[g'nad]

Tomorrow, friends, is my last day as an active duty Marine. This is what I sent to all my fellow Marines that I've served with, from Maj General to sergeant. This is a bittersweet time for me, so please forgive me if I get into a funjk... I just can't believe that come sundown on May 31st, 2003, I'll be a slimey civilian... no offense to you...

Here's what I sent...

Jacta alea est... The die is cast...

Marines,

It is with a heavy heart that I must announce my retirement from
our beloved Corps. I have accepted Medical Retirement, effective 1 June
2003.
For 15 years I have had the joy, honor, and distinct pleasure of
serving with best that this country has to offer. You have served with me
in the jungles, deserts, and mountains around this world, enduring
blistering heat and freezing cold. We have lived together, shared our food,
joys and sorrows... we have laughed together in memorable ports of call
over beers, and we have held each other as we've cried for fallen comrades.
We've shared sweat, blood and tears, and savored the rich taste of victory
and friendship. I will never forget you. You are my brothers, and I love
you all as only a fellow warrior can.
It grieves me to leave our ranks at this critical time in
history. But I can no longer contribute what the Corps needs and deserves.
I have striven hard to get back to full duty, to join you, my brothers, but
I have fallen short. For that, I ask your forgiveness.
I pray that I have given you the service you deserved. I can
honestly say I have been blessed to serve with such fine Marines. I will
cherish the times we've shared.
I pray that I have left the Corps a better Service. And I pray
that I've had a positive influence on you, and the Marines we've served
with.
I will depart Quantico and go on terminal leave 19 April. We
have bought a homestead on a hundred acres outside of Lebanon, Missouri. We
are expecting our third child, another boy, in mid May. I look forward to
the new life ahead, but I will forever feel a part of me is here, with you.
You are always welcome in my home. What's mine is yours. I will do my best
to keep in touch, but if you haven't heard from me, give me call and a kick
in the ass.

Again, I do not have the words to express what you all have meant
to me. Thank you, my brothers. Fair winds, and following seas.

Semper Fi,

Mat Bxxxxxx
Maj USMC
Crusher
Dingo One-Zero
Viking One-Zero
Hammer One-Zero

[g'nad]

I'm off to drink myself into a stupor...

[2Jedismom]

Wow. What a great post. Hard for me to read, and who am I?

You're gonna drink yourself into a stupor? Is there enough alcohol in the world?? From what Corin says, you hold your liquor pretty well!

[Wneighbor]

Gees. I don't like getting all sappy either. But, that really did it.

Well, I'm not a marine, never was in any service. And I don't know how things in service are done. So, I have to take the civilian standpoint and say,

I will stand up and take my hat off to you any day for the rest of your life because you've done what it took in your life to stand in the defense of my country. And for me, that means in the defense of my children, grandchildren and who-ever comes after them. But, more importantly, I feel you've stood in the defense of this country that was contrived for us by God. Made to be a cradle of liberty for His people and founded on a foundation of His Word.

If I was in the service I guess this is when you salute people. But, I'm more of a "I'm proud to shake your hand and call you a friend" person. And if any of your family is ever in need. I think it's us as civilians who are honor bound to be there for you. We need only know you have a need.

Thanks.

[HairOfTheDog]

I just can't believe that come sundown on May 31st, 2003, I'll be a slimey civilian... no offense to you...

Absolutely none taken, g'nad!

Thank you for sharing your retirement letter with us! I thought a lot about you when you were heading out that last day. I have cried before upon closing the door on chapters in my life that were nowhere near as honorable. You have led a remarkable life g'nad.

I do not underestimate how sad this is for you. But I truly hope you love your retirement on your wonderful place with your beautiful family. I hope you find it is no bad thing to celebrate a simple life.

[Overtaxed]

*Sniff*

[osagebowman]

G'nad - that was a wonderful tribute to your career and way of life; The warrior has sheathed his sword. As one door closes another is opened, you have blessings untold in family, friends, and home. You'll never be just a 'slimy civilian' like many of us, you'll always be a Marine. Thank you for your service on our behalf.

[Lil'freeper]

Wow, thank you for posting that. Thank you for your service, you 'done good'. Be sure to take a picture of yourself in uniform on your last day, maybe even one with the baby. It will be a special keepsake in the years ahead. I know you don't go much for that fluffy sentimental stuff, but trust me. We have a few pics of Big'ol's last day and they're already special to his kids.

[Corin Stormhands]

Thanks for posting that pal.

[SuziQ]

That's awesome g'nad. I sat here fahklempt reading your note. Those men must truly have considered it an honor serving with you. I know I consider it an honor just knowing you virtually, though Entmoot will rectify the virtual part. All the best to you and your family.

I'll be keeping you in my prayers this weekend, which, as you say, will be a hard one for you. Just love on that new little boy of yours and know that he and your other kids will have the distinct pleasure of having Dad around a lot during their growing up years.

[RosieCotton]

G'nad...very moving letter.

I don't know what else to say! Words fail me. I'm proud to know ya!