July/August/September, 2015 - 1st Marine Division Association

SCUTTLEBUTT
2024 Greenway Crossing Drive
Haslet, TX 76052-2815
The Bulletin of, by, and for the
A-1-5 Marines and Associates
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Stamp
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SCUTTLEBUTT
Editor
Vince Rios
[email protected]
A
5
A-1-5 MARINES
Publisher
A-1- 5 President
Glenn Borvansky
[email protected]
National POW/MIA Recognition Day in the United States
National League
of Families POW/
MIA flag is displayed with the
United States flag.
As of December
25, 2013, there are
1,643 Americans
still unaccounted
for from the
Vietnam War.
The United States National POW/MIA
Recognition Day is observed across the
nation on the third Friday of September each year. Many Americans take
the time to remember those who were
prisoners of war (POW) and those who
are missing in action (MIA) as well as
their families.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Third Quarter ( July/August/September, 2015 ) ISSUE
SCUTTLEBUTT
July/August/September, 2015
President
Vice President
Secretary/Treasurer
Publisher/Editor-In-Chief
Graphics Technician
Printing Engineer
Shipping & Handling
Glenn Borvansky
James Allison
Jim Fairbairn
Vince Rios
Darren Sutton
Aaron Iversen
Bo Stewart
Page 2
Treasurer’s Report
Send Donations To:
A-1-5 MARINES
c/o JAMES FAIRBAIRN, Treasury
2310 GOLDEN WILLOW LN
RICHARDSON, TX 75082
Secretary Report
At the San Diego Reunion we had excellent weather. Our hotel was
o.k. but in an excluded area along a freeway with nothing in walking
distance. If there were some businesses there were no sidewalks. The
limited menu at the hotel got “old” after a few days.
Being in San Diego it was expected there would be a good attendance.
However there were only 318 Marines registered plus some possibly
late registration out of about 8,000 members. Of the 45 Chapters, only
14 had a reprehensive at the meeting.
The highlight of the reunion was the election of Vince Rios as the Association President and Jim Allison as the legal officer. Out of” left
field “a person was named as D.VP for Central that was not on the
ballot. It was reported that Jerry Johs (the candidate) had moved to the
west coast and could not represent the Central. Members were unaware
of this event and neither was the existing D.VP Central. We objected
to naming the person D.VP Central. After the objection a motion was
made seconded and passed to submit our concerns to the legal officer.
That was done.
There was no quorum at the Board meeting according to the President
as he said 25 members were required and only 23 were present. Therefore no business was conducted. Actually the bylaws require 20 eligible
members for a quorum.
It was announced the 2016 reunion will be in Houston. We hope to have
more members present.
Now to A-1-5 we too had a low turnout. Our meeting took place after
the Membership meeting. In attendance was Glenn Borvansky James
Allison Vince Rios and myself. The existing officers were reelected.
There were several other A-1-5 members at the reunion but some left
Sat. morning before our meeting and some just didn’t make it. They
were John Bastain, Thomas Becker, Leopoldo Griego, Walter Hibarger
M.D., John Mihas and Al Strukel,
James M. Fairbairn
Beginning Balance ..................
Donations .................................
Scuttlebutt Publication ...........
Balance 9-30-2015 ...................
$ 5799.91
$ 920.00
$ 2481.33
$ 4238.58
Correction on last month Scuttlebutt
INCORRECT
Beginning Balance…… $6948.05
Donations…………
$ 730.00
Scuttlebutt…………… $5028.82
Balance……………… $2044.23
CORRECT
$6948.05
$ 730.00
$1878.14
$5799.91
6-30-2015
Thanks for the donations to keep
the SCUTTLEBUTT going!!!
James Fairbairn
Donors This Quarter:
Ronald Greg
Alan Preserer
George Donnelly
Robert Pine
John Kidder
Richard Harden
Chris Thompson
Raymond Quesnel
Martin Garcia
George Matthews
Ann Coughlin
F.S. Cannon (2)
John Egan
James Mantensen
Jack Hemstreet
( ) next to a donors name connotes multiple donations
“From the President” of the A-1-5 Marines
Hi Vince well about one more week till we get to San Diego we will
be there on Tuesday I am trying to think of a time we can have our
A1/5 meeting there’s a lot going on each day . I will work on it. I did
not get a chance to tell you the day I called you on the phone that I broken my ankle on June 8th.I am doing good no running for me . I talk
to Marianna Winchester and let her know about the Conflicts WALL
Memorial in Marseilles and I sent her some info about the WALL.
See you at the Reunion GLENN S/F
“ First Marine Division “
Cheryl Rios, First Lady Vince Rios, President
Gen Daniel Yoo, Commanding General .
and
SCUTTLEBUTT
July/August/September, 2015
VA is still punishing those who speak up,
group says
WASHINGTON - The Veterans Affairs Department continues to
retaliate against whisleblower despite repeated pledges to stop punishing those who speak up, a national group said Tuesday. One called
the department’s office of inspector general a “joke.”
VA whistleblowers from across the county told a Senate committee
that the department has failed to hold supervisors accountable more
than a year after a scandal broke over chronic delays for veterans
seeking medical care and falsified records covering up the waits.
Shea Wilkes, a mental health social worker at the Shreveport
VA hospital, said agency leaders are “more interested in perpetuating
their own careers than caring for our veterans.”
Wilkes, who helped organize the group “VA Truth Tellers,” said
“years of cronyism and lack of accountability have allowed at least
two generations of poor, incompetent leaders to plant themselves
within the system,” isolating the VA “from the real world of efficient
and effective medical treatment” for veterans.
PPPPP
“A liberal’s paradise would be a place where everybody has guaranteed employment, free comprehensive healthcare, free education,
free food, free housing, free clothing, free utilities, and only law enforcement has guns. And believe it or not, such a place does indeed
already exist: It’s called Prison.”
Sheriff Joe Arpaio
The First Marine Division Association is on the
cusp of rebirth.
We will move aboard Camp Pendleton soon into our own spacious
office for staff to conduct Association business. I am delighted to be
the one chosen to lead the Association members back to our roots.
Camp Pendleton retired and active duty Marines aboard the base
are working feverishly and in concert on the paperwork to make the
move happen. The Division Command with Sgt Maj Marty Vasquez
is eager to see the Association go on board. They have passed the
task to the civilian space allocation group for getting the finishing
touches on a draft agreement. The Association members will soon
feel the sense of comfort that comes with having a place to call
home to come to.
