Letters

Last year Marine Corps Times ran a several successful campaigns for Devil Dog Brew. So successful in fact that the 2010 subscription campaign has been expanded to include Sniper's Brew. I'm not sure how many folks know that Ganett which owns USA Today also owns the Army Times Publishing Company. At last count Army Times Publishing Company had no less than nine popular publications to include: C4ISR Journal, Armed Forces Journal and Training & Simulation Journal, Defense News, Federal Times, Army Times, Navy Times, Air Force Times and of course my favorite Marine Corps Times.

All I know is that my daily mailbags are getting bigger and bigger. And that’s good news for us at Devil Dog Brew. And since I’m here guarding the mail, here’s a little vignette that I pondered on as I stood guard.

Between 1920 and 1921 there were some 36 major mail robberies totaling more than 6 million in stolen mail. After an appeal by the Postermaster General the President authorized the Marines to take action. Throughout the United States some 53 officers and 2,200 enlisted men were dispatched and Post office robberies stopped immediately. I just wanted to let you know I’m doing my part to protect our precious cargo before we send it on its way. Semper Fi, Hank

There I was, at 1600 24 Dec, sitting with Gunny D next to my Browning waiting for the six-by to swing by our position to take us to the USO show that was being put on at the Division CP in Seoul. Scuttlebutt had it that Bob Hope, Les Brown and Jack Benny were going to be there along with some new blond dish called Marilyn Monroe and after spending the last 60 days on the line anything beats keeping them ChiCom hordes at bay. Anyhow the Gunny and I were about finished with our last hand of acey-duecy when Skeeter Davis, Hank Kowaski and Mad Mike Casey pulled-up in a jeep behind the perimeter and were doubled-timing up to my pos. (I knew that somethin' was up 'cause Skeeter was missing his Cheshire cat smile, Hank was covered in grease and hydraulic fluid and Mad Mike's ever-present cigar was unlit!) I dropped my cards and ran down to meet 'em, keepin' low to avoid the snipers and met 'em halfway down the ridgeline.

Before I could get a word in edgewise, Skeeter beat me to the punch:

"HEY MAC, LONG TIME NO SEE! WE WERE BACK AT THE AIRFIELD NEXT TO REGIMENT AND A MESSAGE CAME IN OVER THE HORN THAT SAID THAT WE HAVE A SCOUT TEAM ABOUT 5 MILES NORTH OF HILL 888 THAT NEEDS TO BE PULLED OUT ASAP. HANK SAID THAT EVER SINCE THAT DAY WHEN YOU HELPED US MAKE OUR H-19 WHIRLYBIRD INTO A "GUNSHIP" HE ALWAYS THOUGHT WE OUGHT TO HAVE A BROWNING STICKING OUT OUR DOOR EVERYTIME WE FLEW OVER RED TERRITORY AND IF THERE EVER WAS TIME WE NEEDED A M-1919A3 .30 CAL, TODAY'S THE DAY! WE NEED YOU TO RIDE WITH US AND GET THOSE LADS OUTTA OF A TOUGH SPOT AND GIVE 'EM THE BEST CHRISTMAS THEY'LL EVER HAVE"!

(Mad Mike also chimed-in.) "MAC, HANK AND SKEETER HERE HAVE ALREADY BLESSED THIS WITH THE SKIPPER (that Young Lad from Penn State) AND THOSE GYRENES NEED OUR HELP, AND BESIDES YOU'RE USED TO THIS MAC. ...THIS LITTLE RIDE WILL BE "A WALK IN THE SUN" COMPARED TO THE TIME WE HAD ON FIRST WAVE AT GUAM IN '44!"

I shook my head and smiled. I guess ol' Mad Mike forgot the fact that back on Guam we had two AMTRACS shot-out from under us and I burnt out the barrels of three Brownings before that campaign ended. I then took one look at Skeeter as he broke into his Cheshire cat smile and it was all over.

"Sure Skeeter, why not! Those Scouts need our help more I need to see Bob Hope so let's do it! Just help me out with my Browning and gear."

Two hours later we were 1500 feet above the boondocks heading for Red territory. Since the last time I had been in Hanks' and Skeeters' whirlybird Hank had welded in a swing mount for my Browning which allowed me to keep the gun inside with the cargo door closed until we needed to use it. (That was a good thing too since it kept things a little warmer inside, but we still had to deal with that whinin' chomp-chomp-chomp sound that made me think of an automatic wood choppin' machine!) Skeeter had said that we needed to wait until dark since the Scouts were in the middle of a ChiCom regiment and the last thing we needed was to become a clay pigeon on a trap range.

