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GySgt B. Crowley

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  1. Like
    GySgt B. Crowley got a reaction from Capt Childs in Spencer's Video Thread   
    That's a shame, Spence, I'll certainly miss them!
  2. Like
    GySgt B. Crowley got a reaction from Sgt Beeman in Spencer's Video Thread   
    That's a shame, Spence, I'll certainly miss them!
  3. Like
    GySgt B. Crowley got a reaction from SSgt Ricker in Spencer's Video Thread   
    That's a shame, Spence, I'll certainly miss them!
  4. Haha
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Military Humor   
  5. Haha
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Spencer's Video Thread   
    SURPRISE SPECIAL VIDEO.
    Slightly related to our current Op.
    Those darn officers!!  Hope you enjoy.  Thanks to Sgt Hernandez for whom this video could not have been made.  Thanks.
     
     
  6. Like
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Spencer's USMC History Thread   
    No idea where this is, or other details.  I suspect it's Guadalcanal before they shipped out, but that's just a guess.
    It's important to know and understand history.  Especially these days as I see history is being distorted and rewritten all over the place to be politically correct.
    Anyway, just an interesting photo for your enjoyment and edification.
     

  7. Like
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Spencer's Video Thread   
    Back on schedule and chronological order this week after last week's foul up.
    Operation Latent Trend.
     
     
     
  8. Haha
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Military Humor   
    Actually, I think this belongs in the Marine History thread!  
    Some say it's even worse on Air Force Bases!
     

  9. Like
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Spencer's USMC History Thread   
    I haven't posted any Marine history lessons in a long time.  As it's the 245 birthday of the world's finest fighting force, it's a good day to give another lesson.
    This time it's part history lesson and part book review.  As most of you know, I'm an avid reader and reading about Marines and Marine history are my favorite topics.
    Book:  "THE WARRIORS OF ANBAR:  THE MARINES WHO CRUSHED AL QAEDA" (the greatest untold story of the Iraq War).
    This book is about the warriors of 2/3 (2nd Batt, 3rd Marines, 3rd MARDIV), who deployed to Anbar Province and specifically to the Haditha Triad, aka The Triad.  The AO including not only the city of Haditha, but also surrounding towns and villages, notably, Barwana, Haqlaniyah and Albu Hyatt.  This area is located at the critical point along the Euphrates River corridor between the Syrian border and Iraq cities of Fallujah and Ramadi.
    Ranked as one of the most vital locations for Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) because it was AQI’s base of operations and lifeline in the war in Iraq.
    2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 2/3, conducted a relief in place of its sister battalion, 3/3 in late summer, 2006.  At that time, AQI, eviscerated from blow after blow in key strongholds like Fallujah and Ramadi, fell back to the Triad, like a cornered, mortally wounded animal.  AQI transformed the Triad into a theater for its last desperate gasps for survival when 2/3 arrived to take over the AO from 3/3.
    AQI blended in among the residential areas and people, knowing the Marines would not hit back with overwhelming force, because they knew the Marines highest priority was the safety of the people.
