"A Marine is a Marine. I set that policy two weeks ago
- there's no such thing as a former Marine."
-- General James F. Amos,
U.S.M.C. Commandant, 2008 to 2010
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FIRST MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATION |
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Colorado River Chapter
Celebrates 245th Marine Corps Birthday
in Bullhead City, Arizona
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Marine Corps Tradition Is Welcomed
In Bullhead City, Arizona
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Every year on November 10th, the United States Marine Corps celebrates the history and memory of those who served before, and rekindles the bond that unites all generations of Marines. This year, the gala balls that were previously held in celebration across the country with hundreds of Marines in attendance, have been postponed due to the pandemic.
Because of the bond between the Colorado River Chapter 1st Marine Division Association and the 7th Marine Regiment from 29 Palms, CA, a smaller and more intimate dinner and 245th birthday cake cutting ceremony became a reality on this Veterans’ Day in Bullhead City.
Special guest of honor, Jim Robinson, Chapter President, accompanied the Marines presenting the “Colors” to open the ceremony. The 1st Marine Division Band from Camp Pendleton, played the traditional music as the cake cutting ceremony took place. Colonel Matthew Good served the first piece of cake to the guest of honor and the second piece was passed to the oldest Marine present. The third piece is passed to the youngest Marine present.
This year, Bullhead City resident, 92 year old retired MasterGySgt., Robert Krause, was honored as the oldest Marine. Krause is a veteran of WWII, Korea, a China Marine, and lastly Vietnam. Pictured above is Krause and his wife of 58 years, Zonnie Krause, Marines of the 7th Regiment with Jim Robinson, and below ( left to right) is Sgt. Major A.J. Pompos, 7th Marine Regiment, Jim Robinson, President of CRCFMDA, Commanding Officer, Colonel Matthew Good, 7th Marine Regiment, AZ State Senator, Sonny Borrelli (retired USMC GySgt.), and Marine Veteran, John Rodarte, CRCFMDA Sgt. at Arms.
The 7th Marine Regiment at 29 Palms, CA, (Ripper Nation) falls under the 1st Marine Division with the motto “Prepare to March” with recent deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as previous wars from WWII, Korea, the Gulf War and Vietnam.
--from Cindy Frizelle
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Dear Members,
Hope you enjoyed our 245th birthday last week. The celebration this year was a bit less gala, but it would take a lot more than a worldwide virus to dampen our celebration of the founding of the United States Marine Corps.
Good news this week on vaccines against the COVID-19 virus. Let's hope the world is back to normal soon. I am looking forward to having a great comeback Annual Reunion next August in San Diego.
The Nominating Committee is still receiving nominations for Association offices for the 2021-2023 term. You are welcome to run for any office, but the offices of Sgt-at-Arms, and Treasurer, have no nominations at present. Please consider putting your name in to ensure the future of the 1st Marine Division Association.
To run, send in your short bio, and a copy of your DD-214 (with Social Security Number scratched out). Email to dennis.oldbreed@fmda.us, or send on paper to the office. Deadline is 31 December, 2020.
Our prayers and best wishes go out to Pierre Sims, Association Secretary, as he recovers from surgery.
We welcome aboard two new Life Members. SSGT Jason T. Revell served with 1 Recon and 2/1, 2000 to 2005. Our friend Bridget Hart gifted a Life Membership to Rev. 1STLT M.G. 'Pat' Robertson.
As we wait for the vaccines to be distributed, let's not let our guard down. Keep on hunkering down, and washing your hands, until the shots are delivered.
This will be a new kind of Thanksgiving holiday. We will be thankful the end of this pandemic might be in sight.
Semper Fi.
Jerry Johs
President
DJC
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Save the date!
First week in August 2021
Oceanside/San Diego, California
Blue Diamond 80th Birthday Reunion
“Last of the First Bottle” in honor of our WW II Vets
The Reunion Committee welcomes your input. Let us know what you want.
We of the Committee would also welcome your participation. If you want to get involved with the planning, please drop a line to Dennis Coady in the HQ office. email: dennis.oldbreed@fmda.us
For more info contact:
Len Hayes
(760) 760-712 7088
Lenhayes@cox.net
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You can keep current on the Association events at our website:
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FROM MAJGEN JOHN A. LEJEUNE |
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(1) On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name “Marine”. In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.
