Retirees

[0ldDoc1]

I have watched this remarkable site go through various challenges and change. I was convinced from the beginning that this site was more important than anyone could predict.Giving our Corpsman, active and retired, a place to meet, share experiences, and help each other is priceless. This site also gives parents, spouses and friends a place to express their hopes, fears and support for their "special" corpsman. It gives the deployed Corpsman a place to stay connected and find a place to study. It gives old Corpsmen a place to share thier unique experiences with this new, sharper, braver and modern health care giver. And maybe, just maybe, when one of our own is a little fatigued, feeling overwhelmed, we can jump in and say, " stay brave, stay strong, ive been there, i have some of the same feelings, fears you have had. I was always encouraged that my Navy Hospital Corps provided the best care anyone in the world could get, ashore, afloat and in the air and under the sea.
"Da chief" and his new assistant the crazycajun are providing a service that is so important. Support them anyway you can. I cant physically be at a Iraq BAS, but I can be there in heart mind and soul. Funny, once you become a Corpsman, you can never let it go. God Bless the USA and our Corpsman.

[Da-Chief]

Never a Old Doc..


Just a Doc...

Semper Fi..

HMC Crone

[SurfinSenior]

One of the things that I found of great importance to me while serving in the Hospital Corps; on the deckplate, the sand or the deck of a hospital or clinic, is the fact that we are a unique breed. Sure, the other services have enlisted medical folks, you know the Health Services Specialist in the Coast Guard or the Army/Air Force Medic, but none of these brethren have the responsibilies nor the espirt de corps of the Navy Hospital Corpsman.

I enjoyed my time as a part of the Navy/Marine Corps team and as we retired folks say "Retired...Still Serving with Pride"...I know when I retired, I wanted so much to be able to give back to the servicemen and woman that I had proudly served with, currently I am able to do that as a Department of the Army Civilian (hey there are a bunch of us old Navy guys here!), I get to ensure that 101st Airborne Division Soldiers are prepared and informed about deploying to Iraq or Afghanistan. Sure I am retired, but having been there twice and also during the first Gulf War, I have some valuable insight for those lonely, spunky soldiers as they make their way down the tarmac and head east...

If we as Navy Hospital Corpsman/Marine Corps Devil Docs can do anything to ensure our legacy, we have to remain as proud of our corps as we were the day we took the Hospital Corps Pledge!!!

Hey give a shout out to Senior Chief Steele for me! (if he is still at NHCS).


Senior OUT!

[puckmedic]

I concur with all. I want to share with you all something special.

Here in Jackson TN a group of Marines from L co 3rd Marines arrived a few weeks ago for a reunion. There were 11 of them. These guys were part of the Iwo Jima Marines, also Saipan and Tinnian.

I went, "retired Navy" ball cap and an old (read as tight fitting) VMFA 251 t shirt.

As I talked with these guys , I became suddenly aware that I was being treated like a comrad, not some snot nosed 44 yr old kid just pestering a bunch of old guys.

When I left, I was called Doc by all, including their wives. As I walked to the truck, I realized my normal tingling in my left foot was gone, and I was walking ram rod straight for the first time in a couple years. Even these guys, I wouldn't let them see the pain or me slouching!

I can't explain it, but the bond even crossed decades between their service and mine. I see combat wounded vet plates all over TN. When I can, I say hello, even if its a salute from truck to car.