“Every election is determined by those who show up."

- Larry J. Sabato

Election Announcement

FMDA ELECTION 2025-2027

CALL FOR CANDIDATE BIOS

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Thomas B. Savage, center, the commanding general of 1st Marine Division, speaks with Marines from Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st MARDIV, while observing a military assisted departure as a part of Steel Knight 24 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 6, 2024.

Steel Knight is an annual exercise that takes place in multiple locations across the Southwest that allows I Marine Expeditionary Force to train as a full Marine Air-Ground Task Force and better integrate with joint and naval forces.

The exercise also certifies 1st Marines and Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, to be forward-postured in Australia as part of Marine Rotational Force - Darwin, a six-month deployment during which Marines train with Australian allies and facilitate rapid response to crises and contingencies.

(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ezekieljay Correa)

Dear Members,

The Nominating Committee of the 1st Marine Division Association announces the opening of our election season.

FMDA ELECTION 2025-2027

CALL FOR CANDIDATE BIOS

The Association will be holding the election of officers next year for the 2025-2027 term. 

We depend on member participation for leadership. Please consider running for an elected office. Other than the offices of Treasurer or Legal, no particular skill is required, just the desire, and some time, to serve our Association.

Please contact the association office or the chairman of the Nominating Committee, Mike Galyean, with the office for which you intend to run.

After doing that, submit a bio of your background and experience. Candidates' biography is published so that members may make an informed vote. The bio can be up to one page of text. A headshot photo should accompany. Example bios can be found on our website https://1stmda.org on the Team page.

Bios and photos may be emailed to june.oldbreed@fmda.us

or sent to our mailing address.

Our By-Laws prohibit any "electioneering". That means no "campaigning." Submission of the bio is the only action needed or allowed. Association By-Laws can be found here.

Please submit your candidate's bio by January 31, 2025.

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

Semper Fi

Mike Galyean

Chairman, Nominating Committee

galyeanmike@gmail.com

321-276-7515

We have sold 24 mugs so far. 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 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.

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

NEW SENIOR LIFE MEMBER

SSGT WILLIAM EDWARD NAY,

Sponsor: Mike Welsh - Silicon Valley Chapter

NEW LIFE MEMBER

SGT PATRICK J. HART

Sponsor: Bridget Hart

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.

SGT SAMUEL V. MESSINA, 19 Jun 2024

MSGT FRANK METERSKY, 15 Dec 2021

MSGT JOHN A. METZLER, 28 Mar 2015

E. RICHARD MICHAUD, 28 Oct 2011



Report last run 27 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.

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Semper Fidelis