236.

"The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle."
- Gen. John Pershing, U.S. Army

"The safest place in Korea was right behind a platoon of Marines. LORD, how they could fight!"
- Major General Frank Lowe, US Army

"I am convinced that there is no smarter, handier, or more adaptable body of troops in the world."
- Winston Churchhill

"You cannot exaggerate about the Marines. They are convinced to the point of arrogance, that they are the most ferocious fighters on earth- and the amusing thing about it is that they are." - Father Kevin Keaney, 1st Marine Division Chaplain; Korean War

"I love the Corps for those intangible possessions that cannot be issued: pride, honor, integrity, and being able to carry on the traditions for generations of warriors past."
-Cpl. Jeff Sornig, USMC; November 1994

"The Marine Corps breeds its own steel magnolias: gentle, gracious, loyal, but with hearts as strong and brave as the men they love."

“Freedom is not free, but the U.S. Marine Corps will pay most of your share."
- Fred Dolan

Being a Marine wife is adventure. A heart both swelling and breaking. It is tough good-byes, long days, lonely nights, and breathless homecomings. It is numbing. Gut-wrenching. It is the irony of being married to one of the strongest men in the world and having no one around to open the jelly jar. It tests marriages, wills, and faith. It is worry and wonder. It is crumbling and rallying. Gentle, quiet strength. Hope. Unspoken, inexplicable camaraderie. Pride. So, so, so much pride.



One of the greatest honors of my life is being a married to a Marine. I am thankful for my husband, those who went before him, those who fought beside him, and those who continue the fight. I am thankful for the Marine wives who waited with me and became lifelong friends in a manner of weeks. I am thankful for the tradition, the honor, and the accomplishments of the Marine Corps. I am thankful to be part of the family.

Happy 236th Birthday to my Marine and the United States Marine Corps.