Tom Holden. W. Dale Marshall. Fred Cobb

Transcription

1 QUANTICO MARINES IN MEMORY OF Bruce Capel Tom Holden Paul McGrath Tyrone Pannell Robert Smith ATHLETES REUNION Ron Brown Fred Cobb W. Dale Marshall Gene McMullen John Prichard Walt Spainhour newsletter No. 7 June, 2007 by Gene Bear Carrington 2007 Reunion is a Huge Success The Fewest and the Proudest; the Quantico Marine Athletes, held their seventh annual reunion at the Fredericksburg, VA Holiday Inn, June The final attendance of 154 members and guests set a record. 31 members were first time attendees and since everyone had a wonderful time we hope to see you all next year in Charleston. As in the past, starting Thursday afternoon the place to be was the Hospitality Suite. Our hosts, Granny, Fred and John along with their lovely wives, Rita, Shirley and Bette did a fantastic job handling all the details; ensuring Robin Smith touches her father s name and all of us. QUANTICO Back to the Basics we would not run out of food or liquid refreshment. Thanks again for all the hard work. Thursday evening old friends had a chance to dine on their own. There were many fine restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. Some chose to stay close to the hotel, while others ventured downtown. The word was, several of the gang never left the Hospitality Suite. No wonder the beer was disappearing at a record pace. A group of 12 couples from the football teams went to the Truluv Restaurant. People eventually made it back to their rooms for some much needed sleep; Friday was going to be an important day. On Friday morning the tour bus picked up a group of 30 people for a tour of Fredericksburg. Those who went on the tour enjoyed hearing about the history of the Page city. Other people hit the golf course, but strangely, this year the golfers seemed to be quite honest when posting their scores. The rest of the gang hung around the hotel, went for walks or just sat down and talked to old and new friends. Buses took the group to The Basic School on Friday afternoon for the big event of the reunion, the dedication of the monument honoring the 11 Quantico Athletes who gave their lives in Vietnam. Pictures cannot describe the monument. Kline Memorial from Manassas, Virginia did wonderful work on this tribute to our fallen teammates. The Basic School gave us a beautiful site and the entire operation was first class, all the way. Gene Carrington, Quantico Athlete President presented the monument, to the Executive Officer of The Basic School, Lt. Col. Geracoulis, on behalf of all the Quantico Athletes. Carrington then talked about the 11 men they were honoring and spoke briefly about each man. Four of the men, Tommy Holden, Bruce Capel, Gene McMullen and Bob Smith were represented by family members. When Carrington talked about Colonel Bob Smith he was looking right