Active and inactive Marines always bond well. Not only will the
bond make it a natural draw for Association membership, but the
young Marines will know and feel the presence of their mentors
and heroes close by.
Logistically, the mutual support will be a tremendous asset and a
big draw to bring back members who have drifted away. They like
being among the young active duty Marines. And, with them, will
hopefully come much needed operating cash donations.
Welcome home, First Marine Division Association members. We
have openings on the Executive Board to fill, step forward and help
us out; take one of these positions. Call me (817-847-9954)-and
Ooh Rah!
Vince Rios, [email protected]
Page 3
Second Platoon
During early 1969, An Hoa was a hot bed for attacks on Regimental Headquarters located there. One of the “ initiatives” for preservation of the base was bringing in 175 Howitzers from the army. While
these long range guns could send a shell 26 miles, they also made
for exceptional targets . To insure that these Long Guns couldn’t fall
into the hands of the enemy , platoons rotating through An Hoa were
placed around the guns for security. While this assignment brought
you closer to the mess hall , it also put you in a conspicuous spot when
the 175’s became the targets of enemy incoming.
My platoon had the 175 detail during one such attack. Incoming came
in hot and heavy and everyone dived for their holes. Being a 2nd Lt.
my movement was not nearly as quick and I took a piece of shrapnel
in my back under my flax vest. It was not life threatening by any
means and I attempted to make light of it while we were all huddled in
a bunker. At the end of the incoming, as was the norm, the Company
CP checked with each of the platoons for casualties. I was the only
one hit and when it was our turn to report I stated my last 4 digits of
my serial number and WIA. There was a pause on the other end and
the skipper came on saying hey that’s you. I acknowledged it was and
he asked where the wound was. I told him in the left fat breaking up
the tension in the bunker with my platoon. A short time later I got a
call from the CO to report to his “pos”. I walked to where the CP was
located and as I approached him he said lie down. I said what for and
he said the army was sending 2 guys over to take me to the BAS. I
told the skipper I could walk and he said shut up and lie down , these
guys have never seen a wounded Marine .
Shortly thereafter 2 army soldiers carrying a stretcher arrived. The
skipper told me to lie down on the stretcher and they would carry me
to the BAS. To begin with they obviously had never used a stretcher
before but they were trying. We had to navigate over a small bridge
over a ravine. I was already feeling some apprehension but I really
got stoked when they almost dumped in the ravine as we crossed the
bridge. I ordered them to put me down and report back to their position. I thanked them for their efforts then walked to the BAS as I had
intended to do in the first place.
You can imagine the guffaws when I returned. Robin L. Montgomery
Robin L. Montgomery
Vince Rios
“A liberal’s paradise would be a place where everybody has
guaranteed employment, free comprehensive healthcare, free
education, free food, free housing, free clothing, free utilities, and
only law enforcement has guns. And belive it or not, such a place
does indeed already exist: It’s called Prison.”
Sheriff Joe Arpaio , Maricopa County, Arizona
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July/August/September, 2015
Page 4
August 7th is National Purple Heart Day
A Day to Honor America’s Combat Wounded and Fallen Heroes
Each year on August 7th, the nation pauses to remember and pay homage to the brave men and women who were either wounded on
the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. As America’s oldest decoration, the Purple Heart is awarded to any member of the
U.S. Armed Forces that has been wounded, died as a result of wounds received in battle, or those who died in captivity while a prisoner of war
(POW). We now celebrate Purple Heart Day on the anniversary of its creation by General George Washington on August 7, 1782.
This year, many States, Counties, and Cities; sport and entertainment entities; colleges and universities, and other patriotic entities
across the nation who have proclaimed themselves as Purple Heart communities, will raise the Purple Heart flag in recognition of the service
and sacrifice of their local sons and daughters. In New York City, the Empire State Building will be lit in purple lights as a reminder to all
Americans that there is a price for the freedoms we enjoy, and honor is due to those who gave their all in defense of those freedoms. In Las
Vegas, NV, site of the 2015 MOPH National Convention, the famous “Fremont Street Experience” will feature a special ‘Purple Heart Day”
patriotic sound and light show.
The organization now known as the “Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.,” (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the
protection and mutual interest of all combat wounded veterans and active duty men and women who have received the decoration. Chartered
by the Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote
Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America’s military history. Most importantly, through veteran service, they provide comfort
and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those
requiring employment assistance. Programs of the MOPH include VA Volunteer Service, JROTC Leadership Award, Scholarships, Americanism, Purple Heart Trail and Cities, Welfare, and numerous community service programs, all with the objective of service to Veterans and their
families.
For further information, please contact:, National Public Relations Director, John Bircher, 352-753-5535
[email protected], www.purpleheart.org
Letter to the Editor
Hi - this isn’t exactly a story but a mystery. I am hoping that
someone from 1/5 who was in Viet Nam in 1976-77 (?!) will fill in the
blanks. While on Hill 54 we were told that the next day we would go
on a mission by chopper - early. We were told the mission was
something like “Twin Hills” because 2 hills had similar elevation
and were in the same area. One hill was hot with well dug in VC and
the other was unoccupied. The night before the hot hill was bombed
all night with everything available. We were to be dropped to clean
out what was left. Before dawn we were transported to a helipad. It
was dramatic and looked like a war movie. The Lt. led the operation
so it had to be a lot of Marines. As I remember the Lt. was a field
promoted sgt. so the troops had a lot of confidence in him. Enlisted
men always seemed to favor a field promotion rather than a new Lt.
For some reason the Lt. and I (corpsman) were in the first chopper. I
must have been told to be on the first as I would never have picked
that chopper. At field med school they drummed it into our heads that
if the corpsman got injured or killed he would not be able to do his
job. The first chopper hovered over the top of the hill and the
Lt. and I jumped out. Then all the choppers pulled up and away leaving
the Lt. and I on the top of the hill, each with only a pistol. As the
chopper pulled up we could see the tracers and holes hitting the
first chopper. Of all things, they bombed the wrong hill and the hill
we landed on was hot, hot, hot. The top of the hill where we
were was flat and just dirt without anywhere to get cover. My
memory stops there so I don’t know what happened. Obviously I am here and never wounded so I made it out. Does
anyone else remember this and can tell me what happened?
Doc “Brownie” - Ken Brownson, HM3
Former Marine commandant to chair
Semper Fi Fund
The 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps is stepping into a new
role at the Semper Fi Fund and American’s Fund.
