Government

Marine Corps Apologizes After Mailing Purple Heart Tree Ornaments to Deceased Soldiers

Marine Corps Apologizes for Mailing Ornaments to Dead Soldiers

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Marine Corps on Tuesday apologized for mistakenly mailing Purple Heart Christmas tree ornaments to about 1,150 deceased Marines and sailors.

The gold ornaments, with an image of the Purple Heart in the center, were part of a package from the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment that included a letter to the deceased recipient from the regiment’s commanding officer as well as a flyer with information about an athletic reconditioning program.

The packages were addressed to the deceased troops.

The Corps said it learned of the error when family members called Monday evening.

Marine Corps Apologizes for Mailing Ornaments to Dead Soldiers

“There are no words to express how very sorry we are for the hurt such a mistake has caused the families of our fallen warriors,” said Col. John L. Mayer, the regiment’s commanding officer. “There is no excuse for why this happened.”

A spokeswoman for the regiment, Capt. Jill L. Wolf, said in an interview that by Tuesday 35 families who received the packages had called to point out the error. She said Mayer has begun calling them to apologize. Letters of apology will be sent to all families of the deceased who were included in the mailing.

Marine Corps Apologizes for Mailing Ornaments to Dead Soldiers

The tree ornaments were donated by an unspecified charitable organization and were supposed to go to living Marines who had received the Purple Heart since 9/11, as well as sailors who were wounded while attached to or serving in support of Marine Corps units. Nearly 8,000 were mailed, as intended, to living recipients.

Wolf said this is the third year the ornaments have been mailed to Purple Heart recipients. There were no known mailing errors in 2009 or 2010, she said.

The Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment, headquartered at Quantico, Va., provides non-medical care to combat and non-combat wounded, ill and injured Marines, as well as sailors in support of Marine units. The goal is to help them return to military duty or to transition to civilian life.

Comments (59)

1 2
  • USMCGator
    Posted on December 15, 2011 at 4:00pm

    Doctor Nordo, if being a Marine is nothing special then why is it that when Marines are on ship the females start wearing perfume and makeup? You know they don’t do that for you guys. The difference between Marines and other branches is we join looking to fight. Not hoping to make it through our enlistment without conflict or to take advantage of college money. We EARN our reputation!

    Semper Fi!

    Report Post »  
  • Red32
    Posted on December 15, 2011 at 3:49pm

    My family was one of those who received the ornament. It is beautiful. We were not offended, but grateful that our son and brother who gave his life had been remembered during this time of the year.

    Report Post »  
    • UPSETVET
      Posted on December 15, 2011 at 7:18pm

      Having been a Marine during the Vietnam War I think the thought was honorable but just got “screwed up” as things tend to do in the military. Apologies were given and should be accepted in good faith in the name of our fallen heroes. I have nothing but respect for all branches of the US Military Forces, however, once a MARINE always a MARINE. Believe me we earned the title US MARINE and we wear it proudly and honorably. Let’s not let a stupid MISTAKE cast a shadow over those who are serving and have served their country as Soldiers, Sailors, Coast Guardsmen, Airmen or MARINES. Semper Fi !

      Report Post »  
  • kevinj319
    Posted on December 15, 2011 at 12:14pm

    This is such a non-story. Some letters were accidentally sent. They apologized for sending them.

    WELL OH MY, CALL THE PAPERS.

    Report Post »  
  • What the Heck
    Posted on December 15, 2011 at 5:44am

    What the Hell. We as a nation have become so sensitive to every little thing, even a nice jesture is taken wrong. So Why try to be nice, SOMEBODY will find something to bitch about.
    If I had notten one, I would be glad someone was thing of doing something nice and FORGIVE them if the stupid way it was addressed did not suit me.
    Get a grip.

    Report Post » What the Heck  
  • garbagecanlogic
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 3:07pm

    Isn’t it amazing what those stoooopid computers have done to us.

    The U.S. Out Of The U.N.
    The U.N. Out Of The U.S.

