Marine Corps Honor

Having been an FMF Corpsman for a number of years during my 23 year Naval career and serving two tours in combat with the Marines, I am closer than a brother to most of my Marine/Corpsman friends.  As a matter of fact, most of my friends ARE Marines and Corpsmen.  That Esprit d' Corps between us is thicker than blood.  I have trusted my life to this outstanding group of men implicitly numerous times.  I have fought shoulder to shoulder with these wonderful guys, cared for the wounded brothers and comforted the dying as a member of America's elite, the Marine Corps.  They have pulled my raggedy rear end out of the fire several times and covered me as I cared for thier wounded above and beyond thier own safety.  We are brothers/sisters one and all who have earned that vaunted Eagle, Globe and Anchor..  Our creedo is Honor, Courage, Committment.  Our motto is Semper Fidelis, always faithful but that is just a part of being a Marine.  It is said of us in latin:  Saepe Expertus ( Often Tested ), Semper Fidelis ( Always Faithful ), Fratres Aeterni ( Brothers Forever ).
Any Navy Hospital Corpsman who has ever served with the Marine Corps and been in combat is considered by the Marines as thier brother and believe me you earn your Eagle Globe and Anchor the hard way but you do.  Corpsmen like me are considered Marines as well.  The vaunted 8404 designator or NEC of being a Field Medical Tech separates us from the other Corpsmen.  Although we do the same job of saving lives, we 8404's do it in Marine Corps utilities and full combat gear better known as "782" or "Deuce" gear!  We go through a short version of Marine Corps boot camp, combined with emergency field medicine to earn that 8404.  The Navy Hospital Corps is the most highly decorated outfit in the Navy.  More Medals of Honor, Silver Stars, Bronze Stars for bravery than any other group in the Navy.  Although the SEALS are catching up, they too have Corpsmen!
To the end of my days I will consider myself more Marine than Navy because of my 8404 and the years I spent with the Corps.  I wore the uniform both dress and utility and until I was commissioned, never put on another Navy uniform!  Pride, Esprit d' Corps, I have been termed a "High and Tight, two fisted, sharp tongued, quik witted, steely eyed Fleet Marine Force Combat Corpsman"!!!  I wear that with pride and honor that shall NEVER be compromised for any reason...
With all that said, I now want to express my disappointment in two that I have recently had the displeasure of being involved with.  According to one of my dearest friends, a crusty old 1st sergeant and fellow 9th Marine, these two have lost thier honor and betrayed me, my trust and the Corps.  These two have betrayed me and lied to me numerous times, took credit for the work I did in two organizations and left me in the dirt.
I am devastated, to say the least knowing our bond.  Most would never do this but these two have lost thier honor.  I put them out of our circle of brotherhood and into the category of dishonest people.  In my humble opinion have lost thier right to call themselves Marines.  I would NEVER do anything of this nature to any of my Marine/Corpsman brothers or sisters but they have chosen to do so with full knowledge of what they are doing.  Disappointment and devastation do not even begin to describe my feelings.  Broken trust and faith.