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Battalion Runner Gabe
Coronado P.O. Box 611535, Pt. Huron MI 48060 There has been tremendous support from all you men, not only with donations but also with letters providing information, gratitude, and encouragement. I have some new information for you about the 2/9 reactivation and an update on the 2007 Reunion events. 2nd BN 9th MARINES REACTIVATION CEREMONY I have been in contact with LtCol Richard C. Jackson II, CO of the reactivated 2nd Battalion 9th Marines. He says he is, "ecstatic to be in contact with the fellows from 2/9. It's fantastic to have the great history of this battalion back in our country's current fight!" At 1000 hours on 13 July 2007, the Anti-Terrorism Battalion will execute deactivation operations to reactivate 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines under the command of LtCol Jackson. Upon the reactivation of 2nd Bn. 9th Marines, LtCol Jackson will relinquish command to LtCol Trapp. The ceremonies will begin with a parade on the WPT Hill Parade Field followed by a reception. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be conducted inside Marston's Pavilion. Bottled water and transportation from parking areas will be provided. A block of rooms are available for 12 July and 13 July. To reserve call Comfort Suites at (910) 346-8900 to receive a reduced rate of $65.80 per night. Let them know you are with the 2/9 Block. 2007 REUNION As previously reported, the 15th annual Reunion of the 2/9 Network will be held in Washington, DC on November 9 - 12. If you would like to help with the reunion or donate items for the table or the raffle, the contact person is Stephen Clemons. You can email him at stephen@cablespeed.com or phone him at 410-551-7920 or 301-717-0472. Larry Yepez forwarded information about a parade that is being organized by the Vietnam Veterans of America to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the construction of the Vietnam War Memorial, "The Wall. " It will be held on Nov. 10th and I have submitted an application for our group to participate. You can learn more about the event and see a video of the original parade that took place in 1982 online at www.vva.org. NOTES FROM NEW MEMBERS Carl Tracy, Jr. (G2/9, 64-65) writes," I would like to hear from any of my fellow Marines, especially those who served at the same time I did." Contact Tracy at: jeritracy@charter.net or (989) 770-4907.
NOTES FROM THE MAILBOX Tom Dickinson (F2/9, 65-66) writes, "If you are attending the Reunion and would like a tour of the capital and other government offices, you should contact your congressional representative in advance. They can arrange tours and offer other advice. They love to meet and greet people from their district. Just don't call them when you get to D.C. With short notice it is hard to do anything. A little planning goes a long way here."
Cpt. Dana Krull, (US Army) writes, "I am currently a battalion chaplain candidate in the California Army National Guard while I am training to become a full Army chaplain, but previously I served as an infantry officer with the 101st Airborne Division in Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003), and I'm proud to say that I am a third generation combat veteran in my family. My grandfather served as an MP in Patton's 3rd Army in WWII and my Dad Sgt. Charles "Mike" Krull was a member of the "Hell in a Helmet" battalion in I Corps from June 1966-June 1967. Sadly, Dad died of lung cancer in 1999, but as a tribute to him and to all of you who served in the 2/9 Marines, I created a memorial incorporating a 2 and 9 in the overall shape of the walkway. It commemorates the commitment that my Dad and all of you fine Marines have given in service to our Nation." Ralph Martinez writes, "I am looking for Steve Melgarejo. He was in G2/9 with me 66-67. Most of the guys knew him as Mel. He was from Holister, CA." Contact Martinez at: (530) 272-8202. Charlie Carter writes, "I was with Lima 3/26 Marines in 66-67. I am trying to help the brother of a Marine I knew when he was with 3/26 before he was transferred to 2/9. The Marine is Brad Griffin, he was in 81 mortars with H&S 3/26 when I knew him. He was transferred to 2/9 and was KIA while working with G2/9 on 9/12/67. I do not know if he was with 81's with 2/9 but I suspect he was. Brad's brother is Mark Griffin. Mark was in the Army the same time Brad was in the Marines. Mark was stationed in Germany however. Brad extended his tour of duty in Nam so that Mark would not have to go over there. As stated, Brad was killed and Mark still has a tough time coming to grips with this. Mark has been diagnosed with Alzheimers. His daughter is trying to find any information that someone might have on Brad. We are trying to locate a "Joe Matthews" who was supposedly with Brad when he was killed on 9/12/67. This "Joe Matthews" showed up at the Griffin home some years after Brad's Death. He told Mark Griffin that he was with Brad at the time of his death and that he took Brad's dog tags. Williams was supposed to send at least one of these dog tags to the Griffin family but he never did. Bottom line here - I am trying to locate Joe Matthews with 2/9 in 1967. I am also trying to find anyone who may have a picture of Brad when he was with 2/9 or who may have known Brad and have some information on his death. I happened to have a picture of Brad when we were at Subic Bay and I have sent that to the Griffin family. If you can be of some assistance I would appreciate being contacted at: bloopman67@yahoo.com or my business e-mail at ccarterpe@bellsouth.net." Robert Pringer (E2/9, 65-66) writes,"I've always been concerned about my old squad leaders at Camp Margarita 5th Marines at Pendleton 1st Bn 5th Mar. 64-65. The squad leaders names are Cpl. Robert Golden 1st squad, Cpl. C.D. Peterson 2nd squad, Cpl. Solkoloski 3rd squad. Those guys were some real swell guys. Peterson was my squad leader. I believe Golden was from Chicago - Peterson was up north somewhere. They all mustered out just before we went overseas. Then our unit changed to 2nd Bn 9th Mar, 3rd Mar. Div. I sure would enjoy hearing from these guys." Contact Pringer at: (918) 835-3322. Sgt. James Shaw (F2/9, 65-66) is trying to locate Cpl. Charles Herring, formerly of Marietta, GA. Contact him at: smil4camra@twmi.rr.com. Rebecca Samuels writes, "Does anyone remember John Paul Klabunde? He was my boyfriend, and although I've gone on with my life I have never forgotten him…I still miss and love him. Could someone please tell me how to stop feeling so sad…?" Contact Rebecca at: RebeccaSamuels@aol.com.
DONATIONS We're all grateful for those who support the 2/9 Network with their generous donations. Recent supporters include: Robert Kuhns, G.G. Haworth, Col. David Garner, Robert Slattery, Robert Pringer, Ralph Martinez, Thomas Dickinson, Jim Jarvis, Cecil Buxton, S/Sgt K.D. Tomlinson, Ed Gorman, and Pete Padilla. The Network is organized and run by unpaid volunteer members, your donations pay the web host, printing charges and postage for the newsletter, and all the costs incurred for the reunion. There are no charges of any kind to members. If you feel moved to donate any amount, make your check out to Gabe Coronado and mail to: The 2/9 Network, Gabe Coronado |