2 at Robin Smith, Bob s daughter. He told the story of Robin s search to find her father that took her to Vietnam to find the location where her dad s plane crashed. Robin and her husband made a documentary film about their quest. With the help of a former North Vietnamese soldier they eventually found a crash site that could have been her dad s. Three months later, forensic experts from the United States and Vietnam returned to the sight, hoping to find final proof that Bob had crashed and died at the site. Several weeks later Robin received a call; they had found a class ring at the site that had Annapolis-48 on the side and Robert Norman Smith inscribed inside. When Carrington said that Robin wore that ring around her neck, she stood up and faced the audience to show the ring. It was an emotional moment for everyone. Our old watering hole was waiting for us The rest of the afternoon was spent in the Hawkins Room where Quantico members had a chance to spend time with the young warriors who are currently attending The Basic School. Beer and hors d oeuvres, or as Granny would say, Foo Foos, were served and a good time was had by all. Major Jennifer Goddard, Protocol Officer at The Basic School coordinated all the details of our day and she did a great job. The majority of the gang went back to the Hospitality Suite to make plans for dinner. Most of the talk was about the monument presentation and the get together with the young Lieutenants in the Hawkins Room. Saturday morning s business meeting had the largest attendance in our brief history. Over 50 members attended. Ed Conti handled administrative items. Ed and Grace are to be congratulated on the great job they did putting together and printing the dedication program. What a wonderful souvenir of our great weekend. Thanks; Ed and Grace. Gene Carrington gave the financial report. In addition to the purchase of the monument; a $1, donation was made to the Marine s Toys for Tots and a $5, donation to the Heritage Foundation would be made later in the morning when the group visited the new museum. It was agreed that donations would still be taken with the idea that we would select a charity or cause connected with the Marine Corps. George Jonic volunteered to get information on an organization called Wounded Warriors. We would be helping Marines. Ed Dear spoke about the 2008 reunion that he has been planning The reunion will be held in Charleston, SC on June There are a lot of interesting things Grace Conti can t resist a bargain in Fredericksburg Business Meeting to see and do in Charleston and it will be highlighted by our Saturday evening dinner to be held on the USS Yorktown. Ed has put a lot of time and effort in planning next year and we hope to match this year s record attendance. San Antonio was selected for the 2009 reunion. Ron Timpanaro and one of our first time attendees, Grant Foster volunteered to gather information. Back in the 60 s, one of the highlights of the season was the breakup dinner and awards banquet held annually at the Staff NCO Club, hosted by the Staff NCO Boosters. One of the founding fathers for the Boosters, Walter F. Bo Bojonny, has attended three of our reunions and the members voted unanimously to make him a member. The Boosters were great and Bo deserves to be a member. Welcome Bo. The meeting went very smoothly despite the absence of, or maybe it was because of the absence of John Kopka. All kidding aside John, we missed you and Polly. See you in South Carolina. Enough said At Ty Pannell s collegiate track team reunion, granddaughter Epiphany, daughter Tracy and wife Marlene Page 2

3 Head em up, move em out! After the meeting, buses took the members to the new Heritage Museum. A check for $5, was presented to Colonel Raymond A. Hord, USMC (Ret), Vice President for Development. According to Ray; they only Saturday Evening Dinner Fred Jones handled the MC chores for the evening and he said it best right off the bat, The highlight of this weekend was the dedication of the monument, that s what we started out to do and we have accomplished the mission. The buffet was excellent. I don t think anyone went hungry. Several of our backs, who are now approaching lineman weight, need to stay away from the dessert table, but things Our Remembrance Table looked so good, weakness prevailed. Rita Amos and Shirley Jones announced that instead of buying favors for the ladies a Commemorative Brick has been purchased honoring the group. The brick will be positioned next to the trails in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park. The weekend that everyone had looked forward to for so long was over but everyone said that they had a great time. If all the folks who said, See you next year follow up on that promise, we should have another fabulous reunion. See you next year in Charleston. Rita Amos presents certificate need another $94,995,000. The members were escorted by 4 tour guides who walked us through Marine history. After awhile, couples branched out to do their own thing. Words cannot describe the museum. All I can say is, this is a must for anyone who served in the Corps. This is our history and we need to visit it and support it. A side of beef, a keg of beer for my men... and women Have you seen Secondo? The bus stops on I-95 for a senior moment After the tour, some of the people visited the PX but the majority of the gang went back to the hotel to relax and spend more time with old and new friends before the cocktail hour began. Page 3 Mike Cotten joins Mary & Bill Sexton on the trolley tour. It was his only successful navigation to Fredericksburg.