As we flew, Skeeter kept his eyes on his instrument panel since that was the only way he could keep his sense of direction since ever though it was a clear night, those brown hills all end-up lookin' the same. I was helping to keep Skeeter on track by following his course on the map and giving him time hacks which he matched with his airspeed and gyro compass heading. (This was similar to same skills we were teaching in Raider school back in '48, only difference was we were in air vice a rubber boat.) Hank was busy as always checking for leaks, tightin' nuts and bolts and moniterin' his gauges.

When we were 5 miles from Hill 110, the pick-up point, Hank slid open the cargo door and the North Korean winter froze us all to the bone! I charged and swung-out my Browning and Hank grabbed a grease gun in one hand and a flashlight in another!

Skeeter smiled his Cheshire cat grin and screamed above the noise:

"NOW WE KNOW WHAT OL' SANTA FEELS LIKE WHEN HE'S DELIVERING GIFTS UP IN MAINE EXCEPT HE DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT PEOPLE SHOOTIN' AT RUDOLPH, DANCER AND PRANCER... THE FOLKS IN MAINE LIKE THOSE GUYS!"

Before you know it, we were almost on top of Hill 110 when a small red light started to flash "BAKER ABLE. EASY DOG", Hank responded with "WHISKEY YOKE" and we verified it was our lads.

The Scouts then switched on four flashlights to mark the size of the landing zone and we touched down hard.

Instantaneously the whole sky lit up like the Fourth of July!

Red, green and yellow star clusters; parachute flares were flying everywhere and tracers danced all around us like deadly red orange fireflies. All I could do was open-up with my Browning in an attempt to silence the ChiCom gunners and Hank reached-out and pulled the Scouts on board one at a time. Above the noise Hank asked how many were on the team and he was told five (two were wounded), just as the fourth Scout climbed on, we took a round in the cockpit and the instrument panel blew into electrical flames. Skeeter immediately powered-up and the whirlybird started lifting off. The fifth Scout had to leap on board and Hank and I grabbed him and as the H-19 reached for the sky!

Once the Scout was dragged in the cargo bay, Hank grabbed a fire extinguisher and put out the instrument panel fire. Skeeters' flying made my last trip look like a Sunday family drive as he made moves that no aircraft designer could even think of! Meanwhile the Scouts and I kept up a steady stream of fire as the whirlybird was filled with a cacophony of grease guns, BARs and my M-1919A3. The ChiComs must have been completely taken off guard because were able to get past most of their AAA and I also think that ol' Hank fooled 'em when he started throwin' lit bundles of flares out the cargo door, (I guess they thought we were hurt worse that we were).

After about 15 minutes, the Reds' fire dissipated but then we faced the real problem-the instrument panel, to include the gyro compass and the radio was destroyed. Hank asked one of the Scouts if we could use one of their compasses but it just spun around in a circle (the whirlybirds' rotor created too much static electricity). Skeeter tried looking at the stars but a cloudbank rolled in so we couldn't navigate that way, and like I said those brown hills look the same at night!

The anxious look on Skeeters' face didn't make my impression of the situation any better, I'd been in tough spots before back at the 'Canal, Tulagi, Guam, Teintsen and dozens of other places but I didn't think I'd be riding in a shot-up eggbeater on Christmas Eve over a few thousand folks who'd like nothin' better than add me to there collection of dead Yankees. (Well I knew the risks when I signed-up for this cruise so I can't complain!)

All of a sudden, out of nowhere a L-5 Bird Dog flew out of the clouds and signaled "FOLLOW-ME". We all cheered when he turned-on his tail lights and like the lost lamb we followed the good shepherd as he led us home to the rest of flock.

As we followed the L-5, I could make out the call letters "GEORGE WHISKEY" on his tail and I promised myself to buy that pilot a case of Johnnie Walker Black because he saved all of us from either a fiery crash or a cell in a POW camp.

The rest of the flight was pretty quiet, (if that's possible in a whirlybird), those ChiCom tracers had also damaged the hydraulic system and Hank was up to his armpits in fluid as he tried to keep Skeeter and the rest of us in the air. As we approached Wonsan, the L-5 suddenly tipped his wings in salute and flew away. The next think we knew, the Division Airstrip was directly ahead of us and Skeeter prepared to land.

The Whirlybird hit the deck hard and we all piled out. The Scouts thanked us and were quickly driven off by the G-2 and Skeeter, Hank and I took a look at the ol' H-19. She was a sight to behold, with more holes than a block of Swiss cheese but she brought us home! A Tech Sergeant then walked-up to us and said:

"WHERE HAVE YOU GUYS BEEN? THE DIVISION AIR OFFICER HAD GIVEN-UP HOPE SINCE YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE BACK BY 2100."

