As I mentioned in a previous post, I have the honor of being invited to the Marine Ball.  The Ball I am attending is hosted by the 2nd Division Amphibious Assault Battalion, which is a part of the II Marine Expeditionary Force.  Also known as the Gators.

The 2nd Division was activated in 1942 at the Marine Barracks, San Diego, California.  They were deactivated in 1945 after Japan surrendered.  Activated once again at Camp LeJuene, North Carolina in 1946, and then again deactivated in 1949.  In 1966, the division transferred 260 crew men to Viet nam.  Throughout the war, the 2nd Amphibian Tractor Battalion supported routine deployments and provided training support to the 2nd Marine Division.

Look at that monster.  You can tell why they call the trackers Gators.  Looks like the snout of a gator coming right at you to bite you in the ass.

The Gators have been deployed to Lebanon, Grenada, and both Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  They were deployed to Somalia in ’92 and ’93 to provide protection for food supplies prior to the UN taking over that job.  The Gators have also participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in the Middle East.

Why am I going on, and on about this group of  young men?  Because they are an incredible group of people.  Dedicated, motivated, and full of piss and vinegar.  I have never had the honor of serving in the military.  I chose a different life path due to my inability to take command very well.  Structure and I have always been on very differing sides.  This group of young men, I cannot say enough about.

And if you made it this far, and are still wondering what “Yat Yas” means……click on this link.