What are some good memories during your time at MCRD Parris Island or MCRD San Diego whether a recruit or stationed there?

2016-10-24T01:47:25-04:00

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Oct 24 at 2016 2:03 AM

2016-10-24T02:03:05-04:00

Graduating. I graduated at 10 AM. The Greyhound bus left at 12. At 10:15 my seabag was on that bus and my ass was in a seat.

Response by Cpl George Crab made Oct 24 at 2016 9:41 AM

2016-10-24T09:41:56-04:00

Whenever my team was at the graduation for our platoons, time after time. I felt that we had guided another bunch of boys into men, civilians into Marines, and I was proud of the Marines that left PI.

That was when Corporals were accepted into the DI MOS. Through a sort of 'What happens on PI stays on PI,' I was accused of doing something that I didn't do, but turning in 8 of the other DIs was something that I wasn't about to do. No one got hurt, but I took the blame. And I remained a Corporal.

Yeehaw.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Oct 24 at 2016 10:12 AM

2016-10-24T10:12:29-04:00

i'm from a large Marine Corps Family... example, my mother and father were BOTH Marines. Graduation Day. My Father dropped off my awards and decorations from the Army. Sweet pinning those on my Class A's. Second. we march out to the grinder. EVERYONE from my family that could was there IN UNIFORM. they took up a significant part of one set of bleachers. When we were dismissed, they came out en masse to the grinder and i wore out my right arm saluting (those who were officers) and shaking hands. During the reception for New Marines back at the barracks i saw my dad had my Sr DI off to the side talking. a few minutes later, my Senior DI had ME off to the side. One question. Why didn't you tell me your family was Marines? Answer, you never asked. SWEET!

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2016 2:15 PM

2016-10-24T14:15:00-04:00

I remembered stepping on those yellow footprints and wondering what I was doing there....I loved every day, every chow time, every inspection because.......I was on the journey to become one of the few the proud the Marines. And the first in my family :). Two of my cousins have followed in my footsteps, one in the engineers and the other is in the MPs

Response by Cpl Keith Mills made Oct 25 at 2016 7:11 AM

2016-10-25T07:11:31-04:00

MCRD San Diego the first time was a tough but proud experience. I worked for the American Red Cross many years later and visited the area chapters. The on base staff told a senior DI friend about me and he gave my wife and I a half day tour on his own time. The place looks a lot different when the circumstances of your visit change so dramatically. It was an amazing tour and really helped my wife understand where I came from and why I am who I am today.
Thank you SSgt. Wherever you are.
Cpl. Mills March1987 platoon 1017 A Co.

Response by Sgt William Coffee made Oct 25 at 2016 8:12 AM

2016-10-25T08:12:37-04:00

While in boot camp at MCRD San Diego(Nov. 1966) the WM's were trained on the other side of the fence. Near the end of training we were in formation on the grinder for a pass in review. There were maybe 8-10 platoons in position with an ominous space in the middle of this formation. From the rear we could hear another platoon marching it's way to fill the empty space. It turns out it was WM's. The female DI gave them "platoon halt" before arriving and still directly behind our platoon. It was a terrible response to "platoon halt". The female DI then screamed at the top of her lungs and I quote "When I say halt I want to hear 60 p**sies suck air at the same time". Our Sr DI SSGT Cheslock was so stunned he nearly went to his knees laughing, the rest of us joined in the fun.

Response by LCpl Ferdinand Hughes made Oct 25 at 2016 8:53 AM

2016-10-25T08:53:13-04:00

I was at PISC Sept 1997. 2nd BN, Golf Co Plt 2109. I remember we marching to the chow hall and a plane flew above the platoon. A recruit looked up in the sky and of course was caught. The DI tore him a new one and made him march with his head up looking at the sky for the rest of the day. Another time we were marching and the DI was hitting on a female sailor, must have been a Corpsman, he made the front half of the platoon remember the first three digits of her number, and back half remember the last four. So, instead of cadence we had to repeat the phone number until we got to the barracks.

