A US Marine writes message to his colleagues in Ukraine

A word from one Marine to another. I was once in the Marine Corps of the US myself, as they say, once a Marine,always a Marine. The three core values of the Marines are honor,courage, and commitment. We also learn that Marines of the world are our brothers who fight for these same values. It touches me very deeply to see the Ukrainian Marines at their base in Crimea standing their ground, when outnumbered 10 to 1, when their families are threatened, when they are offered great sums of money. They have honor, courage, and commitment that is an example to the world and Marines everywhere. Some people call us bullet sponges as a derogatory term. Yes we are! It takes a great man of honor to be willing to take a bullet for his country and people in the face of such overwhelming odds. My wife is Ukrainian, and in Ukraine right now and can’t leave. For those worried about ethnic differences, she is ethnically half Russian, and half Ukrainian. She speaks both languages, but is all Ukrainian. I have traveled to your country many times, and am thankful for such great people and the things they have taught me. One day I hope to see the country and people there again. On one of my travels I met a Ukrainian Marine, after talking many hours and spending time with him, I learned he is the same as me. He asked next time I came to bring him something of the US Marines. The next time I came I brought him a coin I received during my time in the Marines. This coin is never to be with any other than a Marine, not my wife, not other soldiers of my country, not anyone but a Marine. For another person to have this coin is disgraceful, it was my most prized possession as a Marine. But it is now safe in his hands, a true Marine. So Marines,from me and my wife, and I am sure your own countrymen, I say, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!