Trying to re-earn my Man Card

[Stillmaineiac88]

Good afternoon. I'm a 48 year old Marine, currently and permanently serving in an Inactive status. My Wife and I live just outside of Portland, Maine. I will have worked for Walmart for twenty years as of January next.
I say I'm trying to relearn my Man Card because I haven't been off the beaten path in almost six years. In July of 2008, I was diagnosed with Neuro Lyme Disease, Babesia and Ehrlichiosis. They did a number on me and I still haven't fully recovered. I'm not going to dwell on that. Any questions you might have about these diseases, I'll be glad to share what I know.

Your Prior Relevant Training: I was a Scout, (Life, dang it) and a river guide with the O.A.. I joined the Marines in '84 and stayed until '88. I've been in the woods and on the water for a good part of my life.

I'm not going to claim a status any higher than Intermediate on any topics because I lost significant blocks of memory due to the Neuro Lyme and resulting Encephalitis. I may rate higher on some things but, I feel most comfortable with going this way.

I'll primarily be looking around to see what you all know that I still know, as opposed to what I THINK I know. I'm really looking forward to this.

[Old GI]

Welcome. Many of the FOGs here deal with various conditions resulting in handicaps of some sort. A major part of this learning experience is 1) we aren't in our 20s anymore and 2) a major part of surviving is working around those irritants or impediments.

[ElevenBravo]

From a tired old Army grunt, welcome tired old devil dog!

Dont expect the same pace as when you were young, but GO have fun and enjoy the field!!

EB

[Highhawk1948]

You never lost your card. Once a Marine always a Marine

[hunter63]

Hunter63 saying Hey and Welcome.
Thank you for your service.

[1stimestar]

Welcome from Alaska. You'll be amazed at the amount of knowledge here and the people willing to share.

[tundrabadger]

Welcome! And I'm pretty sure you get a permanent, irrevocable man card when you join the Marines.

[crashdive123]

Hello and welcome. Thank you for your service.

[Sarge47]

Semper Fi Devildog! Welcome aboard! Thank you for your service! I have a son who served with the Marines during Desert Storm. Found out really quick ain't no such thing as a "former" Marine! OOOHRAH! And a 2nd one for being a Life Scout! Keep your head up and your powder dry!....

[crashdive123]

Sarge, Sarge, Sarge.......there is no thing as an ex-Marine, just former Marines.

[Tokwan]

Welcome from Malaysia!

[Sarge47]

Sarge, Sarge, Sarge.......there is no thing as an ex-Marine, just former Marines.

Not according to my Jarhead son, squid!.......

[Winnie]

Hello there from across the pond......

*hollering out the window* Crash! Oh Craaash! We may have found another F.A.R.T!

[crashdive123]

Not according to my Jarhead son, squid!.......

I'm willing to bet that you misunderstood him. Ask again. It is a pretty proud point that EVERY Marine I have met makes sure to mention if anybody uses the word ex in front of Marine.

[LowKey]

My dad wouldn't even use "former" Marine. He was a Marine until final Taps.

Welcome Stillmaine.
And thank you for your service.

[Sarge47]

I'm willing to bet that you misunderstood him. Ask again. It is a pretty proud point that EVERY Marine I have met makes sure to mention if anybody uses the word ex in front of Marine.

I used the term "former," to him once and was quickly advised that there was no such thing! "Inactive" was okay though....

[Graf]

Welcome to your new home, Thank You for your service!

[Stillmaineiac88]

Thank you all for the warm welcoming! I'm anxious to stop and make all of your acquaintances but, right now I'm hitting the rack. I've been a third shifter for nearly twenty years now and I think I'm starting to get a handle on this sleep pattern.

Just to clarify, there are no ex-Marines, barring conviction of a high crime. There are likewise no former Marines. If you noticed in my intro, I AM a Marine. I'm just currently serving in an Inactive (very) Capacity. We are not released from of Oath even in death. I quote the third verse of the Marine's Hymn, "If the Army and the Navy ever look on Heaven's scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines!"
We are, from the day we graduate Boot Camp, wether from Parris Island or San Diego, forevermore, Marines.

Thank you, and Good Night.

[OldFlJarhead]

Semper Fi, Marine!