Two U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Sergeants Address Bethesda Kiwanis Club
by Past Governor Bob Cressy

Bethesda Kiwanis, 13 Nov 08 - United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Michael Abragan, in dress blues, addressed the Kiwanis Club of Bethesda as part of our observances of veterans past and present. This capped our week which included the Club's 49th annual Veteran's Day program with the American Legion, 11 Nov 08, in Bethesda's Veteran's Park. He was accompanied by Staff Sergeant Emmanuel Agemble and both served in Iraq. Thank you for your service to our country.

"Gunny" Sergeant Abragan told us of the Marine Corps recruiting process in Montgomery County. They have met their goal of sixty-five new recruits. He said it takes six months for full approval, after someone signs up. Only 16% of high school grads are qualified to be a Marine. Then it's the USMC's training, also known to the recruit as "thirteen weeks of bad luck". They receive jungle, desert and street combat training, plus training in many new weapons systems including Osprey STOL aircraft (that's Short Take Off and Landing), M-Wraps (heavily armored, large vehicles), new amphibious vehicles and personal weapons training.

SGT Abragan told us that he served in Falluja, a three mile square city with 30 attacks each day at the height of war. They were in "civil affairs" working with Iraqis in the 1/24th Marines Regimental Team #3, and spoke of a personal marine friend who was KIA. Now there is a Kentucky Fried Chicken store, a hospital and schools, he said. I added that thirteen of nineteen Iraqis provinces have been turned over to the Iraqis civilian and their military control. The "surge" has worked, if we see it through.

We remember all our veterans both living and gone, serving in war and on guard during peace time, in all branches of United States service. Thank you for your service veteran's and your families. God Bless and keep you.

(Pictured: Bethesda Kiwanian Ron Spratt, Major USMC (Ret.), on left, brought U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Emmanuel Agbemble and Gunnery Sergeant Michael Abragan, both Iraq War veterans, to address us during Veteran's Day "Week" services. They are from the USMC recruiting station in Rockville. 'Gunny' Sergeant Abragan tried to recruit PLG, veteran USN Medic 'Doc' Jim Leder to sign up. Something didn't work out. "Been there, done that", says Jim. P.S. Don't they both look great? The Marines, too!)