United States Marine Corps [Archive] - RV Forums

1stsgt

07-21-2007, 09:26 PM

Hey Fixit, good to get a response. I'm new to this site. I'm only on the net now and then myself. Retired in 88. Was in F4's until promoted out of my MOS (Line Chief / Maint. Control). Last Fleet Squadron assignment was VMFA-235 at K-Bay. Last Squadron assignment was H&HS-90 at NAS Millington as Squadron SGTMAJ.
Have been in and out of MCAS Yuma many times but never stationed there. The best thing I remember about Yuma is Critines ? for Mexican food. Are you aware of the website www.militarycampgrounds.us? If not take a look I think you will like it. The website was designed by and belongs to a retired USAF member and is a great tool for a retiree.
What is the best area in your opinion to read on this site?
TTYL
Semper Fi,
1stSGT.

billcolleen

07-22-2007, 08:10 AM

bobvaughn

07-23-2007, 10:51 AM

Not a Marine but a retired Sailor....You can go to the book section at any exchange and find the Military Campground Guide. They also have another book that lists the hotels, Golf courses and marinas if you tow a boat...I like to use these campgrounds because you have something in common with your fellow campers....:D

fixit

07-24-2007, 09:41 AM

I have used the guide for Davis-M AFB in tucson and I really enjoy that park. Not only is my son stationed at D-M but the parks are affordable and as stated you find really enjoyable folks at the parks. All military retires have a common interest and that comradre that we all know.
Have pland a trip to Az using military bases as stops and lay overs to Tucson in the fall of this year and will post the expierance when I get-r-done.:)

fixit

07-24-2007, 09:59 AM

reply to last question: i like to browse all forums, especialy the how to fixit ones. You can take the guy out of the wrench busines but you can't take the wrench out of his hand( or hers for that matter)

fixit

07-24-2007, 10:06 AM

Hi: Well you found another one of us. Joined in April 1950, MCRD San Diego. Sea Duty, Korea (52 - 54) recruiting New York city, 2nd Div. Lejeune until discharged in 1960' SSgt. grunt, 0369. 74 yrs old now, and still going strong (?). Lots of RVing, and enjoying life.

You guys were my role models in my youth and I still hold all the " old Corps" in awe.
for 1sgt: went to recruting duty from 235 /H&S Bde in K-Bay, small world ya know, That was in the 70-72 range and was actin SgtMaj of HMM-165 for a short while, didn't really like that last one-prefer a wrench to a typwriter LOL

1stsgt

07-24-2007, 09:54 PM

Hi billcolleen, good to hear from another proud US Marine. I must let you know that it was your era of Marines that captured me. I remember seeing a US Marine poster at my hometown post office in the mid fiftys. It was then that I told my mother that I wanted to be a US Marine. You carried the torch with courage and proudly passed it on when the time came. Thank you for entrusting my era to continue the legacy. I'm glad to hear your still going strong and enjoying life. Happy and safe RVing to you.

For bobvaughn, Ahoy mate. I've served with some sharp Sailors, Corpmen that were more motivated than some Marines. I had the pleasure of knowing a Master Chief that retired in 75 with 36 years of service. He could tell some stories. I ask him what he was going to do when he retired, he replied " I'm gonna find a bench at the courthouse and watch the connons rust" ending with a wink. Safe travel to you.

fixit, your right it really is a small world (among retirees). I'm not a fulltimer but I prefer camping at Military Campgrounds. Security is number 1 then there is camradre with a feeling of being at home. As for the MOS change, I was somewhat unhappy with 1stSgt. vs MSgt. untill I attended the 1stSgt/SgtMaj academy at Quantico. After that I felt comfortable and enjoyed the assignment. Are you fulltiming? It's just the wife and I now and we're thinking about it. Any advice?

fixit

07-25-2007, 09:02 AM

I have attempted the full time style several times and due to one reason or another it just has never worked for us. The one real item that got to me was that after a time I ran out of things to do ( ie fix).
I have never gotten into the military camp routine as it was about ( to me ) the same as going to happy hour at the NCO club( complaining,griping etc) I have only used one FamCamp and that was at D-M AFB in Tucson. Nice place to visit but :::::
all in all I am a tinkerer and must have my tool box( and toys) to FIXIT.
We just pick a direction and go for about a month or so and trust to the unknown adventur of what we locate at the end, often bothersom but fun in the long run.

skipperjim

08-03-2007, 09:42 AM

Hi Top, I didn't retire from the Corps, but I spent 8 years there. I did a tour in Nam in 1965 to 1966 with HMM263 we brought the squadron colors into Nam. Did a Mediterranean Cruise spent some time at LTA Santa Anna and end up training reserve on Whidby Island, WA. Thanks for serving and maybe we will cross paths out there.:)

1stsgt

08-04-2007, 06:20 PM

Hi fixit, It's been a week since I've checked in. Been busy fixin things around here. LOL So... the fulltime RV life is not for you. Well, I've wondered about getting bored. I'm somewhat of a fixit guy too. Just this past week I've changed out the water pump and did a brake job on my Chevy Blazer. I have a shop at home and I think I would be lost without it. My wife would sell it all and go tomorrow if I would agree to but I just can't do it yet. Maybe some day when I don't care about my shop. If you don't mind me asking when and where are you planning your next adventure? Keep your boot leather soft and I'll talk with you later.

billcolleen & bobvaughn... what happened? Haven't heard back from the two of you. What's your plans for RVing?

skipperjim... good to hear from you. Thank you for serving. You made it to Nam about 3 years before me. For my first 4 year enlistment I was a combat Engineer and two years of it was in I Corps with 11th Eng. BN. we built LZ's and fire bases up on the DMZ. Keep it between the ditiches and happy RVing.

Semper Fi,
1stSgt

fixit

08-05-2007, 08:56 AM

We will be heading out to the coast next week, Lincoln City, I have to FIX(IT) the boat so I can practice up for the salmon season. Have to re-learn all the trolling styles and see if that OL boat ( "72 ) will keep it up for about two weeks. It decides to stop running after about 40 hours then it's into the fixit mode. Some day I am going to get a new one and start all over
Will be going up and down the coast where the fish are reported to be running. It's not the catching, it's the chasing(LOL) but when you do catch one, it's fun.
Semper Fi and keep on fixen

1stsgt

08-06-2007, 11:13 AM

Hey fixit,

Salmon chasing, now that's funny! I don't care who you are! :D LOL I've never heard it put that way but if you think about it we are chasing the fish any time we go fishing. We move here then there, we cast here then there and so on.... how funny!!! Go figure? :confused:

Where is the Lincoln City your talking about? Is this a big annual event like Stripers or sturgeon? What size boat do you have? It sounds like it might be a rather large boat. You mentioned that some day your going to get a new boat... just put your money guns on full auto and buy the one you want. I'm sure it would be worth it especially if the wife (if your married) enjoys fishing with you. I've been a Bass fisherman since I was big enough to fish, my Grand Pa got me started and it's a lot more fun when yo have the boat you really like. Well good luck salmon fishing/chasing, :D LOL and I hope you get-er-fixed and get-er-caught!!!
TTYL,
Semper Fi
1stSgt

billcolleen

08-08-2007, 08:19 AM

Hi 1stSgt, BillColleen here again. Sorry. haven't visited the site for a few days, good to see that the site is active, w/more, and more ex ( read former) marines showing up. It's been a long time, and this site sure stirs up a lot of memories, thanks for that. The memories of the ten years I spent in the corps will be with me forever, and its great to hear from other Marines.

Just vegetating here in Oregon, waiting for the fall when we will go to S.Cal for the winter in the Motor Home. We will be selling the home, and going "full time" this Fall. Sounds like "fixit" is doing some fishing near Lincoln City. Is that the Lincoln City on the Oregon coast. If so, you are pretty close to me. I am in Clackamas, Oregon, (near Portland).

Planning a short trip to N.E. Washington in Sept. A resort there called Skookum Reseravoir (?), , then on to Canada, and Montana (Glacier Nat'l Park), then home to get ready for Palm Springs.

fixit

08-09-2007, 10:09 AM

Will try to respond to the above two post's.
My boat is an 18 foot cuddy cabin starcraft with Evenrude engines(15 & 65hp). It's been converted(striped) to accomidate fish chasing( had to have more room) and all in all it's a fun boat to work with a little on the light side but works rather well the way I use it.
The Lincoln City refered to is on the Oregon coast. I have fallen victum to old age, aparently, and just because I know where I am every one else is supposed to know(LOL)
. Actually I live just down the road from billcolleen in McMinnville,Oregon. We( my wife and I) go to the selitz river and stay at Coyote Rock RV park. Has nice river accomidations and is operated by two very plesant people. If any one is in the area I highly reccomend this place.
Was on the river yesterday chasing and all I got was a nice tan,no fish, but a nice tan.
Sounds as if a plesant trip is being planned to GNP, have had some really good fly fishing trips in that area, gotta watch the bears ,but fun.
Actualy their are two kinds of fishing in the nortwest, salmon and others. Depends on how fanitical you are aboute the type. I feel that once you hook into a salmon, that's it.
Have tried to get caught up with all,but never seem to accomplish it. Gotta start the prep routine for a couple weeks at the coast. The boat is all ready on the river,now to just get the coach over along with my self.LOL
later guys
Fixit
GySgt.( Retired )
USMC
57-77

bukhrn

08-14-2007, 11:01 AM

skipperjim

08-15-2007, 02:29 PM

Fixit, SkipperJIm here, I know where Lincoln City is. Before going full time I leaved down the coast from you about 100 miles in North Bend Coos Bay. After retiring The wife and I opened a charter business in Charleston. I used to chase the elusive salmon all over the ocean. Also bottom fish, halibut and tuna. You think salmon is fun have a tuna hit your line at 60 mph and then go straight down.:) Oh by the way that is not a suntan it is rust.:D Good luck with fishing this year and smoke one for me. I know they are hard to lite:D

skipperjim

08-15-2007, 02:42 PM

BillCollen, Skipperjim here, I was in the Corps for 8 years I know what you me by memories:rolleyes: Thought I would say hello and wish you good luck going full time. The wife and I sold everything and went full time 2 years ago. love it. We bought a little piece of property in Salome, AZ and spend our winters there. Go back to Oregon to see the Doctors: and see if they need a new car or boat.:D Again Good luck Full Timing.

billcolleen

08-17-2007, 07:47 AM

SkipperJim: We have a lot in an RV park in Indio, Ca. (20 miles from Palm Springs), that we have spent the winters @ for the last 3 years, so we have been "full timing" it for 6 mos. a year. Now all we have to do is get rid of this house, and the accompnying costs of maintaining it, and hit the road for the other 6 mos.

After the corps I swore I would never "camp out" again. however w/the RV's today, it hardly qualifies as camping. (remember the shelter halves, w/2 of us in in them out in the boonies)? And the soluable coffee drunk from a canteen cup in the morning. All that good livin for $75.00 a month.

AAH, the memories.

Keep the messages coning marines, Bill, 1103197 (I'll bet we all still remember our serial #)

Bill

schepp

08-20-2007, 04:25 AM

Hi, enlisted 1966 and toured Viet Nam 0331 - M-60. After third bullet (just like Kerry I think) they recommended I pursue another career and gave me a full retirement. Now I full time and spend a lot of time at the MWR at different places. Spend a few months at the Ft Sam Houston on Canyon Lake, New Braunsfels 1/2 hr from San Antonio. Only catch is trying to work with the Prime Insurance since they insist on assigning a doc where you have an address. Since I use a mail forward out of livingston, tx (and have never even been there) it is very inconvenient I think so I am looking for plan B as we speak. Anyway....3/7 1 mar div Chu Lai mostly thru the late 60's. 2266083

fixit

08-25-2007, 09:22 AM

shepp welcome to the thred--have just returned fromchasing the salmon on the oregon coast and ,as usual, did not get close to one.thats normal for me.
Chu-Li familure place was at that vacation spot in 65 and enjoyed the view of the bay and beach (LOL) was in the first landing and helped construct the base from it's beginning.
Was talking with a young afig/ir vet yesterday and and have concluded that the young fellows are meeting the same problems that we did. some things aparently never change.
As I have said tried the full time and can only get into the part time( salmon chasing)
G'day to you all
Fixit
GySgt. (Retired)
USMC

usmcnamvet

08-27-2007, 04:53 AM

I was in the Corps 65/69 with 1/4 in Nam 67/68 would love to hear from you
my email USMCnamvet@aol.com

leeman

08-27-2007, 08:03 PM

Semper Fi
Got out long ago, but am still a Marine.
My history! Graduated from college summer of 1966 and started a teaching career. Uncle SAM said no, so had to quit teaching.
Joined USMC for an aviation guarantee and went to MCRD San Diego 1 Nov 1966. After MCRD, went to Aviation Electronics School in Jacksonville, Fla., then to ElToro, Ca where I was assigned to the newly reformed VMFA-232.
We did the acceptance inspections on all the new F4-J aircraft as they came into the squadron.
In May of 1968, our pres. decided that they needed me in Viet Nam, so there I went. Assigned to VMFA-314 in Chu Lai. Stayed there until I rotated out without any R&R in Sep 1969. Our ride to DaNang (DC-3) made a hard landing and crashed on the runway, but all made it out ok. After that I was extremely ready to get out of Viet Nam.
Once stateside, I was again assigned to ElToro, and helped form VMFAT-101.
During that time, I married my sweetheart from Illinois. When VMFAT-101 moved to Yuma, az, I was short enough on my enlistment that they moved me to VMFA-323, leaving me at ElToro.
On Oct 31, 1970, my pregnant wife and I left California and headed to Louisiana. I soon started a career as an Electronics Inspector for the Federal Government at Fort Polk, La. Worked as an Electronics Inspector for eleven years then was promoted to Aviation Inspector. In 2003, I retired from the Federal Government with 36 years federal service.
I am still married to my sweetheart, and she will retire from Louisiana State Government in two more days. YAH!!!!
I have always said that the Marine Corp accepted a boy, and made a man out of him. I still hold to that trueism now.
Now that we are both retired, we plan to do a LOT of traveling around this country that we have helped protect for so many years.

skipperjim

09-01-2007, 02:28 PM

Chu-Li familure place was at that vacation spot in 65 and enjoyed the view of the bay and beach (LOL) was in the first landing and helped construct the base from it's beginning.
Fixit
GySgt. (Retired)
USMC

Hey, Fixit I was at Marble Mountain about the same time you where at Chu-Li. Used to fly in C-Rats and beer:D to you guys as you were constructing the base, also did some med-evacs, and dropped a few troops in that area. I was with HMM-263, we brought the colors into country.

fixit

09-02-2007, 08:29 AM

Hummm- rode down to that place from DaNang with a swing wing and was dumped off in the inland area and told to "go find the place" was really confusing,as if it wasn't allways.BUT don't remember the beer must have gone to the REMF"s LOL.
Was a good tour once we found out what was going on,still can't stand canned bacon or powdered eggs or c-rats 1943 style ( sure hope they ran out by now)
Fixit
GySgt (Retired)
usmc
:)

fixit

09-02-2007, 10:42 AM

:) would like to share with all the good news that my eldest son is on the way home from Iraq for the 3rd time. God bless them all
Fixit
GySgt ( Retired )
USMC

1stsgt

09-04-2007, 04:44 PM

Hey fixit,

Thanks for sharing the good news of your eldest son comming home from Iraq for the 3rd time. Home comming for a military man or woman is always a cause for celebration. Comming home for the 3rd time certainly increases the magnitude. I know you and mom must be very proud and grateful. I believe those we passed the torch to are carrying it proudly and for that I am very grateful also. When you shake his hand and welcome him home let him know that we the vetrans of this US of A salute them all.

It's been a while since I've been on this site and I'm glad to see new names on this thread (USMC). There's nothing like reconnecting with other Marines or any military service member although we Marines and anyone who served with us share a common bond that began in Marine Corps Boot Camp or OCS and carries on.

Leeman, Once a Marine, always a Marine. I enjoyed reading your bio. When I was with VMFA-235 Death Angels we rotated with VMFA-232 Red Devels. Congrads on you and your wife's retirement. I hope you and yours enjoy your travel around this big beauiful county. Keep in touch and will TTYL.

Hi skipperjim, I don't know if I got any of your c-rats or beer, I was in northern I-Corps mostly at LZ Stud, the Rock Pile, Con-tee-in and ca-lu. Did you fly in the Ashau Valley?

USMCNAMVET, welcome to the thread, good to hear from you. Keep in contact on the thread. What was your MOS and were you an east or west coast Marine?

Hi schepp #2266083, glad you jumped in on the thread. Thanks for blazing the way with the M-60. I'm sorry you had to take 3 bullets 1 is bad enough. Hope your enjoying full timming sounds like you are. We hve not went full time yet but I'm sure we will at some point. I'm just not ready to yet. I still enjoy my toys to much. Keep in touch on the thread.

Hi billcolleen #1103197, I had to laugh when I read your post "after the Corps I swore I would never camp out again" LOL I made the same comment a long time ago. Your right, with todays RV's it's not bad at all. I like the sign that say's (roughing it smoothly). I don't know where you are now but I hope your not in my part of the country it's been hotter than blue blazes here in TN.

Keep the thread active Marines.

Semper Fi
1stSgt. (Serial #2440079)

usmcnamvet

09-06-2007, 06:55 AM

Semper Fi to all you Jar Heads...I was in the Corps 65/69 and I was with
1st bat 4th Marines in Nam 67/68 and now a retired Police officer..got me
a popup camper and plan to do some camping...Love to hear from ya'll

1stsgt

09-11-2007, 09:22 PM

Hey USMCNAMVET,
It sounds like you plan to put your pop-up to good use, I'm sure you will have fun. That's the whole point, is it not? Where are you located and where are you planning to camp in the near future?
Just curious, where did you serve as a police officer?
Keep in touch Marine,
Semper Fi

murffdog

09-12-2007, 07:27 AM

Are there any Marines (retired, prior service or active duty) on this website? As a retired Marine it's always good to communicate with other Marines.

I was in the Navy, does that count? I was on a Destroyer that followed the Aircraft Carrier Boxer that tranported Marines and helo's.

fixit

09-12-2007, 08:08 AM

-sorry to take so long in getting back to you and all the rest of you. have been rather busy chasing fish,fixing/repairing boats/motorhomes etc. where does time go?
Just got back from central coast of oregon ( again)and then had to do a major repair on the coach( safety recall) found the info on this web site under repairs, luckey I did not have to do the labor part.(LOL).
It is good to see the new additions come onto the thred.
usmcnamvet: where did you "tote the tin" at. I was on the job in oregon, and Florida, retired from that about 7 years ago, just could not seem to get out of those uniforms LOL.
billcollene :have you guys gotten cranked up and started on your round robbin trip to the south ?
1Sgt: if you are gonna get out of Tenn and chase fish ya need to get er started, the run is drawing to an end, not that you said you were but it turned fall in oregon today and will only get cooler for now.
gotta start turnin and burning this AM and try to get caught up with the house chores so I can get out and about, just had an invite to go play golf in Reno and visit faimly for a couple days,Motor Home style( any excuse will do for me to get rollen in the waggon.
TTYL all of you
Fixit(1683188)
GySgt ( Retired)
USMC

1stsgt

09-12-2007, 09:12 PM

Hey murffdog, you bet you count! We all stand up for the same stars and stripes. Anyone who helped escort a flat top with Marines and choppers aboard is OK. There you go, I said it Anchor Clankers are OK! LOL ;o) By the way, did I tell you Marines are famous for kidding about ones branch of service? Ha Ha Ha !!! Welcome aboard!!! Where are you located, are you fulltiming? Get back with us when you can mate.

Hey fixit #1683188, Did your son get home safe? Thanks for the advice on fishing but I think I'll go bass fishing now that it has started cooling down and we are getting some rain. Has been in the 100's and no rain for 2 months. The grass and crops are burned up around here. I hope you caught fish and got everything fixed that needed fixin'. Have a good trip to Reno and if you take your laptop let us know how your game goes. Hope you enjoy your visit with family and have a safe trip.

Keep the thread alive Marines!
Semper Fi
#2440079

billcolleen

09-13-2007, 06:53 AM

Hey fixit, Billcolleen here. No we haven't left yet. MH is still in shop, in Sandy Or. being repaired after a misshap w/a boulder along side the rd. in a campground in Lake Tahoe, ($22000.00). Some boulder huh?

We will be leaving for Indio, (Palm Springs), near the end of Oct. (too hot down there now).

