The Final Inspection

The Marine stood and faced God
Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward Marine,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The Marine squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't
Because those of us who carry guns
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here,
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod
As the Marine waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward Marine,
You've borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

Semper Fidelis!

Author Unknown

Marines On Rifle Detail

I recall when I was on my first Rifle Detail for a funeral down in Southern California.  I was a bit nervous at first and then all the people showed up for the funeral.  It was a big crowd.  Turns out it was a retired Sgt. Major and after he had retired from the Marines he volunteered or headed up the Fire Department for Twentynine Palms.  He was popular.  Well, since there was so many people in the crowd that I actually got a little more nervous.  I was able to pull myself together just like any other Marine and was able to proceed because the mission needed to get done. 

This group of Marines were actually participating at the September 11 Memorial that was being held at the Pelco Campus in Clovis, CA.  I was able to take this photo of the Rifle Team. 

Thanks for reading!

Semper Fidelis,

Manuel Perez

Marine Hummer

One more photo from the Pelco September 11th Memorial that was held this year!

This one shows a Marine riding in the back of a Hummer as the he participates in a small parade.  There is also a set of Fire Department officers that are riding on top of a fire truck.

Thanks for looking!

Semper Fidelis,

Manuel Perez

MCRD San Diego

I was recently at my brother’s graduation at MCRD San Diego last week.  I must admit that it was a great feeling to finally step foot on the MCRD base again since I graduated from it back in 1996.  Once I made it through the main gate and was free to roam around the areas I was allowed on it was nice to see how much it has changed.  I noticed so many things that I wasn’t allowed to see when I was based there in Boot Camp.  While in Boot Camp I was able to see only the barracks that I lived in, the Parade Deck and the areas that we trained in, along with an area on the other side where we worked and had Liberty for one day. 

The Hallway, on your left was just one of the photos I was able to photograph while I was on the base.  Originally built in 1919 the base makes over 21,000 Marines a year and very few make it back to the Depot.  The hallway houses the offices of the Battalions that train the recruits.  These offices have lots of individuals working in them to keep track of the training of every Marine on the base. 

Overall the visit to the base was truly something I have been wanting to do for a long time.  I plan on doing it again soon.  I also want to mention that I was talking to my brother’s Drill Instructor about keeping in touch with old fellow Marines and he mentioned the website, TogetherWeServed.com which allows you to create a profile that can even be linked to your facebook account and add brothers/sisters that you knew while you were in the military.  It doesn’t just refer to only Marines as it also lets you create profiles for the other armed forces of the United States.  If you haven't checked out the site yet then you need to go do it now.

Thanks for reading and if you have any comments you want to leave, please do so.

Semper Fidelis,

Manuel Perez

Family In Okinawa

If you are ever deployed to another country or location it helps to know exactly who you might know or have as a resource. 

1st Stinger Battery

Here is a photo of the photo off my shirt from when I was in 1st Stinger Battery in Okinawa, Japan. 

Looking For A Few Good…

Comm GODS Hard At Work

Gas, Gas, Gas

This is a photo of a United States Marine manning the radio wearing full Mission Oriented Protective Posture Gear.  This was my last exercise in Okinawa, Japan before finishing my tour.  I was with 1st Stinger Battery from Camp Futenma.  This Marine and I were on Radio Watch when we got the siren to go to MOPP Level 4.  The command is Gas, Gas, Gas and it is nothing to ignore.  Manning the radio can be tough with all this gear on because you can barely hear anything through the mask.  I remember going through Nuclear Biological Chemical Warfare School and we had to play basketball with all this gear on.  Luckily it wasn't too hot only about 80 something degrees. 

That's all I have for today and thank you for reading!

Semper Fidelis,

Manuel Perez

Self Portrait In Kuwait

I was going through some old photos and found this one of me while I was in Kuwait back in 1998.  We were there for an exercise and we were in some really hot weather.  I must say that after being inside the belly of an M1A1 that I have more respect for tankers!  God Bless them!  This photo of me is me manning the Tank Commander and the 50 Caliber.  While in Kuwait we experienced temperatures at about 120 degrees and the driver passed out.  They needed someone to man the driver’s seat so they put me in it.  I stripped down to my skivvies because it was so hot in there.  All I remember was a pool of sweat after we got done.  I think I lost some weight while I was over there.  I should go back so I can lose some more.