"We've backed off in good faith to try and give you a chance to straighten this problem out. But I am going to beg with you for a minute. I'm going to plead with you, do not cross us. Because if you do, the survivors will write about what we do here for 10,000 years."
|
|
FIRST MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATION
|
|
Summer in Al Anbar Province, Iraq
|
|
Marines, Corpsmen, and Airmen at Al Taqaddum Airbase, Anbar Province
|
|
July 3, 2007 - U.S. Army forces, with the help of Iraqi police, beat back an attempted al Qaeda in Iraq assault on Ramadi on June 30 and July
1.
At least 23 insurgents “affiliated with al Qaeda in Iraq” were killed
in
a series of raids against Donkey Island, which sits about 3 miles south of Ramadi. “Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces received reports that a significant number of anti-Iraqi forces had gathered on the outskirts of Ramadi to stage a series of large scale attacks,” Multinational Forces Iraq reported. “The group, affiliated with al Qaeda in Iraq, intended to regain a base of operations in Al Anbar with suicide car and vest bomb attacks.”
Major Jeff Pool, the chief Public Affairs Officer for Multinational Force West, stated in an email that Iraqi Police in the region provided the intelligence on the insurgent force at Donkey Island.
Multinational Force West provides a detailed account of the battles, which consisted of ground attacks backed by Apache helicopter gunships and fixed wing fighter-bombers. Several of the insurgents had suicide vests, and a sophisticated bunker complex and fighting positions were discovered and destroyed.
The battle began at approximately 9:20 p.m. Saturday when Coalition Forces were attacked with small arms fire from two trucks near their position. U.S. Soldiers returned fire and pursued the fleeing attackers with the help of Army AH-64A Apache helicopter gun ships, Marine F-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier fighter jets. Helicopters killed at least one insurgent and wounded another, and destroyed the two trucks, later determined to be loaded with weapons, ammunition and explosives.
A detailed search of the area at 5 a.m. Sunday discovered 22 dead insurgents, including seven who were wearing suicide vests, as well as 24 homemade grenades, 20 pressure plate improvised explosive devices, assault rifles and machine guns, military uniforms, suicide vests and backpacks with first aid kits. Most of the enemy were dressed in similar white dishdashas and white running shoes, an outfit often associated with extremist fighters prepared to kill themselves.
...
Major Pool stated that al Qaeda will not concede Anbar province without a fight. “Every assessment I hear says that AQI will not give up Al Anbar even if that means random suicide attacks; anything to keep them relevant.” While it may seem counterintuitive, al Qaeda’s suicide campaign against the tribes and local security forces are what turned the tide against the terror group in Anbar province. “These attacks focusing mainly on Iraqi Security Forces and infrastructure represent acts of desperation on the part of AQI [al Qaeda in Iraq],” Major Pool said. “Al Qaeda suicide attacks against infrastructure or Iraqi police is a set back for AQI not Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces.”
...
|
|
Iraqi Soldiers and Marine Dragoons Sweep and Clear the Desert, Al Anbar Province, June 2009
|
|
AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq — Sand blows in small funnels across a narrow, deserted Iraqi highway. Minus the roadway itself and distant high-tension wires, there is not a single identifiable feature, only silence and the blowing sand. That is until the silence of the barren, unforgiving desert landscape gives way to the distant hum of vehicle engines.
The roar of 250-horsepower Detroit 6V53T engines powering two Marine light armored vehicles may have made the sound, but the first vehicles to emerge from the swirling dust and sand were two Iraqi army tactical vehicles. Within minutes, these Iraqi vehicles are joined by LAVs and a small convoy of other tactical vehicles.
This was no ordinary Sunday drive. Instead, operating under the bright Iraqi sun and a cloudless blue sky, soldiers from the 7th Iraqi Army Division and members of Company D, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 8, were busy sweeping and clearing Iraq's vast western desert.
