Do you remember your DIs at Parris Island SC?

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 09:59:12 -0400

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Jul 17 at 2016 9:59 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 09:59:39 -0400

I'll never forget these two DIs.
S/Sgt Kendall was much too old to be a DI (40) & too bitter at the Marines because he was only a S/Sgt. Pfc Kelly had been passed over for Cpl for having too many fist fights behind the heads with recruits. What a pair to draw to and often wondered if they survived after the McKeon trial in 1956 and a lot of DIs were removed from Parris Island for mistreatment of recruits.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 17 at 2016 10:04 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 10:04:41 -0400

Went to BCT, and AIT at Fort Leonard Wood, had 'Nam vets for DI's.

Response by TSgt Marco McDowell made Jul 17 at 2016 10:07 AM

TSgt Marco McDowell — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 10:07:03 -0400

I've forgotten many souls over the past 40 years, but never Sgts Shoemaker, McGrath, Reese and Harris. Even two from another platoon, Jackson and Faison. All of their faces are burned into my memory.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2016 11:13 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 11:13:40 -0400

No, but I remember my DI's from MCRD San Diego.

Sgt Heckler
Sgt Jimenez
Sgt Sullivan
SSgt See (wasn't really an SDI; given the slot to fill a hole)

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2016 11:28 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 11:28:47 -0400

not parris island but camp johnson fmss

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2016 11:57 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 11:57:21 -0400

I went to San Diego, but I'll never forget those Marines

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jul 17 at 2016 12:38 PM

SN Greg Wright — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 12:38:08 -0400

Nope. But I remember my Company Commanders from Orlando!

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Jul 17 at 2016 1:08 PM

PO1 Brian Austin — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 13:08:13 -0400

I remember my Company Commander at RTC San Diego, GMG1 (Gunner's Mate Guns) Wend, from The Bronx. One thing he taught me was that the "F word" is the most versatile word in the English language.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jul 17 at 2016 3:38 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 15:38:17 -0400

Without a doubt.

Sgt Gansemer
Sgt Davis
SSgt Northcott

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 17 at 2016 6:33 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sun, 17 Jul 2016 18:33:24 -0400

No, I'm a Sailor but my Father the Marine was more than Happy to Enlighten Me about the "Experience".

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Jul 18 at 2016 1:04 AM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 01:04:46 -0400

3rd Hat was Sgt ( later Cpl) Green, relieved relaced by Sgt Godsoe ( both of these DIs got out of the Corps) Strong J was Sgt Taylor (retired as MSgt) Senior was SSgt Saltzman ( Retired as CWO5)

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jul 18 at 2016 9:16 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 09:16:04 -0400

Fondly. Though they probably hated my guts with every fiber of their being, I can't help but be appreciative of the time and effort they took shaping me into a Marine.

Response by Capt Phil Williams made Jul 19 at 2016 6:44 AM

Capt Phil Williams — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 06:44:52 -0400

Yes, I remember my DIs. I graduated from Parris Island in Nov. 1965 and have been very thankful for the experience. Earlier this year I hunted down my Senior DI just to say "Thank You" and Semper Fi. Through "Together We Served" I discovered that another of my DIs was killed in Vietnam in 1968. He was in Amtracs and that was my MOS when I was discharged in 1977. My DIs changed me as a person and I thank God that our paths crossed.

D Company, Platoon 183 - 16 Sept-9 Nov 1965
Sgt. F. S. Knight (Senior Drill Instructor) - Retired as a Master Sgt.
Sgt. J. M. Avery (Junior Drill Instructor) - Gunnery Sgt. Avery died in Vietnam, 30 Oct 1968.
Sgt. J. D. Bishop (Junior Drill Instructor)
Sgt. Goodnight (Junior Drill Instructor who left the detail early)

Response by GySgt Charles O'Connell made Jul 19 at 2016 7:54 AM

GySgt Charles O'Connell — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 07:54:03 -0400

SSgt Blackman, Sgt Hardy, Sgt McDowell, Sgt Redding.

Response by SSgt Scott Walters made Jul 19 at 2016 8:15 AM

SSgt Scott Walters — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 08:15:18 -0400

It is impossible for me to forget them. SSgt Griffin (Senior), Sgt. Hillard (2nd Hat), and SSgt. Cook (Heavy). We picked up SSgt. Mahan and Sgt Bowen in third phase. And there was Sgt Parks from third deck.