The non profit organization announced Friday that retired Gen.
James Amos would become chairman of the board of directors, succeeding Al Gray, the former chairman who previously served as 29th
Commandant of the Marine Corps. The post is a volunteer position
and involves oversight of 11 directors including Amos’ wife, Bonnie,
former Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent, and Annette Conway, wife of the 34th Commandant, James Conway.
“We are excited to announce General Amos as our new Chairman
of the Board of Directors,” said Karen Guenther, the president, CEO
and founder of Semper Fi Fund and American’s Fund, in a news release. “We bid a fond farewell, and express our heartfelt graditude to
Genral Al Gray for his faithful service as our Chairman for the past
11 years.”
Amos, who retired last October after serving four years as commandant, has had a long relationship with the Semper Fi Fund. The
organization, founded in 2004, offers direct assistance to wounded,
ill and injured troops, veterans and their families. Though originally
founded to assist Marines and sailors, the Semper Fi Fund created
American’s Fund in 2012 to meet the needs of troops in all services.
Days before his retirement, amos presented Guenther with an
exclusive token of appreciation: the title of “honorary Marine.” The
title has been given to fewer than 100 individuals and signals extraordinary commitment to Marine Corps values and mission.
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July/August/September, 2015
WRINGING OUR HANDS OVER STUPIDITY
by COLONEL DONALD J. MYERS USMC (Ret)
Once again we have suffered an act of terrorism in our country when
four Marines were murdered in Chattanooga, Tennessee by a 24 year
old Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez, an individual who was born in
Kuwait but came here as a child. He initially shot up a recruiting
station and then drove seven miles to a Navy Reserve facility where
he murdered the four Marines. The media and government officials
are going bonkers trying to discover why this happened. According
to friends and schoolmates of the shooter, he was a regular guy and
what he did came as a shock. Why does that surprise so many? How
often have we witnessed a serious crime and the criminal was a total
surprise to almost everyone. If we could determine beforehand who
the criminals were going to be, our society would be much safer and
happier.
ISIS has encouraged followers throughout the world to rise
up and create havoc. It has encouraged those in the United States to
kill military personnel and policemen.To assist the potential terrorist
in this country, we passed a law in 1994 that did not allow the military
to be armed on military posts and stations. Perhaps that was good at
the time, but in today’s environment it is stupid. The first military
installation that was attacked by this terrorist had about 20 or 30 bullet holes in the glass front and in a prominent position on that glass
was a sign stating that the location did not allow guns. What a great
advertisement for a terrorist.
The media and government officials are trying to determine
why this individual did this. Did he receive orders from an outside
source and was he alone in his actions? This like so many attacks
were conducted by Radical Islamic Terrorists. That was not difficult
to figure out. It seems that in far too many cases, we are terrified to
refer to these acts for what they are. They are terrorist acts and in
most cases, they are performed by radical Islamic terrorists.
Does anyone think that it is a coincidence that Abdulazeez
selected two military locations if he was merely out to murder people?
Remember that ISIS has been encouraging followers to kill military
personnel in the United States. It’s time to take the gloves off and get
serious about defeating ISIS. Conducting a hand full of air strikes a
day will not do it. We need special troops on the ground to direct the
strikes and when we locate headquarters, we need to take them out.
Since ISIS now has vehicles and tanks, it must have a place to maintain them. Locate it and take it out.
As long as ISIS appears to be winning, it will be a draw for
many young folks and individuals who are looking for some type of
thrill or cause. To add to that, ISIS has some very professional media
personnel who have put together fantastic recruiting and advertising
material. In that particular area they are very professional and modern. ISIS is dedicated to achieve victory and establish the Caliphate
in Syria and Iraq as the base for domination. It will do whatever is
necessary to achieve that goal. We must be as dedicated to defeat
it and insure that it is exposed for what it is. When that occurs, our
potential terrorists in this country will be less of a problem. That will
only happen when we stop evading the threat for what it is –Radical
Islamic Terrorism.
Donald Myers is a retired Marine Colonel and can be reached
at [email protected]
You can print any material that I write. I write an article
every week and also send many other articles. I’ll add you to my list
if you like. I have written two books that are available on Amazon.
The first was Leadership defined and the last one was Pride and
Discipline. The last is a description of the many things that we did
at Parris Island when I commanded the regiment in 82-84. My last
command was CO of Marine Barracks 8th & I.
Col. Don Myers USMC (Ret)
Page 5
Commencement at the St Georges Cathedral
Evensong Service to Mark the 70th Anniversary
of the end of WWII
As previously advised the North American Veterans’ Unit (NAVU)
will participate in the Evensong Service at St Georges Cathedral this
Sunday (9 August 2015) to Mark the 70th Anniversary of the end
of WWII. The event will be followed by a reception in Burt Hall
(adjacent to the Cathedral)
Our WWII United States Navy Corpsman Jack Fletcher will lay
NAVU’s wreath and I will accompany him.
Jack served with the Third Marine Division at the Battles for Guam
and Iwo Jima and was on the way to Japan just prior to the first
atomic bond being dropped on Hiroshima.
Nine seats have been reserved for our attendees. The seats are in
the North Transept of the Cathedral (forward and diagonally to the
left of the front row of the main church pews).
NAVU attendees should arrive by 4:30pm and advise the stewards (ushers) to direct them to NAVU’s reserved seats in the North
Transept.
Jack and I will sit in the first row with other wreath layers. All
seven remaining NAVU representatives will sit in the second row of
reserved seats.
NAVU will have nine representatives in attendance at the Evensong:
WWII veteran Jack Fletcher and his driver
CAPT Michael Donnelly USN (retired) and Vicki
COL Robert Mitchell (Canadian Army) (retired)
LT Michael Munjak USN (ex-military) and Anne
Irving Lane, and
Staff Sergeant James Maughmer USMC
Parking is available at Council House but it is likely to fill up
quickly as over 200 Australian WWII veterans and their family
members are expected to attend. Parking is also available (1) under
the Concert Hall (enter from Terrace Road), (2) along Terrace Road,
and (3) in the Terrace Road open carpark (in back of the Concert
Hall).
