Posted on 11/04/2007 10:02:51 AM PST by A.A. Cunningham
Changing Lives At 13,000 Feet
It may be several months until the America's Marines television commercial hits the air, but Tuesday we got a powerful reminder of how strong the connection is between Americans and their Marine Corps.
Filming for the commercial wrapped up Tuesday just ahead of snow flurries, 13,000 feet up in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. More than 100 people showed up for the production, all braving rapidly plunging temperatures and each with a slightly different motivation for making the drive.
A bus full of students from Ridge View Academy, south of Denver, drove more than three hours to see the production and talk with Marines. The teenagers were part of a leadership program at the school for at-risk youth.
"This is a perfect chance to demonstrate the value of discipline and dedication," explained Brandon Hall, former Marine and vice principal at the school.
At a break in production, several members of the Silent Drill Platoon answered questions from the students. By and large the questions were straight-forward and extremely practical: What did you do to get those medals? Do you sing cadence when you run? Where have you traveled? Do you have to pay for your own tickets?
Not all of the questions, however, were easy. One of the students asked how hard it was being a Marine, especially being part of the Silent Drill Platoon.
"You have to make sacrifices," answered Lance Corporal Jeremy Miller, himself not much older than the students. "Me, I've got a wife at home. We [the SDP] have to travel all the time. She knows how important this is to me and how proud I am to do this. It's tough, but that’s what you have to do to accomplish something worthwhile."
Throughout the day former Marines, families of Marines and nearby residents made their way to watch the production. Few, however, made as big an impression as Arthur Martinez. Plenty of other former Marines had the same red jackets. But none of theirs said "King Arthur" or boasted patches for being the Marine Corps boxing champ.
"I told the recruiter, I don’t care what you sign me up for, just let me box," he said. And he did, traveling the world with the Marine Corps’ boxing team for four years. Along the way he learned a thing or two about being an ambassador.
"I used to go into schools all the time to talk about the Marine Corps and what it offers students," he said. "I told them I was proof that you could be anything you want in the Marine Corps, you just have to work at it."
And he had some guidance for the current members of the Silent Drill Platoon who were filming the new commercial.
"These guys aren’t thinking about it right now, but they’re changing lives," he said. "Some kid is going to watch this commercial and decide right then and there, 'I want to be a Marine.'"
The commercial production was bittersweet for Brad Palmer of Leadville. His son, LCpl. Nicklas Palmer, was killed in action last December. Mr. Palmer, head of the local public works office, learned that the commercial production was coming to town less than a week before. His staff worked through the weekend to make sure several roads leading to the more remote location were graded to ease access for the heavy trucks.
"These boys are a spitting image of my son," he said watching the last few shots of the commercial. "I can't tell you how proud I am they're filming here."
Before the day was over it was the members of the SDP who were honored. On their way back to Denver the platoon stopped in Leadville so Mr. Palmer could show them the memorial that will be dedicated to his son later this winter.
One-by-one the Marines walked past the memorial and hugged Mr. Palmer and LCpl. Palmer’s brother. It was a potent example of the powerful connection the Marines have experienced with their fellow Americans during the two months of television production, said platoon commander Captain Joshua Glover.
"I can't think of a more perfect way to end this tour," he said.
Semper Fi Bump!
-—great—I used to have about the same view of Mt. Elbert out my front window-—
*smrk*
As you well know, it can be hard to breathe in Leadville, at least it was for me.-(maybe you're use to the high altitude and thin air)
These guys must be in super shape.
Thank you so much for meeting with my boys! I was a chaperone (the only female) on that off-site event and the guys are still talking about it. I really appreciated the positive influence they had on my students as they have had so many negative ones in their lives.
Semper Fidelis!
Brigadier General Bob "Boomer" Milstead is doing a great job with the USMC Public Affairs Office in getting out some cutting edge Marine Corps videos, etc. It should really help recruiting.
Boomer, congratulations on your promotion and assignment. You're the perfect man for the job!
By the way, check out the CMC 2007 Birthday video to see what I mean.
I'm proud to have known him and served with him in Captain Dick Lewis' "Mad Dogs," 4th Plt, Fox Co, 6-75, The Basic School.
Boomer always had a flare for the dramatic, dearly loved the Marine Corps and did a great John Wayne impression. By the way, Happy Birthday, Boomer! (Today really is his birthday, 11/15/51.) How appropriate.
By the way, Happy Birthday, Boomer! (Today really is his birthday, 11/15/51.) How appropriate.
Whoops, Typo. That would be 11/10/51.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.