About

THE SUCK LIFE

Welcome to TheSuckLife.com, a blog dedicated to the raw, unfiltered reality of Marine Corps life.

Cpl. Beddoe with Gen. "Mad Dog" Mattis
Cpl Beddoe with Gen. “Mad Dog” Mattis

“The Suck” is a term every Marine knows well. It’s the tough days, the grueling moments, the situations that push you to your limits—and then some. But more than just enduring, Marines learn to embrace “The Suck” as a badge of honor, a testament to resilience, grit, and camaraderie. It’s about thriving in adversity and finding humor, strength, and purpose in even the toughest circumstances.

At TheSuckLife.com, we explore these themes with a mix of humor, insight, and raw honesty. From stories of boot camp and deployments to reflections on leadership, brotherhood, and life after service, this blog is a tribute to the unique mindset that sets Marines apart. We also aim to bridge the gap between military and civilian worlds, offering a glimpse into the Marine experience for those who haven’t lived it.

So, whether you’re here to reminisce, learn, or simply understand what it means to “embrace the suck,” you’re in the right place. Welcome to The Suck Life, where we don’t just endure the tough times, we own them.

Originally started as “The Marine Guestbook” in 1995, before being rebranded as “THEFEW.COM”, then “TXDVLDG.COM”, then “TheSuckLife.com”, this blog is dedicated to PFC Paul Beddoe, 3rd Recon, KIA in Vietnam in 1968 [Panel 35E, Row 2].

Please read Paul’s story. As long as the fallen are remembered, they will never be forgotten.

I’m also one of the two admins for the @since1775 X (Twitter) account. Be sure to follow!

Semper Fi
Cpl Beddoe, USMC 1981-1985
POPASMOKE.COM Webmaster 1997-2023

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Pamela Bullock
Pamela Bullock
Guest
2022-10-14 22:21

Hello, my name is Pamela Bullock. I am PFC Paul Beddoe’s sister. Thank you so much for your blog and post about Paul.

John Sens
John Sens
Guest
2022-09-22 20:55

Hello. Sgt. Sens from the Univac to Honeywell conversion in your write up. I did the Unival schooling at Mare Island and then when stationed in Beaufort SC went to the Honeywell training in Virginia. The whole experience was so cool as we were all on the so called cutting edge of tech and the transition of Univac to mini computers. I have now been in technology for 40+ years and the bit bytes, gates mare island training set me up for many years of a creat tech career. I met many people/marines along the way that i learned many life lessons from and just kept on the technology train for years after. I am so glad i did the Marine corp gig and luckily ended up in computer technology.

June
June
Guest
2012-10-01 20:47

Hi, something you posted on twitter brought me to ur site. I have only read the about me entry. Thank you for keeping it real.

Jackie Epperson
Jackie Epperson
Guest
2011-12-27 06:37

Dear Marine, just wanted to say I follow ya on twitter I’m @Life_In_Jordan. I really like this blog and I do appreciate you doing this for us. I been our lince 1997 and I did my boot in PLT 4026 PCO MCRD PISC. Im married to my (Jordanian Special Forces) best friend and husband, Fouad. How we met is a long story. We are very different culture wise but we love each other. I have a daughter who is 7 months old. I was born and raised in South East Colorado near a small town called Simla (population a two horses and a haystack ). miss home, miss those ole country songs dad used to play. Well just thought I’d introduce myself. Semper Fidelis, and God Bless

Mark Cummuta
Mark Cummuta
Guest
2011-12-27 06:16

Semper Fi, Devil Dog! I follow you on Twitter, as well