USO Canteen FReeper Style ~ More Canteen Thanksgiving Messages to the Military ~ November 28 2002

On the eve of Thanksging we paused to remember those who are overseas.
Many of our service men and women will be spending their 1st Thanksgiving
away from home, family and friends.
Today military stationed in the continental United States will be celebrating Thanksgiving.
It is because of their devotion to duty, honor and country
that we will be able to celebrate Thanksgiving.

PASSAGE WAY - corridor or hallway, p-way for short
PARADE DECK (aka grinder) — place where “troop and stomp” is conducted
PEA SOUP-fog
PET - Physical Fitness Test
PIECE — a Marine’s weapon, primarily a rifle
PILL ROLLER - corpsman
P-CUTTER (“Piss” cutter) - an overseas hat. The “fore-and-aft” cover
was issued in khaki, tropical worsted, and winter service green. (Fore
and aft means it looks the same from either direction.) The Eagle, Globe and Anchor device was worn on the left front, and it was usually worn low on the forehead with a “dimple” in the top.
P155 AND PUNK - bread and water
P155 POT - helmet
P155 TUBE — a pipe stuck into the ground for urinating into
POGEY BAIT - any food other than an MRE or C-Rations, particularly candy
POGEY BAIT MARINE : Candy ass Marine (Sissy type)
:POGEY ROPE - the French Fourragere worn by the Sixth Marines. (They called it that allegedly, no one outside the 6th Regiment called it that, at least not to the wearers’ faces.)
POLICE — clean up or make tidy
POLICE PARTY — individuals or groups assigned to clean up an area
PORT — left side of a ship
PORTHOLE - naval reference for a window
PORT LIBERTY — one-halt of ship’s complement or unit is allowed to go on liberty (see STARBOARD LIBERTY for other halt)
PT — physical training
PX - post exchange, a store on base

QUARTERS - living space

RACK-bed
RACK OPS - (rack operations) to go to sleep
RAIN LOCKER — a shower on board a ship
RAPPEL - to descend by rope
RED LEAD - catsup (or in New Zealand, tomato sauce)
RECON — reconnaissance
REMINGTON RAIDER (aka Office Poge)( Office Pinkie) — office clerk
RE-UP - re-enlist
RIKI T1K — something that needs to be done or is going to happen quickly
ROACH COACH - the mobile canteen (with pogey bait) that came alongside ships ~ed up at piers in Norfolk
ROUND - bullet or shell
RP - religious program specialist, usually a Navy enlisted
RUPTURED DUCK — a medal given to all servicemen after WWII

5-2 — intelligence section (NOTE: Military intelligence is considered by many people to be an oxymoron.)
SALTY MARINE — one who has ~me in the Corps
SAM BROWNE (1) - a belt (with the strap over the shoulder); heavy leather brown belt with a brass buckle worn on outside of blouse (phased out early 1947). The extended over the left shoulder and attached to the belt front and rear. It was authorized for wear by officers and warrant officers with greens or dress blues, and designed to carry the weight of a pistol or sword. Allegedly a good weapon in a bar fight
SAWBONES — doctor
SCOOP (or dope) — news or information
SCOW - any Navy ship (other than the one you serve on)
SCREW UP — things don’t go right
SCRIBE - recruit who serves as the platoon secretary or administrative clerk
SCUTTLEBUTT - a water fountain or a rumor
SCUZZ BRUSH - scrub brush used for cleaning
SEA BAG - the oversized canvas bags that Marines and Sailors use to transport their gear (known to the Army as duffel bags)
SEA GULL - Sunday chicken
SEA LAWYER — someone giving out legal advice that is likely to get you in trouble
SEA STORY — tall tale; story that is hard to swallow SECONDS - more of anything
SECTION 8 — a mentally unbalanced person; a discharge for mental masons
SECURE - to leave work; to put something away
SEMPER Fl — always faithful; from the Latin Semper Fidelis
SHIT BIRD - a Marine who was a disciplinary problem or not performing to standards
SHIT CAN (verb) — throw away
SHIT ON A SHINGLE — creamed ground beef served over toast, a favorite Marine breakfast
SHORT ARM INSPECTION - the doc examines your penis
SHORT-STOP - at chow, you ask in a polite way, “Down on the damn grease,” and some knucklehead helps himself before it gets to you
SHORT TIMER — anyone who has a short time to go before his/her enlistment or tour of duty is up
SHOULDER PADS - pancakes or padding sewn to shooting jacket
SICK BAY - medical facility
SIDEARMS - salt and pepper shakers
SIX-BY — large truck used to transport personnel and supplies
SKIPPER - any captain, specifically one in a command billet
SKIWIES — underwear
SKOSH — just a little bit, e.g., “move it just a skosh”
SKY HOOK - Nonexistent article used as a practical joke by seasoned personnel
SKY PILOT - chaplain
SLIT TRENCH — (see “head”)
SLUM - delicious stew
SLUM BURNER - the cook
SMOKE STACKER — one who blows smoke
SMOKING LAMP - permission to smoke if it is lit
SNAFU — situation normal: all fouled up
SNAP IN - to practice firing a weapon; also to give or get instruction on a new task
SNCO — staff noncommissioned officers SNOOP AND POOP — recon mission
SNOW SNAKE — a warning to a “boot” about getting bit in the rear, referring to the cold wind on the butt when using the outhouse in Korea
SOP - standard operating procedure(s)
SOUND OFF - to shout loudly
SPLIT TAIL - female
SPUD LOCKER — place where fresh vegetables are kept
SQUAD BAY - open living quarters in barracks without partitions in which Marines slept
SQUARE AWAY - put away your belongings, or tidy up
SQUARED AWAY - ready for inspection - by the book
SRB - service record book
STACKING SWIVEL (2) - the .03 and Ml rifles had an attachment that