(2) The record of our corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world’s history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation’s foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war, and in the long eras of tranquility at home, generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven seas, that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.
(3) In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term “Marine” has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.
(4) This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the corps. With it we have also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as “Soldiers of the Sea” since the founding of the Corps.
MajGen John A. Lejeune,
13th Commandant of the Marine Corps
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245th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS |
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Good Morning all,
Please, see the link below for the MCCC New York's contribution to the USMC's 245th Birthday Ball. Share to all to see!
Very Respectfully,
Storme DiGiovanni
Training Coordinator
1-800-717-0060 x 203
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Subject: FW: Happy 244th Birthday Marines!
Fellow Marines and Friends,
If you missed not experiencing a formal Marine Corps Birthday Ball go to the Marine Memorial Club in San Francisco and experience a splendid virtual celebration. The formality follows General Lejeune’s intent; the CMC’s message, Gen. Lejeune’s order, the cake cutting and enriching remarks be Marine Corps personalities through the years. The oldest Marine was born in 1918, the youngest graduated from boot camp yesterday. George Schulte comment about finding a hospital in the South Pacific. General Peter Pace talks about the meaning of Happy Birthday Marine and recognizes the role Marine Corps families. These are all entertaining and inspirational. You can view the full ceremony at:
It is a wonderful substitute to attending a live Marine Corps Birthday Ball. I hope to be with many of you for the 246th celebration of the birthday of our beloved Corps.
Semper fi and Happy Birthday Marines!
Bob
Robert F. Brockish
USMCR (Ret)
C/1/1 1st Mar Div
Korea 1951
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From: Bob Johnson
Subject: Happy 245th Birthday Marines!
Today, 10 November 2020, marks the 245th birthday of our beloved Corps.
2020 also marks the 75th anniversary of WWII battles like Iwo Jima and Okinawa, the 70th anniversary of Inchon and the Chosin Reservoir, the 55th anniversary of Marines arriving in Da Nang, Vietnam, and the 16th anniversary of the Battle of Fallujah.
God Bless you Marines.
Semper Fi & Happy Birthday.
Until Valhalla
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Best Regards, Bob
303.746.3344
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From: Danny Thomas <dannymaxthomas@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2020 3:24 AM
To: Thomas Fehrle
Subject: Re: Happy Birthday Marines
Happy Birthday Marines. This makes my 49th.
Semper Fidelis 🎂🇺🇸
Danny
Semper Fi,
Tom
--
“Make a difference today.”
DMThomas
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From: Marines' Memorial Events <RSVP@MarinesMemorial.org>
Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2020 5:01 AM
Subject: You're Invited! 245th USMC Birthday Celebration
Join us "virtually" on 10 November at 5pm Pacific
to celebrate the
Marine Corps' 245th Birthday!
What does the Marine Corps Birthday mean to you?
To us at the Marines' Memorial, the Birthday is a chance to celebrate the honor, tradition, camaraderie, and dedication of United States service members.
The Club is known for our festive Birthday Ball that normally gathers more than 500 attendees to eat, drink, dance, and celebrate the USMC together. This year, we have had to think beyond our normal traditions to pay proper tribute to the Corps. Combining new messages from our President & CEO, Chairman, and Guest of Honor General Peter Pace, USMC (Ret), plus archival footage from past Birthday Balls at the Club, we will have a virtual celebration that honors the Birthday and helps us come together, even if we are not in the same room.
On 10 November at 5pm Pacific, we hope you have some wine (or a martini) and a slice of cake ready to celebrate with Marines' Memorial and our incredible members. (The video will be available on YouTube any time after 5pm as well!)
Happy Birthday and Semper Fidelis,
LtGen Michael A. Rocco and Your Marines' Memorial Team
Marine's Memorial Association & Foundation
609 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 91402
Copyright
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The holidays are right around the corner!
For our Marines and volunteers, that means working day and night, collecting and buying toys, books and games to ensure they have enough for every child whose parents are making urgent requests.
For children, this joyful time of year means writing a letter to Santa with excitement in their hearts, knowing the big day is drawing near.
Please visit our Christmas Fun Center often. Enjoy! And feel free to share the fun you’ll find there. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so we can fill your entire season with plenty of Christmas fun.
