FOR BEING 242, WE STILL LOOK DAMN GOOD!

A toast to all my Jarhead, Devil Dog, Shock Troop, Soldier of the Seas brothers and sisters of Uncle Sam's Misguided Children, Happy Birthday!

November 10, 2017 marks a special day for every Marine! On this glorious day we Marines continue our illustrious tradition and we celebrate our birthday.

We celebrate and honor the Marines of years past that spearheaded and paved the way for the next generation of Marines to carry our colors and guidon, and to carry them high.

We praise and pass on this celebratory day and many other great traditions to the newest members of out family because they too will soon forever etch their marks of success in our Marine Corps history.

We celebrate and cherish the bonds of family and friendship; Camaraderie and Esprit de Corps with our brothers and sisters we have met that have made the Corps what it is today.

We reverently reflect on with heavy hearts but still with lifted spirits for our fallen brothers and sisters that gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can continue to be The Home of the Free.

Rest in Peace Mitchell White (Back row, 2nd from the left)! A great friend and brother! You will forever be missed.

I get goosebumps, my chest stuck out, my heart thumping heavily in my chest during this time. Standing at attention, never moving as the procession of the honored guest, the battalion commander, the oldest Marine, the youngest Marine and cake detail marches by. You look, but only with your peripheral vision, NEVER breaking attention. The Marines Hymn is played. BAM!! Goosebumps again run up your spine and down your arms! And you are screaming the Marines Hymn as loud as you can...but only in your head because you are still at attention. It is these feelings of pride, that the Corps has forever blessed me with that I cherish and will hold on to until the day I meet the Lord.

On March 6, 1995; a very young 17 year old stood on those famous yellow footprints at MCRD San Diego to be forever changed, never knowing the life altering impact that it would have on him. All the blood, sweat and tears that would be poured out, but freely given with pride and honor. On March 31, 2017; 22 years and 25 days later (Man where did the time go?)

I look back and think about everything I have gone through. The good times,

the no-so good times, the sh*tty times, and all the brothers and sisters I have met...I would not change it!

Living by our Corps Values; Honor, Courage and Commitment combined with the experiences and family that I got to know made me the man, the husband and father that I am today.

I cannot think of how my life would have been written if I had not stepped onto those footprints. I know one thing is for sure. If I did not step on those footprints, I would not have this:

So to my fellow brothers and sisters that have that Eagle, Globe and Anchor forever burned on your heart, from the bottom of boots to the top of my grape, I wish you a very Happy 242nd Birthday!

Semper Fidelis and Long Live the Marine Corps!

Gunnery Sergeant Pfeiler (Ret.)

Kenny
Pfeiler Family Farm