“Well your right about that, but we had a little trouble with the ChiComs, I guess they aren't too happy about having US Marine whirlybirds in their rear area. (I answered) Anyway, can you tell us who flies a L-5 with the call letters "GEORGE WHISKEY"? Because he saved our skins by guiding us in!"

The Tech Sergeant turned white as a ghost and said:

"DID YOU SAY GEORGE WHISKEY"?

(I nodded); "Yea, why?"

"THAT COULDN'T BE POSSIBLE, LT SID MULDOON FLEW GEORGE WHISKEY AND HE WAS SHOT DOWN THREE WEEKS AGO WHILE HE WAS GUIDING-IN A WHIRLYBIRD ON A NIGHT MEDEVAC MISSION. HE ALWAYS SAID THAT IF THERE WAS A LOST H-19 OUT THERE HE WOULD BE OUT THERE TO BRING HER IN, BUT LIKE I SAID THAT JUST CAN'T BE!"

Skeeter, Hank and I all looked at each other, smiled and bowed our heads in thankfulness. We all knew what we saw and if we owed our lives to ghost pilot and his plane than so be it!

After all it's Christmas and isn't Christmas the time for miracles?

The rest of the night we drank scotch and celebrated our good fortune, but before you knew it, it was time to return to the line. Skeeter and Hank drove me back to the company CP where the Skipper and Mad Mike were waiting with a warmed mess tray of Christmas turkey and hot coffee. The Skipper slapped me on the shoulder and said "GOOD JOB MAC"; while Mad Mike just winked and said "SEE I TOLD YA', IT WOULD BE EASIER THAN GUAM! (Hey, they don't call him "Mad" for nothin'!).

The time had come for Skeeter, Hank and I to depart. Our lives had crossed once again and we had faced a great trial together and survived! Skeeter broke into his Cheshire cat grin and said:

"MAC, IF YOU EVER GET TIRED OF BEING A MUD MARINE, JUST LOOK-UP HANK AND I, 'CAUSE YOU CAN BE OUR DOOR GUNNER ANYTIME!"

We all shook hands, said our good-byes, then Hank handed me a small folder. With him looking on I opened it and it was the ChiCom Order of Battle. Before I could say anything, Hank said:

"MAC, ONE OF THE SCOUTS GAVE IT TO ME. HE SAID HE KNEW WHAT IT'S WAS LIKE FOR YOU MUD MARINES TO BE OUT ON THE LINE DAY-AFTER-DAY, NOT KNOWING WHAT'S FACING YOU, AND HE THOUGHT HE OWED IT TO YOU AFTER LAST NIGHT."

With that said Skeeter and Hank climbed into their Jeep, drove off and were gone.

Like I said Gyrene, it's been a Christmas Eve to remember! Let's hope that next year turns out as well as this one did.

"... KEEP IT QUIET OUT THERE ON THE PERIMETER!"

Feliz Navidad

Written by my friend and mentor Major Paul Stokes, USMC (Retired) who is currently the Deputy Director for Operations of the Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California

Tien len!  Muon doc lap phai do mau!

Young Paul as a graduate of Recruit Training 1975 and a 2006 snapshot of mustang Major Paul Stokes from our days on Okinawa, Japan. We served together as a part of 7th Communication Battalion, III MEF, FMF Pacific. Major Stokes had one of the largest military libraries of any Marine I have known and was/is a voracious military reader. Thanks again for a great yarn! - With Utmost Respect ~ Semper Fi, Hank

Hank & J.R. - Christmas Brothers

As I celebrate Christmas and this holiday season and move closer to bringing in the New Year I thought it would be great to remind you of a very special relationship Devil Dog Brew enjoys. Many of my brothers and sisters, who served in the Military, belong to TogetherWeServed. This unique group also promotes relationships with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, the Marine Corps Leagues and other military organizations and clubs.

Through TogetherWeServed I've been successful in tracking down old friends that I served with throughout my time in the Corps. A Lance Corporal from Panama, a Platoon Commander from Okinawa a Battalion Commander currently serving in Afghanistan…

This time of year is especially important for me to not only stay in touch with fellow Marines, but through forums and posts I can stay abreast on issues that effect the Veteran community to which I belong.

If you have family or friends that served you'd do well to mention TogetherWeServed to them. From Bootcamp to Units I've served with I've been able to find lost acquaintances. TogetherWeServed’s founder, Wes Prater and I served as Sergeants together. Wes is a brother I trust. Wes and I both just happen to be mustangs that retired as Majors, our perspective is very similar and I appreciate that he is focused on taking care of our treasured military community.

