A Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night

A least I got a phone call even if the connection wasn't that great.. at least I heard her voice. She exchanged her gifts with her buddies, she went on and on how she loved her gift and buddies teased saying they wanted them ;)

life long buddies ... I need help with names .. ??????I know Rita's laying down and Kate's on the far right .. I'll have to ask miss Erica

Challenge Coins

Marine Corps Challenge Coins

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Among the Marine Corps' many traditions is the carrying of the challenge coin, and it is rooted in history dating back to World War I.

The most common story of the first challenge coins tells of a wealthy lieutenant in the United States Army Air Corps, the predecessor of the Air Force. He had given the men in his unit bronze medallions, and one young pilot wore his medallion in a leather pouch around his neck.

One day, following an emergency landing of his aircraft behind enemy lines, the pilot was captured by the Germans, and his personal identification was confiscated.

The pilot managed to escape the Germans by donning civilian attire, and he found his way to a French outpost. But the French had seen many enemies masquerading as civilians, and since they didn’t recognize his American accent they planned to execute him.

Though he had no identification, he did have the medallion in the pouch around his neck to prove his allegiance. He presented it to the French and they recognized its insignia. He was excused from execution and given a bottle of wine.

Carrying the medallion saved his life, and it became tradition that members in his squadron carry their medallions wherever they went.

Today, service members possess many medallions, or challenge coins, bearing their organization’s insignia. These coins are often presented by high-ranking officers for a job well done, which is a great honor. They are also sometimes traded between men in a unit.

Military members still carry one challenge coin to prove their loyalty and in case of a “coin check.” A coin check occurs when a member challenges the others to reveal their challenge coins. If any member fails to do so, it is their responsibility to buy a round of drinks for everyone.

Every challenge coin has its own meaning and reason for why it was given, and they make great gifts for military members, especially as they graduate from boot camp or move up in rank.

You can purchase challenge coins, coin sets and coin accessories from the Marine Parents EGA Store. All proceeds from the store go back to the Marines and their families through Marine Parents outreach programs. Click here to browse our challenge coins.

Erica had got an awesome challenge coin from boot camp it was for her battalion 4 it looked like a dog tag.. but alas when we got home it was not in our suit case :( so bummed

:)

Finally got a nice long talk with miss Erica. That was after about an hour of hello hello hello are you there, and thinking we were under water. She has been such busy beaver and I will fill you in later. I am so proud of my Marine. They just received three brand new females fresh out of mos schooling and miss Erica is their mentor, they go to her if theres a problem and she tries to help. Gives advice ect. :) We just had our 70th family christmas party we all missed Erica so much but they all talked about how proud they are of her. As of right now though it doesn't look like she'll get to come home until after Christmas next year :( but everything changes on a daily basis. I miss her so much. well off to bed as 3am is a little too early

just FYI

just so ya know .. my blog info is from public sites, like actual Marine Corps sites and when it comes to my daughters info. IT is not posted till way after the fact.
So I dont post anything thats supposed to be hush hush

went to my father in laws 70th surprise birthday it was really nice .. wish miss Erica was there.

new card quest

In July I made cards for soldiers, Marines,

airmen and seamen ... whom ever's parents had signed them up.. For July 4th Erica received 25 cards .. she said mom what did you do ..LOL

So I'm at it again, I missed the last one.. no time nor money .. so I said I would do Christmas .. so this was my result .. The guy in the humvee is the groups guy that they call flat kil-roy

I think its way cuter in person....

Marine Ball #2 As a guest

This is miss erica's great grandpa Bill whom she calls Pop'o her grandmas dad on my
side.. he served in the Army.. pic was supposed to be on last blog post but the date is to late to edit :(











1st Marine ball was Erica's unit .. so she was in her dress blues, second Marine Ball was her friends.. soo

A little Military Family History

Erica's grandpa (my dad) a Marine with his parents, his dad who's picture is further down served in the Army .. my other grandfather also served in the Army hopefully pictures soon.

Erica's other side of the family has history there as well, even though I don't know it all.. I believe her dad's father served in the royal air force....




Erica's grandpa's unit (my dad)



I've posted this picture before but this is Erica's grandpa a Marine (my dad) apx 1962




Erica's great great grandpa served in the Navy .. he's the one with the arrow pointing to him (my mother's grandfather)

Erica's great grandpa (my dad's dad) served in the Army

Sorry some pictures are not so good and there are others in Erica's family that have served but I don't have their pictures hopefully I will add more later...

Motivating 1st MAW hike 11/16/10

mom loves this pic :)

Marine Ball #1 (she has 2 lol)

Comm Squadron-18 Marine Corps Ball

I really don't have any detail except that it happened ..