Wishing holiday joy to you,
James B. Laster
Lieutenant General, USMC (Retired)
President and CEO
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
P.S. We’re facing a toy shortage this year like none we’ve ever seen. If you’d like to make a gift to our first-ever virtual “Fill the Box” Toy Drive, you can do so by clicking below.
Contact Us
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
18251 Quantico Gateway Dr., Triangle, Virginia 22172
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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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A good source for your military news: |
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Some recent articles you'll find interesting: |
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New DoD Adviser Has Made Controversial Proposal:
Get Rid of the Marine Corps
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Open Season 2020: Act or Get the Boot from Tricare |
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Coronavirus FAQs: What Veterans need to know
Our call centers and some VA health facilities are currently experiencing very high numbers of calls. To help us address the most urgent needs first, we ask that you use our online tools and frequently asked questions (FAQs) for routine or non-urgent questions. We’ll continue to update this page as the situation changes.
VA coronavirus chatbot
You can also use our VA coronavirus chatbot to get answers to your questions.
Visit the CDC for general coronavirus questions
On this page
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From Veterans Affairs
What should Veterans do?
Veterans with symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath should immediately contact their local VA facility. VA urges Veterans to contact VA before visiting – you can find contact information for your closest VA facility. Alternatively, Veterans can sign into My HealtheVet to send secure messages to their VA providers or use telehealth options to explain their condition and receive a prompt diagnosis.
Upon arriving at VA, all patients will be screened for flu-like symptoms before they enter in order to protect other patients and staff. A VA health care professional will assist you with next steps once this screening process is complete.
At this time, VA is urging all visitors who do not feel well to please postpone their visits to VA facilities.
How to protect yourself
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the COVID-19 infection and no medication to treat it. CDC believes symptoms appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. Avoid exposure and avoid exposing others to an infection with these simple steps.
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Learn to use VA Video Connect through the VA mobile app store or by contacting your VA care team, before any urgent problems arise.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. An easy way to mark the time is to hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice while scrubbing.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick or becoming sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue (not your hands) and throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Getting a flu shot is recommended.
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What should I do if I have symptoms?
If you have any of the symptoms listed above, call your VA medical center before going to a clinic, urgent care, or emergency room. You can also send your doctor a secure message through My HealtheVet.
Contacting us first helps us protect you, medical staff, and other patients.
If you’re not sure about your symptoms, our Annie text messaging service can help you monitor them and advise you when to contact your VA care team or your facility’s advice nurse.
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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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CPL Patrick D. Coker, sponsor Colorado River Chapter
SGT Richard R. Houle
SSGT Jason T. Revell, Life Member
1STLT M.G. Pat Robertson, Life Member,
gift of Bridget Hart
LCPL Bradly W. Sokoly
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We are again updating the database from Social Security and public records.
Recent reports are boldface.
MSGT LEROY B. EDWARDS USMC(RET), 25 Mar 2010
PFC ROBERT A. EDWARDS
CPL WILLIAM A. EDWARDS, 15 Dec 2003
CPL RAYMOND EHRLICH, 11 Nov 2012
MRS M. R. EICHELBERGER, 17 Apr 2000
SGT RICHARD G. EKSTROM, 15 Apr 2014
LCPL BRETT R. ELCOCK, 26 Jan 2015
PFC MARTIN I. ELINOFF, 21 Jan 2009
LTCOL RICHARD M. ELLIOTT, 3 Aug 2019
CPL GLENDAL R. ELLIS, 16 Feb 2019
GYSGT IRON BOB ELLIS, 17 Jan 2015
LCPL JOSHUA L. ELLIS, 8 May 2014
SGT LAUREL GLYNN ELLIS, 30 Mar 2015
JAMES E. ELLISON, 8 Jul 2008
JOHN ELZINGA, 26 Oct 2009
E. W. EMERY JR, 5 Jul 2011
MAJ JACK D. MATHIS (RET), 15 Dec 2008
CPL MICHAEL J. MULLIN, 23 Jan 2015
MRS HELEN J. SOKOLOWSKI, 8 Oct 2015
JOHN CHARLES STURGES, 13 Oct 2020
DR THOMAS A. VAN VEEN, 10 Nov 2020
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Association's Challenge Coins Available
Contact HQ at (760)763-3268
These Challenge Coins commemorating the 50th anniversary of Tet 1968 are available to members. The price is $5 per coin, plus shipping.
Our coin supply is replenished.
We'll be fulfilling backorders, and welcome more.
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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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