M14 Forum

M1A's r BEST · March 18th, 2011, 01:11 PM

When I was there (1976 to 1979) we had two "types" of wood stocks. Some were dark (I assume they were walnut) and some were light (birch???). Anyway, as with many other things, the folks in charge regularly changed direction in the middle of the creek so we were directed to switched back and forth from dark to "blond" stocks several times while I was there.

Two of us in the 1st platoon refused to switch. We had beautiful walnut stocks we'd worked on if we were the only two with the balls (and willingness to put up with the harrassment from above) then so be it.

If you see any pictures of joint service ceremonies at the White House, the Tomb or other places from that time period (1976/77) the two guys in the front rank with dark (walnut) stocks are me and my buddy.

I sure wish I'd taken that stock with me when I left but I turned it in at the arms room. They probably trashed it since it wasn't "blond".

Have a good one.

82nd ABN · March 18th, 2011, 01:56 PM

We have another member here on the forum that was in the Ol guard as well. He is as he souls be very proud of his service there as you are. He explained the mods they were required to make on the stock in order to make them easier to manuver during drill. Were you required to make the mods? It sounded like it took quite some time to do. I have to admit the guard is a sharp bunch of GI's the word super strack comes to mind. I have not used that term in I don't know how many years. Honestly I have a hard time watching any of the ceremonies they put on. For that matter taps freaks me out as well, I can't help but get all choked up. Can't explain it it just happens guess I'm a softy on the inside. That's for watching over me and the rear of the country, back in those days I was just finishing up grade school, but I knew I wanted to carry on the military tradition in my family little did I know I would be enlisted in 82.

GARRARD · March 18th, 2011, 03:58 PM

When I was in 1st Platoon of Charlie Guard (2000-2004) we mostly had walnut stocks with exceptions being rare. The CoC didn't really care about the color but they did do a crack down on stocks that had their grips shaved to the point where they were straight stocks instead of semi-pistol grip stocks.

shaw11b · July 10th, 2011, 05:40 AM

Old Guard Charlie Guard 1999-2002 Crack rats<--------- Still has his stock :)

M1A's r BEST · July 10th, 2011, 11:43 AM

Did they still have the old steam presses for doing your blues? I used to hate running over there and getting them ready for a "job". Summer time was hot and muggy enough without standing there in the basement (I don't remember which building it was now - was it H Co. or B. Co. basement??) pumping that steam/heat out on you while you pressed your blues.

Still doing parade practice in the base gym on rainy days? That is one huge building. Room for several basket ball courts since it was originally built as an indoor riding area for the horses when there was still cavalry in the US Army.

Still doing occasional parade ceremonies on Whipple Field? I don't have a clue why we used Whipple Field at all. That darn place was way worse than Summerall Field sitting down between the humps along the river like it does. No breeze, stifling humitidy, winter uniforms, etc. Closest I ever came to "crashing" was at Whipple Field. It was pretty wild. I need to tell that story sometime if I haven't already.

GARRARD · July 10th, 2011, 11:52 AM

When I left in the summer of '04, every company had their own steam presses in the barracks, and yes, we sure did use them, for blues and BDU's. If that huge building you're talking about was across the street from regimental HQ, they named it Conmy Hall and yes, we were using that for inclement weather. The base gym is at the other end of the street now. While I was there we only did one ceremony rehearsal at Whipple Field and it was in the winter.

shaw11b · July 10th, 2011, 12:18 PM

Garrad after looking at your pics I recognized you. I think you were a spc when I left. Did you hear menuez, and ververka both passed away. Menuez as a cop in NV responding to a call and ververka was KIA in Iraq

GARRARD · July 10th, 2011, 12:39 PM

I remember you too, small world us meeting up here. I didn't know about "OX" and Ververka. Damn sad to hear that. Menuez was my room mate before he reclassed and left Ft. Myer.