4 Ed, A word of thanks for a great event. Camaraderie pulses thru the group in a truly unique way. Enclosed is a CD with photos including the Marine Corps Museum & artwork. All the best, Larry Magilligan Ed, Thank you to you and your team for all you did to make the reunion such a success, we all appreciate it very much... thanks for sharing Pat s note. Semper Fi, Larry Rawson Dear Ed, My apologies for our no show. Our schedule became unmanageable. Best to you and your lovely wife. Sincerely, Hank Hatch & Theresa Dear Ed, The highlight of our annual QJox assembly obviously was Peewee at the mike. Seriously, the dedication was the crowning event, followed by what I consider the best part of every meeting: talking with the young men and women who are carrying on the tradition. And beer at the bar at TBS with women. I don t ever remember that happening while we were on campus. As for the business meeting, it was interesting to hear the members opinions on our future direction. I, for one, am in favor of helping our wounded Marine warriors. Ron Timpanaro REUNION 2008 Charleston, SC JUNE 26, 27, 28, 29 Saturday Banquet on Yorktown Aircraft Carrier More Details on Enclosed Separate Sheet REUNION FEEDBACK Sorry I couldn t be with you. I had some university-related activities here in St. Louis that required personal time on task. I was with Pat and Bev McCarthy on Saturday, June 9, at the College of the Holy Cross where Pat was honored for 39 years of outstanding service. As a former classmate and teammate of Pat s, and on behalf of everyone associated with Holy Cross, we were blessed to benefit from his nearly two score years of service and leadership. Moreover, the statement that Pat included in his speaks volumes about the reality of trust and friendship. Semper Fi, Denny Golden Ed, To y o u, P e e w e e, Granny, Fred, et. al., thank you for all you did and do to keep the group going. Bev and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the reunion. Since I annually have run reunions at Holy Cross, I know the time and effort that goes into the planning and execution of the event. Since none of you are being paid to run them, we thank you for your time and generosity. God willing, we will be at the next gathering. I recently came across the following which aptly expresses my feeling of the people I renewed friendships with and those that I met for the first time: I now know why men who have been to war yearn to reunite. Not to tell stories or look at old pictures. Not to laugh or weep. Comrades gather because they long to be with the men who once acted at their best; men who suffered and sacrificed, who were stripped of their humanity. I did not pick these men. They were delivered by fate and the military. But I know them in a way I know no other men. I have never given anyone such trust. They were willing to guard something more precious than my life. They would have carried my reputation, the memory of me. It was part of the bargain we all made, the reason we were willing to die for one another. As long as I have memory, I will think of them all, every day. I am sure that when I leave this world, my last thought will be of my family and my comrades... Such good men. Thank you, Pat McCarthy Page 4 Ed, I mailed a photo CD to you yesterday. The Reunion was outstanding in ever y way. Fred and Shirley, John and Bette and Granny and Rita planned every detail and executed their plan with precision. They made all hands feel very much at home in Fredericksburg. The highlight for me was the Quantico Marine Athletes Memorial dedication, and the O Bannon Hall Reception where we were able to talk to the new Warriors. Reuniting with Don Dutton after 41 years brought back some great memories and laughs of our basketball days at Quantico. Carol will be with me next year, and we look forward to a great reunion in Charleston. Semper Fidelis, George Jonic P.S. I ll send you my research on the Marine Wounded Warrior type funds as soon as I pull it together - about 2 weeks. Ed, This was my second trip and it was by far the best. Next year I would put a little more focus on the photographer taking specific group pictures for certain eras. The 66 team did not get all of the attendees together in one picture. See you in Charleston next year. If ever we decide to come to San Francisco Bay area, I can help organize it as I have many travel contacts here. Regards, J. Patrick Rogers thanks to: George Jonic Larry & Medy Magilligan Dave & Bea McInturff Stu Vaughn & Sharon Magee... for the great photos And a Special Thanks to Margie Carrington who had a camera in both hands.