Response by Cpl Christofer Baines made Jul 19 at 2016 8:44 AM

Cpl Christofer Baines — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 08:44:10 -0400

I will never forget GySgt. Payne, SSgt. Jiminez, Sgt. Ogomuro, Sgt. Spivey and Sgt. Daniels. Daniels terrorized me for nearly three months, and I attribute him for my ability to keep it cool no matter what. Those men made me that man I am today, and they'll always be with me, screaming, yelling and frogging my nasty hands for not being on that trouser seam.

Response by Cpl Jason Farish made Jul 19 at 2016 9:47 AM

Cpl Jason Farish — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 09:47:34 -0400

Sgt. Roberts (SDI), Sgt. Reddick, Sgt. Ziegler, Sgt. Grey & Sgt. Lambeth.

Response by Cpl Rick Leonard made Jul 19 at 2016 10:07 AM

Cpl Rick Leonard — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 10:07:37 -0400

Will never forget the molding from a young boy into the ready to take on the world experience, and the late night training as DI,s really molded your pain tolerance and helped you understand it really is "pain is weakness leaving the body". Enough said but I would never trade the training for anything. It worked and when you hit the ground running with an M-60 in hand you thanked GOD for those DI,s and that training. Every November 10th when I remember those that never made it home from Nam I do open that boot camp book and play the L.P. (Ha now I dated myself), yes I still have the boot camp album. Semper Fi

Response by Cpl John Panico made Jul 19 at 2016 10:16 AM

Cpl John Panico — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 10:16:18 -0400

I recall our platoon "Heavy Hat" as an intimidating and impressive presence. At the Confidence Course he went up and down the rope hand over hand in a perfect pike position. The entire length of the rope he was screaming at us pointing out in a very colorful way that we were weak and unworthy examples of American manhood. Thank you Drill Instructor Sargent Miller it was a privilege to be squared away by Marine like you.

Response by Sgt Jeff Anthony made Jul 19 at 2016 10:18 AM

Sgt Jeff Anthony — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 10:18:52 -0400

I will never, ever forget my Di's. Although I left PT with a certain dislike for them all, as time went on I began to appreciate the lessons they tried to teach me, and the values they taught me. Ran into my Senior DI years later, and we both had a laugh about those times, of course I was an E-5 by then with two tours in "Nam and understood much better why they pushed us so hard.

Response by SgtMaj Paul Chevalier made Jul 19 at 2016 10:36 AM

SgtMaj Paul Chevalier — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 10:36:15 -0400

Sure do: TSgt Codby, SSgt Collins, Sgt Perry, and Cpl Shoemaker (1954) Platoon 425

Response by 2ndLt Fulton Recepcion made Jul 19 at 2016 10:48 AM

2ndLt Fulton Recepcion — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 10:48:52 -0400

MCRD San Diego
June 1990 - September 1990
GySgt Williams, P. SDI
SSgt Cole, E.
SSgt. Rodriguez, F.
SSgt. Ladner, B*
SSgt. Block, M.

*RIP GySgt B.J. Ladner (ret'd). 1958 - 2003

Officer Candidate School
October 1998 - December 1998
GySgt. Geletko, M.
SSgt. Wallace, R.
SSgt. Williams, N

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 10:52 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 10:52:51 -0400

My Drill Instructors

S/Sgt. Kirkley Senior,
Sgt. Goodnight, Who after 51 Years I still talk to and email almost weekly.
S/Sgt. D'Antonio
Delta CO. Plt.145 Grad. 9/15/65

I am now Med.Retired/ Agent Orange
Returned from NAM & back to PI as P.M.I. Weapons Btl.
I later became US Coast Guard Lic. Capt. & Fishing guide in so. Fl.

Response by LCpl Sam Epaloose jr made Jul 19 at 2016 12:15 PM

LCpl Sam Epaloose jr — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 12:15:41 -0400

From Plt 3006 Sgt Hester, Had the biggest influence on me. One of my Brothers on Together We Served. San Diego 79

Response by 1SG Bill Melen made Jul 19 at 2016 12:24 PM

1SG Bill Melen — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 12:24:43 -0400

50 years ago. Sweat, Ciampa, Armstrong

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 12:40 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 12:40:12 -0400

SDI SSgt Allen, had a voice that could destroy your soul. DI Sgt Burnside, was about 5'2" but stood about 7'6" while screaming (spraying) at you. And DI Sgt Park, the only words that come to mind when describing "Drill Instructor Sgt Sir" (because we couldn't say his name) are "devil dog in the flesh."

