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Semper Fi, Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Menusa
by Tootie D., Livermore, CA.

March 30, 2003--Earlier this morning I opened up the Sunday paper (Tri-Valley Herald) to a front page story about the death of the Marine that had been my son's Recruiter here in the No.CA/Bay Area...GySgt Joseph Menusa has been killed in Iraq.

More than a few people were surprised to realize that this man who gave his life in the service of the USA was not a citizen of the USA. GySgt Menusa was a Philippine native/citizen raised in San Jose, CA, who served our country with great honor and pride. This was a Marine that loved the Corps.

During his tenure as our local Recruiter he served the Livermore/Hayward/Fremont USMC station. He motivated his Poolee's (recruits) through constant encouragement and communication. He enjoyed interacting with their families and politely answered all those "Mom" questions with an easy smile and reassuring attitude. He helped my son, now a LCpl during his "freezing" on the qualificationtests and pushed him to overcome his fear of tests so that he could perform his best.

I am forever thankful for the cherished memory this Marine gave us of the day my son left for MCRD/SD...April 2000. SSgt (rank at that time) had considerately scheduled his pick-up of our Poolee with ample time for the family farewells. He quietly stood by and smiled the whole time, watching the family gather on the front lawn to take pictures, give our aspiring Marine long hugs and masses of kisses.

He jokingly scolded my son for having shaven his head and denying the MCRD barbers the pleasure of nicking him.

His ever present smile broadened ear to ear when I presented my son with a beautiful cross to wear during Boot Camp. He earnestly told my son that the love of his family and the strength of his faith will see him become a fine Marine.

As my son received his last round of photo requests and hugs from his three brothers, Joseph Menusa spoke to my husband and me of his decision to become a Marine, his love of the Corps, his family, being a local Bay Area boy --and-- his next duty assignment.

My son was one of his last Poolee's heading off to Boot Camp and SSgt Menusa was excited to take on the next challenge in his own career.

When it came time to leave for the airport, he shook hands all around and gave me that wonderful Marine hug. As Joseph Menusa pulled the car away from the curb he honked and waved as my son sat next to him straight and proud.