5 Hi, Ed - We thought the reunion this year was first class. The dedication of the memorial and the museum tour were excellent. Our only negative was I-95. It was really well organized. Our hats are off, as usual, to the organizers and those that hosted the hospitality room. We re going to get a CD off to you in the next couple of days with pictures we took. We re looking forward to seeing the reunion newsletter, which is done so well each year. Looking for ward to seeing you in Charleston next year. Stu Vaughan & Sharon McGee Hi Ed, Mar y Ann and I were thrilled and honored to be part of the Group! It was great to see ever yone, and it brought back so many memories. It s like the 40 year time gap never existed. I would have enjoyed spending more time with you and our old teammates, but hopefully next year. I can t thank you and Bear enough for having the perseverance to find Tom and start this whole campaign. And at the same time, my thanks to Granny, Fred, Bear, you and especially the wives for the Memorial and the entire weekend. It was simply the best! Ed, if you are ever in this area, please don t hesitate to call. It would be great to see you and your bride and give you a tour of Irish Mist Farm. Take care and again our sincere thanks. Regards, Jim and Mary Ann McGowan Dear Ed, As expected, the 2007 Reunion was great. Granny, Fred and John and their wives did a wonderful job. Our group continues to grow, but still maintains the feeling of getting together with a few old friends. Ann and I enjoyed seeing everyone again and look forward to next year. One other thing would have made it perfect... seeing Steve Szabo and John Kopka. Thanks again, Dave Gillespie Tom Holden Weekend October 12-13, 2007 Friday Holden Golf Outing Saturday Homecoming Football Quantico Athletes present the MVP Trophy St. Mary s High School Rutherford, New Jersey It was great to see so many new faces. How many guys can say they had their old grammar school buddy and old high school buddy at the reunion. I enjoyed seeing the McCarthy s and the White s.we go way back. It brought back a lot of great memories. I have to admit that I really missed John & Polly Kopka. John keeps things hopping and I enjoy his weird sense of humor. It was over so fast I never had a chance to talk to some of the first timers. Margie and I are looking forward to next year when we will see what Mr. Dear has planned for us. Bear Hello, Eddie, I think the recent reunion was one of the best. They keep getting better as Betty and I get to know more people and get closer to the ones we have known a long time. The memorial dedication was ver y moving and well done. Granny, Fred, John and their ladies did a great job of organization and keeping the entire crew on the move. The museum was also a worthwhile trip. I ll bet you could spend an entire three days in it and not see it all. It gave Betty a better insight into what Vietnam was like, and certainly prompted the Sea Stories from the Old Salts she was with. It is true that we get more nostalgic as we get older, and this last weekend proved to scratch that itch as well as prime Betty and me for next year at Charleston, SC. Best Regards, Bill Zadel Page 5 Thanks to Rita, Shirley and Bette and husbands for another great reunion weekend. The memorial dedication at TBS and the visit to the Marine Corps Museum were real highlights. We enjoyed seeing everyone. I missed Szabo and Kopka, but maybe it s just as well that John wasn t there to witness Conti s continued failings at map reading/navigation, which resulted in half of his squad going into the river instead of the restaurant. Hope to see everyone in Charleston. Betty is already making plans to be there a week. Mike Cotten Win A 2008 Reunion Shirt There are 3 Mystery Photos printed within this newsletter. Be the first with the 3 correct answers and you win the Shirt. Contest Rules 1. Only one entry per athlete. 2. Carrington, Kopka and Conti are not eligible. 3. First correct 3 answers Wins - , call, or fax Ed Conti. 4. Decision of the Judges (Ed Conti) final. 5. Must be present at the 2008 Reunion to collect the prize. Void in states where prohibited. Bear and Ed, The Warden, to me, Willie, to the guys and Ann, to the ladies, has been trying to motivate me to extend our thanks to you and the organizers of the weekend at Quantico. I have no eloquent Larry McCarthy quote that can be summed up to You bond with the people that you go through the most (expletive deleted) with. We were both very impressed with the dedication and were proud to be a small part of it. The monument is beautiful. We were profoundly touched with the presence of Colonel McMullen and Robin Smith. What great conversations and memories to take home with us. Semper Fi, Gerry and Ann White

6 Ron Maheu with Howard & Susan Langley Becky Uritus, Jay Robertson, Grace & Ed Conti It s a Beaver, Not A Duck! Bill Sheridan with Jennifer & Bob Brown 4 Beavers attended the 2007 Reunion. Who s Missing? Jim Rapp Michele Rumsey, Bill Sexton & Dave Rumsey Lynn Oxenreider Page 6