allowed three rifles to be stacked in the position of Stack Arms. The term “I’ll grab you by the stacking swivel’ probably referred to grabbing someone by the neck. To be “Grabbed by the Stacking Swivel” also described when your drill instructor grabbed a handful of your utility jacket, stood you on your tip-toes, placed his nose in close proximity to yours and counseled you as to the error of your ways, usually in very colorful terms that included references to your ancestry, sexual preferences and the marital status of your parents. (See below for elaboration.)
STAND BY - wait
STARBOARD — right side of ship
STARBOARD LIBERTY — one-half of ship’s complement or unit is allowed to go on liberty (see PORT LIBERTY for other half)
STATIC CHASERS - A term of endearment used by the company gunny to describe members of the Communications Platoon.
STINGRAY — a term used in Vietnam for missions designed to deliberately make contact and kills
STRAPHANGER — a Marine who goes along with a patrol or group of Marines on a mission
SUDS - beer
SUPERNUMERARY - Extra personnel utilized on guard duty for fill in needs and situations
SURVEY - to turn in old or unserviceable equipment for new SWAB - a mop or to mop
SWABBY — affectionate name for a sailor
SWAB JOCKEY - Sailor or a Marine with a mop
SWAGGER STICK (3) — a decorated wooden stick carried by NCOs and officers as a symbol of their rank (see below for additional information)

TAPS — military music generally played to honor deceased service members; usually played at night to signify “lights out”
THE WORD - confirmed information
I-DAY - training day in recruit training
TIE-TIE — piece of string used to tie washed laundry to clothes line; little strings to slip through eyelets on skivvies; Pre-WWII meant to hang up after washing
TOPSIDE - upstairs, specifically on a ship
TROOP AND STOMP — marching drills on parade deck
TROPICALS - Marine summer dress uniform
TURD - whale stool on the bottom of the ocean, as in “you are lower than a whale turd, and that sinks to the bottom of the ocean”
TURN TO - to begin
TWO BLOCKED — portion of necktie worn snuggled up to collar

UA - unauthorized absence (once called AWOL)
UNDER ARMS — armed with a weapon
UNDRESS BLUES — dress blue trousers worn with a gabardine shirt and

UNK or UNQ - unqualified on the rifle range or in the pool
UNSAT — unsatisfactory
UTILITIES — field clothing/work clothing; dungarees; fatigues

V.

VOMIT COMET - The bus transporting Marines back to base from Jacksonville after liberty on a payday weekend

VT. — Vertical limed artillery round set to detonate a specific distance above ground

w
WAISTPLATE — the metal part of the belt on dress blues (NOTE: per current regulations, SNOs wear the waistplate with the emblem and wreath; NCOs wear them only with the emblem; lance corporal and below wear smooth waistplates)

WAKE UP — the last day of a Marine’s enlistment

WATER BULL (or BUFFALO) - canteen or 500 gallon water dispensing unit

WAR BELT - cartridge belt worn in the field with canteens and equipment WHISKEY LOCKER - locked closet used for the storage of cleaning solutions and miscellaneous gear

WIDOW MAKER — strong punch
ZIPPO — cigarette lighter; to destroy by fire

Ironically, as we started on our glossary project, the following definitions came to our attention. They appeared on page three in the April 28, 1944, edition of Tarawa Boom De-Ay, published by and for the men of the Second Marine Division.

