The Proud WarriorThe Proud Warrior - …19marinesnetwork.org/December 2011.pdf · eral very distinguished Marines at NRA headquarters in Fairfax Virginia. ... Page 3 The Proud WarriorThe

The Proud WarriorThe Proud Warrior WORLD WAR II * VIETNAM * GULF WAR * SOMALIA * IRAQ * AFGHANISTAN * PEACE TIME National Newsletter of the 1/9 Network, Inc. December 2011

"From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remember'd;

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his

blood with me Shall be my brother”

- "King Henry V" (William Shakespeare)

Page 2

The Proud WarriorThe Proud Warrior

Dear Brothers,

Where does time go? We have celebrated the 236th Birthday of our beloved Corps, Thanksgiving

is behind us and Christmas and the New Year are at hand. During the Holiday Season we tend to reflect on the years-gone-by—Christmases that had special meaning to us, Marines we served with, family and friends who are part of our lives and those we have lost. It can be a difficult time unless we remember what Christmas is all about and who‟s birthday we celebrate—“The Reason For The Season” It is a good time to reach out, pick up the phone and call an ole buddy.

The New Year is fraught with uncertainty and also with great expectations. For one, our 1/9 Brothers currently serving in Afghanistan will soon be returning home, God Bless them and keep them safe. 2012 is also our National Reunion year—Sept. 12-16 in San Diego. I hope to see you all there. Several other activities are to help support the reunion. “Doc” Bill Eue donated 2 brand new super fine Colt .45‟s for our raffle—John Pastusaka is working overtime collecting recipes from all of you for the 1st edition 1/9 “The Walking Dead Cookbook” and the Ladies are coming together to help make the next reunion a special event. Please jump in and help support these efforts.

May God Bless you and your families.

Semper Fi

Roger

MMESSAGEESSAGE FROMFROM THETHE PPRESIDENTRESIDENT

Marines,

This past month we celebrated the 236th birthday of our corps as well as our nation‟s national day of giving thanks

for all our blessings. It seems that both events lead to a certain amount of over-consumption but we will get over it just in time to do it all again at Christmas. Ever wonder why all of the gyms are full during January and February?

On the Marine Corps birthday I was once again honored with an invitation to attend a birthday celebration with sev-eral very distinguished Marines at NRA headquarters in Fairfax Virginia. Our host is Major E. James Land, USMC

(RET) who is the Secretary of the NRA. Maj. Land was the founder of the Marine Corps sniper program and the

Scout Sniper Instructor School at Quantico. He was also Carlos Hathcock‟s CO in Vietnam. One of the other guests is Col. Walter Walsh who is now the oldest living Marine at the ripe young age of 104. He entered the Corps in 1942 after a distinguished career with the FBI where he was involved in the shootout with “Ma” Barker and her gang. Col. Walsh uses only a cane to help with mobility and has no cognitive issues. He still gives a good coherent speech and instantly remembers every Marine in the room and greets them with a firm handshake. There is one Marine in the room who can actually call Col. Walsh “boot”, and that is Col. Jim Smith who enlisted in 1939 and was part of Ed-

son‟s Raiders. He fought at Bloody Ridge on Guadalcanal in 1942. Another regular is Capt. Jim Warner, USMC who spent 1,979 days as a POW in North Vietnam. Capt. Warner considers the official date of the end of the Vietnam War to be when the last Viet Cong surrendered on November 9th 2004, the day John Kerry conceded defeat in the Presi-dential election that year.

