User:Chilly Whilly

Chilly Whilly is the nickname given to a former United States Marine, while he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, back in 1976. Chilly arrived in Okinawa, Japan, in July of 1976. Chilly had only been in the Marine Corps since October of 1975, going to boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, in San Diego. He arrived at his first duty station which was at 29 Palms Marine Base, in 29 Palms, CA, in January of 1976. He was in Field Artillery with the M.O.S. of 0811. Chilly was in an 8 inch gun battalion.

Chilly ask for orders to go to Okinawa. When he arrived in Okinawa there was much racial tension from the Japanese and from other Marines. There had been the hanging of two blacks Marines a few months before he arrived, accused of rape. There had also been several race riots in the Marine base Camp Zukeran.

Chilly quickly met other Black Marines, such as Cannon, who to this day is his best friend. Chilly and Cannon are closer than blood brothers. Chilly was introduced to Mike, Shad Dog, T Cobbs, Money Green, Jam, Mad Dog, Baby J, to name a few. Black Marines in Okinawa were catching hell through racism from many Japanese groups, Vigilante citizens whom wore black arm bands, the JP's (Japanese Police), and white Marines. The Vietnam War was now over and so was the concept of a Band of Brothers. It was now just racial tension between whites against black, although during racial conflicts many Hispanics fought with the whites, while Samoans, Puerto Ricans and some Hispanics fought with the Blacks.

This is an unknown and ugly part of being in the military that most people who didn't see would find it hard to believe.

The Black Marines and other minorities were so heavily out numbered, that they had to use strategies just to stay safe on the island. One of the ways they stayed safe was to form a brotherhood, called The Okinawan Family.