You’ve doubtlessly heard of the heroic exploits of the K-9 dog troops, but here are some other canine Marines, all of whom may be found in the Second Division:
Chow Hound - He knows that the food is the worst in the world and the cooks are pampered as distant cousins of the General, but he somehow manages to be at the head of the line every time the bugle blows. He is very choosy about his victuals, and has been known. to refuse third or fourth helpings.

Sack Hound - He is a horizontal figure who operates under the theory that he was born in bed and has no reason to ever leave there. He is not completely inactive, though; sometimes he turns over.

Liberty Hound - He will turn out for an inspection looking like a grease monkey with a hangover, but for two hours before “liberty call” goes he is primping. He will not return to camp until two minutes before liberty expires, but he will immediately spin a pitiful tale of “nothing there to do,” swearing he will “stay on board” from now on.
Mail Hound - This species has been threatened with eradication time and time again by the Mail Clerk Union, but is nevertheless prevalent at all camps. The hound starts in at reveille and continues until taps asking the poor post office boys the same question: “Any mail today?” — When he does get some, he gathers up his 14 or 16 letters and asks disappointedly, “Is that all?” Beer Hound - Full details may be found in W.C.T.U.** bulletin 346B.
** W.C.TU. = Women’s Christian Temperance Union.

ADDENDUM
(1) SAM BROWNE BELT (ORIGIN)
The belt is named after Gen. Sir Samuel Browne (1824-1901), who lost an arm at the Battle of Selporah during the Indian Campaign/Mutiny.
Accordingly, he devised a new sort of saber belt which was used in the British expedition to Afghanistan in 1879. The British expeditionary force brought ft to France in 1914 and other allied members adopted it
(2) STACKING SWIVEL
The stacking swivel was shaped like a chain link with one side open. When a rifle squad’s 4 fire teams of 3 men each received the command stack arms,” the 2 outer men would link their swivels and the man in the middle would twist his swivel into theirs, thereby completing a pyramid. All three men would then leave the stack and return to attention.
This maneuver was practiced as part of formal drill. But, in the field, the fire team would never stack arms. Rather, the members would lay their weapons down to go to chow, erect tents, etc. Also, one of the most used instruments of torture ever devised in Pains Island. The stacking swivel was held between the thumb and first finger, at arms length until you thought your arm would become dislodged from you shoulder. Invariably someone would drop their rifle just as the drill instructor told you to bring them down, of course you know what followed
(3) SWAGGER STICK STORY
Probably the best description of its function may be quoted from a British regimental sergeant major instructing new officers. “Now gentlemen, the swagger stick is not for rattling along railings, cleaning out drains at home, or swiping the heads of poor innocent little flowers. Nor is it for poking into stomachs or for fencing duels in the mess line. No, gentlemen, it is to make you walk like officers and above all to keep your hands out of your pockets”. In the Marine Corns, the swagger stick came into vogue in the latter part of the 19th century, and was a required article of uniform until WWI. The first actual presentation of the swagger stick was made in 1569 when Charles IX of France made his brother Henry generalissimo and gave him one to signify his appointment. “Swagger sticks” evolved from the “leading cane” prescribed for British officers in a General Order of 1702. On parade, this cane was used for leading men. But it was also used administering on-the-spot punishment of up to 12 strokes for minor violations of regulations. Examples of the latter were: sneezing in ranks, scratching the head, or giving an officer a dirty look.
In 1959, the Marine Corns had a new commandant. General 0. M. Shoup had changes on his mind when he took over the position. Most famous of these changes was the banishing of the swagger stick to a place on the closet shelf next to the “Sam Browne” belt. Shoup stated that a clean, neat, well fitted uniform with the Marine Corns emblem was tops.
“There is one piece of equipment about which I have a definite opinion. ft is the swagger slick. ft shall remain an optional item of interference, if you feel the need, carry it.” The swagger stick almost disappeared overnight.
The fact that the carrying of a club denoted authority is almost as old as history itseif. Despite the American prejudice against military show, swagger sticks appear from time to time with official sanction of local commanders. Not only do they satisfy the human desire for something to occupy the hands, but they also help combat that horrible and most undesirable tendency of putting your hands in your pockets.
(Thanks to Col. Blackie Cahill, USMC (Ret.), who added:) I carried the swagger stick until just before I retired in 1978, when it was deleted from tire Clothing Manual as an item. At no time did any senior officer suggest to me that I put it on the shelf. I was definitely in the minority. Other Marines of equal and lower ranks would confide in me that they also would carry it, but didn’t want to make a statement.
To me it was a question of guts. On the bulkhead in my egomania room I have a plaque with four of my swagger slicks. Two are official as officer and SNCO sticks. Another, with a .50 caliber cartridge at one end and the bullet at the other, I carried in Vietnam when I commanded a Marine Infantry Battalion at Khe Sanh.