Going on a short shakedown trip to Skookum rendezvous (50 miles N. of Spokane) on Sept. 30th.

Looks like the sight is very active. Good to hear from all the fellow former Marines out there, (and sailors too). Spent the first 2 years on sea duty (1950 - 1952), made a lot of Navy friends. Korea after that, and we all know what we think of the Navy corpsmen that were attached to our units. And I had a brother-in-law in the Navy, but that's another story.

Keep the posts coming everyone. This site makes my day.

Semper-Fi all, Bill

murffdog

09-13-2007, 02:22 PM

[QUOTE=1stsgt;3843]
Hey murffdog, you bet you count! We all stand up for the same stars and stripes. Anyone who helped escort a flat top with Marines and choppers aboard is OK. There you go, I said it Anchor Clankers are OK! LOL ;o) By the way, did I tell you Marines are famous for kidding about ones branch of service? Ha Ha Ha !!! Welcome aboard!!! Where are you located, are you fulltiming? Get back with us when you can mate.

Hey fixit #1683188, Did your son get home safe? Thanks for the advice on fishing but I think I'll go bass fishing now that it has started cooling down and we are getting some rain. Has been in the 100's and no rain for 2 months. The grass and crops are burned up around here. I hope you caught fish and got everything fixed that needed fixin'. Have a good trip to Reno and if you take your laptop let us know how your game goes. Hope you enjoy your visit with family and have a safe trip.

Thanks Sarg. We joked with the Marines a lot also. We turned a rear gun turret on the lower aft deck and watch a movie on the side of it at night. We had some jar-heads on the rear deck taking them on liberty in Haiti (1960) and the Captain for some reason made a fairly hard starboard turn. We knew to move but there were some might soaked Marines when it all settled down. lollol
The wife and I are retired, travel a lot but not a fulltimer, the wife hates to get away from the grandkids. (4 and 2) We're in Poughkeepsie, NY about 80 miles north of the big city.

1stsgt

09-13-2007, 10:00 PM

Hey murffdog, It's good to hear from you. When you mentioned turning the turret to watch a movie it reminded me of the first time I crossed the equator on a LSD. There was an initiation for us polywags (Sailors & Marines). After all the polywags slid through the slop shoot the Capt. gave us a certificate showing we were now shellcrackers. It wasn't much fun but the next time I crossed on a flat top it was a hoot watching the polywags.
We are not fulltimers either but the wife wants to. I'm just not ready to give up my shop yet. Is it turning cool up there in Poughkeepsie, NY yet? I'm located in Darden, TN. That's midway between Memphis & Nashville and it has been real hot but cooling down some now. Stay in touch.

Hey billcolleen, How are you doing? Your right about the corpsmen, I always took good care of our corpsmen. After all they were our life line. I'm glad you enjoy the thread, I do as well. Sorry to hear about your fight with the boulder, sounds like it won. Hope you have a good trip to Skookum. I have a friend, retired MSGT. USMC at Fairchild AFB. He tells me it is still nice up there.
Keep the thread alive Marines!

#2440079

murffdog

09-14-2007, 06:35 AM

Hey Sarg, I'm a shellback also. We were in the South Caribbean when a ship out of Portugal was highjacked. (we made Reader Digest but I don't remember the name of the ship) We were ordered after it and after 3 or 4 days tracked her down, taking us across the equator (for the polywag party)and after firing across her bow, gun barreled her into Recife, Brazil at the mouth of the Amazon River. What an open town that was, rum, $.05. Imagine that! Stay cool!

1stsgt

09-14-2007, 04:11 PM

Hey murffdog
Sounds like you found an excellent liberty port. Did you get to go on unrestricted liberty? I know that Brazil has good things to offer a young Sailor on liberty. It must have been an exciting chase and ended without anyone getting hurt I hope.

murffdog, I used the term shellcracker and I guess I should have said shellback, it's been a long time. LOL ;o)

Are you staying in NY for the winter or heading to warmer weather?

Keeping the thread alive.

murffdog

09-15-2007, 07:47 AM

It was unresticted, thats for sure. HA!
We own a condo in St Kitts in the Eastern Caribbean and spend February there. Come home in March for a week or so and take the MH down and around FL staying at my daughters in Venice and visiting friends around FL. Hoping the snows all gone when we return, I hate the cold.

1stsgt

09-19-2007, 12:06 AM

murffdog, I believe you have the right idea. Keeping warm in NY from now till Feb. might be a challange though. The older I get the less I like the cold weather also. I guess my blood is thining. LOL ;o)
It really is a small world. My wife's mother and sister live in Sarasota and my oldest daughter lives in Pensacola. We like Oak Grove at NAS Pensacola and Sun and Fun when we go to Sarasota. My mother-in-law owns a condo on Isla MuJerus, an island about 20 miles off the coast from Cancun. We like it there and she is good enough to let us stay there whenever we want. Have you camped out at any of the military bases or do you not have that benefit?

Keeping the thread alive,

murffdog

09-20-2007, 07:47 AM

Hey Sarg, I never camped at a military CG but have heard of them. I didn't know you needed that benefit or where they are. (I don't know if I do or not)

usmcnamvet

09-22-2007, 04:40 AM

hi USMC...I went thru PI in 65 graduated Nov 10 (Corps Bday) I was a police officer in Port St. Lucie, Fl. and a deputy sheriff in Pensacola, Fl. I live in Pensacola...we have what we call "Wall South" it's like the one in DC except a little smaller....yea..hope to put the popup to good use

fixit

09-22-2007, 08:39 AM

namvet:
welcome to the new posters and hello to the longer running one's
1sgt:
my son got home and spent a week with us , really enjoyed his visit. I had a little trouble thinking of him as "TOP". He was promoted to MSgt. recently and I still see him as ,my little guy, But ---proud---you bet.

Got a new " toad " last week,now all I have to do is get into the process of making it towable. Not a hard item to accomplish but time consuming.
have been still chasing the salmon but that will draw to a close next week when the season shuts down. OH Darn--will have to locate a new past time.

billcollene:
sorry to hear about your "bumper coach" mishap,doesnt that just get irritating? Hope you " get-r-fixed" in time to head south

namvet;
welcome to the thread. was a South Miami cop for a while but returned to Oregon and finnished my second career as a county sheriff. do not miss that at all. It is a good thing to be retired and go about life as a normal person

1sgt
you ever get out this way come up on the push and we will go chase a salmon,we even have a few ponds to chase bass in LOL

to one and all have a good day, happy trails to all
Fixit (1683188)
GySgt ( Retired )
USMC

waynem

09-23-2007, 10:08 AM

Hello Marines

Name is Wayne and retired as a MSgt in Jan 84 after 23 years 6 months. Always great to hear from fellow Marines and supporter of Marines.

After 23 years I decided to give up the bureaucracy and worked in the civilian community for 10 years. Then, after 3 jobs, I decided to go back to work for the Government (NASA) and just retired again in February 07. Wife retire in 1 more week and then it's camping "anytime."

Present permanent location is Texas City, Texas.

Leaving for air trip soon to see son promoted to Colonel, USMC.

Semper Fi!

fixit

09-28-2007, 09:20 AM

waynem
welcome to the net, good to meet you

Fixit(1683188)
GySgt ( Retired )
USMC

leeman

09-28-2007, 06:59 PM

Good evening Fellow Marines,
Today was one more step towards leasurely traveling around this great nation. I resigned my position as a Deputy Sheriff after working part time for them for thirteen years. We had a pleasurable week last week by visiting the Vicksburg, MS Civil War Battlefield. Also took some time traveling the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Have a wonderful weekend!!!
Lee (2259246) Goodness, it is a shame that I could still remember my "number" after 37 years.

fixit

09-29-2007, 12:51 PM

leeman:
congatulations,but, it gets better.sound as if you have a good start on the retirment angle. I know I would like to visit the historical places avaliable "back east".
I know what you mean about the "number" I had to scratch to remember mine.
welcome to the thread. I left "the job " 8 years ago now.

Fixit
GySgt ( Retired )
USMC

jarhead1

10-01-2007, 01:14 PM

Hello!! All you Brother Jarheads.Don't know how you could ever forget your #.

Semper Fi
1570694
Bill

1stsgt

10-02-2007, 11:24 AM

Hello Marines!, as well as our comrades on the USMC thread.

fixit: I'm glad you got to spend a week with your son, the TOP! You and mom must be very proud and rightfully so. They grow up so fast. I trust you got your new toad fixed. Thanks for the invatation to go salmon chasing. LOL You never know we may make it out to your area sometime. I would like to invite you to this area too. We live just south of the Natchez Trace State Park Hqtrs. at Lexington, TN. very nice CG here on the lake. Parkers Crossroads nearby and Shiloh National Park just south of us.

waynem: Welcome aboard the USMC thread. It's always good to hear from another one of the worlds finest! "Congratulations" on yet another retirement and to your wife for her acheivement of retirement also. So, now that it's camping "anytime" I hope your enjoying life more than ever. Glad you could be present for your sons promotion to Colonel, you must be very proud parents. You mentioned air trip. Where is he located?

murffdog: Most military bases have a CG and in order to use the facilities you must be active duty, retired, DAV or Gov. employee. You can get more information on who is qualified and CG locations at: militarycampgrounds.us

usmcnamvet: It's good to hear from you again. Good to hear that you graduated on Nov. 10th, the Marine Corps Birthday and my personel birthday. I've recieved birthday cards from SGTMAJ. of the Corps on several birthdays. So, you live in Pensacola. Like I told murffdog, I have a daughter that lives in Pensacola. We enjoy camping at Oak Grove when we visit her and family. I was not aware that the Wall South is in Pensacola. We will go visit it next time there. Can you tell me where it is? Keep the pop-up poped.

leeman: It's good to hear that you are enjoying RVing. If you get out to Tennessee you would enjoy touring Shiloh National Park and there is a battle reinactment each year at Shiloh and Parkers Crossroads. You mentioned visiting Natchez Trace, we live on the Trace just south of the Natchez Trace State Park Hdqtrs. Let us know if your in this area.

jarhead1: Hello Bill and welcome to the USMC thread. Good to hear from another faithful one. I see you have your service number eched in your brain housing group. Trivia... Do you remember your first rifle serial number? Keep in touch Marine.

Keeping the thread alive!

Ser.# 2440079

billcolleen

10-03-2007, 08:48 AM

Hello again everyone. Billcolleen here again. I thought I was doing well remembering my serial # after all these years. BUT, 1st rifle #. No way. too many M-1's, (and years)

Having a great time following all the posts from all you former marines. Brings back a lot of memories, (most of them good). Going to visit my son in Tampa, Fl. soon, and need to find a good campground in the area. Any suggestions out there?

Please keep the thread alive everyone. Those Marine Corps years were defining years in my life, and I am really enjoying reading these posts.

Bill White #1103197

1stsgt

10-03-2007, 08:52 PM

billcolleen: Hi Bill, It must have been the period in time when I went to boot camp. My Drill Instructors drilled our rifle number into our head just as much as our service number. Anytime we were questioned on our knowledge the first and second question was service number and rifle number.

You asked about a CG around Tampa, there is a CG at McDill AFB (Coons Creek Recreation Area) near Tampa. You must be AD, Ret, or 100%DAV. If you don't fall into one of those catagories there is Bay Bayou RV Resort a very nice CG with all the amenities you would need. It is a Good Sam CG too. Check it out, I think you would find it enjoyable.

Keeping the USMC thread alive.

Semper Fi Marine.

Service# 2440079

billcolleen

10-05-2007, 08:11 AM

Thanks for the prompt reply top. I'm sure that our DI also drilled (no pun intended) the need to remember our rifle # into our heads, (along w/his swagger stick). There were just too many rifle numbers after that. BUT, the ser. # will stay w/me forever.

Won't be able to stay at McDill. Don't qualify. Only (?) ten years in the corps. And although the VA is providing full medical care because of wounds received in Korea, (1953), I am not disabled, and do not receive medical retirement benefits.

I will look into the other cg though. Plus there are a lot of others in the Tampa area.

Thanks again, will keep checking this thread, Bill 1103197

fixit

10-14-2007, 09:12 AM

To All:
sounds as thow every one is staying busy and travling , or getting ready to travel. Good trips to all.
I have been getting ready to go chase the fall run on the coast ,seems as if it takes about 10 maintnance hours for each fishing hour that I put in. Good that I had the benifit of all those maintnance managment schools that the USMC sent me to.
And before I forget"
HAPPY BIRTH DAY to all USMC, our 232 is fast approaching and even thow Their is no ball around my area,those of you who get to one have one for me and here is a tost to all and our CORPS:)

leeman

10-26-2007, 07:03 PM

Greetings to all my fellow Marines. Just got home this evening from a good 2 week vacation. Went to northern Illinois to visit MIL in nursing home. Then to northern Indiana to Middlebury to tour the Jayco factory. Left there and drove through Napanee where the Gulfstream factory had major distruction from a tornado last week.
We slowly made our way back south, and stopped just south of Memphis, Tn and bought a 2008 Jayco FS36 class C on the Kodiac chassis. Sure looks good sitting in my driveway, but will look much better out on the road.
Take care and have a great Marine Corps birthday soon.
Leeman

calliopeguy

10-30-2007, 04:18 PM

Upcoming Happy Birthday to all that remember the yellow footprints! Joined in January 1959, out in January 1963 (1,458 days). MOS 2711 (Ground Radio Repair). Radio Repair school at Treasure Island, Ca and San Diego. First duty station: Sub unit #1, 7th Comm, 3rd FSR Okinawa (Camp Kinser). Then to Camp Lejeune, 2nd light support, 2nd FSR. Vieques stint for 3 months (3 months too good to be true). Actually enjoyed all outside "Camping" activities as long as nobody was shooting at us. Wonder how many remember the name of your senior D.I? Seems to me someone should be drawing up plans for a U.S.M.C. rally next summer someplace....
Semper Fi

Ken
1854977

leeman

11-03-2007, 07:26 PM

Keeping this thread going.
We are going to Sam Houston Jones State Park next week to give our new motorhome its first shakedown trip. Not very far from home in case we forget something (about 45 miles). Nice park, however, it has not been reopened long since being torn up by hurricane Rita two years ago. Hope that it can recover quickly. It had lost a lot of the big oak trees with spanish moss hanging in them.
Have a good Veterans day holiday!

1stsgt

11-09-2007, 10:02 PM

Happy 232nd Birthday Marines! May God bless you and keep you safe till we can celebrate another year of our beloved Corps.

I also want to thank all vetrans for there faithful time served to protect Old Glory, especially those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
Thank you vetrans on this 2007 Vetrans Day.

I haven't been on the thread for about a month. I hope all of you and your families are doing fine. We have suffered a death in the family, a proud soldier of the United States Army and a very good husband of my dear sister. His tour of duty on earth was complete and when roll call sounded, he proudly reported as ordered. All is well.

billcolleen: I hope you had a fun and safe trip to visit your son in Tampa. I'm sure you found a nice CG since you couldn't stay at McDill. When you have the time let us know how you are doing and what trouble you've been into.LOL

fixit: Here's wishing you less fixit hours and more fishing hours. Hope you had fun chasing the fall run and put plenty of fish in the freezer. Keep the situation reports comming.

leeman: I'm very happy for you. It sounds like you really like your new Jayco FS36 class C. How was your shakedown trip? I've not been to Sam Houston Jones state park, has it been reconstructed since hurricane Rita. Let us know what the park is like now if you would.

calliopeguy: Good to hear from you Marine. Memories... a wonderful thing. I'm sure every U.S. Marine that ever was or ever will be remembers the "yellow foot prints" along with many other special landmarks we can all relate to. Such as: The mear sight of a Marine Drill Instructor Campaign cover, the Quanson hut with oil stove that was never lighted no matter how cold it got, the first time walking fire watch in boot camp an getting the sh_t scared out of you by your Drill Instructor, going to your first combat zone(culture shock), getting promoted to Cpl.(NCO), then SSGT.(SNCO), going to and graduating Drill Instructor or recruiting school (your class B billet), and the list goes on. Maybe this will stir some more memories that others on this thread will share with us. I think it would bring out a lot of laughs.

calliopeguy, I think your idea of having a USMC rally is great. I would like to get some feed back from the thread. If there is enough intrest in a USMC rally we should plan it. What do you think?

Everyone: Tell us your thoughts on a USMC Rally.

Keeping the USMC thread alive.

Semper FI Marines

Service # 2440079

1stsgt

11-09-2007, 10:14 PM

calliopeguy, I forgot to mention on my last post, my Senior Drill Instructor was " SSGT. Jim Brown". Medal of Honor recipient. Vietnam 1967

Semper Fi Marine

Service # 2440079

billcolleen

11-10-2007, 08:00 AM

Happy Marine Corps birthday to all of my "new" former Marine friends out there (and ex-Navy corpsmen)

The rally idea sounds good to me. Will look forward to hearing from all who are interested.

1st Sgt. Thanks for the message. Haven't gone to Tampa yet. The trip isn't planned until next summer. (Flying out there this Dec. for a short visit).

Semper Fi to all, and have a great birthday.

Former SSgt, Bill White, 1103197

fixit

11-10-2007, 11:31 AM

Having never been to a rally,sounds as if that would be a fun thing to do. . Would like to meet all the marines who post to this page and when the rally comes to frutation, will be in attendance , if at all possible.

The fall run is completed for me, have stored the boat and gear and released all the fish to their fate and short future.

As for remembering the DI's names , I will never forget. SSgt. DeWolf and Sgt's Harrenger and Cotten. MCRD San Diego, 1957. At the time I KNEW they were the meanest people in the world. I can never thank them enough for what they did for me.Besides I just looked them up in my Plt. book--little cheet I suppose.

To all a G'day and best to all and to our Corp.
Fixit
GySgt.( Retired)
USMC
1683188

leeman

11-13-2007, 05:45 PM

Our shakedown trip to Sam Houston Jones State Park went wonderfully. Only problem found was a light bulb out in one of the overhead interior lights. Hardly worth a trip back to the dealer for that.
Sam Houston Jones park is beginning to recover from the hurricanes from
2005. Some of the walking trails are not cleaned up enough to open yet but three of them are. All along the trails are cut up trees just left for mother nature to eventually rot. Not real pretty right now, but alas, that is a part of nature. Wildlife seem to be recovering well. Saw about 10 head of deer and saw about 6 Racoons at various places.
One disadvantage of Sam Houston Jones State park is the number of trees in the campground area. Not much maneuver room for larger coaches. Elderly gentleman next to me scraped the paint on his 40 foot coach on a tree.
Hope that all of you had a good Marine Birthday. I had a good day of just relaxing in the campground.

quicktrip

11-14-2007, 09:29 PM

Another X-Marine here.
Joined in 1958 - 1962
Never got out of Calif.
Was stationed at CWTC in Bridgeport, Ca. for 3 years.
Finished last 3 months at Camp Pendleton.
HOO-RAH!!

1stsgt

11-14-2007, 10:06 PM

Hello Everyone,

I hope everyone takes time to respond to the idea of a USMC rally. We need some feedback from all who are interested. Speaking for myself, I think it would be fun to meet each other (families included of course) and enjoy some time around the campfire sharing stories we can all relate to. Looking forward to hearing from you.

billcolleen & fixit: Glad to hear that the USMC rally sounds good to you. Hopefully we can make it happen.

leeman: It's good to hear that your shakedown trip went very well. If the only problem you had was a lightbulb, I would say you were very lucky. It has been my experiance to have a laundry list of things to be checked or repaired on a new RV. Thanks for the report on Sam Houston Jones State Park. It sounds like the trees are winning and that's not good.

Will keep it short this time.

Keeping the thread alive.

Service # 2440079

murffdog

11-15-2007, 06:02 AM

Hey there 1stsgt, I've been MIA for a while, is a Navy guy invited? :)
Billcolleen, you guys still going to be at Venice CG in March?

Bill

1stsgt

11-16-2007, 09:54 PM

murffdog: That's affirmative, you are very welcome after all what would a meeting of Marines be without a Sailor to tell his side of the story! LOL
I'm looking forward to meeting you some day. While being MIA, how has life been treating you?

quicktrip: Welcome aboard! Glad to hear from another Leatherneck. Just remember "Once a Marine always a Marine" Hope to hear more from you on this thread in the futue. Let us know if you're intrested in a USMC rally sometime in 2008.

I hope everyone had a USMC birthday to remember.

Keeping the thread alive.

billcolleen

11-17-2007, 07:33 AM

Hi all: Muffdog, I don't recall saying we would be in Venice. We are in Indio for the season. Got here 3 weeks ago, and will leave on May 1st.

