WW II American Spitfire Recon

Here is a real cool video about Spirfire photo recons in WW2. This guy found some 16MM film never seen before and takes it back to the pilot who had never seen it, it's great! 

Don't miss this great story-

Thanks to Ron Veenstra MPHS Alumni for sending.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=ie3SrjLlcUY&sns=em

1. LiveLeak.com - 83 year old American Spitfire pilot sees his crash ...

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   www.liveleak.com/view?i=759_1370809886‎

   
   

   83 year old American Spitfire pilot sees his crash landing for the first time. For aviation history fans. Hero (won the DFC) recon pilot flew Spitfires  ...

FULL MILITARY HONORS

Fellow Marines I have a story to tell.

It’s called:   “FULL MILITARY HONORS”

    By Colonel George Braun, USMCR-Ret

No one encounters Arlington National Cemetery without being engulfed in the history of our country and the realization that freedom is not free. Its cost is priceless and we alive… are the much vested beneficiaries.

On June 5th, 2006, 62 years, less one day, after the invasion of Normandy, World War II, Major General Jack M. Frisbie, a United States Marine, was interned at Arlington National Cemetery, with his formerly deceased and beloved wife Shirley in one appropriate casket. She had been exhumed from her grave in Waukegan, Illinois and shipped to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia to fulfill the General’s final will, by Tim Frisbie, his youngest son.   

Major General Frisbie had been confined to a rest home, having been overcome with Alzheimer’s disease for the previous ten or so years.  He was literally out of touch with the patriotic intensity and dedication that comprised most of his adult life, enduring wars and pursuing dual careers in finance, the Marine Corps reserve, while raising a family.

A small, but not insignificant, gathering of mourners assembled in the Arlington National Cemetery administration building at 0830 that day, and became quickly acquainted with Cindy, his oldest daughter; Tim, one of his two sons; and the three grand-children of two Frisbie daughters.

Attending were a few civilian business friends and respectful representatives of General Frisbie’s distinguished military career. His military service included WW-II (Pacific), as an enlisted Marine, and later as a reserve Marine, mobilized to serve in Korea. He became a 2nd Lieutenant  via the meritorious NCO program in 1949.

Highly decorated from combat experience in two wars, he was promoted appropriately as he dedicated the rest of his Marine Corps career interfacing with Commandants to lead and craft the Marine Corps Reserve into a state of well-equipped and trained readiness, unlike the Korean war USMCR mobilization experience. He had set the standards for unit performance and effective officer leadership as President of the Marine Corps Reserve Officer Association (MCROA), and a former C.O.  of 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th MARDIV, headquartered in Chicago.

Major General Dean Sangalis, USMC, (ret) also a decorated WW-II and Korea veteran, and I had previously collaborated on meeting up at the Sheraton National Hotel near the old Pentagon Navy Annex the day before the internment. We, too, had also commanded 2nd Battalion,  after Jack and were in the 15th Staff Group under him afterwards, which became HQ Det-4.

I had previously flown into Washington Reagan many times as a Captain for United airlines, but had not for several years. Looking out the window on the circling approach I saw the Pentagon from the air and it brought back memories of the attacks on September 11th, 2001. Innocent people, some contemporaries of mine, were wasted by uncivilized, religiously misguided, conspiring, amoral human criminals. They were purposely trained in America at its flight schools, and were certified as commercial pilots to gain access; using cockpit travel privileges, to hijack the airliners by surprising and slashing the throats of the pilots with box cutters concealed in their flight bags allowed in the cockpit. They then navigated those winged cocoons to crash into buildings in New York and the Pentagon for the world to see and to attempt to understand.

After landing and a short taxi ride to the hotel, the clerk ironically handed me a key folder with the room number 911 written on it. Our eyes met acknowledging the significance of the coincidence. Much world changing history had been recorded with American blood and resolve since that date. General Jack’s Alzheimer’s had spared him from that experience.

We followed the hearse that following morning to high terrain at Arlington National Cemetery where the road split going around a statue in a field surrounded by mature trees. A Marine Corps Band element and two rifle platoons from Marine  Barracks, 8th and “I”, formed on the right fork in parade dress uniforms, their respective red and blue tunics occasionally illuminated by the morning sun randomly bursting through the clouds.

