Reviews from

Once A Marine Always A Marine

2nd Place Finish

31 total reviews 
Comment from Thomas Blanks
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Let me give you a "Semper Fi."
Although I'm just a Navy guy.
I was never in battle. I got away clean.
Just happy to have a DD-214.
Happy Veteran's Day!
Thank you for your service!

 Comment Written 11-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 11-Nov-2022
    Every man who put on a uniform had the potential of fighting and dying, and had to have accepted that when they enlisted. I think that the heroism is shared equally amongst all who made that mental choice. Besides, what would the USMC do without the USN ubering us around the planet! LOL, the USN saved marines' asses more than a few times throughout history. The Frozen Chosin mentioned in my story was one of those times. You guys are appreciated, by just about every marine that I know Thank you for your service my friend! I think that I am going to do well in this tight contest with all of you vets running about. God bless and Happy Veteran's Day!
Comment from Barbara Peabody Pouliot
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

That is so beautiful. I am honored to know you and grateful for all you are; every single word that you listed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
With Honest Sincerity...My Friend....My Grunt...My Hero
Have a beautiful day today and everyday, you earned that and I bow my head in appreciation each day that I enjoy a beautiful day, by saying Thank You - God Bless You ; which seems so insufficient for my expression of deep gratitude!!!
Write On Brother Write On
You are an Amazing writer as well. Thank you for sharing

 Comment Written 11-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 11-Nov-2022
    Thank you my good friend. Your words are very kind and so is your wonderful review. I'm glad we convinced you to stay aboard as you add great value to the site!
reply by Barbara Peabody Pouliot on 11-Nov-2022
    Thank you for those kind words. I feels good to matter and have value, lol Do you ever feel invisible as a parent?
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2022
    Most days where my teenagers are concerned.
reply by Barbara Peabody Pouliot on 11-Nov-2022
    Lol. Yes I hear you. I sometimes wonder if they would notice if I fell on the floor in the middle of the kitchen, until they said Mom, where is? Or Mom I need?
    The joy of parenting!!!!!!lol
Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

There will be a huge celebration in 2025. I count on you to tell us all about it. As a non-American, I learnt a lot from this essay. Thanks for sharing. Kate xx
then doing extraordinary > then do extraordinary

 Comment Written 11-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 11-Nov-2022
    Thanks. I appreciate you catching my error. Hopefully that helps me out in the tight contest. Bad grammar never does well. I appreciate you! Thanks
Comment from susand3022
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi Douglas,
This is a great description of our Marine Corps and the men and women that serve within. They honor us with their sacrifice, we ought to honor them when they come home by caring for them. Unfortunately, we don't always do what we should, and I didn't win the 2-billion-dollar power ball.
Susan :)

 Comment Written 11-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 11-Nov-2022
    Not yet anyways! Keep trying cause you never know! Thank you for the review. The contest is tight as there are many good ones! I appreciate you.
Comment from Terry Broxson
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is an exceptional entry for this contest. I think it is a sure-fire vote-getter, and I love the rich detail you have given in this story. I did not know some of the nicknames came from enemies. Outstanding! Terry.

 Comment Written 11-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 11-Nov-2022
    Thanks Terry! My story seems to be holding its own in the vote, but we shall see. The Germans named the marines Devil Dogs because we were so tenacious. That was right after the battle of Belleau Woods where the French were in full retreat and we had just arrived. The marine officer said, "Retreat hell! We just got here!" The English named the marines Leathernecks because we were the first to wear leather pieces around our necks to protect from sword slashes. Just a little USMC lore. Appreciate you brother!
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is very well-written and interesting. When you named the battles, you should have included destroying the pirate network at Tripoli. This is an excellent explanation of what a Marine is. Best of luck in the Veterans Day Salute. You have some stiff competition, but this is very good.

