I am indebted to Gina Gippner. I retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1990 after serving 35 years of active duty. Since then, I have tried to stay abreast with all the dynamic changes that are constantly taking place in the Leatherneck Corps. Yet, it was not until Gina kindly forwarded to me a copy of the “pre-publication galley” of her book “Onward by Faith” that I first became aware of the existence of a group known as Marine Moms Online. I am told this electronic network, which grew from a handful, now extends to thousands of mothers from every state in the union whose son’s are presently serving, or who has recently served in our beloved Corps. How it is that I missed this remarkably uplifting and inspiring story of proud Marine moms who are daily reaching out to comfort one another is beyond me. Clearly, this is a story that all Americans who have had a family member march off to war can identify with and rally behind. Thus it needs to be told to a very wide audience. I am confident that Gina Gippner’s wonderful and often times very amusing accounts in “Onward by Faith” will help do that.

Since the time of our own civil war, every conflict has introduced some new innovative technique, medicine, or piece of equipment that has improved the effectiveness and well being of the front-line troops on the battlefield. Often times, it has been something that has given our troops an advantage, or an edge over their adversaries. In the lexicon of the military, these have come to be known as “force multipliers.” Before future historians try and define what force multipliers many U.S. Marines may have carried in their kits during the Afghanistan and Iraq campaigns of the 21st century, they would be well advised to remember the extraordinary support rendered by a very simple grass roots confederation known as Marine Moms Online. To paraphrase Admiral Chester Nimitz following the battle for Iwo Jima, I would characterize this group with: Their uncommon dedication was their common devotion.

-O.K. Steele

Major General, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret)

July 29, 2007

To Order: Onward by Faith