I am monitoring the thread closely to see how the plans for a USMC rally pans out. We are planning a trip to Pa., and down the East coast to Fl. in Aug. through, Oct. this coming year. The plans are flexible though and can be modified if the rally plans work out.

Will be flying out of LAX next month to Ft. Lauderdale, to catch a cruise through the canal, back to La. And then the wife and I will be in Oregon in Jan far a hip replacement for my wife. (getting old is the s-its). Then back for the renainder of the Winter here in Ca.

I really relate to the on-going maint. problems w/these motor homes. There is always something that needs (fixing). Right now my levelers aren't working, and I was told yesterday that the parts alone would be $950.00 (ouch). And just this morning when I was opening the curtains, I broke on of the strings, and now the day/night shades won't stay up.

Semper Fi to all, and hope we can get this rally thing off the ground.

As a thought, How about Branson, Mo.? It is about mid-way between the two coasts.

Hope to hear from everyone soon.

Former SSgt. Bill White 1103197

murffdog

11-18-2007, 06:30 AM

Hey Bill, Ya made me look, I had you mixed up with ToniJim, they will be in Venice in March. (how I got billcolleen from ToniJim is beyond me) :) Good luck with the wifes hip, my father had that done and he was back up in no time. They change those parts like you change your socks.
1stsgt, MIA, first I put new concrete decking around the pool, with mother nature playing games, that took longer than expected. (no time for the computer except for my business) Then my computer bit the bullet, I threw that out a window. I'm not a computer geek so between what I know and my daughter, that took me more time. Took the MH up north for a week. A friend of mine built a large log house in the woods near Booneville, NY. He put in full hook-ups for me, imagine that. As I drove in, he had a 4x8 sheet of plywood against the garage saying "full hookups" with an arrow, that was really funny. Got home, had to clean up the leaves and button up for winter and here we are.

khunk

11-19-2007, 08:08 AM

Greatings to all,

I am new here and a retired Marine. Just purchased a 4Runner last week and I'm hoping to get a trailer sometime next year. Look forward to learning from you and having some good times.

fixit

11-19-2007, 10:21 AM

will try this again, my auto log in isn't.

billcollen:
had a similar problem with my levelers this fall and after several attempts at troubleshooting the system I found a loose/carroded motor to frame ground. Total cost of fix $3.98 for a bottle of anti-corrode . I had no power to the motor and could not get them to work at all. I forgot the first rule of fixit-- do the simple things first.

It has stopped rainning her in the vally( for awhile) just may get a few fixits done to day.

khunk:
welcome to the net what type trailor rv do you have in mind for your fourfunner?

murfdog;
you got it made in the shade with the place in UNY. Sounds like a nice place to visit.
All;
does any one have time to take the lead in this rally? I will be tied up untill next spring and will not have time. I don't take my puter on the road and seldome have a place to use one.For some reason fishing and puters dont go togather very well.what can I say I fish therfore i am.
g-day to all
fixit
GySgt ( Retired)
USMC
57-77

billcolleen

11-19-2007, 10:23 AM

Welcome aboard khunk: Glad to have another member.
As you can tell, we are trying to organize a rally for just the former Marines that are participating in this forum. We hope you are interested. IstSgt seems to be the leader here so I think we are all looking to him for direction.

Semper Fi all, former SSgt, Bill White 1103197

fixit

11-19-2007, 10:29 AM

point to ponder:
we are the few, the proud--- but are we this few,Hummmmm.
g-day
fixit
GySgt(Retired)
USMC
1683188

hamop

11-19-2007, 01:51 PM

Fixit:
I am not a Marine but an old salt and have a lot of respect for the Marine's. We carried a lot of them aboard ship.
Where would we be today if not for all service men regardless of what branch of service they were in?
God Bless each and every one of them, including the old salts!

fixit

11-19-2007, 06:24 PM

hamop
you betcha, we got marines ,a couple old salts, we are just waiting for the rest to check in (LOL ),we respect them all.
I will salute any who served.but I gotta admit, I didn't really care for those little short,flat bottom boats called LST's. Worse than a helo combat insert with cordite blowing in your face

welcome aboard old salt. :D

g-day
fixit
GySgt (Retired )
USMC

khunk

11-20-2007, 06:26 AM

Fixit, Still looking and reading, but we have talked about a 24-26 ft travel trailer, with maybe a slide out. We have seen a Coachmen model that the wife likes ( 24 RBQS). If anyone has any recommedations on a good trailer I'm open to any ideas. But the size, weight and price will play a big part in what we end up with. I'm not agaist a used trailer, but it will have to pass the wife test.........No junk.

My 4runner has a V8 and is advertised to pull 7300 lbs. So I have been looking at trailers with a dry wt of about 4000-4500 lbs maybe low 5000's.

This is where I need help from you guys & gals that have been out there and know all this stuff.

Any input accepted, look forward to reading more.

khunk
GySgt (Retired)
78-99

khunk

11-20-2007, 06:27 AM

:D Fixit, Still looking and reading, but we have talked about a 24-26 ft travel trailer, with maybe a slide out. We have seen a Coachmen model that the wife likes ( 24 RBQS). If anyone has any recommedations on a good trailer I'm open to any ideas. But the size, weight and price will play a big part in what we end up with. I'm not agaist a used trailer, but it will have to pass the wife test.........No junk.

My 4runner has a V8 and is advertised to pull 7300 lbs. So I have been looking at trailers with a dry wt of about 4000-4500 lbs maybe low 5000's.

This is where I need help from you guys & gals that have been out there and know all this stuff.

Any input accepted, look forward to reading more.

khunk
GySgt (Retired)
78-99

khunk

11-20-2007, 06:47 AM

All,

I'm all for a rally, I'm not real sure I can make this 1st one, (still with out a trailer) but yes we need to keep this going. I'm in. Who knows I might still make the 1st rally just to say I did. I still own a phonco liner........

fixit

11-20-2007, 08:29 AM

kunk

Poncho liner, the orignal style of rv.

My best advice on a TT is take your time, look 'em over and most important( to me) dont buy ANY RV that the wife dont like.
The only TT I had was a 24' and I pulled it with a '68 jimmy.I had that for about 5 years.
I now have a 34' Dolphen MH and it took me three years to locate and decide on buying it. It was used and the previous owner had installed all the bells and whistles on it, all I have had to do is normal maintnance and use it. I have been using this one now for 6 years and it will very probably be my last one, but ya never know,
when you start I reccomend you take a pair of coverall's and start under the bottom and go to the top,inside and out, even on a new one,what ever the brand.All rv's are assembly line produced by the piece.
After my last retirment I worked part time for a dealer who sold a leading product and I saw some sorry RV's with a very big price tag on them.I decided that I would not buy that brand.
Good luck with your hunting and hope you locate what you wont.
Fixit
GySgt.(Retired)
57-77

1stsgt

11-24-2007, 11:22 PM

Hello to everyone once again,

billcolleen: I too would like to see the First Annual USMC Rally become a reality. I see that you have recommended the 1st Rally be held at Branson, MO.
I hope for your sake that your flight out of LAX to Ft. Lauderdale is on time. Those 3 to 6 hr. flight delays tend to ruin your whole day. Floating through the canal sounds interesting though.
I also want to wish your wife a highly successfull surgery and a speedy recovery.

murffdog: It sounds like you had your work cut out with the new concrete decking around the pool. I would say that you have a really good friend in Booneville, providing signage better than some CG's. LOL

khunk: Welcome aboard Marine! It's good to have another voice on the USMC thread and to know your all for a USMC rally. Congratulations on the purchase of your new 4Runner. Good luck finding the RV that passes the wife test (just kidding). LOL Whatever RV you end up choosing, pick it apart because you are paying for it so it needs to be right and every new RV has problems. A shakedown trip to identify problems is common. Have you considered a 5th wheel? If not, in my opinion, you should. There are many advantages to a 5ver VS a tag. The first and far most advantage is the safety, stability and ease of towing. Placing the tounge weight above and centered on the rear wheels of the truck is much more stable and safer than placing the tounge weight behind the rear axle and low on a frame mounted hitch. Your truck will actually perform better with a 5ver due to the weight being distributed between all four wheels on the truck. I have had a tag and I now have a 5ver and this has been my experience. For several reasons the wife is happier with the 5ver too. I wholeheartedly agree with fixit, don't buy any RV that the wife don't approve of. Remember, "nobody's happy if moma's not happy!" LOL If you have more questions, feel free to ask. I'll be happy to share my experience with you. By the way khunk, if you have a shelter half to go with that poncho liner I think I can muster up the other half for you. LOL

hamop: Welcome aboard to you Old Salt! It's good to have yet another voice on the USMC thread. I salute you Sir, along with anyone who served to protect Old Glory. Feel free to join in and enjoy the camaraderie.

fixit: Hang in there, before you know it there will be a laptop capable of operation underwater. LOL
Point to ponder: We are proud and we are these few too.

To All: I will be glad to help plan and organize the USMC Rally if that's what everyone wants. I feel we should all have a voice in the planning and while remaining flexable make decisions from a general concensus. If at any time someone needs to make a decision, I have no problem doing that. I also feel that we should give it till after the 1st of the new year to find out who is interested and where they are located before we make a decision where to rally. Maybe we can narrow it down to 2 or 3 CG's and take a vote on it.

Voice your opinions, we need feedback.

Keeping the thread alive.

1stsgt

11-25-2007, 04:12 PM

Good evening everyone,

FYI, as of today we have had 16 participants on the USMC thread.

That should be a good start for a USMC Rally.

They are (in no particular order):

1. fixit
2. calliopeguy
3. waynem
4. usmcnamvet
5. jarhead1
6. skipperjim
7. schepp
8. bukhrn
9. bobvaughn
10. billcolleen
11. murffdog
12. khunk
13. hamop
14. quickrip
15. leeman
16. 1stSgt

I have invited each of you to my friend list to aid in organizing, each one of you may want to do the same.

If I have left anyone out :confused: please let me know.

Keeping the USMC thread alive.

khunk

11-26-2007, 08:22 AM

I'm looking into a step up from the shelter half and poncho liner. I am looking into renting a pop up from Camp LeJeune for alot less than the rip offs off base. Can't beet $35 a night from what I've seen. :cool:

murffdog

11-27-2007, 06:23 AM

1stsgt

11-27-2007, 06:44 PM

#67[QUOTE=murffdog;4804]Hey Bill, Ya made me look, I had you mixed up with ToniJim, they will be in Venice in March. (how I got billcolleen from ToniJim is beyond me) :)

murffdog, I will gladly add tonijim to the roster if he is affiliated with the military and if he wants to be included. I've looked back through the thread and I can't find where tonijim has participated with us. Please correct me if I'm wrong,the only place I've seen his name is in your quote, #67 above. Maybe he will answer up and let us know where he stands.

Keeping the USMC thread alive.

1stsgt

11-28-2007, 07:30 PM

Hi Everyone,

Just checked in to see who's had the time to post on the USMC thread. I hope everyone is doing good. Everyone must be busy right now.

I just finished planning our next trip. We will be going to Sarasota, FL first and will stay at Sun-N-Fun from 19-28 DEC. On the way back we will stop at NAS, Pensacola and stay at Oak Grove from 31 Dec-7 Jan 08. If anyone is going to be in those locations on those dates let me know and will try to meet up.

Keeping the USMC thread alive.

khunk

11-29-2007, 05:37 AM

Fixit,

What was that dealer you worked for?

fixit

11-29-2007, 08:39 AM

khunk

don't wont to get to specific as to the dealership ,they are overpriced ( in my openion),but are a fairly good
shop( The owner is a former Marine). The product is manufactured on the lower left coast. The dealer no longer carry's that product for what ever reason.

My advice is , when you do your actual " look" at an rv for purchase look at the seams,attachments, and ALL places that could leak or allow water to enter the RV, once it ( the water) is inside the RV ,it is all down hill from that point on and maintnance problems multiply in all areas of the RV.

I worked for them to " get a handle" on RV repair and maintnance, has been well worth the minimun wage(key words) ivestment I made ,

as I have "saved" quite a bit of $$$ in doing my own FIXIT.

Your inspection should not take more than 2 or three hours and don't be rushed by the salesman( minimun wage does not apply here). time is money, for both of you, Ther are some honest people dealing in the RV industery but they try for a done deal as fast as they can, time is money and the quota must be met if they wont to pay their bills. Dont be pushed.

Like I have said it took me three years to buy my last one and I am sure I frustrated a lot of salesmen, but I got what I wonted and at what I could afford. To me the bottom line is --- quality and price,
good luck
Fixit
GySgt. ( Retired )
USMC

fixit

11-29-2007, 10:26 AM

all:
I have been reading my post's in this thread and what I think I am saying is, after 20 + years in law enforcment I have discoverd their is a little larcney in all of us,so, check six and beware of the" good deal" and look for the "best deal".
Besides looking at RV's is the inexpensive part of buying an RV , supporting that cotten picker is the expensive part:D
Fixit
GySgt(Retired)
USMC

billcolleen

11-29-2007, 02:08 PM

1st Sgt. : I will be in Fla. the same time as you, but I will be In Tampa visiting my son, and his wife. Will be leaving there on Jan 3rd.

I am monitoring the postings here daily looking for any info. regarding the proposed rally. Sure hope we can get this off the ground. I will be in Western Idaho the 3rd week in June, and am heading East from there. Travel from there is flexible. Eventually we will be in the N.E. (Pa,). But the dates are also flexible.

At this time we are suffering through a heatwave (75 degrees) in Indio. Sure do miss the wonderful weather in the North (ha ha).

Nice job all, keeping this forum alive. Will do my part keeping it going. Good luck all, and as always, am looking forward to hearing from all the former Marines, and Corpsmen, (and those vet's that were associated w/us one way or another)

Semper Fi, former SSgt, Bill White (billcolleen). 1103197

1stsgt

11-29-2007, 09:24 PM

khunk: I have a lot of information concerning purchaseing an RV, (to much to list here) that I'm willing to share with you. If you are interested you can contact me through myrvspace email. I tried to contact you through myrvspace email and your account is set to not recieve email. You can also contact me at, j.mickel@hughes.net .

fixit: I like your words of wisdom. That's what it's all about, helping one another. I'm sure you've seen a lot of larcney in your 20+ years of police work.

billcolleen: If we go to Tampa for any reason while in Sarasota I'll shoot you an email to let you know. It's a stretch but maybe if it works out we can meet and shake hands if nothing else. The temp. here tonight is 28 degrees. I hope you don't get sunburned during your heatwave (75 degrees). Ha Ha Ha :D

Here's to everyone enjoying the USMC thread and keeping it alive.

murffdog

11-30-2007, 05:26 AM

If anyone is around, I'll be up, down and all around FL in March, just about the time that "some" snowbirds head north.

masterspader

11-30-2007, 11:12 AM

Semper FI!!!! Lots of retired/active duty RVers at this site as well http://usa-rvforum.com

1stsgt

12-01-2007, 01:05 AM

Hi Everyone,

murffdog: Thanks for the info. on being in Florida during March. I don't think we will be there in March but maybe some of us will be. If I decide to return in March I'll let you know. Maybe some of the snowbirds will have headed north by then and some good CG's will have available space.

masterspader: Welcome aboard & Semper Fi! It's always good to see a new name on the USMC thread. We hope you will join in on a regular basis and enjoy the camaraderie. Thanks for sharing the web site info. with us.

Keeping the USMC thread alive.

murffdog

12-01-2007, 08:15 AM

Masterspader, Welcome to the group, thanks, I'll have to check that site out. It's interesting that 1stsgt started this thread and it's "still alive". :)

1stsgt

12-04-2007, 04:10 AM

Hey All,

Where is everyone? Been cutting firewood?,

I don't know about everyone else but it's cold here and I'm not enjoying it. It seems the older I get the less I like the cold weather. I'm ready to head south to a warmer climate. The problem with that is it's going to seem even colder when we return in mid January. Sometimes you can't win for losing. I know some of you are in a colder climate than I am and all I can say is, "I wouldn't want to be you". Well, I hope everyone is fine and getting squared away for Christmas.

Keeping the USMC thread alive.

granet

12-04-2007, 09:25 AM

hey ist i hope you got my message- for my old marine buddy ART CAREY-45 royal marine commando- i finally got on and request permission to be added to your stream -i lost my cousin jm renner july 28,1969 -hco 26th marines kia viet nam . Im not a marine but long range recon can you stand having a zipper head with you!
regards
Granet
Graham Kuntz
1st. Lt. (ret)
17/21 Lancers British Army
Seac 1962-64 (3479929(s)

khunk

12-04-2007, 10:53 AM

Garnet,

Welcome, you must be a army dog or something, because in Marine 101, you would learn that you NEVER EVER, CAN NOT HAPPEN, NEVER DO AGAIN........is call the 1stSgt a top!!!!!!!!

fixit

12-04-2007, 01:35 PM

first shirt maby? aaaaaggggaaahhhhhh--- sorry bout that. LOL:mad: :o
fixit

fixit

12-04-2007, 01:54 PM

wooooohoooo what a week, so far we have had snow, a hurricane(cyclone), rain and the results are a lot of over flowing rivers etc. This has been fun ,and I hope for all the NW folks, they came out as well as we did.
What a time, last storm I was in like that was Okinawa in the early 60"s.

granet:
welcome to the thread, but I gotta ask, whats a zipperhead?

1stSgt. :
know what you are talking about, when we get what is called an "east wind" it gets down right chilley around these parts. So far I have started for D-M AFB twice and have been stopped by unforseen events, so will give up that idea untill after the first of the year. The power of a 6 year old femail is un- belevable. I do love my grand kids and they have me where they wont me, wraped around their little fingers. LOL
Being a Grand pa is really great.

masterspader:
welcome abord

all:
have a great week and the wind is on the way to the east coast,have fun if it makes it.Best prepair for a good one
fixit
GySgt.( Retired)
USMC

granet

12-04-2007, 04:44 PM

Thank you gentleman for setting this old zipperhead staight but as you can see i was the most dangerous creature in any mans army -a 1st lt. Therefore please excuse my marine faux paux-by the way a zipperhead is a tanker but again i was too dangerous for even that and was designated dismounted the most horrible of terms to anyone in the cavalry.
Regards
Granet

1stsgt

12-05-2007, 02:10 AM

Hello to All,

granet: Welcome aboard! I'll excuse your bloody vocabulary this time. Ha! Ha!
I remember teaching a few sea lawyers (young Marines) the difference between a 1stSgt. and a top. It was interesting watching them try to stand on their head and spin.
Yes, we welcome you, after all what would we do if we didn't have a British Army 1stLT. Zipperhead amoung us to broadcast the accent? Ha! Ha! Ha! I hope you stick around the USMC thread to keep us all in line. I got your message and viewed the photos of Mr. Carey and you. Again, thanks for sharing.

khunk: Your still a good Company Gunny... best position in the whole Marine Corps! You haven't forgot how to enhance the career of Company Grade Officers. Good Job! LOL Have you decided on an RV yet? Better yet, has the Commander and Chief found one she likes yet?

fixit: When I heard the term "First Shirt" I knew I was amoung Air Wing troops. They wouldn't say it to you but they sure said it when referring to you. LOL Most all were good troops and I still miss them sometimes.
I know you've had some bad weather out there on the NW coast. Have you had any flooding in your area? The news showed some really bad damage from the storm. I beleive the cold front from that storm is going to be here Friday. I sure hope we don't get flash flooding.
I agree with you, being a Grand pa is great! I have five, 4 girls and 1 boy and they all know how to get what they want from Grand Pa. LOL

Keeping the USMC thread alive!

calliopeguy

12-07-2007, 05:42 PM

Attention on the deck! Since I suggested the rally I would be willing to start things rolling. I will welcome all help of any kind and even a "house mouse" or two. I tried to get a rally going over on RV.NET but response is primarily from Corpsmen. Nothing wrong with that but would like to see a few more that stood in the yellow footprints. I suggested Branson only because of the central location and availability of a lot of campgrounds. One negative aspect to that area is participants will have to make a decision on doing the Branson thing or hang around the rally. I suppose we can do both but would like location ideas from some more people. As I suggested in the other forum, here are some brainstorming ideas for the rally (remember...these are just brainstorming)
1. Come up with a large screen (side of a building?) and watch the bootcamp section of "Full Metal Jacket"
2. Invite Gunny Emery or whatever his name is (The D.I. from Full Metal jacket). See if he would be willing to show up in person for a beer with the troops.
3. One meal (strictly optional) just for laughs of todays equivalence to the "C-rations" of my day.
Let me know what you think and I'll get 'er done
Ken
1854977 1959-1963

fixit

12-07-2007, 10:13 PM

calopieguy:
you have never dined on MRE"s or you would never have suggested that(LOL). They are the equilivent of ham and eggs or ham and limas of the C variety , 1943issue consumed in 1965. Went from 205lbs to 130 lbs in 9 months eating those "C's". Maby I should try them again
speaking of flicks look in to the web site of " sgt.grit.com" might locate one or two items of interest to you and others. Oh incidently Branson is a shade over 2000 miles from my part of Oregon( pronounced ory-gun) or about a 7 day trip( i'm getting older)

1stSgt.
the wet and wind has departed the area and , in my little corner of the world, we have gotten off rather lightly, The other parts of Oregon have been wind blown and soaked rather badly, especialy the immeadiate coast line to about 10 miles inland. how did you guys on the east coast make out( that's any thing east of Bosie,Id.)?