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Jul 19 at 2016 1:31 PM

Capt Walter Miller — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 13:31:40 -0400

Uh, yes.

Response by Cpl Will Parmenter made Jul 19 at 2016 1:36 PM

Cpl Will Parmenter — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 13:36:20 -0400

Ssgt Struck,Sgt Track and Sgt Chambers

Response by GySgt Richard Morrison made Jul 19 at 2016 1:58 PM

GySgt Richard Morrison — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 13:58:06 -0400

Absolutely. Sgt R. L. Wells (SDI), Sgt D. E. Laughner (JDI), Sgt O. H. Truell (JDI) and Cpl R. A. Jonhson (JDI) (we were his first Plt and he was only with us for a short while). Sgt Wells, I believe was a Golden Gloves boxer. Plt 336, Co "Q", 3d RTBn, MCRD, PISC. Trng dates 29 Jun - 1 Sep 1965. Semper Fi. Proud Tennessee Volunteer. GySgt USMC (Retd) '65-'85.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 2:02 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 14:02:22 -0400

you're kidding right? anyone who doesn't isn't a Marine

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 2:04 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 14:04:48 -0400

Semper Fidelis Marine......Old Corps

Response by LCpl Alton White made Jul 19 at 2016 2:30 PM

LCpl Alton White — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 14:30:22 -0400

Yes I do, I graduated in 1980 from Parris Island, MCRD, and those Marine DIs changed my life. I will never forget what they did for me. I can never repay them for their commitment to make Marines. I am 55 years old now and would still tell them thank you if I could. Due to an Injury I received in Beirut, Lebanon I never got to make the Marine Corps a career, but I hold the values entrusted to me to heart to this day. The finest men I ever knew were my DIs.

Response by LCpl Alton White made Jul 19 at 2016 3:03 PM

LCpl Alton White — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 15:03:44 -0400

No but many of my friends and fellow shipmates were. I was injured prior to that.

Response by LCpl Alton White made Jul 19 at 2016 3:05 PM

LCpl Alton White — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 15:05:30 -0400

I lost a lot of friends in that blast. I go back to Jackosnville, NC and visit the monument when I can.

Response by Cpl Wm Johnson made Jul 19 at 2016 3:13 PM

Cpl Wm Johnson — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 15:13:39 -0400

Yes I do. I was at PI Jun-Sept 1974. Our Senior Drill Instructor started out as GySgt Turner, but he had to take bereavement leave during our cycle and we picked up SDI SSG Hampton. We had DI (2nd hat) SSG Rivers, and SGT Allen. I learned a lot from these Drill Instructors and can still remember being put on mountain climbers after we came back from morning chow by SGT Allen. SSG Rivers came in saw me there, did the relief and I guess forgot I was there. SDI SSG Hampton came in and asked SSG Rivers why I was climbing the mountain then came out and stopped me. He asked why was I climbing and I told him that I could not remember. I had been doing climbers for about 50 minutes and there was a puddle of sweat where I had been. He made me mop the mess up and put me on line, on my footlocker.

Response by Cpl Kurt Huber made Jul 19 at 2016 3:15 PM

Cpl Kurt Huber — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 15:15:41 -0400

I was a Hollywood Marine,
SDI Sgt. Gomez
DI Sgt. Solano
DI Sgt. Munoz
DI Sgt. White (relieved of duty)

Response by LCpl John Metzgar made Jul 19 at 2016 4:26 PM

LCpl John Metzgar — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 16:26:07 -0400

My SDI SSgt Collins was showing us how to rappel off the tower and landed too hard and broke his ankle !!
One of the others, Sgt. Wright was giving us a rifle inspection in the barracks. He handed it back to me and was looking down at the rifle and I forgot to send the bolt closed. Instead I reached up to bring the rifle down and knocked his DI hat clean off his head !!! WHOOPS... It flew halfway across the barracks, he proceeded to go into full ninja mode and pulled back to let loose on me but, with 60 recruits and the other DI's there he composed himself and said "Don't even finish your inspection, we are gonna play on the quarter deck later!" And we did, we played and played and played!!!
Sorry Sgt Wright!!
John Metzgar Platoon 2003 January-March 1979

