|
Being a Marine is being part of a special culture. Having been married to a Marine and now having a son and son-in-law who are active duty Marines, I have had a unique window into that culture. When long hair became fashionable for men In the 70's, the Navy tried to keep pace by allowing sideburns and beards, while the Marines stayed the course, maintaining the same rigid grooming standards that have always characterized the service.
In this reflection, I would like to pay tribute to a dear marine we called "Uncle Russ."  Russ died on June 29 in San Diego. (Google Lt Col Russell Silverthorn, USMC for his obituary). Russ was a marine mentor and dear friend to my first husband, Steven Olmstead. His lovely wife, Sarah, introduced me to Marine culture by taking me to the commissary and exchange. Our old commissary had narrow aisles, and you were expected to follow the arrows with your cart, and line up in an orderly fashion to pay for your groceries, quite an experience for a civilian! There were many other aspects of marine culture that Russ and Sarah taught us, but the most enduing lesson was how to be a Christian in the Marine Corps.
After Steve died, Russ took a special interest in mentoring our son Rudd. Russ and Sarah didn't have children, so Rudd became their surrogate son / grandson. Russ came to every major event in Rudd's life as he was growing up, and when Rudd graduated from the Naval Academy, Uncle Russ was there to present a special cape owned by his father, who had been Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. During World War II, Russ was wounded on Iwo Jima, and he later served in Korea. He was devoted to Jesus Christ and a great prayer warrior. At the age of 86, Russ was a groomsmen in Rudd's military wedding (at the reception he out-danced everyone!)
Whenever Rudd faced trials as a Marine, Uncle Russ was there to provide counsel, prayer, and encouragement. In an age of emails, Russ sent old-fashioned "snail mail" to Rudd and his wife Susan. When Rudd has been deployed, Russ would call Susan to encourage and pray with her. Thankfully Susan and baby Verity were able to visit Uncle Russ in San Diego recently, not knowing that a few months later he would be with the Lord. Jim and I also got to see him before he died.
A memorial for Russ was held in San Diego and I'm planning to attend his military funeral at Arlington, which will be very special. "Uncle Russ, we miss you greatly, but say hi to Steven and Aunt Sarah in heaven."
|