Oh yeh ,swing with the wing and you have it made(LOL ):D

GANET:
interesting terminology for a tanker, never heard that one before .we got remington raders,swabbies, wingies,grunts, etc. why not a zipperhead( LOL) again welcome to the net. I have a brother-in-law who is a retired LtCol,(USMC). and believe me ,those guys cause more consternation than a 1stLt could ever think of causing ,but they are fun to have around once in a while. Mine even plays a fair game of golf.
kunk:
what happned to the bean,bandage & bullit guy? havent seen you on lately?( ganet: we exaulted division NCOIC's in Marine Aviation call the Company Gunny the "3Bguy") Hope you are well.
All the others I didnt specificly name come on deck and sound off, I wish you well and a happy holliday to all.
( I must be retired as I seem to get long winded,don't I?)
fixit
GySgt. ( Retired )
USMC

leeman

12-08-2007, 11:56 AM

calliopeguy
Rally seems like an interesting idea. Depends on when it would be as to wheather I would be able to make it. Branson also looks like a pretty nice place to go. We just spent Thanksgiving week there, but did not take the motorhome, so did not look at many campgrounds. The KOA is just across the street from our timeshare and it looks pretty nice from the street. Also Tablerock State Park is not far out of Branson. Probably stays pretty full though in spring and summer. I have always been there in fall and winter time, and park has been relatively empty or closed. Another thought is that during spring and summer, Branson is entirely clogged up with traffic.
Don't know how the C-ration idea would go over with my wife. Ha-Ha!!!! Even though, the army base near here has been real good about providing rations to distribute during major storms like Katrina and Rita, and my wife was part of the shelter management team, so she may have been exposed to them more than I know about. Ha-Ha!!!
I think that we will be heading west toward New Mexico and Arizona towards the end of January to spend our 38th anniversary. We spent our 25th anniversary in Tustin/Santa Ana California where we were when we got married.
Keeping the thread alive. Lee

granet

12-08-2007, 05:44 PM

guys its Granet not ganet a ganet is a sea bird that squawks and s--ts with black or red feet-hmmmm after my first tour of seasia and a bout of immersion foot and dysentry maybe i should change my name.
We're called zipperheads in the british army because its then easier for the medics to replace our brains after weve tried to ram our heads through a closed hatch.
I repeat 1st lts are the most dangerous cause my DI sgt major Mcmillan of the Black Watch said we were the lowest creatures in this mans army and a step up to private would be a major jump in pay also we were lower than a snakes belly and if he said so i have to believe it.
If you guys are talking about the Branson rally on Labor Day im involved and for any wishing to caravan to it i will be in Billings the Monday before for a day leaving the next morning for Souix Falls if any want to join me there!
regards Granet

retiredarmycwo

12-08-2007, 08:24 PM

Semper FI!!!! Lots of retired/active duty RVers at this site as well http://usa-rvforum.com

Yes, indeed there are MAsterS. In fact, One member here , 1stSGT is the same person by email address j.mickel@hughes.net as THEDI on that website, but the di says he is active duty, is at Parris Island as a Senior Drill Instructor and 1st Sgt says he is retired. So which is it? I have never known a TRUE Marine to pretend anything. Semper Fi Gents. Just thought you should know that someone is not who they say they are, or have a hard time remembering what they say.

murffdog

12-09-2007, 08:31 AM

Leeman, I can see it now, C rations around the campfire and the wife inside a grilled steak. (yeah right) :) :)

calliopeguy

12-09-2007, 09:56 AM

Hey!...cut me some slack....The C-ration thing was only a brainstorm thing! It's been 49 years since I entered the USMC world and coming from a home of modest means, C-rations to me were a treat. As a matter of fact I collected all I could from people that dumped them and took them home on leave (my seabag was one heavy mother). We all (my family) thought they were great. Luckily we all made it through the "Less than luxury" times but I'm just curious what the MRE's or whatever they are using today taste like. As in all rallys, each activity is optional.

granet

12-10-2007, 07:20 AM

Guys:
For those who dont know - MyRV space is planning its first rally on labour day this year at Branson - the campground is Americas best and its $300 for 5 days camping with a welcome hillbilly party a roast beef dinner and a number of other goodies contact geothom on this site to register and all are welcome-most of us are exvets but not necessarily marines. Oh yeah the other registration charge is one toy wrapped per person for toys for tots.
Regards
Granet
ps Hopefully now my last post will make a little more sense!

1stsgt

12-11-2007, 01:59 PM

Hello Everyone,
I'm not sure what is going on but I think that some idiot has piggy backed on my internet satelite service and my identity is being used elsewhere. I've already been a victum of identity theft in the past and do not wish it on anyone. I will get this resolved!
Keeping the USMC thread alive.

1stsgt

12-11-2007, 02:17 PM

CWO, I don't know what is going on but I think some idiot has piggy backed on my internet satelite service and is using my identity. This is an insult to me! I am a TRUE RETIRED MARINE and very proud of it!

fixit

12-11-2007, 05:17 PM

granet;
sorry bout that dropped "r" , "IT" happens some times to the most wary of us.
fixit

retiredarmycwo

12-11-2007, 06:32 PM

1stsgt

12-15-2007, 02:04 AM

Hey Everyone, just checking in.

CWO: I'm still not sure what happened but after talking with someone very knowledgable I have a good idea. I have taken some added steps to prevent problems in the future. Some of the crap that I'm told about that is happening on the internet is just that "crap" and it's scary. By the way, welcome to the USMC thread. I hope you tune in more often, we need an Army CWO to pick on or to pick on us. LOL

fixit: It looks like the bad weather has arrived here. We didn't get it to bad after the big NW storm that hit Oregon, just a little rain and wind. It's now getting down in the 20's at night and we have snow and ice in the forcast this weekend. How much snow have you had already ? We wil be headed to Florida in a few more days and I'm looking forward to the warm weather.

calliopeguy: You have my vote since you suggested a rally and you want to take the lead in planning it. Not that I miss C-Rats or MRE's but I think it would be fun to have some for those who wonder what they taste like. I haven't forgot! Not a chance. Ha! Ha! I'm not big on having a rally at Branson due to the crowded conditions and prices in general. I would rather have it some where that we won't get ask to leave if we stay up after 10:00 pm, if you know what I mean. Just my 2 cents worth.

granet: With an ( r )! Yes Sir, I got it. LOL
Your post concerning the Branson rally for myRVspace is clear. The rally we have been talking about is a USMC rally for all of those partisipating on this thread. Hope to see you there once it's planned.

murffdog

12-15-2007, 08:46 AM

1stsgt is going to Florida, your a lucky guy to get out now. I plowed 13 inches here yesterday and another wave coming late tonight. I have to wait until Feb 6th and then I'm outta here til late March sometime.

whodo

12-15-2007, 11:35 AM

murffdog

12-16-2007, 08:11 AM

I have been sitting back reading this section since it's first post, an have been hesitant to inject a comment. Since the Navy has checked into this posting (which would only be logical considering the connection between Marines & Navy). The British have checked in, and now that the Army has checked in, I felt it was time that I checked in on behalf of the "Air Force". Now you really have some one to pick on & harass.

Whodo

Whodo, we wouldn't pick on anyone that "served". :) I used to "ask" my brother who was in the Air Force how come he never got out of Pease AFB in New Hamphere and the Navy had me in the Caribbean, Europe (Med. Sea), North Atlantic, (Germany, Norway) and of course up and down the East Coast. He never had an answer. :) :)

whodo

12-16-2007, 10:37 AM

Whodo, we wouldn't pick on anyone that "served". :) I used to "ask" my brother who was in the Air Force how come he never got out of Pease AFB in New Hamphere and the Navy had me in the Caribbean, Europe (Med. Sea), North Atlantic, (Germany, Norway) and of course up and down the East Coast. He never had an answer. :) :)

"Pease AFB in New Hampshire " I had a friend that was stationed at Pease for 21 yrs with the occasional TDY for 1yr at a time to Turkey. I can only make a guess at what your brother was assigned to, but if my thinking is correct "he knows why".
Being I was in a "MAC" command, I got to see the world.

1stsgt

12-16-2007, 11:58 AM

whodo: Welcome aboard! Of course we are glad to have another one of America's sentinel's on the USMC thread. I've been hauled all around the world by "MAC", (F4 Squadron transpac's). Some destinations were good and some were not so good but one thing for sure, "MAC" got us there and back.

I don't know how anyone could stay at the same duty station for 21 years, it was hard for me to finish a 3 year tour of duty without wanting to move on. Like you said, "see the world". Adventure was a big part of it for me. By the way picking on and harassing each other (in a good way) was and still is a part of it for me. So, don't expect any slack from this Jarhead! :D Ha! Ha! Ha! LRL!!! :D
I hope you stick around to defend yourself and the USAF. LOL :)

murffdog: I hope your keeping warm in all of the snow that's been dumped on you. Did you get more on top of the 13 inches that you already plowed? Where are you headed come Feb. 6th?

To All: Kimberly & I wish each one of you and yours a wonderful Christmas and a joyous but safe New Year!

Keeping the USMC thread alive.

murffdog

12-17-2007, 08:24 AM

Hey 1stgt, Yes, we got about 3 inches of a mix of sleet and snow. Good thing I plowed last night, everything is solid ice this morning. I live on a dead end road with 4 neighbors which I plow also. (no charge, nice guy huh?) At least those working could get out this morning.
Feb. 6th, I'll be in St Kitts, a little west of Antigua and about 200 miles SW of St Martin.

fixit

12-17-2007, 12:02 PM

I have been sitting back reading this section since it's first post, an have been hesitant to inject a comment. Since the Navy has checked into this posting (which would only be logical considering the connection between Marines & Navy). The British have checked in, and now that the Army has checked in, I felt it was time that I checked in on behalf of the "Air Force". Now you really have some one to pick on & harass.

Whodo AF18933092
having a son who is in the AF and a M/Sgt:) I would never harass any bus driver for any reason:o . Every one knows that all us MARINES are true gentelmen and would never belittle any of the other service folks ,:D
fixit:cool:

whodo

12-17-2007, 04:04 PM

having a son who is in the AF and a M/Sgt:) I would never harass any bus driver for any reason. Every one knows that all us MARINES are true gentelmen and would never belittle any of the other service folks.
fixit

:eek: And if you think I believe "MARINES are true gentlemen and would never belittle any of the other service folks" I have some ocean front property in Arizona to sell you. :D :D

Thank you to your son for his continued service to this country.

fixit

12-17-2007, 06:47 PM

whodo:
that was my next item for you,.only mine is in Nebraska or was it the panhandle of Texas,Hummmmmm ,OH yeh, its in Montana
fixit

whodo

12-17-2007, 08:37 PM

OK this is totally off topic, but being there is no MEN'S section on this forum (there is one for women but not men hmm)... I felt this would be the best place (read safest place) to post this, an still be viewable by the largest number of men.

"THE MAN RULES" Were sent to me, and I couldn't keep them to myself. I will duck now in case any ladies happen along and don't appreciate it. There is a reference to 'camping' toward the end, which makes this a RV topic!?

The Man Rules
At LAST A GUY HAS TAKEN THE TIME TO WRITE THIS ALL DOWN
Finally , THE GUYS' SIDE OF THE STORY.
( I MUST ADMIT, IT'S PRETTY GOOD.)
WE ALWAYS HEAR ' THE RULES' From the female side.
NOW HERE ARE THE RULES FROM THE MALE SIDE.

These are our rules!
Please note.. these are all numbered '1 '
ON PURPOSE!

1. Men are NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat.
You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.
We need it up, you need it down.
You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports it's like the full moon
or the changing of the tides.
Let it be.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want.
Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only IF YOU WANT HELP SOLVING IT. THAT'S WHAT WE DO.
SYMPATHY IS WHAT YOUR GIRLFRIENDS ARE FOR.

1. ANYTHING WE SAID 6 MONTHS AGO IS INADMISSIBLE IN AN ARGUMENT.
IN FACT, ALL COMMENTS BECOME NULL AND VOID AFTER 7 DAYS.

1. IF YOU THINK YOU'RE FAT, YOU PROBABLY ARE.
DON'T ASK US.

1. IF SOMETHING WE SAID CAN BE INTERPRETED TWO WAYS AND ONE OF THE WAYS MAKES YOU SAD OR ANGRY, WE MEANT THE OTHER ONE

1. You can either ask us to do something
Or tell us how you want it done.
Not both.
If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials..

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT NEED DIRECTIONS AND NEITHER DO WE.

1. ALL MEN SEE IN ONLY 16 COLORS, LIKE WINDOWS DEFAULT SETTINGS.
PEACH, FOR EXAMPLE, IS A FRUIT, NOT A COLOR. PUMPKIN IS ALSO A FRUIT. WE HAVE no IDEA WHAT MAUVE IS.

1. IF IT ITCHES, IT will BE SCRATCHED.
WE DO THAT.

1. IF WE ASK WHAT IS WRONG AND YOU SAY 'NOTHING,' WE WILL ACT LIKE NOTHING'S WRONG.
WE KNOW YOU ARE LYING, BUT IT IS JUST NOT WORTH THE HASSLE.

1. IF YOU ASK A QUESTION YOU DON'T WANT AN ANSWER TO, EXPECT AN ANSWER YOU DON'T WANT TO HEAR.

1. WHEN WE HAVE TO GO SOMEWHERE, ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING YOU WEAR IS FINE... Really .

1. DON'T ASK US WHAT WE'RE THINKING ABOUT UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED TO DISCUSS SUCH TOPICS AS BASEBALL
OR golf.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS A SHAPE!

1. THANK YOU FOR READING THIS.
YES, I KNOW, I HAVE TO SLEEP ON THE COUCH TONIGHT;

But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.

Pass this to as many men as you can -
to give them a laugh.

Pass this to as many women as you can - at your own risk -
to give them a bigger laugh.

1stsgt

12-18-2007, 09:57 PM

murffdog: I'm sure glad the ice didn't come down to TN this time. Normally when it snows north of us we get the freezing rain and it gets bad. Yes you are a nice guy for plowing for your neighbors.

Hey, whodo I think that makes the "true gentelman" mark! ;) When is the USAF going to plow some snow? :eek: I know, now your going to tell me that the USAF is smarter than that, LOL Right? Well maybe you are! Ha! Ha! Ha!

Well murffdog Feb. 6th will be here before you know it and you won't be plowing snow anymore. Hope you have a good time. Share some pics with us if you don't mind. I've not been to St Kitts so I don't know what it looks like.

fixit: Is your MSgt. going to make it home for the Christmas Holidays? Where is he now? If you have the chance, shake his hand for me and tell him "GOOD JOB". After all it's due to those on guard duty now that we can enjoy the Holidays.

whodo: Even though I had already seen (The Man Rules) I laughed just as much this time as I did the first time. I showed the rules to the wife and... well, you know it's bad when you don't get any reaction at all. LOL She just walked away. :rolleyes:
By the way whodo, since you pointed out that there is no Men's section on this forum, let it be known that this is The True Gentelmen's (USMC) forum. :D Ha! Ha! Ha!

I hope everyone has there Christmas shopping all done. Thank goodness, I do.

granet

12-22-2007, 08:16 AM

To 1st sgt et al,
"She who must be obeyed' and i just wanted to wish all on this thread a very Merry Christmas and Healthy and Happy New Year! And dont forget to leave a candle in the window for the guys and gals still out there walking point for us!

granet (3479929(s)
17/21 Lancers
SEAC 1962-64

1stsgt

12-25-2007, 10:32 PM

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone, from Sarasota, Florida.

The trip down went smooth and was fun.

I hope everyone has had an very enjoyable Christmas day.

granet: You've made me courious, what did 1stSgt et al and "she who must be obeyed" mean?

granet

12-26-2007, 06:36 AM

Obviously your command of latin is in need of squaring away 1st sgt.-et al simply means- and all of you or everyone here- and she who must obeyed is the better part of me my lovely wife Madeleine also known as the War Department!
Happy New Year!
Granet

granet

12-26-2007, 06:45 AM

After recieving several blows about the head to get me breathing right i must correct-thats 'She who MUST be obeyed'
Again a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Granet

fixit

12-26-2007, 01:58 PM

I believe what your wife is saying is "don't confuse your rank with her authority" Mine does that frequently when I get the two mixed up. OH well whats a lump or bump or two at this stage of life.
fixit
:D

edjhill

12-26-2007, 09:36 PM

Sounds like I'm not the only one who's spent a night or two on the couch!:D

Ed Hill
USA (Ret)
www.enjoyrvtravel.com

fixit

12-26-2007, 11:13 PM

Sounds like I'm not the only one who's spent a night or two on the couch!:D

Ed Hill
USA (Ret)
www.enjoyrvtravel.com

yep, like the MARINES allways say. Been thar,dun that, got the lumps to prove it:cool:
fixit

granet

12-27-2007, 06:41 AM

gentleman-heres another first-we agree -it does not bode well to mess with the war department- it is not good for ones mind or body and one does so at the risk of greivous bodily harm!
regards
Granet:D

murffdog

12-27-2007, 08:40 AM

"I" wear the pants in my house - when she's not here.

billcolleen

12-28-2007, 02:29 PM

Hello again all: Sorry for the absence. Been on a Panama Canal cruise, (14 days), and am now in Fl. w/my son until 01/03/08. Just now catching up on the posts, and am glad to see that the forum is "alive & well" Sure hope that interest in the rally stays alive. I don't much care were it is (thought Branson was a good idea). Got a kick out of the "C-rats around the fire: idea, Sure had a lot of those. Some were OK, and some were the Sh_ts. (sausage patties come to mind). But I guess I could stand one more meal of them.

I'm in Tampa Fl. now (actually Land-O-Lakes, a suburb). Is anyone close? Travelling will be over soon, and will be more active on the site then.

A belated Merry Christmas to all.

Former SSgt, William (Bill) White 1103197 (1950 - 1960)

fixit

01-04-2008, 09:06 PM

so, is every one in Az and Fl?:D not many posts to keep the thred up near the top( pun intended) have been over at the coast getting soaked and wind blown. still no fish LOL
They have been run off by all the weather or I have the wrong lurers--again:)

1stsgt

01-05-2008, 02:19 AM

Happy New Year Everyone,

granet: You are correct, I'm not sure what class I took but I know it wasn't latin. The closest I got to latin was something we called pig latin back in high school. Do you remember that? I don't remember much of that either. I might have been involved in preparing for War Dept. 101. LOL Just like everyone else I've had my share of lumps from the war dept. and it seems I'm still learning at times. Much like murffdog; I wear the pants in this house, because she said I can. LOL :D

billcolleen: I'm still in Florida, was in Sarasota visiting the wife's mother now at NAS, Pensacola visiting my oldest daughter and her family. I came down here to be warm and the past few nights it has been below freezing. That's just my luck.
I too hope we can keep the interest in the rally up. It will be enjoyable.

edjhill: Welcome aboard the USMC thread, glad to hear from you and hope you join in.

fixit: My Grandfather use to tell me that I wasn't holding my mouth right when I wasn't catching fish. Never have figured out what that had to do with it but he sure insisted. LOL :confused:

Putting the USMC thread at the top.

rdnkjeeper

01-05-2008, 07:03 AM

I'm a Marine, got out in 1996.

murffdog

01-05-2008, 09:35 AM

Hey 1stsgt, wondering where you were. Don't feel bad, we got the long johns on up here also. Feb 6th and I'm out of here.

billcolleen

01-05-2008, 10:24 AM

Hi again all: My travelling is done for the time being (airline travel is really getting nasty). Back in S. Ca. now, and it is raining outside as I write this. Tampa was nice until the last few days, and then it was freezing at night.