Response by Cpl Eli Linthicum made Oct 25 at 2016 10:26 AM

2016-10-25T10:26:29-04:00

MCRD Parris Island, 3rd Bn, Plt 3002 "Killer Kilo" --- Too many to count! The most vivid that comes to mind would've been during the crucible when myself and a few others witnessed two of our DI's cracking a smile for the first time and chuckling about something we messed up. Even in that moment, it took nothing away from their legacy as paragons of discipline and military bearing in our eyes. We kept affirming ourselves whether 'it' even happened up until graduation; like a Big Foot or UFO sighting. I'll never forget that.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Oct 25 at 2016 10:53 AM

2016-10-25T10:53:26-04:00

Well there was so many good memories. I hated and loved every part of my experience at Parris Island. Even the little games I can look back and laugh. But if I had to single out a good memory, I'd probably say the rifle range. Never shot a weapon before, but the sound and smell of it was intoxicating and the feeling of hitting black consistently felt so amazing.

Response by Sgt Teri Kemp made Oct 25 at 2016 11:34 AM

2016-10-25T11:34:28-04:00

I was on PI in 1991 Jan-April. We had a freak snow storm which was interesting while we were at the 'beach'. I turned 27 in bc so an older perspective I actually enjoyed most my time there. HOT GUYS everywhere! LOL... At rifle range, i remember early in the am hearing music outside, a Mariah Carey song..got to hear the whole thing..so that still brings back memories when I hear it...the smell of gun oil and boot polish. So DAMN GLAD i became a MARINE on April 12, 1991. Love my Corps.

Response by Col David Couvillon made Oct 25 at 2016 4:00 PM

2016-10-25T16:00:47-04:00

In 1976, as permanent personnel at MCRD, the CG was part owner of the Chargers. NFL teams would practice on MCRD (away from prying eyes). Got to watch a whole practice of the Jets with Joe Namath one time. (Later in 2003, Joe Namath's nephew [Marine SSgt] was on my security team)!

Also, Wilt Chamberlin was part owner of the San Diego professional volleyball team (Breakers, I believe) and they would practice against the MCRD (CamPen) intramural team on depot. Wilt would often practice with them and I got to attempt to return his slams.... the bruises have since healed... mostly.

Response by Sgt Willard Easley made Oct 26 at 2016 7:43 AM

2016-10-26T07:43:06-04:00

MCRD Parris Island, 1968. During that week near the end of training when each platoon pulled either guard duty or mess duty, I was assigned mess duty at the mess hall where all regular stationed personnel ate (the one where "Iron Mike" stands?). As I recall they had a retirement party for the island senior SgtMaj. at the chow hall one night and the next morning, bright and early, I and three or four others were assigned clean up detail. While picking up empty beer cans from the tables and floors we happened to pick up one unopened can. We quickly spirited it out to the GI shed (where the garbage cans were kept and where we sneaked unofficial breaks). Using a fork (these were pre-poptop days) we poked holes in the can and the four of us took turns sipping. The only recruits I ever heard of getting a beer in boot camp.

Response by Sgt William Coffee made Oct 26 at 2016 8:09 AM

2016-10-26T08:09:47-04:00

Perhaps I misspoke about the WM DI thing. But they were WMs and it did happen.

Response by GySgt Frank Gagliano made Oct 26 at 2016 10:16 PM

2016-10-26T22:16:26-04:00

I went to MCRD San Diego in 1975. The best part was catching the sailors from the Navy Boot Camp climbing over the fence trying who were trying to go UA. We would catch them and put them and CCP ( correctional custody platoon) until the Navy decided they want them back.

Response by Cpl Luis Hernandez made Nov 1 at 2016 8:36 AM

2016-11-01T08:36:59-04:00

hard to believe, but I was at MCRD 1993 Platoon 1070, my senior drill instructor gave me a DRILL INSTRUCTION shirt to go run and work out on base. I am probably the only one to that ever.. Has any one done this?