On the left fork we observed the U.S. Army caisson, a partially enclosed wood wagon with buckboard-like wooden wheels hitched to six white horses. Four of them were saddled with US Army riders in their dress uniforms and were awaiting the receipt of the flag draped casket. The casket was soon to be transferred from the hearse by six large, strong, Marine Corps pallbearers in Dress Blue uniforms, highly polished black shoes and white quadrifoiled covers. The pallbearers carefully transferred the casket containing Jack and Shirley’s remains to the caisson with a perfect 5-step synchronous turning maneuver.

A cannon was fired in the distance and the procession, lead by the band element drumming cadence, embarked on the 10-minute trek to the grave site.  A saddled, but rider-less black horse followed the caisson,  A red flag with two embroidered stars and black streamer was paraded by a lone Marine in Dress Blues. At equal intervals the cannon was fired in the distance 12 times more during the march to the grave site.

At the grave site family and friends assembled to hear a short eulogy expressed by a Navy Chaplain of Captain rank, as part of the burial ceremony.

The pallbearers retrieved the casket from the caisson and carried it to the grave site, but before placing it on the supports spanning the dug-out, they lifted it high over their heads in a gesture of posthumous loyalty. Three volleys from seven riflemen were fired on command, sounding like it came from one Marine…one rifle.

The American flag, taken from the top of the casket, was meticulously folded. Each fold was ceremoniously creased, cupped, and pressed by the white leather gloves of the pallbearers. After inspection the flag was presented to Major General David Bice, Inspector General of the Marine Corps, the active duty representative for the Commandant, General Carl Mundy. With lingering ceremonial slowness depicting the sadness of the occasion, he saluted the flag and the spirit of Major General Jack and Shirley Frisbie.  

Exuding unmistakable sincerity and capturing the attention of Cindy’s teen-aged children, Dylan and Aubrey, Major General Bice presented the flag to Tim, (seated) saying softly, “From the President of the United States, and the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and on behalf of a grateful nation, this flag is presented to you as a token of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one.”  

        Removing his white glove from his right hand he conveyed condolences with a hand shake and brief privately spoken words to each of the family. Colonel Terry Lockard, Commanding Officer, Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. followed, with personal condolences, in similar fashion; as did the Chaplain and an unidentified but equally sincere Staff Non- Commissioned Officer from the Barracks. We were ushered away with young Aubrey remaining behind to reflect a bit. She watched Major General Sangalis take a rose from the floral arrangement and throw it in the grave on the lowered casket,.. and she did the same… so did I. We reassembled at the entrance, said our good-byes and went our separate ways.

END- GFB

Colonel Ken Elmendorf

COLONEL KEN ELMENDORF

ONE GREAT MARINE

Ken Elmendorf was an outstanding Marine. A natural leader and motivator, he was a superb commander and a fine friend. Confident and aggressive, he put his troops at ease with humorous comments. He strutted and swaggered and thoroughly enjoyed leading his Marines, who likewise enjoyed his swashbuckling style of leadership. I served as Lt Colonel Elmendorf's Executive Officer in the mid 1980's, when he Commanded Marine Wing Communication Squadron – 48 (MWCS-48). He did a terrific job leading the Squadron, which was selected as the Squadron of the Year in large part because of his efforts. 

Ken commanded the Marine Wing Communication Squadron-48 at the Glenview Naval Air Station when he was still a Lieutenant Colonel. His first drill weekend was also the change of command for the Marine Air Control Group. Each Squadron marched in review before the incoming and outgoing regular Commander of the Group. Lt Colonel Elmendorf and the troops practiced until they were perfect. But there was a problem. The active duty officers did not like the large gold bracelet that the Colonel wore on his arm. They asked me to ask him to take it off. I did so. "Oh they want me to take off my bracelet, do they?” said Ken Elmendorf. “My wife NJ gave me this bracelet. I am going to wear it. To hell with them." And wear it he did, with the bracelet sliding up and down his arm as he raised and lowered his sword in the parade, strutting in front of his Squadron and the entire Marine Group.

Lieutenant Colonel Elmendorf assumed command of the unit at a time when the Squadron was suffering from a morale and attendance problem. Colonel Elmendorf seldom raised his voice, but just expressed confidence that his officers and Staff NCO's could solve the problem. And following his direction they did.

