USMC4LIFE
Welcome to my Web Site! My name is Jim Rodgers.
As a military veteran I welcome all, veterans and non-veterans, to enjoy the
information and resources on this web site. My desire and purpose for creating
this website is only to offer information and assistance to anyone who wishes
to use it. I have no special purpose other than to help all interested in finding
information and have no financial incentives for maintaining this web address.Having said that, I hope I can offer you a resource to find information you are
seeking and help that you require. On the feedback page, I sincerely ask for
any suggestions or criticisms you may have on this site. Making the information
available and comforting to everyone is my goal, but I know not all will find
everything they need so please tell me of sites or links or information you would
like to see posted on my web site. I greatly appreciate your suggestions and will
promise to investigate them. If applicable and acceptable, I will add them to my
website for your unconditional use.
NAVAL BACKGROUND
My military career spans almost ten years, from October 1964 to June 1974.
I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 1964, and then was sent to Defense
Language Institute East Coast (DLIEC) for Vietnamese language school.
In 1965, I was transferred to the USS Topeka, CLG-8 and headed to Subic
Bay, Philippine Islands. From there I went to the Tonkin Gulf and participated
in Operation Double Eagle, the landing of Danang, RVN.1966 brought me back to San Francisco for dry dock and in February, 1967,
I was sent back to Danang and was stationed at Camp Tien Sha Ramp
attached to the First Naval Larc Division.
MARINE CORPS BACKGROUND
1968 was my return to the states and civilian life. I was transferred to the
reserves and spent time in the inactive reserves until I activated in the
Marine Corps in May 1970. My interests were in flying for the military and
the Marine Corps offered me that option, so I elected to reactivate in an
aviation program.Intermediate school in Memphis offered me the opportunity to fly and I was
sent to school at Cherry Point, North Carolina, for Airborne Radio Operator
and Loadmaster School for KC-130F, C-54, C-117 aircraft. I also flew in DC-3
and C-47 aircraft while overseas.
I spent 3 years
at
Cherry Point, NC,
attached to
VMGR-252,
2nd Marine Air
Wing. A year thereafter was sent in Iwakuni, Japan with the
1st Marine Air
Wing.
During my tour there I was promoted to Staff Sergeant (E-6).
In April
1974 I was brought down by disabilities received during my Vietnam
tours
of duty. I was exposed to Agent Orange, received a severe head injury,
and was returned to MCAS El Toro, California, for medical evaluation and
subsequently medically discharged in June 1974. I am a 30% disabled
combat veteran from the U. S. Marine Corps.
LIFE AFTER THE DISCHARGE
Upon my discharge in
1974, I strived to decide on the future. Eventually, I
became a
mechanical engineer, which I work as today in the management
side for the largest offshore oil production equipment and systems
supplier
in the world. This company is in Houston, Texas, where I have
lived since
Christmas of 1979. I currently live in Tomball, Texas, a small town 25
miles
outside of Houston.
every November 10th at my home where several of the Marine Corps family
converge to celebrate the Corps, our fallen and missing comrades, and our
active duty Marines. At the end of the meeting, a prayer is held for all
missing and fallen comrades and their families. This is not my political
obligation, but my very high and sincere honor as a Marine. These Marines,
living and gone, are the reasons I am able to host this event and I could
ask no more than to honor them with a prayer.
Until last year, I was
also involved heavily in the Houston, Texas area with
the
USMC Toys for Tots program. Along with a
couple of other Marine
Veterans, we were able to link up with the USMC
Reserve locally to
distribute
much-needed toys to thousands of needful children. This was a very sincere
pleasure to see those smiling faces come Christmas time. Due to employment
requirements, I have been unable to participate during the last couple of years,
but my heart is still there and I stay in contact with my prior partners in the
program.
TRIBUTE TO VETERANS
I personally would
like to thank all veterans from all periods of service, and
to all
military personnel, active and reserve, for allowing myself and all free
people in this world the opportunities available to us. Without your
sacrifices
this would not be possible and there will never be enough
thanks to show you
how much this means to all free people today. As a
combat disabled veteran,
I know the meaning of your sacrifices and
understand what “freedom” really
means.
May God bless you all
and bless your families as you become part of the
history that has made
freedom the most costly and most treasured gift you
can give or receive.
My heart will always be with you.
To
all you Vietnam veterans and all other veterans, I want to welcome you
all home from your journeys. Some of us had a hard time when we returned
home and you all need to know that the majority only honors and respects
what you did for your country in it’s time of need. Admiration will
always
prevail as I remember my own journey, so WELCOME HOME, HEROES!! Thank
you for keeping the freedom we so much cherish. May God bless you
all.
IN CLOSING
I hope you enjoy your visit here and I look forward to hearing from some of
you. Respect and assistance will always prevail on this
site and your opinions
are welcome anytime. I hope you have a nice visit and enjoy yourselves.
Thank you all for my freedoms and choices. Not all in this world have this
great opportunity. Our veterans are our past and our future. Without them,
we would not be sharing this freedom. Say thank you to the
next one you meet. He will appreciate the kindness.
"Once a Marine, Always a Marine!"
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