The Door from the War in Afghanistan

[Ryan]

Gentlemen,

While this is off topic, I just thought I would share something that is kind of cool for those of us currently deployed to Afghanistan with HMLA-773.

Myself and four other Staff Sergeants built an MWR (lounge) hooch for the MALS (Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron) Staff NCO's.

This is where we gather at the end of the day to BS, or watch movies. The night of the Marine Corps Ball, we celebrated there and everyone signed the walls, ceiling, doors, etc.

A few weeks ago, our Commanding Officer from MAG-42 in Atlanta paid us a visit. While he was here, we asked him to sign the wall in the lounge. He chose to sign the untouched door that exits to the back of the hooch.

Well, today was pretty damn good for morale, as well as that door.

Thanks to a visit by the Marine Corps Command and a USO Tour that rolled through Bagram, we now have the following signatures on the door, along with photographs of the listed individuals signing it.

Commandant of the Marine Corps General Hagee

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps SgtMaj Estrada

Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff General Myers

Comedian/Actor Robin Williams

Comedian/Actor Blake Clark (Waterboy, 50 First Dates)

NFL Hall of Fame Quaterback John Elway

Model/Sportscaster Leeann Tweeden

The "door" is slated to be displayed in the MAG-42 Headquarters building, along with the photographs upon our return to the States next year.

XXXXXX
Task Force Red Dog

[Ryan]

It has come to my attention that in my haste to post some good moto from OEF that the above post would leave you to believe that I was the SSgt in the post. I am not said SSgt, he is a friend of mine. I am sorry for any confusing that this may have caused.

Semper Fi,
Ryan

[Joe Reed]

Ryan,
When you are in and out of the heat of battle as you folks are, you need something to take your mind off the task at hand beside those at home. Your "Door of honor" (my name for it not Ryan's) is fulfilling that for your group, I'd say! You got a great collection started there, keep up the good work!! It will make a wonderful addition to a Staff NCO club or Squadron area for decades to come after this conflict is over. Marines in generations of the future will be in awe! And who knows...You may have started a trend!!!
Semper Fi
Joe

[pm3777]

Like Joe said it will fit in along with the Unit Plaques like those from Cubi Pt PI that were forwarded to the Pensacola Muesem when Cubi was closed. Future Marines will enjoy the history involved. Good Morale work Marine!!! SF PM