Devil Dogs in Kilts?

[Alaskan Kilted Guy]

First of all, this is a great thread! It is wonderful to know I share the company of a bunch of proud veterans.

My Grandfather was a Marine in WWII. He earned the Purple Heart on Okinawa. Left the service after the war.

My brother is a currently serving Infantryman in the US Army.

I was an Infantryman in the US Army from 94-98, Army National Guard 98-01, and Air National Guard supply systems analyst 01-04.

My glass is raised to all who have served their countries, those who couldn't for one reason or another, and those who chose not to.

[Irish in Tacoma]

89-96 Army Combat Engineer, first at Bamberg, Germany (Blue Babe) then Fort Lewis, WA. Desert Storm supporting 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment. We cut the holes in the berm so VII Corps could execute Schwartzkopf's left hook from Saudi into Iraq.

96 to Present Civil Engineer with the WA Air National Guard. Did a tour at CJTF Horn of Africa in Djibouti in 2004, where the base was run by Marines. Our staff engineer, a Marine Reservist from Cherry Point, said when he arrived, "This is a different kind of war. I got off the plane with 2 computers and no guns."

I think several of you have hit on what makes Marines different. They have a much better understanding and reverance for their history and traditions. In one word, PRIDE.