At sea aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Nov. 26, 2002 -- Commander, United States Central Command, General Tommy Franks, speaks with Sailors aboard Abraham Lincoln during a recent USO sponsored concert. General Franks spoke of the importance of the carriers mission before introducing legendary entertainer Wayne Newton and his cast of friends who performed aboard the aircraft carrier. Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) are currently deployed on a scheduled six-month deployment conducting combat missions in support of Operation Southern Watch. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Philip A. McDaniel.

At sea aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Nov. 26, 2002 -- Wayne Newton entertains the officers and crew aboard Abraham Lincoln during a concert held on the ship’s flight deck. The show, introduced by General Tommy Franks, Commander, United States Central Command, also included comedian Paul Rodriguez, country singer Neal McCoy and cheerleaders from the Dallas Cowboys. Abraham Lincoln is currently deployed on a scheduled six-month deployment conducting combat missions in support of Operation Southern Watch. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Tyler Clements.

Thanksgiving in Vietnam

Thanksgiving 1965

For Thanksgiving dinner 1965, a small bulletin was printed and distributed to the troops with their meal. Below are the contents:

Thanksgiving Prayer

Almighty and merciful God, accept our thanks this day for all thy blessings. We come to thee on this national day of Thanksgiving to join with heart and voice all the people of our blessed land to praise and thank thee. Thou hast provided us with all that we need to sustain body and life. As our redeemer thou hast given us spiritual blessing beyond measure. Thou hast richly blessed our nation from its beginning with freedom and liberty. Help us to go beyond words in our thanksgiving that we may give evidence in deeds to the world that we are willing to share all that we are and all that we have with those who would walk with us. Receive our prayer of thanksgiving, we pray, O God, our creator and redeemer. AMEN.

Commander's Message

This Thanksgiving Day we find ourselves in a foreign land assisting in the defense of the rights of free men everywhere. On this day we should offer our grateful thanks for the abundant life which we and our loved ones have been provided. May we each pray for His continued blessings and guidance upon our endeavors to assist the Vietnamese people in their struggle to attain an everlasting peace within a free society.

W.C. Westmoreland
General, United States Army
Commanding

THANKSGIVING MENU

Shrimp Cocktail
Crackers

Roast Turkey Cornbread DressingGiblet Gravy Cranberry Sauce Mashed Potatoes Candied Sweet Potatoes Buttered Peas

Assorted Crisp Relishes Hot Butter Buns Butter

Fruitcake Mincemeat Pie Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream Assorted Fresh Fruit Assorted Nuts Assorted Candy Tea Milk Coffee

15th Field Artillery Regiment
'Fighting 15th'

A PRAYER OF PROTECTION

The light of God surround you
The love of God enfold you
The power of God protect you
The presence of God watch over you
Wherever you are,God is,
And all is well.
Amen.

Bless This House



Bless this house O Lord we pray;
Make it safe by night and day;
Bless these walls so firm and stout,
Keeping want and trouble out:
Bless the roof and chimneys tall,
Let thy peace lie over all;
Bless this door, that it may prove
ever open to joy and love.


Bless these windows shining bright,
Letting in God's heav'nly light;
Bless the hearth a'blazing there,
with smoke ascending like a prayer;
Bless the folk who dwell within,
keep them pure and free from sin;
Bless us all that we may be
Fit O Lord to dwell with thee;
Bless us all that one day we
May dwell O Lord with thee.

(Click on praying hands above,
or on banner at the top to hear the music)

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