    2/3 was a blooded combat veteran heavy unit having been deployed to Afghanistan the previous year.  However, the Triad would become their toughest and most brutal fight in modern warfare.
    BOOK/quote:
    “ . . . their actions proved their resolve to the people of the Triad, winning their steadfast allegiance over any obedience coerced by AQI.  When moments demanded caution in the face of potential harm or loss of innocent Iraqi life, they kept their trigger fingers straight.  When moments demanded action, they struck swiftly and decisively.     . . . they acted with utmost fidelity to mission, to the Iraqi people, and to each other, even in the darkest of hours – and each and every member of the battalion experienced some of the bleakest most horrifying of moments during this tour.”
    At times it was heartbreaking to read this book.  Those men of 2/3 took heavy losses, primarily due to IED’s, snipers, mortars, and hit and run tactics.  They never faltered;  they never slowed down;  they showed incredible courage and resolve, even when the enemy activity grew, inflicting death and injury on these Marines and locals.
    When 2/3 first arrived in this AO they found an odd, dark quasi-ghost town.  Stores and schools were closed.  Streets were often empty, and nothing really going on.
    In 2005, 3/25 lost 48 personnel in the Triad, the largest number of lost by a Marine Battalion in the war in Iraq, in all the Global War on Terror, and since the 1983 Beirut bombing.
    2/3 pushed on and gradually won over the civilian population in an incredible example of a COIN operation.  The people saw how the Marines would do anything, even at the risk of death, to protect and care for them.  When intel started trickling in, the Marines began hunting down the Al Qaeda terrorists and their leadership.
    BOOK/quote:
    “When we got there, it was hell.  There was no law and order.  Al Qaeda ruled the place.  The people lived in fear.  When we left, the place was safer than most cities in the United States.  The locals would run out and hug us on the streets.  They’d bring food and invite us inside.  They started calling us the Angels of Anbar.”
    BOOK/quote:
      “One of the things I’m most proud of in my entire life was the transformation of Haditha.  When we got there, there was no market.  Nobody was out.  Women couldn’t be seen in public without being accompanied by a man, and they had to wear all black and cover their face.  At the end we couldn’t go twenty five feet down a street without someone pulling us into their store or house and feeding us.  Women were free to be out alone, or in groups of other women, and they could dress however they liked.  There was color and life.  We brought life to a city of death.”
    BOOK/quote:
    “The final days leading up to the official, April 3, 2007 turnover of the AO to 1/3, was met with colors and crying locals.”
    “With the new faces of the 1/3 Marines, the locals realized that those of 2/3 would soon depart.  Residents, notably the IP (Iraq Police) and mayor and his staff, swarmed members of 2/3, from the lowest ranks to SgtMaj Wilkinson and LtCol Donnellan, crying.  They begged them to stay, not out of fear of loss of protection, but out of the spirit of friendship they’d built over the months of the Marines fighting and dying for their future.  The population understood the immense sacrifices 2/3 had made on their behalf.”
    BOOK/quote:
    “Twenty three members of the battalion died, and 177 sustained serious wounds.”
    “History will record, 1/3 as the only Marine battalion to record not a single KIA in the Iraq War.”
     
