Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

April 8, 2022 · by John W. Howell · in TGIF · 94 Comments

Today’s Good News story comes from the United States Marines. Here is the story as told by NBC News in San Diego.

Good Boy: San Diego Marine’s Mascot Received a Major Promotion

Manny, the bulldog mascot, is moving up the ranks in the Marines

By Mackenzie Stafford • Published April 1, 2022, • Updated on April 2, 2022, at 8:33 am

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Jason L. Morris, Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region, congratulates Cpl. Manny during a promotion ceremony at MCRD San Diego, April 1, 2022. Manny was promoted to the rank of Corporal during the morning colors ceremony.

Photo by Cpl. Grace Kindred

A momentous military promotion from Lance Corporal to the rank of Corporal happened Friday at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. The lucky receiver of this promotion? An English Bulldog named Manny, the depot mascot.

Manny has been representing the depot since 2019. He was named Manny in honor of Sergeant. Jonny R. Manuelito. Sr. Manuelito’s legacy is carried on by Manny, representing Manuelito’s work as one of the “Original 29” Navajo Code Talkers, according to the San Diego Marine Corp.

Photos: San Diego Marine’s Mascot Received a Major Promotion

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Manny, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego mascot, poses for a picture following his promotion ceremony at MCRD San Diego, April 1, 2022. Manny was named after Sgt. Johnny R. Manuelito, one of the original Navajo Code Talkers.

Photos by Cpl. Grace Kindred

The pure-bred English Bulldog was promoted during the Morning Colors Ceremony, honoring the American flag. The promotion had a great turnout of friends and family of the India Company, along with the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, who graduated from recruitment training after the promotion ceremony.

Bulldogs have been connected to the Marines since the 1920s, when the Marines were looking for recruitment tactics and realized they needed a good mascot for their sports games. The addition of bulldog mascots at all of Marine’s sporting events brought “public attention and enhanced the morale and spirit of Marines,” according to the United States Marine Corps website. The spirit of the bulldog has continued on in the Marine Corps San Diego, with Manny being a good boy and becoming a Corporal.

Photos: Manny at work

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Manny, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego mascot, examines an obstacle at MCRD March 14, 2022. Manny is the official mascot for the Western Recruiting Region. Log drills are utilized t strengthen the body and develop a strong character embodying our core values through teamwork.

Photos by Pfc. Max Noel

The Good news here is that recognition for a job well done is appreciated by everyone. Today’s John Ku talks about recognizing those who help make life easier. I hope you have a fabulous weekend.

A six lettered word,

Tells someone you are grateful . . .

And that they count – Thanks

Tags: author, books, Circumstances of Childhood, Eternal Road - The final stop, fiction favorites, Good News Fri-Yay, Haiku, His Revenge, John W. Howell Author, JohnKu, My GRL, Our Justice, TGIF, The Contract with Gwen Plano

94 comments

Annette Rochelle Aben · April 8, 2022 - 4:10 am ·

Awesome all the way around! Have a splendid weekend, John!!

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 7:21 am ·
  
  Have a splendid weekend as well, Annette. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Tom · April 8, 2022 - 8:03 am ·
    
    Well I’ll be dog gone!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 8:43 am ·
    
    Ha ha ha. Tom
    
    LikeLike
Writer Lori · April 8, 2022 - 4:34 am ·

Congratulations Manny! Happy to celebrate your promotion…☺️

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 7:20 am ·
  
  Thank you, Lori. I hope an extra serving of biscuits came with the honor. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Writer Lori · April 8, 2022 - 2:41 pm ·
    
    Me, too!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 4:19 pm ·
    
    😊
    
    LikeLike
GP · April 8, 2022 - 5:33 am ·

Nothing like having a General hand you your promotion! Thanks for the good news, John.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 7:19 am ·
  
  I was very surprised that a general was doing the honors. He must be a good guy. Thanks, GP.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. GP · April 8, 2022 - 12:45 pm ·
    
    👍🥉
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
harmonykentonline · April 8, 2022 - 5:57 am ·

“ Tells someone you are grateful . . .And that they count” I love these lines, John! Thanks for sharing this good news. Have a wonderful weekend 💕🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 7:18 am ·
  
  Have a wonderful weekend as well, Harmony. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Jill Weatherholt · April 8, 2022 - 6:18 am ·

I loved this, John! Thanks so much for sharing!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 7:17 am ·
  
  Thank you , Jill. 😊
  
  LikeLike
Chel Owens · April 8, 2022 - 6:20 am ·

I didn’t even know their mascot was a bulldog. Thanks for sharing.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 7:17 am ·
  
  I didn’t know either, Chel. Always good to learn something new. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
coldhandboyack · April 8, 2022 - 6:22 am ·

You told me this was coming up, and it did not disappoint. He looks like a very good boy.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 7:16 am ·
  
  I thought you would like it. Thanks, Craig.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
2. Joan Hall · April 8, 2022 - 7:23 am ·
  
  I thought of you when I saw this post, Craig!
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
  1. coldhandboyack · April 8, 2022 - 7:37 am ·
    
    I even sent a link to Old What’s Her Face. She liked it, too.
    
