Marine Corps Moms: Marine Corps Families

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January 29, 2005

Marine Corps Families

When tragedy strikes, families pull together and the Marine Corps family is no different. On discussion boards and through e-mail, via phone calls and knocks on the door, with tears and smiles and hugs, emotional support is offered and burdens shared.

Here's a note of condolence sent by Earl Hinz, Corporal, USMCR, Mag-21, EWA, Dec. 7, 1941:

My condolences to the families of the Marines and the Sailor lost in the January 27th helicopter crash in Iraq. I feel like it was only yesterday that I was a Gyrene but it is 63 years. I grieve with you.

And, Cassandra writes of the incredible bond that extends the motto, Once a Marine, Always a Marine to Once a Marine Family, Always a Marine Family. It's true for the newest Marine families and as Mr. Hinz's post demonstrates, those bonds do not diminish over time.

The night before last at dinner, I listened to General Mattis speak of another helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Desperate for a replacement, he contacted Washington and obtained one from the command back home. Later he learned that, that evening, the young widow of one of the men who died in the crash, seven-months pregnant, showed up with fresh-baked brownies to bid farewell to the outgoing crew as it headed out to Afghanistan.
That is why I continue to believe in the United States Marine Corps. I wish every American could have heard some of the stories he told. As long as our Marines and their families have spirit like that, there is no army on this earth that can beat us. They haven't given up yet. And stories like this are not unique to the Marine Corps - we are a team, working side by side to make this happen.

Right now, the families of the fallen need our support and other Marine families - and Navy families, Army families, civilian families, and others - are reaching out. Their bravery and commitment to this country, and to those struggling for democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan, deserves our utmost respect, honor and gratitude. They are heroes to all us us and as Mr. Hinz stated above, we send our sincerest condolences to their families - both the family they were born into and the family that was brought together by military oath. And we will continue to pray together during this difficult time.

Posted by Deb at January 29, 2005 03:57 PM

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