This United States of America is blessed beyond belief – and sometimes we don’t even realize it. Or, if we realize it, we are sometimes slow to show our gratitude. One of the biggest blessings comes in the form of the young men and women who join our Military, an all-volunteer force, by the way. No one is lining them up with the “incentive to join or be jailed.” They serve because they want to.

Let us continue with a journey through the history of the Marine Corps :

In World War I the Marine Corps distinguished itself on the battlefields of France as the 4th Marine Brigade earned the title of "Devil Dogs" for heroic action during 1918 at Belleau Wood, Soissons, St. Michiel, Blanc Mont, and in the final Meuse-Argonne offensive. Marine aviation, which dates from 1912, also played a part in the war effort, as Marine pilots flew day bomber missions over France and Belgium. More than 30,000 Marines had served in France and more than a third were killed or wounded in six months of intense fighting.

During the two decades before World War II, the Marine Corps began to develop in earnest the doctrine, equipment, and organization needed for amphibious warfare. The success of this effort was proven first on Guadalcanal, then on Bougainville, Tarawa, New Britain, Kwajalein, Eniwetok, Saipan, Guam, Tinian, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. By the end of the war in 1945, the Marine Corps had grown to include six divisions, five air wings, and supporting troops. Its strength in World War II peaked at 485,113. The war cost the Marines nearly 87,000 dead and wounded and 82 Marines had earned the Medal of Honor.

This is truly unbelievable. In two wars in the 20^th century, almost one hundred thousand Marines sacrificed their lives to protect their country.  On further reflection, the sacrifice in this loss of life – is not unbelievable. We are talking about troops who willingly give life and/or limbs.

Yesterday, the title of my post was “Gather the Future Marines.” I did not realize that a future Marine Officer was already in my midst. This morning, I was introduced, via e-mail to Little Wolfie. His Dad asked: “How can you say no to this good looking young man”? I cannot.  Future Marine Officer Little Wolfie, I am reporting for duty and donating to My Marines. God bless you, Sir!

Kate, of Blatherings Blog and I have at least two things in common, although we have not met. We are both “red girls in a blue state.”  I am going to have my people call her people so we can commiserate about how it is to live in a blue state. I forgot. I don’t have people. Well, I do have myself. That should count for something. The other thing that I have in common with Kate of Blatherings Blog is that – you guessed it – we both love “our” Marines! Check out the video of “101 Reasons to love your Marine Corps.” I came up with reasons 102 through at least 120 – and counting: “Best legs in running formation!”

Kate sums up the essence of what the effort of Project Valour-IT encompasses:

Talking about the dedication and valor of our armed forces is easy. Giving something tangible back to them - especially money - not so much.

To a soldier, sailor or Marine facing a 15 month convalescence and repeated surgeries, your help can literally make the difference between feeling isolated, forgotten and alone and staying connected to family, friends, and perhaps most importantly, the brothers he left on the battlefield.

We can do our part by donating whatever amount the budget allows.  The more I read about our Marines, and the other branches of service, is the more in awe I am. This country would be toast without our troops. May God continue to bless the US with those who are willing to serve, and contrary to the denigration directed to our troops by some puffed up politicians – these troops are the real “necessities of life” for this country!  God gave us life and He placed these troops here to protect us.

Finally, before I collapse from “admiration-itis,” I am closing the post with this challenge , courtesy of Cassandra. Ooorah! Am I allowed to use "Ooorah"? If not, please make me an honorary Marine so I can!