Knee Deep in the Hooah!

  • Knee Deep Homepage
  • Home Base Current Writing
  • Military Support Links & Information
  • About About the Author

August 27, 2009
Posted by Hank

Into The Storm – Hank’s In The Cowboy Hat

devil-dog-brew-usmc-color While on active duty in the Marine Corps I didn’t contemplate much about which Veterans’ organization I’d one day join. I already belonged to the Marine Corps Association (comes with your subscription to Leatherneck and the Marine Corps Gazette) and that was it.

So after retiring in 2005 with 21 years I knew it would be a matter of short order before I’d feel the fraternal strings pulling at me to get involved with a local chapter of most likely the Marine Corps League, the American Legion, and/or the VFW.  I had the most familiarity with these organizations and their stellar reputations.

Because of the very namesake and thought behind my coffee company I stacked the deck as an extension of our family business.  I ensured I’d always be closely tied to my beloved Corps and in the process I hope we conduct ourselves as a bully pulpit for those I respect most – American Patriots serving in Harm’s Way.

A couple of years ago I came across a fairly new group of Marines, both Veterans and Active Duty, who communicated with eachother primarily through the internet.  One of the characteristics that makes TogetherWeServed unique is the ubiquitous nature of the internet. Brothers and Sisters join their respective Service site and can communicate and share stories with each other no matter where they are stationed and regardless of time zones.  Disabled veterans that have limited mobility can tie into a network of friends and Service Brothers and Sisters that they may have otherwise not gotten in touch with.

How fortuitous that I personally know the founder, an outstanding man and friend. It was no less than an amazing coincidence that Major Wes Prater and I were Sergeants when we attended Texas A&M together through a internal Marine Corps scholarship program called MECEP.

Through TogetherWeServed I’ve been able to reconnect with both friends from Bootcamp and Officer Candidates School. From far away places Okinawa, Korea, Panama, I’ve tracked many down.

Wes, through TogetherWeServed, has been a strong ally supporting events and causes near and dear to my heart. A Birthday Ball in Iraq, care packages sent to many friends on various deployments, promoting veterans’ causes and initiatives, even employing disabled veterans on his staff.

Last year TogetherWeServed hosted its first major reunion, Island Storm 2008 at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Special indeed because it was the last public venue for Medal of Honor Recipient Jack Lucas.  This year our reunion event was Capital Storm 2009. In attendance was a cross section of members that included three World War II Veterans, and various others from Korea, Viet Nam, Beirut, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Our reunion included paying our respect at Arlington Cemetery, touring the Home of Marine Commandants, the Evening Parade at 8th & I, and our closing ceremony at the National Marine Corps Museum. The owner of MilitaryByOwner, a member of TogetherWeServed himself, made a significant cash donation to the Marine Heritage Foundation after a speech by its President Lieutenant General Christmas. Additionally, monies were collected by our Marine Corps League members for calling cards for active duty members serving overseas. There’s no competition, Wes and by extension TogetherWeServed, is a proud advocate of the Marine Corps League and other Veteran Organizations.

If you know somebody that served or is serving, you might just tell them about TogetherWeServed. If you’re curious go ahead and take a look at my TWS profile, it’s a snapshot of just how profiles are built and shared within this tight nit community.

TogetherWeServed Capital Storm 2009 Iwo WWII Marine Corps Memorial

TogetherWeServed Capital Storm 2009 Iwo WWII Marine Corps Memorial

With Utmost Respect ~ Semper Fi, Hank

*Commencing with the launch of its US Marines website on the Marine Corps Birthday in 2003, Togetherwerserved.com has produced a series of US Military community heritage websites specially created to enable current or former serving US Servicemen and women to reconnect with old friends and share in the camaraderie of others who served. Togetherweserved.com websites are headed by Major Wesley T Prater (USMC Retired) and Major Mark Cooper (USA Retired), and assisted by a team of retired US Military administrators and support staff, including disabled Veterans.