This year I was also honored by being asked to present the traditional toast to our fallen comrades. Below is a copy of the toast:

“We‟ve all heard the expression that „freedom isn‟t free‟ and that some people have to pay a greater measure than others. Some only with the inconveniences of being separated from loved ones. Some, with the suffering from long days and nights in some of the world‟s harshest environments, living on frozen tundra or in a mud filled hole in the

jungle or the scorching sands of the desert. Others suffer the agony of being injured by either wounds or accidents, as our jobs are inherently DANGEROUS. Some of these injuries are simple while others are severely debilitating for life. Many of our number have suffered from some of the world‟s worst diseases like malaria, beriberi, plague, yellow fever and dengue fever, just to name a few. But some, an estimated 1.3 million to date, have put themselves in harm‟s way in order to secure our freedom and lost their very lives in that process. Some died quickly while others suffered extreme pain for extended amounts of time before they perished.

It is to this last group, those who gave up their lives, their futures, their dreams so that the rest of us could live our lives in freedom rather than tyranny. Have the right to speak what‟s on our mind. Worship as we see fit. Vote for our leaders by secret ballot. To keep and bear arms for such purpose as WE see fit. Complain to our government about those things we believe that they are doing wrong without fear of imprisonment. It is this group that we are

(Continued on page 3)

MMESSAGEESSAGE FROMFROM THETHE CCHAIRMANHAIRMAN

Page 3


about to honor.

So, Marines, lock your heels, straighten your backs and lift your glass as I propose this toast. TO OUR FALLEN COM-

RADES”.

There isn‟t much to report on network business other than plans are still being worked on by the reunion committee for activities at the 2012 reunion.

Raffle tickets are still available to win one or both of the fine Colt 1911 pistols that we are raffling off to raise funds to offset reunion expenses. We need everyone‟s help in this effort and other fund raising events to make the reunion more affordable so more of our brother Marines can attend. They easy to sell at the VFW, American Legion and Ma-rine Corps League. Contact Don Hanson at (205) -664-8085 for tickets to either sell or buy for yourself.

Semper Fidelis,

Ric Neumann

(Continued from page 2)

Marines,

With the second issue of the Proud Warrior under my belt, I think I'm starting to get the hang of it, but you will have to be the final judge on that question.

Thanks all who have contributed articles, photographs and feedback. It is after all the content pro-vided by you, the members, which will make the Proud Warrior a meaningful newsletter, something that everyone looks forward to four times a year.

Since this is a publication for all of us, please don't hesitate to send in your suggestions, articles, web sites or any other sources that you believe that will be of interest to our entire organization. Can't promise they will all be published but will give it my best effort.

I have one additional request, if you are able to make a contribution, please provide a head and shoulder photo-graph to include with your submission.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.

Semper Fi,

Joe Heater

MMESSAGEESSAGE FROMFROM THETHE EEDITORDITOR

2012 Reunion2012 Reunion2012 Reunion September 12 September 12 September 12 --- 16, 201216, 201216, 2012

San Diego, CaliforniaSan Diego, CaliforniaSan Diego, California

Put it on your calendar now!Put it on your calendar now!Put it on your calendar now!

Page 4


Vi & Rick Lissy Bill Hesse, Rick Roth, Dave Murray, Mac Radcliffe

"Rebel" Dave & Dick Williams Jim Tavares, Rich Lissy, Woody Postle

Pete Giacchetta & Alan Moore Chuck Moyar & Doc Lawing

Paris Island MiniParis Island MiniParis Island Mini---ReunionReunionReunion

Page 5


Bill York Dave Murray & Don Hanson

Woody Postle, Ben Baldwin, Frank Healy,

Phil Sutherland, Alan Moore

The Sherman's, Beamons's & Moore's

Bob Stubbs, Dan Latham, Mel Sherman F. Hillman, Chick Ciccarelli, J. Ferannte, John Pastuszka,

John Crew,

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Doc Lawing, Steve Fahey, Dave Quirk Steve Fahey, Steve Lissy, Doc Lawing, Dave Quirk,

“Rebel” Dave, Roger Good

Johnny Beamon, “Rebel” Dave, Chris Runion Chuck Moyar & Wife

Mac Radcliffe, Steve Fahey. Jim Taveres Roger Good, Frank Healy, “Rebel” Dave, Dan Latham,

Bill York, Don Hanson

Page 7


"You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word. It is victory. Victory at all costs. Victory in spite

of all terrors. Victory, however long and hard the road may be, for without Victory there is no sur-

vival."