    Report Post »  
  • Drakkhanlord
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 12:01pm

    The BS Govt is using the People as Cannon fodder for the NWO…Wake up

    How has any of these decade long police actions , Drug/Gun running and MASS Transfer of Wealth operations helped to keep America and its Allies free and Secure…?
    The Opium Market in Afghan , Iraq etc have increased 1000 % …Our Military is increasing production and guarding the Poppi fields…Hello…Iran /Contra anyone…?
    We went into libya for Humanitarian reasons …yet we kill 1000X’s more than we helped…and who is left in charge…? Al CIA DA /Sharia SOBs…
    Trillions of Dollars are being used to rebuild these POS countries , while the USA rusts, crumbles and collapses from within…
    The US Borders are wide open , yet we spend billions securing the borders of Foreign Countries…?

    Plan worked perfectly , eh you corrupt traitorous sobs…?
    I truly hope all involved SWING for their Crimes in this BS travesty, theft and Murder of Americans and Foreign Nationals…

    Report Post » Drakkhanlord  
  • Rowgue
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 11:55am

    Oh for ***** sake people can create a controversy out of anything. Some soldiers were mistakenly sent christmas ornaments honoring their sacrifices. We need an investigation!

    Report Post »  
    • last frontier
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 12:36pm

      No investigation rogue, we just ask our Government to stop wasting, and quit doing stupid sheet, by the way what wing of the misshipment dept.do you work in?

      Report Post » last frontier  
    • Rowgue
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 12:57pm

      That isn’t what this article is about. The article is trying to incite people to be outraged because this is somehow supposed to be a supreme insult to the families of the fallen soldiers.

      The government is out of control and 90% of the government is nothing but money wasting boondoggles. But that isn’t the narrative in this story.

      Report Post »  
  • last frontier
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 11:39am

    Along with that ornament they should have a letter stating that your loved ones died in vein, Iraq will be handed over to Iran, the 1.5 trillion dollars cost of the war will be awarded to China in the form of cheap oil, you will be responsible for all of the dept. The surveillance technology that was developed in the war will be used on you, and your family members to keep you safe from yourselves and all the corporation that made that trillion dollars would like to you with a 10% off gift card at Wall mart HAPPY HOLIDAYS.
    USMC

    Report Post » last frontier  
    • JRook
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 11:52am

      Yep $1.5 trillion for the wars, $1 trillion per year budget and they can’t get the mailing right. Probably should have outsourced it to a defense contractor who could have gotten it done correctly for only $10,000 per letter.

      Report Post »  
    • last frontier
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 12:16pm

      Just wonderen, J CROOK what union do you OCCUPY?

      Report Post » last frontier  
    • dontbotherme
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 9:13pm

      Last frontier: OUR SOLDIERS DID NOT DIE IN VAIN! I DON’T CARE ABOUT YOUR POLITICAL OPINION OR POINT OF VIEW! THIS IS THE SAME KIND OF BS PEOPLE SAID TO OUR MILITARY WHEN THEY SPAT ON THEM, LIVE OR DEAD, COMING HOME FROM VIET NAM. Very touchy statement! Do we understand each other? I only weigh 105lbs, but I will kick your butt for saying such a thing if I ever meet you.

      Report Post »  
  • CLG 4
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 11:15am

    The ornament should be displayed prominently as thier loved one earned it. The letters should all be mailed to the National Republican Committee to be used to show the extreme thoughtfulness of the present adminstraition during the next election cycle.

    Report Post »  
  • crackerone
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 10:48am

    Bet you $10,000.00 they were made in China!

    Report Post »  
  • kevgenus
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 10:32am

    Soldiers? As a Marine, I find my brothers being called Soldiers more insulting than anything else. A Marine is a Marine, they earned the title so use it!

    Report Post »  
    • beninferno
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 11:00am

      We are all soldiers for the USA, everyone from the lowerst enlisted to the highest officer. Dont get to technical

      beninferno  
    • kevgenus
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 11:15am

      BENINFERNO are you a Sailor, Airman or Soldier? You will never hear a Marine refer to themselves or other Marines as a Soldier.