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2016 6:26 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 18:26:33 -0400

Series 3029, H Company, 3rd Recruit Battalion
Battalion Commander: LtCol Hopgood
Company Commander: Capt. Stewart Navarre
Series Commander: 1stLt Darryl Patton
Asst. Series Commander: 1stLt Gregory
Senior DI: SSgt Newton
DI: Sgt Woellhof
DI: Sgt Crane
DI: Sgt Rivers
DI: Cpl Phillips

Response by Cpl Jose Suarez made Jul 19 at 2016 10:14 PM

Cpl Jose Suarez — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 22:14:05 -0400

sgt brown, sgt ali, dont remenber the other two

Response by Cpl Louie Suzara made Jul 19 at 2016 11:29 PM

Cpl Louie Suzara — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 23:29:16 -0400

I went to MCRD San Diego in 84. His name is SSgt Cardenas. I remember him yelling quite often "come here Sazura!"

Response by Sgt Jimmy Velez made Jul 20 at 2016 12:40 AM

Sgt Jimmy Velez — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 00:40:26 -0400

Lol I have my platoon pictures up around my room.

Response by LCpl William Perry made Jul 20 at 2016 6:59 AM

LCpl William Perry — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 06:59:30 -0400

I will say yes but one thing I have learned is that all Marines remember their DIs. They are somebody you hate but later realize what they were doing was to shape you into a Marine in the short time they had you. It is by their diligence that we are all able to hold the title Marine with honor and pride. For me I was MCRD San Diego (Hollywood Marine) and SSgt Bigby ran my but into the ground, but he took a snot nosed 18 year old only 2 weeks out of high school and produced a devil dog that holds the title with swollen pride each and every day. I can not thank him and my other DI's for all they did for me.....Semper Fi!

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Jul 20 at 2016 10:17 AM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 10:17:50 -0400

Response by Cpl George Crab made Jul 20 at 2016 1:04 PM

Cpl George Crab — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 13:04:45 -0400

Kind of hard to forget. I was a DI at PI, back in the mid 70s.

Response by Maj Ken Brown made Jul 20 at 2016 1:47 PM

Maj Ken Brown — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 13:47:02 -0400

Sgt. Schmidt, Sgt. Dickerson, and SSgt. Castle. Good crew.

Response by LCpl Don Hall made Jul 20 at 2016 2:09 PM

LCpl Don Hall — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 14:09:50 -0400

Like It was Yesterday 8-14-72

Response by PFC Juan Saavedra made Jul 24 at 2016 9:19 PM

PFC Juan Saavedra — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 21:19:07 -0400

SDI Sgt Reconnu
DI Sgt Carpenter
DI Sgt Gratacos

Plt 1044
Delta Company

Forever changed my life.

Semper Fi!!

Response by Jordan Taylor made Jul 26 at 2016 7:10 PM

Jordan Taylor — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 19:10:52 -0400

Went to San Diego Hollywood Marine. Yes I remember 1st Lt David Co. commander( later on my company commander as a Capt with 3/9 H&S) SSgt Duffy, Sgt Avila and that sadistic Sgt Walker Plt 3057 July 13 - October 11, 1981. Never will forget them as long as I live. Sgt Avila was the perfect poster Marine with that look of his not matter what always perfect uniform. Never forget him standing over a fat body Pvt. yelling .... Help me Mr Wizard!!! I look back and some of it's funny now!

Response by Capt Phil Williams made Dec 22 at 2016 5:12 PM

Capt Phil Williams — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 17:12:33 -0500

Yes! After getting involved with my "Together We Served" website, I started looking for my Drill Instructors to thank them for all they put us through to make us Marines. I went through Parris Island from 16 Sept - 9 Nov 1965 and was in Platoon 183. I have corresponded with my Senior Drill Instructor, Sgt (retired as a Master Sgt) Knight, who now lives in West Virginia and was able to thank him. One of my Junior Drill Instructors, Sgt Avery, was killed in Viet Nam in 1968. The DI's job was to make you a Marine rifleman and nothing else. They did not try to sell their MOS. I became a Combat Engineer - Heavy Equipment Operator / 1345.

