Friday
9/16/2011

Birthday Gifts
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Turner! Brother! Didn't know you tried to visit. They won't tell me that or give me my info you left. But I did see you leave some cash for a cup of joe. A few cups. Thank you.

Sorry about the missed visit. Any visitor I have must first be listed by me on an official form. Unfortunately, I must first list name, address, phone no., and age of each visitor. Something I needed only to ask by letter in the mail.

Didn't realize how quickly you'd visited. Maybe you can let the guys know on Facebook so they don't try to visit before mailing me this info. I'm sorry I couldn't catch you before your trip, but I hope I can see you next trip.

Semper fi!
David

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Saturday
9/17/2011

I had to laugh when I read the note about "carrying a pen." How all RTO's needed one. I laughed that you would remember that about our time together. Especially since, even in prison, I am one of the only men who is known by the notepad and pen sticking out of my pocket. I feel like such a geek sometimes. But it's true that after so many years as a RTO, a pen is now a "must have", like my watch and wallet.

Our work boots are cheap, China made, $10 pieces of poorly made leather and rubber. But they're "boots" and I have "comfort" wearing them. After breaking them in for at least 10 miles of walking and running, I use shampoo to break/clean the leather, mineral and oils from the food packs we buy to soften and condition the leather, and cocoa butter, hair treatment, and chapstick to polish and waterproof the leather. About once a month, someone will ask if I could shine up their boots.

You'll be happy to know I didn't change much. I joined an arty unit in Chattanooga, TN when I reenlisted in 2002. Young reservists had a tough time going from civilian to Marine mode sometimes, but you'll be proud to know they are great fighters when in battle. Anyway, one morning after formation, the first shirt (1st Sgt.) told me to "square away" the RTO wearing "white" socks. No big deal, right? I talked with our young devil dog on the importance of one's uniform. "Would you wear white socks in combat?" Army ranger sergeant laughing at you in the Walmart wondering what Marines are doing now.

He promised to get a pair of black socks at lunch. I said, "Borrow a pair if you need to, but you're not going to 1600 formation like this." So at 1400, we went out to the maintenance bay and found us a can of black spray paint. The next month's training, our young Marine told me it took him three days to wash the paint off his skin. And I am proud to say no one ever wore white socks in our formations after. I hope those guys still laugh about that at the Marine Corps Ball.

Are you guys still going to the Ball? I'd love to hear about it. The Marine Corps League has a great monthly magazine; a buddy mailed me his copy. If you have a good mag like that, or time, Newsweek or newspaper... after you're done, instead of tossing it, you can mail it here and I'll get it to our library. Just mark out your address and account info.

Semper fi!
David