In
HONOR and MEMORY Of Fellow USMC and CORPSMAN
INDIVIDUALS
Updated January 22, 2019
EULOGY
SgtMajor Thomas Halbert, Jr. GRIGGS
Delivered at his funeral by a former Marine officer, that was Tom's ROTC student, Jon Minerich.
SSgtMaj Tom H. Griggs, Jr: November 19, 2007
I would like to take a few minutes today to honor Tom Griggs by describing the way most of us
remember him. There is old saying, "Once a Marine, Always a Marine". That phrase fit Tom
perfectly. Throughout his military and civilian life, he never changed. Even though Tom retired
as a SgtMaj, for those of us that Tom trained, he was, and will always be our Gunny. Even our
children called him Gunny. They were teenagers before they discovered his given name was Tom.
So please let me beg your indulgence today by letting me calling him Gunny.
First and foremost Gunny was a teacher. Yes he taught me to be a Marine. But he taught all of
us lessons about things like geology, history, and most importantly, life. After he retired,
Gunny continued to teach. He tutored local teenagers in math and science; one of who is now
pursuing a career in the US Navy.
Gunny taught by telling stories. He was a great storyteller! All of us remember listening is awe
as he related his stories, remembering minute details, about times, places, names, and events.
All the while he was teaching us; teaching us about integrity, honor, and commitment to things
in life that were bigger than any of us.
Secondly, Gunny was also a hero and a patriot. Today you will see or hear talk show hosts,
newscasters, and movie stars describing heroes, courage and patriotism. It saddens me to say,
they don't understand the meaning of these words. As one of our Marine friends likes to say,
Gunny was the "real deal". With over 28 years of service in the United States Marine Corps,
Gunny served around the world aboard ships and shore stations. He also volunteered for 3 tours
of duty in Vietnam. During one of those tours he was part of a team that made the first combat
jump in Marine Corps history. His combat decorations include 2 Bronze stars, 3 Purple Hearts,
and 2 Navy Commendations Medals with combat "V". If I counted correctly, he also rec'd over
95 other awards, citations, and certificates for meritorious service. Right up to the very end of
his life, Gunny continued to help others. His latest award was in October of this year (2007).
Last month, the Suwannee Valley Detachment of the Marine Corps League presented Gunny with
the Distinguished Citizen Award for his service to the local community and to the detachment.
Finally Gunny was a good friend. Everywhere he went, Gunny made friends. I read a quote long
ago. It said, "The true measure of a man's wealth is not the amount of riches he has accumulated
during his lifetime, but by the number of friends that remember him after his death." If that
quote is true, then Gunny must be one of the richest people that ever lived. I am honored to have
called him friend. To all of you, family and friends who shared Gunny with me, I am eternally grateful.
In closing today, let's all remember Gunny the way he would want—as a good friend, family member,
and a Marine dedicated to his country and beloved Corps.
Semper Fi, Gunny. I will meet you on the objective.
Updated January 22, 2019
EULOGY
SgtMajor Thomas Halbert, Jr. GRIGGS
Delivered at his funeral by a former Marine officer, that was Tom's ROTC student, Jon Minerich.
SSgtMaj Tom H. Griggs, Jr: November 19, 2007
I would like to take a few minutes today to honor Tom Griggs by describing the way most of us
remember him. There is old saying, "Once a Marine, Always a Marine". That phrase fit Tom
perfectly. Throughout his military and civilian life, he never changed. Even though Tom retired
as a SgtMaj, for those of us that Tom trained, he was, and will always be our Gunny. Even our
children called him Gunny. They were teenagers before they discovered his given name was Tom.
So please let me beg your indulgence today by letting me calling him Gunny.
First and foremost Gunny was a teacher. Yes he taught me to be a Marine. But he taught all of
us lessons about things like geology, history, and most importantly, life. After he retired,
Gunny continued to teach. He tutored local teenagers in math and science; one of who is now
pursuing a career in the US Navy.
Gunny taught by telling stories. He was a great storyteller! All of us remember listening is awe
as he related his stories, remembering minute details, about times, places, names, and events.
All the while he was teaching us; teaching us about integrity, honor, and commitment to things
in life that were bigger than any of us.
Secondly, Gunny was also a hero and a patriot. Today you will see or hear talk show hosts,
newscasters, and movie stars describing heroes, courage and patriotism. It saddens me to say,
they don't understand the meaning of these words. As one of our Marine friends likes to say,
Gunny was the "real deal". With over 28 years of service in the United States Marine Corps,
Gunny served around the world aboard ships and shore stations. He also volunteered for 3 tours
of duty in Vietnam. During one of those tours he was part of a team that made the first combat
jump in Marine Corps history. His combat decorations include 2 Bronze stars, 3 Purple Hearts,
and 2 Navy Commendations Medals with combat "V". If I counted correctly, he also rec'd over
95 other awards, citations, and certificates for meritorious service. Right up to the very end of
his life, Gunny continued to help others. His latest award was in October of this year (2007).
Last month, the Suwannee Valley Detachment of the Marine Corps League presented Gunny with
the Distinguished Citizen Award for his service to the local community and to the detachment.
Finally Gunny was a good friend. Everywhere he went, Gunny made friends. I read a quote long
ago. It said, "The true measure of a man's wealth is not the amount of riches he has accumulated
during his lifetime, but by the number of friends that remember him after his death." If that
quote is true, then Gunny must be one of the richest people that ever lived. I am honored to have
called him friend. To all of you, family and friends who shared Gunny with me, I am eternally grateful.
In closing today, let's all remember Gunny the way he would want—as a good friend, family member,
and a Marine dedicated to his country and beloved Corps.
Semper Fi, Gunny. I will meet you on the objective.