30 Comments

Posted Under Posts by Semper Fi Hank

30 Comments

  1. Joel Extine
    August 27, 2009

    TWS is awesome! I was in the Corps from 1994 to 2006. I didn’t plan to get out but had to. I was miserable for about a year. So far from a Marine base, never seeing or talking to any Marines. I think I was sinking into some sort of depression. There was no outlet for me, civilians just don’t understand Marines. Then, luckily I came across a Marine on a professional networking site who sent me a link. Life has been great ever since! I am back to the comraderie and brotherhood that I enjoyed while I was in. And it’s almost better because here on TWS there are Marines from different generation and time periods. Hearing their story and seeing what they did for our country and Corps is a great thing too.

    Semper Fi!

    Joel

  2. Jim Hackett
    August 27, 2009

    Hank

    Well written, sir. It was an honor to attend Capital Storm 2009 and more the honor to make your aquaintance.

    Semper Fi,

    Jim

  3. Bill Goss
    August 27, 2009

    Great article Hank. TWS is the BEST

    It is my pleasure of meeting you in 2008 at the first TWS Reunion and being with you again this year in DC/Quantico.

    People like Hank Salmans and Wes Prater are the Norm on the Marine TWS site. All in all, there is now a site for the Marine Corps, the Navy, the Army, the Air Force and the Coast Guard. These sites are based on and run so that Veterans may find old buddies, and make new friends. Over a million vets have now joined one of the five TWS sites, with many more to follow. Brotherhood is alive and well on http://www.togetherweserved.com

    AND, we all drink Devil Dog Brew…(had to throw that in for Hank)…but really, it is one of the Greatest coffees I have ever had.

  4. Blaz Gamez
    August 27, 2009

    What does Together We Served mean to. This site is my world, there is nothing like communicating with Marines no matter what Era we are from. This site helps people get together, helps when a Marine is in need. It also helps with the depression and PTSD that I have. I am able to talk to these Marines and discuss my feelings. I would rather tell a Marine my problems then go to see professional help. These Marines know where I am coming from and the have been there as well. Together We Served is the best website out there. This site is so user friendly and if I do not understand something, there are ten Marines to help me out. This site has saved me from being on the brink of a mental melt down. Thanks TWS for all you do, I sincerly would not know what to do if it wasnt for the Marines. Semper FI

  5. Chewy
    August 27, 2009

    TWS is the best

    Semper Fi Marines

    Chewy

  6. gary Porter
    August 27, 2009

    TWS…Integrity in the truest sense.

    Semper Fi

    gary

  7. Brian S. Parsons
    August 27, 2009

    TWS has been a great website for me! Not only have I got into contact with Marines that I served with, but, in true fashion of ‘Marines taking care of Marines’, I found a job back in 2006 when I got laid off. A Marine on the site took my resume to the boss and I was hired almost immediately.

    I for one, will be forever grateful to marines.togetherweserved.com

    ……oh, and the get-togethers are AWESOME too!

    Semper Fi
    Cpl Brian S. Parsons
    USMC 1990-95

  8. Walter Cook
    August 27, 2009

    Thanks to TWS I have met many of my Marine Brothers and Sisters that I would never have had the chance to meet in any other way. They are my family and I plan to meet many more. The Marine family reunion we had in Washington DC was not just an event called “The Capitol Storm” to me. It was actually “The Perfect Storm” giving me something to look forward to. It was just like when I was a kid, the closer it got to the month of December and Christmas, the more anxious I became. It was the same waiting for the time to come for our Capitol Storm.

    If you ever want someone to put together a military gathering for you and your group, you might want to check with the TWS Staff and their contacts.

    Semper Fi

  9. Jerry Kline
    August 28, 2009

    Hank, you do good work with words. Through TWS I have met some very fine people, way too many to name. I also found two Marines that were in Boot Camp with me, Don GEE and Bill Miller, both members of TWS. Through these two Brothers I located my Senior Drill Instructor, then SSgt Quigley, now retired LtCol Quigley living in Texas. I located one of my Junior Drill Instructors, then SSgt Kohler, now retired Captain Kohler living in California. TWS is a good avenue for me to find other Marines and make new friends. I am glad I joined TWS.

