CMS...Watch for it.
With all the medical issues facing us each day, it appears that research has shown that a new and insidious disease has been descovered. This disease affects men and women of all ages. It is called CMS (Chronic Marine Syndrom). There is no cure for CMS, and the VA has not recognized it as of this writing, but there have been a few treatments that have been successful.
Symptoms to look for are:
1. Pride in self and the organization they represent.
2. A strong willingness to pay extra attention to detail to get the job done.
3. May wear articles of Marine clothing: T-shirts, jackets, watches, etc, well into their 80's.
4. Will stand at attention and put their hands over their hearts, or even salute when the National Anthem is played or the National Colors are passing by.
5. Does not easily succumb to political correctness.
6. Is sure of who they are.
7. Is often either respected or hated by others due to their abilities and talents.
8. Will give up their seat to a lady.
9. Some have been known to wear their hair "high and tight" into their 90's.
10. Will look you in the eye when talking to you.
11. Will give you a firm handshake.
12. Knows what HONOR, COURAGE, and COMMITMENT mean.
13. Can usually be found in a position of leadership in whatever organization they work.
14. Will often regard their Drill Insructors with the same respect as their parents.
15. Often found in law enforcement or other professions.
16. Is extremely thorough in what they do.
17. Does not wear a bunch of patches to adorn their uniform; their title of MARINE is usually sufficient.
18. Often arrives at work ealier than expected.
19. Usually spent part of their youth at one of three places: Parris Island, San Diego, or Quantico.
20. May be able to field strip a rifle up to 60 years after leaving active duty.
21. Can recite the nomenclature of the M-16, M-14, M-1, or 1911-A1 as appropriate.
22. You will often hear them say such phrases as "Once a Marine, always a Marine", "OORAH", or "Semper Fi" to apparent strangers on the street.
Possible treatments include:
1. Frequent visits to bases where they served or looking at their Marine memorabilia.
2. Get them around other Marines to help them flourish. They need other Marines because they have shared experiences.
3. Have them get memberships in organizations such as The Marine Corps League, the Division or Air Wing Associations, or other Marine related organizations.
4. Some may require extra attention such as watching Marine movies. this is only natural and nothing to worry about.
Whatever you do, remember that Chronic Marine Syndrom must be managed carefully. A 70 year old Marine shot two robbers when they tried to hold him up after robbing the Subway in which he was eating. As the Marine stated they disturbed his dinner. In another case involving a Marine veteran of the Korean Conflict, a young man who tried to mug him was severely beaten.
Do you best to spread the word about CMS to others who may be afflicted.
If you earned it, wear it.
SF
Sparky
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