Palos Verdes' Devil Dog

Brian Weiss,
Devil Dog

with Karen Wickline,

Carrie and her hubby

Dave Young and I were talking treason outside Starbucks last Sunday morning when we were joined by the former Farm Market manager and our favorite new Marine. Lance Corporal Brian Weiss joined the Marines as a recruit late last year and recently graduated from boot camp at Camp Pendleton. The thirty-something Brian has already made Lance Corporal.

Yes, I said thirty.... the guy joined up at that advanced age and immediately became "pops" to the teenagers in his unit. After the last training march carrying full battle packs when Brian finished in the top 5 the kids have a newfound respect for the "old man." Devil Dog Brian is an inspiration!

Brian told us about the US Marines and the Devil Dog moniker. The Marine Corps were founded in 1775 by the Continental Congress and took part in the war with France and against the Barbary Pirates off the Shores of Tripoli while the service was still young. The Corps participated in many wars of the nineteenth century, including defending Washington against the British in the War of 1812 and fighting all the way to the Halls of Montezuma in the Mexican War. In World War I, battlefield tenacity earned Marines the name of Devil Dogs from the German enemy.

From the Devildogs blog site I found a description of Corps Values:

Honor guides Marines to exemplify the ultimate in ethical and moral behavior: never lie, cheat, or steal; abide by an uncompromising code of integrity; respect human dignity; and respect others. The qualities of maturity, dedication, trust, and dependability commit Marines to act responsibly; to be accountable for their actions; to fulfill their obligations; and to hold others accountable for their actions.

Courage is the mental, moral, and physical strength ingrained in Marines. It carries them through the challenges of combat and aids them in overcoming fear. It is the inner strength that enables a Marine to do what is right; to adhere to a higher standard of personal conduct; to lead by example; and to make tough decisions under stress and pressure.

Commitment is the spirit of determination and dedication found in Marines. It leads to the highest order of discipline for individuals and units. It inspires the unrelenting determination to achieve a standard of excellence in every endeavor.

Brian is waiting to hear when his unit will be deployed, most likely to Iraq or Afghanistan. How can you not be proud of a country that produces such brave young men and women. God bless you Brian.