"I'll be home for Christmas".......

While I'll be home for Christmas, many of my fellow Marines will not be.  As this Christmas Eve winds down, I'm sitting at my desk, paging through the current edition of Leatherneck magazine reading about the heroic things that today's Marines are doing around the world.

Unfortunately, when I arrive towards the end of this edition, I come across the list of those Marines that have gone before me.  While it makes me sad, I know that they served the Corps to their last full measure and to them I say, "Thank You" for serving God, Country and Corps!"

For those of us that have served and been away for important events, you know that this time of year can be particularly difficult. I feel for the families with loved ones serving away from home. I especially feel for those that have lost loved ones.  I will keep them in my prayers.

That's it for now folks.  Remember those service members that are in harm's way.  They need your prayers and your blessings.

Merry Christmas and as always, Semper Fi!

That Time of Year!

Well, it's that time of year again.  We've already seen the commercials. We've already seen the decorations and heard the music.  Yes. The Holiday Season is here.  Uggghhh!

If you haven't started your Christmas shopping yet, you're already late.  But wait! Thanksgiving hasn't even taken place!  You're absolutely correct!  Did you get your turkey and all the, "fixins" yet? 

Just keep this in mind as you're about to break out the plastic. When purchasing gifts, think about what that person may really need. Don't buy another book, blouse, cup, stationary, poster, etc. just because you think they would like to have it. Think more practical.

I have already started looking around my house. What does my wife need? My children, my grandchildren? How about the family pet? Compare that with what they might already possess. It's like grocery shopping. Are you going to buy it and stick it in the freezer and forget about it?

I'd rather receive a gift I can use right away.  Ok, ok......I'm a t-shirt, undergarment, cloth handkerchief, socks, type of guy. But at least I'll start using them the following week.

Another suggestion, start clearing out stuff you haven't used in a while.  Tax season is also right around the corner and those donations to charitable organizations do help.

That's it from the homefront.

Oops.....One last thing.

Don't forget about our troops overseas. Don't forget about their families.  There are many organizations that will be assisting military families this year.  I know how it is to be away from home during the holidays. It is not a good feeling.  Just think what their families are feeling.

There you have it.

Have a great weekend!

Semper Fi