The mission was the latest undertaken by the 7th IA Division, who are now in the lead of securing their sector of the Al Anbar province. In doing so, and as forces from Multi-National Force - West step further back from frontline combat and counterinsurgency duties, the Iraqis are increasingly demonstrating they can secure and safeguard their own country.
Though the Marines of Company D, nicknamed the 'Dragoons,' made their presence known during the two-day mission, the entire operation was planned, organized and set in motion by the Iraqis.
...
|
|
Dear Members,
We are getting packed for our trip to Louisville, Kentucky.
Good news for you procrastinators: The hotel has released 3 rooms still at our group rate. Call our HQ to stake your claim.
You can still register for the Reunion. Walk-in Reunion registrations are always welcome during the week.
If you enjoy bowling, or just an evening of fun, beer, and food, join us at our Bowling Night in Louisville. We need more bowlers! Be there for a night of sport and chili. Thursday, August 8. Call HQ to sign up at (760)763-3268.
Back in June I made a plea for support to keep the Association going. My thanks go out you Blue Diamond News readers who responded. And, as well as to the Chapters and individuals who contributed for ads in this year's Reunion Journal.
We are getting a great response to the mailing of a fundraising plea to our members who do not have email. Thanks to all you folks, too.
I asked for your help for the Association, and so many of you pitched in.
You make me proud. Thank you.
This will be our last Blue Diamond News before the Reunion. Next week the office staff will be prepping for our biggest event of the year.
See y'all in Kentucky, and bring your bowling shoes!
Semper Fi
Jerry Johs
President
|
|
72nd Annual Reunion
Louisville, Kentucky
|
|
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.
|
|
Hotel Reservation Deadline
for the Group Rate is now past, however the hotel has released 3 rooms at our special rate.
Call the FMDA HQ now to make it yours.
(760)768-3268
Did not pre-register for the Reunion?
You are welcome to show up and register
at the hotel during the week.
August 3rd - 12th
|
|
COME AND ENJOY AN EVENING WITH JOE GALLOWAY
At the 1st Marine Division Association 72nd Annual Reunion
Wednesday August 7th, 2019 from 19:00 hrs until
in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Hotel.
Joe Galloway will be talking to all veterans attending and will have his latest book available to be purchase and will be signed by him.
|
|
An American newspaper correspondent and columnist. Since 2013, he has worked as a special consultant for the
Vietnam War
50th anniversary Commemoration project run out of the Office of the Secretary of Defense and has also served as consultant to
Ken Burns
' production of a
documentary history of the Vietnam War
broadcast in the fall of 2017 by
PBS
. He is also the former Military Affairs consultant for the
Knight-Ridder
chain of newspapers and was a columnist with
McClatchy Newspapers
|
|
From: Steve "Doc" Lakernick
Let's Go Bowling!
We need more signups for Bowling Night
Please call HQ for a night of sport and fun
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 HQ call to get on the roster.
|
|
Hello Ladies!
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
|
|
1ST MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATION
SCHOLARSHIP, INC.
|
|
ATTENTION: Scholarship Applicants
The deadline for submission of applications
for the Fall Semester 2019 is
5 August 2019
Scholarship Selection Committee Point of Contact:
Col. Len Hayes
Phone (760)712-7088
|
|
As about 3 million more people will soon be eligible to shop at
military stores, officials are working to make sure these new customers will have access to bases, and that the shelves will be stocked.
Starting Jan. 1, all service-connected disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war and primary veteran caregivers will be eligible to shop at
commissaries and exchanges, and officials from three federal agencies are preparing the way.
The newly eligible customers will also be able to use certain morale, welfare and recreation activities.
It’s the largest patronage expansion in more than 60 years, said Virginia Penrod, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for manpower and reserve affairs, who spoke at a recent meeting of the American Logistics Association.
|
|
The Cognitive Neuroscience Lab of Memory at UT Dallas was recently awarded a grant for a replication of an earlier study looking at a novel treatment for
combat related PTSD
. Our lab is currently recruiting for this new clinical trial, a multisite replication of the previous project that found positive effects of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) paired with Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD) in Veterans from post 9/11 combat cohorts.
