Marine Grandson

[sixshot]

My Marine Grandson is headed back to the fight for the 5th time, I'm hoping we can get this thing cleaned up sooner than later. He's been in 12 years & is a Gunny Sargent & still in one piece after 2 tours in Iraq & 2 in Afghanistan. This tour covers both countries plus Syria so I'm hoping our President & military commanders can end this thing once & for all but not holding my breath. I served from 1966-70 & didn't see where we accomplished a whole lot for the price we paid. We need to be tougher, most times that ends up saving lives in the long run, my thoughts.

Dick

 

[eveled]

5 tours is a lot to ask of somebody. God bless you and your grandson for your service to this country. We own a debt we could never repay to those who serve.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

I agree. 5 tours is a LOT. Tough on the troop, and tough on the family. Thank him for his service. E-7 in that time is no small thing. Prayers for his safety. Are they still kicking in doors?

 

[vortecMax]

Thanks to both of you for your service.

 

[Fox Mike]

Good for him. Making Gunny Sergeant in 12 years is moving along. Syria might not be as bad as Afghanistan but still isn't a vacation destination either. I wish him well and tell him to watch his six.

 

[contender]

Dick, I think you know how I feel & where I stand. Tell him for me,, my thoughts & prayers are still with him.

 

[gramps]

I too wish your grandson will be safe during his tour. Thank you both for the service you have rendered.
gramps

 

[dougader]

Prayers for a safe tour. Thank you both for your service.

 

[GunnyGene]

His troops and his junior officers are lucky to have him. With his experience he'll keep them alive. Men like him are rare and valuable assets to any command. Of the approx 202,000 current USMC strength, only about 4-5% are E-7, and of that number less than 1/2 have the combat experience of your grandson and are still in the game.

Semper Fi.

 

[Johnnu2]

Our prayers are up for your grandson; my wife's grandson is also an E7.... these kids earn it quicker, but unfortunately, THE HARD WAY........

J

 

[JPGLSG]

My dear Friend's Son is on his 5th tour at the sand box as they call it. He is an E5 ground pounder and loves his job. I had the pleasure of sharing a meal with him and his dad before this last deployment and he was excited to get back in action. He told me that the gloves have come off so they can do they job much more effectively and they are making some serious headway. I thank God we have Men like your Son and Wade's Son in this fight, I pray daily for their safety.

Semper Fi.

 

[olcop]

Thank you both for your service--
I can appreciate where you are coming from too, my son was a 23 year career Marine---the times he was deployed, I hated to hear the phone ring.
olcop

 

[Enigma]

Dick, tell your grandson that this old career Army sergeant says 'thank you.' Wish him well, and I sincerely hope that this is his LAST combat deployment.

 

[Wyandot Jim]

Yep that is what the military does more and more of. It really makes it hard on the Family, Wives, Kids and Grandparents.
In Son's career he has deployed seven times. Twice flying SH-60s off Frigates, once flying E2s off the USS Truman. Twice as the OIC with the CODS in Bahrain , once as an IA/ Individual Augmentee with the Marines in Afghanistan, once as the Air Boss of the Nimitz. I think his Daughter was 5-6 before he was home for her birthday. You not only spend a lot of time deployed you also spend a lot of time with work-ups getting ready to deploy and doing drug ops in the Caribbean and flying supplies into Haiti .
Not an easy life for sure.

 

[314Chevy]

Please thank your grandson for making US great. Our prayers are with him.

 

[Jeepnik]

My prayers are with your grandson and your family. My boys did three tours each. I know your fears and pride. God bless you and yours.

 

[sixshot]

Thanks for all the replies & support. He has a wonderful wife & a 4 year old daughter who is my oldest great grand daughter & she is a real "pistol". She talks to everybody & her vocabulary is way beyond her years, she cracks people up when she talks.
He, like all others with him is proud to serve & he only wishes that our leaders would work together instead of all the in fighting & name calling, it doesn't help the morale!

Dick

 

[SR1911SHOOTER]

sixshot,
Tell your Grandson for me, OORAH!
And thank him for his service.
Blackie.
RMC, USN, RET. '55-'75

 

[Hole Shooter]

Many thanks and congratulations to your grandson! You have so many reasons to be so very proud of him and I feel sure that you are! May he soon return home safely.
hs