Behind the Photo & the Motto

A man sitting on the ground in front of an airplane.

This photograph of Capt. John J. Sax sitting on the back of an MV-22B holds a special place for each of us. It captures the moment when John earned the privilege to wear his VMM-364 Purple Fox patches for the first time. True to John’s character, his face radiated with an uncontainable smile as he visited the squadron alongside his wife and daughter, with their second daughter on the way. John was truly thankful to become a Purple Fox, and was living out his dream in becoming one.

On both our Memorial Bands and Challenge Coins, you’ll discover the squadron’s enduring motto – “Give A Shit,” which can be traced back to 1968. This motto instilled John with profound pride as he grasped its deeper significance and made it a personal mantra. It’s a testament to the mindset that guided John throughout his life, not only in his role as a Marine Corps Aviator but also as a cherished friend, devoted husband, and loving father.

We invite each of our followers to take a moment to delve into John’s remarkable story on our “About John” page, accessible through the link in our bio. In all that we do, we carry the memory of Capt. John J. Sax in our hearts, ensuring his legacy endures.