Celebration of Life, Marriage, and a Birthday.

My dear friend, George Masten passed away early Saturday morning September 24th, 2016 at 0400. My best friend Kevin Grondin's daughter Leah was married later that same day at 1:00PM in Rye NH. It was a bittersweet day for me and my family. The Grondins are like family to us. Our families grew up together here on the seacoast. And George, well, he was a longtime family friend on this same seacoast.

George was a Marine. In fact, he was a Marine's Marine. Any marine who lived anywhere on the seacoast knew who George Masten was. George had fought in both Korea and in Vietnam. The photo below was taken in 1952 in Korea.



He was a handsome young Marine in 1952. He loved the Marine Corps so much he stayed in after the Korean War which ended in 1953. In 1965 the Marines landed in Vietnam. And George Masten was there two years later.
the photo below was taken in Vietnam in 1967.



George was a bad ass Marine. Korean War vets who served in Vietnam were always held in the highest esteem. Having already survived one war, George had the knowledge and the survival skills that his men listened to. George served with Fox Company, 2nd Btn, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division.
He saw his fair share of combat in Nam. The photo below was after a long mission in the bush.


Check out the beard growth on his face. He'd been out there so long, he had a beard when they came back. In November of 1967 he was wounded one night when the enemy attacked his platoon. His right leg was shattered by shrapnel from a mortar round. He was medivacked back to the states. His war was over. He stayed in the Corps for a while before being medically discharged.

I met George in the late 80's. And we became friends shortly after. You know what? We became more than friends. We became brothers. He was like an older brother/father to me. It was George who got me to join the American Legion in Hampton. I was already a Life Member of the VFW. And I honestly wanted nothing to do with the Legion. But George wanted more Marine veterans at Post 35.

I started out as a Rifleman in the Firing Squad under George's Command.

I was happy to stay there. I felt at home in the Rifle Squad with George. Then one day George and Joe Kutt wanted me to run for Commander. Once again, I wanted nothing to do with it. I was a simple grunt in the Marines. I was not officer material. But George insisted. So once again, I gave in to George's advice. Long story short, I was Commander for 13 years. From 2001 to 2014.
And George was my Sgt At Arms.



That's George on the far left in his combat fatigues. He's looking to make
sure everyone is still in step.

George was forever looking out for me. He would stop by the house 2-3 times a week to check in with me. He did this for years. And when I got sick? He was there almost everyday. And when he got sick, we'd gotten even closer. He and I drove to Virginia to get my wife's late father Jerry's belongings.
We stopped by the Marine Corp museum on the way back. And it was a trip that I will cherish as long as I live.



I won't ever forget that trip. Here we are standing in front of the museum.



Standing in front of the weapons that the Marines had in Vietnam, and the weapons that the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong used against us.

We actually stood in front of the flag that was raised on Iwo Jima 65 years to the exact day.



Every single Marine who served in the Corps since WWII is familiar with that flag. The absolute honor I shared with George that day, standing in front of the "flag" on that date, will stay with me forever.

And so will the memories I have of George. He insisted that he command the firing squad one last time on Memorial Day. I stood next to him. My hand on his cartridge belt as he gave his final commands to the squad.



We saluted the fallen together. One last time.

I saw him the day before he passed. I told him how much I loved him. How much my family loved him, and how much his friends and fellow veterans all loved him. My last words to George that afternoon was something only a Marine would understand. "Go up that hill George and secure the area. Set up a perimeter, and I'll be there as soon as I can. " Then I stood at the foot of his bed and saluted him as I said the words that every Marine knows.
"Semper Fi Marine."

I walked out of his home knowing that this would be the last time.



We should all be so lucky to have a friend like George.
*CLICK ON THIS PHOTO TO SEE THE GALLERY ON GEORGE.

What's the saying? "Behind every cloud there's a silver lining."

A mere 9 hours after George's passing, we were all at Saint Teresa's in Rye NH to witness the marriage of Leah Grondin and Rob Piersiak. Talk about having to shift gears. But we did it with love in our hearts for our lifelong dear friends the Grondins.



Walking his daughter down the aisle. I was proud of Kevin. He really held it together. He and Kim, along with son Kody, made this a very special day for Leah Katherine.



I think I was most happy for this man. Frank Grondin. A true man of his word.
Veteran, husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. He has had his share of loss. But his undying faith has held him together along with a passion for work and family. God bless you Frank Grondin. You did well my friend.



Our friends forever. Kim and Kevin Grondin. So happy for them both.



Leah and Rob, first dance as a married couple.

*CLICK ON THIS PHOTO TO SEE GALLERY.

"Family, Friends, and Love Heals All Wounds"

This is Erik Cannon at the wall on a crowded day. He no doubt had nothing good to say about the crowd, however, he would be secretly stoked once he found out that Ed got a pic of him.

To see more of Ed's pics just scroll through the archives. He has shot so many pics for the blog. Be sure and pick up a copy of the COLD COAST and check out Ed's own gallery.
Each week I will feature one of Ed's great pics from this blog.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.




I have not not seen or heard of a paid purse for a surfing contest in these waters for as long as I can remember. But Sid and the crew at Water Brothers are doing just that.
See above and get that $100 entry fee in.

