“...Elmer Hawkins, who can sing all the words to Waltzing Matilda."

-LtGen Robert C. Fulford,

address at his promotion ceremony to LtGen

Thanksgiving Day 2024

MGen Thomas B. Savage

Assumes Division Command, and

LtGen Robert C. Fulford

Ordered to

Deputy Commander, U.S. European Command

Division Commander LtGen Robert C. Fulford passes the Division colors to incoming CG MGen Thomas B. Savage, on 26 November 2024 aboard Camp Pendleton, California. (Photo by Dennis Coady)

1st Marine Division's 79th Commanding General, MGen Thomas B. Savage addresses the assembly. (Photo by Cpl Earik Barton, 1st Marine Division)

LtGen Michael S. Cederholm watches as Mrs. Fulford and daughter pin three stars on General Fulford. (Photo by Cpl Earik Barton, 1st Marine Division)

Colors as the formation passes in review. (Photo by Dennis Coady)

Marine House USA's Chairman Yong Chu Park, LtGen Robert C. Fulford, SgtMaj Marty Vasquez after the ceremony. (Photo by Dennis Coady)

Reception followed in front of the now vacant White House, former Division CP. 1st Marine Division Band entertained. Fire truck holds a pizza oven.

(Photo by Dennis Coady)

SgtMaj Marty Vasquez, LtGen Robert C. Fulford, and SgtMaj Mathew J. Fouss at the old Blue Diamond. (Photo by Dennis Coady)

Dear Marine Family,

I hope this finds you and your loved ones enjoying Thanksgiving Day.

Staff attended the 1st Division's Change of Command on Tuesday 26 November.

After just six month as CG, MGen Robert C. Fulford relinquished the division command. I MEF CG LtGen Michael S. Cederholm read the orders promoting MGen to LtGen Fulford, and to Deputy Commander, US. European Command.

MGen Thomas B. Savage was appointed as Commanding General of the 1st Division. Gen Savage was Commanding General of Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, in Twenty-nine Palms, California.

We extend our warmest welcome to you, MGen Savage. We look forward to working with you, Sir.

Our most sincere Thanksgiving goes to LtGen Fulford. Congratulations on your promotion to 3-star, Sir. Thank you, General for your brief, but outstanding leadership of our Division. Your presence at our 77th Annual Reunion in San Antonio, Texas, helped make that a very special event. We trust you will help keep Europe safe for us.

It is my sad duty to report the passing of Cpl Carl F. Scott. He fought at the battles of Cape Gloucester, Peleliu, and Okinawa. He attended 48 of our Annual Reunions. He was our comrade and friend. Read his obituary here about a life well lived.

Our work planning next year's Annual Reunion continues. Available details follow below. Please try to attend this next August, if possible. We expect another great gathering, this time in Arlington, Virginia.

Happy Thanksgiving, and God bless the United States Marine Corps.

Semper Fi

William S. Godfrey

President, 1st Marine Division Association

wsgsr9454@aol.com

(505)554-9635

Our first notice sold 16 mugs. Thank you to all who bought a mug or two.

We had these mugs made for our 2024 Reunion. Price includes domestic shipping. Limited quantities are available, until sold out.

Mugs will ship from HQ FMDA.

Click here to order your mug

Our 78th Annual Reunion is set for 10-17 August 2025. Please see EVENTS section below for details.

A reminder of our new mailing address:

1st Marine Division Association

3784 Mission Ave Suite 148/608

Oceanside, California 92058

New members may also apply, and members may renew their dues,

on our website: www.1stMarineDivisionAssociation.org

HQ remains located in Building 33421, Camp Margarita, Camp Pendleton.

We welcome visits by members, but please call ahead.

Central Florida Chapter shares their latest edition of The "Ooo Rah" newsletter.

Tun Tavern Legacy Foundation

Our Mission:  To rebuild and re-establish The Tun™ as it was, a functioning mariner’s tavern reminiscent of colonial Philadelphia, serving period-influenced refreshments, food, and entertainment and offering an educational experience through exhibits, historical documents, and special events. 

All profits from operations of The Tun™ will be donated in perpetuity to support veteran causes, Masonic charities, educational scholarships, and qualified charities as determined by The Tun Tavern Legacy Foundation’s independent Board of Directors.

78th Annual Reunion

1st Marine Division Association

10 - 17 August, 2025

Hotel: Sheraton Pentagon City

Link: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1727800902471&key=GRP&guestreslink2=true

Group Code: FI4539 (Foxtrot India 4539)

Reservations: 1-888-627-7101

Sales: 703-271-6602

Complimentary WiFi, Overnight parking $15

Hotel Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines

Vietnam Veterans (1965-1970) 

Reunion at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Des Moines, IA 50309

May 29 - June 1, 2025

POC: Jerry Moorehead 515.999.2690, gamoorehead@msn.com

LUKE P. SOWIERALSKI, Friend

We continue to check public records to create the Taps Report.

Please report the passing of any Marine, Association member or not, so that our comrades may be remembered here. More recent passings are noted by boldface.

MR. WILLIAM SCHLITZ DARLING, 22 May 2024

SSGT GEORGE M. KLENK, 16 Jan 2024

PFC GUSTAVO C. MENDEZ, 27 Nov 2023

CPL RAYMOND G. MENDOZA, 28 Jul 2023

SGT ROBERT E. MENES, 29 Mar 2018

SGT WILLIAM B. MENTZEL, 9 Jun 2014

LCPL JOHN M. MERBOTH, 11 Aug 2014

CPL THOMAS H. MERCER, 26 Mar 2007

ELIZABETH MEREDITH, 6 Oct 2005

EDWARD F. MERVA, 15 Jun 1994

SSGT TED D. MERWIN

MGYSGT RICHARD F. MESCALL, 11 Jul 2010

CPL CARL F. SCOTT, 12 Nov 2024



Report last run 10 November 2024

Headquarters Office telephone numbers

(760)763-3267 June Cormier

(760)763-3268 Dennis Coady, and general information

(760)763-3269 SgtMaj Marty Vasquez

(760)763-3270 fax

President William S. Godfrey's email: wsgr9454@aol.com

Please visit our website: www.1stMarineDivisionAssociation.org

Mailing address:

1st Marine Division Association

3784 Mission Ave Suite 148/608

Oceanside, California 92058

Thank you for reading the Blue Diamond News.

Please contact us with corrections, suggestions, and content you would like to see.

Semper Fidelis