7 Mike Cotton, Betty & Bill Zadel & Betty Cotton Jim & Linda Rapp, Sharon & Bob Busse with Cliff Yoshida Kathi & Ron Eckert Bob Brown Jean & Ken Wilson Al Neveu, Margery Crist, and Ron Maheu Fred Jones, Sallie Hemmingsen, Bill Ricks, Shirley Jones Sharon Magee & Stu Vaughan Original 6 who started the Athletes Group. Who s the missing Charter Member? Page 7 Steve Flynn Angela & Grant Foster

8 John Ball, Dave Rumsey, Larry Rawson, Mike Youngquist, Jim Baker, Charlie Buchta John Fritsch, Ron Cherubini, Steve Capel Guns Up!!! Custar, Bear & Brennan Granny Amos calls ceremony to order Ron Eckert Page 8

9 The Corps presence can t be missed Karen & Steve Flynn Damn, that s good! Mike O Rourke & Ron Maheu Steve Bernstein, Bruce Bell, Harry Elliott, Grant Foster Page 9

10 Rosemary & Dan Droze Reid Claassen, Ashley Jones, Camryn Claassen Laraine Payne thanks Bear George Stettler, Larry & Medy Magilligan, Mike Brennan, Gerry McGuire, Bugs Roche Bea McInturff Shirley & Fred Jones 1966 Football Elaine Dugan & Claire Capel Jim Baker 1965 Football Page 10 10

11 Museum TOUR Page 11 11

12 Bette & John Fritsch Charlie Buchta, Wanda & Jim Baker, Michele & Dave Rumsey, Barbara Courson & John Ball, Louise & Roger Schmitt Don Dutton Mary Ann & Jim McGowan George Jonic, Jim & Elaine Dugan with Gayle & Steve Banks Dan & Rosemary Droze with Margery Crist & Al Neveu Fred Jones & John Ball Carol 2 Beavers & Ron Cherubini from Oregon State Ann & Jerry White Jim Dugan, George Jonic, Frank Cuddy, Don Dutton, Bill Sheridan and Ed DeSaussure Page 12 12

13 Carolyn Turner & Donna Dutton Charlie Buchta Mary & Don Seager Gerry McGuire Doris & George Cordle Bob Hopkins Jay Robertson, Barbara Courson, John Ball, Fred Jones, Ron Timpanaro, and Basic School LT Ann & Dave Gillespie Jennifer & Bob Brown Dave McInturff, Jay Robertson, Mike Parker, Grant Foster, Woody Gilliland, Glenn Custar Bob Busse Page 13 13

14 Fred Jones presents prize for prettiest hat to Camryn Claassen Shirley Jones, Judy & Bob Nunnally Bob Hopkins, Dick Hall Jim Bower, Lynn Oxenreider The Bear and his main squeeze Cliff Yoshida, Bob Nunnally, Jim Rapp, Bob Busse, Pat Rogers 40 years ago we all looked this good. Identify this young LT. Bob Brennan, Dick Gresham, Rusty Jester Ted Uritus, Ron Eckert, Mike Youngquist, Darrell McKibben, Pat McCarthy Jim Bower Margie Carrington, Mary Dear, Shirley Jones, Rita Amos Howard Langley Page 14 14

15 Mike Zoffuto, Mike & Teri Sweatman, Kathi & Ron Eckert Stu Vaughn with Augusta & King Dixon The QB always buys drinks for the Lineman Dave McInturff, Ed Conti, Mike Parker, Steve Bernstein, Grant Foster, Cliff Yoshida, Harry Elliott, and Woody Gilliland Col. Rick McMullen No way! My room was on the 2nd deck Cliff Yoshida & Charlie Gilmer Ray Stephens soaks up the shade Bob & Jennifer Brown, Grace Conti, Bill Ricks & Sallie Hemmingsen Page Dick Hall

16 MEMORIAL DEDICATION Next of kin surround the memorial dedicated to their fallen loved ones Page 16