  10. Mandy S. Fischer Winters
    August 28, 2009

    What does TWS mean?

    It isn’t so much what it means, (yes, we all served) but it is more about what TWS is and what it provides to each of us…

    It’s a place where I can go to find like minded people, (which isn’t to say that we all agree) but where can discuss (or argue) topics, opinions, politics, equipment, or whatever we want to talk about…

    It is also place to meet new people and find old friends … or maybe I should say reunite with Marines of our past.

    It is also a school, a place where we can learn from the Marines that went before us or those that have followed in our footsteps. We can strike up a conversation with someone that served or is currently serving someplace where we have never been or someone that served at Iwo Jima, or is serving on the frontlines today.

    But more than all of that, it is an outlet… a place that no matter what, my day is always better after I have visited… I have made friends and formed bonds that are irreplaceable because of TWS and/or the TWS get-togethers that I have attended, whether they be formal or informal… spur of moment, or a planned event…

    Capitol Storm was just the tip of the iceberg…

  11. Dave Masunas
    August 28, 2009

    Threw Togetherweserved I have been able to make connections with Marines I thought I would never hear from again. Every other day it seems like I get an e-mail from and old friend that I lost touch with our just a Marine wanting to talk and become friends. Going to the Capital Storm was the best trip my wife and I have had in many years. I enjoyed making new friends and hearing stories from Marines that were from all the different area’s our the past. The stories you hear are ones that you will never find out about in any history books, they come from Marines that lived and made that history for younger Marines to pass on threw out the years. I would like to thank Mr. Wesley Prater for coming up with this idea and taking the time to make it happen. We all get out of the Marine Corps for one reason or another but the Marine Corps never leaves us. Brothers and sisters for life all sharing one common bond “The EGA”.

  12. Mike Wukitsch
    August 28, 2009

    Hank:
    Great article that hits the proverbial “nail on the head” as it relates to the Spirit of the Corps, and how Together We Served functions as a catalyst to bring all of us together. This was the second event for Karen and me and we were fortunate to meet new acquaintances and be able to add them to our list of friends. It was an honor to be included by them, and to have them share their stories with us.
    We’re looking forward to the 2010 event.
    Semper Fidelis
    MikeW

  13. Spencer Price"Animal"
    August 28, 2009

    I joined TWS back in 2005 while i was out of town working on a project. Since joining I have been in contact with many brothers and sisters from the past. I attended Island Storm 08 it was awesome. I went and picked up and paid for my brother Andrew Nelsen to join me there. The last time we had seen each other was Dec of 96 in Okinawa. TWS made it possible for him to find me. My DI from bootcamp is here and still talk to him to this day. I really appreciate the hard work from all who make this website happen.
    SEMPER FIDELIS
    SGT Spencer Price
    061295-061199

  14. Frank V. Rago
    August 29, 2009

    Semper Fidelis

    Need I say more?:

    Visited TWS to try and find an old friend………………….and stayed when I found many that I did not know I had.

    After I got discharged in 89, I thought that I did my time and that was that.

    “That is not that”. I walked away with something that I really did not know I had. The sticker on the truck window indicated that I had been in the USMC, I never realized that it is not that I was in the USMC, the USMC is and always will be in me. No matter what.

    I can lose everything; money, friends, family, and self respect, but I can’t lose the fact that “I”, Frank V. Rago, is and always will be a United States Marine. A member of one of the toughest military branches in the whole world.

    And the whole world knows it.

    TWS reminded me that no matter what, I am a Marine, now and forever. I have thousands of Brothers and Sisters around the world who would stand by me and fight and trust their lives to me, like I would trust my life to them. We would be together, not because of the fight, but because WE ARE UNITED STATES MARINES.

