Monday, September 26, 2016
I had the pleasure of living just a few doors down from Alden in Lakeland Village. We shared a deeper connection than just being neighbors though--we are both United States Marines.
Although our wars were over 25 years removed from each other, we shared an instant bond and comradeship as Marine Corps veterans. Whether it is the Battle of Saipan or a firefight in Quang Nam Province, it is a brotherhood that spans generations.
Whenever Alden drove by my house to do his daily rounds in his El Camino, he would always wave and flash that ready smile of his when he saw me and the United States Marine Corps flag flying proudly on my front porch.
We have a saying in the Corps that whenever a Marine dies and goes to heaven, he is met at the gates by St Peter. The Marine sharply salutes and says, "Another Marine reporting for duty, Sir."
Semper Fi Brother.
