A Cop, Marine and a Sailor.....

[erixun]

A cop, marine and a sailor walk into a bar.... makings of a good joke, but actually needs to happen in real life, before he leaves for flight school. Explanation: I served in the US Navy during the Gulf War, got out, served in the Natl Guard, then back into the Navy reserves for a time before my current job made it difficult to continue serving. Put up my Navy uniform some years ago. One of my coworkers who is a good friend had a son who had spoke to me at length over the years about the military, he decides on the USMC and goes through the officer candidate process, a few weeks ago he asks me if I would be willing to render his 'first salute' at his commissioning. I felt it was an honor, I was proud, humbled and privileged to do so! Found my uniform, had it cleaned and pressed, and was able to participate yesterday. For those that do not know, when an officer is first commissioned he can choose a current or past enlisted member to render his first salute as an officer, after the salute he bestows a silver dollar to the enlisted person. This tradition in the Marines and Navy is long standing and has some different thoughts behind it.

 

[beemerdons]

Very Nice erixun, Thank You!

Sergeant Don Stanley, US Army

 

[El Toro Joe]

Very cool, and honorable.

 

[Warpdrv]

Awesome - Congratulations, that is a great honor and will link the two of you together for the rest of your lives !!

We all - Thank you for your service.....

 

[MCRIDER007]

And the cop in the story (and picture) is...................his father?

 

[LKLD]

Agreed, a very touching moment between the 2 of you. Congratulations on the event and having that kind of relationship with him.

 

[erixun]

And the cop in the story (and picture) is...................his father?

Yep, the uniformed cop in the pic is his dad.

 

[Pterodactyl]

I commmissioned a 100 or so Lieutenants during my time in the Army, including my daughter. The first salute tradition is much the same in the Army as in the Naval services. Pretty touching to see scenes as you described. It was something to see an 80 year old WWII vet get saluted by a newly commissioned grandchild. I know you feel proud to have been selected.

 

[bigjohnsd]

I'm proud of you for being able to fit in the uniform to render said salute!

Semper Fi!

John Langdell

CDR, USN (RET)

 

[juniorfjr]

This is reasuring that there are enough good young people left. At a time when all we hear about is the bad ones. Good for both of you. Oohra.

 

[BkerChuck]

Very nice! What an honor to do something like that.

Thanks to both of you for your service.

 

[dcarver]

Wow. Admit it teared me up a bit. Awesomely good stuff, right there. Proud of all 3 of you, and I don't even really know you. Proud America, yes?

 

[erixun]

I'm proud of you for being able to fit in the uniform to render said salute! Semper Fi! John Langdell CDR, USN (RET)

I have to admit- this is the 2nd set of dress blues I was issued, the first set when I entered service before the gulf war would never have fit!! This is actually the set I was issued when I went back into the reserves- after I grew 'up', err.... or more to the point 'out'. It was neat to put the uniform on again.

Dcarver- I got choked up when I saluted him, looked him in the eyes while saluting and told him that on behalf of all the sailors and marines he will serve with, lead and command, I wished him fair winds and following seas. And also when his father spoke so highly of all veterans, (he has never served in the military) and appreciates the service and sacrifices made by past service members allowing his son to get this opportunity.

 

[Cav47]

First class all the way around!!

We all owe our past, current, and future servicemen and women a thank u and more!!!

 

[dshane]

As a 28 year and counting, veteran police officer and father to an Iraq war veteran Marine, thank you both for your service. You both should be very, very proud!

 

[wheatonFJR]

Wow...

...definitely emotional reaction to this one.

 

[Surly]

That is a great tradition. Well done.

 

[Boomer612]

I got out of the Navy in 1968.. and now serve in the Patriot Guard Riders...

I have a friend who will be pinning his dolphins on his son in 2 weeks...

The military traditions are many and provide a sense of pride in country that can't be found anywhere else.

Two of my best friends were jarheads and we give each other grief all the time.. wouldn't have it any other way...

I was not aware of this tradition... but I think it's great... congrats

Go Navy...

"May You Have Fair Winds and Following Seas"

Eternal Father, strong to save,

Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,

Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep

Its own appointed limits keep;

Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,

For those in peril on the sea!

(www.navy.mil/navydata/media/eternal_father.mp3)

 

[Uncle Hud]

Nice. Seriously; nice. Cops serve too, you know, and sometimes in far more dangerous environments than service folks.

Uncle Hud

ETR2(SS), USN, 1976-1982 (USS Tunny, SSN 682)

NOW ... what about the cop, the skimmer, and the jarhead? Did the three of them walk into a bar after that?