Nice to hear from you again 1st Sgt. and all the rest of the contributors.

As you said- - - keeping the USMC posts on top.

former SSgt Bill White

fixit

01-05-2008, 03:59 PM

I'm a Marine, got out in 1996.

welcome to the thread and feel free to join in with the rest of us:D .
fixit
GySgt ( Retired)
57-77

leeman

01-05-2008, 06:10 PM

Happy New Year to all. Just got back home this evening from spending a few days down in S-s-o-o-u-u-t-t-h-h Louisiana. Brrrrrrr! it was cold down there also. Our internet access was sporatic to say the least.
I'm on Datastorm Users group, so you can see where we are on there. My member number is 6349. Look us up....
Keep the thread alive.... Lee

whodo

01-05-2008, 10:17 PM

Depending upon WEATHER, we will be in Quartzsite tomorrow 1/6/08.
Weather guessers are talking about it snowing on Tehachapi pass tonight/tomorrow. Will be nice to be in a warmer/dryer place for a while.

1stsgt

01-07-2008, 12:53 AM

Hello All,

rdnkjeeper: Welcome aboard Marine! It's good to hear from another of America's finest. Like fixit said, "feel free to join in" and enjoy the camaraderie.

murffdog: It warmed up today and felt good. Now that it has warmed back up we will be heading to Nashville, TN on Tuesday. It sounds like your ready to go to warm weather. Hope you keep warm till Feb. 6th. How much accumlative snow have you had to this point?

billcolleen: I know air travel is bad with the delays everyone is having. Did you get stuck sitting on the tarmac? I really think something should be done about the airlines holding everyone on the plane for anything over an hour. They should be liable for kidnapping. :mad:

fixit: Have you caught any fish yet? Gotta hold your mouth just right. Good luck. LOL :D

leeman: I'll look you up on data storm users group. My wife has put us on it also but I don't know our number right off. I'll ask her what our number is and let everyone know. I think it's interesting also.

whodo: I hope you made it safely through the pass and on to Quartsite. I also hope it's warmer there than it's been here in Pensacola, Florida.

Keeping the USMC thread alive.

murffdog

01-07-2008, 08:20 AM

Hi 1ststg, we had 2 inches but it's about gone now, 42 out and supposed to be a warm week 50's/60. Other than that, about time to find my suitcase and blow the dust out.
Fixit, An old buddy of mine always said, "Big lure big fish, little lure little fish". Any truth to that?

granet

01-07-2008, 08:44 AM

Just a few observations from the great white north and from the army reporting in:-
Im happy to say that Im now fully recovered from Levy Day(Jan.1) HMCSTecumseth was a wonderful host for another year of booze and bs and happy to report that Pusers rum ration is still as potent as ever for those lucky enough to be near such an activity! Captain Bill (4 ringer) was our host and still a very spry 88- do any near military bases carry on this very old tradition from the british where the junior ranks are served by the commanding officers on New Years Day?
Weather;- when confronted by freezing weather you might want to cast your eyes northward about 1500- to 2000 miles to us -i never thought i would live to hear grown up marine types gripping about a little frost -tut tut gentlemen!
Fishing;-When confronted with non receptive fish adapt -overcome-use c4!

A belated Happy New Year Guys our cable company decided ,in their ultimate wisdom that this would be a good time to add on to the system and we have been down most of the week -they must be marines- just joking!
Regards
Granet
17/21 Lancers
SEAC 1962-1964

granet

01-07-2008, 08:48 AM

:D
My appologies guys didnt see that the angry guy was entered at the bottom should have been above!
Regards
Granet:confused:

fixit

01-07-2008, 11:25 AM

Fishing:
Best lure posable RDX= small amount few fish,large amount lotta fish= sinking of boat.How ever with salmon you just have to try every lure in the box and hope something will attract them,persinickity things-those salmon are.
But the rule of thunb BL-BF,LL-LF works in those little ponds back east or inland.I have been chasing those critters ever since I retired 30+ years ago and still haven't found the perfect bait ---yet.
How ever when I take my grand son along He catches the limit and I drive the boat. He is 9 this year and just goes along to show up his Papa.( four in the boat last time out)dressed out at about 45 lbs of fish, just gotta get it in the smoker now.:) I have to give him credit for the fish even when they are on my rod as he is usualy the first to get to the rod and set the hook, What a hoot that is to see.

Granet:
the only British tradition the USMC adopted ,as I recall, was Mess Night. Other than that we had Happy Hour every Fri.night. Most USMC traditions in the Fleet Marine Force were the parade spit and polish type. The State Dept/Security type's have a different out look on that stuff.I was in aviation and our out look was mostly to get greasy all week and hammered on friday night.

weather:
not sure what happned last night but woke up this AM and that white stuff is all over the ground.With a little luck it will be gone by lunch,usualy is here in the valley.:D
don't much care for snow. That is why I live here in the valley( Willamette valley,Oregon).I am about 50 miles from the ocean,mountains,high desert what ever strikes your fancy,it is all here.Get a little tired of the rain on ocassion ,but ,that is why Oregon is what it is.:cool:
safe travels to all
fixit

ladyliberty

01-09-2008, 11:06 PM

I'm the better half of a now officially retired (last month) Navy Guy! Grew up around the military...swore I'd never marry a military man!

1stsgt...I am from Pensacola, born and raised..during the time when the base (mainside) was highly operational...Dad was from Indiana met Mom in Mobile, got out of the Navy in Pensacola and went civil service til he retired about maybe 8 years or so ago. He still lives there, I visit about three times year. I went to high school at Escambia and then Pine Forrest when it opened up in 76.

Glad to see the spirit of all you military service personnell!

billcolleen

01-10-2008, 09:45 AM

Hi again all: Just letting everyone know that I am still out there, and closely monitoring all the posts. Wow- this thread sure is getting a variety of respondents. It's great. Kind os makes you wonder where it is going, and where it will end. I guess the possibilities are endless.

See what you started 1st Sgt. Good job.

former SSgt Bill White, 1103197 50 - 60

whodo

01-10-2008, 10:42 AM

ladyliberty: Welcome to the discussion.

billcolleen: Wow- this thread sure is getting a variety of respondents. It's great. Kind os makes you wonder where it is going, and where it will end. Personally I don't know why it should end. It has taken on a life of its own an I think that is great.

We are presently in Quartzsite enjoying the "SUNSHINE" and warm temps for a few days before we head farther south into Arizona.

fixit

01-10-2008, 11:28 AM

Bummer-IT"S STILL WET IN OREGON and cloudy,
enjoy the sun shine & howdy to ladyliberty,welcome to the slopchute.Thats Marine / Navy talk for a place to pass the time along with sea stories etc. and the old tradition to tip a few( couldn't get my brain to spell thread):confused:
safe travels to all
fixit

billcolleen

01-10-2008, 03:16 PM

I too am hoping it doesn't end, BUT, don't all good things come to an end (eventually).

WOW, haven't heard the term "slop chute" for a long (50 yrs) time. Lot's of old memories being dug up. Really enjoying the thread.

Bill White

ladyliberty

01-10-2008, 08:56 PM

I've been reading here for about a month, made a copule of post's but have not had any replies until now. I've enjoyed this thread as well, I've never been in the Military myself, but heck, I've been surrounded by it all my life. Hard not to be when you grow up in Pensacola. Most everyone in my family has a military past at some point or another and now my nephew is at the Naval Academy as well. Once more I've enjoyed "eve's dropping" on your thread!

1stsgt

01-10-2008, 11:33 PM

Hello Gent's and welcome to the USMC thread ladyliberty. Glad to have you aboard, we need the billet of war department filled. LOL It's my belief that since your better half is a "retired Navy Guy" you qualify for the billet. Maybe you can persuade the "retired Navy Guy" to join in and introduce himself. We would like to hear from another protector of Old Glory.

I'm happy to see so many joining in on the USMC thread and enjoying it. I too enjoy reading each post. As for the life expectancy of the USMC thread... I would like to remind everyone that the U.S. Marine Corps was founded on November 10, 1775 and the heartbeat has not stopped yet. OOH-RAH!!!

fixit reminded us of the "slopchute" how many remember going to the "Geedunk" to get some "Poggybait"? Or what the "scuttlebutt" is. How about "BRASS" breath, relax, aim, slack, shoot. I wonder if they know what "dope" at the rifle range is, not the same dope as back on the block. Just think.. today's Marine don't know what a "John Wayne opener" is. How about "Swagger Stick"? Then there was the "napsack & haversack with shelter half.
There's alot more jargon so when you think of some jump in and share it. We all can take a trip down memory lane.

Keeping the USMC thread alive.

fixit

01-11-2008, 09:49 AM

crumb, had a good one going here and lost it into where ever they go when they disapear. LOL

does the corps still have:

1. things on the springs?
2.782 gear on the end of the rack?
3. Chow formations?
4.0445 revely
5.Fri.night field days
6.Sat. morning inspections
7.work parties
8.squad bays
9.police details
10.Sunday smokers
11. liberty cards

now I am sounding like an old confused person.which I probably am. wish we would get some cherries to sign in and bring us up to date on the scuttlebut with new poop.::confused: Then we could clear the decks and get into the OLD and NEW thing. LOL
That would keep the thread alive

safe travels to all
fixit:D

billcolleen

01-11-2008, 10:18 AM

Wow: The memories are coming alive. At my ripe old age it is difficult to remember all the "colloquialisms" that we use to use, but I will try. How about - -pisscutters, whitewalls, field stripping (butts), boondockers, Ki-Yi brushes (spelling?), leggings,

I'm sure there are lot's more, I'll be looking forward to reading whatever the rest of the former marines come up with.

Bill White

ladyliberty

01-11-2008, 01:45 PM

what a "John Wayne" is...and I know what a "Geedunk" is...I and may remember a few more before it is all over. And I am the WAR DEPARTMENT at my house, and I am sure my hubby would testify to that one! HEHE...Before marrying this husband (the last one I ever marry as well) I was married to a USMC..but not until he went on terminal leave in the early 80's...growing up in Military land, I refused to marry anyone in the Military (at least back then.) Not becasue they served but because I didn't want to do the moving around business or long deployments...so what did I do...moved around..but only at a much slower pace than one in the Military! We will have to see if the "retired navy guy" joins us as he stays busy as an Electrical Engineer at a large Steel Mill and does not get into the camping/rv'ing like I do. He will go with us on short trips and local State parks but only if he has phone servicve...which I do not want when I travel (other than the cell service for personal use.) Hubby graduated Annapolis in 86, did Pensacola, San Diego, lots of deploys on the then Harry Hill, then left active duty after Desert Storm. Went back to college for his master in EE. Stayed in the actice duty reserves travelling to both San Diego and Virginia, deployed twice after 9/'11, and then two years ago he was forced to be a "paperwork jockey" via home school courses because of limited billet's for his rank in the reserves ...he hated that..but he put in his final credit recently and qualified with almost 22 years in...Retired out at 06 level.

fixit

01-11-2008, 01:58 PM

field scarves
battle pins
duty hut
starchies
blousing band(after your time billcollene,I think)
MK one eyeball it( the 1000 yard range for competive shooters)
snap in
laundry soap bar ( what was it called? had to have a new one for every inspection)
Ike jackets( was a sad day when that one departed the sea bag)
Well back to painting and might come up with some more.( That are printable)
safe travels:D
fixit

granet

01-13-2008, 10:23 AM

1st Sgt:-although you officially recognize nov.10 and the act of congress as your birthday for the corps did you know that actually the corps is some 20 years older. After the seven years war (french and Indian) a group of men aproximately(150+) from the then British 51st of foot volunteered to stay behind in North America to form a detachment of marines for the protection of shipping. Where did you think the instructors and dis came from in 1775. That is your actual history- check the records of the British line regiments during this period if you dont believe me!
I still have my swagger stick-but how many of you ncos remember a pacing stick.
I know you guys didnt get Pusers(rum ration) but remember free cigs in c-rat boxes
how about a racing spoon
or blanko
or in my case- Cocorans (i still have mine)
regards
Granet
(keeping all military lines alive) Let us never again become-IN CASE OF EMERGENCY JUST BREAK GLASS
PS:- if you go by my dates above that would make the marines the oldest branch of the service would it not-all other units from that time were considered militias therefore you beat the army

1stsgt

01-16-2008, 01:25 AM

Hello Everyone,

fixit: You rang a bell or two with your list. Liberty cards for one.

billcolleen: you listed a couple that were before my time such as leggings and boondockers. They were taken out of the clothing issue before I joined. I remember my seniors talking about them.

ladyliberty: How's the war department doing? Congrad's to the 22 year, 06 Capt, EE, Retired Navy Guy. It sounds like he kept his nose to the grinder and it payed off. If I'm understanding you correctly, you pilot your RV yourself. If that's the case I think it's a good thing. Most females wouldn't attempt driving the RV.

granet: So that's where the men at Tunn Tavern came from. I remember the cig's in SP packs. A full carton per box. That was like hitting the jackpot. We didn't get "Pusers (rum ration)" but we got some Carling Black Label and if we were lucky not many cans had exploded from the heat when it got to us.

The list goes on:

Fire Watch
72 & 96 hour pass
Smoking Lamp
Horse Blanket (Wool Overcoat)
IM-NU (black coating for chevrons & emblems)
KaKi's
Quanson Hut (went through bootcamp in these)

I hope everyone is well and doing fine where ever you are. :)

Keeping the USMC thread alive.

shoreman

01-16-2008, 10:09 AM

My husband is a former Marine and flies the USMC flag wherever we are. He was 2nd battalion 5th Marines and 3rd battalion 9th Marines and got out as an E-5 in November 1967 after two tours of duty in Vietnam.

leeman

01-16-2008, 12:51 PM

Sorry shoreman
Once a Marine always a Marine, so your husband is still a Marine, just not on active duty.
Leeman - left active duty in 1970.

shoreman

01-16-2008, 01:53 PM

Thanks, Leeman. I surely should have known that!!

Also,any Marine that hasn't visited the new Marine Corps Museum at Quantico, VA should surely make a point to so so. It's incredible.

fixit

01-16-2008, 08:19 PM

Hi All,:D
let it never be said that the Gunny is the king of the roost,after all the fishing and trips we made all over the Oregon cost this past summer I am finaly paying for the good times. SHE------ has decried that I re-paint the dinning room , (no sweat got it coverd -was a snap)got out the fish pole and and was hit with "ya gotta put in an oak floor in the office.( grone) get-R-done or no fish chasing(sob). She pulled my liberty card,can you believe that?( bigger moan). The fishing buddys are calling and the fish are biting,HA_HA got r done, now its off we go to the columbia river to chase a few up on the big river.
HI to all the new marines who have joined us-welcome and to all our old guy's howdy again will catch up later need to go burn a steak at this time.
safe travels to all
fixit:cool:

ladyliberty

01-17-2008, 09:16 PM

has been quiet on the home front lately...got the mates all shipshape at this time!!

1stsgt...Yes, you understand correctly I piolt the RV...during my first marriage and before kids...I drove a semi with my x husband. A 29 footer ain't anything after that...What is funny so to speak is that I do get so many comments about driving it myself when we camp..most the women will say they would never attemp driving the rv...I don't understand that cause it handles just like a van...little bigger swing maybe but that's all...

To whoever brought up cigs in the c-rats...My dad worked civil service rebuilding birds on mainside at Pensacola...when I was a kid and the hueys were in for constant rebuild (vietnam era) my dad would bring home the c-rat kits and the life preservers that were pulled from service out of the choppers..anyway..we thought the little candies that were in the emergency rations were so good..and yes..in the emergency kit would be cigs and some matches which my Father of course would always confisciate.

fixit

01-17-2008, 09:43 PM

ladyliberty:
you just rattled a long dorment memory cell "Luckey strike green goes to war" (WW2). In '65 ( DaNang/Chu-Li) we were subsisting on old c-rats( 43-44-45) and for a month or so it was not unusual to find a pack of green luckeys in the accesory(sp) pack. I inserted this for billcollene in the remenbrance section of "times gone past"

I agree with you on the RV driving part. I keep telling my wife to give it a try and don't hit any thing with the front end and the rest will take care of it's self. But she wont----" it's to big"--- gotta love those 52 foot waggons for a learning expierance.mostley pulled a 48 but ocasionaly I yarded wiggles,gas stations and straight boxes. Now it's just the ol' 34 footer .

ALL
Oh yeh,still no liberty card , havent completed the floor. But I am getting close, look out salmon , here I come.
safe travels
fixit
PS.
the age of the c-rats was not unusual. We used bombs made in '45 and on up. My M-1 was made in '48. Time,it do fly ( I was an air dale)

ladyliberty

01-18-2008, 07:32 AM

Fixit..

I hope you get that liberty card soon, I know those salmon are just waiting on you to come and feed them! Funny thing, you nailed down the time line on my memory perfectly...65 through....how we had fun with those throw away c-rats, life rafts, and flashlights with the interchangeable top lights..you know the plastic film cover that changed the color that the light filtered through...

Yeah, driving a big rig including an rv is easy..more women should try it..my husband has tried driving the rv and done fine with it..but he makes me nervous even driving a car or rather a small toyota pickup! I've never driven a 52' but I've pulled many a 53 foot as well as those standard 48's.

The rv has been my baby so I am the Captain of this ship! I know it is older, an 87 Ford Freedom model, but it has been kept like new and it operates like new as well and with only 44,000 or maybe 45,000 now on it, it runs like new as well. Very very strong motor in this thing. My girls and I love this unit...Course you always love your first like no other!

Have any of you ever been to Hiddenite, NC? I want to take my girls the last week of March (Spring Break time from school.) They have naturally occurring emerald and other gems that you dig and sluice from the creeks and local area...I think it sounds so fun to go and have an adventure there, plus they have an rv friendly camping area. Hiddenite is about 8 hours from where I am. Just wonderring if any here have ever been there.

ladyliberty

01-18-2008, 08:25 AM

I wish mine were coming up sooner and I wish the weather would warm up but no here comes another really frigid cold snap...temps now 32ish and to fall to 17 with heavy wind before the day is out and then go down to around 10 and stay like that til Monday....just sounds like a wonderful weekend to come! Decided to go out and give my baby her every other week crank up and drive around the yard...fired right up and I'll let her run a good 30-45 minutes...and the odometer is 45,926...so not even 50,000 on her...

fixit

01-18-2008, 11:14 AM

Just noticed that I had hit the 2 insted of a 3,sorry.
We are working on our second(and,at my age, last) MH,it's a 1995 34 foot Dolphen W/ a 460, F-53 frame with just over 75,000 and my towed is a 99 Ranger king cab. I have more towed miles than I have driven miles on the towed.
My Rving is mostley in the area from the rockeys west. I tend to go where you can catch salmon or other fish of that nature, Mostly I like the real mountains:rolleyes:
Their is a TV program on called "cash and tresures"( Travel channel) that has featured the parks that you can mine at on the east coast( Hiddenight)and SHE has agreed that we might give that a run this summer comming. It would be fun to give it a try , especialy the gold hunting( Az) Fire Opels(Nv).Could get two birds with one trip, my eldest Son lives in Tucson and the USAF has a world class golf course at D-M AFB that I can play at a resonable rate.I like to play golf as well as chase salmon.
I recall all the items mentioned by you from the swing wings. I crewed( gunner) the UH-1 for a while in my tour's( 3 and half) in RVN and you never really noticed that stuff untill you really needed it,we were young and dumb and indestructable back in those days, and we felt that we put ol' John to shame:cool:
I was just giving a thought to the time reckonning you gave. We tend to think of trips in days and months insted of hours( driving time that is) unless we are going to the cost then it is hours:confused: It is 2 days to Reno,Nv,5days to Tucson AZ, 3 days to Las Vegas Nv. And I stay out of Ca at all costs.
well enough remembering gotta get back to the floor, am on the home strech now and should wind up later to day.all you guys have a great and sane day.
safe travels to all
fixit

ladyliberty

01-18-2008, 09:36 PM

So is the liberty bell ringing for you yet Fixit? I hope so. Yeah, with my kids still in school I only get to count days, weeks, and months to get there in the summer, otherwise it is counted in "hours"... 8 hours is a good short day run for us...I saw the show on Cash and Treasures that featured Hiddennite and decided then and there to go because my kids loved it on the tv. I'd love to go to the ruby mines outside of San Diego as well as the opals and gold but that may be awhile.