 Comment Written 10-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 11-Nov-2022
    Thank you! I had Tripoli and some WW2 battles but I went a bit over the word limit. Oopsies! We will see how it does in the polls!
Comment from Wendy G
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

An excellent entry for the prompt, and a well-written one. Very timely, with today being the anniversay of the Marine Corps as well as Veterans' Day (or, in Australia, Remembrance Day). Just in your last stanza, it needs to be "well-known" not " well know". Best wishes for your entry.
Wendy

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 10-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 11-Nov-2022
    Thank you Wendy. You are awesome. The contest is tight. I?m certain that your correction will aid me as many FS writers won?t vote for bad grammar. You are a blessing! Thanks.
Comment from Dr. Von
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Thank you for your service. Thank you for sharing the proud heritage of The Marine Corps. Your story is one that I appreciate and celebrate. I come from a military family that includes two who are marines. With pride and humility, we always remember and never forget. Thank you for your writing excellence. Well done you.

 Comment Written 10-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 11-Nov-2022
    Ah, a rich family of Marine Corps history! Love it! Your families service is much appreciated!!! I think that I should do well in this contest with all of the extended corps family floating around. Regardless, the sentiments remain the same. I value your friendship Von. You are a blessing to me.
reply by Dr. Von on 11-Nov-2022
    Absolutely! You are very welcome my friend.
Comment from Susan Newell
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Happy Birthday, Marine!

I was thrilled to learn that my niece is "in love" with a marine. She obviously has great discernment. The marines are everything you say and more. I have heard that they also have a motto, Improvise, Adapt, Overcome. I don't know if that's true. But it has gotten me through numerous trials.

Thank you for your service. I'm sorry I don't know your rank, but I'll send along a salute through the Internet. Sorry I don't have a six.

Your humble WWF

It means that we will never quit until you fall. -- Better as "the enemy falls"? (Don't want to have it interpreted as you, the reader.)

Battle fields and technology change, -- technologies (to stay parallel with plural fields)

The enemy learned that fighting spirit at the Battle of Khe Sanh -- suggest "learned of" since they weren't learning to fight that way

People enlisting from ordinary walks of life, honed into warriors, and then doing extraordinary things in times of great stress and hardship. -- Better as: People enlist . . . , are honed into . . . , then do extraordinary

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 10-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 10-Nov-2022
    Thank you my friend. Some fine edits! You are a good WWF.
reply by Susan Newell on 10-Nov-2022
    :-D
Comment from Sandra Nelms-Ludwig
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is a well-written piece of prose/essay on the mighty Marines. The text is a great size. The information was interesting and informative. This is a wonderful piece to share for those reasons. It is especially appropriate and great you are sharing it today on the US Marine Corps 247th Birthday! Thank you!

 Comment Written 10-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 11-Nov-2022
    Dang girl, you look good in uniform! Very prim and polished! Thank you for your wonderful review. As always I appreciate my fellow veterans very much and regardless how the contest plays out, I love writing about the military. Thanks to your family members who served as well! Stay you, its a good place to be!
reply by Sandra Nelms-Ludwig on 11-Nov-2022
    You are welcome and thank you for your service. Where do you see me in uniform? It's not appearing on my profile. I uploaded it days ago.
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2022
    Its on your profile picture over your name, even on this thread.
reply by Sandra Nelms-Ludwig on 11-Nov-2022
    I wonder why I am seeing only my old afro photo. That's weird.
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2022
    Glitch? Or does it just take a bit to switch over? I was seeing the other one before, I think you were wearing white?
reply by Sandra Nelms-Ludwig on 11-Nov-2022
    Yes, I was wearing white. You be scoping me out Mr. Douglas. LOL Alright now. LOL
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2022
    The eye naturally notices beauty my friend! But, I remember because you have given me such wonderful reviews on many occasions.
reply by Sandra Nelms-Ludwig on 11-Nov-2022
    You could have stopped at the first sentence my friend. LOL Thanks, you are an exceptional writer that I enjoy reading.
reply by the author on 11-Nov-2022
    Thank you for being so warm, kind, and
    encourage. You have a wonderful soul. I appreciate you always, not only as a writer, but as my veteran buddy! Enjoy our day!!!
reply by Sandra Nelms-Ludwig on 11-Nov-2022
    Thanks, you are generous with your praise. I told Tom about not seeing my profile picture and he said I need to clear my browsers file cache. I Googled for info, but I'm unsure if I did it right,