We had a reunion this year in Washington D.C. (I'm in the cowboy hat if you can find me) and our Guest of Honor was Lieutenant General Christmas. Not only were we able to contribute to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation but several collections were taken up for both wounded warriors and scholarships for the children of our veterans. Wes has helped me countless times through the years with special packages for those serving in Harm’s Way.

Commencing with the launch of the US Marines website on the Marine Corps Birthday in 2003, TogetherWeServed has produced a series of US Military community heritage websites which has experienced tremendous growth. TWS roles currently exceed 1 million members with over 230,000 active duty and veteran Marines.

Merry Christmas and Semper Fi, Hank

Jeff is a Marine brother, a few years younger but a few years smarter in the business world, that heads up the Outstanding Company Visual Unrest and the infamous 7.62 Design.  We love their design of the B.A.R. Babe so much so that we offer it here, especially in our Operation MRE package which we've sent to Iraq and Afghanistan and added a few extra goods when purchased by our loyal friends. Today, Jeff reminded me that he's been busy doing some more work on their flagship. He also sent some love my way in his post scripted e-mail to me this morning, "Don't make me come out there. "Get a xxxdamn haircut you hippie." I think he's just got some man envy going on regarding my pretty blue eyes.

"Get a xxxdamn haircut you hippie."

Jeff Scholz -President, Visual Unrest Apparel Design Group, Inc. and rather scruffy.

This Veterans Day I had the outstanding opportunity to talk to an elementary school where my youngest son once attended.  The school brought in Veterans from the local nursing home and invited family members that once served.  The cafeteria was decorated in patriotic themes of course I served Devil Dog Brew and Sniper's Brew and enjoyed the entire program with the children.

I shared some old cadences with the children, where they'd echo my words

Okay, so maybe that wasn't the exact cadence I shared with the kids, but this Veterans Day was truly special. To read a little more about my presentation and a story about my dog Shakespeare go here: My Dog Pooped On My Bed - A Veterans Day Remembrance

This morning I celebrated the 234th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps with my friends from the Lenexa Police Department. They sponsored a breakfast with help from our community.  As you can see, many of our local Marines came and celebrated with us. To my brothers and sisters in the Corps.

Happy Birthday Marines!!

Thank you Chief Hanson and the fine men and women of the Lenexa Police Department for hosting this event.

I guess it was a birthday surprise for me to find out that SSgt Dan Gilyeat is running for Congress. Not my best Marine Corps smile but it was an honor indeed to meet him in person. To find out more about this amazing Marine go here: Dan Gilyeat

As you may know I have many close friends and family members that served in the Army. A group of dear friends that served in the military and also happen to be artists created this which captures what weighs on my heart.

With Utmost Respect and Sadness ~ Semper Fi, Hank

December is here and we are in the Christmas spirit and looking forward to seeing friends and family during this holiday season. Our retail and web business continues to grow and I continue to maintain task saturation.  I'll keep my reminders here for you not to forget to check in our friends from BlackFive as they keep their pulse on our men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan, their pro military pro veteran posts are a part of my daily fare and always spot on.  And when you're ready for a bit of humor see my great friend Damon as he continues to publish Delta Bravo Sierra Monday - Friday. Of course Damon’s better half,  Claire, continues to let me post on Knee Deep In The Hooah and she's always keeping a pulse on what's nearest and dearest to those of us who pray for our military each day.

As always Devil Dog Brew and Sniper’s Brew will to continue to sound off as bully pulpits that proudly support the brave men and women that serve in the military and law enforcement communities.

We will continue to provide coffee to the Sniper Training Summits in Harvard Massachusetts with Crosshairs an organization that provides follow on Sniper Training for men going into combat. We also look forward to the next TogetherWeServed national reunion and will continue to attend Veterans’ celebrations throughout 2009.

Here’s a reminder that we officially adopted Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9 in Maryland as Platinum Sponsors. We Salute Frank Borelli and the fine men and women that are a part of our law enforcement brotherhood.

As a Mustang, former Company Commander, and Battalion XO, I know what it means to stand with our military families and those in Harm’s Way. Among many of our family veterans,my grandfather Hank Sr. (also a mustang) was a WWII Marine on Guam and later Police Chief and our grandpa Rex was an Army Medic in the Second Wave on Normandy and recipient of 4 Bronze Stars. It is in no small part the history and proud tradition of my seniors that drives me.

JR and I want to thank you all for spreading the word, and know that you are a part of our success. We’ve launched a formal Campaign to reach all the Military Exchanges, so keep an eye out for us!

With Utmost Respect ~ Semper Fi, Hank