NEWS 4
VETERANS
A Sentimental Moment...
S
EMPER FIDELIS. Anymore we hear it spoken with deep pride and without any hubris. Even still, some among us may not know its meaning because it’s Latin. When translated, it means, “Always Faithful.” It’s the Marine Corps motto, adopted in 1883. To borrow a quote from Marines.com, it signifies “. . . the bond developed and shared between Marines . . . [and] goes beyond words that are spoken . . .” It’s a profound feeling acquired from having endured and overcome the rigors of training and the sacrifices that come with duty to country, and having achieved the high standards of the Corps. And, for many, for having survived the horrors and trials of combat. It’s not something you can buy, inherit, or even pilfer. It comes only from sacrifice, service, and shared experiences. . . to include pain and loss. Only a few know its meaning and only a few have lived it fully. This is why when you hear someone say, “Once a Marine, always a Marine,” they’re not kidding. Some years ago that motto burrowed itself in my marrow back when the military was as unpopular as a venereal disease. Thankfully, the times have changed and with it, our temperaments so that I can now display a Marine decal in the back window of my car and its meaning be known to all who see it. There are soldiers, sailors, and airmen and then there are Marines. The distinction is significant. I wax poetic because I happened to think of the Marine Corps motto some weeks before Christmas when I bumped into the Commanding Officer of the Logistics Base here in Barstow. We were attending the Harvey House Christmas celebration and had secured our cars in the same area of the parking lot. Talk about luck or serendipity, or even the divine hand scripting events, but when I exited my vehicle, I noticed a Marine in his service “A” uniform, looking
10
January 2024
squared away, and walking toward the Harvey House. I walked next to him and glanced at the collar of his khaki shirt and saw a silver eagle. I knew instantly he was the Commanding Officer of the Marine Base and for a second I thought I had inadvertently intruded on his space. But, even still, I inquired to be sure and he kindly replied he was. Feeling that Providence had brought us together, I informed him of my desire to write an article about the Toys for Tots Program and he graciously shared his knowledge of it as we walked toward the celebration. The rack of ribbons on his left breast revealed his record of service and achievements and for a second, maybe longer, the part of me that was still connected to when I had served wished I still was. Colonel Gregory B. Pace explained that the Toys for Tots program had been operating for the last couple of months, collecting toys and receiving information about the needy children in town. When I asked who should be my point of contact, we agreed that I should start with the Base Sergeant Major—SGM Miller Daceus. As we entered the Harvey House, we parted company, he to meet and greet other attendees and me to take pictures of the
PULSE PUBLICATIONS
By J.P.Garner
event. I wasn’t alone long when Colonel Pace returned and introduced me to SGM Daceus. He looked resplendent in his Dress Blues while his handshake was warm and friendly without being firm. I shared my desire to write about the Marines’ commitment to Barstow and its long-standing gift-giveaway program and, after comparing schedules, we agreed to meet the following Tuesday afternoon. The Toys for Tots program is a tradition performed by Marines all over the country. Service is at the heart of any man or woman in uniform and it is with a deep sense of purpose that I will write about a program that will touch the hearts of many kids in our city. As I stood there, strangely in awe of these men whom I knew from my time as a Marine had made a life-long commitment to an ideal—to our country and what it stands for—I felt honored and safe. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, or just weird, but when I looked about the room full of people celebrating the best time of the year, I suddenly felt immensely grateful for the men and women who weren’t with friends and family at Christmas so that we could be. Oo-rah!
