Sgt Grit is a place where Marines can come and meet other Marines, share tattoos and stories, keep up with Marine Corps news, or shop for USMC gear.
By Staff Writer
An old adage says, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks", but Mary Wyscarver, THS teacher, begs to differ with that. For years her friends have told her of the joys of motorcycles. Finally on Memorial Day she joined almost one thousand bikers for the 15th annual "Ride to Remember" in West Texas to honor the fallen heroes. Her son, Marine SSgt. Joseph Fankhauser (KIA Afghanistan 2012), is her hero and was recently featured on Fox Sports Warriors Among Us – Honor the Fallen.
I wanted to share these photos. Our baseball team wore digi desert jerseys with a name of a fallen Marine across the back of each jersey to commemorate these heroes. The top photo is of former Marines CPLs Klent Luschen (02-10) and Josh Wells (03-11) with their sons. The second photo is during a moment of silence that the team dedicated to these Marines for their sacrifice.
Late in 2013, my son, James Wolter Jr. (Jimmy) had started a project with the help of Sgt. Grit to create a shadow box of medals for my birthday in April 2014. I had no idea what he was doing, but with my wife's help, he was able to get pictures of my medals and other USMC item that I display in my office along with those of both my sons.
I put these on my truck in November when my son LCPL Vincent Smejkal, US Marine was deployed to Afghanistan. Lots of people make comments, some good – some not so good, but that's why my son is there to allow people their freedom to say what they want. There are a few names I've written down of those that have made fun of what I have on my truck… I plan to have my son pay a visit to them when he gets back to discuss it.
Sept. 29th 2009 is the date this story takes place. To begin I served as a Weapons Co. Heavy Machine-Gunner (0331 2/8 wpns co.) Our plt. pushed out from FOB Delhi early that afternoon to patrol some new area's of the western desert we had not yet visited. EOD accompanied us as the area we were headed was known to be riddled with IED's. My section establised a VCP by the "main" road, While section one began clearing the ridge we intended to establish support by fire positions on.
November 10, 2013 is 238th anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps. Traditionally Marines gather on this day to celebrate the birth of their Corps. The baker at Uncle Bill's Dining Facility, (Mess Hall for you Old Corps types) FOB Spin Boldak, Afghanistan made a cake in honor of the occasion.
This is a photo of my son who is currently deployed. He is having the time of his life while traveling and serving his country.
He is the son of Amy McGough and US Army Captain Joseph McGough. His father is US Army Retired CW5 Eddie McSweeney. He has two brothers and one sister. One brother Sgt Danzig McGough is with the 101st Airborne Division who recently returned from Afghanistan as well.
This past weekend my son came home from a seven month "study abroad program" hosted by the University of Afghanistan – Helmand Campus. During his course of study he & his fellow fraternity brothers got to visit all the satellite campuses the Marine Corps has to offer for their area of operation, in addition to many of the local cities & towns. To my understanding, think this experience has earned him enough credits for a unique dual degree in International Relations & Route Clearance, with a minor in Muslim Studies.
While enjoyable to read stories of family members carrying on the
tradition and old friends reuniting, it's even more fantastic when
you get to experience this:
1985 in Korea, 2nd Lt. Taggart on the left, Cpl. Thornton, M.A. on
the right.
Fast forward 27 years…
