5 years ago, watching my son earn his Eagle, Globe, and Anchor was one of the greatest moments of my career. ๐ฆ ๐โ๏ธ
This photo captures the moment shortly after my son realized I had flown out to surprise him.
After completing the crucible, he walked right past me, completely
๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง, ๐๐ ๐๏ธ๐ช๐๐ผ
He made the ultimate sacrifice on Feb 7, 2024, and is finally home with his family.
This heroโs welcome is the America I know. ๐บ๐ธ
See you at the Pearly Gates, Warrior! ๐ซก
Ronald Lee Ermey (March 24, 1944 โ April 15, 2018) as a U.S. Marine drill instructor in 1966. He achieved fame for his role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in the 1987 film Full Metal Jacket, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Miss America, USAF 2nd Lt Madison Marsh Honors the Fallen by Laying a Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
This Memorial Day tribute stirs deep gratitude and reflection on the sacrifices of countless servicemen and women. ๐ช๐๏ธ
We have an old saying, โ๐๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐๐จ๐งโ๐ญ ๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐, ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐จ๐งโ๐ญ ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ซ.โ If you want it bad enough, go get it.
Congratulations to Pvt Paz-Sosa on losing 100 lbs for the honor of becoming a Marine! ๐ฆ ๐โ๏ธ
๐๐จ๐จ๐ญ๐๐๐ฆ๐ฉ ๐๐๐ฐ ๐๐๐๐ซโ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐
As the Guide (see photos), I remember sitting in class on New Yearโs Day. The Drill Instructor pulled me aside and asked if I was strong. Confidently, I said I was the strongest.
He then led me to the chaplainโs office, where
Veterans, do not underestimate the hole your absence would leave. Your presence is more important than ever.
We are incredibly fortunate to be able to connect with you in real-time through social media.
I love you all! Semper Fi ๐บ๐ธ๐ซก
This is an epic reunion! 26 years in the blink of an eye! Military bonds forever!
1998: Gy Bowden, Capt Bohm, 1stSgt Sax! ๐ช
2024: Gy Bowden, MajGen Bohm, SgtMaj Sax! All retired. Godspeed! ๐ซก
Thereโs no better way to close out the show at Fleet Week Miami 2024 aboard the USS Bataan than with the USMC Silent Drill Platoon! ๐ฆ ๐โ๏ธ
#MondayMotivation
โChestyโ Puller, the most decorated Marine, is honored with his ribbons and medals on display at the Marine Corps Museum!๐๏ธ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ
Never get tired of this museum. ๐ฆ ๐โ๏ธ
Oorah! ๐ซก
Why would Marines rather die than surrender? ๐ฆ ๐โ๏ธ
๐ค๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฝ๐น๐, ๐ถ๐โ๐ ๐ป๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ก๐! ๐งฌ
My son and I, both Marines, made it to visit Dad in the hospital. Despite the circumstances, he is keeping a positive attitude.
My son surprised him by giving him his dog tag. He has been asking for it for years because he wears his own, mine, and my brotherโs daily. Now, he
๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ฑ ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐!
First off, congratulations to the newest Marine!
Second, I have never met this Marine or his family. I served with this young ladyโs father and was able to get them VIP seats to his graduation.
From her father: โShe and the
๐๐ซ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ก๐๐ซ๐!
Yesterday, I got stopped by the Texas Highway Patrol because the temporary tag on my rental car was taped to the back window and not visible.
The young trooper was as professional as they come, so I had a sense that he might have served.
It consumes you, it transforms youโit's a commitment for life.
Once a Marine, always a Marine.๐ฆ ๐โ๏ธ
Proof, this is the hardcore truth, a tribute to this legendary hero! Thank you for paving the way!
Still a sharp ass salute!
@Apocolypto_Rock
๐ซก
@TheLtColUSMC
A hearty Oorah from this USMarine Vet.
Still taking care of our own, a recent, still dedicated 103yo vet in our VSO that JUST only recently checked in with the Supreme Commandant.
Silver Star recipient, WWII
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ!
This is one of my favorite photos from two years ago when I had the honor of retiring a friend who had over 30 years of active duty service. If not for service limitations, he would still be serving.
For an officer,
๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฒ๐ ๐ด๐ฒ๐ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ, ๐ฏ๐๐ ๐น๐ฒ๐ด๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฒ!
Throwback to remembering this hero and legend, Marine Michael โRocksโ Horrocks, the co-pilot of United Flight 175 on September 11, 2001, which flew into the second tower.
His friend said, โI
๐๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ!
In 1998, Lance Corporal James first checked into MALS-36, his first duty station. Today, 26 years later, he returns as Lieutenant Colonel James to take command of MALS-36.
