Blue Diamond News - 3 July 2025

"Marines, it is our duty and our privilege to stand ready in

defense of liberty, whenever and wherever our Nation calls. We

carry the torch of freedom forward, and to do so, we must remain

capable, vigilant, and worthy of the legacy we uphold."

-- General Eric M. Smith, Commandant

Ballots Mailing Update

FROM THE COMMANDANT

R 021200Z JUL 25

ALMAR 014/25

MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC//

SUBJ/INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE 2025//

GENTEXT/REMARKS/

1. As a Nation born in battle and founded on the principles of liberty and justice, America has served as a beacon of hope for nearly a quarter-millennium.

When the members of the Second Continental Congress approved the final version of the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776, they knew they were risking everything. They pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to forge a sovereign country rooted in a universal claim to liberty.

For 249 years, generations of warriors have followed in their footsteps, risking everything to preserve the ideals on which our Nation was built.

2. Independence Day is a time to rededicate ourselves to country and Corps. It is a day to reflect on all we have to be grateful for, to honor the freedoms we share, and to remember those who secured them.

3. Marines, it is our duty and our privilege to stand ready in defense of liberty, whenever and wherever our Nation calls. We carry the torch of freedom forward, and to do so, we must remain capable, vigilant, and worthy of the legacy we uphold.

4. To all Marines, Sailors, and families, I wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July. Look out for one another this holiday weekend and return ready to continue the mission.

5. Semper Fidelis, Eric M. Smith, General, U.S. Marine Corps,Commandant of the Marine Corps.//

https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/4233066/independence-day-message-2025/

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Members,

There were some problems with the recent ballots mailing I must address.

Firstly, the mailing list used was the same as used for the mailing this past January.

Associate members, and a few others, were on that list. Our By-Laws provide only for voting by Regular Annual Life Members. So, to our Associate members, please do not return the ballot.

Returned ballots will be verified against our members roster.

Your Region was not printed on the envelope. This is critical for voting for your Region's Deputy Vice President.

Please find your Region by State from the list below.

Lastly, despite proofing of the final by myself and our staff, the bio for Deputy Vice President - Central candidate Orlando Garza, was not printed.

Please find it below.

The deadline for return of the ballots has been extended to 1 August 2025.

One more Reunion item: Past President Jerry Corrento, Sr., is running a Silent Auction at the Reunion. Please bring to the Reunion your items that other Marines would treasure.

Beyond all this, I join with Commandant Smith in wishing you all a happy 4th of July Holiday. Please, keep it safe and sane.

Honor, defend, and cherish our Independence.

Semper Fi

Mike Galyean

President

(321)276-7515

galyeanmike@gmail.com

Region by State

Bio of Candidate for Deputy Vice President - Central

Orlando Garza

I joined the Marine Corps and served from 1984 to 1996 as an Aircraft Mechanic on the Marine Corps Public Relations DC-9, earning certification as an Aircrew member. I logged over 1,505 flight hours as a Flight Attendant and Crew Chief, holding a staff non-commissioned officer billet. I qualified as a Corporal and served with VMA (AW) 533, an A-6E Intruder Squadron, during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

During my service, I was a Flight Line NCOIC, Tool Room/IMRL Manager, overseeing $14 million in assets, and the IMRL Representative for the Marine Corps' entire A-6 Intruder community. I later served as a Marine Corps Recruiter with the 12th Marine District in Los Angeles, California, where I secured 96 enlistment contracts.

After my military career, I worked as a Community Education Coordinator with the American Red Cross. I then transitioned into Advertising and Marketing, working with national magazines, television, radio, and print corporations for 17 years. Additionally, I started a side business providing embroidery, screen printing, commercial printing, and promotional products.

I served as a board member of The Salvation Army for six and a half years before being invited to accept a position as the Corporate Relations Manager in San Antonio, where I have now worked for six and a half years.

I am an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Marine Corps League, and the Alamo Chapter of the 1st Marine Division Association, where I previously served as Commandant and President.

FROM HEADQUARTERS

Our 78th Annual Reunion is set for 11-17 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 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.

EVENTS

78th Annual Reunion

1st Marine Division Association

11 - 17 August, 2025

Please note updated Group Code and hotel phone numbers

Hotel: Sheraton Pentagon City

Link: Marriott/Sheraton Reservations

Room rate: $159

Group Code: FMDFMDB

Reservations: 1-888-236-2427

Front desk: 703-521-1900

Complimentary WiFi, Overnight parking $15

Complimentary Buffet Breakfast.

The breakfast is included only if you book through the hotel, using the group code FMDFMDB. Bookings through discount brokers do not credit toward the Association's contract with the hotel. That can make or break a successful Reunion.

Download the Registration Form:

78th Annual Reunion Registration Form

The link above will download your copy of the registration form.

You may call HQ at (760)763-3267, or email june.oldbreed@fmda.us for a form by mail. We can also complete your Registration and credit card information by phone.

Our website www.1stMarineDivisionAssociation.org has a link that will take you to an online Registration Form.

SILENT AUCTION

Past President Jerry Corrento, Sr, is organizing a Silent Auction for the Reunion. If you have suitable items that other Marines would treasure, please bring them to the Reunion

TUN TAVERN

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.

The Tun Website