We had an XO like that

| July 16, 2009

Ann Scott Tyson of the Washington Post is embedded with Marines in the Helmand region of Afghanistan. Today’s article is about shortages of stuff the Marines need. After reading these last few paragraphs, I was reminded of our XO who drove four days in a Bradley to get us cigarettes and pogue bait while we spent Easter screening for the Shi’ites;

Earlier this week, Larosa decided to launch a one-man supply chain. Armed with orders from his men and a large plastic crate, he jumped on a helicopter to the nearest large base, Camp Leatherneck near the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah. Once there, armed with $1,200 of his own money, he literally stripped the PX shelves of cigarettes and chewing tobacco.

Larosa’s shopping spree irritated customers at Leatherneck, but, arriving back at the camp in Garmsir, he was greeted as a conquering hero.

The LaRousa in the story is a Marine Gunnery Sergeant but the effect is the same. What was his name, COB6?

Category: Media, Military issues

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TSO

*whistle* 10 yard penalty, posting with no Nirther reference. Repeat second down.

COB6

Wasn’t that 1LT Palmateer?

olga

they have always done more with less…
Did you read the comments to the article?? Priceless…

S6R

Ah, if only Lt. Giancarlo had been so thoughtful regarding his troops…still, good lad, even if he did cost us the “Mystery Machine”…those would have been good times.

Susan

Could you guys use your magic and try to find out if there is a way to send the Gunny some cash to cover his expenditures?

bullmoosegal

Fantastic story, and I second Susan’s request. Good thing the smoking ban has been nixed.

Old Tanker

That sounds like something my old 1SG would have done. He was a grizzled old Vietnam vet who would do anything for his men. Thanks 1SG Moreno!

B Woodman

I was under a CO like that once. Fierce loyalty, both ways. I was proud to serve under him. I miss him.

Dubya Bee

What is “pogue bait?”

Wild Bill

What is “pogue bait?”

Snack food, chips, ect.