Colonel Elmendorf was famous for his ventriloquist dummy, Elmer. The troops loved to be entertained by the irreverent dummy. Elmer was dressed in a Lance Corporal Marine Dress Blue Uniform, with a very non-Marine like long hair cut. Elmer was salty and cocky and not afraid to insult anyone. He insulted senior officers, which was not politically correct, and a bad overall career move. Lt. Colonel Elmendorf always pointed out that it was not him but rather Elmer who was the wise ass culprit. LtCol Elmendorf also called the Executive Officer (Me) of the Squadron an asshole when the XO told Elmer to get a haircut. The troops loved that.

No one pushed the Dorf around. He was surrounded by aggressive and tough Chicago Marines, but he was the Bull Marine. He could dominate people with wit and humor and just a hint of good natured menace. And he thoroughly enjoyed doing it.

Colonel Elmendorf commanded a unit exercise at Cherry Point, North Carolina. It was one of the most difficult operations ever undertaken by the Squadron, with a large Naval Task force. Everything went badly. Communications were poor, and the top leadership lost their confidence. The morning briefings were embarrassing – downcast senior officers mumbling and shuffling and hoping things would get better. Into the fray charged Dorf. His Communication Squadron was just a small part of the exercise, but he started giving aggressive, dynamic, confident briefs. He took over the entire briefing and was the only positive and upbeat force in a defeated group. "Everything is coming around", said the Colonel. "It is all working now. Everything will work and work well." His briefing was not accurate – things were terrible – but his confidence and dynamism were contagious. Everyone became more confident. Things started to work. Lt. Colonel Elmendorf's leadership and positive attitude were contagious, and the situation turned around and the exercise became a success.

Another Lt. Colonel, a pilot and commander, was bad mouthing our unit and its performance. Word got back to Elmendorf. "I am going to hunt him down and kill him" said Dorf. I did not know Ken well at that point – I thought his comments were just braggadocio. Dorf met with the officer and then reported back that he had threatened him and reported that the officer would cease to criticize us. And he did. It was not until the next year that I met the infamous Marine Officer in California. He said, "Your boss is Lt. Colonel Elemdorf? I thought he was going to kill me. He is huge guy, and he was really pissed off. I thought I would not get out of there alive". After this our unit began to call Ken Attila-Dorf, or just Dorf for short.

Dorf took care of his troops and they took care of him. He made sure they worked hard, but also made sure that they had fun on liberty. He worked hard to ensure that all members of the unit got along. And he did not let any outsiders harass his troops. He liked to refer to his twelve Marine Officers as the "Dirty Dozen". He led a number of legendary escapades that involved doing unseemly things to and on the Admirals Cannon with some of his Dirty Dozen.

Dorf did not talk much about his experiences as a Lieutenant in AMTRAKs in Vietnam where he earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, but he did tell us a few humorous war stories. His favorite was when he survived a near miss in the field and noted to his Commanding Officer that "I could have been killed out there." Dorf reported that the Colonel dryly commented that, "Well, Lieutenant, there is a war going on, you know."

As a young Lieutenant he commanded an AMTRAC Platoon in Vietnam, and spent considerable time on patrols. Dorf was wounded when the AMTRAC (Amphibious Tractor) he was commanding was destroyed in combat.

Colonel Elmendorf had a safe, draft deferred job, but gave that up to become a Marine. He was always proud of that decision.

Dorf was proud of his sons and his beautiful wife, NJ.  He talked about them a great deal, and was very proud of all of them. He told us that his wife was a camp follower and enjoyed bringing his family to training exercises. He was also happy to take his family to Annapolis when he returned to active duty to teach at Annapolis, to give them a look at the wider world.

Colonel Elmendorf was an outstanding Marine, a great Commander and a fine friend. He is remembered and missed by all his Marine Comrades.

Semper Fi,

Colonel Craig Hullinger

__________________

On 7/6/05, NJ (Mrs. Ken) Elmendorf wrote:

Wow, what a nice gesture. I received your letter and promptly sent it to Brett, Dirk and Beth for Father's Day. Thanks loads! We have lots of memories and laughs and fully recognize your "tales" of the swarthy Marine who made life better for us all.

We can hardly believe that it is more than six years since Ken left  us......the boys have truly grown up and the grandson who was not quite six months is now six years old and coming to stay with us for a week at  "The Big E Ranch" for "camp" with another six year old named Jack.

The grandson - Grant, has his room decorated in military colors and attire, so maybe he'll grow up to be more like Grandpa. He has the personality to handle "Elmer Duff", so we're watching to see how it goes. So far he's a storyteller and jokester.

