This came to me by wat of a good friend of mine WolfEagle1499, (I suggest you pay him a visit and read his blogs.) However, it is just another way to show that we all stick together. It is a kick ass story, and I also left the links to the orginial poster at the bottom! Enjoy, I know I did!!
When I was stationed in Camp Pendleton (83), we had a wet down at the beach club. A fine wet down it was! When it was over, I got in my vehicle and headed out the Onofre Gate and headed towards Oceanside on the highway. For those who never been there, the drive from Onofre Gate and Oceanside is quite a distance and is nothing but highway. The only exit in between the two is the Pulgas Gate. While I was driving, I realized I should not have been. I pulled off the hwy and proceeded to the Pulgas Gate. My plan was this, park before the gate, walk up to the gate guard, and call my Gunny to get me. (That is general order #14...call the Gunny when in need). So I park, walk up to the guard and request permission to use the phone. Keep in mind I'm a grunt and dealing with a MCB Marine. I was in Charlies with about 4 rows of fruit salad and only a Cpl.
The Sgt informs me to stand by while he gets permission for me to use a land line. The next thing I know is an MP car pulls up, puts cuffs on me, spend the night in lock up (on base) and issued a summons for DUI.
When the court date arrives, I am standing before a Lt Col. (judge) (former ground pounder) for the hearing. He inquires about the night in question. I inform the judge, that I made a poor decision for driving after the wet down and upon realizing this mistake I took immediate action. I pulled in front of the Pulgas Gate to call my Company Gunny. If one of his Marines were in need we are to call for assistance, day or night. He then asked what happened next. I told him the gate Sgt would not let me use his land line and put me in a squad car.
I'll never forget his immortal words "Cpl...granted you should have not been driving, but you did what you are trained to do....look to your fellow Marine when in need....unfortunately the gate Sgt did not understand this and for that I apologize. Marines have always and will always take care of their own... You are dismissed and on the way out tell that Sgt that I would like to see him!"
Some of us have forgotten how to take care of our fellow Marines. The above story has stuck with me ever since and applied. When I know that I am dealing with a Marine, past or present, they get that extra special attention and anything I can do, till the day that I meet sky 6, I will.
The Marine Corps has taught us a lot of things but the one thing that is ingrained is how we take care of our own.
Semper Fi
CJ Sotomayor
USMC 79 - 92
(repost of original by 'Proud Military Dad' on '2007-07-19 04:41:46')
(repost of original by 'gryphon~~ Proud Military Mom~~' on '2007-07-20 20:28:42')