Thank you to all Veterans and all those who are currently laying it all on the line ...

Take care one and all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thought it was funny they had to make up for all the MRE's (meals ready to eat) LOL

God Bless you all and stay safe!!

Happy Birthday USMC 235 years oohrah semper fi

Way back in 1775
God had an image in his eyes,
He made the Corps of guts and leaves ..
Marine Corps lives in you and me
Marines, they fought the revolutionary war
They fought for our stripes and they fought for our stars
It gave them strength and it gave them pride
Marine Corps Lives in you and I

were miss Erica went through boot camp .. of course all females go through Parris Island SC

10 November 1775: Establishment of the U.S. Marine Corps

On 10 November 1775, the Continental Congress voted to raise two battalions of Continental Marines, establishing the Marine Corps.

Happy Birthday Marine Corps!

trying to get the stuff together to mail for Christmas .. need to get in the mail before December if I want her to have it on time. Very busy time of the year for packages and it takes twice as long if not more.

IWO JIMA

I dont think much words can be said here ... everyone I have told that she got to visit here talked about the emotions you go though. So glad she got pictures ... they are worth a thousand words. She did say she left behind her name tape her rank insignia and her dog tags .... she went a lance corporal and left a private .. cause she left the evidence behind. oohrah

Chronic Marine Syndrome (CMS)

thanks for the pic John

Chronic Marine Syndrome (CMS). This condition
affects mostly men, but also can affect some women, too.

Symptoms to look for are:

1. Pride in oneself and the organization they represent.
2. A strong willingness to put in extra attention to detail to get the job done.
3. May wear articles of Marine clothing; T-shirts, jackets, watches, well into their 80's.
4. Will not hesitate to stand up or put their hand over their heart, or even salute when the National Anthem is played.
5. Does not succumb easily to political correctness.
6. Is sure of who they are.
7. Is often either respected or hated by others, due to their abilities and talents.
8. May donate toys to needy kids at Christmas.
9. Some have been known to wear their hair in a high and tight well into their 90's.
10. Will look you directly in the eye when talking to you.
11. Will give you a firm handshake.
12. Knows what "honor, courage and commitment" mean.
13. Can usually be found in some type of leadership position in whatever organization they work for.
14. Will often regard their drill instructors with the same respect as their parents.
15 Often found in either law enforcement or various leadership professions.
16 Is extremely thorough at what they do.
17 Does not wear a bunch of patches to adorn their uniform. Their title of Marine is usually sufficient.
18 Often arrives at work earlier than expected. If they wear a shirt and tie in their job, you might see the tie clip between the third and fourth button, centered.
19 Had spent time training at one of three places; Parris Island, San Diego or Quantico .
20 May be able to field strip his rifle, up to 60 years after leaving active duty.
21 Can recite the nomenclature of the M1, M14 or M16.
22 May often have his pencils sharpened to a perfect precision point.
23 Will not back down from a fight.

Other symptoms include willingness to take on a challenge and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity.

Yes, CMS is real, and it's very hard to treat. The person with this condition
often utters phrases such as "Once a Marine always a Marine," or Ooo-Rah!!

Some may even say "Semper Fi" on many occasions. It's best if you know
someone with this condition to just leave them be. These people tend to be
fiercely loyal to the Marine Corps.

Folks, this condition, although not curable, can be treated. Some successful
treatments have included:

1. Frequent visits to the base where the last served or looking at their
Marine memorabilia
2. Get them around other Marines to help them flourish. They need other
Marines who have shared the same experiences
3. Have them get memberships in organizations such as the Marine Corps
League, The Marine Corps Association, Together We Served or have them join
Leatherneck.com.

IWO JIMA

http://www.soloshideawayfunpages.com/_tqxs/004/iwo_jima.htm

my dad sent me this .. Miss Erica is visiting there .. hoping for pictures. The Marine's flew them there .. Marine's I have talked to talk about their own experience there and the overwhelming feelings they have. It's emotional.

the link wont open from here .. you'll have to copy and paste it to your browser.... sorry

keep your fingers crossed

pic we sent erica from her brothers birthday

Just a quick note .. made it through the typhoon fine even though they were on lock down stuck in the bricks she says.. with plenty of mre's (meals ready to eat) found out shes going to two Marine Corp Balls, so keep you fingers and toes crossed for pics. She know how I want them but it seams I have to beg :( My friend leaves next week for her sons graduation from Army basic then he's off to his warrant officer training. I know I'll post a pic of Ty in his Army stuff.....


Ty is second one on left side