Marine gives toys to children

[Eric 951]

Several active members of the United States Marine Corps could be seen this past holliday season handing out new and gently-used toys to underprivelaged children throughout the United States. Apparently, this program called "Toys for Tots" has been a staple of the Marine Corps for many years, and has resulted in happy children nationwide.

[red ufo]

Cool, we blew up your home killed your father and all your brothers of 'military age', here teddy ruxpin for compensation.
Edited - personal attack and inappropriate comments removed.

Edit there was no personal attack drop your meds.

[Eric 951]

Originally posted by red ufo
Cool, we blew up your home killed your father and all your brothers of 'military age', here teddy ruxpin for compensation. That and your sisters hot, Frankly get the cameraphone, I'm feeling horny.

Huh--This took place in Detroit?

I don't believe you--hurry up and cut-and paste a story about it.

[red ufo]

Whats your source?

Atleast I post mine, you just make this crazy stuff up.

[Z-man]

Red: ya know, there are Marines stationed in other parts of the world besides Iraq... You'll note that Eric's original post states...

...throughout the United States...

And the "Toys for Tots" program is a very well established and fairly well known program the Marines do. In December, my company asks us to donate toys for their program.

-Z-man.

[Dantilla]

More and more, I'm believing that "Alien" thing.

[ozzie]

No alien. Just a cowardly guy without a life- especially since Rennlist shut him down. He can say here what he would never dare say to an actual Marine.

[rcecale]

Originally posted by red ufo
Whats your source?

Atleast I post mine, you just make this crazy stuff up.

Sources??? You want SOURCES?????

Click here!

I got yer sources hangin, buddy!

Randy

[rcecale]

IRONY: LOCAL MARINE SAVES CORPSMAN BROTHER'S LIFE By Cpl. Cindy Fisher IRONY: LOCAL MARINE SAVES CORPSMAN BROTHER'S LIFE 01/05/1999 05:15:00 PM Dec 3 19 MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Dec 3) -- All his life, Sgt. James Petaller has taken care of his two younger brothers. He even gave one of them a kidney, thereby forfeiting his option to stay in the Marine Corps. Before I went i

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Dec 3) -- All his life, Sgt. James Petaller has taken care of his two younger brothers. He even gave one of them a kidney, thereby forfeiting his option to stay in the Marine Corps.
Before I went into surgery, I had to sign a Page 11 entry saying I wasnt eligible to re-enlist, Petaller said.
A native of the Philippines, Petaller joined the Marine Corps in January 1993 six months after his family moved to New York City.
When I first came here, I was just an immigrant. Now Im an American citizen. By joining the Corps, I feel like Ive contributed to my adopted country, said Petaller, 24.
He was away from his family for the first time when he joined the Corps and reported here, he said.
His youngest brother, Charlemagne Petaller, subsequently joined the Navy. He was trained as a corpsman and stationed at Pendletons 13 Area Branch Clinic.
In early 1998, Charlemagne began having medical problems. A physical examination revealed high contaminant levels in his blood stream, causing both kidneys to shut down, James said.
He had to endure dialysis. Three days a week, a machine removed his blood, cleaned it and returned it to his body. A kidney transplant was his only option. Doctors told him he could be on dialysis for three years waiting for one. His best bet would be a family member who shared the same genes.
I talked with my parents and brothers about donating my kidney, Petaller said. My mom wanted to be the donor, but she wasnt as compatible as me. I was the best candidate in the family, in the best health.
It was a hard decision. I wasnt being selfish. I was concerned about my health. I was worried about complications. Weve never had a disorder like this in the family, but what if my remaining kidney failed, too?
He had other concerns like job security after he left the Corps.
On the positive side, the operation would extend his brothers life. His brother would be off dialysis and lead a more normal life.
By going through with the operation, I could give him his life back. Hes my moms baby and I have to look after him, Petaller said. In the end it came to this, my brother needed a kidney and I had one to give.
After this, I probably shouldnt have to give him a birthday or Christmas present for at least the next 10 years, Petaller added with a chuckle.
It was an incredibly heroic act, because he is giving up his military career and possibly his lifestyle to save his brother, said MSgt Theodore Skierkiewicz, Petallers maintenance chief at Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267.
The selflessness he showed is indicative of who he is and how he operates. He is your typical hero. He doesnt think he did anything out of the ordinary, just that it was the right thing to do.
I dont think doing this makes me a hero because it wasnt for someone I didnt know, Petaller said. I did it for my brother. Anyone would do the same thing for family.
The transplant took place at the University of California San Diego Thornton Hospital Sept. 30.
It was the only hospital in the area that could perform the operation, Petaller said.
Doctors had to cut out a rib to get to his left kidney.
I dont know if they flipped a coin or what to pick the left kidney, but thats where my 8-inch scar is. I remember talking to the doctors (in the operating room), then the next thing I know, everything started going black. When I woke up, I had a pain in my side.
Next, his kidney was connected to his brothers urinary track in a simpler operation, Petaller said. He was even up and walking before me.
Seaman Petaller was discharged from the Navy with disability and a pension. His body could reject his brothers kidney, or the kidney could develop the same problem, but as long as he takes his medication, those possibilities are slim, Petaller said. I pray to God that my kidney will work for him for the rest of his life.
The donors unit left for Okinawa while he was on convalescent leave. Before the transplant, he had extended for five months to go to Okinawa with his unit. He had plans to re-enlist and submit a package requesting a lateral move into the intelligence field. But now, Im trying to plan for a life after the Marine Corps.
His getting out is a loss to the Corps because hes one of those unique individuals who can act on his own initiative and get the job done, Skierkiewicz said.
When I was a lance corporal and a corporal, I used to say I cant wait until Im out, Petaller said. Now, at this point in my life, I know I am going to miss it. Ill never have an experience like the Marine Corps again.
He has applied for jobs with the Border Patrol and with a major airline, he said.
I still have to find out if my medical history will prevent me from working for either company.
Without complications from the surgery, he should be able to live a normal life, he said.
I just need to remember I only have one kidney, so I will probably lead a healthier lifestyle than before.
He wont receive any benefits in connection with the surgery; its considered elective.
Although the Marine Corps wont let him stay in, he cant complain, he said.
If my brother and I hadnt been in the military, we never could have paid for the transplant. The military has done something for us we can never repay.