I am proud to call him both a friend and a mentor. Semper Fi! ๐บ๐ธ๐ซก
April 1, 2021: The best April Fools' joke was that I had to wear my son's cammies to promote him to Corporal.๐ฉธ
I had taken leave to visit him in Hawaii when he found out he was getting promoted. โNo uniform, no problemโjust borrow it from Jr.โ
I was blessed to be there for
๐๐ ๐ญ ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ญ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐จ๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐, ๐๐๐๐ ๐ช๐๏ธ๐๐ผ
Three years ago today, we lost a brother.
Sgt. Stellfox was my go-to sergeant in Afghanistan in 2011-2012, and he is one of the biggest reasons I am where I am today. His legacy will live on through me.
He
๐ ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฆ๐ถ๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ
Brought to you by the United States Marine Corps! ๐ฆ ๐โ๏ธ
๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐น๐ฑ ๐ฑ๐ผ ๐ถ๐ ๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ด๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป!
26 years and counting of serving alongside the most selfless individuals, who never hesitate and always put othersโ lives before their own!
Congressman
@RepLuttrell
โI think Marines are pretty solid. Marines are Marines. Marines are born Marines - thatโs a thing!โ ๐ฆ ๐โ๏ธ
Heโs not wrong. Oorah! ๐ซก
United States Marine is more than a title. It is a shared identity that bonds all Marines to the purpose we fight for. Each Marine stands together as a vital part of a united force, greater than any individual and older than the very Nation we defend.
Today, this young Marine was promoted to Lance Corporal, backdated to June 1st due to his transit out here.
After the promotion, I addressed all the Marines and shared that this promotion was particularly special to me as the Commanding Officer. His promotion warrant was the
๐ง๐ต๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ง๐ต๐๐ฟ๐๐ฑ๐ฎ๐!
How was this photo taken 12 years ago?
At the time, I was the Executive Officer of Aviation Maintenance Squadron-2 in Pensacola, Florida.
Now, Iโm within 30 days of assuming O5 command. Where does the time go. ๐คฏ
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps shares his barracks plans for 2030.
โ๏ธ 24 hour gym in each barracks!
What do you think, and what would you recommend, to improve quality of life issues?
Since the days of the Continental Marines, we have always placed a heavy weight on the importance of marksmanship. This is why one of the foundations and requirements of recruit training are the fundamentals of marksmanship and rifle qualification.
We lost another, brother gone too soon.
Michael Douglas Sick, 39 ๐ช๐๏ธ๐๐ผ
He completed one combat tour in Iraq and two in Afghanistan, earning numerous awards and commendations, notably an Air Medal and a Combat Action Badge.
Love one another.
Til Valhalla. ๐ซก
Now is a great time to revisit all those accounts that offer โleadershipโ advice but remain silent when thereโs an opportunity to demonstrate true leadership in a time of need for our country. ๐บ๐ธ๐ฝ
Maybe they care more about their follower count than Americaโฆ
Semper Fi! ๐ซก
Here is a photo of my family in the 80s when my father was on active duty. Today, my hero (Dad) is undergoing surgery for his second leg amputation above the knee. His words to me were, โI want to be able to walk by your change of command ceremonyโ (prosthetic legs). He is
I just had the privilege and honor of retiring Major
@ToddAllen_04
, who served honorably and faithfully for 20 years. ๐บ๐ธ
โEveryone wants to be a Marine until you have to do Marine $#!Tโ- Major Denton!
Godspeed and Semper Fi! ๐ฆ ๐โ๏ธ
Legend.
General and 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Alfred Mason Gray Jr., USMC ( 1928โ2024)
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Sir!
Semper Fi, Marine.
Back in 2009, I was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in Al-Khalidiya, Iraq, while serving on a Military Transition Team with two Iraqi Infantry Battalions.
Living, training, and fighting alongside them, I thought it was fitting to have both the Iraqi commander and my commander pin me.
Tragic. Please keep his unit and his family in your prayers.
Your watch has ended. We have the watch. See you at the pearly gates, brother. Til Valhalla!
Sgt. Colin Arslanbas ๐ช๐๏ธ๐๐ผ
Watch the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, then a Gunnery Sergeant and instructor at DI school in 2007, tear into a student. ๐ค
Beware, the same ferocity lies dormant within every Marine and veteran, ready to be awakened at a momentโs notice!
๐ฆ ๐โ๏ธ
During boot camp, this young motivator missed every snack available on the Depot, so he cleaned out the Marine Mart! ๐ช๐ซ๐ฉ๐ฌ๐ฅค
For me it was a Pepsi and peanut M&Mโs!
