I have the distinct privilege of meeting and learning about some remarkable people with these military rods. This guy was a Navy Corpsman with the Marine 2nd Tank Battalion in Iraq and has a total of over 20 years as a Navy Corpsman.
The setup is much the same as my other military rods, but I used double dyed boxelder burl for both the grip and reel seat from Reel Seat Blanks. The cork is wrapped with dark flamed rattan. Dark TiCH finish on a BUL5 is followed with dark nickel Snake Brand Guides wrapped in Blue and Gold. The graphic incorporates the insignia for the Marine 2nd Tank Battalion as well as that for Navy Corpsmen superimposed on a scene of the battalion in action in Iraq. JJ’s ribbons are wrapped in front of the graphic. The butt cap is done up with the Navy Crest.
Navy corpsman is a tough MOS and a dirty trick on a lot of young men who find out when the shooting start they are really in the Marines. James Bradley, the author of Flags of Our Father, father was one of the “Marines” raising the flag on Iwo Jima in the famous photo and statue. He was a corpsman.
Kevin, Your work on these rods seem to be getting nicer and nicer. I am really getting a lot of use out of mine. Like I said before, you have this niche locked down. I did see there was one other guy you consulted for but, you are the original and I’m glad I got mine from you.
