Of all of the things I have done with my life, the best decision I ever made was to join the Marine Corps. Those 20 years went by so fast - I still feel like Boot Camp was only a few months ago. I will not attempt to do justice to describing all that is the Corps, because no words could adequately do so. How do you begin to describe something with tradition going back further than the declaration of Independance? (The Corps celebrates her birthday before the US does.) What words can accurately conjure up an image of commraderie so intense that you never had to worry about the Marine on your right or left covering your "six"... but you worried that you wouldn't let THEM down? I'm glad there are authors and historians out there that continue to try to paint the picture... but once you've served, you'll know what I mean.

If you are thinking about joining - what the hell are you waiting for? If you know someone currently serving, send them a post card or a letter letting them know we're all back here standing behind them. If you already served, or are serving now - THANK YOU!

If you want to learn more about the Corps, check out http://marines.com, or for further reading try http://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/ and http://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/.

Oh... when you get back from the sand box, there's a cold one waiting for you on the bar. Janesville, WI VFW or Beloit, WI Marine Corps League.

Semper Fi, Marines!