      Report Post »  
    • warrior21
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 11:56am

      I won’t refer to a Marine as a Soldier, anymore than I would call a Soldier, a Marine. Both deserve the titles they worked and fought for. To be truthful I always thought of myself as a “Sneaky Pete” . This was an old reference to a Special Forces Soldier and is not in use today.

      Report Post » warrior21  
    • Rowgue
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 12:04pm

      The story is talking about both marines and regular navy, that’s why they used soldiers. Get over yourself soldier.

      Report Post »  
    • Seasoldier
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 12:34pm

      I know this isn’t exactly on the topic of the article; however, since the subject has come up, Marines are jealous of their title. It’s not just a technicality. A Marine earns the title. Every Marine takes pride in being recognized as a Marine. Because of their amphibious nature and the fact that every Marine is a rifleman, they are soldiers who come from the sea. However, their title is Marine, regardless of rank. The Chiefs of Staff of the Army or Air Force would insist on being called General. The Chief of Naval Operations would insist on being called Admiral. But the Commandant of the Marine Corps is proud to be called Marine. It’s a title that unites us all, living and dead, because of the all the blood, sweat, and tears that go into earning and maintaining the title and the history we have made together and that we continue to make every day from the first landing on New Providence to the most recent patrol in Afghanistan. Just about anyone can be a soldier, but not everyone can be a Marine. Once you’ve earned the title it makes you a permanent part of the brotherhood for life and beyond. “…If the Army and the Navy ever look on Heaven’s scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines.” Semper Fi.

      Report Post »  
    • onebigassmistakeamerica
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 1:23pm

      OoF’nrah!
      1/4

      Report Post »  
    • kevgenus
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 2:01pm

      Notice how MSNBC got the story right, while the Blaze did not.
      http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/14/9441653-purple-heart-error-gifts-sent-to-dead-troops
      Lazy, ignorant or disrespectful?

      Report Post »  
    • djmaine
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 3:59pm

      sol·dier   [sohl-jer]
      noun
      1.
      a person who serves in an army; a person engaged in military service.
      2.
      an enlisted man or woman, as distinguished from a commissioned officer: the soldiers‘ mess and the officers’ mess.
      3.
      a person of military skill or experience: George Washington was a great soldier.
      4.
      a person who contends or serves in any cause: a soldier of the Lord.
      5.
      Also called button man. Slang . a low-ranking member of a crime organization or syndicate.

      Report Post »  
    • Doctor Nordo
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 4:05pm

      @SEASOLDIER

      Uhh….yet you call yourself a soldier just with your Blaze user name. While it’s more technically correct, obviously, to call a marine a Marine instead of a soldier, it’s certainly not, or shouldn’t be, offensive. Get over yourself. Not anybody can belong to any branch. And it’s certainly nothing special to be a Marine. I have known some of the dumbest and most useless people ever go on to be Marines. Just like I have seen some of the dumbest and most useless people ever go on to be Sailors (from first hand experience, as I was in the Navy).

      The word “soldiers” in this article was NOT being used as a title. In this context it is perfectly accurate, especially considering they were not only for Marines, but were for Navy as well.

      GTF over yourself. Being a Marine is no more special than being in any other branch, including the Coast Guard.

      Report Post » Doctor Nordo  
  • djmaine
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 9:43am

    That’s nice. Everyone gets an award. Even a purple heart ornament.

    I wonder if it’s for a “Holiday Tree” or Christmas Tree…, you know coming from a government entity.

    This country is upside down!

    Report Post »  
  • Dismayed Veteran
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 9:38am

    This has the appearance of a goat rope. It can’t be undone.

    I hope the families keep the ornament in honor of their lost Marine or Sailor.

    Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
  • Jim in Houston
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 9:04am

    Does anyone in this country know how to read anymore? It clearly says they were intended for wounded warriors who were eligible for rehab. My God, some of you people are so insensitive!

    Report Post »  
    • Jennifer_D
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 10:46am

      Obviously you can’t read, Jim!

      Would you want a letter offering rehabilitation services to your loved one who had passed away?