I look forward to seeing you at Sunday’s Evensong and at the
reception afterwards.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Kind regards - Michael Munjak
Tel:
9330 7997 (H) or 0405 236 266 (M)
Men with rifles turn out to guard recruiting offices
They say they’ll stay as long as necessary
to protect those who work inside
From left, Ray Cram, Jonathan McCroskey, Jerry Blackeney, Dean
Damota and Terry Jackson stand guard in downtown Cleburne Texas.
SCUTTLEBUTT
July/August/September, 2015
Newspaper Clipping from Oct 13, 1975.
Here is an old C.G. newspaper clipping a mother saved in her Bible.
She had been a school teacher and believed prophesy, so she always
kept up on issues, long before most ever thought of them here.
Page 6
THE LAST word
“To those who have fought for it, freedom has a
flavor the protected will never know.”
- An unknown POW, who scrawled the statement on a
bunker outside Khe Sahn, Republic of Vietnam
As service members depart for
combat duty, one question that
inevitably lingers in the minds of
their loved ones is: “Will they
come back?” For the families of
more than 83,000 Americans,
that question remains unanswered.
Althouigh many have been
classified as missing in action
(MIA) since World War II, the
Korean War, Vietnam War, and
Cold War, efforts are unceasing to
return them home. During the
first half of this year, the remains
of about 50 MIA’s had been identified. Capt. Nick Taylor and Dr. Denise To are among the team members dedicated to recovery efforts through the Defense POW/MIA. Accounting Agency (DPA,A). The
work can be painstakingly detailed because of its “cold case” nature, as Dr. To describe it. However,
they both say it is fulfilling.
“What this job has provided me in return is incredible,” says Dr. To, an anthropologist who has been
working in the field for 10 years. “It’s an incredible experience to be able to meet with a family and
present the information that allows them to take remains back for a funeral. It’s even rewarding to talk
to families who are still waiting. Their gratitude for our efforts is overwhelming. They’re the ones who
make this job worth it. For us, every day in the DPA,A is a memorial day. It’s overwhelming.
Capt. Taylor, who leads teams to recovery sites, said the fact that he could have faced the same fate is
not lost on him. Taylor, who has been deployed three times for combat tours - twice in Iraq and once in
Afghanistan said the work is gratifying. “If something were to happen to me, I know the nation would
not stop trying to get me back. It’s a rewarding experience to be able to do this for the ones who came
before me, And when we’re able to identify someone, it’s extremely rewarding to know that we were
able to get that individual home.”
Another indication of what’s happening.
SCARY ISN’T IT? PASS IT ON TO EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST AND HOPEFULLY, IT
WILL MAKE IT NATIONWIDE.
MEET THE MEMBERS, What does
membership in the Marines’ mean to you?
New Jersey native Tom Clark is the eldest of four
brothers, all of them US Marine officers who served
in Southeast Asia During the Vietnam war. Tom ,
proclaimed the “Fire Team Leader” of the Clark
Brothers, followed his military service with a 43year career in the FBI. A serious lifelong athlete
who once tried out for the Brooklyn Dodgers and
was captain of his college swim team, Tom took
up competitive swimming again after being assigned to the FBI’s San Francisco Regional Office
as inspector general in the 1980’s. He participated
in international police and firefighter games, and
has twice swum from Alcatraz to San Francisco.
In retirement, he has enjoyed volunteering as an
Alcatraz tour guide, sharing stories about the bank
robbers and fugitives he pursued as a special agent.
Tom, a Benefactor Member, joined the Marines’
Memorial in 1988 on the recommendation of his
close friend, Col Jack
Norton,who has a plaque
placed in his honor in the 5th
floor Memorial Hall. “ Jack
was key in exposing a lot of
people to the Club,” he says.
Tom tried to follow suit, bringing fellow Veterans and friends
in for a tour, drinks or a meal
when the opportunity arises. “
Many people, even locals,” he
lamentes, “don’t know what a
Tom Clark
find this is!!.
Now On Sale!
SCUTTLEBUTT
July/August/September, 2015
Letters to
SCUTTLEBUTT
Sgt. Rios:
I have been unable to get the FMDASF to take my suggestions
seriously on being healthier by getting Chapters/Units to Co-Sponsor
one college student from their respective areas or Units per year. it
would bring public appreciation as to both the Chapter/Unit plus National. They would each select a candidate that fits the requirements
for National and send in for final clearance. The chapter/Unit would
send $2K to FMDASF for processing to the School. This would be
repeated each year that the Student was progressing. National would
guarantee the Chapter/Unit performance by placing a covering amount
in “Restricted” status. This cuts down on the amount of NEW National
Scholarships that National has to fund each year until the investment
corpus builds back up and earned more than the 1% offered jumbo
C.D. units (or less). If this is done each year the first year would cost
$2K and in year four it would be $8K and remain there. the Chapter/
Unit could drop out at any time they needed to for financial reasons.
Some Chapters/Units that can afford the $2K tuition in year one to a
maximum of $8K in year four are: Desert, col Mitch Paige, MOH: Los
Angeles: San Antonio: 1/5 (Nick Warr), and others that escape my
mind right now. In the past few years FMDASF has no real revenue
to build a surplus with immediate donations. FMDASF continues to
award new students and the suggested program still gives National
the notoriety on a less expensive basis. The Chapter/Units spend the
$2K-$8K on local projects anyway. This gives them an opportunity
for a Photo Op in local Print News and on TV News. Also in the High
Schools with the Jr ROTC Units. Chapter/Units that would like some
publicity but cannot afford to commit to a four year student funding
could certainly do one student and make publicity by funding that
same one student each of the four years. If you get the concept and
will do the math perhaps instead of eight new students totally funded
by National each year it could drop to four and get the same publicity
while coupled with an additional four Chapters/Units. Enough said.
Do what you will with this suggestion, including sending to the shredder. Mahalo & Aloha.
P.S. To maintain separate corporate status please make sure that
Board Composition is 5% Non-FMDA Officers and 49% FMDA Officers. The 51% can be higher but not lower. This is designed as an
“Interlocking Corporation” at the time of designing this FMDASF. I
had advice of outside counsel plus four post graduate level seminars in
“Advising Non-Profit Corporations” in California and Nationally.
S.F. & Aloha “Top” Franklin
Dear Vince,
Sorry to report that Anna Les Died on July 16, 2015 and I think that
The Anna Cable died with her. All the old issues, mailing list and etc.
have ben sent to Dick Large (A-1-5 Guy) for dispositions. The Korean
Guys are almost all gone, your Treasurer Jim Fairbairn, and I were in
the same Platoon of A-1-5, second Platoon. Your news letter or magazine is very well done! I really enjoy it. Keep up the good work.
