Wednesday, November 10, 2010

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






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.

Friday, November 5, 2010

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

Thursday, November 4, 2010

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.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

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

Saturday, October 30, 2010

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

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

At PDS

Well, I know they were there during the storm that hit the Philippines and she's safe and sound...and back on Oki now.. on her birthday she thought someone stole her phone, I don't know the particulars but she got it back. I even text her phone telling whom ever to turn it in to her and who she was and that it was my only communication with her LOL .. maybe that worked. Glad about that .. that would of been her third phone gone. She did email her brother to say happy birthday to him (I was hoping for a gift) but I know their in their own little world.

Yep another Typhoon heading her way, they think it will hit land the middle of next week but I think it will be further up.. worried about my friends son's she's got two back east and the storm hitting now are crazy tornadoes and all. Ones a Marine and the others in Army Basic training and she'll be flying back east for his graduation and she doesn't like to fly. Saying some prayers for her.

She did say she's feeling a little homesick right now .. I don't blame her for one thing were coming up an a year of being away from home and two the holidays are just around the corner. Sort of not looking forward to the holidays myself they seam harder with kids grown up and your single and the job you have makes you work every holiday, sad and depressing even my sons birthday was small because of short notice all our crazy work schedules. Hard to fit things in that we all can be able to go to. I never see my dad with the schedule he's on now. :( okay maybe my personal blog should be for the whining right LOL sorry about that.

well off to the auto garage again :(


Typhoons (TCCOR-1C) known as hurricanes in the United States

today at apx 8 pm pacific time ... their on lock down



Typhoons

TCCOR-1C - military term


Printable Fact Sheet
Photos

BACKGROUND
Okinawa lies in the Pacific's "Typhoon Alley." Typhoons, known as hurricanes in the United States, pack powerful winds and can be very destructive. They occur when warm water of the South Pacific Ocean between the Republic of the Philippines and Guam combines with the cool winds in the region.

Once formed, the storms usually travel in a path beginning near Guam, then moves toward the Philippines and Okinawa and before heading north toward mainland Japan or Korea. Most weaken at sea before they reach inland.

Typhoons are most frequent from June to November with as many as 26 typhoons forming in a season. However, usually only three or four pass close enough to Okinawa to be of any concern to people stationed here.

On Okinawa, the greatest number of typhoons is concentrated in August and September. Sophisticated weather forecasting and tracking equipment and reinforced concrete buildings have taken the surprise and most of the danger out of typhoons.

The Kadena weather flight monitors these tropical storms and typhoons, and serves as a focal point for typhoon information on Okinawa as part of the Pacific Command's Tropical Cyclone Warning System.

Warnings of approaching storms, as well as typhoon tips and precautions, are broadcast over American Forces Network-Okinawa radio and television.

Current local weather information, including tropical cyclone conditions of readiness, is available on the Kadena weather flight's homepage. Kadena residents can also get up-to-date pathway projections for typhoons via the Joint Typhoon Warning Center's homepage.

Read the Kadena Air Base Emergency Actions Guide from the base disaster preparedness office for more details on typhoon preparedness.


CONDITIONS OF READINESS
Following are Tropical Cyclone (Typhoon) Conditions of Readiness (TCCOR), their meanings and actions to take for safety:

TC-4: Destructive sustained winds of 50 knots or greater possible within 72 hours. Stock up on food, bottled water, dry milk, batteries, flashlights, candles and other emergency supplies. TC-4 stays in affect from June 1 to November 30 every year.

TC-3: Destructive sustained winds of 50 knots or greater expected within 48 hours. Initiate a general clean-up around your home, apartment and office. Pick up loose items, such as toys, garden tools and lawn furniture.

TC-2: Destructive sustained winds of 50 knots or greater anticipated within 24 hours. Secure all outdoor property such as picnic tables, barbecue grills, etc.

TC-1: Destructive sustained winds of 50 knots or greater are expected within 12 hours. DODDs schools will close at this time. Fill any available containers with water. Make a final check of food, water and other supplies.

TC-1 CAUTION: Sustained winds blowing at 34 to 49 knots and are expected to reach 50 knots or more within 12 hours. All outdoor activities, except those in direct support of urgent military missions, will be discontinued. The base exchange and commissary close and all non-mission-essential people should be off the streets and in their residences. All AAFES facilities close.

TC-1 EMERGENCY: Destructive sustained winds of 50 knots or greater occurring. All outside activities are prohibited.

TC-1 RECOVERY: Destructive sustained winds of 50 knots are no longer occurring. Actual winds are 34-49 knots. No outdoor activity is authorized other than workers from pre-designated emergency crews. TCCOR1 recovery Mission-Essential Passes, which are issued to mission-essential agencies only, must be in the driver's possession before attempting to travel on Kadena.

TC - STORM WATCH: There is still a possibility of danger to personnel due to the storm's unpredictability or from hazards created by previous high winds. Normal activities may resume with caution two hours after declaration of STORM WATCH. AAFES facilities and the commissary may reopen as well. Stay tuned to AFN television and radio.

TC - ALL CLEAR: The 18th Wing commander, as Okinawa's senior TCCOR authority, will announce condition "All Clear" when local recovery operations are complete. Outdoor activity and transit between installations are authorized. Hazardous conditions and winds are no longer present, however be alert to possible damage and hazardous conditions on roads, etc. TCCOR-4 stays in effect from June 1 to November 30 every year.


TAKE ACTION
There are some simple but important steps that Airmen and their families should take in preparation for typhoon season. Most importantly, families should have an emergency kit that contains the following items at a minimum:
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Bottled Water (3 days worth - 1 gallon per person per day)
  • Non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
  • Foods for infants or the elderly
  • Snack foods
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Cooking tools/fuel
  • Paper plates/plastic utensils
  • First-Aid supplies, Prescriptions
  • Battery powered radio (AFN)
  • Pet care items
  • Towels, rags, mops
When a typhoon is imminent, all personnel should:
  • Fill bathtubs with water
  • Turn refrigerators/freezers to highest setting
  • Secure loose outdoor objects or store them indoors, play sets, bicycles, and other toys, grills, trampolines, storage sheds, tables & chair, trash & recycling containers
  • Store bulk trash items indoors if contractor has not picked up by TCCOR 2
  • Secure & lock all exterior doors and windows
  • Sandbag base of doors - self-help sand bags may be picked up at Eagle Hardware for base housing residents
  • Turn off all non-critical electrical items: lights, computers, printers, fans, TVs, etc.
  • Fuel your vehicles
  • Park vehicles in an area least prone to falling tree limbs and flooding