Friend Deployed to Afghan Need Advice

[tsimonitis]

A friend of mine just deployed he is a Marine. I am planning on sending him some care packages through out his deployment. My question:

In the included note would it be inappropriate to sign it Semper Fi. I was never a Marine, is it insulting for a non Marine to use that phrase when addressing a Marine.

Thanks in advance.

 

[bdc30]

Interested to hear what the BOTL's here say as well but here's what google showed:

Semper Fi is a USMC saying that should only be stated from one former or current Marine to another. It's not about disrespect; it's just something that we are taught off the bat. You can't be "always faithful" if you never were. Although some Marines won't get offended, most will because not everyone can be a Marine and they went through A LOTto EARN that title. Also, the Marine Corps is the ONLY branch that has a special saying that we utter to one another. It's kind of like a secret handshake.

 

[SergeantStogie]

YOU do not sign it with SEMPER FI. I'm a Soldier not a Marine, but if anyone who was not Army signed with anything specific to the Army I wouldn't like it. I would know they were just being supportive and would let it go, but since you asked, just don't.

 

[TommyGunz]

I have got many letters and emails from friends that use Semper Fi. I have never took offense to the gesture. Although you have not "earned the title", you are his friend. The most appropriate use of the term that I have witnessed was as a closing where they used, "Semper Fidelis as your friend". To me this acknowledges the fact that you understand the tradition and are applies it to your situation allowing the Marine to feel understood and supported.

Now here are some terms off the top of my head that irritate me from non-marines; don't call him Devil Dog, Tuefel Hunde, Leatherneck, Hard charger, boot, POG, etc, simply call him Marine, he earned it.

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

Tim, you said he is your friend, I would sign it anyway you want because he knows it's your form of showing respect to him.

 

[Phantasos]

Sign it the way you want, semper fi is there motto- but personally I think that super hooah stuff is over rated and kinda gay- I'm sure he'd like to remeber that the package is coming from and friend in the states, he's surrounded by nothing but servicemen, so something that brings him back here, even for just a moment can make a difference..

 

[UTvols186]

I am a former Marine. With the fact that you are a friend and doing it out of respect I think it would be fine.
I agree with TommyGunz don't call him Devil Dog, Tuefel Hunde, Leatherneck, Hard charger, boot, POG. You have not earned the right to use these words.