Tremendous support from across the nation

Though about seven and one-half months away, the 4th El Cajon Harley Owners Group (HOG) Toys for Tots Ride is indirectly showing that many in great our nation really do have their priorities lined up correctly.  Specifically, the responses to solicitations for items for the opportunity drawing, which is used to entice bikers to join in the event by paying a nominal $10 fee and contributing (at least) one new, unwrapped toy, have been tremendous.  Business after business, many with no association with the military or bikers, are stepping up.

Of course, the children who will be supported by the Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program in San Diego are the ultimate beneficiaries.  Christmas.  Kids.  Toys.  A natural combination.  Just the following image generates smiles for this worthy undertaking. 

 

Added is the well known generosity of the biker community.  Hardly a weekend goes by that a fundraiser or charity ride is not hosted somewhere in our region, renowned for the near perfect year around motorcycling weather.  In this case, the El Cajon HOG Chapter is stepping up to plan and host the ride.

Based on the success and media coverage from the 2016 ride, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club reached out and is partnering with the biker club, by providing the ride's destination, as well as exclusive use of the Red Star Bar, special parking, and special seating in the grandstand.  Topping it off, there will be a special horse race, the Toys for Tots Ride.

With all that is challenging in the world, it is inspiring so many unconnected folks are stepping up to help others help the children of the San Diego region enjoy Christmas.  

Another day, another funeral

Middle of the month.  Middle of the week.  Early afternoon on a typically sunny day in San Diego.  Just another day, with another military funeral.  This time at the Miramar National Cemetery, adjacent to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

The breeze was up, as usual, causing flags to flutter.

Soon the family arrived with their Marine Corps veteran, escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR).  Awaiting them at the Commitment Shelter were the members of the Marine Corps Honor Detail, including a Marine bugler.

At the shelter, as the hearse pulled up, the PGR stood a flag line, coming to Attention and Presenting Arms as the casket was moved into position by the Marines.  The pastor spoke eloquently.  The family and friends of this departed Marine veteran nodded and offered some, "Amens."  His daughter stood and offered her appreciation in a shaky voice, speaking of her "Daddy" and playing song "I Will Always Love You" in his honor.

Military Honors were presented, earned by this Marine by his honorable and faithful service to his nation.  All stood while the rifle salute was fired.  The veterans and active duty military saluted and and PGR raised their flags to the Present Arms while Taps was played.  Eyes welled with tears and it mattered not that some had never met this Marine.  One of the PGR leaders explained the symbolism of every element of the military honors, from the 13 folds of the flag, the three rifle volleys, and the playing taps.  With the permission of the family, the PGR members offered one last Present Arms.  As each member departed, he placed his hand on the casket, offering a final prayer or thought.  For me, it was, "Semper Fidelis, brother." 

If you had been there and looked around, one aspect should have been obvious.  Race and ethnicity do not matter to those who came to help honor this Marine.  The Marines resplendent in their Dress Blues were there in a duty status.  The older, grayer bikers from the PGR were there as volunteers.  An African American Marine Corps veteran was honored by "old white guys" and a Filipino-American on motorcycles, led by an Asian American.  

All those there, regardless of race or ethnicity or age, were helping a nation recognize one of its warriors and his race mattered not.  

Were that it was the same throughout our society.    

 

Paying respects

I don't know how many bikes showed up, but overheard others say it was between 80-100.  On an otherwise quiet Saturday in Ramona, California, a (really) small town east of San Diego, California, the distinctive rumble of Harley-Davidson motorcycles filled the air.  

As distinctive as was the sound, equally noticeable were the countless American flags, large and small, proudly flying from the bikers.  (Contrast this with a high school in Iowa that apologized where its students wore patriotic attire to a recent basketball game.)  Looking at the bikers, military insignia, patches, and service ribbons adorned their vets.

These bikers (more on them later) were gathering on a Saturday morning to pay their respect to US Army soldier PFC Simmons.  They lined their bikes up by the mortuary, preparing to escort PFC Simmons to the church where services would be held.  And then on to the cemetery where he would be laid to rest with full military honors provided by the US Army.

The bikers were predominately military - active duty, retired, and veterans.  From oldest to youngest, the ages spanned five decades and multiple wars.  Some are known to have been awarded the Purple Heart medal for wounds received in combat.  Regardless, they came together in solidarity to recognize a brother none had met.

Looking around, I did not see one elected official.  I did see active, veterans, and military retirees giving of their personal time to ensure this soldier would be shown the respect he earned as a member of our nation's military.  

The elected officials may not think it was important enough to give of their time, but these military (active duty, retirees, and veterans) certainly did.

After Taps and a final salute, some of the bikers gathered to break bread at a local establishment.  During the routine post mission banter, serving as a release from the high emotions of standing for the fallen, one retired sailor exclaimed that when Taps played, there wasn't a dry eye to be had.

20 somethings and 70 somethings shared a moment this Saturday.  Several hours of their time contributed to paying their respect to a fellow warrior, gone before his time.  All the while cognizant there are other fellow warriors currently going in harm's way.

With less than one-half of one percent of our nation serving in uniform, all too often their sacrifices are unknown to the majority of the nation.  Today these bikers made sure the family of Army PFC Griffin knew his sacrifice was not and never will be forgotten.

2017 Toys for Tots

For all my biker brothers and Marine comrades, let me plant the seed for the 2017 Toys for Tots Run hosted by the El Cajon Harley Owners Group (HOG) on 19 November. 

The goal this year is 5,000 toys.

Check out the website for more info.

https://o6rider.wixsite.com/elcajonhogtoys4tots

One angry Marine

The Gunny told me there are two simple rules for being a Marine.  Rule Number 1: never let a fellow down.  Rule Number 2: don't forget Rule Number 1.

Learning recently of the scandalous behavior of a few who call themselves Marine caused my stomach to turn and my jaw to tighten.  Absolutely maddening!  Infuriating!  Disgusting!

An essential element, perhaps THE essential element of being a Marine is accepting, believing, and embodying that "once a Marine, always a Marine."  Earning this title bestows upon the recipient a moral responsibility to all Marines - past, present, and future.  Not only when in uniform or on active duty, but every moment of every day from that point forward.  This moral responsibility transcends time and place, carrying with it an obligation cherished and shared by those few who have earned it.

The title Marine means vastly more than those who have never earned the eagle, globe, and anchor can ever know.  That is evident when meeting Marine veterans, of any era.  They earnestly believe there are no former Marines, because once a Marine, always a Marine.  So when one Marine tarnishes the reputation of our Corps, it hurts all Marines.  That shared responsibility to one another critical to combat teamwork permeates all aspects of our lives.

So I sit here, mad as hell at the individuals who belittled their fellow Marines.  Who acted without respect for fellow warriors.  Who cheapened the title Marine.  Even 15 years after retiring, reading of the disgraceful actions causes my blood to boil.  How dare they do this?  They have brought discredit upon me and my fellow Marines. 

In today's tumultuous world, the citizens of our nation have consistently stated they hold the military, in general, and their Marine Corps specifically in the highest esteem.  Actions by some have threatened that esteem.  But I also want to believe the nation knows with certainty that its Corps of Marines will not stand by idly, but will aggressively and assuredly attack this matter.

This is the message explicitly stated in CMC's video.  Implicitly, he told those involved that they will soon no longer be Marines.