The success of the initial project was directly related to the assistance that we received from organizations like yours in getting this information out to Veterans who might benefit from participation. We also want to be able to direct the Veterans who participate in our study to local organizations like yours that could help them in other areas of their lives. Can you help us distribute this information?
There are a variety of ways that you can assist with this effort. Are there events we could attend coming up in the next 6 months? Please let me know if you would like additional information and if you would like either printed or electronic materials for distribution. We would be happy to schedule a time for you to call or come tour our facility to learn more about our team and project. We’d also like to schedule a time to come to you to learn more specifics about the services you offer.
Best,
Kelsey Watson
Kelsey Watson, MPsy |
Research Coordinator
Cognitive Neuroscience Lab of Memory | The University of Texas at Dallas
|
|
SoCal Chapter Lunches with 1st Recon
|
|
The Southern California Chapter served hot dogs, hamburgers, beans, and more to about 200 1st Recon Marines and sailors at Camp Las Flores, Camp Pendleton, this past Friday, July 19. Above, Chapter President SgtMaj (Ret) Tony Aguilar addresses the troops before declaring the serving line open.
|
|
Members are invited to attend the 2019 Annual Retiree Expo
aboard Camp Pendleton, California on 7 September, 2019. The FMDA staff is planning to participate as an exhibitor.
|
|
WE APPRECIATE AND HONOR YOU!
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is proud to roll out the red carpet to honor our military Retirees at the 2019 Retiree Expo! There will be various organizations at the event to cater to the unique needs of our Retirees:
Defense Finance & Accounting Service
Military Officers Association of America
Department of Veterans Affairs
Health Net Federal Services (TRICARE West)
...and many others!
We look forward to your attendance!
2019 Retiree Expo
7 September 2019
Doors will open at 7:30am
Event will begin at 8:30am
Pacific Views Event Center
202850 San Jacinto Road
MCB Camp Pendleton, CA
|
|
The Association's Own AR-10
|
|
AR-10 raffle tickets on sale now. Over 160 already spoken for.
Get yours while you can.
Call HQ at (760)763-3268.
The winner will be responsible for shipping the rifle home,
through Federal Firearms Licensees.
|
|
Our latest PX item. 6% of sales support your Association.
|
|
Update: Previous brochure said the K-Bar Serial No. 1 would be auctioned.
The K-Bar will raffled
at the Reunion Banquet Dinner, Saturday, August 10, 2019, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Tickets $10 each, or 6 tickets for $50. Please call or write FMDA HQ for your tickets.
|
|
The Semper Fi Fund is caring for veterans from all U.S. military service branches. See below for details of services provided.
|
|
1st Battalion 3rd Marines
Reunion in Branson, Missouri, September 17-22, 2019. All eras welcome.
|
|
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
.
|
|
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
|
|
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?
|
|
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.
|
|
LCPL DAVID M. OVERTURF, sponsor: DAV Magazine
SGT DALE E. GENSICKE
|
|
SGT RONALD D. BROWARD, 8 May 2013
SGT ROBERT W. COURSEY, 2 October 2014
SGT ROBERT A. EBERLE, 12 February 2013
SGT H. R. EPPERSON JR, 12 June 2000
ORVILLE C. JOHNSON, 30 September 2017
SGT ANTHONY M. LIMA, 21 February 2019
CWO4 FREDERICK D. MANN, 9 January 2017
ROBERT D. MAXWELL, MOH, 11 May 2019
CPL DAVID M. MILLER, 7 May 2019
SGT ALVIN G. PADILLA JR, 17 November 2004
SGT DAVID E. ROCKHILL, 16 July 2007
|
|
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.
UPDATE: Coins will be available only at the
72nd Annual Reunion, August 5-10, 2019
in Louisville, Kentucky
|
|
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
|
|
Thank you for reading the Blue Diamond News. Please contact us with corrections, suggestions, and content you would like to see.
Semper Fidelis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
