By Barry Villamil | MyPearlCity.com
It was a welcome surprise to connect with former neighbor Jeris Rita this past weekend in Pearl City. Jeris is a very special friend that I have known for the past 40+ years. He retired 25 years ago from the United States Marine Corps after 20 years of service which included tours in Iraq. Jeris grew up playing in my front yard and on the street with a bunch of his neighborhood friends. He was always reading in between playing basketball and break dancing in my driveway with his buddies. He was extremely smart, an awesome friend and very respectful.
I have never enlisted in the Marine Corps but know a little bit about how it works. You see, my dad retired from the Marine Corps in 1972 after serving 23 years and as a Veteran Warrior serving in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was also a Marine Corps Drill Sergeant stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California in the early 60’s. Most of his recruits upon graduation from Boot Camp were shipped out to Vietnam. Our family lived on Base during those years. My older brother and I were little Marines. We got our haircuts on Base with the Marines. Took a number and waited in line. High & Tight haircuts.
Every once in while my dad would flip a dime on our beds to make sure our sheets and bed cover corners were folded correctly and tight. It wasn’t really that bad, my mom made sure my dad checked his Drill Sergeant mode and attitude at the front door and let the boys be little boys. It’s kind of ironic that my hairstyle today as a senior citizen is pretty close to High & Tight, and I never leave my bed unmade (corners are always nice and folded). My brother and I and neighborhood friends would also train and run drills. We had canteens, ammo belts (no ammo just candy), C-rations, and wooden rifles. Little Marines.
My dad was extremely proud of Jeris when he left for Boot Camp and always asked how he was doing? I remember while on leave, Jeris came over to my house for a visit. I learned during his visit that he was one of the first Marines to enter Baghdad and set foot into one of Sadaam Hussien’s Palaces. He was a part of a historical moment in time of war with the fall of Sadaam Hussien at the hands of United States military. Incredible.
Jeris has spent the last five years as a contractor and instructor at the Puuloa Firing Range. He is an avid bowler at Leeward Bowl located at the Pearl City Shopping Center and enjoys riding his Harley around Oahu with his Indian Motorcycle Club buddies. He is also an amazing husband, dad, uncle, and friend. Huge very giving Heart.
From Chuck E. Cheese to a proud and brave retired United States Marine Corps Veteran. America thanks you for putting your life on the line to secure our safety and freedom as Americans.
Mahalo Jeris!