My time in Korea was from 16 Jan. 51 to 6 Jan 52.
Semper Fi and Good Health, Horny Horton
Always enjoy the Scuttlebutt and am very thankful for the great job
you are doing. Keep me in your prayers because you are always in
mine over all these years.
Respectfully, Pat O’Toole
Page 7
Hey Sarge,
Yes I got the Scuttlebutt. Life is chaotic here with the move. tested
for my 9th Day in Korea - great adventure. VA just told me I have
Prostate Cancer - Not to bad yet we hope. Will soon have 3rd grand
kid!
Semper Fi, Johnnie.
Vince,
Excellent newsletter and nice tribute to Rickey and Tony in “The
Wall That Heals” Donation to Fund in Memory of 1st Lt. Ronald D,
Winchester on the way to match Mike’s.
Semper Fi, Carl
Hi Vince,
Scuttlebutt has been arriving on time. It’s well worth the donation I’ll
send more before Christmas. I just had my right hip replaced. I feel
much better and I’m much more mobile. Judy and I are going to the all
Marine picnic in Yountille next month. Give Cheryl a hug for us.
Semper Fi, Bob
Hi Vince,
Thanks for the card, Yes I do get the Scuttlebut, Ive tried to contact
you about Col. Hilgardner, but I never got through.
He was a friend of my Daughters Father-n-law. Thats where I met the
Col. From VA a couple of times. I have to tell you the story.
Myself and love Doc Gretea went to both services for the Col. plus
for Father Co Pow Drona.
P.S. My name on Unit was Robert S Kaczmdrazk.
Semper Fi, Robert
Hi Vince,
I received the copy of the 2nd quarter issue of the A-1-5 Scuttlebutt.
Thank you so much for including me in the Celebration of “Cinco
De Mayo” one of my favorite holidays. Right now I’m waiting to attend the 1st MAR DIV REUNION in San Diego. I will be staying at
a Motel 6 in Hotel Circle. I found out that its a quarter mile from the
Reunion Hotel. Thats with in walking distance for me. I will send you
a donation for all of the “Scuttlebutts” you have sent me. I appreciate
that tyou have me in your mailing list.
Semper Fi, Val
I really enjoy the Scuttlebutt keep up the good work.
Semper Fi, Dennis Collins
Thanks for all you hard work keeping the organization going.
Steve Purdy, A-1-5 Weapon 67/68
Vince,
Here’s a photo of my 1942 Willys Jeep that I have restored. The
markings on it indicate it is a A1/5 Jeep. I bought it in 1991 from a
local rancher who had purchased it as war surplus in 1946 and used
it on his ranch until 1991. It took me three years to get it looking like
this. SEMPER FIDELIS
SCUTTLEBUTT
July/August/September, 2015
Page 8
Vince,
Just received your post card. Your looking good. Yes we did
receive the April, May, June addition of the Scuttlebutt. Thanks for
including our winter trip article and pictures. Barb and I enjoy reading
the Scuttlebutt every time it comes out.
Thanks, Dennis and Barb Collins
Vince,
FYI from my SoCal contact in the MCL:
South Coast #022 would be closer than San Diego. it meets in San
Clemente at the Elks Lodge (1505 N. El Camino Real) at 1900, on
2nd Tuesday.
Commandant Burton Brown
1211 Las Posas
San Clemente, CA 92673
Phone 949-429-8803
Semper Fi, Lys
Hi Vince, here’s one of me and my buddy, Rick Ray in 2001. I was on
one of my MIA hunting expeditions in the South Pacific. Worked on
returning 17 boys, mostly Marines. Currently trying to ID 14 USMC
Raiders in Munda.
Rick Ray found 4 Marine flyers on his plantation at the former Jap
fighter runway in Rabaul, ENBP, New Guinea. The remains were located about 200 yards behind where this pic was taken. We finally got
JPAC to pick them up in 2005. Still waiting for the ******* civilian
government workers to ID their remains and bury them in the U.S.
Semper Fi, Tom McLeod
Historian, 1st Marine Division Assn.
“It’s not the truth that hurts, it’s the sudden realization of it.”
“It is better to die for your principles than to live without them.”
“Our enlistment has a start and finish date. Our Oath of Allegiance
does not.” It states: “Prepare to defend this great nation against all
enemies, both foreign and domestic.”
“Pray for the best. Prepare for the worst.”
“History is always written by the victors. Whether right or wrong, the
vanquished are forced to live by it.”
Vince I received your request to re-join 1stMarDiv Assn. Since you
are now the president I will do that. However I won't be able to
in October because we have some large payments to be made this
month. One is we're going on vacation and the other is the second
half of our real estate taxes for the cabin are due in October. So
please remind me next month. Thanks Vince!
Kale Danberg
Hi Jim,
Got your card. Summer here is coming to an end. It has been a
great summer not to hot. All is well, I would like to give a little to
keep the Scuttlebutt going.
Thank you, Semper Fi, George
Busy keeps your name in print.
Heidi Lamb (L) and June Cormier (R)
Secretary/Treasurer Jim,
Thought you’d like to know, June Cormier, Executive Assistant at
the FMDA National Office celebrated her Birthday this month. In
this photo she proudly shows off her flowers and See’s Candy she
received from President Rios and the Executive Board.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JUNE ! Heidi Lamb
Dear Sgt. Rios,
We received your post card today, Yes, we did receive the
newest issue of “Schuttlebutt”. I wish I knew some of the good
Marines in it because I would enjoy hearing about their experiences.
They are all heroes.
I hope all is well with you and your family. I am looking forward
to the First Republican debate on August 6. We have many qualified
candidates and I enjoy hearing their views.
We will vote for whoever will be the Republican candidate.
Obama and his liberals have destroyed this country with their antibusiness, anti-religion laws. We must have good leadership in 2016
and our Republican Congress should learn to fight for the people. Too
often, they go along with Obama. Hillary Clinton is a liar, a cheat and
I believe the Clintons murdered Vincent Foster and Ron Brown to
save their careers. She must never be President because she will continue the extreme policies of the Democratic party. They are no longer
Americans. They want Government control.
Please keep in touch with us. We do love all of our great Veterans like
yourself. God Bless you.
Semper Fi, Angela
Hello Sgt. Rios,
Received your card inquiry re if Reeves received certian mail?