    Semper Fi

    Cpl Frank V. Rago
    USMC

  15. Cpl Jim Gasho
    August 30, 2009

    What TWS means to me

    I’ve only been a member for a short time, yet i am completely addicted to it. When I first saw this question I spent a little time thinking about just what it means to me and I came up with the following

    1. It gives me a chance to potentially reconnect with people I never thought I would ever see from or hear from again

    2. It gives a a chance to talk with those who went before me to WW-2, Korea and helped to create all the tradition the Marine Corps was credited with in 1966

    3. It allows me a chance to talk to vets of my own era, those who continued to add to the Marine Corps legend in Viet Nam

    4. It gives me a forum to talk to those who are now carrying on with establishing new traditions of excellence in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait and any where else the Marine Corps goes

    5. It allows me to discuss questions, agree and disagree with opinions of other Marines of various ages while maintaining a feeling of brotherhood, not unlike the arguing that goes on between siblings

    6. It allows me to see that there are several others who have had their share of problems returning to ‘the world’ and a country that was torn between support and hating us for what we did. It seemed like the 50% of the people who supported
    us had no voice and the 50% who despised us were extremely vocal. I believe we all asked ourselves “What did I do wrong?”. Now we can talk openly about these feelings

    7. It has taught me the answer to my previous question was, I didn’t do a damn thing wrong

    8. It gives me a place to express my pride in my service and the service of so many others who made far greater sacrifices than I did.

    9. It gives me a place I can call home, and a group of brothers I can count on to be there if I need them regardless if I know them or not.

    10. It proves the saying “Once a Marine, always a Marine.

    Thanks for asking the question and letting me answer it in my own way, in my own words as humble and poorly structured as they may be. They come from the heart.

  16. R C Knight
    August 31, 2009

    I entered the Corps in January 1966. Landed Vietnam November 1966.
    I joined Together We Served by chance while surfing the net. After awhile I noticed how many people were looking for friends that they served with in Nam. I had been looking for a way to honor the Marine vets from Minnesota, my home stae, that did not make it back. I took the time to find all those names at the National Archives web site. Through various other web connections I found as much information as I could about these men & have since posted there individual info on TWS as a memoriam . Hopefully it wll be of some help for those that are looking. TWS is a great place to find lost friends & also to find new ones.

  17. brat
    August 31, 2009

    As usual, it feels totally inadequate, but this civilian THANKS YOU all for your service.

  18. Tom Maflin, GySgt Ret.
    September 2, 2009

    Together We Served means “Family” to me.

    You pick your friends, your stuck with FAMILY!

    Family: A group of organisms, either animal or vegetable, related by certain points of resemblance in structure or development, more comprehensive than a genus, because it is usually based on fewer or less pronounced points of likeness.

    We don’t get along all the time, we fight occasionally.

    But when the chips are down, you can always count on family to be there to help.

    Semper Fi, Brothers and Sisters.

  19. Tom Hill
    September 3, 2009

    A Brotherhood Second to None!
    “Nuff Said”

  20. Ray Merrell
    September 3, 2009

    It is very rewarding on TWS to connect to some one who knew someone you were with in the service, were on the same ship, Island, or other. Like fathers, grandfathers, uncles, friends, friends of friends or whatever. Also to try to locate someone who might have known the peson they inquire about. To meet and make new friends. That’s what TWS is all about – I LOVE TWS!.

