|
Hello Folks,
Thanks for the e-mail, I'm really glad you wrote my wife and I back. Our meeting at Outback was in God's hands. It was meant to be I'm sure of that. Let me just tell you a little about my background in the Marine Corps. As you already know I was in 3/3, stationed in Hawaii as was your son, I was in India Company from '89-'93. I was in the first Desert Storm '90-'91. I was an Infantry man and a Sniper with 3/3. I joined as an Infantry man and then about a year and half later took the needed tests to be selected for STA platoon, which is a specialized platoon for training to become a Sniper. About 4 months later from that platoon I was chosen to attended Sniper school. After passing the school, I continued my tour as a Sniper. I was in Desert Storm for 7 months. I won't go into detail about that war as you already know what war is like. I was also trained as a Scout Swimmer in the Corps. A person who gets dropped out about 500-1000 yrds. in the water and swims inland with full gear to do a beach Recon and prepare for the assaulting troops to follow in Amtracks. Anyway, after my tour I tried to stay in but do to everyone joining the Military during the Gulf War, I had to be an E-4 to reenlist for the first time. I was only an E-3 so I was forced out I should say. The Corps was Awesome and I'm very proud to always be a Marine.
Now, I'm a Federal Police Officer still protecting the United Sates and its people that live within, I love it. That's Awesome that your son, Joseph is going to run the Marine Corps Marathon along with your nephew. What an Honor, to run it for a fallen Marine and a brother too. I hope to be able to meet your son, Joseph and your Daughter, Mary-Pride one day? I feel that meeting you has added another branch onto my family tree. God has allowed you to share your story of Courage, Bravery and Sacrifice to me and for that I am grateful to him to your family. I really enjoyed reading how you came to have gone to Outback in the first place, after a year of holding onto that gift card. You could've used it anytime prior to that night, but the Lord was saving it for a special moment. I'm really glad you came to talk to me that night, after the little head nod from your husband I thought nothing else further. Just one Marine to another, saying hello. I'm glad you chose to stop by. To have the brochure too, mmmmmmm. Yeah this is God's doing no doubt. In Desert Storm I came close to losing my life, while breeching a mine field by hand, one blew up near me and sent me flying a little ways. The only injury I received was shrapnel in my right knee, no where else was I injured. The Lord had answered my prayer that day to keep my safe. In closing just know that I plan on being there in October, as I believe my wife stated we don't golf, unless it's Putt-Putt. So, golfing I will leave up to the pros. Please write back when you can. This account is my e-mail address and the other one is my wife's. Don't hesitate to call if you need something I could help with. Also, don't know if my wife told you folks or not, but my parents live in Rehoboth beach. I have been going to the beach ever since I was a little baby, my grandparents lived in the house that my parents live in now. When my grandparents passed they took over the house. My grandfather served 30yrs. in the Air Force and two yrs. in the Army before the Air force both branches as a Medical Doctor and is credited with establishing the first M.A.S.H. Unit. He is also buried at Arlington. Seems like my story ties in with your life. Let me go, didn't know I was going to write so much. Take care and I'll leave you folks with this. This is my saying.............."Freedom has a Flavor the Protected Will Never Know."
Semper Fi,
Joe
To Nicholas my fellow Marine and brother in Arms, may your Sacrifice for this Country never be forgotten, thanks for keeping me safe from enemies Foreign and Domestic. Watch over me as a Marine should while I continue protecting this fine Nation. I know you'll have my six. Semper Fi, Marine.
|
