The March To The Sea
Mama mama can't you see?
What the Corps has done to me
Put me in a barber chair
Snip snap I had no hair
I used to wear my baggy jeans
Now I'm wearin cammy green
I used to drive a cadillac
Now I'm humpin(hike) with a pack
If my shoot don't open wide,
I've got a reserve by my side.
If that one should fail me too,
Look out ground I'm coming through.
Runnin through the jungle with your M16
You're a stupid muthafucker you forgot your magazine
If I die in a combat zone
Box me up and ship me home
Put me in a set of blues
Comb my hair and shine my shoes
Pin my medals upon my chest
Tell my Mama I did my best
~Marine Corp Cadance(Running/Marching)
We were allowed Monday off after the Marine Corp Ball to prepare for the 8-9 mile hike we were to have the following day.
Although my room continued to be bitter cold, I managed to sleep well on into late Monday morning.
After finally rising from bed I drank as much water and gatorade as possible throughout the day
While also doing some light stretch excercises for my leg muscles to prepare for the strain and sorness I would surely feel.
The last time we had had such a hike, more than 70% of everyone had ended up either throwing up or passing out before the end.
I had barely made it, just concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other.
All the Marine Corp has ever really been was a mind game where as long as you have a strong mental power you'll accomplish anything.
That didn't hide the fact that my legs felt like huge blocks of concrete when the order to halt was finally given.
It took me a whole week, and a few sessions in the spa to walk normally again instead of a crippled old man.
This hike required:
My flak jacket with my sappe plates(shrapnel and small arm fire vest)
30 pounds of gear in our light pack
Kevlar helmet, water pack, and M16A4
I tossed and extra Gatorade in my pack for this time just in case
Instead of starting out at 6AM in the morning like last time, we would be starting at noon, the hottest time of the day
Which even in November is still pretty hot with gear. Rather irregular that it's still hot this late in the year.
Well this place is old
It feels just like a beat up truck
I turn the engine, but the engine doesn't turn
Well it smells of cheap wine & cigarettes
This place is always such a mess
Sometimes I think I'd like to watch it burn
~Wallflowers: One Headlight
As I waited for the the order to march, I leaned against a brick wall, and watched the leaves fall from a nearby tree.
Lost in thought, tapping my helmet with my fingers in an unrecognizable tune in boredom,
I smiled at the thought of how nice it be being stationed back in Calli.
Can't be that lucky twice... I'll be alright if and probably doesn't happen
With a lil less than a hundred Marines We formed up, made a right face(turn) and proceded to march down the trail into the woods
The trees provided a short comfort from the sun, but soon we emerged from the forest and made our way to the main road
After three miles the heat and the weight began to take ahold of the heavier Marines.
By the halfway mark we had lost about a 1/4 of the men, but overall it seemed everyone was more prepared this time.
The pace was slow, and we had a transport and a first aid truck if necessary nearby for those who fell out.
Some would fall back a lil creating gaps, but it's unwise to run from behind to fill the gap
Because then everyone else has to run to fill the hole u made, and that tires everyone pretty quick.
We eventually reached the ocean's edge, the sun shining on the water, and the sound of seagulls overhead
Than taking a detour we found our way back the way we came.
My legs are sore, and my left foot there is some discomfort, but it wasn't as bad as last time despite the heat.
I should be back on my feet walking normally again by tomorrow.
The hike was the last obstacle this month
We're on a three day break due to Veteran's Day, and Thanksgiving should be a five day vacation.
I'll be able to post pics from the Marine Corp ball as soon as Kerri and Erin have them developed.
Everyone keeps asking, what’s it all about?
I used to be so certain and I can’t figure out
What is this attraction? I only feel the pain
There’s nothing left to reason and only you to blame. Will it ever change?
‘Cause I am barely breathing
And I can’t find the air
I don’t know who I’m kidding
Imagining you care
And I could stand here waiting
A fool for another day
But I don’t suppose it’s worth the price, worth the price
The price that I would pay
But I’m thinking it over anyway...
I’ve come to find
I may never know
Your changing mind
Is it friend or foe?
I rise above
Or sink below
With every time
You come and go
Please don’t come and go...
Duncan Shiek: Barely Breathing