  21. Cpl Michael J Siers
    September 4, 2009

    What TogetherWeServed Means To Me
    by Corporal M. J Siers, USMC (1999-2003)

    There are ingrained truths that are pressed into the soul of a man or a woman who decides to settle their feet upon those yellow foot steps. The tremulous night, the bus ride, the tension filled mystery as the gates open to either Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego or the infamous Parris Island. For our officers that journey begins at Officer Candidates School in Quantico. One thing is certain, whatever happens afterwards will most certainly change who you are for better or worse. We here at TogetherWeServe discover the end result was not only for better but something that would last far beyond the end of active service one chooses. Whether it is four years, eight years, or the magic twenty plus when warriors lay their weapons to rest upon retirement; a complete transformation. (We all know however — none of us retire)

    The truths prevail beyond life in the Corps. Honor, Courage, and Commitment extend beyond one’s last boot step off the active pavement. Stalwart and never ending discipline for some may seem as a caricature of an outspoken and sometimes stubborn individual. An individual that not only refuses to quit when faced with the impossible, but also carries a certain command presence that for those not accustomed to it, will find it overly abrasive if not intimidating. Pay no mind ladies and gentleman of the civilian class, it’s just a regular Marine doing his or her thing.

    These three principle truths are also found in what I would like to call the Marine Corp’s sub division, TogetherWeServed. True TWS isn’t officially tied to the Department of Defense (just letting that one out so the good Major* doesn’t have a cow), it instead represents military bonds from past generations to the present. We share what we have learned from our experiences from Corps’ life, and pass it on to younger warriors who have taken the torch firmly and dutifully within the celebrated traditions of the Marines.

    Marines from the Frozen Chosin, Vietnam, Beirut, The Gulf War, Somalia, to our current operational theaters in Iraq and Afghanistan have produced a hall of heroes; living or fallen heroes all. TogetherWeServed is not a perfect affair, it works as the hooks, jabs, and gritty barrack’s life did while in. Some of us are blood brothers and others have their heavy spats, disagreements, arguments and down right toe to toe engagements. But like our old motto, we are always faithful to our family, and no one promised us a rose garden to begin with. The good thing simply is, after the dust settles, hearts are just as green and every Marine member is ready to leap upon a grenade that’s intended for their fellow brother or sister.

    We sometimes cater ‘Get Togethers’ where brothers and sister meet each other for the first time (truly never strangers) but becoming great friends from all four corners of the country. Together we often offer both emotional and physical support. Special brothers like Frank McGuigan (Oldcorps52), through his own time and energy, give individuals plaques in their own honor – reflective of their TogetherWeServed profile page; a snapshot of their life in the Corps. No one asks Frank but faithful to his personal mission he remains because the brotherhood/sisterhood from our community re-fuels our Old Marine Corps Spirit. The same Spirit that’s sung about around camps and far off places where Devil Dogs train hard to fight hard from, East to West, in every clime and place, wherever our services are required. This is the feeling one gets after being here a while. Our many forums, both serious and down right entertaining, characters that would make you laugh, cuss, cry, and have a strange hair raising need to stand up and pop a salute to Chesty**. When we lose one of our own, not only is it a personal tragedy, but we also honor that individual with kept memorials both past and present. Here we discuss and share information about organizations that help Devil Dogs in need. We discuss charities and events promoting various military causes as well as programs that aid veterans such as those with health problems or even in need of the simple necessities of life.

    Together here we hold the line. We extend that line when you’re in a tight spot, and the only thing you have left is that Marine coming to your aid and the best prayer you can find in the Good Book. I was one of those Marines, and I’ve been helped by a good and generous many who did so because of that rare bond regardless of generation, age, color or creed. You don’t throw away nor forget that kind of love. It’s a love made from a mother’s brew, it’s a steel reinforcement that never buckles, and it’s damn sure the very ink that never lets our colors run.

    The brotherhood bridge is strong. Even if one must leave this community, it is a certainty they’ll miss its camaraderie, but more importantly, they’ll keep in touch with those they personally came to know or rediscover. When someone leaves they are missed. When someone returns, they are celebrated with honor and kindness. Our front porch light is always on and there’s always someone waiting at the door. Here you’ll find a fine crowd to keep you company during the best days of your life and when darkened shadows cast troubles your way.

    TogetherWeServed is the mirror reflection of the ever watchful rifleman who finds sleep to be worth more than gold, giving up is something of a cardinal sin, and his life dedicated to the preservation of his country, the Marine to the left and right, and the family he provides safety to. Whatever and whoever you’ll find here is and will be the best and the last you’ll ever want to meet and know.

