Last evening, at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, a retirement ceremony was conducted in my honor. The ceremony was hosted by my good friend Colonel Bob Oltman. Colonel Oltman was the commanding officer of 2nd Battalion of the the 1st Marine Regiment during Operation Steel Curtain. He's currently the CO of Quantico's Security Battalion. My fiance Janis did a super job of inviting everyone and overseeing a lovely reception.
What can I say...it's been a great run since I first enlisted on June 11, 1975. I signed up that day alone in the haze of a hangover and under the shadow of dropping out of a third college. Last night I departed active duty in the presence of family and a wonderful circle of friends and comrades. I was completely sober and basking in the glow of a career full of many accomplishments. Thank you Marine Corps. Thank you God. Time to move on.
8 comments:
1. Thank you for your outstanding service.
2. Go bless you and yours.
3. And Merry XMAS.
V/R JWest
May you have a wonderful life post Marines, a blessed marriage to Janis, and productive art career.
We are wishing you the best. Thank you for your service. Best wishes for your wedding. Merry Christmas and hope your holidays are filled with love, fun, family, joy and art, in any old order!
You have my gratitude and respect.
Thank you, Marine!
Semper Fi!
Thanks for sharing your work with us. Have a great life.
Congrats on a well-earned retirement, Gunner!
You've had a long career of selfless service, to country and Corps.
Thanks for sharing your work with us.
Semper Fidelis!
Signed,
Former Marine
Thank You for your service!
I am a former Marine (Comabat Engineer) I have been following your blog for the last three years. It is truly inspiring and motivating. I now work as a storyboard artist and visual effects artist. The Marine Corps Has been awesome to me as well. I just wanted too say Ooh Rah! ,and keep,the blog going. I wish I had know of this when I was in. Semper Fi,
Dave Piedra
Former Sgt USMC
Sadness amidst the celebration.
But I know you'll never give it up!
Are you going to tell them about your plans for the future, regarding art?
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