Have a good fish/golf trip! Keep the sunny side up and the greazy side down as they say in truck land.

billcolleen

01-19-2008, 10:13 AM

Billcolleen (now just Bill) here. Colleen has gone awol. Couldn't take the RV life (or me I guess). Looks like I will be solo in this 39' MH. Colleen was (is)a wonderful woman but couldn't seperate herself from her grown (3) children. No place in her life for a mate. Oh well, life goes on.

Yeah, I well remember the "4 packs" of cigarettes in the C-rats. So damn old that when you lit them they would go "POOF" and nearly burn up before you could smoke em. Also remember in Korea that we couldn't get candles for our bunkers on the MLR. The KMC's (Korean Marines) couldn't get enough to eat, but had plenty of candles, so we traded them our "in-edible" (sausage patties, lima beans/ham, corned beef hash) rations for their candles. Also those nasty round crackers.

Still in Indio Ca. for the winter, but will probably spend next winter in Florida.

Keep the postings coming, I'm really enjoying the re-kindling of all the great (some not so great) memories.

Former SSgt Bill White 1103197 ( Baker co.1st Btn. 7th Marines, in Korea 1952 - 19)54

fixit

01-19-2008, 06:32 PM

just bill:
sorry about your situation , hope it all turns out for the best for you both.
Yep, those "4-packs" had a habit of going poof in the mid to late 60's and I doubt if they did not go poof when they were first produced.:confused:

Was going fishing to day but it got to durn cold and will be that way untill the first part of next week. Actualy it's the east wind comming down the gorge with that Canadian cold included. Cool, I can handle but cold is another story.:(

Got my liberty card back from SHE and I dont think I will do another floor for a while. That can turn into a lot of work. The knees aren't what they used to be. but it does look good ( broke my arm patting my back):rolleyes:

lady liberty:
was talking to a guy at the hardwear store and he went to that place in NC or was it SC? Any way, he said he went in late June and it was really nice, for what ever that is worth.:)

granet
you have not provided us a military tid bit in a while. Your posts are interesting and informative.

1stSgt:
it has been a while,how you doing?

and all the rest of you guy's" Semper Fi" to one and all.

safe travels
fixit

ladyliberty

01-19-2008, 06:54 PM

Justbill,

Hope your situation gets squared away quickly and that life will keep rolling forward for you.

Fixit...it is so cold here today that even a witches teet would seem warm if you know what i mean...on the thermometer it says that it is 17 outside but with a nasty windchill it is like -1 to -3 at the moment. We had our high of the day at around 6am and that was 23 degrees. Will be like this till at least Monday. The WAR DEPT. is not happy. But at least we got out of the house today and had an enjoyable time. Went to the barn to feed/clean the horses and decided given the weather to take the rv for a spin. Cranked her up, fired up the furnace, loaded in 3-7yr old girls and two-16yr old girls and myself...age near half century....anyway knew it would be so coldddddddd......at the barn...so plugged in the hot chocolate and some other warm foods and away we went...while the oldest two cleaned stables we had a slew of visitors come in to warm up while thier children cleaned stables and worked the horses. Everyone said..hey bring the rv again...it was nice to warm up in comfort....

Thanks for the Hiddennite report from the hardware store guy. I hope it is warm enough for us at the tail end of March. WE can't wait to go..

whodo

01-19-2008, 10:56 PM

Just Bill hope every thing works out for you.

I was going to complain that the temp barely made it to 70 degrees today in Quartzsite, AZ. but after reading about the temps everyone else seems to be experiencing I won't.

fixit

01-19-2008, 11:20 PM

those of us who chose to go chase salmon/steelhead this winter,thank you for that bit of information on the temp in the south. I am now questioning the wisdom of chasing fish and especialy the decision to winter it in the stick house. Aparently smarts do not come with age:confused:

ladyliberty:
wasen't that cold untill you posted that description of your day,now, I am really cold.

fixit

01-19-2008, 11:29 PM

ever wonder why this thread gets more views than posts?curioser and curioser.;)
Semper Fi to all
safe travels
fixit

1stsgt

01-20-2008, 12:46 AM

Hey Everyone,
I'm glad I'm not the only one hunkering down to keep warm. It's 19 degrees now and going down to 10 before the night is over. I know that's not as bad as 17 with a windchill of 1 to 3 degrees ladyliberty but it's cold enough for me. By the way ladyliberty you get an OutStanding in initiative for taking a warm RV with hot chocolate to the stables. Nice People, that's the best part of RVing, meeting nice people and making new friends.

Justbill, look at the positive side, you won't have to share your c-rats. LOL All joking aside I hope your both doing well and you continue your adventure, have fun and enjoy life. Florida next winter sounds like a good plan of attack to me. We just returned from Florida last week. I had to be at the VA hospital in Nashville for my 6 month CT scan. Everything is fine and I don't have any complaints. Just glad to be here.

fixit, everything is great on this end. Can't let granet know we are cold out here in Tennessee, we wouldn't hear the end of it. LOL :D It don't sound like your having much fun chasing fish with the cold weather. It's good to hear that you got the liberty card back, restriction is for the birds. We ripped up the carpet a couple years ago and put hardwood down. The wife likes it a lot better and it looks nicer too. I guess I wasn't as brave as you, I had a crew come in and lay it because SHE wanted it done NOW! I'm sure you know how that goes... "If moma's not happy, nobody's happy!"

whodo, you wouldn't rub it in would you?! We won't let it bother us... just because your kicking back in 70 degree weather with your sun glasses on and a big cold drink in one hand and your tanning lotion in the other... no sir, don't you think for one second that it bothers us!!! LOL:D On the flip side I hope your doing well and enjoying it.

It sounds like we all have a fond memory of the C-Rat Lucky Strikes. Green, brown, wet and sometimes moldy. Although they were good at the time, I'm surprised we all (that smoked them) don't have lung cancer.

I hope everyone is doing well and keeping warm. Till next time...
Keep the USMC thread alive.

ladyliberty

01-20-2008, 10:16 AM

everyone is doing well regardless of their personal struggles with the weather...including whodo, who must be sweating out the impurities of life, while the rest of us do battle to maintain 98.6.

I layed a parquaet(spelling) floor myself a few years ago and although it was not the typical wood floors you guys are talking about, it sure looks awesome. My house is over 100yrs old, so going back to the wood looks good. I've also done my own windows, after having estimates and watching one window be put in, I decided I could put in the rest of the windows myself and save myself several thousand dollars at the same time. So I did...and while the first few were a learning curve mostly in how to operate the saw, the next 15 or so went in fairly quickly and without a hitch...

Yeah the RV and hot foods/liquids at the stable was a hit yesterday...I suppose we will do that more on the weekends because it was nice to shoot the breeze in the warmth rather than in the cold...and speaking of cold...yesterday was mighty warm compared to today.

It is 11am here and only 5 degree's outside...I do not even want to imagine what it is with the wind chill figured in....Got the fireplace roaring and am thinking a big pot of Chili sounds good right now for dinner toninght.

1St...Nashvillle is about 5 hours from me...Bet the weather is about the same there for you right now...

whodo

01-20-2008, 12:09 PM

Now I'm honestly not rubbing it in that I'm in a nice warm place while the rest of you are complaining about the cold :eek: , I would never do anything like that, I have lived in the cold, seen many days that temp never made it up to ZERO. I decided then, that when I retired that I would follow the sun in an attempt to stay in a comfortable temp.

All I can say is, it's a tough job but some one has to sit out here in the desert an work the RV show. I wish I could sit around and just soak up the sun, but, I'm actually working, but when the RV show is over I will be able to sit back an soak up the sun and rub it in. :D :D

fixit: leave a few of those Salmon for us to catch in a few months when it gets a little warmer, we will be on our annual trek back north and will just have to stop an try our luck.

ladyliberty: Glad to see that you are enjoying the RV even when the weather isn't the best. Just goes to show that RV's are very versatile rigs.

1stsgt: I think I would of rescheduled that CT scan appointment for a warmer time or managed to have gotten one in a warmer climate, like Florida, hope the results are all good.

granet

01-20-2008, 05:16 PM

1st sgt et al:
What in the world are you guys wingeing about it must be all of 30 degrees out there thats t-shirt weather-its been a balmy -35 today with at least two whiteouts and no thats not a shipload of tars thats been to sea too long- i dont know what theyve been feeding you guys -youve obviously not had enough sh*t on a shingle lately to stouten your marine corps extremities from the wiles of mother nature-for shame gentlemen for shame!!
For fixit:- the information i posted was from the official records of the Royal Marines if you wanted to research the early marines further.
Heres a few more :
someone mentioned blousing straps but what about the weights
how about that impliment of torture the issued gillette razor-od -blades blue5
or the fairburn-sykes fighting knife-sharper than the above mention shaving kit
or wax water proof matches or the dreaded mosquito repellant that didnt but got rid of leeches real slick!
Thats all the abuse im capable of today- yes even one such as I is feeling the cold so ill be nice no forced march at 0230 dark tonight!
regards
Granet
17/21 Lancers
SEAC 1962-1964

granet

01-20-2008, 05:28 PM

elainefaith

01-21-2008, 12:41 AM

fixit, there are a lot of lurkers reading your posts because you guys and gal seem to be having so much fun. hope you can get a rally going.

just bill, sorry about colleen, i think you'll be ok, but it hurts, i know. i'll be heading west next year when you're heading to fl, we'll have to get together in a 1/2 way campground.

your weather sounds sooo cold. had a cold front come thru today, windy, blustery and cool. 61 degrees on my front porch, in Islamorada, fl

granet

01-21-2008, 07:33 AM

weather-is so cold im doubling up -sorry troops! the doubling out west seems to be happening more often it must be our cable company messing with the connections.
regards granet

fixit

01-21-2008, 10:25 AM

elainefaith:
welcome to the thread. It has been a while since I was in ilsamorade and if I recall the temp was in the high 90's. We lived in Homestead at the time and used to go down into the keys fishing every time we could get away.
I think the weatherman was being untruthful with us here in the valley,it's only in the 20's. Must be all this global worming that is causin so much cold:rolleyes:
As for "lurkers" well, no need to sit on the side lines. I don't think this is an exclusive MARINE net and ,in a way,it's some what like a rally--every one welcome to join in. We MARINES just have a good time where ever we go. We just happen to belong to an exclusive fraternity:D

ATTENTION ALL MARINES:
DEAD BUG ( boink)

granet
last time I saw an "ol gellete" was in '57 when I left boot's. it went into the GI can( being nice) with a lot of other antique stuff.&^&%$%^%$ torture devises to me.

whodo:
Bouy 10 is producing well so far this year, but the biggest bite seems to be in/around Newport.They say the runs are in real trouble, but we have had large counts the past few years and it gets to be a rare occasion when you come home with an empty bucket.any way don't use up all the sunshine but enjoy what you have to the max. ;)

justbill:
just a g'day to you and" Simper Fi Marine", all will be well.

safe travels
fixit

whodo

01-21-2008, 05:20 PM

granet:
What in the world are you guys wingeing about it must be all of 30 degrees out there thats t-shirt weather-its been a balmy -35 today with at least two whiteouts
granet -- Is that -35 C or is that -35 F, I can handle -35 C a lot easier than -35F. Made a couple of supply air-drops @ wx stations that were only -70 F, now that was beyond cold.

whodo

01-21-2008, 05:26 PM

fixit
Thanks for the fish report, we probably won't make it back to Oregon until around May or ?? hope fully there will still be a fish or two some where around. I think I have the better half convinced that we have to take a few days and relax when we get to Oregon (She's always in a hurry to get to Washington to see the grand-kids.)

billcolleen

01-22-2008, 10:06 AM

Many thanks to all out there for the kind condolences. Alls well here.

I guess I have taken on the new name of "just Bill" Hmm, I'll have to ponder over that one.

Colleen is a great gal. We just weren't able to deal w/the problems that plagued us over her grown children. I am told that grown children are the 2nd leading cause of marriage failure, (money being the 1st). I am inclined to believe that. But, having said that, I wasn't the easiest person to live with. I think I'm still carrying around some "demons" from Korea. Or, maybe I'm just a naturally "ornery" old cuss.

Colleen just returned some "old" pics that she had stored. One of them was a photograph I had taken right out of boot camp, 17 years old, in June 1950. On Broadway, in downtown San Diego. In my greens, w/Ike jacket, and proudly showing off my "new" PFC stripes. My God, was I ever that young. What memories.

Elainefaith, I will look forward to that meeting 1/2 way. Along with eventually attending that rally, that I am hoping hasn't died.

Sure am sorry to read about all that frigid weather out there. As I sit here typing this, I am looking out the window of the motor home at a bright, sunny morning, w/todays high, forcasted to be a "cold" 67 dgrees. If it gets any colder, I'll have to quit wearing shorts, and go back to long pants. Bummer.

Well, enough rambling, Time to go to the pool. lol

Former SSgt, Bill White, 1103197

Thank again to all

ladyliberty

01-22-2008, 02:37 PM

your enjoying the outdoors there bill...67 that must feel nice....It is alot warmer here today..it warmed up to 36 just so we could enjoy a snow squall this am..got 1 or so inches in 15 minutes then flurries on/off all day...roads were slick today as yesterday being a holiday the city did not salt (I am sure to not wanting to pay holiday overtime rates.) It is currently 37 out which beats the heck out of the single didgits. One question for you..when you were in San Diego, did they have ROBETOS there then??? Man do I miss, Robertos from San Diego and Camp Pendleton area....

Hope all is well with everyone...

billcolleen

01-22-2008, 02:57 PM

Ladyliberty: No I don't remember a "Robertos" in San Diego. But then again, I seem to have a bad case of "CRS" (Can't remember S --t). I do remember that San Diego was a Navy/Marine town. Not much there then except bars, and military oriented stores, and tatoo parlors. It sure has changed.

Bill White

ladyliberty

01-22-2008, 09:24 PM

is a Mexican food chain...they make the best carne asada....YUM YUM...good food and they were frequented especially by the military folks...everyone knew about Roberto's...

1stsgt

01-24-2008, 01:17 AM

Hello All,

libertylady: I don't recall "Robertos" but I do recall a mexican restaurant by the name of "Cratines" (spelling :confused: ???) in Yuma, AZ. Every time we would fly in to Yuma the people from "Cratines" would meet the squadron at the hanger with trays of the best nachos I have ever ate. Needless to say most of the squadron would go to "Cratines" almost every night we were there. The frozen Margaritas were awful good too. :D fixit, did you have the pleasure of indulging at "Cratines" ? If anyone could eat enough nochos in one sitting to beat the record it was free. Many a young Marine tried and many a young Marine failed. :eek:

Justbill: I hope everything is going good for you and your still enjoying the 70 degree weather. I'm glad you could relish in some good memories when you were looking through the old pics. Do you still keep in touch with anyone from long ago that you served with?

fixit: When you mentioned "Dead Bug" it brought back some memories of when I was with VMFA-235 Death Angels. Our tail letters were "DB" and it was a inter Squadron joke to sound off Dead Bug when we were deployed. All of the young troops would fall down roll over on their back with arms and legs up in the air. They did this non-precision movement in the E Club a few times and the SGTMAJ. ended up in the middle trying to stop them. It was the funniest thing to see. Great troops and funny too.

granet: Have you thawed out yet? If your at -35F you must have ice icicles hanging off your tail. You could have the answer... no Sh*t on the shingles with hot sauce lately. Oh yes, hot sauce the spice of Marines! :D

How many remember the "Smuge Pot" ?

Good evening to all.

Enjoying the USMC thread.

whodo

01-24-2008, 12:19 PM

1stsgt
You wouldn't happen to be thinking about Chretin's Mexican restaurant in Yuma? If so, they are still in business and still have good food.

ladyliberty
There is Robertoe's Mexican food that is popular out on SD Mission Rd, not sure if it is the place you are thinking of, we had lunch there a couple of months ago when we went to the Marine Corp Boot Graduation of a young man that we have known since he was born.

fixit

01-24-2008, 03:39 PM

Where dead bug orignated,I have not a clue. When I was at Yuma it was a "for sure " item on fri. night happy hour at the SNCO club. last man standing had to buy the bar, nobody was doing the hat thing any more. I don't even know if it is still in vogue. Just threw it in to see if any one remembered. The bar manager used to get up tight about all the SNCO'S laying on the floor etc with their limbs up in the air. Had some pretty good arguments about who was last.:)
Was looking at the Air Station on the sat maps and it has grown a lot since my last visit.
safe travels
fixit

1stsgt

01-25-2008, 12:02 AM

granet

01-25-2008, 05:14 AM

whodo: You may very well be correct. I wasn't sure how it (Chretin's) was spelled :confused: but I do know the food was outstanding. It's good to know that Chretin's is still going strong. With a little luck they might still be open for business when I get back out there. I would like to visit and eat there again. The last time I was there was around 1981 so it would be a nice trip back in time.

fixit: I'm not sure where Dead Bug got it's start either, it was already a squadron thing in 1978 when I joined VMFA-235 in Hawaii. You mentioned the hat & bell thing in the club and just thought I would share some information. For those who don't know, the Enlisted/NCO/SNCO club system is not what it once was. The days of going to the club to have a few and shoot the sh*t in what was a safe haven is history. What really chaps my a$$ is that the Officer's clubs are still going strong while the troops are forced to go to the ville now. Not very smart in my opinion. I would prefer the troops stay on base to have a few and get loose.

Till next time, keep your wings level everyone.

Enjoying the USMC thread.

Now that we are enjoying a mini chinook Ill take the time too enter a few comments as my fingers now work again. Although i was expected to appear in those lofty halls of officer country my guys and i imbibed as a unit( had to be invited to the junior ranks club) we felt that this helped bond us as a group as we were out in the boonies together for weeks at a time you had to know that you could rely on each other! In the old days everything was separate as the refus( pronounced refuse-for rear echelon f*** ups)running
the various clubs wanted their chance of power tripping! And besides enlisted men did unmentionable things to the potted plants in the officers mess-and everytime i showed up back at base my name was somehow always on as duty officer-weird how that happens to line troops huh! Any way to the point i was trying to make last time i was at the corps birthday at Fort Harrison in Helena i was happy to see that the base canteen was mixed -open to all ranks and it brought back many happy pints shared with my guys-i definitely think this is the way to go after all there is supposed to be no rank at the mess just first names.
For whodo-seeing that -40C and -40 F are the same -35C is bloody cold!!!
Regards
Granet
17/21 Lancers
SEAC 1962-64

whodo

01-25-2008, 11:24 AM

The weather man says that it's going to rain this weekend, Oh well, so much for the great weather we have been enjoying here in Quartzsite, guess it's time we head for Yuma for a while.

granet:
Glad to see that it has warmed up enough for you to be able to post again, hopefully it will continue to warm up for every one.

1stsgt

01-26-2008, 03:20 PM

Hey Everyone,

Just checking in.

granet:
Glad your enjoying the heat and your Mini Chinook. No doubt, good heat is a plus when it's cold. Just curious, is the Mini Chinook your new home and if so what did you have before it? We've been considering a MH and have been learning all we can about them, good and bad points. What are the key points of the Mini Chinook? There are so many makes and models it takes a good while to do your home work properly. I'm not yet convinced that a MH would be better all around than our 5th wheel.
I was never a fan of the ALL RANKS CLUB. Each club was it's own little world for for each group to express themselves. I feel it was healthy for each group to be able to do that as long as everyone understood "get it off your chest an then obey your orders". Hard to do that in mixed company without getting in trouble.

whodo:
I hear the rain is bad out there in places. Hope you have a safe trip to Yuma. It should be a little warmer there. Where do you like to camp while at Yuma?

fixit:
How is the situation on the Grapevine? CNN has stopped telling us anything, the last I heard people were stranded in there vehicles for up to 8 hours. Did that front have any effect on you or your area up there?

ladyliberty:
How's the war department doing today? Hope your not snowed in with the front that was headed your way last evening. It looked like it could be bad with some ice. I can deal with the snow, don't like that ice.

justbill:
How are you doing Marine? Hope all is well. By the way, do you have a preference on how we address you or is justbill OK?

Good day to all.

Enjoying the USMC thread.

billcolleen

01-26-2008, 06:30 PM

Ist Sgt: Don't much care how I am addressed. Probably prefer to just be called Bill. Interesting that apparently the EM club structure has changed. Whila @ Marine Barracks in Bremerton, Wash. We had one club for the enlisted ranks. But the officers would sometimes visit for a quick one on the way home. Great duty stattion. Conversely, at Lejeune we had Em clubs, Staff nco clubs, and of course Officer clubs. The Staff nco clubs were always the better of the three.