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2016 12:29 PM

2016-11-01T12:29:38-04:00

That's a trick question, lol. Only in hindsight do most of have "good" or "fond" memories. While there, it was only thinking of "what comes next" or worrying about screwing up. The bonding, the shared experience. Little did we know then or understood back then that every Marine is my brother or that we carry and defend the honor, pride and integrity of the Corps forever! We do it subconsciously too. What's more, the other branches veterans continue the recognition of Marines based on their experience, jokes, humor and (although they won't admit it) admiration from 20-30-40 and even 50 years ago. No lie, When I was living in working and living in Manhattan during the week and going home on weekends, I stayed in the city over a weekend I took my white shirts and suits to the Chinese Laundry (owned by Koreans) I always use. ( NYC is very very different on weekends without millions of commuters) Instead of the Korean-American I became friends with, there was an old, old man who sat at the end of the counter and I guess my friends daughter. I was in jeans and wearing a Marine Corps hat boldly displaying our EGA. Te little old man instantly on seeing me shuffled over and took my hand smiling and talking in Korean. The daughter translated and said he wanted to thank the Marines. Marines were very good and saved him and his family. It was a longer story that took place back during the war but you got the drift. My point is Marines are remembered for being the SAME WAY today as they were 50-60 years ago and probably more if they still were living. Semper Fi all.

Response by GySgt Joseph Jay Johnston made Nov 1 at 2016 1:08 PM

2016-11-01T13:08:04-04:00

Leaving!!!!!!,Then going back then going back 68 yrs.later and reminincing.
Gy/Sgt.Jay Johnston Ret.....

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2016 1:38 PM

2016-11-01T13:38:10-04:00

I have great memories of my boot camp days. It seems it was only yesterday that I was standing on those yellow foot prints at MCRD, San Diego, CA on October 25th, 1972. We started off with 200 recruits and ended with 45 on graduation day on January 24, 1973. Two days prior to the Peace Accords in Paris, France. My Drill Instructors were; SSgt. Auck, Sgt. Snyder, and Sgt. Collins. All were Vietnam warriors and had served with our infantry units. I was fortunate enough to know about military protocol because my father was in the Army when I had enlisted in the Marine Corps. My best memories are at ITR, Camp San Onofre during our infantry combat tactics and training. We were still being process on our current war in Vietnam. Eighteen years later I served along our 1st Marine Division Engineer Officer, Major Gary Holmquist. He was our 1137 Platoon and Blues Honor Man, 1137 Series Blues Honor Man and was promoted to PFC, meritoriously. I was the 4th Sqaud Leader from the beginning of our training to graduation day and also was meritoriously promoted to PFC, but because of the federal stoppage by then President Nixon, we who were promoted could not put on our chevrons until ordered to do so a couple months later. I served with Major Gary Holmquist when I was serving as the 1st Marine Division, G-6, Assistant Electronics Maintenance Officer and the Division Supply Maintenance Analysis Team, (SMAT), OIC as a Chief Warrant Officer Two. Yes, those were my younger days 44 years ago. Just seems like yesterday to me.

Semper Fidelis to All Marines,
Gunner Kaupe

Response by SSgt Roger Lay made Nov 1 at 2016 3:23 PM

2016-11-01T15:23:13-04:00

MCRD PISC 3rd BN Plt 3013. Lots of "Love/Hate" memories, but would have to say just spending the holidays on the rock was interesting. I arrived on Parris Island Thanksgiving Day 1971. We were strapped in on the Rifle Range on Christmas Day and returned to our squad bay on New Years Day 1972. I remember the elation of Graduation day and hearing "PLATOON 3013 DISMISSED!" and knowing that I had earned the right to forever be a Marine. Also, the strange feeling of being able to leave PI and just spend a few days back home with the family without the DIs calling every shot!

