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Battalion Runner Gabe
Coronado P.O. Box 611535, Pt. Huron MI 48060 THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT The support I’ve received from the troops since taking charge of the Network has been overwhelming. Your letters of encouragement and financial contributions, after my first newsletter attempt, did a lot to boost my confidence. The considerable donations that have rolled in since then assure that we will be able to continue the newsletter & website, at least for a while. MAILBOX NOTES Major J.T. Guggino writes, “I was C.O. of “H” Company. Your C.O., Dick Dean, was a very good friend of mine. I remember him getting blown off an Ontos. Do you remember a joint operation with E & H Companies? We were trucked to a point south of Marble Mountain, boarded Amtrac’s and then off to the races.” Henry “Doc Lupe” Lopez writes “I would recommend for those who wait too long (to make reservations for the Reunion) and the Quality Inn is booked up which happened to me last year, I stayed at the Virginia Suites across the bridge.” Martha Pless writes, “My husband, Parks Pless, passed away on Sept. 23, 2004 from ALS. Do you know if there is any information on this being caused by the dioxin that was in Agent Orange? My husband’s doctor said if he could get anything that could show this was triggered by the dioxin, he would write a letter to the VA that could help me get some kind of benefits. My email is: mommypless@yahoo.com.” Richard “Ricky” (pretty boy) Thornell of Battalion writes, “It would be nice to hear from you guys both 2/9 and 3/3 that knew me. God bless each and every one of you.” Email: rick_thor2001@yahoo.com James Jackson, who served with Echo in 1968, is very ill. He has been to every 2/9 reunion from the start. From James & Pat Jackson: “Thank you for your heart filled thoughts and continued prayers. My words cannot express the overwhelming outreach and concern for James that we have received. His 2nd Battalion 9th Marines Family has, and continues to be, true to the meaning of Semper Fidelis, “ALWAYS FAITHFUL.” James son Bryant Jackson is currently serving our country aboard the USS Cleveland. DONATIONS A big OOH-RAH for all the people who have helped to keep the network going since the changing of the guard: Ed Gorman, Stephen Clemons, Red Hill, Phil Franklin, Don Tyresdale, Barry Yeakle, Joseph Long, L.P. Wadleigh, Jr., Scott Whelan, Paul Mountain, Salvatore Lictra, Timothy Forbes, John Carson, Gregory Howe, Glenn Siegler, Ramon Nieto, Dennis Becton, Glenn Elvey, Ralph Martinez, Cecil Buxton, Ron Losee, Kenton R. Dean, Joseph T. Guggino, Charles Cooper, Joe Clark, Andrew Puttagio, Ed Harker, Gen. Dennis J. Murphy, James M. Hahn. Peter Padilla, Tom McCarthy, Don Walno, J. Henebury, John J. Peeler, Robert Slattery, Danny Schuster, Robert Barclay, Robbie Wright, Frank LeMay. 2/9
NETWORK WEBSITE The website continues
to bring in new members and the total roster is now at 1,589. An up
to date membership roster is available on the website by clicking
on 2/9 Member List. We will also be bringing a few copies to the Reunion
in Washington, D.C. Some new sites have been added to the Links
page, for example:
2005
REUNION The last newsletter included an information flyer for the 2/9 Reunion to be held in Washington, D.C. November 9-12. If you didn’t get the last newsletter, and want a flyer, you can call or email me and I’ll send you one…or you can go to the 2/9 website and print it out. If you’ve never attended before, this event is something you don’t want to miss. We have a block of rooms reserved at a special rate and a conference room that we keep open throughout the 3 days. This is a place where we hang out, renew old friendships and make new ones. Guys bring old photos and other stuff from their military and Viet Nam experiences, and we sit around and swap stories. We have coffee, soft drinks, beer, and snacks available, and we’ll be having a pizza party there on Thursday night. There is no charge for the refreshments. I’ll never forget the first time I went. One of the guys who saw me being choppered out in Nam told me he thought I’d been dead all these years. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone so glad to see me, except my mother. Don’t miss this chance to share old memories and make new ones. I will be there so make sure to say hello. I’ve had some guys ask if they can bring younger family members with them who are Marines. As far as I’m concerned we’re all brothers, so I said sure…bring them along. Just a note to the guys who may be coming for the first time, please come and bring anyone in your support group. The first time I came it was with my friend Janet, who encouraged me and came with me. At that time, I never dreamed I’d become the Battalion Scribe. As of the first week in September there were still 32 rooms left available at $80/night plus tax. For reservations call the Quality Inn Iwo Jima at 800-424-1501. Identify yourself with Group #2997 and the 2/9 Network. Be sure you get a confirmation number. Change of Address If you have moved, or plan to in the near future, please think of the 2/9 Network and a change of address. If you have a computer just send an e-mail to me by clicking on “Contact the Battalion Scribe” on the 2/9 website, or call me at the phone number in the heading. |