    LikeLiked by 2 people
  2. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 8:44 am ·
    
    Excellent.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  3. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 8:47 am ·
    
    😁
    
    LikeLike
Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections · April 8, 2022 - 6:26 am ·

Well deserved, Manny …. and good find, John! …. and cheers to your JohnKu. Have a good weekend.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 7:15 am ·
  
  Thanks, Frank. I hope you have a good weekend as well. 😊
  
  LikeLike
Liz Gauffreau · April 8, 2022 - 6:30 am ·

I love Manny’s perfectly tailored uniforms! Your JohnKu is the perfect way the head into the weekend.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 7:14 am ·
  
  It is a happy story, Liz. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Charles Yallowitz · April 8, 2022 - 6:42 am ·

That’s so cool. 😁

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 7:14 am ·
  
  I thought so too.
  
  LikeLike
Darlene · April 8, 2022 - 6:48 am ·

How wonderful that Manny has been recognized for all his good work. Love this!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 7:13 am ·
  
  Thank you, Darlene. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Teri Polen · April 8, 2022 - 7:10 am ·

Cheers for Manny!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 7:12 am ·
  
  Yes indeed. Thanks, Teri.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Phil Taylor · April 8, 2022 - 7:13 am ·

Lol, that dog is busy getting military promotions while my dog is snoozing on the couch every day. I guess I didn’t bring her up right.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 8:50 am ·
  
  Oh, I think they all serve in different ways. Thanks, Phil.
  
  LikeLike
Dan Antion · April 8, 2022 - 7:13 am ·

I hope he got a little extra kibble and maybe a bite of steak. Great story, John.

LikeLike
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 8:49 am ·
  
  That would be wonderful. Thanks, Dan.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Joan Hall · April 8, 2022 - 7:22 am ·

I love this. Had to show my husband. He loves English Bulldogs. Congrats to Cpl.Manny!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 8:47 am ·
  
  Thanks, Joan. 😁
  
  LikeLike
quiall · April 8, 2022 - 7:35 am ·

Thanks it’s so often a word that is overlooked. You did it proud. As did the Marine mascot.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 8:46 am ·
  
  Thank you, Pamela. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Gwen M. Plano · April 8, 2022 - 8:09 am ·

What a great post, John. Sharing Manny’s happy day with all of us is definitely worthy of “thanks.” OohRah!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 8:42 am ·
  
  Thank you, Gwen. I thought it was a super example of giving recognition where it is due.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
noelleg44 · April 8, 2022 - 8:53 am ·

This made me tear up a little. Congratulations to Manny. And I love the origin of his name. I am sure he brightens the lives of the enlistees to have a dog in their lives. Give him a big dog biscuit!
There is an organization called Paws of War, I believe, that raised money to bring back dogs and cats that have befriended our military in various parts of the world.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 10:28 am ·
  
  That sounds like a fabulous organization. Thanks, Noelle.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
D.L. Finn, Author · April 8, 2022 - 9:35 am ·

What an adorable face! Love this 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 10:27 am ·
  
  Isn’t his face adorable? Thanks, Denise. 😁
  
  LikeLike
Staci Troilo · April 8, 2022 - 10:01 am ·

I really needed this today, John. Thank you.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 10:26 am ·
  
  I’m glad it filled the bill. Thanks, Staci.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorryless · April 8, 2022 - 10:24 am ·

What a great soldier. I love Manny.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 10:25 am ·
  
  Me too. Thanks, Marc.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorryless · April 8, 2022 - 10:26 am ·

Your stories always provide the sunshine, Sheriff.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 4:27 pm ·
  
  Thanks, Marc. I love to hear that.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Sorryless · April 8, 2022 - 5:05 pm ·
    
    I shared it with my sister and daughter. They are in love with Manny too.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 7:31 pm ·
    
    Terrific.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan Sikes · April 8, 2022 - 10:33 am ·

I can’t count the ways I love this, John. And it made me think of C.S. Boyack’s bulldogs. Fantastic feel-good story and THANKS!!!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 4:27 pm ·
  
  Yes it was. Sadly nothing feel-good in Ukraine this week.
  
