Beirut Marine Memorial

Camp Lejeune has been around since 1940.

The town and base have a strong connection.

You can find Marine regalia sold everywhere and a proud veteran community resides here.

Near the base, is a memorial set up for not just the Marines who died at Beirut (barracks bombing, 1983) but to the Montfort Point Marines, the training site for the first African-American Marines before integration in 1942 and became fully integrated in 1960.

I bike here frequently. It is peaceful and meaningful.










And of course, there is a piece of my history here too.

"Holiday" Parties

I am under no illusion that the battalion "holiday" parties are Christmas parties.

The decoration, menu and GySgt Santa are obvious.

So, this year, I joined in the fun.

I bought an ugly Chanukkah sweater and wore it with pride.

I did not, however, win the Ugly Sweater Contest.

Somehow, I think that was a good thing?

Jumping out of Planes

Some of my Marines jump out of planes - for fun.

On a cold day in December, they took me along.

And then strapped me in the Osprey and then jumped out.


My company commander and rigger master


They jumped out of the plane







Second time around, I was in a monkey harness.


And they're off!!


Now this is a great place to do deck plate ministry!

What's a Marine Corps Ball without some Sailors?

What's a Marine Corps Ball without some corpsman and chaplains??

Marine Corps Birthday / Veteran's Day Benediction

Before my Marines secured for the 96, I gave them this benediction:

Source of life,

We stand on the shoulders of giants;

Those who went before us, blazing the trail of honor with their actions.

We see them, wearing their hats from wars before our time.

We forget their valorous actions, we look away, avoiding eye contact.

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, may we honor them with our words and 

acknowledgements.

May praises of thanksgiving for their service flow as easily off our lips as the greeting of the day. 

For one day, Veteran’s Day will be our day and will wish for the same courtesy’s.

May we set the example for those around us, reminding those around us that commitment to the ideals of this institution of freedom are just as powerful today as they were 241 years ago.

S/F,

Amen.

2d Intel Battalion Ball Invocation

I have checked with SSgt and she said this is good enough for Intel Bn.

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Let us pray.

Source of knowledge,

We all joined this Marine Corps for different reasons,

but we all answered Your call to be the driving force for peace on earth.

We use our minds and intellect to project and analyze;

Deterring our enemies;

Directing our forces to victory.  

Our weapons are our sight and knowledge,

dedication and continued evolutions of learning.

We are a non-stopping, security-protecting, constantly - surveying, troop movement-analyzing, in every corner of the earth, counter-intel to your intel, battalion.

We are the select few to be allowed to be called - 2d Intel, battalion.

Lord, whether we are at home or deployed, You have watched over us for the last 241 years.

As we come together to celebrate the birth of Your Marine Corps,

Watch over Your selected few,

as we strive to bring Your prophecy to fruition with vigor and unwavering determination.

Because You have taught us, “There is no peace, for the wicked.” (Isaiah 48:22).

Keep us safe, God, as we carry out this sacred duty.

S/F!

Amen!

Golf Tournament Invocation

Of course I give invocations at chili cook-offs, golf tournaments...

Almighty God,

We spend our days fighting to protect this nation from our enemies.

Today, we will putt and drive our way across the battlefield of green!  

Lord, bless our game with humor and birdies, friendship and eagles!

And may the best player win!

Amen.