Once a Marine always a Marine
What makes us different from everyone else? We are recreated by the Corps psychologically. We’re conditioned to react now & think about it later. We are broken down psychologically & turned into one of the finest killing machines the world will ever know. 90% of us come back almost devoid of positive emotions. Many of us no longer find it in ourselves to grieve for our dead like other people. We’re not heartless. We’re Marines. In a combat situation those emotions could get us killed quick; & we can’t just turn off that conditioning when we get out like many other people. Try to understand us before you start hating us. When the shit hits the fan & your life hangs in the balance, pray that a few Marines are close by somewhere folks.
Tammy Hall said,
May 18, 2009 at 6:15 pm
I have learned more about the Marines from this book:
Below is a link to a Hollywood-style book trailer for “Once a Marine: An Iraq War Tank Commander’s Inspirational Memoir of Combat, Courage, and Recovery,” by Nick Popaditch with Mike Steere (Savas Beatie, October 1, 2008).
http://www.onceamarine.com/once-a-marine-movie
Make sure you watch to the very end for a “special” photo message from “Gunny Pop” Nick. I know you will appreciate seeing him.
Nick “Gunny Pop” Popaditch is a former marine Gunnery Sergeant, a Silver Star winner, a 15-year veteran of the USMC, and was widely known around the world as “The Cigar Marine:” (Google it.). His tanks captured Firdos “Saddam” square in April 2003 and pulled down the hated statue. Nick was severely wounded one year later with an RPG to the head, which was captured live by a media news crew. He had to fight his way through an incredible odyssey of turmoil, heartbreak, and bureaucracy to recover everything he had lost. His website is http://www.onceamarine.com.
Marines are brave and have always provided an invaluable service to our country!
Tammy Hall
Sacramento, CA