Anyone who has had the honor to serve with or know 1stSgt Grainger knows that he’s a Marines Marine and has always put the welfare of his troops in front of his own. For those that do not know, 1stSgt hosts the “Gathering” at his home. He has a barn that has become a safe haven or even a place of healing for us. It’s not just Marines, it’s all different service members that go there to fight the demons and let it all out in an environment where they’re understood. 1stSgt’s barn has needed repairs over the last few years and he’s put his own time, energy, and money into it to keep it alive. We pay our respects to our fallen there and there’s all sorts of memorials which are held in the highest regard. Along with the money it’s taken to replace old wood and make repairs, the “Gathering” has been a annual for lack of better terms “buddy check” where we all get together and can have just one day with our brothers and families and feel that unbreakable bond we all miss. Along with us, and bc we NEVER forget them, gold star families are also there. It’s a healing time for them as well and hearing the funny stories we have to tell. So to get to the point, the money will go to 1StSgt for the repairs and costs associated with him paying for food, drinks, and whatever repair costs since we tend to destroy stuff in every climb and place. You can ask anyone that’s ever known 1StSgt and I have way too much respect for him to call him Ben, that he’s prob the best Marine they’ve ever been associated with. As a Marine, as a 1stSgt and as a person. Any amount this may make is better than nothing and I hope we destroy the goal amount. I feel this is a necessity not just for 1StSgt and his wife Tess, but for the rest of us. Thank you and Semper Fidelis

Eric Hollenstein

Sgt USMC

Operation Iraqi Freedom 5-7