Well deserved! Oorah! ๐ซก
Two weeks to PCS, and the Marines really spoiled me with a nice bottle of Blue Label and a whiskey display. ๐ฅ
Years ago, when I was PCSing from North Carolina, a neighbor of mine, who was also a Marine, came over. He saw the gifts the Marines had presented to me and said,
๐ก๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ถ๐บ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ผ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ.
The gentleman in this picture, Sgt Sandoval, earned the title Marine 40 years ago.
I first met him about 32 years ago; he was my childhood best friendโs uncle. Fresh out of the
Two years ago, I returned to my hometown so my father and my brother, retired Army SSgts, could promote me to Lieutenant Colonel.
This moment with my dad made 26 years of sacrifice worth it. I love making him proud.
He still has a sharp-ass salute!๐ซก
๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ-๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฝ๐ ๐ง๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ด๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐จ๐ฆ ๐ ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐
Pro tip: Start with a Marine base!
We are basically the Motel 6 of all the military branchesโ'We'll leave the light on' for you. ๐ฌ
SFMF ๐บ๐ธ๐ซก
I want to thank these two studs and the rest of the security team for ensuring that my friends, family, and loved ones could safely enjoy the change of command ceremony. ๐บ๐ธ
I ๐น๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ trust them with my life!
Semper Fi, brothers. ๐ซก
Iโm from a small town with a population of 3,000 people and covering an area of only 2.41 square miles.
I mention the small size to highlight how remarkable it is that we have multiple veterans memorials throughout the town, honoring our local heroes.
This is my favorite.๐ช๐ซก
The ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฐ ๐ฉ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ is Marine vet and FedEx founder, Frederick Smith.
He earned a Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. ๐ ๐ ๐ซก
One day, while his troops were digging their fighting holes, he came back from a briefing to find that his troops had dug
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐ป๐๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป ๐๐ผ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ถ๐ ๐ผ๐ป โ ๐ฑ ๐บ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ต๐ ๐๐ป๐๐ถ๐น ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ณ๐น๐ฎ๐ด!
Iโve already met many of the Marines Iโll be commanding, and let me tell you, theyโre hungry, ready to face any challenge head-on!
Iโve got the honor of leading
๐ฎ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ๐ด๐ผ ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐! ๐ฆถ๐ฆถ
I stepped on the coveted yellow footprints. I had a sense of what I was getting into but could never have imagined things would turn out the way they have. If I had to do it all over again - I would.
This photo immortalizes us post-boot
๐๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐ - ๐๐ก๐ ๐ ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐จ๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ง ๐๐๐!
21 years ago, this photo captured the moment just before we boarded the CH-53 on the U.S.S. Nassau, to join our fellow Marines in the front lines of the Iraq War! Indefinitely extended! ๐๐ผ
Iโll never forget sitting in the
There really is no greater feeling than leading Marines. I live for moments like this. Moments where you can look to your left and your right and know what your purpose is.
The moment you realize that being a Marine is a calling!
If youโve never seen this before, enjoy!
Fourteen years ago today I was standing in a staging area with my fellow 1/6 Marines of Alpha Company as we prepared to invade the town of Marjah, Afghanistan.
Iโm further from that place now than I have ever been but in a lot of ways it still feels like yesterday.
My second
RIP, brother! He represent the Corps well!
โ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฏ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ญ๐.โ ๐ซก
Theย โfirst saluteโย scene was a great representation of the oldย traditionย in whichย newly commissioned officers give a silver dollar to theย person from whom they receive the very first
#RIP
Louis Gossett Jr. who passed away today at the age of 87. Gossett won the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for his role as Marine Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley in AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN (1982). He was coached by R. Lee Ermey who served as the film's technical advisor.
Opinions are like _____ everyoneโs got them and they all ______!
One mission! Stay combat ready!
If you stay ready you donโt have to get ready. ๐ฆ ๐โ๏ธ
Itโs hard to believe, but Iโve reached a point where Iโm actually older than most
SgtMajs - yet here we are.
Today, I was talking with the SgtMaj about the good old days in the Marine Corps.
I said, SgtMaj,โ as much as weโd love to bring back the Marine Corps that we remember
I know a service that:
๐ธ Doesnโt allow hands in pockets.
๐ธ Doesnโt allow cammies off base.
๐ธ Doesnโt allow PT gear in commissary.
๐ธ Doesnโt have a recruiting problem.
What else am I missing? ๐ค
Starts with โMโ ๐ฆ ๐โ๏ธ ends with โSโ!
Since
@SneakerCon
is all the rage right now, be honest: if the Marine Corps had this lineup of sneakers, would you buy one pair or three?
