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

April 8, 2022 · by · 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 • , •

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.

Thanks by John W. Howell © 2022

A six lettered word,

Tells someone you are grateful . . .

And that they count – Thanks

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

94 comments

  1. Annette Rochelle Aben · ·

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

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Have a splendid weekend as well, Annette. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Tom · ·

        Well I’ll be dog gone!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. John W. Howell · ·

        Ha ha ha. Tom

        Like

  2. Writer Lori · ·

    Congratulations Manny! Happy to celebrate your promotion…☺️

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Lori. I hope an extra serving of biscuits came with the honor. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Writer Lori · ·

        Me, too!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. John W. Howell · ·

        😊

        Like

  3. GP · ·

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

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      I was very surprised that a general was doing the honors. He must be a good guy. Thanks, GP.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. GP · ·

        👍🥉

        Liked by 1 person

  4. harmonykentonline · ·

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Have a wonderful weekend as well, Harmony. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Jill Weatherholt · ·

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you , Jill. 😊

      Like

  6. Chel Owens · ·

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      I didn’t know either, Chel. Always good to learn something new. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  7. coldhandboyack · ·

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

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      I thought you would like it. Thanks, Craig.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Joan Hall · ·

      I thought of you when I saw this post, Craig!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. coldhandboyack · ·

        I even sent a link to Old What’s Her Face. She liked it, too.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. John W. Howell · ·

        Excellent.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. John W. Howell · ·

        😁

        Like

  8. Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections · ·

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thanks, Frank. I hope you have a good weekend as well. 😊

      Like

  9. Liz Gauffreau · ·

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      It is a happy story, Liz. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Charles Yallowitz · ·

    That’s so cool. 😁

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      I thought so too.

      Like

  11. Darlene · ·

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Darlene. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Teri Polen · ·

    Cheers for Manny!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Yes indeed. Thanks, Teri.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Phil Taylor · ·

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Oh, I think they all serve in different ways. Thanks, Phil.

      Like

  14. Dan Antion · ·

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

    Like

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      That would be wonderful. Thanks, Dan.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Joan Hall · ·

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thanks, Joan. 😁

      Like

  16. quiall · ·

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Pamela. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Gwen M. Plano · ·

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Gwen. I thought it was a super example of giving recognition where it is due.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. noelleg44 · ·

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      That sounds like a fabulous organization. Thanks, Noelle.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    What an adorable face! Love this 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Isn’t his face adorable? Thanks, Denise. 😁

      Like

  20. Staci Troilo · ·

    I really needed this today, John. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      I’m glad it filled the bill. Thanks, Staci.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Sorryless · ·

    What a great soldier. I love Manny.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Me too. Thanks, Marc.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Sorryless · ·

    Your stories always provide the sunshine, Sheriff.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thanks, Marc. I love to hear that.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless · ·

        I shared it with my sister and daughter. They are in love with Manny too.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. John W. Howell · ·

        Terrific.

        Liked by 1 person

  23. Jan Sikes · ·

    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!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Yes it was. Sadly nothing feel-good in Ukraine this week.

      Like

  24. Lauren · ·

    Such a terrific story. Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you for letting me know you liked it. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  25. T. W. Dittmer · ·

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      He looks like Chesty Puller.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. T. W. Dittmer · ·

        Yeah, he does! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. John W. Howell · ·

        😁

        Liked by 1 person

  26. Debbie · ·

    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!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Aw. Thank you, Debbie. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Mae Clair · ·

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Mae. i hope you have a great weekend.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Mae Clair · ·

        You too, John!

        Like

      2. John W. Howell · ·

        😊

        Liked by 1 person

  28. srbottch · ·

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Steve. Glad you liked it.

      Like

  29. Dale · ·

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Dale. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. · ·

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Sally.

      Like

  31. Baydreamer · ·

    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! 😁🐶

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Lauren. 😊

      Like

  32. Resa · ·

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Terrific clip, Resa. 🤣

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa · ·

        I think so.
        Lol, it’s a cartoon.
        Hahahaha!!!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. John W. Howell · ·

        Yes, indeed.

        Liked by 1 person

  33. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · ·

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

    Like

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you for sharing this story, Michael.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · ·

        Always with a great pleasure, John! Have a great week arriving! xx Michael

        Liked by 2 people

      2. John W. Howell · ·

        Thank you and have a great week as well.

        Liked by 1 person

  34. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · ·

    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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Yup. Manny is a soldier for sure. Thanks, Michael.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · ·

        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

        Liked by 2 people

      2. John W. Howell · ·

        😊

        Liked by 1 person

  35. ParentingIsFunny · ·

    Cute. “Good boy!” 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      😊

      Liked by 2 people

  36. Jennie · ·

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      It is, Jennie.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Jennie · ·

        🙂

        Liked by 1 person