I celebrated the USMC birthday at Camp Fallujah in November 2004. The celebration was late, as everybody was pretty busy on the day of the traditional celebration, Second Fallujah being in full swing.

I remember that a friend (another Army major, also advising the Iraqis) and I arrived later in the evening, when beer (announced as two per guest) was running low, and, as majors, my friend and I were given only one beer each so that the junior Marines still in line could receive their full ration. That gesture stands out in my mind as symbolic of why the Marines are so darned good at what they do--they look after the men who do the heavy lifting first. Good Army units do the same, but ALL Marine units do it.

As a soldier who fought alongside the First Marine Regiment at an interesting time, I offer a toast of "Semper Fi" to all members, past and present, of this fine regiment.

Maj. Hilts:

Thanks so much for your memories and valuable insight, and we are grateful you for your service to our country. Your comments to Seraphic Secret are always appreciated.