Following my retirement from the United States Marine Corps, I obtained a secondary teaching certification and taught high school for fifteen years. I subsequently worked as a test developer and project director for a major testing development company on behalf of several states, including California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Ohio, and Texas. After full retirement, I worked as a free-lance test writer for three testing development companies.
Throughout my three-decades long military career, I was privileged to work for and with some of the finest Marines ever to don the uniform. Were I to mention them all here, it would take several long pages. Many of these Marines were very senior World War II and Korean War veterans. A few of them became Marines even before the outbreak of war in 1941. They were all good teachers and I am indebted to them, each and every one. Including one with whom I served at Camp Pendleton who I am sure will comment here from time to time, Lieutenant Colonel William C. Curtis–himself a mustang, who served from 1958 to 1990. I can never repay his friendship or his mentorship. And he has the negatives, so I can’t forget that.
My oldest and dearest internet friend blogs at Always on Watch; we “met” in 2004. Since then, I have been writing steadily (more or less) and presently author Fix Bayonets and Old West Tales. I occasionally post on matters of politics and society at Bunkerville. I encourage my readers to comment, but I must insist on civility.
I sincerely thank you and your fellow Marines for your dedication to protecting our freedom.
LikeLike
My cousin was one that came up with design Hell In A helmet while serving G/Sgt Bobby Hubbard.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sir, you are too kind. Truth be told, I think I learned far more from you than the reverse.
LikeLike
I am honored to have you among the followers of my Blog.
SEMPER FI
LikeLike
My grandfather was the uniformed marine who posed for the poster for the western mail guard. His name was George C Thomas based out of Oakland, CA.
LikeLike
If possible would you forward my contact information to Lt. Col. Curtis. My son is preparing for his marine corps journey and as he was looking through my memorabilia photos, questions arose of how I was promoted to corporal by a Lt. Col. He had such a profound impact on my character. I would enjoy contacting him to express my gratitude.
Troy
LikeLike
Regarding Rbt. G. Fuller of Newburyport and his book “Danger, Marines at Work,” he was a friend of mine, a close friend and supposedly the book was basis for McHale’s Navy series. Bob was a great man who made no qualms of being intelligent, but also never complained of his time and trials on Guadalcanal, Gavutu or Tulagi. He met his wife (who was a WAV) sometime during that period. Stand up people. I miss them both greatly. Thanks for honoring him. He was an original.
LikeLike
Thank you for your comment.
LikeLike
Have you ever heard of Major Art Causer, another friend of mine beyond Bob Fuller? While Bob was a ground pounder like moi (though trained to jump unlike me), Art was a USMC fighter pilot and I believed served in WWII AND Korea. Great guy and like Bob, he’s passed.
LikeLike
Sir, I have not heard of Art Causer but unless you served in that community at the time, it is unlikely that one would know Major Causer. Thank you very much for your commentary. Semper Fidelis …
LikeLike