Put me down for 3! ๐
These should be standard issue โGo-fastersโ IMO! ๐ฆ ๐โ๏ธ
God bless these legends and men of men! ๐บ๐ธ
1 Marine! First to Fight! ๐ฆ ๐โ๏ธ
Thank you Honor Flights for bringing these vets together to see their memorials in DC. ๐ซก
As we head home, here are some fun facts about our Mission 73 Alpha Vets:
-7 served during the Korean War
-49 served during the Vietnam War
-21 served in the Air Force
-34 served in the Army
-1 served in the Marines
-1 Purple Heart Recipient
-1 B-day Boy
-Ages 70-91 yrs young
๐๐จ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐จ๐ฉ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฒ!
Congratulations to my mentor, MajGen Bohm, on his retirement, and to his daughter on her promotion to Sergeant.
He promoted his daughter and then retired immediately after, essentially passing the torch.๐ฆ ๐โ๏ธ
โ๐๐ณ ๐ก๐ผ๐ ๐ ๐ฒ, ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ๐ป ๐ช๐ต๐ผโ
Today we remember 1st Lt. Travis L. Manion, who was killed by sniper fire on April 29, 2007, while attempting to save a fellow service member in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
Hero! ๐บ๐ธ๐ซก
๐๐ผ๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐!
Today, the Commanding General made a surprise visit to our unit, and it was incredible!
He took the time to talk to the Marines and recognize a few outstanding individuals.
One of the highlights was when he recognized and coined one of our
๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐น๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ ๐ช๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ธ ๐ ๐ถ๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ.
โHide Yo Kids, Hide Yo Wife, & Hide Yo Husband!โ
I attended Fleet Week in New York in 2001. What an unforgettable experience!
I didnโt pay for a single beer; no bar or place accepted our money!๐ป
๐ ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐น ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ป ๐. ๐๐๐ป๐ต๐ฎ๐บโ๐ ๐น๐ฒ๐ด๐ฎ๐ฐ๐.
โCorporal Dunham covered the grenade with his helmet and body, bearing the brunt of the explosion and shielding his Marines from the blastโ ๐ซก
Good Sunday morning! Wishing a speedy recovery to everyone hurt by this photo.
Word of caution: Next time you jump to conclusions, make sure to bring a parachuteโit can be a long fall back to reality. ๐ช
Carry on! ๐บ๐ธ๐ซก
On April 11, 2024, a
@marforres
unit, 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, supported a nonpolitical event hosted by a civic organization at the Mar-a-Lago Clubย by providing a color guard and static display.
The civic organization, Grey Team, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in
The change is forever! ๐ฆ ๐โ๏ธ
These two young men are on their way to take their place on the coveted yellow footprints, ready to serve our country. ๐ฆถ๐ฆถ
Sgt Mendoza is putting in that hard work that recruiting duty requires, and only former recruiters know how difficult it
To me, whatโs special about Memorial Day is learning stories about the valiant efforts of those who never made it home through the stories you share.
For the brothers and sisters I personally knew who never made it home, not a day goes by that I donโt think of them.๐ช๐๏ธ๐๐ผ
Every September, I take a moment to pay tribute to 1stLt Mike Johnson, a Marine I had the privilege to serve alongside.
He was part of my platoon during The Basic School - Fox Company in 2007. Never could I imagine, that just a few years later, my classmates would make the
Recently wrapped up the cornerstone course with my fellow command-slated Lieutenant Colonels - we had a blast.
It's not about the size of the dog in the fight; it's about the size of the fight in the dog. Oorah! ๐ฆ ๐โ๏ธ
These guys keep me grounded and ensure I stay
Give Marines your time - they remember.
I finally had the opportunity to visit Camp Fuji to thank and present a challenge coin to the Marine responsible for supporting my detachment of Marines.
I located the young Lance Corporal that I had been in contact with over the past
โ๐ ๐ ๐ฏ๐ถ๐ด๐ด๐ฒ๐๐ ๐พ๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ถ๐ ๐๐ต๐ผ ๐๐ผ๐๐น๐ฑโ๐๐ฒ ๐ฟ๐ฒ-๐ฒ๐ป๐น๐ถ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ถ๐ณ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ ๐ด๐ผ๐ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฝ๐?โ
Straight from the horses mouth!
This recent video shared by a Marine underscores one of the main reasons why Iwakuni was
I decided to make a surprise visit home to see my hero. Despite being in a nursing rehab center, his spirits remain high!
To say my dad, a retired Army vet, is beyond proud of his Marine son and Grandson would be an understatement!
P.S. I did not buy him any of this. ๐
Check out these retired Marine brothers for life! Unbreakable bond!
40 years! ๐ฆ ๐โ๏ธ
I look forward to the day I can meet every one of you on X in person.
Semper Fi!๐ซก
A retired Marine breakfast. Weโve known each other for 40 years. The chow was tasty and fit for human consumption. The companionship and lively conversation was unmatched. The grenade on the table is my salt shaker; it's a salt weapon.
@TheLtColUSMC