"True patriotism isn't cheap. It's about taking on a fair share of the burden of keeping America going."
-- Robert Reich
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FIRST MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATION
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Memorial Day
May 27, 2019
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A Boy Scout salutes as flags are placed on veterans' graves for Memorial Day
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A shortened Blue Diamond News today. A full edition will go out Wednesday.
Let us remember and be grateful for what we, and all our veterans have sacrificed for our nation. And, be safe out there this weekend.
Semper Fi
Jerry Johs
President
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72nd Annual Reunion
Louisville, Kentucky
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Our 72nd Annual Reunion is set for August 3 through 12, 2019, in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Hotel.
We'll see old friends, make new friends, and see the sights of the Blue Grass State.
The Registration Form and Program for the week is
now available.
Please start making your plans to join us in a week of tradition, fun, and comradery.
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Hotel Reservation Deadline
Reservations must by booked by June 10 to receive the Group Rate.
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From: Steve "Doc" Lakernick
Let's Go Bowling!
Thursday, August 8
6:30PM - 11:00PM
Louisville, Kentucky
Join us for Association Bowling Fun Night. We'll have a private section of the bowling alley. We'll dine on chili, hot dogs, chips, soda, and beer. Bowling shoes included.
Price $50. Please pay to Association HQ in advance by July 8.
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Hello Ladies! Update!
I'm hoping to see a lot of you at the upcoming Louisville, KY reunion luncheon. I will not be doing BINGO this year as last year didn't have a very good turnout. I am hoping to have someone their for entertainment, and I will be donating a really nice item to be a door prize. Attendees will receive one ticket upon entering the place where the luncheon will take place. You must be registered for the luncheon to be part of the door prize giveaway.
There will be a Silent Auction during the week of the Reunion, instead of the Chinese Raffle that was previously mentioned.
I am reaching out to everyone for donations of new items you may have laying around that you would like to donate for this silent auction. It doesn't have to be Marine Corps related. I am going to have women and men items up for this. If you have something you would like to donate, please contact me through Jerry Johs email at
Geronamo0122@gmail.com or you can mail your items to the office. Please include a note that it for the silent auction.
Thank you,
Cheryl Johs
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Executive Committee/Board of Directors Meeting
The Executive Committee and Board of Directors met April 2 in Louisville, Kentucky. Details will be published in an upcoming edition.
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The Association's Own AR-10
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Our latest PX item. 6% of sales support your Association.
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The Semper Fi Fund is caring for veterans from all U.S. military service branches. See below for details of services provided.
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1st Battalion 3rd Marines
Reunion in Branson, Missouri, September 17-22, 2019. All eras welcome.
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26th Marines Association
26th Marines Association Annual Reunion. August 23, 24 and 25th, 2019 in New Orleans, La. 26’ers of all times, Iwo to current (Regiment, MEU, and supporting units) are welcome. See
www.26thMarines.com
for details. Or call Sonny at 512-825-4730 or email
sonnyusmc@gmail.com
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Marine Corps Recruiting Service
Reunion, September 11 - 14, 2019, Bluffton SC. This event is for any Marine who served in a Recruiting Command either Officer or Enlisted, please visit our website for more information:
Our guest speaker for our Banquet is retired General, former Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Walter Boomer.
This will be our third annual reunion and would love to see many West Coast Marines join us.
Larry B. Risvold
Sergeant Major, USMC Retired
Organizer
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Samuel Ortiz Verdeja
Delta Company
‘69/’70
A HISTORICAL REMEMBRANCE
The 1/1 Reunion Committee has been planning a great schedule for the
October 23rd -26th
1st Battalion, 1st Marines Reunion to be held in
San Diego
. One of the highlights during the Reunion is the “Day at MCRD” where a special section for the Recruit Graduation and Parade Ceremony has been designated for the 1/1 group.
The Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), Brigadier General Ryan P. Heritage has been invited to help welcome the 1/1 Vietnam Veterans, their families and invited guest, and to speak about the history and significance of MCRD as a military depot. Gunnery Sergeant John L. Canley, the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient will be acknowledged and recognized for his heroic actions in Hue City during the Vietnam War. Immediately after the ceremony we will be transported to the Bayview Café for a luncheon. After the luncheon there will be plenty of FREE TIME to wander and explore MCRD Museum and other sites. The day will end with a spectacular sunset view from Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial.
We are getting a positive response and are beginning to receive registrations for the Reunion. As Board Chairman, along with the Reunion Committee Board of Directors we invite you to register ASAP, and also ask that you contact other 1/1-Marines and encourage them to register and attend the Reunion. Please visit the
1stbn1stmarinesvietnamreunion.com
website for registration form and all details regarding the 2019 Reunion.
This Reunion promises to be a Historical Remembrance for many reasons. However, I continue to be reminded that this may be the last time that some of us may go back to our beginnings as young Marine recruits. That in itself is worth attending!
Finally, an update will be posted first week of every month on the web site until reunion time. Meanwhile if you have any questions or thoughts, please let us know via the website:
1stbn1stmarinesvietnamreunion.com
Questions?
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MILITARY SERVICE RECORDS, AWARDS, AND UNIT HISTORIES
(See the attached pdf file, or go to the URL at bottom here)
A New Congressional Research Service Publication on U.S. Military Service Records, Awards, and Unit Histories
The Congressional Research Service has just published a short reference document that might be of interest to many:
The guide provides information on locating military unit histories and individual service records of discharged, retired, and deceased military personnel. It also provides information on locating and replacing military awards and medals. Included is contact information for military history centers, websites for additional sources of research, and a bibliography of other publications, including related CRS reports.
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71st Annual Reunion Challenge Coins Available
From: Steve "Doc" Lakernick
These Challenge Coins commemorating the 50th anniversary of Tet 1968 are available to members. The price is $5 per coin, plus shipping and handling.
Pictured here are front and back of the coin.
1 coin: total $7.00
2 - 5 coins: $5.00 per coin + $7.00
7 - 12 coins $5.00 per coin + $15.00
More than 12 coins ship via UPS Ground. Please call the office or write for a quote. Mailing address and phone at bottom of this page.
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Headquarters Office (760) 763-3268
President Jerry Johs Email:
geronamo0122@gmail.com
First Marine Division Association
P.O. Box 9000, Box # 902
Oceanside CA 92051
(760) 763-3268
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Thank you for reading the Blue Diamond News. Please contact us with corrections, suggestions, and content you would like to see.
Semper Fidelis
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