No we don't really live on a ranch, but in a house in town.....we got it in 2000 but this was my first full winter here as I hadn't sold out of Indiana until last Aug. Several years ago I had some friends visit from Indiana and they thought everyone who lived in Texas had a ranch so we

decided to oblidge them.......it's an Elmendorf thing I guess....

Anyway, we have guest rooms so you are welcome to show up anytime you come this way...it's a great place to live or visit. We're 10 minutes from the airport.

Dirk came here to college and stayed and started a business (Rackspace Managed Hosting) with two friends, then got some investors, hired his brother Brett, began the process to go public, backed off before the dot com crash, and now they have 600 employees. I had planned to have us retire here, so looks like I got my wish......we are happy here. Dirk will be getting married next April 8th to Annie and setting up his home here.

Brett and I live in the same house, so far so good, we have a deal to give each other 6 months notice if our lives change.....so far nothing on the horizon.

I hope you and Beth are well and are enjoying the fruits of your labor  with your family.

Thanks again for sharing with us.

Semper Fi

NJ

* No corrections other than NJ never has dots......that was my 40th birthday present from Ken to go to court and become NJ no dots so computers would accept my name as they wouldn't initials.....it's an Elmendorf thing.....

___________________

Dear NJ

I am glad you enjoyed the letter. Dorf was a super guy, and I always wanted to write it.

And he very much loved you and the boys.

Glad that you and your family are doing well.

Semper Fi,

Craig Hullinger

All Hands Conference April 20th

The Marine Corps ALL HANDS CONFERENCE is back!!! The Conference will be held Saturday, April 20th at Weapons Company, 2d Battalion, 24th Marines located at 3155 Blackhawk Drive, Fort Sheridan, IL 60037. 

Doors open at 0700. Breakfast 0800-1000. Guest speakers from 0900-1100. Cost is $10 per person (cash or check), $11 per person (via PayPal - see below pay buttons) or $15 per person at the door. This is scheduled to be a great event with equipment displays, training aids, guest speakers, and breakfast. 

The Marine Corps Coordinating Council will be accepting additional donations to help defray the costs involved in hosting the event. If you cannot attend, please consider a donation. Check payments and donations can be mailed to: Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Chicago, 40557 N. Minena St., Antioch, IL 60002. 

To register for the All Hands Conference, please email info@theillinoismarine.com and put ALL HANDS CONFERENCE in the subject line, then in the body of the email put the following information: NAME, ORGANIZATION AFFILIATION and EMAIL ADDRESS. Or by your tickets now!

__________________________________

Below we have two Marines looking for Employment, cut and paste to your contacts.

MICHAEL J. DOYLE

847-899-9756

TopUSMC@me.com

MANAGEMENT/TRAINING/HUMAN RESOURCES

Overview           

Bachelor of Science Degree in Workforce Education and Development. Effective problem solver and briefer. Tenacious, forthright, steadfast and knowledgeable with a positive can do attitude. Great intellectual, organizational and communication skills.

Management

MASTER SERGEANT, United States Marine Corps, 10 Dec 1991 – 30 Sep 2012

Power Plants Division Chief, Camp Bastion, Afghanistan Managed 54 Marines located at 3 different bases. Provided engine and dynamic component repair support to 10 squadrons, flying 7 different type/model/series aircraft during combat operations.

Marine Corps Recruiting Substation Mount Prospect, RS Chicago, Illinois                  Responsible for obtaining monthly tasked goals for 5 Marine recruiters. Organized, directed and supervised their efforts and developed their professional selling skills. Accounted for 48% of all the quality enlistments into the military within the area of responsibility.

Head Instructor, Aviation Support Equipment Schoolhouse, Pensacola, Florida

Responsible for the course curriculum, Proficiency of 23 Instructors and course completion of 3,000 students. Ensured student/instructor materials were accurate and up to date. Ensured instructor’s maintained qualifications and personally reviewed all student course critiques.    

Division Chief, Support Equipment Division, Okinawa, Japan                                                                                 Tracked scheduled/unscheduled maintenance actions, ensured quality of completed tasks. Developed qualifications and prepared Marines to deploy in support of global operations.

Environmental Manager, Newburgh, New York  Responsible for the storage, disposal and education of personnel in the proper handling of Hazardous Materials, in accordance with Marine Corps and Air Force directives as well as OSHA and EPA regulations. Provided training on Hazard Communication & Hazardous Waste Operations Emergency Response. Ensured all Hazardous Materials were stored/disposed of properly, in accordance with all DOT and EPA regulations and properly maintained and tracked all records. Submitted all annual reports in a timely manner.

