Fair enough. Can’t help the but throw shots though huh? Apologies to GC and EPU as well.

well…it’s an interesting story actually. Pretty long, but long story short…When I was 8 years old my Grandfather passed away unexpectedly. I woke up one night, and I saw him in the corner of my room. He looked so happy, and I wasn’t at all afraid. After that, I followed paranormal stuff very closely, even to this day. He was the reason I joined the Marine Corps. He was an WWII veteran, and purple heart recipient. The day he died, he still has shrapnel in his back from when his tank was blown up.

So, I guess that one time I did see a dead person, or at least I thought I did.

During the long days in Iraq, I used to tell my squad ghost stories by the motor pool. It seems kind of lame, but they were all into it. I guess it was some kind of entertainment to look forward to. In a way, I think it even helped us deal with death a little better as well.

I was there when the war first started, and I was Motor T so we traveled all over the southern part of the country. I started in February off loading equipment at Port Shuaiba in Kuwait. The night the war started, we moved from Shuaiba to Camp Matilda which was right at the border. After the initial Arty barrage, we moved across the border into the oilfields which had already been lit on fire by the Iraqis. We mostly lived out of our trucks during this time. But, eventually settled down at Camp Viper in the middle of the desert. I couldn’t even tell you were it was. It was pretty amazing though, the network of small camps and ammo supply points set up around the country so quickly. We mostly ran missions from there that took us to Diwaniyah, An-Nasariyah, and eventually Baghdad. (were I spent Easter Sunday) Our unit, Transport Support Group, ran the longest overland supply line in the history of the Marine Corps stretching more than 600 miles.

We were even awarded a Presidential Unit Citation which reads:

Navy Presidential Unit Citation was for extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance in action against enemy forces in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from 21 March to 24 April 2003. During this period, I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) (REIN) conducted the longest sequence of coordinated combined arms overland attacks in the history of the Marine Corps. From the border between Kuwait and Iraq, to the culmination of hostilities north of Baghdad, I MEF advanced nearly 800 kilometers under sustained and heavy combat. Utilizing the devastating combat power of organic aviation assets, coupled with the awesome power resident in the ground combat elements, and maintaining momentum through the herculean efforts of combat service support elements, I MEF destroyed nine Iraqi Divisions. This awesome display of combat power was accomplished while simultaneously freeing the Iraqi people from more than 30 years of oppression and reestablishing basic infrastructure in the country. During the 33 days of combat, to the transition to civil-military operations, I MEF sustained a tempo of operations never before seen on the modern battlefield, conducting four major river crossings, maintaining the initiative, and sustaining forces. The ferocity and duration of the campaign was made possible through the skills and determination of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coalition Partners comprising I MEF at all levels, all echelons, and in all occupational fields. By their outstanding courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and untiring devotion to duty, the officers and enlisted personnel of I Marine Expeditionary Force (REIN) reflected great credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

I just sent in my Reserve Qualification Summary to try to get into the reserves. There’s a unit called Wounded Warrior Regiment, that I would love to be a part of. They help returning veterans transition back to civilian life by assisting with civilian training, job placement, substance abuse, etc.

The only problem is, I’m on the cusp of being too old, and well, my physical fitness isn’t what it used to be. You know what they say “Not as lean, not as mean, but still a Marine!”

My buddy is already in, as a Gunny. I’m hoping he can pull some strings for me. You know how Gunnys are, salty enough to boss around officers but still close to the action.

It really is a much needed program.

http://www.woundedwarriorregiment.org/WWR.aspx