I am sorry to say that Reeves passed away February 14, 2011, with
cancer.
He was a U.S. Merchant Seaman for 27 years was involved in
Desert Storm aboard Ship taking Military Marine equipment to U.S.
Marines. He also was at the helm on a container ship through Sue Z
Canal at age 80 when he then retired in 2007. He had a most interesting life. Also meant to mention he was a Structural Ironworker for 35
years retired and went back to sea in 1990. He was merchant seaman
after WWII for 9 years. Sorry got ahead of his story. Sincerely Betty
Hornby (Widow)
SCUTTLEBUTT
July/August/September, 2015
Page 9
US Bomber Crew Dissected While Alive
US bomber crew shot down over Japan were dissected while ALIVE
in horrific WW2 experiments: Japanese university acknowledges full
details of atrocity 70 years on parts of brain and livers of soldiers
were dissected while they were alive. Prisoners of war also injected
with seawater at university's medical school. Soldiers were still alive
and thought doctors were going to treat them. Actions of surgeons
and university staff brought to light in grim exhibition
By ELAINE O'FLYNN FOR MAILONLINE
A Japanese university has opened a museum acknowledging that its
staff dissected downed American airmen while they were still alive
during World War Two. The move is a striking step in a society where
war crimes are still taboo and rarely discussed, although the incident
has been extensively documented in books and by US officials. A
gruesome display at the newly-opened museum at Kyushu University explains how eight US POWs were taken to the centre’s medical
school in Fukuoka after their plane was shot down over the skies of
Japan in May 1945. There, they were subjected to horrific medical
experiments - as doctors dissected one soldier’s brain to see if epilepsy could be controlled by surgery, and removed parts of the livers
of other prisoners as part of tests to see if they
would survive. Another soldier was injected with seawater, in an experiment to see if it could be used instead of sterile saline solution to
help dehydration. All of the soldiers died from their ordeal.
The horrific episode has been described in previous books, one by a
Japanese doctor who took part in the experiments, but the museum
represents an official acknowledgement of the atrocity When the incidents came to light during a discussion with professors in March,
the university decided to include information about the experiments
within their new museum. About twelve airmen - the exact number is
unclear - were aboard Captain Marvin Watkins' B-29 when it took off
from Guam on a bombing raid against an airfield in Fukuoka. They all
bailed out when their aircraft was rammed by a Japanese fighter. One
was killed when another Japanese fighter flew into his parachute. Local residents converged on the surviving airmen as they landed- one
emptied his pistol at the crowd before shooting himself dead, another
was stabbed to death by locals.
Of the remaining airmen Captain Watkins was taken for interrogation
and survived the war, he is believed to have died in Virginia in 1989.
The rest died during the horrific vivisection experiments.
Todoshi Tono, one of the doctors involved in the experiments,
later dedicated his life to exposing the atrocities after the war and
wrote a book against the wishes of colleagues who wanted their crimes
to be lost in the mists of time. In 1995, he told the The Baltimore Sun
that one of the US soldiers Teddy Ponczka had been stabbed by locals
after his plane had crashed - and presumed he was going to be treated
for the wound when he was taken to the operating theatre. Instead,
surgeons allegedly removed one of Ponczka's lungs to see what effect
surgery has on the respiratory system,
before injecting him with seawater. 'I could never again wear a white
smock,' Dr Toshio Tono told the newspaper 50 years on. 'It's because
the prisoners thought that we were doctors, since they could see the
white smocks, that they didn't struggle. They never dreamed they
would be dissected.' After the prisoners were killed, Japanese doctors
preserved their remains in formaldehyde until the end of the war. Evidence of the experiments was heard at an Allied War Crimes tribunal
in 1948 against 30 doctors and university
staff, by which time the body parts had been destroyed. In total 23
people were found guilty of vivisection – dissecting and performing
surgery on a living thing – and five were sentenced to death.
General Douglas MacArthur later commuted all death sentences
when he was military governor of Japan and all the perpetrators were
released.
TERRIBLE FATE OF FLIGHT 42-65305
Captain Marvin Watkins and an unknown number of hastily assembled crew boarded their B-29 Superfortress bomber on the evening of
the 5 May 1945. They took off on a bombing mission against an airfield in Fukuoka in the south of Japan. It was just a few months before
Japan would surrender, but the final few months of the war were bitterly fought. Mainland Japan had been within range of US bombers
since November 1944 and the Japanese showed little mercy to downed
pilots. Captain Watkins’ aircraft was rammed and destroyed by a Japanese fighter flown by 19-year-old Kinzou Kasuya. Local residents on
the ground reported seeing about a dozen parachutes. One US airman
was killed when another Japanese fighter flew through his parachute,
cut the cords and sent him plummeting to the ground. Another crew
member drew his pistol when he touched the ground and opened fire
on the Japanese approaching him. When he reached his last bullet,
he shot himself dead. The local residents stabbed another crewman
to death and left others with knife wounds. Local Army officers then
sent Watkins to Tokyo for interrogation. He survived the war in a
POW camp. The rest of the crew were handed over to the medical
staff at Kyushu University where they were subjected to the terrible
experiments.
WAR CRIMES IN THE NAME OF THE EMPEROR
The Japanese armed forces committed a wide range of war crimes
during brutal combat in the Pacific and China. Images of Japanese
soldiers using captured enemies for bayonet practice have become
the symbol of Japanese barbarity, and the ordeals endured by Allied
prisoners on the Bataan Death March and construction of the BurmaSiam railroad are well known in popular culture. Allied airmen who
were shot down over Japanese held territory could usually expect to
be killed if they were able to bail out, often after terrible torture or a
short arbitrary ‘trial’. But aside from the atrocities at Kyushu University, a group of medics known as Unit 731 carried out thousands
of experiments on Chinese and Russian prisoners of war. In a camp
in northern China, thousands of prisoners were infected with various
diseases and subjected to invasive surgery without anesthesia to study
the effects. Limbs were also amputated and re-attached in unnatural
positions, and some victims’ esophegeal tracts were attached directly
to their intestines. Others were used to test grenades and flame throwers. The architects of Unit 731 were given immunity after the war so
Soviet and US forces could study their data on biological warfare.
You are the bravest
of the brave...
Proud supporter of the
1st Marine Division
Association
Join Us! Please!
