And if you are a Marine, or if it is for a Marine, I will eat the postage myself. Truth be known, for every book I sell to a Marine I lose $0.63! 

Personally, I believe it makes a great gift for a birthday, Christmas, or any special occasion, especially for a Marine, who I guarantee will enjoy it and rekindle many fond (and maybe not so fond LOL) memories of his/her time on active duty.

You can go to Amazon and Barnes & Noble and read all the reviews. I have even included some here on the website. Please click on “About the Book, About the Author, and About the Editor, as well as peek inside the book for selected pages, If you would like to order a book, simply go to “Buy The Book,” fill out the form, and submit it. Your message will come to me and I will contact you with details.

Okay, the commercial break is over, now back to the liberal BS we’re having to put up with in today’s rabid society.

Originally posted 2019-11-09 10:02:42.

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/

Originally posted 2023-12-14 16:36:27.

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

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.

Current Events

DC or Bust

4 Comments

 

 

 

Hi Folks, been a long time since I posted anything. My only excuse is I have been working incessantly trying to put together all the logistics for this DC trip for my Young Marines. There have been times when I have asked myself if I may have bit off more than I can chew. But hey, as Marines, don’t we always do that? LOL

We are up to twenty-four now, boys and girls, ages 8-18, average age is still 12 1/2. Have you ever tried teaching map & compass navigation to that wide of an age span? Whew! By the way, at our first boot camp in August 2016 one of our eight-year-old recruits brought a Teddy Bear with her, another girl, age 16 drove herself there. Things do get interesting. I have often wondered why the Young Marines went so far down to age 8; their attention span for anything is one Nano-second or shorter. LOL But they are a barrel of fun, and once you get their attention they are like sponges, they can’t absorb enough.

The D.C. trip is slowly coming together. There are some challenges we’re working on overcoming. One of which I thought would be easy, but has proven most difficult i.e., the Friday night parade at The Barracks. Realizing their reservation system does not open till 15 March, I was hoping I could somehow develop a contact so I could get some idea as to which Friday could I be guaranteed reservations. Simply put, that Friday would drive everything logistic wise. No dice. I even sent the CO a copy of my book with a letter asking for a POC; that was early December, so far, no response. So, I had to simply pick a date suitable for me and the kids so I could start working on everything else. The problem is I have been retired since October 1993, that was 25 years ago, the company grade officers with whom I served at SOI are colonels and retired. I know no one in the Corps anymore. Sad what happens to you when you get old and gray. LOL No one cares about your requests anymore.

But I have to tell you, if I were in that CO’s shoes and rec’d a request such as mine, I would have immediately scribbled the sender a quick note of acknowledgement and gave the request to my OPSO, or better yet, my Protocol Officer and told him to make it happen. I don’t care how busy I was, it’s called taking care of your own. Oh well, so be it. I had to pick dates in the dark, so the plan is to arrive Tuesday 25 June and depart Sunday 30 June.

My real challenge is still financially. We have raised a little over $11,000, but with twenty-four kids now and several pending, we have a ratio requirement of 10-1 for supervisory personnel on such ventures. So, I am looking at about 30 for the trip. Of course, I will pay my own way, but some of my adult volunteers are from very low-income families and are many of my kids. I have decided once I have all the logistics worked out and am able to place some sort of a dollar figure on the full cost, and there is not enough for everyone to go, we are not going. I won’t be selective with the kids.
Anyway, I am sending out another SOS to everyone I can and am urging our parents to do the same. The unit has several fundraisers set up for the spring e.g., pizza night, spaghetti dinner, bingo, car washes, and of course many fundraisers in front of stores as we always do. So, the kids are really working hard for this; they are PUMPED!

Once again, the GoFundMe account is still alive should you desire to donate, or you can send a donation to me at 4303 East Drive, Crystal Lake, IL 60012 should you want to make it directly thus saving the small fee they charge. Our account is at: https://www.gofundme.com/manage/fox-valley-young-marines

Thanks everyone, and may God Bless you.

Semper Fi,
Jim

Originally posted 2019-01-25 12:11:27.