      This isn’t the first time this administration has goofed up like this. Why can’t they read and get a simple mailing list right? To those receiving this letter it must have been a stab in the heart. This is the holiday season and a time when family comes together. The ornament itself could still be a tribute, but this mistake was such an insult.

      Report Post » Jennifer_D  
    • Jim in Houston
      Posted on December 15, 2011 at 4:00pm

      Jennifer: I do read very well, thank you. Apparently you do not! I was condemning the insensitivity of those responsible and clearly stated that it was intended for Marines who were alive and eligible for rehab. Please read before commenting, you won’t look so foolish.

      Report Post »  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 9:02am

    My bet is that although the letter was incorrect, the families will want the ornament as a tribute to their fallen one. I would. Several kinds of honors were done when my husband passed away, including a tree planting, and a letter from President Bush thanking him for his service, they all used his military rank of Master Chief, which made my heart so proud for his hard work in the Navy. My love to the families, may they find peace in their hearts and souls. It’s always tough at this time of year.

    Report Post »  
  • OLEGROG
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 9:01am

    Well, it is a SNAFU, so will Col Mayer now be PFC Mayer?

    Report Post »  
  • Mojoron
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 8:58am

    If I were a fallen Marine’s family I would be proud to get one. In fact, after Christmas was over I would move it to the mantel under my picture of Jesus and the Marine. Ouraaah! Semper Fi.

    Report Post » Mojoron  
  • sobeit
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 8:53am

    I don’t see the problem.

    Report Post »  
  • Flash96
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 8:47am

    One problem… There nothing more irritating to Marines, current and former, than being referred to as Soldiers. Nothing against the Army. Marines are Marines! I would hope that an organization that is strongly in favor of National Defense could get this right. For your reference:

    Marines=Marines
    Army=Soldiers
    Navy=Sailors
    Airforce=Airmen

    Report Post »  
  • hempstead1944
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 8:40am

    Obama political appointee…..

    Report Post »  
    • Jim in Houston
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 8:57am

      Makes one wonder, since it sounds like something this inept bunch of butt holes would do.

      Report Post »  
    • chips1
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 10:38am

      In Kenya they give “The Purple Goat”.

      Report Post »  
  • notreally
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 8:16am

    One wonders: How many people would have to be involved in such a screw-up? The same question would apply to dumping soldiers ashes in a land fill. And not one person says, “Hey, are we screwing-up here?” Don’t buy it. These acts are intentional.

    Contempt for America and our soldiers, which permeates this administration, is filtering down throughout all the bureacracies, including the military. Inevitably, “errors” like this will happen — only they ain’t errors, they’re manifestations of the liberal mindset.

    Report Post »  
  • bbr48
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 8:03am

    I have no problem with this. As others have said what is the big deal? Were the families offended or angry…then the apolgy is warranted…but I would be honored. If course I’m not one of these famlies-

    Report Post »  
    • Jim in Houston
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 8:59am

      They were sent with a flier referring to rehab. Apparently you didn’t read the article.

      Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 8:01am

    .
    It was all good till….a flyer with information about an athletic reconditioning program……

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • LARR
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 7:27am

    It may be too soon, but in time, the families may come to appreciate the ornaments more than be hurt by them.

    Larr
    USN – Ret

    Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 7:40am

      I agree. I would accept it as a memorial to my dead spouse, had he died in service. I don’t think it would be insensitive, as they gave the greatest sacrifice and it was meant to honor. It could be the wound to the survivors was too fresh.

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 7:54am

      Washington’s Badge of Merit… was a recognition of the Brave… and the Brave are often identified by being Wounded, even if Leathal! So, the Purple Heart… is deserved!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 8:03am

      I would think the ornaments would remind the family and freinds of the great sacrifice their family member did to secure freedom to celebrate Christmas

      Report Post »  
    • Jim in Houston
      Posted on December 14, 2011 at 9:02am

      It wasn’t the ornament that was the problem, it was the implication that the person to whom it was intended was alive and eligible for rehab. Read the article people.

      Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on December 14, 2011 at 7:23am

    What is… the Big Deal?

    A VET

    Report Post » lukerw  
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