June Cormier:
[email protected]
Dear Brave Veteran,
I cannot thank you enough
for your courage... the
courage to fight for the
freedom every American
holds so dear. Please know
I am thinking of you today
and every day.
Signed, Sheila
SCUTTLEBUTT
July/August/September, 2015
Page 10
A LEADER OF MARINES
Lt.Gen Clyde D. Dean USMC
THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST
I Was blown away when the SCUTTLEBUTT arrived
and there on the cover was a good friend - C.D. Dean,
WOW!!
Dick and I were C O's of Alpha Co and Delta Co, later to
become Echo Co and Hotel Co. I Could go on and on but
suffice it to say Dick was one of the finest Marines I have
ever served with. I Can't wait for the next edition.
Semper Fi, Joe Guggino
Howdy Joe,
I’m delighted to know that you knew Dick. I was a newly minted
PFC when I joined A-1-5 at Camp Margarita in the early spring of
1965. Captain C.D. “ Dick” Dean so Impressed me that I gave my
first-born son the middle name of “Dean “ - his first name is Mitchell;
you may recall Mitchell Paige...? Well, Mitchell Dean went on to the
Naval Academy and ultimately retired a LtCol.
The article featuring General Dean in this issue of the SCUTTLEBUTT was prepared by a published author promoted in previous
issues of the SCUTTLEBUTT and one who served with A-1-5 same
time I did; Herb Brewer - 1stSgt H.D. Brewer. Herb was a salty
squared away sergeant, E-5 with A-1-5. I decided to defer to him
the task of writing up the general since he knew him best and knows
tidbits I don’t know. I asked him and he agreed. We couldn’t find
much in GOOGLE, not even his obit. I tried someone who may have
spent more time with him than even you did, Andy Beeler. Andy was
one of Dick’s platoon commanders and mine.
Take care, Good Buddy.
Semper Fi, Vince, The Ol’ Sarge
Vince,
Found the following via Google. Don’t have anything from our time
at Camp Pendleton. Andy Beeler
LtGen Clyde D. Dean USMC (Ret), died 23 December 2001 in
Martinsburg, West Virginia, at the age of 71. A native of Little Rock,
Arkansas, Dean graduated in 1954 from the U.S. Naval Academy,
and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. His
assignments during the 1950s included service as platoon commander of the 1st Amphibious Reconnaissance Company, executive officer of the Marine Detachment aboard the USS Los Angles
(CA135), and company commander of a recruit training company at
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. During the Vietnam War,
he served with the 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, and the 3d Battalion,
3d Marines. From 1975-1978, he was the commanding officer of the
Basic School at Quantico, Virginia. Following promotion in 1979 to
brigadier general, Gen Dean served as the Director of Intelligence,
and later served as the Inspector General of the Marine Corps. In
1985, he was assigned duties as Commanding General, I Marine
Amphibious Force, and 1st Marine Division. His last duty assignment was as Chief of Staff, Headquarters Marine Corps, until his
retirement in 1987. Gen Dean’s many personal decorations and
awards included the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Legion
of Merit with Combat “V,” Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V,” and
the Purple Heart.
When we were still at Margarita, I was the Duty NCO
with little to do in the early mornings, so I pilfered
around the office looking for something to do. I found
Captain Deans file left unattended in a clerks desk, so I
looked through it. The one thing that struck me most was
that he was a "RHODES SCHOLAR," and his GCT was
about one-hundred and forty-four. I'll check this out and
see what I can find out. Application in for First Mar Div,
and one vote for the old Sarge.
Semper Fi, Herb
A hero is a person who is admired for his or her qualities, courage,
and regarded as a model Marine for others to follow their example.
They are the central figure in an important event, an act of heroism,
and honored for their outstanding qualities as a Marine: The ones
who seek no glory for themselves and are willing to honor those
who have sacrificed just as much or more. There are many Marines
who fit this image of a hero: When preparing for departure to Vietnam on 5 May 1965, the Marines of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion,
5th Marines, we champion one hero above the others. Captain Clyde
D. Dean.
Communication is one of the greatest qualities a leader could have,
and Captain Dean was a great communicator when talking to his
Marines. He had a knack by always talking with them rather than
at them. By doing so, he could depend on his young men to tell
him the way it is, not the way it is supposed to be. There is a no
faster way to communicate with the “Ole Man” than a company
inspection. This was evident during company inspections, when the
captains’ intent was to become acquainted with the men of his company, rather than to focus on (Irish-pennants). Taking interest in the
Marines education, personal life and his family; the captain would
question each Marine and evaluate the pride, confidence, knowledge, and ability to accomplish the mission.
Captain Dean understood: What the officers think, is what the troops
will think tomorrow. Poor leadership resulted in poor thoughts, feelings, and attitude; which violate the trust of the legacy of the Marine
Officer. He felt that leadership by example is the staple that binds all
subordinates together as a whole, and by setting the example he expected the same from the company-grade officers through the noncommissioned officers. The back bone of the Marine Corps is its
non-commissioned officers, and it’s the sergeants and corporals that
provided the most direct and personal leadership found anywhere.
The captain fully understood this, and went to great lengths to
personally critique and counsel the sergeant on their fitness reports.
First parsing them on their leadership traits, and make the most of
those they need to work on. In Vietnam, he personally visited each
platoon, often driving through hostile territory to reach each Marine.
Sometimes in the platoon command post, in the sergeants fighting
position, and even sitting in a jeep under the cover of darkness with
a red flashlight.
About September 13, 1965, Captain Dean and his radioman were
riding on top of an Otos on route to check one of his platoons when
it ran over a land mine. The blast blew Captain Dean from the
vehicle, but as the vehicle began to roll his radioman was pinned
beneath and killed. At Charlie-Med, the captain insisted on returning to his duties, but under the assertive persuasion of First Sergeant
Wadleigh, he remained overnight for observation of a concussion.
Less than forty-eight hours later, Captain Dean was back in the field
directing operation against the enemy. Know your men, and employ
them to their capabilities. (Continued on next page)
July/August/September, 2015
SCUTTLEBUTT
On September 15, a squad was conducting a combat patrol forward
of the company area when it came under heavy enemy fire. A fire
team was isolated in a rice patty with one seriously wounded Marine,
and all overhead cover and support was refused by higher command.
Captain Dean took immediate action and sent in a reactionary squad,
followed by the remnants of the rest of the company. Arriving at the
squad’s position, he asked the squad leader “Where do you want me
to place my company?” The Captain understood the fifth paragraph
of the “Five Paragraph Order.” Command and communication was
still the responsibility of the squad leader, and the leadership of his
company was now under the operational control of his sergeant.