Randy

[rcecale]

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific, Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii (Aug. 10, 2004) -- It was a hot day at Turtle Bay Beach, Hawaii, in March, and all Gunnery Sgt. David Jenkins wanted to do was play volleyball. That was out of the question for the 3rd Radio Battalion Marine who answered the call to duty by attempting to save a man’s life and in return received an award for heroism from the Honolulu Police and Fire Departments, Aug. 10.

“There was a woman screaming for someone to call 911 and a man lying in the sand turning purple with blood coming from his mouth. I didn’t jump in right away because I wanted to give room for someone with more medical background. The woman asked if anyone knew (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). That is when I realized no one else was helping and I stepped in after telling my wife to call 911,” said Jenkins, a crypto analyst. “All I knew was my Marine Corps first aide.”

He added that there was 20 people standing around watching as he checked the victim for a pulse, took another breath and continued CPR. Before the fire department could respond Jenkins had the victim breathing again.

“We got him breathing, but it was very labored. We had to hold his tongue down with the end of a hairbrush. He stopped breathing as the emergency medical personnel got there,” said Jenkins a Dayton, Ohio native.

He added, “You have to assess the situation. I knew my capabilities. If there was someone there with more medical experience I would step aside,” said Jenkins who joined the Marine Corps 22-years-ago.

That is exactly what he did when the fire department and paramedics arrived.

“When we got there, we went straight to the victim. He was our main priority. When I finished, I heard about Jenkins from the head of security for the Turtle Bay Resort,” said Fire Capt. Gary Pardy, the fireman who nominated Jenkins for an award. “When I looked around I didn’t see Jenkins, but I wanted to nominate him for the heroism award, because he had total disregard for his own life.”

Jenkins was still there, but he had gone to the water to wash the blood off.

“That day … it happened so fast. I was just amazed,” said Karen S. Jenkins, Jenkins wife. “David was so calm. He didn’t even think about the fact that he had that man’s blood all over his face.”

Pardy added, it takes a brave caring person to put his life aside and do what Jenkins did – unprotected mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Jumping in to help isn’t something new for Jenkins, although this is the first time it came down to saving someone’s life.

