The Blue Diamond News - 8 June 2022

“Marines are built through the ethos of struggle and sacrifice."

-- Gen. James Jones

FIRST MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATION

1st Marine Division Association

75th Annual Reunion

August 16-21, 2022

Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel

Arlington, Virginia

The Marine Corps Color Guard dips the battle color of the Marine Corps as the national anthem plays during a ceremony at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.

(U.S. Marine Corps/Jeremy Ware)

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Members,

The activities for our week in the Capital are forming up. Here are our plans so far, but subject to change.

The itinerary runs from check-in on Tuesday August 16 through departure on Sunday, August 21. Our group hotel rates run from August 13 through 22, for anyone who wants a longer stay. Hotel contact information is listed below.

Our schedule so far:

Tuesday, August 16: Check-in begins. Henderson Hall.

Wednesday, August 17: National Mall monuments and museums

Thursday, August 18: USMC Museum trip

Friday, August 19: Morning Memorial Service. Dinner at 8th & I, and the Evening Parade

Saturday, August 20: General Membership and Committee meetings, Ladies Lunch, Reunion Banquet.

Sunday, August 21: Check-out and departure, but hotel group rate is available through Tuesday, August 23.

We have a shuttle bus on Wednesday, to take you to the National Mall. Fare will be $10 per day.

We are contacting the Marine Corps Liaison Office to Congress about tickets to tour the White House and the Capitol building.

The banquet menu begins with Mixed Greens Salad, your choice of Airline Chicken Breast, or Grilled Shoulder Filet. Both entrées served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Asparagus.

Vegetarian entrée: Roasted Tomato Risotto with Char-Grilled Vegetables, Onion, Asiago Cheese.

Desert: Choice of N.Y. Cheesecake, Fresh Fruit Compote, Chocolate Ganache Torte Cake, Salted Caramel Drizzle, or Key Lime Pie.

The Registration Form can be downloaded for printing in the next section. Please call HQ if you need a form mailed to you.

Registration fee is set at $55, and includes primary registrant, and one guest, spouse, or significant other.

The deadline for Registration is July 15, but we will accommodate late registrations as much as we are able.

Please hit the survey question again. Survey answers do not obligate you, but as we contract for meals and buses, the numbers are helpful.

Looking forward to seeing many of you old and new friends in D.C. I expect we will have a great comeback Reunion.

Semper Fi

Gerard "Jerry" Corrento

President, 1st Marine Division Association

jcorrento@verizon.net

215-840-2257

Are you very likely to attend our Annual Reunion this August 16-21, at Sheraton Pentagon City?

Yes

Select

FROM HEADQUARTERS

2022 Annual Reunion Hotel Information

As of 8 June 2022

Sheraton Pentagon City

900 South Orme Street, Arlington Virginia 22204

Telephone +1(703) 521-1900

Fax: +1 (703) 271-6626

Website: Sheraton Pentagon City

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/wasgs-sheraton-pentagon-city-hotel/overview/

Our Group Code: FM1 (FM One)

Reunion Activities from 16 - 20 August -- Group Room Rate is available 13 - 22 August

Room rate: $125 one king bed, plus 14.25% tax. Total: $142.81

Free shuttle for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Hotel does not provide transport for Washington Dulles Airport (25 miles)

Complimentary breakfast for up to two persons per room

Hotel reservations must be made by Friday, July 29, 2022

Parking: reduced overnight parking rate $15 for attendees

FMDA Registration will be $55 for primary registrant, and one guest, spouse, or significant other.

Our contact at the hotel for any reservation issues:

Jada Chavez, phone 703-521-1900, email jada.chavez@sheratonpentagoncity.com

Please contact June Cormier, (760)763-3268, or june.oldbreed@fmda.us for information and registration.

Please call if you need a Registration Form mailed to you.

Download the Reunion Registration Form

MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day 2022 Tribute

"I Will Remember You" Video and Song by Peggy Lynn

Memorial Day Tribute 2022 - "I Will Remember" Video and Song - by Peggy Lynn

SCHOLARSHIP

Marines:

Attached are the 2021 federal and state tax returns (Federal 990 tax return is scan 129 and the California Form 199 return is scan 130). All federal and state filings were filed on-time.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Semper Fidelis,

Jerry Reed

Download the State Tax Filing

Download the Federal Tax Filing

CHAPTERS

Alamo Chapter

Dear members and associates,

It saddens me to inform you that member and Okinawa veteran David Straus has passed away. I have copied David's Obituary for you to read.

One of America’s Greatest Generation was lost on May 28, 2022, when David Jay Straus died at age 98. David Straus was born on October 4, 1923, in San Antonio, Texas. He grew up on the La Cima Ranch, which is now the USAA headquarters. After high school at Texas Military Institute, he went to Dartmouth College. These studies were cut short by World War II...

Full obituary continues at: https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/24979342/david-j-straus-ii/san-antonio/texas/porter-loring-mortuaries

1stSGT Valente Yruegas

Alamo Chapter is further saddened to announce the passing of 1stSGT Valente Yruegas, on May 15, 2022.

Val served in Korea and Vietnam. He is greatly missed.

Click here for Val Yruegas' Obituary

-- Ed "Tex" Stiteler

Dallas Chapter

Just learned that Dallas Chapter charter member Charlie Brittin passed away on Sunday, 29 May 2022. Charlie was a WWII Vet, serving on Okinawa. He turned 96 this past January.