After I graduated from The Basic School I was assigned an Amphibian Tractor MOS / 1803. It was via Together We Served that I discovered that Sgt. Avery had also been part of the Amtrac mafia. I later become the XO of the Amtrac Company that Sgt Avery was in when he died in Viet Nam - B Company, 1st Amtrac Bn. I just wish we had been able to connect and exchange stories. As for my other 2 Junior Drill Instructors, Sgt Goodnight and Sgt, Bishop, I have not been able to find them. But to all 4 of my Drill Instructors I would want to say thank you for helping make me a Marine. My life was changed forever, and I could never thank them enough for all that they did for me.

Response by Sgt Lowell Tackett made Dec 29 at 2016 10:32 PM

Sgt Lowell Tackett — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 22:32:22 -0500

Do I remember my Drill Instructors under the quonset huts of San Diego? Hmmm, lemme think for a moment... I am going back like, 55 years. Here's my thought. If I could get DNA tests on any of my DI's and compare it to mine, I'd be willing to bet there would be some small matches. I think my KIDS have some of my Drill Instructor's DNA. That, as I see it is the level of impact that Drill Instructors impart (embed? fuse? brand??) into their innocent, soft charges. Hell, I'll bet MSgt. Dan Dailey STILL remembers his Drill Instructors. When, 36 years after leaving MCRD San Diego, I met my son's Drill Instructors (no... it was at Parris Island), I still stood near-attention and locked my eyeballs straight ahead.

Response by GySgt Charles O'Connell made Jan 6 at 2017 3:31 PM

GySgt Charles O'Connell — Fri, 06 Jan 2017 15:31:00 -0500

It's been 37 years: SDI SSgt Blackmon, DI Sgt Hardy, DI Sgt McDowell.

Response by Sgt Herbert Fogelberg made Jan 23 at 2017 8:46 PM

Sgt Herbert Fogelberg — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 20:46:11 -0500

I didn't go to PI I was at Dego.

Response by SMSgt Roger Horton made Feb 6 at 2017 6:31 AM

SMSgt Roger Horton — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 06:31:19 -0500

I remember all of mine. Stafford, McGoulik, Iszard, and Johnson.

Response by Pvt J B made Oct 29 at 2017 7:56 PM

Pvt J B — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 19:56:23 -0400

Blackman
Franks
Kowalski
3095th
H co
81

Response by Sgt Roy Hale made Oct 30 at 2017 6:34 PM

Sgt Roy Hale — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 18:34:11 -0400

I would never remember Parris Island as I earned my title at the age of 17 at MCRD San Diego, ( Hollywood Marine)but in the 37 years since then I still remember each of their names and faces. Ingrained in my brain to the day I die. Semper Fidelis

Response by Cpl Patrick Kogut made Mar 20 at 2018 5:51 PM

Cpl Patrick Kogut — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 17:51:45 -0400

Parris Island in 1990 was abuse, the word just fits. PerhPs some men need to be hit , humiliated or verbally abused in order to understand..... not me..... but I took it just as it was dished out.....I only wish the Goverment would have done something about it. All the Corp did was tolerate it......very implement time and I don't care what others may say... beating me did not make me into the Marine I became. It was sadistic Abuse. And perhaps one day those DIs who hurt we recruits will pay for there abuse. I certainly hope so. Retribution !!!! Not revenge.

Response by LCpl Michael Cappello made May 30 at 2018 11:48 AM

LCpl Michael Cappello — Wed, 30 May 2018 11:48:37 -0400

Drill Instructor Sgt. Brad Williams, Drill Instructor Sgt. Terry Womack, and Senior Drill Instructor SSgt. Thompson. Actually spoke with DI Womack through https://togetherweserved.com/ . I was surprised to find that he not only remembered me, but thought I was one of the "good ones".

Join Me on Together We Served!

Together We Served has reconnected more U.S. Military Veterans than any other organization. If you served, this website is for you

Response by SSgt Robert Prest made Jun 5 at 2018 11:58 AM

SSgt Robert Prest — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 11:58:00 -0400

MCRD SD 75

Every time we were out of the barracks without the Senior DI (SSGT Prevost) on our way back we would look for his baby blue 74 Ford Pinto in his parking space and each time it was there the O-shit factor would max out. A year and a half later when stationed at French Creek at Camp LJ NC, I was walking back to the BN S3 after lunch and saw his blue Pinto parked in the visitors space and had an anxiety attack. Even today 43 years later I think my heart rate would still climb a little.
Good Times