1st Sgt Eric J. Jazak, USMC 

Congratulations to Milwaukee's finest son, Eric Jazak, who was promoted to 1st Sgt. Eric has moved from an air assault "Gunny" to Recon. Eric served 2-tours in Iraq. I have had the honor of meeting Eric on many occasions and Jon Brant and I have entertained and have broken break several times with the Jazak family.

His proud brother Ryan (a close friend of mine and of this blog's) sent me a letter this week ...

Ryan writes;

Joe,

Just got word from my brother that he has received his new orders and is about to begin a new chapter in his Marine Corps career. Orders popped up yesterday morning and he decided that he wanted to take them. He will remain in California at Camp Pendleton and head up a company of Marines in 1st RECON Battalion. A company consists of 120-150 Marines. Although I am a lot more nervous that Eric is now going to the Infantry side of the Corps, I am extremely proud to say that my brother is part of RECON. When I talked to him last night, he told me how honored he was to be able to be with the "Ground Pounders" of the Marine Corps. I'm still not sure how thrilled I am about him kicking in doors and clearing buildings, but I know it's what he wants and God willing... his Company will be the best at it. It sounds like he might be in Afghanistan next year, not sure. I ask you all for your prayers for Eric, that he leads his Marines with Honor, Dignity, and Respect for his Marine Corps values and that when the time comes, he will bring his Marines home safe. He has taken on a huge responsibility, and I know that God and his training will guide him through whatever stands in front of him. He still isn't officially a 1st Sgt yet, but when that comes through I will let you know. Below is the Marine RECON Creed; I had goosebumps reading it so I thought I would share it with you. Eric ... may God watch over my Hero.

Creed

Realizing it is my choice and my choice alone to be a Reconnaissance Marine, I accept all challenges involved with this profession. Forever shall I strive to maintain the tremendous reputation of those who went before me.

Exceeding beyond the limitations set down by others shall be my goal. Sacrificing personal comforts and dedicating myself to the completion of the reconnaissance mission shall be my life. Physical fitness, mental attitude, and high ethics -- The title of Recon Marine is my honor.

Conquering all obstacles, both large and small, I shall never quit. To quit, to surrender, to give up is to fail. To be a Recon Marine is to surpass failure; To overcome, to adapt and to do whatever it takes to complete the mission.

On the battlefield, as in all areas of life, I shall stand tall above the competition. Through professional pride, integrity, and teamwork, I shall be the example for all Marines to emulate. x

Never shall I forget the principles I accepted to become a Recon Marine. Honor, Perseverance, Spirit and Heart.

A Recon Marine can speak without saying a word and achieve what others can only imagine.

"Swift, Silent, Deadly"

Write to Ryan Jazak at  rkjazak@charter.net  

Col Dennis Arinello, USMC (ret)

I guess you can take the man out of the Marines, but you just can't take the Marines out of the man. 

My buddy Dennis Arinello retired from the Marine Corp last June ... So what does a retired Marine Col. do? He joined the Army as a contractor and is currently embedded with the Afghan Army in Afghanistan. Denny and his bride Carly decided that continuing helping the fight overseas is still tops on their list ... not to mention the pay! (hee hee)

Denny sent this communication a few days ago.

Denny writes:

Joe,

I've actually been in touch since the early evening of 31 December ... ringing in the New Year Afghan style!

I am a program manager for a telecommunications company resurrecting a maintenance and logistics program supporting the Afghan Nat'l Army. I am embedded in a 2-Star US Army Command called the Combined Security Transition Command - Afghan. This command has the responsibility of out-fitting and training the Afghan Nat'l Army and the National Security Forces so they can conduct independent counterinsurgency operations. I'll be working with an Afghan 2-Star General teaching him and his staff various aspects of logistics and maintenance management. Exciting stuff - the same stuff I did in uniform, only now I'm getting paid a lot more!

Still checking into the command and hopping from computer to computer ... I should be on my own computer in a day or two ... probably more like 2 since it's the Army! (LOL) I know it seems like I've gone to the *dark side* with the Army ... but the New Commanding General (2-Star) is a personal friend of mine - he and I were in Iraq during 2004 when he was a BG. Great guy and he's only been on board since 18 December.
 
Keep in touch and I'll see you when I came home to visit. And you better listen to Carly or you are in deep doo doo! LOL

Denny

You can write to Col. Arinello at - dennis.arinello@us.army.mil

The Heart of Valor Ball

The Heart of a Marine Foundation is hosting it's 4th Annual Hearts of Valor Ball on Saturday, February 28, 2009 at Meridian Banquets, 1701 Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadow, Illinois, from 6:00 PM - 12:00 Midnight.
The donation is only $75.00 and is a 100% tax deduction.

Please RSVP by February 20th. The evening includes cocktails, dinner, dancing and the keynote speaker at this years event is Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn. Governor Quinn has been a long supporter of the Heart of a Marine Foundation. It's also a great opportunity to thank our new Governor for stepping in and taking the helm from our last governor, other wise known as the "National Embarrassment!"

I'll be there for my 3-year in row along with many, many Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marines. I guarantee, you will rub shoulders with many heroes, and you leave the event feeling great about our young men and women and about America!

For more information about the Heart of a Marine Foundation; The Heart of Valor Ball and how to get your tickets to this "Don't Miss" event, click on www.heartofamarine.org

 

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