Maj. Lawrence “Ben” Bender: A True American Patriot

On March 27, 2020, the Marine Corps lost one of their own with the passing of Maj. Lawrence Bender. All Americans should know about him because he was a patriot. In other words, he truly loved and defended his country with devotion. This is particularly important today since many—like the multi-million-dollar athletes … Read more

Doug Dickey: A Pure and Combative Warrior

In turbulent times like ours, examples of heroism can be uplifting. This is why you should know the story of United States Marine PFC Douglas Dickey. This young man who sacrificed his life to save fellow Marines during the Vietnam War is not well known. His story is particularly compelling since he … Read more

Reflections on Women in Combat

Reflections on Women in Combat 2

One of the most earthshaking decisions of our country in 2015 occurred on December 3, when Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter declared that all combat jobs would become open to women with “no exceptions.” While it is horrible enough that women will be exposed to the horrors of war, the shock waves … Read more

War Hero Honored as U.S. Marine Corps Turns 237

War Hero Honored as U.S. Marine Corps Turns 237 1

On the eve of the Marine Corps’ 237th birthday, November 9, TFP members, supporters and friends gathered to celebrate the outstanding service and sacrifice of its military heroes. The event was graced by the distinguished presence of decorated war hero and Navy Cross recipient, Col. Gordon Batcheller, USMC (Ret.)The virtue of honor was the … Read more

Women in Combat

Women in Combat 1

During the 1968 Tet Offensive, then Captain Gordon Batcheller earned the Navy Cross when his unit, Company A, 1st Battalion Marines, engaged a numerically superior force of the North Vietnamese Army. Although injured by shrapnel, he aggressively led his men in a fierce assault against the enemy and was seriously wounded in … Read more

Through the Valley of Death

Through the Valley of Death 2

Once in a while a story of heroism comes along which leaves us speechless. This is the case when one hears the deeds of Marine Sergeant Jeremiah Workman. On December 23, 2004, he was a squad leader clearing houses in Fallujah, Iraq, when a group of fellow Marines were ambushed and penned … Read more

Remembering a Legendary Marine

Remembering a Legendary Marine 3

Anniversaries can be occasions of both joy and sorrow. On March 2, 2012, 112 Vietnam Veterans came together at the Marine Museum in Quantico, Virginia for an anniversary that was both. They chose that day to honor their captain, the late Colonel John Ripley with a monument, because it was on that … Read more