I had this friend in the Marine Corps named Aaron Simons. Aaron, and another Marine named Larry, were the first new Marines to get assigned to my platoon in 2004 after my first deployment to Iraq. Marine infantry units work in cycles where the new guys are referred to as “boots” and the Marines who have been in the unit and already deployed are called “senior Marines”. Basically, you are a boot when you get there and you don’t become a senior Marine until you finish your first deployment and new Marines get to your unit. The arrival of Aaron and Larry was important because it signified the end of my time as a boot and the beginning of my time as a senior Marine. We hazed and mistreated Aaron, Larry, and the other boots, as all Marine infantry units do, but in time I would become good friends with both of them and all the other boots who came after them. We deployed to Iraq together in August of 2004 and came home in April of 2005.
Thank you for telling your story of time in Iraq. One does not get over losing a good friend or loved one-the picture just fades somewhat. Some of us lived through the history of several wars that America’s children have fought. In hindsight we are beginning to realize that most wars are senseless and fought for the benefit of greedy and power hungry people. God bless all that serve.
I am/was a Navy Brat and daughter of a WW2 veteran. I loved reading your story, it brought back so many memories of sitting around and hearing daddy speak with fellow soldiers, new and old. Im glad I found your Stack, I came across one of your articles that appeared in the Bakersfield publication due to a Streamer there I watch on occasion. Anyway, I am here on the Stack quite regularly and look forward to reading up on your old and future material. Thank You And All Other Military And 1st Responders For Your Service ☮️💜
My brother was there and I can’t help but to wonder if you’re describing the same situation he lost his brothers in. He’s alive, my brother is… but I lost my little brother in those stupid conflicts. Jeff Rosenthal was deployed as a US Marine (grad from MCRD San Diego late 2000, if my memory is working right now. I’d already been in the Navy several months before he joined the Marines and I was stationed at FLEASWTRACEN Point Loma. I was very happy to be able to attend his graduation ceremony!) it seems like 4-5 times out of 29 Palms. I’m pretty sure he was suicide Charley and he ran mortars. He’s had terrible survivor’s guilt for not being killed with the others in the same vehicle (?) when the convoy was hit. 🥺 thank you for putting this into words, Travis.
Thanks for the comment! The name Rosenthal sounds familiar but I can't say for sure. I graduated boot camp in November of 2002 so your brother would have been senior to me and if he was a mortorman then he would have been in weapons platoon. I was a rifleman so I was in both 1st and 3rd platoon during my enlistment. Your brother might have been on my first deployment in 2003 but at that time the weapons Marines (machine gunners, mortormen, and assaultmen) had their own separate platoon so I might not have been around him much. Two subsequent deployments and 20 years of life have clouded my memory, but please give your brother my best. Thank you for reading!
Thank you for telling your story of time in Iraq. One does not get over losing a good friend or loved one-the picture just fades somewhat. Some of us lived through the history of several wars that America’s children have fought. In hindsight we are beginning to realize that most wars are senseless and fought for the benefit of greedy and power hungry people. God bless all that serve.
So proud of you Travis! I love you. Mom🥰
You should write a book Travis. I love reading your stories. This made me cry, but thank you for sharing. Thank you for your service.
Thanks Andrea! I struggle with short essays but maybe someday I can write a book. Tell Matt I said hi.
Wow. I know the feelings all to well. You and I need to get together sometime and talk.
Yea I'm sure we have a lot in common.
Rest in Peace to Aaron.
Don’t let them silence you. He lives on through your recollection. God Bless you & God Bless America
I am/was a Navy Brat and daughter of a WW2 veteran. I loved reading your story, it brought back so many memories of sitting around and hearing daddy speak with fellow soldiers, new and old. Im glad I found your Stack, I came across one of your articles that appeared in the Bakersfield publication due to a Streamer there I watch on occasion. Anyway, I am here on the Stack quite regularly and look forward to reading up on your old and future material. Thank You And All Other Military And 1st Responders For Your Service ☮️💜
Thank you for reading!
May Aaron rest in peace, and may you continue to fight the good fight, Travis. Educating us is an excellent way to honor him.
Thank you Heidi! I'm glad you enjoyed his story.
My brother was there and I can’t help but to wonder if you’re describing the same situation he lost his brothers in. He’s alive, my brother is… but I lost my little brother in those stupid conflicts. Jeff Rosenthal was deployed as a US Marine (grad from MCRD San Diego late 2000, if my memory is working right now. I’d already been in the Navy several months before he joined the Marines and I was stationed at FLEASWTRACEN Point Loma. I was very happy to be able to attend his graduation ceremony!) it seems like 4-5 times out of 29 Palms. I’m pretty sure he was suicide Charley and he ran mortars. He’s had terrible survivor’s guilt for not being killed with the others in the same vehicle (?) when the convoy was hit. 🥺 thank you for putting this into words, Travis.
Thanks for the comment! The name Rosenthal sounds familiar but I can't say for sure. I graduated boot camp in November of 2002 so your brother would have been senior to me and if he was a mortorman then he would have been in weapons platoon. I was a rifleman so I was in both 1st and 3rd platoon during my enlistment. Your brother might have been on my first deployment in 2003 but at that time the weapons Marines (machine gunners, mortormen, and assaultmen) had their own separate platoon so I might not have been around him much. Two subsequent deployments and 20 years of life have clouded my memory, but please give your brother my best. Thank you for reading!