Birthday bash wrap up.

On 10 November, 1775 the Second Continental Congress resolved,

"That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant-Colonels, two Majors, and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of Privates with other battalions; that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve by sea when required; that they be enlisted and commissioned to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalion of Marines."

On 10 November, 2010 this is how FAST Company chose to celebrate this most auspicious occasion:

Stretcher relay.

Ammo can lunges.

Tire flip relay.

War face contest!

Burpee broad jumps.

Burpee broad jump barfing.

Feed us cake!

This is cake.

This is cheating.

Insert lip smacking sound effects here.

Eer-ah!
America's 1stSgt

Whoops!

I had a Veterans Day post all set to go up automatically and obviously I have not mastered the 21st Century technology yet. In compensation I offer some info on how you can show your thanks to deployed vets this season...

One of my old Kilo Company Marines , Bryan Morris, is now a student at Purdue University. He is organizing a fund raiser in support of Operation Bedding in an effort to improve the quality of life for troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.  You can check out what he doing here.  I recall my first deployment with Kilo we received a bunch of super hero sheets and blankets from the mother of LCpl Conboy, a Marine who had fallen the previous deployment. I even managed to snag me a Superman pillow case out of that.  You have no idea how comforting it can be to have clean sheets to come back to after a patrol.

So go check it out!

Semper Fidelis!
America's 1stSgt

235 years of satisfied customer service!

Let me first wish all the Marines out there a happy birthday. We who serve today truly stand on the shoulders of mighty men of valor who have gone before us. 

Today in FAST Company Bahrain the celebrations were festive, brutal, and will be reported on later.

Last night I finished reading Brute: The Life of Victor Krulak and am afraid I may unintentionally plagiarize myself so this will be a short one. I've been drunk on the book ever since I cracked it open and Kanani has even accused me of sounding like Brute Krulak (this I accept as a most flattering compliment).

In the book Brute is quoted during Vietnam as saying that you can't beat and idea with a bullet. You can only beat an idea with a better idea. 


I suggest the United States Marine Corps is a better idea, with bullets.

May the term "Marine" forever remain synonymous with "victory!"


Semper Fidelis! Happy birthday Marine Corps!

America's 1stSgt

Books! Books! Books!

My new friends at Hachette Book Group recently sent this small treasure to me in support of the ninjas of FAST Company, Bahrain.  It is a well documented fact I am addicted to the lovely medium of books and am completely undisciplined in my purchase of something new to read. At the moment I personally have over fifty unread books gleefully leaping off my bookshelves screaming: "Pick me! Pick me!" 

You know you want to touch them.

After I bathed in this pile of printed goodness I handed out a few to Marines and put the rest on the shelf for any takers.  Brute I selfishly kept for myself and am currently reading in all its awesomeness. 

I mention all this simply to point out since the fine Americans at Hachette Book Group  have so awesomely supported the likes of America's 1stSgt you too might wish to visit the most excellent Hachette Book Group and support them in turn.

If it frightens you my loyalty appears so easily purchased, fear not. The Taliban doesn't read.

Semper Fidelis,
America's 1stSgt 

Photo of the day...

Our photo of the day is of Sergeant Hensley. 

 

 

Sometimes Sgt Hensley just won't listen to his 1stSgt.

Fortunately, just before this photo was taken, Sgt Hensley's hearing miraculously improved.  Nothing like a dose of ballistic medicine to clear things right up.

That is all. Carry on with the plan of the day.