Now for Some More Of My Weekly Global Observances
The sick feeling that is in Roger Goodell's stomach is just the opposite for NE Patriots fans. Roger's hope was that the Pats would go 0-4 or 1-3 to start the season. Suspending number 12 was supposed to hurt the team. Not emblazon them. First Jimmy G takes the Cards for a win and then he is on the verge of taking it to the Dolphins (24-0) when he gets hurt. And in comes 3rd string back up to the back up Jacoby Brissett to seal the W against the Fish. So now the Pats with less 4 days practice take on the feared Texans. When lo and behold, the Patriots beat them. And not just beat them, but beat the living shit out of them. With a 3rd string QB? Yup.




Here's Jacoby sprinting towards the end zone where he...



...dives in for his first ever NFL TD!!!! That had to make Roger
spit up his nachos. Oh to be a fly on the wall in his living room when that happened.



The Texans can rope a steer, and bulldog a calf, but they had nothing to stop this mad bull. BLOUNT FORCE TRAUMA. Left a sea of dead Texans in his path. Roger tell us all the truth. Did you see any of this coming? In your wildest imagination, did you see it?



And you can't count out number 11. He can catch any ball thrown to him by any QB. And...if say, we need a back up, to our back up's back up, Julian can throw the ball almost as good as he catches one. Did you stop and think about that?



And how many sportscasters and experts were saying that JJ Watt was gonna kill Jacoby? You probably felt good about that. Until oh about the 2nd qtr when you along with everyone else saw that JJ was not a factor. Solder manhandled him all night long.

For sure, he'd rather be chopping wood in the middle of nowhere than getting his ass handed to him the way our O line did.

You do realize that they are now talking about the Superbowl right? Not the Patriots. Not their coaches or owners. Not the fans. But the so called "EXPERTS". Now how on earth will you handle having to hand over the Lombardi Trophy to Kraft, Belechick, and Brady? How Roger? You better practice what Colon Kapernick does. take that knee and bow your head. Because you are not worthy to gaze your eyes on those who possess greatness. You piece of pig shit loser.

Speaking of losers...Angie and Brad are calling it quits.



Don't worry, these kids will be set for life. And I'm sure both Angie and Brad will be with someone by next weekend. But seriously, are any of you shocked? I wish I could of seen the look on Jennifer Aniston's face when she heard the news.

I guess it's true about what they say, about Hollywood.
Take your pick of lines...I don't have a favorite. I just know that they all live in a fantasy world. Crack pots the whole lot of them. And they all get what they deserve. *This just in...both Angie and Brad will play themselves in the upcoming made for TV movie "ANGIE and BRAD"

KSM Photoshop of the Week
This photo might be the reason why these two split up. KSM lurking behind Angie, as Brad turns and spots him. Damn. That would be hard to fathom for Brad. Is KSM a decent lover? Could he tame the beast that is Angeline. Has she finally met her match in bed, with KSM? Shit, that would suck for any man, let alone a leading man like Mr Bradford Pitt.

The evil son of a bitch behind 9-11 loves Hollywood too.



As always... take advantage of this weekly photo shop of the mastermind who planned 9-11 and resulted in the deaths of 3,000 innocent civilians by KSM (Khalid Sheik Mohammed).

*Note to self -must pick up a case of fake eyelashes at Home
Depot this week.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Avery Marina September 25th, 2016



Cory (Mimi) holding Avery hours old, 9-25-13.


Avery turns 3 today. She is a happy and bright child. And
she is surrounded by love.




CONGRATULATIONS Leah and Rob Wedding Day
September 24th, 2016

REST IN PEACE Marine SSGT George Masten.

Please Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 11 years.
** BUY a HIGH RES Photo from any of the weeks on RPOTW.

Remember my friends... Surfing Heals All Wounds.
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.

Ralph

*Click on the photo above to see a larger version

(Above) Something about the grayness and glassy waves.
September 20th, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) That's a 30 year plus old board he's riding there.
MVF on my old Camo board. September 20th, 2016
Photo by RALPH *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Not exactly dreamy conditions. But it is semi glassy and empty.
September 20th, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) Kicking and a paddling. September 20th, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Max switchfoot. September 20th, 2016 Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery




(Above) Ken Linseman looking very casual here. September 20th, 2016
Photo by RALPH
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

Today- More Last Day Of Summer September 21st, 2016.
Photos by Martha Lardent



(Above) Pev looking for something to develop. September 21st, 2016
Photo by Martha Lardent *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery





(Above) Kyle styling on a 1 foot wave. September 21st, 2016
Photo by Martha Lardent *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Pev and kyle holding their collective breath. September 21st, 2016
Photo by Martha Lardent *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery



(Above) It was warm...but man was it ever small. September 21st, 2016
Photo by Martha Lardent *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) One more sunset for the summer. September 20th, 2016
Photo by McNamara *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) These colors are amazing. September 20th, 2016
Photo by McNamara *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

(Above) Saying Goodbye to the Summer of 2016. September 20th, 2016
Photo by McNamara *Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery

ERICA NARDONE SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24th, 2016



(Above) Stevie and pup. September 24th, 2016 Photo by Erica Nardone
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery


ICELAND TEASE SEPTEMBER 14th, 2016

(Above) So the boys went to Iceland. And the reports have been favorable.
Still no surf pics to show. But this? This is pretty rad looking.
September 14th, 2016 Photo by Kristopher Roller
*Click on the photo above to see the whole gallery