- Winston Churchill

QQUOTEUOTE OFOF THETHE MMONTHONTH

MMARINEARINE DDRILLRILL IINSTRUCTORNSTRUCTOR RREMEMBEREDEMEMBERED A Marine veteran remembers a senior drill instructor who was awarded the Navy Cross with the 1st Bat-

talion, 9th Marines (the “Walking Dead”) in Vietnam and later killed at Con Thien, RVN, in September

1967.

(SOMERDALE, N.J.) - It‟s been 48 years since we got off the Greyhound bus at Parris Island. The bus

ride from Yemassee, South Carolina to Parris Island went quickly.

Thirteen of us had boarded the train in Philadelphia, after taking the Oath of Enlistment at the Marine

Barracks, Philadelphia Navy Yard. We changed trains in Washington. The overnight train from Washing-

ton came to an abrupt stop at Yemassee at 0530 on January 26,

1962.

We didn‟t have to wait for instructions. Two Marines with no non-

sense attitudes boarded the train and in tones that only Marines

can mimic, quickly got all 20 of us off the train.

It had snowed in the North and we were wearing winter coats.

We had left the North and winter and gone into another world

with palm trees and summer warmth. No need for suntan lotion.

While waiting for the bus, we sat at rigid attention on bare bed

springs in the wooden Receiving Barracks, interrupted by polic-

ing (cleaning) the main street of the town. Once on the bus,

those of us who smoked tossed our cigarettes out of the win-

dows, after one Marine NCO let it be known you couldn‟t “light

up” whenever you felt like it. We were becoming quick learners.

Marine Corps boot camp covers a 13 week training cycle. Re-

cruits west of the Mississippi go to Marine Corps Recruit Depot

San Diego; while those east of the Mississippi go to Parris Island.

The standing joke in the Corps was that “Hollywood” Marines

have it easier than those going through Parris Island. Don‟t be-

lieve it.

Not everyone makes it through Marine Corps boot camp. Enlistment was not a free ticket into the Ma-

rines. You had to earn it. We had a number of recruits who couldn‟t keep up with the training because of

sprained ankles or broken bones. Once healed, they were assigned to another platoon to complete train-

ing. I don‟t know the “drop-out rate” but you can bet, no one made any calls to their mothers asking to

go home.

A Marine Corps boot camp platoon only has one senior drill instructor and one or more junior drill in-

structors. SDIs are easily identified by their black belts. As want-a-bee Marines, the first and last words

out of our mouths when addressing any drill instructor was always “Sir”! Woe to any recruit who forgot

that rule.

Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Jettie Rivers took over our platoon from a very tough Korean War veteran who

had to suffer from PTSD. If anyone needed “anger management,” our SDI was at the top of the list.

Physical beatings were common. One recruit (now dead) had his front teeth knocked out for reading a


Rare photograph captures a glimpse of one of the

few black Marine drill instructors in 1962: SSgt

Jettie Rivers Jr. A few years later he was killed

while serving with the famous Marine Corps 1/9

"Walking Dead". Photo: Robert O'Dowd

Page 8


letter from his girl friend after lights out.

Our SDI even challenged other drill instructors for no apparent reason. More than once, it looked like an

argument would result in a fist fight on the parade grinder between two drill instructors. At the rifle

range, anyone with a “Maggie drawer‟s” (missing the target) was hung up on their thumbs by their belt

suspender straps. Trust me, you don‟t want to repeat this at home.

There was no “change of command” or unofficial explanation. From the Marine Corps‟ perspective, no

explanation to recruits was necessary. At reveille, we now had two SDIs.

For a few days, SSgt River appeared to take the role of an observer. To our amazement, SSgt Jones

(fictitious name) hurled racial insults at him without any reaction. It‟s obvious now that Jones suffered

from PTSD from combat with the 1st Marine Division in Korea.

