YankeeFan's Blog

Well, I know this isn't exaclty news but, it's not faith either, it certainly isn't entertainment and  I will not entertain or tolerate any of you who chose to try to make it political. So, why am I posting it ? Well, partially because it is cathartic and primarily because I know there are a lot of Military folks who frequent these blogs

I was talking on the phone with the love of my life on 11 Sept 2001  when those terrorist pansies  flew their plane into the building in which he was standing.  Among other things, I heard the plane hit and heard a lot of people die that day.  I also lost many other  good friends who were in the towers.

Having spent a majority of the subsequent 6 months following the attacks in the city, I can tell you that the smell, sights, sounds and consumate devistation  are something that I would suspect only our infantry Marines could fully  appreciate.  When I first got up  there, every time I walked through the "dust" or saw a handprint or smudge  in something, all I could think was "I could be walking through all that is left of Jordan" . To this day, I still freak out whenever I smell smoke .. 'nuff said about that

Up until now, I have never watched anything to do with the twin towers or the events on that day  ....    always avoided any pictures from that day  and , aside from saying that I lost a loved one, I always avoided talking about any of the specifics  outside of  my "9/11 families grief counseling group"  ..It's something that most people really couldn't understand .. which is why I think that I have such a strong affinity and loyalty to our grunts .. they  endure that which 99% of the population just wouldn't / couldn't 'understand "

 .. My therapist, being a therapist sent me an e mail that I absolutely MUST watch a program that was on today about the twin towers and the events of that day , so I have been  for the past hour and a 1/2...  Thanks to a HUGE martini I have made it through most of it so far without blowing a gasket ..  although,  it put a lot of pictures  and faces to the words and sounds I heard that day that I could probably could have  lived the rest of my life without.

As I was watching the firefighters in all of their gear racing up the stairs while everyone was running down... all I could think of was our Marines running in, gear in tow and of some video that one of our guys sent of a bunch of civilians running behind a group of Marines who where standing there taking stock of the situation and providing a safe haven  ..  while eveyone else was running around paniced and taking cover ... looking out for themselves

So, anyway, I just wanted to take a minute to stop and say THANKS to all of our Service members who have risked their lives, left their families and endured things that 99% of the population couldn't comprehend never mind succed through to keep us safe here at home (so far so good, no?)   For those of you who have been on the receiving end of my packages or are a part of Support Our Marine , of course you know that I put my "stuff" where my mouth is and I hope that you know that "thanks" and a few packages doesn't even begin to cover my gratitude.

While I am at it  I need to thank a much underappreciated part of the Marine Corps .. the Marine Wife  or Mother ..   The interaction that I have had  with the families of our forward deployed has humbled and inspired me beyond words ... 

So, people often  ask me why I would give up a new car or spend a Friday night at home filling out customs forms  or why I would train for and compete in triathlons schleeping 20 plus pounds of gear in 90 degree heat ...    Well, this pretty much sums it up. 

To steal a phrase from a very bright Marine .. "The shirt off my back will forever be yours "

Semper Fidelis

Dianne