Other than the normal stuff most Marines come away with on completion of their enlistment (Pride, Sense of duty, etc), the Corps gave me three things.

A love of being at sea on a ship, picked up on Operation Steel Pike.

A love for the Caribbean, picked up during a firex on Vieques Island, PR.

An intense dislike of rain, picked up during the monsoon season in Viet Nam.

I'm just wondering what the Corps gave you.

The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jerryd6818:
An intense dislike of rain, picked up during the monsoon season in Viet Nam.

+1

The only gifts I got from the Corps was the craps, athletes foot,Jock itch, and hemorrhoids.

Got rid of the crabs, but still have the other 3.

Ditto on the Pride, Sense of Duty, etc,. In addition, 100% disability, dislike for crowds,instantaneous reaction to anything that goes "BOOM", feet from size 10R to 11EE(improved my swimming), an incredibly warped sense of humour, and a couple footlockers worth of wild and crazy memories, and a few survivng life-long-buddies around the country. Other than that,...I can't think of a damned thing!

"Semper Fi"

I guess the Corps gave me a sense of appreciation for the weekend after a long work week. I became more aware how much I have and how other people in 3rd world countries have so little.

The Corps taught me to appreciate my friends and to respect people and look out for people under me.

It seems that the Corps have given me more than I could give back to the Corps.

I learned that an 8 hour civilian work day with breaks is nothing compared to an 8 hour duty shift inside a small plexiglass/steel booth.