Donald M. "Sgt Grit" Whitton

I had to have been over 25 years ago when I stumbled upon the Sgt Grit company and the Sgt Grit online US Marine bulletin board. As I participated in the online chatter, I met some really outstanding Marine veterans and veteran supporters. We ended up holding "Grittogethers" in different locations and some of the Gritsters are still friends today. This was all because of Don Whitton.

In 2005, Don consented to have some of his crew attend and man a Sgt Grit PX at the Philadelphia reunion of the USMC Vietnam Tankers Association. From that day forward, Don and I became friends. I was thunderstruck to learn of his passing. My message to him is, "I will see you at the guard shack in Heaven."

Semper Fidelis,

John Wear
Sgt 3rd Tanks, RVN '68 - ' 69

I did not know Sgt Grit personally, but I have benefited from his products over many years. I offer a prayer for the comfort of his loved ones. From what I have read about Don Whitton, it is clear that he will be dearly loved and remembered long into the future. There is no greater legacy than that. Rest in Peace, Sergeant Grit - may you be blessed with fair winds and following seas.

Semper Fidelis.

H.W.. Benjamin, USMC (Retired)

My Marine father's favorite place to go to when he came out from PA was Sgt Grit's. The last time we went, we walk in and there's Don wearing the exact same outfit that Dad was wearing. You could not have knocked Dad's smile off his face with a mortar round.

Thank you Don, for all you've done for Marines. Fair winds and following seas, Marine. Semper Fi.

Sgt Grit will always be a big part of my life when I worked there. We truly were a big family and love and friendship still remains. His Marine family values were passed down to his employees.
My most fond memory is, as I was standing finishing a call, his Marine training sneakily stood a couple inches behind me. I turned around, he was there, and I screamed. Don's infectious laugh, made him retreat back to his office. Semper Fi Sgt Grit!!!!