    All wounds to the front, none from any one’s back — that’s TogetherWeServed.

    Semper Fi
    Corporal M. J “Soap Box” Siers

    *Major refers to Major Wes Prater founder of TogetherWeServed

    ** Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller is the most decorated U.S. Marine in history, and the only Marine to receive five Navy Crosses, the United States Navy’s second highest decoration after the Medal of Honor. Many Marines can still be heard saying goodnight Chesty before dozing off to sleep.

  22. Hank
    September 4, 2009

    Thanks for all the outstanding feedback both here and on TogetherWeServed. Semper Fi, Hank

  23. Rich Silance, cpl. 1970-1074
    September 4, 2009

    TWS means :

    1.) I can disagree with the officers and get away with it on the forums
    2.) I can see all my buddies I reconnected with re-enlisted accept me
    3.) I can look at photos of the same place I was at but was to lazy to take a picture
    4.) I can view really good photos from WWII, Korea,RVN
    5.) I can see everyone under 30 has a tatoo
    6.) I didn’t know there are so many good looking WM’s. I think I saw 2 the entire time I was in
    7.) I am computer challenged. Still can’t figure out how to work half the stuff on my profile page
    8.) I have way to much time on my hands. TWS is addictave
    9.) I qualify for the old farts btn.
    10.) I didn’t know I had so many brothers and sisters

  24. Gale Arcia
    September 15, 2009

    TWS is a home where multi generational Marines of every rank possible can come together and do what Marines have always done. Revel in Esprit de Corps, remember the feeling of comeradery and debate and at the end of the day,, know that we are still there for eachother. Alot of us on this site have gone on to continue to serve our country wether it be in law enforcement or volunteering in our communities and in veteran organizations. The Marine family is still strong as it ever was. Mr. Hank mentioned one of the reasons he started this site was he was aware and sensitive to the fact that some of us arent as able to get out and about all the time. This site has definately made a difference when my health has caused me to be down for days. When I boot up, two sites are always in my browser,, email and TWS. There is always something going on that captures our attention. It has also become a place where talents have blossomed. Graphic artists,, woodworkers, get togethers, marathons handy man talents. I have to wonder,, did the creators of this site,, just a place for Marines to reconnect,, realize what it would become? It has even grown to other branches. There is no other site like this that is as laid back and inviting as this one. I know,, I’ve tried some others. Coming here is like coming home. My coffee and my cigs at the table, not saying much but enjoying the conversation and family. Thanks Hank. SEMPER FI to all. Thank you all for my freedom.

    Gale

  25. Melissa Hindsley
    September 17, 2009

    When I was discharged from the Corps, I came home and went about my business. There’s no major base within a few hundred miles of me, and so, although I never really forgot who I was as a Marine, it became more of a chapter of my life versus a defining factor.

    I reconnected with a Marine I served with and she referred me to the site, and since then I have become friends with Marines representing all ages, multiple campaigns, both, wartime and peace time and across the globe. It has reminded me that I am a United States Marine, and that in itself, was something special.

    TWS is the mom who puts the band aid on your bleeding heart, the dad that knows how to fix just about anything, and the siblings that you fight with one minute, but will beat the snot out of anyone else who even thinks about messing with you. It’s the grandparents that laugh as you jump up and down on the bed, the aunts, uncles, and cousins you never see, but whose presence is always near.

    It’s your confidant, your dedicated phone line to the man upstairs, your sounding board, or your soap box; it’s your home away from home, your calm in the storm or your boxing ring. Like a chameleon; it has the ability to be whatever you need it to be- whenever you need it to be.

    More importantly, it’s a place where you can be yourself and know that no matter what transpires, no matter how severe the personal disputes and battles, you will never walk alone.

    Semper Fi
    LCpl Melissa A. Hindsley, 1992-1993

  26. Carolyn J. DeCaprio (Bennett)
    September 18, 2009

    Brotherhood and More…

    TWS is the way in which I experience the commradery of the Marine Corps without all of the PT and butt chewings.

