Leatherneck Magazine - October 2008

an assignment as a new “Ambassador in Blue.”

In the land of Hans Christian Andersen, Tivoli Gardens, Hamletand Vikings, ever yone appears squared away and content. This is a highly successful social-welfare state, heavily unionized ( 75 percent of the work force) with no poor or homeless. The government mandates caring for the poor, disabled and elderly. All Danes have 100 percent health-care coverage, underwritten in totality by their taxes.

All levels of education are free, including college. It is the law. Unfortunately, there is the “other” news. Danish taxes are highest in the world. From 50 percent to 68 percent of Danes’ pay (depending on income) is taxed. They have a high minimum wage, about $2,000 U.S. per month

after taxes (i.e., $20 U.S. per hour).

The country is energy independent, but its gasoline is priced at $9 a gallon, and the tax on a new or used vehicle is 200 percent. It is no wonder in Copenhagen city that bicycles abound, far outnumbering motor vehicles. Hundreds are parked at train stationsandatthecity”subiquitousbikeracks. There are safe biking lanes throughout the country. These well-mannered cyclists are of every age group and often very well dressed. They venture out in all weather; peddling through their rugged winters can be tough.

“The Little Mermaid” sculpture, a coun-

The Danish military guard at the Amalienborg Palace, the royal residence in Copenhagen, conducts formal changing of the guard ceremonies each day, reinforcing the importance of the representational responsibilities of the military.

“All my Marine pals are jealous, and
my civilian friends want to visit me. You
know, we Marines are pretty popular with
the locals,” said a smiling Sergeant Janer
“Esco” Escobales, just after coming off
duty at Post One in the United States Em-
bassy in the Kingdom of Denmark.
Just before he shoved off for leave with
friends in Barcelona, Spain, Escobales re-
lated: “Since 9th grade I always wanted
to be a Marine.” This infantry Marine has
received several meritorious promotions
and knows that his mom, Maribel, back
in Harrisburg, Pa., is quite proud of him.
Sgt Mike Cates is from San Antonio.
Hisuncle, Marineveteran Thomas Massey
Boyd, was killed in action in Vietnam.
Cates’ father was a Marine also, and both
father and uncle inspired him to enlist.
Currently on his first MSG posting, Sgt
Cates said he considers this to be “real
duty” after a series of technical jobs.

In three MSG postings, regardless of conditions, Sgt Clement Benloss derived many dividends from each MSG job. The sergeant”s No. 1 dividend is clearly his f i-ancée. He met her during his first MSG

P. T. BRENT

try landmark in the Copenhagen harbor, was based on a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Itis Denmark”s Eiffel Tower and attracts almost one million tourists every year. Edvard Eriksen sculptured her in bronze, using his wife, Eline, as his model.