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2016 12:49 PM

2016-11-02T12:49:57-04:00

I have one I remember, stuck with me my whole life. It must have been Oct, 1971 and they were holding a Special Olympics on the island and we volunteered (no really) to coach some of the events. I was 17, no one ever asked a 17 year old to do anything like this in civilian life. I never had had any contact with special needs kids or adults for that matter. It was sprint race, maybe 50 yards that kids around 10 to 15 participated. After about the 5th race (there were a lot of kids) I found myself cheering, yelling and pushing the kids to RUN! There was this one boy towards the end of the day who had Downs Syndrome who was having trouble and I found myself next to him, encouraging him to run faster. I'll be a son-of-bitch if he didn't look at me, understood me and put on a burst of speed that surprised the hell of me . He went on the take 3rd place. I was not prepared for what happened next. He charged me and gave me the biggest hug and knocked me back and I landed on my knees with this kid squeezing and hugging me. Well, seeing this, some of the other kids must have thought it was a good idea so they came over and did a 'pile on" and next thing I knew I was entangled in a hug fest. It was the most sincere, enthusiastic, happy love embrace I had ever felt and I cried. It wasn't fake, it wasn't an obligation on their part, it wasn't phony, it was real honest to God affection. Even when I stood up they were still hugging. One of the women who was with them must have been looking and came over said" They're full of love and very affectionate". I just shook my head and found my Drill Instructor. Not every lesson learned on Parris Island was about Marines.

Response by Cpl William Bud Swearengin made Nov 2 at 2016 6:13 PM

2016-11-02T18:13:47-04:00

Are you kidding? Graduation! Boot camp was not suppose to be easy and it was not. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything but it was a grind. Learned a lot...made many life long friends...but not easy

Response by LCpl William Perry made Nov 2 at 2016 8:47 PM

2016-11-02T20:47:14-04:00

One of the DI's rode my back all the way through boot at MCRD San Diego. There were times I believed he had it in for me as I seemed to be the only one he came down on the way he did. Upon graduation I was awarded my stripe along with my EGA. The pride I had could never be replaced and at that moment after graduation I walk over and thanked him for what he had done (as my family could not make the trip). He replied no thanks needed Marine as I only pushed you as much as I knew you could take and the stripe proved what I believe in you. Semper Fi!

Response by Sgt Herbert Fogelberg made Nov 2 at 2016 11:34 PM

2016-11-02T23:34:55-04:00

Sept. 1965 MCRDSanDiego, Plt 377. I wanted to be a Marine for as long as I could remember. My dad was handicapped from an early age and couldn't serve in the military. I am the only member of the family to be in the military and I wanted it to be the best branch. That arrival at receiving barracks was a wakeup call, like uh oh! I have to say that I will never have any regrets. After 51 years I still remember the Jr DI's were Sgt. Boyle and Cpl. Sophlicles and senior DI Sgt. Jones. I will always have the utmost respect for theses Marines as I'm sure every Marine feels that way about their DI"s. they all increased in rank just before we graduated. One thing I can't seem to forget is Cpl Sophlicles (not sure of the spelling anymore) used the f*** word for everything, more than I remember from anyone my whole time in the Corps. Behind his back between us "boots" he was known as Cpl. F*** F***.

Response by SSG Delanda Hunt made Nov 3 at 2016 9:43 PM

2016-11-03T21:43:15-04:00

Leaving

Response by Pvt Frank Marshall made Nov 10 at 2016 9:34 PM

2016-11-10T21:34:24-05:00

MCRD, San Diego. Being called Marine by our Drill Instructors after returning to our quanset huts after the graduation ceremony, Oct. 3rd, 1959

Response by PFC Dennis Randall made Jan 13 at 2023 4:22 PM

2023-01-13T16:22:27-05:00

MCRD boot camp was an experience that will always have a good memory for me . It was a challenge for this 17 year old , but it was also fun . I loved to exercise so it came easy for the physical part . I got a kick out of the DI'S they just couldn't get my goat . And that really irritated them . But all in all it was an experience to remember .