  LikeLike
Lauren · April 8, 2022 - 10:40 am ·

Such a terrific story. Thanks for sharing.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 4:26 pm ·
  
  Thank you for letting me know you liked it. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
T. W. Dittmer · April 8, 2022 - 11:49 am ·

Good to see this. Thanks for sharing. Manny sure looks like a Marine to me. 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 4:23 pm ·
  
  He looks like Chesty Puller.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. T. W. Dittmer · April 8, 2022 - 4:26 pm ·
    
    Yeah, he does! 🙂
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 7:40 pm ·
    
    😁
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Debbie · April 8, 2022 - 1:18 pm ·

I’ve never been particularly drawn to bulldogs, but this is a great story, John. Thanks for sharing it here with us. And your JohnKu could be a Hallmark “Thank You” card’s inscription!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 4:21 pm ·
  
  Aw. Thank you, Debbie. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Mae Clair · April 8, 2022 - 1:48 pm ·

Aww, a wonderfully uplighting post. And I love your JohnKu. Words and a philosophy we should live by.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 4:21 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Mae. i hope you have a great weekend.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Mae Clair · April 8, 2022 - 6:04 pm ·
    
    You too, John!
    
    LikeLike
  2. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 7:21 pm ·
    
    😊
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
srbottch · April 8, 2022 - 7:51 pm ·

Perfect way to end the day, reading about good news and a dog to boot. Nice.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 8, 2022 - 8:11 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Steve. Glad you liked it.
  
  LikeLike
Dale · April 9, 2022 - 8:43 am ·

Aww.. I love this! Perfect for your feel-good Fridays!
Well done, sir!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 9, 2022 - 10:43 am ·
  
  Thank you, Dale. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. · April 9, 2022 - 8:53 am ·

Fabulous story thanks for sharing John.. love it.. have a good weekend..hugsx

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 9, 2022 - 10:42 am ·
  
  Thank you, Sally.
  
  LikeLike
Baydreamer · April 9, 2022 - 11:40 am ·

Wonderful story, John, and I didn’t know the connection of bulldogs and the Marines. Manny is adorable (gotta love his smile) and perfect Ku, too! 😁🐶

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 9, 2022 - 1:27 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Lauren. 😊
  
  LikeLike
Resa · April 9, 2022 - 5:08 pm ·

Lovely JohnKu!
Sweet puppy!!!!
Ahh, the military!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 9, 2022 - 5:36 pm ·
  
  Terrific clip, Resa. 🤣
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Resa · April 9, 2022 - 7:14 pm ·
    
    I think so.
    Lol, it’s a cartoon.
    Hahahaha!!!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. John W. Howell · April 9, 2022 - 8:11 pm ·
    
    Yes, indeed.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · April 10, 2022 - 5:35 am ·

Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.

LikeLike
1. John W. Howell · April 10, 2022 - 7:04 am ·
  
  Thank you for sharing this story, Michael.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · April 10, 2022 - 12:29 pm ·
    
    Always with a great pleasure, John! Have a great week arriving! xx Michael
    
    LikeLiked by 2 people
  2. John W. Howell · April 10, 2022 - 1:20 pm ·
    
    Thank you and have a great week as well.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · April 10, 2022 - 5:36 am ·

Oh, Manny looks like the evil uncle of Twiggy and Lucy. Lol He’s the military edition of a bulldog. Look at his teeth. 😉 Best wishes, Michael

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 10, 2022 - 7:05 am ·
  
  Yup. Manny is a soldier for sure. Thanks, Michael.
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
  1. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · April 10, 2022 - 12:28 pm ·
    
    Meeting him personally i am sure i would become very anxious. For sure a fantastic watchdog, only if you post a photo of him on the frontdoor. Lol
    
    LikeLiked by 2 people
  2. John W. Howell · April 10, 2022 - 1:20 pm ·
    
    😊
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
ParentingIsFunny · April 10, 2022 - 4:27 pm ·

Cute. “Good boy!” 🙂

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · April 10, 2022 - 4:29 pm ·
  
  😊
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
Jennie · April 14, 2022 - 7:27 pm ·

This is one great story! The ‘Original 29’ should always be celebrated, and a dog as wonderful as Manny deserves every recognition.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · April 15, 2022 - 6:43 am ·
  
  It is, Jennie.
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
  1. Jennie · April 15, 2022 - 7:01 am ·
    
    🙂
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person