    I recommend this book.
  10. Like
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Interviews!   
    Attn All:
    This November is the 5th Anniversary of this unit.  The interviews I conducted were assembled into a video about the unit which will be published in November as part of an anniversary special video.
    Just wanted you all to know in case you were wondering.
  11. Like
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Marines at Bottom of Author's List   
    Copy of an article.  It doesn't fit in the USMC history thread, or in the Humor thread, so here it is.  This is for you smart guys who actually read sometimes.
    Remember, we are Marines.  The world doesn't understand us, and we don't care.  Note:  The section entitled, "HERE IS MY TAKE" is not me.  
     
    MARINE CORPS RANKED WORSE BRANCH IN THE MILITARY
    The author, Ron Johnson, was asked to rank best military branch to serve in and why. In an article on Yahoo, he ranks them as such:
    1. Army (Best)
    2. Air Force
    3. Navy
    4. Coast Guard
    5. Marine Corps (Worst)
    And here’s what Johnson said that puts the Marine Corps at the bottom of the list:
    “Of all the military branches, the Marine Corps ranks as the least attractive choice for this author. The Marines are the elite war fighters of the United States military. The leathernecks of the USMC are truly fearsome fighters, tough as nails and ready and willing to fight all comers. The Marines turn recruits into stone-cold killers and they make no secrets about that fact. Devil Dogs live tough lives, sleeping in the dirt, on board ships, charging through the surf and crawling in the sand and mud with one goal in mind: engage the enemy.”
    “Unfortunately, when Marines fulfill their obligation and exit the service, they seem to find difficulty in turning this Marine Corps attitude ‘off’. Whereas an Army, Navy or Air Force veteran will adjust to civilian life over time and become softer, Marines stay Marines. Visit any neighborhood in the United States and you will find a USMC flag flying high over someone’s house. You will rarely, if ever, see a person flying an Army, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard flag. If you do its most likely because they know a Marine and don’t want to be out done. While veterans of other military branches tend to relax as they transition into civilian life, any Marine will be quick to remind you of their motto, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”
    “Marines are protectors and always on watch until the day they die. Marines stay Marines because it’s in their blood, in their training. For the other branches, it was a job but for a Marine it is their life. I don’t know what those Marine Corps drill instructors are doing to their recruits, but whatever it is, it works.”
    “Is that a bad thing? Well, that depends on your reasons for considering a military enlistment. If you have a strong desire to kill, the Marine Corps is for you because that is what the Marines do. Either you want that or you don’t, plain and simple. If you simply want a challenge, any other branch of the military will provide you with plenty of opportunities to test yourself. The Marine Corps ranks at the bottom of the list because the other branches have more jobs, more opportunities, and allows time for college. Marines don’t have much time for school work from a foxhole. So, if you are considering joining the Marine Corps, think long and hard about what that means before going to a recruiter and signing up.”
    HERE IS MY TAKE:
    I will agree that Marines are different. Our mission is different. There are MANY reasons to join the military. Marines join to protect our loved ones, to protect their freedom. We join to serve and we are prepared to do what it takes to complete our mission.
    I will agree that the USMC becomes our life and is not a “job.” The best leaders I’ve met have been Marines. Most of them are no longer active duty and they continue to be leaders in their communities.
    What does that say to me?? It says that, it’s not that we are or want to be “stone cold killers” (as he calls us). Marines just give 150% to all they do and when we make a commitment to something, we wholeheartedly follow through.
    As far as the lack of opportunities and degrees...tell that to my 3 degrees (one of them is a Masters btw) and to all the job offers I still receive although I’m happily employed.
    Opportunity comes to those who seek it and that’s a personal journey. Nothing to do with the branch of service.
    I led the most determined, hungry, focused individuals throughout my 8 years of service. I still miss that fire I would see in a young Marines eyes.
    If you read all this you’re probably a Marine or just taking this quarantine seriously, either way Semper Fidelis.
     
    Note (this is me):  My Marine son in law has two Master's degrees and just about every Marine Officer I know either has Master's degrees, or are working on them.  This author Ron Johnson is not very well informed.
  12. Like
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Spencer's Video Thread   
    An oldie but a goodie.  Last years, HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!
    It's worth repeating.  Our freedoms came at great cost.  Don't neglect it or take it for granted.
     
     
  13. Haha
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Military Humor   
    Heaven Street Guards
     
    There were two old Marines who had been life-long friends. Both
    served in the Corps for 30 years and had been close in
    retirement as well. They shared many experiences and were never at
    a lack of words when it came to sea stories of days gone bye.
     
    Mort was a little older than Sam and was now preparing for his
    final muster. As they sat together in the hospital room, Sam said
    to Mort, 'Mort we have been friends for over 50 years and I'd like
    to ask a favor. When you leave this world and get to heaven, could
    you find a way to tell me if the Marines are truly guarding the
    streets of heaven?'
     
    Mort thought on this for a moment and said to Sam, 'Sam because we
    have shared so much throughout our lives and have been friends for
    so long, I will find a way to answer your question'.
     
    A few hours later, Mort stood his final muster and was gone.
     
    Late one night about two weeks after Mort's passing, Sam was
    awakened by a sound in his bedroom. He sat up in bed and said,
    'Who is there?'
     
    Mort replied saying, Sam, it is me, Mort'.
     
    Sam said it can't be Mort, he has gone on to meet his maker.
     