    I have always felt that the Marine Corp was a special place because we experience brotherhood on a level that transcends the familial relationships that even real brothers experience. I have been closer with Marines that I have served with than I have even been with my real brother and my real brother and I are really close. Marines look out for each other. Marines fight for each other. If you walk into a bar and find other Marines, whether you knew each other or not, you are United by the bonds of brotherhood. When your family is sick, your brothers are the first people to be sad for you. When I was miserable and had the runs when I was in Iraq, my fellow Marine made me peanut butter crackers. Marines have their own culture, history, language, and customs which technically qualifies us to be our own Nation. Speaking of the Marine language, it is so unique that you have to actually be a Marine to truly understand and gain all the nuance that can be gotten from a Marine conversation. Don’t believe me? Try having Marine Corp discussions in the presence of civilians. They try to hang, but they never truly get it because they don’t speak Marine.

    And, that is why I come here.

    This is the only place where I can come to be among my family and speak Marine.

  27. Tom Bisbee
    September 19, 2009

    TWS – Once again I’m 20 years old. Sitting in the squad bay, bantering with other Marines as only we know how to do. Or in the cockpit of a C-130, taxiing out for yet another 24 hour Round Robin, bringing supplies to my Brothers in Viet Nam.

    We took camaraderie to another level. Ours wasn’t founded on football jerseys, university campuses or our favorite NASCAR driver. No, ours was established right after we stood on the Yellow Footprints at the beginning of our Boot Camp. In the weeks that followed, we were trained, pushed, screamed at and physically and mentally exhausted. Many recruits failed to hear the words “Marine” given to them on Graduation Day.

    Now here we sit, a battle-tested grunt, a tired Corpsman, a sleep deprived Wing Wiper, an exhausted WM or any of the hundreds of Marines doing what they are trained for and doing it as the best in the world. All, sitting on the same log. All, speaking Marine. All, without speaking and without question, would give their life for the Brother or Sister sitting on either side.

    After we separated from active duty, we felt alone in the civilian world. When people learn that we are Marines they look at us differently. We understand and it’s difficult to explain.

    But at TWS, we are all together again. We’re all 20 years old again. We’re all Marines!

    Tom Bisbee
    Sgt. USMC
    1962 – 1966

  28. Duel Jeans
    October 15, 2009

    A place for Marines and a good place. It is well worth the effort and I can’t live without it.

    Semper Fi
    Jeans

  29. Vance
    January 12, 2010

    TWS provides a great venue for Marines to talk with Marines about things only they understand and appreciate. The comraderie is outstanding, and the historical resources are unsurpassed. I’ve located old friends on the website, and the talented sleuths at TWS have located several who I thought would never be located.

    At present, my top priority is to document my own unit’s history. I have come to realize that this is a duty. Our unit command chronologies, I think this includes most of us, consist mostly of dry statistics. Casualties, rounds fired, sorties flown, etc., convey little about that transpired on the battlefield. General MacArthur made famous the old lyric “old soldiers never die, they just fade away.” We must take the initiative to document our own unit histories, or we will just fade away. TWS has provided a great resource for Marine Corps history to augment my own unit’s history.

    Keep up the great work, all you TWS Gyrenes!

  30. Roy Gehris
    February 1, 2010

    TWS is another site where I can maintain contact with Marines that I served with in VMFA-531 and the other units where I served. Please stop by at my homepage to locate the “531 Gray Ghost Squadron” homepage. This site is a place on the Internet where members of VMFA-531 can contact each other.
    Roy Gehris, Webmaster
    531 Gray Ghost Squadron (’63-’65)

Sorry, comments for this entry are closed at this time.

  • .

    banner01

    .
    .

  • Archives
  • .
    .
    .




This site is using the Handgloves WordPress Theme
Designed & Developed by George Wiscombe

Subscribe via RSS