Tag: US Marines

Posted on

Wounded Marine Alex Minsky inspires as fitness model

photo credit – romegrantphotography.com

I’ve written about the handsome and inspiring US Marine turned inspiring fitness model Alex Minsky on The Randy Report before.

Now, Southern California’s KTLA news has caught up with a profile of the photogenic 25-year-old Marine who lost his right leg while stationed in Afghanistan.

The military veteran returned to the U.S. after the accident (which left him in a coma for 58 days), and after coping with the rigors of recovery which included a turn to alcohol began a rigid workout regimen to regain his physical and mental health.

Fate intervened when a photographer noticed the tattoo-covered Minsky leaving the gym, and an unlikely modeling career was born.

Check out the video profile

Posted on

Dayne Morales, Waitress and US Marine, stiffed for tip because “I do not agree with your lifestyle”

From the Gay Family Values Facebook page:

I’m a server at Gallop Asian Bistro in Bridgewater, NJ and THIS is what happened to me today…..

The note says “sorry I cannot tip because I do not agree with your lifestyle & the way you live your life”

NEVER in a million years did I think this would happen. Not only was it a family with two kids, but as I introduce myself and tell them my name is Dayna – the mom proceeds to look at me and say “oh I thought you were gonna say your name is Dan. You sure surprised us!”

I am THOROUGHLY offended mad pissed off and hurt that THIS is what her kids will grow up learning and that I served in the Marines to keep ignorant people like them free. Sorry lady but I don’t agree with YOUR lifestyle and the way you’re raising your kids but you didn’t see me throwing that in your face and giving you shitty service. Keep your damn mouth shut and pray we never cross paths again.

Dayna M.

I’m guessing the “guest” didn’t pick up on the fact the server had served in the US Marines.  I wonder if that would have made a difference.

The total bill was $93.55. No tip whatsoever.

The Huffington Post reminds us that this isn’t new:

Last month, a waiter at Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Overland Park, Kan., found that some Christian diners had left on the back of a receipt a shockingly homophobic message — peppered with anti-gay language — in lieu of a tip. Although the diners said his service was “excellent,” the note called his lifestyle an affront to God.

“We hope you will see the tip your fag choices made you lose out on, and plan accordingly,” the note continued, per to the New Civil Rights Movement. “It is never too late for GOD’S love, but none shall be spared for fags. May GOD have mercy on you.”

So, now that we’re tipping based on approval of what we “think” of someone’s “lifestyle” – can folks stiff a waiter for having too many kids? Or for being Christian? Or for being African-American?

How far does this go?

 
Posted on

Marine from viral “kiss pic” marries his boyfriend in New York state

We all remember the above image of Marine Sgt. Brandon Morgan returning from Afghanistan to Hawaii and jumping into partner Dalan Wells’ arms for a kiss seen around the world.

Yesterday, Brandon and Dalan got married in a small ceremony in the western region of New York.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Marine Sgt. Brandon Morgan returning from Afghanistan and jumping into partner Dalan Wells' arms for a kiss seen around the world.

Posted on

Marines authorized to wear uniforms in San Diego Pride Parade

In addition to the Navy, the Marines have authorized LGBT servicemembers to wear their uniforms at San Diego’s Pride Parade this weekend.

Via press release from San Diego Pride:

As the city gears up for this weekend’s annual San Diego LGBT Pride festivities, Marines and sailors with I (First) Marine Expeditionary Force have received authorization to wear approved uniforms in the 39th annual Pride Parade on Saturday, July 13 at 11 am.

This follows authorization by the Department of Navy, Navy Region Southwest, authorizing active duty Navy servicemembers under its command to wear their uniforms in the parade.

Life after DADT – where our military service members can be proud of all that they are.

Feels good, doesn’t it?

Posted on

Completely adorable Marines couple answer questions

Now, I’m not a huge fan of the word, but how adorable are these two?
Matt and Russ – both gay Marines, post personal videos on Russ’s YouTube channel, RussMarine2014. 
Taking questions from the public, Russ and Matt answer a list of questions, from how they met, to what kind of underwear they prefer.
Charming and disarming at the same time, they are much fun to watch.  At least I think so…
Posted on

Marine Corps instructs spouses club to admit same-sex spouses

Responding to an ongoing controversy at Fort Bragg, the Marine Corps today issued a directive that on-base “spouses clubs” must admit the husbands and wives of gay service members.

The Marine Corps commandant’s Staff Judge Advocate, in an e-mail to legal offices throughout the corps, said the Fort Bragg events had “caused quite a stir” and cautioned, “We do not want a story like this developing in our backyard.” The memo noted that spouses clubs and various other private institutions are allowed to operate on bases only if they adhere to a non-discrimination policy encompassing race, religion, gender, age, disability and national origin.

The email goes on to say “We would interpret a spouses club’s decision to exclude a same-sex spouse as sexual discrimination because the exclusion was based upon the spouse’s sex.” (Emphasis mine).

The memo notes ongoing controversy surrounding a spouses club at the Army’s Fort Bragg in North Carolina. Last month, Ashley Broadway was refused membership to the spouses club because she is ineligible to receive a military ID card under Pentagon regulations that refuse to recognize her marriage to another woman, Lt. Col. Heather Mack.

More at MetroWeekly

Posted on

Marine Corps Captain Matthew Phelps proposes to partner at White House

Congratulations to U.S. Marine Corps captain Matthew Phelps, who proposed to his partner Ben Schock in the White House over the weekend.

Wrote Phelps: “Such a special night surrounded by wonderful people in an amazing place, and the best is still yet to come with Ben Schock. Thanks for all the wonderful greetings and messages, and thanks to Barack Obama and Michelle Obama for lending us your home for the occasion!”

Posted on

Marines Commandant has seen no problems regarding repeal of DADT

Almost a year after the repeal of DADT, the Commandant of the Marine Corps says that he’s not heard of any problems related to the integration of openly gay and lesbian military.

From the Washington Blade:

“I don’t think there is a problem,” said Commandant Gen. James Amos during a National Press Club luncheon in downtown Washington. “I don’t see it. I don’t hear about it.” [snip] “We obey orders,” said Amos. “We do that better than anybody does and we have.” He again noted that he doesn’t “even get a question” about openly gay and lesbian servicemembers from subordinates and other Marines. “I don’t hear anything,” said Amos. “I’m not seeing anything at all, so I’m very pleased with how it’s turned out. I’m very proud of the Marines.”

You may remember that General Amos had been one of the most vocal opponents of the repeal of DADT.