    'I know', said Mort. 'You asked me to let you know if Marines were
    guarding the streets of heaven and here I am'. 'I have some good
    news and some bad news for you Sam.'
     
    'What's the good news?' asked Sam.
     
    'It's true', said Mort. 'Marines are guarding the streets of
    heaven.'
     
    'That's great news', said Sam. 'What's the bad news?'
     
    Mort said, 'You're on the duty roster for next Thursday.'
  14. Like
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Spencer's Video Thread   
    Another Operation Token Foil video and movie extravaganza.  Thrills, action, excitement, and dramatic cinematic scenery.  (I'm really laying it on thick cause here.  Who cares, no one else reads this stuff.)
    Our team blows up a drug smuggling ship.  We are slowly but surely getting better at the boat seizure missions.  Lets keep it up.
     
     
  15. Like
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Spencer's Video Thread   
    Operation Token Foil, "Destroy Drug Shipment"
    Again, a special thanks to those guys who provide their videos.  Watch in HD, Subscribe, Like, Comment.
    If you actually read these comments, you will be entered into a drawing for a free high performance desktop gaming computer from MSI.  (Not really.)
     
     
  16. Like
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Military Humor   
    Not necessarily humor but where else would I put this.  It could be funny depending on your point of view.
    For those not "in the know", Chris Kyle, was the SEAL sniper portrayed in the movie, American Sniper.
     

  17. Haha
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Military Humor   
  18. Haha
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Spencer's Video Thread   
    Operation Token Foil.  ISR Patrol to two locations for intel for possible future operations.
    Watch in HD, Subscribe, Like,  Comment, and win an all expense paid vacation to Tahiti.  Not really.  Just wanted to see if anyone reads this stuff.
     
     
  19. Like
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Spencer's USMC History Thread   
    Today is the fourteenth anniversary of MARSOC.
    Semper Fi.

  20. Like
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Spencer's USMC History Thread   
    Today marks the 75th Anniversary of the battle of Iwo Jima.  This date is the date the invasion force of Marines "hit the beach."
     
     
  21. Haha
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to MSgt Sellers in Spencer's Video Thread   
    Great video.
    @ 21:29 I love the cut to @GySgt Spencer just chilling in the tin shack listening to Dance Mix Vol. 4 in the middle of the firefight to the north. lol
  22. Like
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Spencer's Video Thread   
    Op Sledgehammer, "Gorna Luka Patrol Pt 2"
    Subscribe, Like and Comment and promote our unit.
     
  23. Like
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Spencer's USMC History Thread   
    Staff Sergeant Timothy S. Williams sprinted 60 meters under fire through open terrain to rescue his team leader after an AK-47 round shattered the Marine’s femur and sent him tumbling into a canal full of water.  SSgt Williams scooped him up, stabilized his leg, then carried the Marine 3 football fields to a medevac chopper.  He took charge of the patrol and led the force two miles over mountainous terrain toward friendly forces, killing Taliban the whole way.  For his courage, he was awarded the Silver Star.  “...as Reconnaissance Section Assistant Team Leader, Combat Support Advisor Team, Regimental Combat Team 6, 1st Marine Division (Forward), I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), on 10 July 2012 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.  While a member of a 15 man joint Afghan National Army and Marine force, the patrol came under intense and accurate fire from a numerically superior force.  Throughout the following 10 hour engagement Staff Sergeant Williams took direct action to counter the ambush and repeatedly displayed superior leadership while directing his team under heavy small arms fire from fixed Taliban positions.
    (If he were in the Army, he would've gotten the Medal of Honor.  He at least deserved the Navy Cross.)
     

  24. Like
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Spencer's Video Thread   
    Happy Memorial Day men.  Remember who paid the ultimate sacrifice for you!  
     
     
  25. Like
    GySgt B. Crowley reacted to GySgt (Ret) Spencer in Spencer's Video Thread   
    First Combat Patrol of Op Sledgehammer.  Part 1
     
     
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