It’s 0900 in the morning on the weekend of October 6th, 2024 and I am here at the National Museum of the Marine Corps awaiting the grand opening of the newest exhibits depicting from 1976-2001 to the Afghanistan and Iraq wars through 2021. Here we are as natural as ever, Marines to the left and the right as we anxiously await to see what has been said about us in this hallowed museum space. Also to my left is a Chaplain, well the Chaplain of the Marine Corps to be more precise, RDML Carey Cash who looks over to me and asks why I have come today. We smile and reminisce of our times being attached to Victor units and speak of the lasting effect a combat deployment will take on, but agree in the comfort of no greater pride in our existence within this Marine Corps world. As I look to my right, an old friend spots me in the crowd and comes to say hello as I greet her in a hug of excitement. She is a FET (Female Engagement Team) like me, we served on the same team deployed to Helmand in 2010-2011 and I have not seen her since the day we disbanded upon our post deployment back to the States. The ceremony began with wise words, prayers, and an acknowledgement of the sacrifices this day has been preceded by in which reverence could be felt throughout the entirety of the hall. Then, there it was, the cutting of both entry ways to welcome the souls of these war eras home.
Homecoming
The journey has taken a lot to get here and to be stable where I stand, from boots in the dust to finding myself planted firmly on a carpeted room resting in loafers and a blazer. Yet certain things remain the same, I see where I was, I see what I’ve done, and who I was but it is so far from today in so many ways. Some of us came with scars, some of us came with pride, but we all came with memories and here is where we come together. I’ve heard the expression and have used it myself, that this moment has been like coming to church, reaching the physical reality of our religion that hosts a house of sacred space, and funny enough it is a Sunday. I am seeing familiar faces, sights, gear, and even scents that are overwhelmingly taking me back to a different part of my life. From dress blues cutting a ribbon releasing me into a fog of memories to taking a step back and seeing others reliving moments of pride and pain again for the first time. You see, I had the opportunity to be in these exhibits depicting memories in my mind and others, in true Marine fashion, by happenstance. I’ve walked through here twice before the open call to formation that brought us together on this day to stand shoulder to shoulder as we have been in the past. I had the privilege of walking into the role of representing the great contributions of female Marines in the GWOT era of Iraq and Afghanistan luckily enough and with a great old FET (Female Engagement Team) friend. Here I am today, breathing in the modified museum air witnessing the homecoming of an era of forever wars converging in the crossroads of the Marine Corps with warriors that are now becoming a part of history. In a different light here we are, standing on our own, no longer a unit in cohesion but as individuals, in what I hope is a realization of the profound impact we had upon the world. As for me, I can tell you I know the world changed the day September 11th, 2001 happened, almost 10 years later I found myself in Afghanistan fighting a war on terror that never left my mind even though I was lucky enough to come home. I think many of you here today are experiencing a shift in body and soul when you round that corner and see the familiar scene displayed in these glass cases much like your memory holds in place in your mind. Please know that though we are individuals traversing this space of what once was, you are not alone & we are in this together just as before, imperfectly coinciding in the esteem of Semper Fidelis.
I’ve slowly watched and witnessed the awe and memories flooding the halls of the exhibits as Marines and their families have gathered near displayed uniforms and artifacts, they’re sharing stories and lessons learned. Revealing parts of themselves that I am sure have been neatly tucked away as these surroundings demand the reality of sharing those moments, deployments, and experiences. For many of us there have been so many advancements and changes since our time in the Corps, and these preserved and curated spaces release to the world what we endured. It will never be what it was before and here it stands not only in internal reminiscence anymore, but for all to learn the memories of who we once were.
I couldn’t be more proud of the work & remembrance in this sacred space. To all the Marines, Corpsman, & fellow veterans involved in these eras please know I hold you near & dear. This display will never be enough for your sacrifices but it will promise your tireless dedication to duty will always be remembered.
With everything I have, Semper Fidelis Marines,
Saje M–ski
(Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan, FET 10-2; 2nd Battalion 9th Marines, 2nd Battalion 8th Marines)
A Special Thank You:
*An old FET (Female Engagement Team) Marine from my team reached out to me, introduced me to the director of the museum, and proceeded to astonish a crowd in a historic theater in Richmond, VA with a project she has thrown her heart & soul into about Afghanistan. As I said, in true Marine fashion it was happenstance, but as many of us who have served know it’s also about the initiative. So thank you kindly, Riane, without you this day and these moments would not have been possible.
* Keil Gentry, Director of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, for allowing such an honor of representing Lioness & FET Marines for the exhibit’s opening.