I'm fine, and beginning to come to terms with my new situation. I've had a lot worse events to deal w/in my life than this. It's just a little late in life to be starting over. I'll survive.

Good luck to all, and hope we all meet sometime.

Former SSgt Bill White 1103197 50 - 60

whodo

01-26-2008, 08:31 PM

1stsgt
The Grapevine opened up a few days ago and the storm that is headed that way now, will be a warmer more tropical storm and the snow level will be much higher.
The rain is badly needed out here in the desert. The storm we have coming in will actually be a tropical warm rain and it will pass through Yuma before it gets here. Yes we will be camping in Yuma (going to be at Pilot Knob BLM). We spend at least 6mos. a year in the MH traveling, actually the Better Half would just as soon travel full time if she could get the doctors to let her.

Bill
From all the weather maps I have been looking at, it appears that you are going to get a real soaker from this storm that is coming in. Stay dry and healthy.

granet

01-26-2008, 09:47 PM

1st. Sgt.-firstly let me correct a misconception by non rocky mtn. living folks;
Chinook- warm wind from the south west bringing radical changes in temperatures to the foothill regions of the rocky mountains - from the blackfoot tongues meaning snow eater and therefore not a moho-ill never give up my pilgrim especially after seeing the new models at the rv show last night- no comparison to my model in fit and finish!
Secondly- although i must admit i did enjoy to some degree the pomp and circumstance of the officers mess at dining ins and such -the special time relaxing with my guys after a long and difficult patrol was most important and sorely missed by me- i know youre gonna say us long range recon types were a slightly bent bunch to start with- point taken!
whodo- my jealousy of your lifestyle is without bounds -my only recourse is to join you- she(war dept.) is in agreement therefore we hope to see you in arizona next year- we usually stay at the islander rv park in lake havasu
fixit -i hope to be spending much of next winter chasing striped bass all over lake havasu and therefore will join your ranks in the appreciation of a fine afternoon spent chasing wiley scaled and finned creatures all over and if one or two of them is stupid enough to get caught -so be it!
thats about all from the great white north at this time -motor safe and hunker down during the upcoming blizzards and monsoons if far enough south
regards
Granet
17/21 Lancers
SEAC 1962-64

whodo

01-26-2008, 11:31 PM

granet
We've been invited back next year to the RV Show so we will be in AZ during most all of Jan 09.
Let us know when you are going to be at Lake Havasu next year we will try and make it over there and share a cold one with you and even let you teach us how to catch those Wiley striped bass, we try but our luck is something to be desired when it comes to getting lucky catching them.

ladyliberty

01-27-2008, 08:37 AM

Yes it is true, my fingers have defrosted and I am once more able to type. No doubt about it, it has been very very cold here of late. The funniest thing (and not haha funny) is when you actually feel springtime warmth and the temp is still below freezing with snow and that dreaded ice on the ground!

After sufferring several days of 10's and 12's we hit our lowest of -2 which was really really cold! Had to go to the barn extra times to feed the horses so they could keep their body heat up..The rv is a real hit at the stables in this weather! Although we had on many layers of clothes, you just can't stay very long in the barn without warming up for a few minutes in between. And then the temp took an up swing from -2 to 31 the next day (still below freezing point but OMG how warm it felt! After several days of the low temps 31 feels warm enough that you don't even wear your coat...WEIRD>>>but true! My oldest child is 16 and I've had to spend a lot of time driving her places she would normally drive to or ride with friends, but since it warmed up enough it was able to snow and then it warmed up enough to rain.. and then of course it got colder which meant..ICE....so no driving for the teen, not in ice!

I am so homebound I cannot stand it...I long for Spring Break...I've got the fever to travel and find the sun...It just can't come soon enough! I keep looking at that calendar thinking how many more days until I can make a brake for it!

Glad everyone else is doing well and that Bill is adjusting to the single life..Bill it is never too late to "start over" just be glad your engine is still running!

I am so envious of all you full-timers and part-timers...quess I am just a quarter-timer....who wants to be more...but until I get my kids grown I suppose I'm grateful to enjoy what I do.

Hope you all are safe, dry, and warm where ever your travels take you!

billcolleen

01-27-2008, 09:17 AM

Wow: Sunny, Southern California: I don't think so. We are getting the "soaker" you mentioned. It's coming down in buckets. I am hunkered down in the motor home, and all is well. It doesn't rain very often here, but when it does, Watch out.

Oh well, at least it isn't freezing out. The temp. is about 40 low, and 65 high. Not bad. No ice or snow. (lot's of it in the surrounding mountains).

Keeping the thread "alive" Hope everyone is well.

Bill

whodo

01-27-2008, 11:24 AM

I realize this is totally off topic, but being weather seems to be the main item everyone is mentioning, I thought I would give everyone a link to the National Weather Ser. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/ If you go to this site and enter your "City,State " you will be able to get all the same info that your local TV weather reporter, reports from. You will find that if you click on the different links/maps etc. that you can get information that the news doesn't even bother to report, and be able to plan better in advance with more current information.

fixit

01-27-2008, 11:47 AM

Hi all;
The chinook rolled in here a couple days ago and I was out in the garage BBQ'ing last night. Today- fog and rain,oh well, it just might clear up enough to go run the creeks( yaquina) for a day or so

granet:
in my early years we used what was called a" slop chute" ,beer was 5 cents a btle and never in your wildest dreams would an officer come near the" slop". They were off limits to every one above the rank of sgt.
The USMC was very much segerated by rank and the only time the upper ranks could invade was when the duty SNCO/Officer made his rounds. The "slop chute" was a sanctuary for the EM. The same held true for SNCO and Officer clubs.This was in the days when you were not allowed to have civillian clothiing on base. You had " arrived" when you were assigned to a unit that allowed you to have civies in your locker, usualy in your 2nd year of service

tid bit:
when I was promoted to S/Sgt.( it was not just for me) our Group Commander( aviation) had a Mess night for the group SNCO/Officer"s, never have I been so formaly ineberated.

Have tried the southern bass fishing and just could not get into it. fresh water fish seem to be wimps compaired to salt water. My salmon rod is about the thickness of my little finger and is 7'6" long, my fresh water is the thickness of a pencil lead and 3' long .Now having said all that I envey you in your fishing endevers.Remember a bad day fishing, is just about the tops.:)

Remembering my former winters in the south west( Yuma Az.) am glad that we are here ( Oregon) this week insted of in the rain of the south.At least we are geo-situated to deal with massive amounts of water in short periods of time( floods aren't that bad in the vally,just really wet)

Bill:
when you get to Florida you gotta try shark fishing, what a blast! My last time out I caught a 13 footer. That was a real fun day. I lived in Homestead at that time and we went to "The Key's" almost every week end.

I know this is an RV site but, what can I say? RV'ing is just a very convient way to go fishing and stay longer in a modicum of comfort.Besides the boat is easier to pull with a 460 than a 3.0L.( towed)

again ,safe travels to all and have a G'Day
fixit

ladyliberty

01-30-2008, 12:38 AM

It's been a little quite here so thought I'd chime in. Things have been rough at my stick house the last few days makes me want to hit the road even sooner than Spring Break time. Bill, I'm feeling your situation. Hope things are well. THE WAR DEPT IS IN FULL FORCE THESE DAYS AND WILL TAKE NO LIVE PRISONERS..BEWARE!!!!

fixit

01-31-2008, 10:44 AM

I was scrolling in the past post"s trying to locate a particular post in referance to a MARINE web site and did not locate it. So for all MARINES who may be interested , look this one up. It is about ,for, and by MARINES. This contains some very interesting sea stories of past/present/future MARINES with a weekley news letter. Interesting.

www.grunt.com
www.sgt grit.com

Our chinook was in and out so fast it was like it never arrived at all. The morning was a tropical flow ,in the afternoon it was an artic one.Just wish it would settle down long enough to get the new windows in this stick house.

Anyway, just wanted to mention the grunt web site to all the MARINES .
(I need to stop posting before my first cuppa in the morning, can't spell for beans)

ALL: have a great day and

safe travels
fixit:D

laws4558

01-31-2008, 10:06 PM

Hi, I new to the RV site and was very happy to see other Marines are out there. USMC 1962- 68. I fly the USMC flag proudly. Two tours over seas. 1st 13 mo on West Pac as a grunt and the 2nd in the wonderful country of Viet Nam with Tango Security for the 1st Marine Air Wing at Da Nang. Retired cop after 30 years, bought 35 foot MH and now going to do some serioius RV'ing cross counrty from Calif. to DC and points North and south. I'll be monitoring this site just to hear how everyone is doing and hear about what adventures your'e having.

1stsgt

02-01-2008, 03:26 AM

Hello Everyone,

law4558:
Welcome aboard Marine (Once a Marine always a Marine). We don't have a lawman participating on the USMC thread that I know of so glad to have you. Feel free to join in and enjoy the comraderie. We look forward to your input.

libertylady:
It sounds like you have a bad case of cabin fever. That's what winter will do to you. It's so much better to be outdoors in nice weather with plenty of fresh air and elbow room. It's not good to have the WAR DEPARTMENT out in full force. LOL Hang in there, spring will be here before we know it.

fixit:
Sorry to hear your chinook departed so quick. From what you said, your weather wasn't to good either. Well, hope you chased/caught enough for a good chow call. Thanks for sharing the Grunt web sites, lots of good stories. By the way, I thought you did good for not having a cup of java yet. LOL

For anyone interested in some good military action videos go to:

http://shock.military.com/shock/videos

It's good free entertainment, try it!

Keeping the USMC thread alive and on top!

murffdog

02-01-2008, 08:34 AM

Right now, sleet and freezing rain, 4 more days and I'm out of here. 3 weeks in St Kitts, come home for 1 week, stock up the MH and head south, down and around FL until the grass turns green. (guess I better charge up the laptop)

fixit

02-01-2008, 09:56 AM

laws4558:
welcome to the thread. You seem to have followed a carear path that a lot of marines follow. i also retired from law-enforcement after 25.Now I am a carear goer-loafer-fisherman. My moto now is " If it looks like work, smells like work, talks like work--- I am not interested."

Now having said that gotta get up and get started on installing the new windows, rain or not.Some day I am gonna sell this place for a gazillon what evers and go fishing. :rolleyes:

1stSgt
I had just booted up and the grunt news letter came in first and I got to wondering how many had visited that web, so posted it.
As for fishing , one can never chase enough salmon, how ever one can catch enough of those thing's.:p
murfdog:
ya better get down to St.Kits before you turn into an ice bar. Any way have a great time and thaw out , maby by the time you get back it will have gotten better in your area.
well one more cuppa and then into the fray again.
safe travels
fixit:D

ladyliberty

02-01-2008, 06:20 PM

sleet, freezing rain, snow and horrid winds....currently...but on the upside Tuesday we should see a high around 65...get out the bikini's!!!!

Yes the cabin fever is bad, bad, bad..but what is worse is that the WAR Department has been activated because the old man got caught having an affair and the WAR DEPT want's to kill but I just settled on booting his a** out...course he's crying to get back in...but I'm to pissed not to mention hurt just yet to even consider the idea. That was why I made the previous comment about "feeling Bill" in an earlier post. OH Well...life takes many paths and detours...

Welcome to the newest participant Marine/Cop now retired. Welcome, enjoy your travels and this thread hope to see you post your experiences.

Holding out hope for better warmer weather here and safe travels to everyone else...Jamie

leeman

02-01-2008, 11:48 PM

Good evening fellow Marines and of course others that have joined in.
Welcome to the board laws4558.
1stSgt, looks like fixit and I both join laws4558 as former law enforcement. However, I did'nt make a career of it. As I had stated previously, my career was as an Aviation Inspector for the federal government, but before I retired from there, I worked evenings as a Deputy Sheriff, then after I retired I worked full time as a Deputy Sheriff until my wife retired in August of 07, then I just up and turned in my resignation so we could travel. Ended up with 16 years with them. Actually, I still "carry a card", which means I am still deputized, but do not actively work.
We are in Medina Lake Thousand Trails for a few more days until we continue our trip to Arizona. We will not be home until around the end of February or early March. Love that retirement.
Bill and Lady Liberty, sorry about your situations. We just had our 38th, and now it is too late to get rid of her if I wanted to.
Leeman

laws4558

02-02-2008, 01:55 AM

1stSgt thanks for letting me join the crew. I was shopping for information on tow bars, base plates, etc and found this site first. Reading all the memories of the Corps, C-rats. etc brought back a lot of good and some not so good memories.

As I said I am planning a cross country trip from Eureka, Calif.on the ocean, 250 miles north of San Francisco, to the east coast. I have plans to see some old Marine Corps buddies on the trip. We have stayed in touch over the past 40 years and even had the time to see each other once. I am really looking forward to seeing them again and talking about all the fun we had and the heartache of loosing a few friends.

I am still looking for advise on if I should hook up a supplemental braking system to tow my 2004 Ford Explorer Spor Trach. It weighs 4200 pound. If anyone out there could shed some light on this I would very much appreciate it.

I would love to attend the rally if it comes together and I am around. My beautyful wife and I will be leaving the MH at an RV park in Tampa, FL on July 5 and getting on a cruise ship for a 5 day cruise to Mexico, so anytime after about the 15th of July I will make it a point to be there.

On the thread one of you Marines said you were one of the first to land at Chu Li. in 1965. My brother was with the airwing, launch / recovery, there in 1965 and helped put the runway together so you may have been there when we was. Let me know and I'll give him your name. Small world. He is retired now and lives in Gulfport, MS.

Well enough about me......Stay safe......Simper Fi

calliopeguy

02-04-2008, 07:37 AM

IstSGT - My wife just got back from sick bay and surgery seems to be the only option for a wacked up achilles tendon. Because of work schedules and weddings etc it appears the surgery will probably be during the camping season. Therefore I'm unfortunately gonna have to bail out of the offer to head up a rally since I don't know if we will be able to even go camping...kinda difficult to hobble around an RV with a leg cast...talking from experience...she's had surgery twice before on the same Achilles tendon and we now have switched surgeons since he apparently hasn't finished his training program...even though he's close to retirement. So I would sure like to see if someone else would be willing to get something done with the rally. If my wife can get off the "sick, lame. lazy" list we would love to attend.
Ken
1854977

fixit

02-05-2008, 10:26 AM

calliopeguy;
wish your wife well and hope all turns out for the better for you both, get well soonest

leeman:
long time no see, welcome back

ladyliberty:
hope you have gotten less cool at your place, we are getting more like spring here in the valley and after having the new windows installed it is rather comfortable in this Ol' stick house. we had the alum frame windows from the 70's and ,wow ,what a differance after we replaced them. I can hear the elect bill falling now.

bill:
you doing all right? you must be making smoke out of dinasour remains,haven't seen you in a while.

ALL MARINES:
have found a new book that I reccomend.
AMERICAN SPARTANS
author:James A Warren
ISBN#978-1-4165-3297-2
price;$7.99us
this is a book about the history of the Corps and the values we are all taught in boots and as we progressed in our service time.again I highly reccomend it to all.

granet:
you would enjoy this one also,at least I hope you would(LOL):)

Now to more mundane items: have to run threw the rain room and get on with putting in a new patio door so I can call quits to that project.
TTFN and to all Semper Fi,
safe travels and have a G'day
fixit:D

billcolleen

02-05-2008, 04:35 PM

Bill here again. Sorry for the lull. Thanks for the kind words fixit. Yes I am OK. This too shall pass (as they say). Sure didn't plan on being in this situation this late in life. Damn her anyway. Little depressing, but time will heal the wounds..

Ladyliberty: Sorry to hear about your situation, but I sure do identify w/you. Wish there were some profound words of wisdom I could lay on you to make it earier. But, I don't think there are any. It just plain stinks.

I wasn't raised to treat marriage so casually. I just don't understand the "new" society we are living in, drugs, body piercing, drive by shootings. street gangs, etc.

I'm still in Palm Springs Ca., and will be returning to Oregon this Spring, and then on to Fl. in the Fall. I am still hoping that at least some of us can "get together" somewgere as we travel.

I also spent a "few" years in law enforcement after I was discharged in 1960. I was a patrolman in the suburbs of Phila. Liked the job OK, but the pay was very bad. Lots of politics.

I promise to pay closer attention to this sight. I am really enjoying it, and I really need friends right now. Thanks all.

fotmer Marine, SSgt Bill White 1103197 50 - 60

ladyliberty

02-05-2008, 07:16 PM

with life that is...

It was warmer here today, did not get 65 as told by the newsman but at 58 it sure felt good, unfortunately though it rained all day with horrible downpours and no sign of the sun anywhere at all. Oh well, now it time for another cold snap and I beleive I heard the dreaded Snow word again. I hope not, but we are inching closer to spring....

Bill, thanks for the understanding...yep, life can just plain out stink at times..I am getting through this and will emerge stronger for it...but the details are too fresh as of yet to make decisions regarding exactly what I will do in the long run...Didn't plan on any major life style changes either at this point in my life and frankly I was very very happy with HIM in general..but right now...well remember Lorena Bobbit?? I could identify with her style of justice right now....well only in my imagination that is...I'm not violent and I'm really just trying to rise above it as well...I still have a 16yr old to get into college in 2 years and a 7yr old to raise..so I must keep a level head...

If I were anywhere near Palm Springs, I offer to buy you a drink and we could toast a new path...

Hope everyone is well...and safe...Glad to here from the new members...

granet

02-06-2008, 06:53 AM

Guys just a thought now that the clippers have finally passed and i can finally get out from under -40 plus weather- why dont the guys that want to rally join the rest of us at Branson labor day its reasonable and in the middle - if you do contact geothom on this site and book your sites weve room for 50.
fixit -thanks for the info on the book ill try to find it

Guys i must appologise for being so tardy what with site problems and the weather its been a while since i last posted.
just to let you know im still around snoopin and p**pin
regards
Granet 17/21Lancers
Seac 1962-64

billcolleen

02-06-2008, 03:10 PM

Too bad you aren't in the Palm Springs area Ladyliberty. I would gladly take you up on that offer of a drink, and comiserate w/each other about our recent misfortunes. I could definately use a soft shoulder to cry on. I too understand your "daydreams about emulating leona Babbit" Hmm, I wonder what a man "cuts off".

To all on this site: I for one, would welcome a meeting in Branson on Labor Day. (or maybe the week after, as it will be very crowded that weekend). In any case I would really like to meet everyone on this site face to face. Not only do we have a lot in common, but everyone seems to be the kind of person I would like to get to know better.

I'll be looking closely for more posts.

Former SSgt Bill White USMC 1103197 billw@teleport.com

granet

02-06-2008, 05:10 PM

Billcolleen et al ,

the rally site at Branson has already been booked for myRVsite and is $300 dollars for 5 days camping at Americas best campground.These fees are included in the price and also include a catered roast beef dinner a catered breakfast and a hillbillie party. All sites are full service and there is even a rig wash there. I am the wagonmaster and geothom the treasurer all members are welcome but as most of us are ex service a common thread already exists. There is too many things to mention outside of the above but for registration forms and reservations please contact geothom on this site his site is open to all for viewing and so is mine!
regards
Granet (3479939s)
17/21 Lancers
Seac 1962-64

granet

02-06-2008, 05:16 PM

Thats myRvspace rally my fingers wont work and neither will my brain for all the cold weather. And for those who are in the path of the storms please be careful out there!
Regards
Granet

ladyliberty

02-06-2008, 10:18 PM

the hope that all travelers will take cover if they are anywhere near these storms. We have severe wind here again tonight in the middle between Cincinnati and Dayton. These storms are blowing all over the Eastern USA though..so please be careful out there folks...

Bill..thanks for comisurating with me...I would suppose a man has two choices on what to cut off...but since I am not a violent or vindictive person at all....I won't be doing any cutting at all..just a small passing fantasy at the moment in time....

The rally at Branson sounds great...how fun it would be to attend...I've never gone to Branson but it is only about 9 hours from me...perhaps????

Again, I hope everyone is safe from the storms.

billcolleen

02-07-2008, 09:40 AM

Hi Ladyliberty. I'm not violent either (maybe in my fantasies), in fact, I don't even dislike her. I am beginning to realize how much better off I am without her.

Branson sounds great. Not sure if the idea of an "organized" rally, w/prepaid banquets, etc. appeals to mke or not. And the timing (holiday w/e) causes some concern, but the idea of getting together w/the members of this thread is very appealing. And I will be looking forward to hearing from the rest of you out there regarding your feelings, and acceptance of this plan. Especially 1st Sgt, and fixit.

