Vocal on War, Silent on Son's Service [McCain's son a Marine LCpl)

The New York Times ^ | Kantor | Jodi

[jude24]

Mr. McCain, now the presumptive Republican nominee, has staked his candidacy on the promise that American troops can bring stability to Iraq. What he almost never says is that one of them is his own son, who spent seven months patrolling Anbar Province and learned of his father’s New Hampshire victory in January while he was digging a stuck military vehicle out of the mud.

[Dick Vomer]

Being a Marine Lance Corporal in Iraq is a very hazardous job.

being a Marine in any FAO is a hazardous job.... usually for the enemy.

[Marine_Uncle]

"Godspeed to LCpl James McCain and his fellow Marines."
Amen to that.

[murron]

That’s where my son did his basic.

[murron]

“There are many Dems in high office, maybe not running for the Presidency that are truly Patriotic Americans that dearly love our country. Just the powers that be in the DNC dictates who will do the running.”

Then if they were truly patriotic, they would switch parties.

[Centurion2000]

OK, as much as I depise McCain. I can totally respect him for not mentioning this. This is a real stroke of class in my book.

[Chieftain]

Sen. John McCain visited Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Florida on Thursday morning. I attended the event as it was only a half mile from my office. After the speech he was making his way out to his 'Straight Talk Express' bus and shaking hands along the rope line. I held my camera up and took some photos as he approached.

Then I had an idea: I would give the Senator my "Marine Dad" coin as a way of connecting with him in the brotherhood of Marine Dads!

He was taking a photo with a mom and her baby and I reached in my pocket and pulled out my Marine Dad coin that I have carried since my sons left for boot camp more than 2 years ago!

I held it out in front of him and said "Senator, you're a Marine Dad, aren't you? Do you have a Marine Dad coin?", as he stared at the coin. "Well you do, now!", I said as I handed him the coin. He smiled real big, said thank you very much and shook my hand and put the coin in his pocket.

I grabbed a business card from my wallet and handed it to his wife, Cindy. I asked her "Please give my card to John, I am the Marine Dad who gave him the coin." She smiled and took the card and said, "I'm a VERY PROUD Marine Mom!", as she pointed to her single blue star Mother's flag pin.

I hope the coin will help John and his Marine son to connect even stronger.

After I returned to my office, I went on-line to Sgt Grit's and ordered a new Marine Dad coin and some "Like Father Like Son US Marines" bumper stickers!

[freema]

Good job, Chief!

[Recovering Ex-hippie]

You GO chieftain!!!

Now...Get involved nationally with the McCain campaign, they NEED you!!!! OOOOO-rah!

[CT]

A Hollywood Marine? Or a “Real” Marine on the land God forgot, Parris Island?

LOL. Pendleton Marines have the mountains that will kick one's butt. PI has the heat and humidity that kills. And the debate continues 35 years after I left.

As I said, Jimmy was a week behind my son at MCRD. And boot camp not being much of a socializing place, my son only knew he was in the line behind him at chow hall.

One point worth making is that McCain graduated as a PFC (checked that myself). So he didn't get any special treatment.

I believe he is spending his post-Iraq duty on the east coast.

[ma bell]

You know how they determine to place Marines on the East coast v. the West Coast? since all the danger is in the MidEast and E.Europe etc...they place the better Marines at Lejuene to put out the fire since we get their quicker. Then they send in the “Pendleton” Marines for mop up and to replace us...:)

[CT]

LOL. Glad I spent my time in neither. Although I did go through MCRD in San Diego.

My son is in Pendleton. But his org. is headquatered in Lejuene (MARSOC).

[opbuzz]

I got your email a couple days ago , way to go!

Hope your boys are doing well.
My younger son Otto, Cpl USMC (2002), died Feb 16, and I remember all Marines and their sons and wish them well.

Semper Fi