From the Halls of Montezuma… He’s My Neighbor

Sergeant Major “Steve” Stephenson bought his 1965 Pontiac Tempest in 1968. Every day he exercises at about 5:00 a.m. then drives the Tempest to Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA, where he visits with young marines to help them heal physically, mentally and spiritually.

1965 Pontiac TempestHe’s my neighbor.  Sergeant Major “Steve” Stephenson bought his 1965 Pontiac Tempest in 1968.He served in three wars during his career spanning from 1942 to 1972.

He’s also gone to a lot of funerals there.  He prays every day as he hears the practice maneuvers – we both hear bombs going off with our close proximity to Camp Pendleton.

Every night, he prays for their safety if they should go to battle.  He also told me that he adds another prayer – “if they do pass over to the other side, that the crossing is gentle and eased with love.”

Steve served in three wars during his career spanning from 1942 to 1972:

• –  WWII:   Infantryman at Guadalcanal
• –  Korea:  1951-52  Battle of Seoul
• –  Viet Nam:  1964-65 and 1968-69

He’s a member of the Sergeants Major Association and 1st Marine Division Association.

In one of these photos, he’s holding a letter he recently was asked to write about what the Marines mean to him.  It starts like this…

“To My Beloved Marine Corps” …

The rest of its contents would make anyone cry as he writes of honor, pride, courage, commitment and how he feels when he hears the Marines’ Hymn. I’d like to thank Steve for being an awesome, caring neighbor all of these years and one amazing person.

The depth and contents of the letter he wrote to his beloved Marine Corps is astonishing.

We live in this lovely community surrounded by palm trees — within easy ear shot from Camp Pendleton always reminding us of those who serve.

Steve is a “Historian” organizing style and a collector.  His garage is his personal sanctuary and I’m invited in. I’ve offered to organize his garage filled with car manuals, electrical stuff and all sorts of his Marine photos for years now!  Those photos — I’m lucky he shares them with me.

To every young man or woman who served in any war, With love to you all,

To all the young men from Proviso East High School who went to war at such a tender age; some of whom never returned,

Thank you and God Bless you.

Sincerely,

Thalia Poulos

Thalia Poulos

Thalia Poulos is a nationally renowned Professional Organizer, Speaker and Author with over 20 years of experience in the Professional Organizing field. She offers organizing services in Temecula, Murrieta, Rainbow and Rancho Santa Fe in California. Contact Thalia about your organizing project today by calling 760-519-9975.

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