I cannot wait until I retire.

2014-09-06T01:11:29-04:00

SO yesterday morning one of my Marines left the shop for a planning conference well he never made it and I didn't hear from him all day. Last night I got a phone call at 3 in the morning saying the Sheriff's dept had him detained. Well I spent all day today taking him all over the base to talk to people and pretty much got nothing accomplished that I had on my plate nor was I able to provide guidance to the rest of my shop on some projects that we have upcoming. I can't wait until I don't have to worry about what a guy does when not actually at work.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 6 at 2014 1:40 AM

2014-09-06T01:40:02-04:00

I'm going to remind you of this post SSgt Gregory Guina after your uniform has been hanging in the closet for about 6 months.....

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 6 at 2014 2:02 AM

2014-09-06T02:02:52-04:00

SSgt Gregory Guina Did I ever tell you the story of the time I faced a court martial for having a drunk show up to my house uninvited? He left in the morning and was still buzzing apparently and got popped at the gate. He told the chain of command that he left my house because he didn't have a warm enough blanket and couldn't sleep. They said I was responsible for the welfare of my party guests in the state of California. Unannounced, unwelcome, and didn't get a drop to drink from me. He was my squad leader. I loved the Infantry. I seem to recall something about seek responsibility and take responsibility for one's actions. It must have been some other NCO creed.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2014 9:10 AM

2014-09-06T09:10:55-04:00

I remember my brother had a soldier. He, my brother, was originally going to go to San Antonio because that's where he had gotten in trouble the first time. But someone got him out, and the proceeded further south. The two were drunk, driving, and at the Mexican boarder when my brother had finally caught up with them. Yeah I bet my brother said those words that night.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Sep 6 at 2014 9:23 AM

2014-09-06T09:23:37-04:00

SSgt Gregory Guina this part of the job that no one wants to deal with. I had days where I have to ask PVTs here why they are quitting for reasons other than medical issues. I have NCOs who make decisions without the proper guidance from their PSGs and causes a stir among the unit. Part of me wants to retire in a few years and the other half wants to stay in until the Army tells me it is time to go. I hope I don't have to pickup anyone again from the police station...that makes it a long day on finding out what happened the previous day/night.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Sep 6 at 2014 12:34 PM

2014-09-06T12:34:26-04:00

SSgt, I think we all have those days....

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2014 4:02 PM

2014-09-06T16:02:02-04:00

Bah! I love dealing with these. These guys self select to make my unit a better place by flying their over-sized freak flag in public, removing them from the service and ensuring the future success of the Squadron. Being a utilitarian, I praise the actions of people, not their past successes. Sometimes your only purpose in life is to serve as an example for others. When those Troopers are symbolically sqinging from the flagpole with their innards hanging out, they serve as a great motivational tool for others. 1) They see that the chain of command cares about the welfare of the Squadron enough to quickly and publicly eviscreate these bags-o-donuts, and 2) They have a blinding example of what happens when you cross the line and get beat with the Big Red Book of Soul Crushing Power (UCMJ). While it drains the NCO leadership for a short while, it is addition by subtraction...and I do it with zeal and glee.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2014 7:44 PM

2014-09-06T19:44:15-04:00

We had a kid assigned to our team during a temporary duty assignment get ridiculously drunk one night, and pick a fight with an officer and his wife. After getting kicked out of that party, he passed out in a ditch. Paramedics came to get him. He refused medical treatment, so the ER docs called the cops. He tried to fight them, too. They pepper sprayed him. When they threw him in jail, every time he came to and started making noise, they just walked by and pepper sprayed him again. We had to drive from Ft. Walton Beach to Panama City to get him, and local PD decided to release him to us as a favor without pressing charges. His shirt was soaked with capsaicin.

Good times. Good times.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 6 at 2014 9:58 PM

2014-09-06T21:58:52-04:00

Ahhh, the joys of babysitting. I feel for you SSgt Gregory Guina and yes it is much better when its only your own kids you have to babysit.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2018 11:22 AM

2018-10-30T11:22:54-04:00

Hang in there. Spending 90% of your time on the 10% comes with the territory. It is frustrating but builds character, and will eventually run its course. Laughter helps.

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made Oct 30 at 2018 3:03 PM

2018-10-30T15:03:49-04:00

Been there, done that...but had to go to the border because jackass was in Tijuana and got busted coming back over the border. Retirement (in that respect) is great!

Response by CH (CPT) Jerry McGowin made Oct 27 at 2023 8:59 AM

2023-10-27T08:59:20-04:00

The day after I retired was the best nights sleep I had in 20 years.