“He always tells us not to tell our Marines to do something that we wouldn’t do,” said Cpl. Jeremy Link. “He gives us something that needs to get done, shows us a way to do it and then says, if you can think of a better way to do it – let me know.”

Despite the risk taken by Jenkins, the victim died later that week.

“We need more people who are willing to do what they can before trained medical personnel arrive on the scene,” said Pardy who added that being CPR trained would help .

Randy

[rcecale]

Valuables Stolen As Marine Saves Boy

A good deed is a costing a Marine plenty.

Cpl. Quentin Gwynn jumped into the ocean near a popular Honolulu tourist spot to save a teenager from drowning. During the rescue someone swiped his valuables.

Firefighters credit Gwynn, on vacation after serving in the war in Iraq, with saving the 16-year-old boy's life on Monday.

After the commotion, Gwynn and his girlfriend realized that someone had stolen her backpack, which contained a camera, identification, money, credit cards and a key to their rented motorcycle.

"It's really hitting home right now. It's disheartening," said Gwynn, 21. "They could have picked someone else to steal from."

Gwynn arrived in Hawaii on Sunday aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard. The ship had deployed Jan. 17 for Iraq.

The couple were about to take a second leap from a diving rock Monday when there was a panicked cry for help from the boy's friend.

Gwynn said the youth's body was limp and cold when he was pulled out of the water. He wasn't breathing and had no pulse.

The Marine helped revive the boy by performing CPR. The teen was later taken to a hospital.

RedUfo, did you swipe this hero's stuff to buy more foil or something?

Randy

[rcecale]

Marines, Sailors deliver more than 1 million pounds of relief
Public Affairs Office COMBINED SUPPORT GROUP-INDONESIA
MEDAN, Indonesia (Jan. 11, 2005) -- Combined Support Group-Indonesia continues to assist the Government of Indonesia in support of their tsunami relief efforts. In the past 24 hours, Expeditionary Group Five delivered relief supplies and engineering and medical equipment via helicopter and Landing Craft Air Cushion to the hard-hit town of Meulaboh. To date, Expeditionary Group Five has moved approximately 25 metric short tons of a 40 metric ton French field medical clinic from Banda Aceh to Meulaboh. The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Group flew 39 sorties to deliver 29,850 lbs of food, 26,030 lbs of water, and 18,900 lbs of medical supplies to the tsunami survivors. Expeditionary Group Five flew 32 sorties to deliver 37,230 lbs of food, 35,450lbs of water, and 11,200lbs of medical supplies.

Full story here.

Randy

[rcecale]

Here ya go, RedUfo, attack these guys while they're unarmed...

Marines agree not to carry weapons during relief mission
ABOARD THE USS BONHOMME RICHARD — Marines have expanded their role in Sumatra’s tsunami relief operation after days of delays caused by Indonesian objections to armed U.S. troops and the setting up of a base camp on shore, officials said.

Full story here.

Randy

[rcecale]

Are ya bleedin' yet, Red?

Randy

[RANDY P]

Originally posted by Z-man
Red: ya know, there are Marines stationed in other parts of the world besides Iraq... You'll note that Eric's original post states...


And the "Toys for Tots" program is a very well established and fairly well known program the Marines do. In December, my company asks us to donate toys for their program.

-Z-man.

Nevermind, Tommy's just a pissy little boy.

Probably got got swirlies in the boys room courtesy of the ROTC kids in HS...

rjp

[audi2.7t]

Originally posted by red ufo
Cool, we blew up your home killed your father and all your brothers of 'military age', here teddy ruxpin for compensation.
Edited - personal attack and inappropriate comments removed.

Edit there was no personal attack drop your meds.

Ahhh, you forgot the part about "raped your sisters, pimped out your mother, ate your chickens and beat up your uncle Muhammed in the jail !!!"...... why do you have such a problem with army personel??, are you a rent-a-cop that got turned down for the forces ??. Is it so incredulous that Marines commit acts of compassion ??. Jeez, don't be angry at the troops following orders, be angry about the lies and deceit that sent them there. Are you even American ??, I'm thinking maybe French!!...

[dafischer]

Hmmmm...alien & french. Ya know, there may be a connection.

[Eric 951]

Randy,

Thanks for the stories.

Despite what some would like to believe, the USMC is doing the United States proud--always has, always will.