Often military leadership and promotion have conflicting views.
Captain Dean was promoted to Major and transferred to Regimental
Headquarters in October 1965. During his career he would rise to the
rank of Lieutenant General and retire in 1987. It would be thirtythree years later in 1988, Clyde Dean and his company would gather
for a company reunion in Redwood, California. It was the last time
he visited his men of A/1/5, and he said that he only wanted to be remembered as a Marine, and a Christian who did his job as he saw fit.
As a guest speaker to the Gold Star Mothers on November 11, 1996,
when Honoring the War dead in Martinsburg, he called the monument a “hallowed spot.” He said no group appreciates the sacrifices
made by men and women in war more than veterans themselves.
“They know the sacrifices, the blood, sweat and tears. They know the
long, lonely separation from families, the loss of blood, limbs and
health, and the misery of being a prisoner of war. More than 1 million Americans have died and thousands are unaccounted for in the
nation’s wars.”
As young Marines, the General gave us courage to follow our dreams
in life and faith in our convictions to honor our God, Country, and
our Corps. We have kept faith to our leaders of the past, and should
never render that faith to any lesser honor.
Herb Brewer
We hang the pretty thieves and appoint the great
ones to public office.
-AesopWhen I was a boy I was
told that anybody could become President; I’m beginning to believe it.
- Clarence DarrowIt is better to be kind
than right.
-Sheriff Joe Arpaio-
Page 11
FROM THE GRAPEVINE....
Bill Bussey just sent to the printer his 14th book plus 1 book of
Poetry. I’m looking forward to reading it. Jerry Kelley called a
couple of days ago with good news. He has been being treated for
prostate cancer. He is free of cancer. He said Don Clark told him that
he had eaten 2 tea spoons of ground up Pecan in the morning and
evening. So after a few months the Dr.’s gave him the good news.
In an email a year or so ago Don told of his cancer treatment at the
VA. Six months or so ago I along with others got an email saying he
was free of cancer. I had assumed treatment at the VA. had gotten rid
of it. John Bartlett is still doing OK but is making trips to the VA.
He too got some good news as recent test showed that early indications of cancer showed he was clear. Since John can no longer use
his computer due to his eye sight which has gotten worse, we talk
by phone about once a week to keep up with current events and the
weather recently as our fronts get to van Buren AR. a day or so later.
Talked to Jon Campbell today as we saw on the news last night that
Braes Bayou in Houston was out of its banks. Jon and his wife Lynn
have a very lovely home on the south side of Braes Bayou with some
beautiful furniture. Flood water would be devastating. They are high
and dry but water is all around them. Many years ago we lived about
8 blocks on the north side Braes Bayou and during (at that time) a so
called 100 year flood occurred and water got to about 6 feet in front
yard from our house. It was around chest deep in the street in front
of our house so we too were surrounded by water. That’s all I can
recall at this moment.
“We make men without chest and expect of them
virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors
in our midst”
-C.S. Lewis“Be more concerned
with your character
than your reputation,
because your character
is what you really are,
while your reputation is merely what others think
you are.”
-John WoodenToday’s preparation is tomorrow’s performance
-Bobby Clampett-
July/August/September, 2015
SCUTTLEBUTT
Page 12
PERKS OF A WAR
By: William Bussey
The snow glisten in the early light
It’s beautiful but that’s unseen
Bitter cold shows in every breath
Leaving small clouds hanging in the air
Distant mountain peaks are white
A winter paradise wasted in a war
He stomps his feet and feels the pain
His mind and body accept the cold
In Memory
Of Our
Hero’s
William Demas
The frozen hole gives some shelter
The canten cup of coffee warms his
hands as he waits for his rations to heat
Split and swollen lips distort his face
The cigarette is like acid in his throat
His hair is long and matted
His young face is whiskered and drawn
Body filthy, clothes stiff with dirt
The familiar sound of incoming hate
Falls from the sky with total disair
Moments seem like hours, nowhere to go
You have no choice, you just accept
Over now, he has survived again
He eats the food, it’s tasteless but warm
As he waits and watches he wonders
Who decided Hell was hot.
William “Bill” as he was called was with the 2nd platoon in Korea in
1951 and 1952. He passed away on June 27, 2015. He lived most of
his life in Scranton PA. He is survived by 2 daughters and 3 sons and
their families.
John Bartlett
We regret to have to pass-along this information.
John William Barlett passed away August 24, 2015.
John had a bladder infection and he waited to long for treatment
resulting in the infection spreading to other organs. If you get a bladder infection get treatment right away. John was the 2nd platoon in
Korea in 1951 as a rifleman, fire team leader, squad leader and platoon guide. He was with the Kansas City, MO. Police department for
30 years. He was a Captain for the last 10 years with the department
Anna Lee passed away July 16, 2015
She will be cremated, no service .
Patricia Jebavy 1927-2015
Hubert Roy Strong 1919-2009
Howdy Jim,
Thanks for your offer to print something up for me. We
always enjoy hearing from the troops and yes, I'll print whatever
you say. And thank you for sending along a much needed donation
tour Treasurer, Jim Fairbairn.
At the back of the SCUTTLEBUTT is a brochure with an
application for membership in the 1st MarDiv Assoc. I'd consider
it a personal favor if you would sign up someone - anyone - a
Marine or sailor who was with or in support of the 1stMarDiv; a
spouse ( associate member ) or someone who was neither ( Friend
of the Association ).
I bought my uncle, Joe Whitt, a " Over 75 Senior Life "
membership as a gift. Uncle Joe was at Guadalcanal aboard the
USS San Francisco in support of the First Marine Division.
Semper Fi, Vince
Hi Vince,
Jim Mortensen here. Got your letter today regarding the
current issue. I did get it a couple of days ago and read every word
in it. I really appreciate the efforts you guys put into every issue. I'm
sending Fairbairn a small check to help with expenses and I'm sending you the story about how I became an A1/5 er. I hope you enjoy
it. Please feel free to edit to suit your needs if you decide to print it
for the troops.
Things are going well here even with the drought we are
experiencing. I'm glad I no longer have livestock to worry about.
We have let our lawns go and are concentrating on saving our trees.
Thanks for all you do. SEMPER FIDELIS Jim Mortensen A1/5