               

Education           

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE, 2006 Cum Laude, Southern Illinois University,  Workforce Education & Development with a specialization in Education, Training & Development

Enrolled in Masters Program, Southern Illinois University 2006                                                  Workforce, Education & Development with focus on Human Performance Improvement

Basic Instructor Training, Pensacola, Florida

Classroom Instruction, Public Speaking, and Curriculum Development, 2003

Staff Noncommissioned Officers’ Advanced Course, Camp Johnson, North Carolina, Advanced Leadership, Management, and Combat Operations, 2005

Basic Recruiter School, San Diego, California

Needs Satisfaction Selling Process, Systematic Recruiting, Public Speaking & Sales, 2007

Lean Six Sigma, Executive Level, 2010, Green Belt 2010

References and Supporting Documentation Furnished Upon Request

____________________________________________________________

ROB DIAZ

4210 N. Natchez Avenue, Unit #301

Chicago, Illinois 60634

773-230-3031 • Rediaz85@gmail.com

OBJECTIVE

To begin a career with an organization that encompasses great culture and stability that will lead to a long relationship filled with growth opportunities.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Chase Bank • Chicago, Illinois (May 2011 - Present)

Personal Banker

The Personal Banker is a branch based sales professional whose primary goal is to acquire, retain, and deepen customer relationships. Responsible to maintain consistent communication, ensuring all banking needs are met and clients receive important updates on new policies or changes to existing bank policies.  Provide guidance, support and direction to clients in connection with selecting bank products based on individual needs.  Assist clients with completing any necessary documentation and walk them through complicated bank processes as needed.

               

                Accomplishments

             Awarded Most Valuable Participant (“MVP”) during national sales training

             Successfully attracted over 200 new customers to the bank

             Fortified existing customer relationships generating between $500 thousand and $1 

                    million in new assets for the bank

College Works Painting • Chicago, Illinois (February 2010 - September 2010) Internship

Branch Manager

Hired, trained, and supervised no fewer than 10 direct reports.  Created, designed and implemented plans for marketing, sales, and production.  Generated approximately 100 solid leads from Marketing Plan.

                Accomplishments

             Achieved sales and production revenues in excess of $50 thousand

             Successfully built and ran a start-up business, overseeing all activity from inception 

                       through full operation

             Worked effectively, interacting seamlessly with a multitude of clients at any one time 

             Garnered nomination for Most Improved Manager of the Year

Triton College • River Grove, Illinois (August 2008- August 2009) Internship

Program Assistant

Assisted the Dean of Student Services in providing support for student clubs and organizations.  Functioned as an advisor to students in connection with the management of student clubs and the oversight of activities linked to organization initiatives.  Implemented recruitment and marketing strategies and programs designed to promote involvement in student clubs and organizations.  Assisted the Dean of Student Services with the special initiatives, projects and activities

                Accomplishments

             Increased the level of club participation on campus by 50%

             Led in coordinating a Bone Marrow Drive event resulting in the addition of over 75 new 

                      applicants to the donor registry

United States Marine Corps / Rank - Staff Sergeant • Camp Pendleton, California (June 2003- June 2007)

Supply Administration Supervisor

Provided all necessary direct supply support to an entire battalion maximizing resources available to ensure mission accomplishment.  Maintained an accurate inventory accounting of military assets with an estimated combine value in excess of $1 million.  Oversaw the administration of property control and sub-custody work sections to ensure the complete accuracy of records.  Constructed and monitored a multimillion dollar budget ensuring projected actual expenditures tracked with available appropriations.  Conducted internal audits to ensure proper policies and procedures were being adhered to.  Supervised, led, trained, and fostered the overall well-being of personnel in the work sector.  Directed the contract procurement of supplies using an authorized government purchase card.

            Accomplishments

  

           Recognized by the Secretary of the Navy for superior performance and dedication of 

                     duty

            Accurately prepared the work section under the Commanding General's Inspection 

                     Program resulting in an overall score of 98% out of 100%

            Created a training schedule which enhanced the knowledge and proficiency of the                 

                      personnel under my direct supervision

             Reconstructed property records after deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom

             Successfully completed training for the government purchase card program

             Received Battalion Marine for the Quarter honors

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration

DePaul University, Chicago Illinois, March 2013 (Anticipated) 

Associate Degree in Science

Triton College, River Grove Illinois