Hoping that everyone from the areas ravaged by the recent tornados has come through it OK. Very nasty weather this Winter.

Been cold at nights here, but the daytime temps are nice. We get some high winds at times. But overall the Palm Springs area is a good place to be in the Winter.

Hope everyone is well.

Bill

1oleman

02-08-2008, 03:45 PM

Hi, x-AF here 63-73 got tired or going overseas-Pacific- and got out. Really enjoyed reading all the posts.Best wishes to all ex-military out there. Ed 14817396

1stsgt

02-10-2008, 01:36 AM

Hello Everyone,
Just want to let everyone know that we are still here after the tornados came through. We live near Jackson, TN where the university was destroyed. It got a little rough around here but we are OK.
I will try to make time to catch up soon.

1oleman:
Welcome aboard! Feel free to join in. What did you give 10 years of your life doing in the USAF?

To all of our Lawmen:
I didn't intend to disregard anyone's honorable law enforcement duty. Please accept my apology if I offended anyone. I was referring to active duty military police duty when I made my comment to laws4558.

bill & ladyliberty:
Hang in there, we are your friends.

Keeping the USMC thread alive.

billcolleen

02-10-2008, 09:16 AM

Very glad to hear from you 1st Sgt, and equally glad to hear that you "weathered" the storm alright.

Time is having miraculous healing powers. At this point all I miss is the companionship. It does get lonely rattling around in the motor home by yourself. This thread helps. I guess I'll just have to find someone to share a bag of popcorn with.

I am really watching the postings close to see if there is any serious interest in all (or most) of us meeting somewhere. (I don,t much care where).

It looks like you have really started something 1st Sgt. This is one of the more active threads on this web site. Nice going. If you want something done right. Give it to the Marines. (or their affiliates).

Lady liberty: I hope all is well with you. Keep the faith. you know the adage "one door closes, another opens etc. - etc." I know that cliche's don't help much, but time, and outlets such as this web/thread will.

Have a good day everyone.

Former SSgt Bill White 1103197 B-1-7 1stmardiv.

leeman

02-10-2008, 06:19 PM

Hi 1stSgt. I as well am glad you missed the worst of the storm.
About the lawman bit, I wasn't offended in the least. Just mentioned to let you know "been there, done that" Don't have the t-shirt though. Did keep the pants and the hat. He! He!
We are spending the night at a campground in Benson, Arizona. Been on the road for two weeks now, and probably will be out about three more.
Greetings to all our other forum friends as well!
Lee

1oleman

02-11-2008, 08:26 AM

I was an aircraft electrican. 3rd AD on Guam when we started flying missions to RVN. Stupid not to have kept up with the good men I served with. Not sorry that I got out just miss the people who had good scense.

laws4558

02-11-2008, 11:58 PM

Hey I need some help on answering a question. I will be towing a 4200 pound Ford Explore Sport Trac behind my motor home and would like to know if any- one out there can give me some advise if I should have a supplemental braking system put on the motor home. I have gotten yes from some and no from others. So if anyone out there tows something please give me some help. The motor home is a 36' gas, 2007 Fleetwood Feista LX.

Sometime soon I'll take the time to tell you the story of my first 1 1/2 hours driving the motor home. Keep in mind I had never even sat in the seat of one before I drove it off the lot. I know how dumb that is but you know Marines.We can do anything........Thanks....Lonnie

ladyliberty

02-12-2008, 08:36 AM

Laws4558 (hope I got that correct)...I can't help you in towing anything...all I ever have in tow is a bunch of kids.....although I only have 2 (1=16 and 1=7 1/2) they have friends and they seem to multiply until all the beds are filled when we crank the rv up! But I must admit I would not have it any other way! I love my children and they are darn good kids in general and I like knowing where mine are and being a part of thier lives!

1stsgt... Thanks for the thoughts... I really appreciate them, it means alot. The road is rocky right now with lots of twists and turns but I am hanging in there for sure. Some of the best times I've ever had is when I left the beaten path for a unexpected turn in the road...and well I'll just follow this new road and see where it heads...it may eventually lead back to our own home, but I'm just not so sure right now, and I don't think it is hurting my husband to find out what living with out us is really like..seems he wanted out of the house mighty bad until now he is and he isn't liking it so much....OH well Cake and Ice Cream theory or Grass is Greener theory, take your pick...But for now the girls are adjusting and seeing him regularly, and although I'm still hurt and pissed to say the least, we are civil to each other and talking.

Bill...Keep your chin up and I'm sure someone will be eating popcorn out of your hand soon...and Thanks to you as well for the thoughts..they always mean ever so much to you when you know the other person is going through the same thing.

Leeman and 1oleman....Keep it safe, glad to have you both with us.

Speaking of the weather and the storms...well we have had brutal cold again for two days single digits with wind chills of -2 to -6... and then yesterday it warmed up enough to snow last night/this morning. We were supposed to get 3 to 6inches of the fluffy stuff with sleet and ice on top starting around 2am on early this am but all we got so far is about 2 inches...nothing major...but they did close the schools and university...which we planned for...of all the snow last year and this...we have not had a good sledding snow..so with this promise of snow and school out we got the rv ready (it stays ready really) but we loaded the sleds, hot chocolate, etc...and we were ready for an all out sled party to a local hill but nope...there isn't enough snow and the quality of it wouldn't carry the sled...Dang.. I wanted the snow this time! Being a big kid at heart...I wanted to sled...I love it...we have so much fun sledding but...not yet...dang, dang, dang.....

Oh well...till next time...I wish everyone well...

whodo

02-12-2008, 07:59 PM

laws4558
To answer your question on a Toad Brake system; By law, no you do not need one in the United States, although Canada is a different story, in Canada they are required by law.
Now, do you need one? Think of it as a insurance policy, the Toad brake system is simply a insurance policy of additional help stopping especially in that "PANIC STOP" when some one cuts in front of you and stops in the middle of the road to make a left turn or watch the butterflies cross the highway ((Yes I actually had a person come to a dead stop from 60 plus mph to keep from hitting a swam of butterflies that were slowly making there way across the highway. That incident made me a firm believer in Toad Braking systems. Personally I will never be with out one, when towing.))

1oleman
Glad to see another Air Force representative posting here.

1stsgt
Good to hear that you made it through the storms ok.

ladyliberty
Be careful what you wish for when it comes to SNOW, you might get more than you want or need.

Bill
Wondering if you were rocked around by the earth quakes of the past few days? They sure gave us a good rocking (only 5.1 shakers, epic center approx 15 miles south of Mexicali) we were only about 20 miles or so from the epic center at the time they hit.

We are back across the boarder in the U.S. now, just came across at Lukeville, AZ. today and going to spend the next couple of days at Organ Pipe Cactus Nat. Mon./Park.

billcolleen

02-13-2008, 10:33 AM

Still keeping the faith here, and enjoying the posts. Just met a nice "young" (75) lady that is staying in the park , and am enjoying her company (Colleen who?)

No, we didn't feel the earthquakes here. We are about 100 miles N. of the border. I just attended a lecture on the California "faults" (there are several), and we were told that we are stradling the San Andreas fault. How comforting.

The weather here is great, and shorts are the "uniform of the day".

Keep the posts coming.

former SSgt Bill White USMC

fixit

02-16-2008, 07:12 PM

Hi to all:
just got back from the coast to do a little stick house business and noticed the thread is getting low on the totem pole.
We are having summer this week in Oregon and I have been making good use of it. As all oregonians know we have two weeks of summer and two weeks of winter, the rest is rain. We must be getting our summer early as it is purfect fish chasing weather.
Ran into an Iwo Jima vet at the coast the other day and , to say the least, he was a very interesting and informative gentleman. He served from 39 to 47. wonderfull and full of information of the OLD CORPS.

Bill:
don't eat to much pop corn,OK?

1stSgt :
as an aside to the thread I was invited to the next Oregon Navel Academy Grads, USMC birth day ball. A retired Maj who attends my church here, another interesting and plesant fellow who served with the arty in his time( between RVN and the sandbox). We have another fellow who is a Col.USA- who is alerted to go back to Bagdad in April. He is in the army reserve and is a grunt by trade.Amazing what you find out when you talk with people around you and as (amazement on my part) iI found out a couple weeks ago, I have a new neighbour who is a retired (recent) Army 1stSgt. Havent gotten to talk with him much as he is at work when we come by the housefrom time to time.

well, gotta run and readjust the logestics in the buggy as we are off again Monday morning for the north central coast, can't run out of beer,beans ,bacon and lures, especially the latter.
Every one who I did not address directly, I appoligise for not doing so but do acknowledge you all and wish all of the gang
safe travels
fixit:D

billcolleen

02-16-2008, 10:50 PM

Good to hear from you fixit. Watching the popcorn closely.

New friend is just that, a "friend". I had almost forgot how frustrating relationships are out there in the "single" world. Having a hard time adjusting to the "new" life. A little like being on a rollercoaster. lots of ups and downs.
Need to find some stability. Not much stability out here.

Getting e-mails from garnet re: the meeting in Branson. Not comfortable w/the timing. I would like to meet somewhere obscure around Oct. near the center of the country (Kansas, Mo., Iowa, Ok., ). Somewhere where we can socialize w/out distraction, and easy on the pocket book. Any thoughts out there?

Great weather here in Indio. mid 70's and lots of sun.

This thread is a big help. Thanks all for the support.

Former SSgt. Bill White, 1103197

Fixit. Boy, your friend is from the "old Corps" Iwo Jima huh. Very impressive. Sure would enjoy talking to him. Makes me feel like a "boot"

laws4558

02-16-2008, 11:52 PM

WhoDo

Thanks for he information. I deceided I'm going to put a system on my motor home. My older brother, who is a truck driver, said I was crazy if I didn't. Not sure which one yet.........any idea's for a gas motor home? Thanks again....Lonnie....:) :)

ladyliberty

02-17-2008, 07:59 AM

Still enduring the cold weather here in the BUCKEYE State....although once again it warmed up yesterday evening to the low 40's from the low 20's...still lots of frozen slick ice laying around here that just keeps re-freezing at night...lots of snow piles left on street corners and parking lots as well....Currently it is 43 and raining....and we are expected to have rain all day with evening thunder storms....we did see a couple of cold but bright sunny days this week. The kind where if you sit in the car the sun magnifies (sp) and the inside temp of the car makes you think it is really warm out...feels wonderful! at least until you open the car door up and realize yep! it's still only 20 out there! So enough bit*hing about the weather...I know Spring is just around the corner.....It will get here eventually....

I cannot wait to plan an adventure and be "under way" once again...We have Spring break from school coming up March 22 - 29 hoping to make a trip somewhere warmer ...the week after that the High School Marching Band goes to Disney for a week to play in the Parade...I've been asked to be a bus chauffer (which I do during football/marching band season) but I am really thinking that maybe just maybe I will go but NOT RIDE the bus...Surely Florida must be warmer...but then again you never know....wait 5 minutes there and the weather will change as they say...

Hoping all are well...and Bill a great place in Iowa is Amana Colonies....I enjoyed going there a few years back but did not RV then so I don't know about the ammenities for rv's but it's a quaint nice place to visit...

Counting the days and weeks until warmer weather here...

Ladyliberty (aka: Jamie)

whodo

02-17-2008, 10:48 AM

laws4558
Here is a couple of links to very good info on braking systems
http://www.viprv.com/index2.html
http://www.openroadsforum.com/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/13200019.cfm

Personally we are using a "NEW" not on the market as yet braking system, "I'm being a test dummy" putting this new system through all types of severe situations and reporting the results, once the test period is over I will be able to report to everyone my opinion of it.

ladyliberty
I found your snow!!!! We got up yesterday morning to find that everything was white with snow, I thought it wasn't supposed to snow in Southern AZ (Oracle, AZ).

fixit
enjoy chasing the fish, just be sure and leave a couple for us to catch in a couple of months when we finally make it back to that area.

Bill
How about sending some of that nice warm sunshine a little east and south. We're still trying to figure out who's bright idea it was to come here. LOL

To everyone else be safe and stay warm, warmer weather is coming sooner or later.

ladyliberty

02-17-2008, 05:42 PM

You can keep my snow...it would melt before getting here and since the temps warmed up today to rain really hard, it melted what we had left lying around since just this am. I suppose that puts me out of the mood for snow. But Thanks for letting me know where my snow went.

leeman

02-17-2008, 09:09 PM

whodo
We missed your snow. We were in Mesa,Az and all we had was a little rain. We are now in Verde Valley and cool in evenings but nice and clear during daytime. Drove up to Sedona to see the red rock area today, also visited several national monuments in the area.
Heading east on I-40 Tuesday, if don't get caught in any bad weather at the high altitude passes.
All have a good week. Lee

papahog

02-17-2008, 09:43 PM

whodo

02-18-2008, 11:01 AM

leeman
Wish we would of know that you were in Mesa (Suburb of Phoenix) we would of stopped and had a cup of coffee with you on our way over to Tucson.
Depending upon your travel dates you may run into some snow.
Here is a link to the Nat. WX. Ser. just enter the towns you are going to travel through and it will give you the weather predictions for the next 7 days http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/

papahog
You shouldn't have any problems on I-40 in April, just watch the weather forecast for any late season snow. The highway itself doesn't have any grades or turns that will present any problems (Federal highways are limited to 6% max grade), it is a major trucking route. We travel it a couple of times a year going to and from Texas.

ladyliberty

02-20-2008, 02:09 PM

Where did everyone go?

WHODO>>>I thought I told you you could keep your snow...but I see from my window that we have another 3 inches of the white stuff here with more to fall yet. What's wrong you did not like the snow?

Hope everyone else is still out there and safe with all the bad weather plaguing the whole of the USA.

shoreman

02-20-2008, 05:30 PM

We're enjoying 70 degree weather in Texas while my daughter says it's snowing in Maryland. I'll take the 70s any day!!

lawdog905

02-20-2008, 05:42 PM

We're enjoying 70 degree weather in Texas while my daughter says it's snowing in Maryland. I'll take the 70s any day!!

I dislike people in 70 degree weather when I am freezing my tater hole off. I am so looking forward to warm weather. Can you fax some of that 70 degrees to Kentucky??

1stsgt

02-21-2008, 01:11 AM

Hello Everyone,

lawdog905:
Welcome aboard, glad to have your input and hope you stick around to enjoy the USMC thread.

shoreman:
I'm with you, I'll take the 70 degree weather anytime over this 22 degree crap with freezing rain turning to snow here in TN. tonight.

Libertylady:
It sounds like your doing just fine, at least I hope I'm reading your posts correctly. I've always heard that a bit*hing woman is a happy woman. Ha! Ha! Ha! Couldn't resist. I too can hardly wait till spring is here. Our buttercups started blooming a few days ago and tonight it's freezing rain?! Go figure! I hope your dealing with your situation at home with a positive attitude and that you continue having fun RVing. I'm looking forward to meeting you some day, hopefully at our 1st USMC Rally. I don't know anything about Amana Colonies but will try to Goggle it. I tend to agree with Bill in that we should meet somewhere obscure and keep it as inexpensive as we can for everyone.

Bill:
Hang in there it gets better, pop small portions of popcorn. You can always pop more if you need to... know what I mean? LOL I'm glad your having warm weather, you don't need cold and depressing weather on top of what your dealing with. Enjoy the PT attire!

fixit:
That's exciting, it's not every day that one gets a chance to talk with an Iwo Jima vetran. If I'm not mistaking he would be about 90 years old. It's great that he was out and about feeling good enough to talk with people.
I can only think about what fun you will have attending a USMC Birthday Ball with Navel Academy Grads. Just watching them as they get hit in the head would be funny. You know they will want to hear some sea stories so be ready and have fun. I hope that you invited the USA Col. and the Maj. to join in here. When you meet the 1stSgt let him know about us too. Just a few days ago I made contact with a MGySgt Ret that lives in your neck of the woods somewhere. He is talking about going to the coast for a camping outing. Not sure where but I invited him to join us on the USMC thread.

To all I have not addressed, I hope your and yours are doing well wherever you are.

Thanks to all the USMC thread is alive and well... OOH-RAH!!!

billcolleen

02-21-2008, 10:36 AM

1st Sgt: Your estimate on the probable age of the Iwo vet got me wondering. I don't know if they were sending 17 year olds into combat at that time (1944), I know they didn't in Korea. (that kept me out of the reservoir). I went later, in 1952. But if he was 17 at the time he could be as young as 81 now. But more likely in his mid 80's. I'll bet he is a hoot to talk to.

Sure am sorry (lol) to read about all the inclement weather out there. As I am writing this response I am looking out the motor home window, and it is bright, and sunny, w/the temp @ 57. (it's still early morning). The forcasted high today is 70 degrees. But you don't want to be here in July/August. 120 degree days are "normal".

Starting to mentally make plans to get back on the road to Oregon. Probably sometime in April, or early May. Making plans is a lot easier when you are single. But I sure don't prefer being alone. Colleen and I are still talking to each other, but nothing has changed. The divorce will probably go to court in March. No one is contesting. I'll never allow myself to get in a position to go through this again.

To all who are interested in a "get-together" let's hear some specifics from the group, as to recommendations for where, and when. I would like to recommend either late Sept, or early Oct. I am not that familiar with the central states so how about some of you from the central part of the country chiming in w/parks that are available, incl. web addresses etc.

This site seems to be very active, and that is great. Lot's of nice folks here that I am anxious to meet in person. Keep up the chatter.

former SSgt Bill White 1103197 B-1-7 1st MarDiv

billecho9

02-21-2008, 06:36 PM

Are there any Marines (retired, prior service or active duty) on this website? As a retired Marine it's always good to communicate with other Marines.

Hi 1stSgt found the site OK , see that Billcolleen is heading out to my neck of the woods, here in the valley we are starting to get some nice weather. Good enough that I got my peas & lettice planted.Our first RV trip this season will be the 1st week of March & to the coast, we will have 7 - 10 rigs going. MGySgt Bill (Oregon)

fixit

02-21-2008, 09:11 PM

we are having summer earley here in Oregon, what a time on the coast, was it ever great, how ever, the fish were not going along with the program. I left quite a few for you whodo. just did not have my act togather.
You guys back east dig out of the snow yet? I have a gut feeling that we are not finnished with winter here in the valley but, I am really hoping we are. We have been in the mid to upper 50's and, to me , that is summer.especialy when the sun is out.We are forcast for rain tomorrow and I have found a leak in the buggy so came home to FIXIT,some day I am going to get a new one that I wont have to fix every time I turn around(LOL).( just like my boat)

1stSgt:
The gent I was talking about is 89 and was a PFC when,as he called it, demobed.he had some harrowing tales to tell. Made my time seem really tame compaired to his, but, he was sharp as a tack and had good recall of all the details that go to make up a MARINE.

Bill:
dont get in a hurry to come back as I am sure that it will be really wet before long, this week was a fluke but I really enjoyed it.

billecho9:
welcome to the thread nice to know that bill and I are not the only ones in Oregon. Where do you prefer on the coast? I normaly go to Lincoln City and stay on the siletz at coyote rock rv. just tried to make resv. for Sept and they were full up, had to settle for overflow. They still have dock space so will at least get a quick launch time, gotta love chasing salmon.

to all:
time to get with the routine of turnning in early as I can't sleep in tomorrow, realy need to get with it and hope I beat the rain with the 2nd patch.
semper fi to all and
safe travels
fixit

billecho9

02-22-2008, 12:51 PM

My preference, are the high lakes , as for the coast we go all over. The first of the mth will be goin just below Waldport & a private park, this time we are going with what I call the old farts club. Are you aware that service connected disabled OR Vets (any precentage) can get up to ten days free camping in Oregon St parks. I used it a couple times , helps off set fule cost.

fixit

02-22-2008, 06:45 PM

billecho9:
I am partial to Odel and Cultus ,Prineville and a few of the others are nice but it's either the coast or the cascades for me. We used to go to Newport rather freequently but" our old farts club "have gravitated to Lincoln City. The OLDEST guy doesnt like to drive very far(not me) so we tend to do the same place --often--and I am getting used to it.The fishing is good

billcoleen:
have given a lot of thought to the "gathering" and I cant seem to come up with a place that would be a central point for the east coast folks and "usens". Once you get west of Lincoln Coity ,Ne. it gets "fur and far " between drivable distances that are inexpensive and do-able. Will have to give it some more research and look around more. Gas is the stopper as it went,localy, to $3.25 to day and expected to go higher.
safe travels
fixit:D

P/S
I don't qualify for any of the park discounts. I have only lived in Oregon for 40 years, so I am still a "new guy".