Thanks Kevin, Tom and all for something terrific that we can be part of
and be proud of!
Tony

This year's Christmas knife recipient is Sgt. Maj. James E. Booker, USMC. Our own tomthbomb presented Sgt. Maj. Booker with his knife today. Tom will have comments about the presentation following this post. Sgt. Maj. Booker is the gentleman in photographs below.





Sgt. Maj. Booker is a 25 year member of the Marine Corp. He soon will be starting his fourth tour in the war zone. He is the recipient of the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with V for Valor, the Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medal with four stars, and the Combat Action Ribbon with one star. Following is the text of his silver star citation.

SgtMaj Booker, James E. USMC
Silver Star Medal

SERGEANT MAJOR JAMES E. BOOKER
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

Citation:
The Silver Star is presented to James E. Booker, Sergeant Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Sergeant Major, Second Battalion, Fourth Marine Regiment, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U. S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from February to September 2004. Sergeant Major Booker courageously exposed himself to enemy fire while leading Marines and eliminating enemy forces in several battalion engagements. On 31 March 2004 the forward command element came under intense machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire. With utter disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Major Booker dismounted the vehicle, engaged the enemy and forced their withdrawal. He pursued his attackers down several darkened city streets and mortally wounded a rocket-propelled grenade gunner who was engaging the Command Group. Sergeant Major Booker subsequently led a search that resulted in the arrest and capture of an eight-man cell and several weapons. On 10 April 2004, the forward command element came under fire from insurgents during cordon and search operations. He calmly led a team of Marines in a counterattack, personally clearing several buildings, eliminating one insurgent fighter, and facilitating the evacuation of a severely wounded Marine. Sergeant Major Booker's efforts enabled the forward command element to regain freedom of maneuver and inspired Marines to fearlessly engage the enemy. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and loyal dedication to duty, Sergeant Major Booker reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

The knife is a Randall Made Knife, the Buxton Fighter dealer special. It was embedded beautifully by Silverknife.



First of all, I would like to thank everyone at Randall Made Knives for the wonderful craftsmanship on another great Randall knife. I would like to thank Wayne Buxton for helping us secure a Buxton Fighter, Silverknife for another job well done on a beautiful embedment, and Wayne Robbins for a wonderful, personalized soft case. I'd also like to thank the following men who stepped up this year and became part of Santa's Dirty Dozen. Each and every one of you is a true patriot and your contribution is greatly appreciated. Finally, I'd like to thank Tom Welch for arranging this personal presentation. As we all know Tom handles purchasing items and mailing all the packages for the Special Fighter Fund. Thanks Tom for taking the time to schedule this personal presentation.

Burnie Austin
Dubie Baxter
Jim Betts
Doug Cream
Jim Edwards
Jesse Egnew
David Francis
Tom Gannon
Tom Glasscock
Allan Grombacher
Mitchell Harrison
Jerry Helm
Rick Jones
John Kotelly
Tony LaPetrie
Ron Matthews
Scott Maynard
Jim Parker
Tom Philumalee
Warren Polidori
Capt. Chris Stanaback
Tom Vaught
Kent Warnberg
Tom Welch
Miles Welze
Rocky Whitaker

Finally, words cannot express my gratitude for men like Sgt. Maj. Booker, and for all the men and women in the armed services. They are all fighting and serving in harm's way in the war against terrorism so that we can live in safety and freedom. There are forum members here who have children in harm's way, and we thank them for their duty.

I'd like to wish everyone who is protecting us a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. To all the forum members, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and may you all have a healthy New Year.

Thank you,
Kevin

Kevin,

I can't think of a better way to express the joy of Christmas to a recipient so deserving. I'm proud to be a part of this tradition and I'm also proud of our fellow RMK members who donated their time and funds to this worthy cause.

Merry Christmas,
Warren

There is not a lot I can add to what Keven has posted above.
I am honored that I had the opportunity to make the presentation to Sgt Maj Booker but that was just a matter of geography. Sgt Maj Booker had to drive within 15 minutes of my home so I was closest.

The Sgt Maj Booker was completely overwelmed that anyone would do what the Dirty Dozen did for him.

Last August before my best friend and little brother SSG Doug Matthys left for Iraq we made a video for the presentation. SSG Doug has known Booker for years and served in the Corp with him. Booker was touched by the video. He was also very appreciative of the inscription on the knife.

I ask him if he was going to leave the knife in its case in Texas or take it with him to Iraq. The look in his eyes answered my question

Here is a link to SSG Doug's presentation on YouTube.

I see that the Sgt. Major also likes the fun stuff......Diving, jumping & shoots expert. It sure is fun to be part of something so cool! Feels good to let ours troops know how much we care.

See ya, Chief

What A Fantastic Presentation !

To Everyone Involved - GOOD SHOW !

It Is An Honor To Participate In Such A Worthy Cause With Such A Fine Group Of Men

If That Doesn't Make A Body Feel Good I Don't Know What Would





May God Bless All Those Who Serve In The Defense Of This Great Nation

Thanks to all the guy's for making The Christmas Knife such a Great Tradition.
Most Thanks to our Troops.
Booker,Sgt.Doug,Thank You for Protecting Us & Fighting to give others Freedom.
God be with You Both.

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!

Tom,

You have proven again what a super person you are. Thank you for representing all of us at the presentation to this fine gentleman.


Merry Christmas.

Kevin, Tom, Doug, Wayne and Friends,

To me, this will be one of the Coolest things we can do for our Servicemen this Holiday season!
Another Hero gets justly awarded and then rewarded! I Love receiving Randall and Bose knives, but lending a small hand to this project...is 100% Better!

Kent B. Warnberg
RKS #109