The only clue that “something was up” came when a junior drill instructor who could easily masquerade

as the Marquis de Sade read SSgt Jones‟ Silver Star citation with tears in his eyes. I doubt if any recruits

felt the same way. The next thing we knew was SSgt Jones was gone and SSgt Rivers was the new SDI.

Jettie Rivers, age 29, was an oddity at Parris Island. In 1962, you could count the number of black Ma-

rine drill instructors at Parris Island on one hand. A wiry, athletic man from the deep South, he would

prove that he didn‟t have an ounce of prejudice in his body, even though black men in the South in

those days couldn‟t eat at a restaurant with whites or even ride in the front of a bus with whites.

Racial prejudice was the norm in the South in the 1960s. To this day, it‟s hard to believe that Jettie Riv-

ers was not affected by the abuse he experienced growing up in Alabama and Tennessee.

Jettie Rivers was an extremely fair, disciplined man in an environment where others often stepped

across the line. He never laid a hand on any recruit, never cursed, never got into your face nor did he

tolerate abuse by others. In 1962, this was exceptional behavior for a Marine Corps drill instructor.

You can get an idea of what Parris Island was like in those days by watching “Full Metal Jacket.” Just up

the violence in the film by a factor of 10 or so and you should have some idea of how tough things could

get. Physical beatings were common in the 3rd Battalion. There was always a price to pay for a

“mistake.” All of this changed for the better when SSgt Rivers took over the leadership role of an SDI.

As a skinny 19-year old Marine boot, I had difficulty in getting over the obstacle course with my rifle,

pack, cartridge belt, canteen, and helmet, „782‟ gear in Marine speak. In his typical quiet way, SSGT Riv-

ers identified the problem and took appropriate corrective action. He had me working on increasing arm

strength in the barracks at the end of the training day.

Using the pipes hanging from the barrack‟s ceiling, I did pull-ups and then dropped to my knees for push

-ups until exhausted. All of this was done without abusive language or physical force. Within a week, I

was keeping pace with the rest of the platoon. Failure would have meant extra weeks in boot camp in

another platoon, something I didn‟t look forward to.

Platoon 308, S Company, 3rd Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island graduated with 75 Ma-

rines in May 1962. We are much older now but none of us can forget Parris Island and Jettie Rivers, Jr.

In 1962, Marines would not be involved in Vietnam for another three years. Some of us got to Vietnam.

I started looking for "survivors" of Platoon 308 in April 2006. Thanks to the internet and some good peo-

ple, mostly vets, lending a helping hand I found 55 of the 75 original boot camp platoon members.

Based on contact with the survivors, some of us got to Vietnam, a few more than once. Ernie Cannucci,

Pete Cassidy, Peter Bellone, Fred Crowley, Bob Bates, Keith Shepherd, Jack Keleher, Brady Ray Bird, Milt

Goings, Anthony Pulowski, Ross Lee Brown, Thomas Tucker and Jim McDonald are some who made the

trip.

The 9th Marines--the first American ground forces in Vietnam--didn't go ashore at Da Nang until March



Page 9


1965. By then we were in our third year of active duty.

In 1965, Dave Klauder, my boot camp buddy from Pennsylvania, and I were stationed with the 1st Ma-

rine Aircraft Wing (MAW) at Iwakuni, Japan. We both signed up for 4 year enlistments with aviation

guaranteed.

Dave went with SATS (Short Air Tactical Systems) in May 1965, the 4th Marines and several hundred

Seabees to a no named site 55 miles south of Da Nang. It was promptly named "Chu Lai", General Kru-

lak's name in Mandarin Chinese. Dave was a sergeant at the time so no one questioned him filming the

landing from the assault craft with an 8mm camera. As Dave tells the story, the Navy was bombarding

the beach at the time. Lucky for him, no VC (Viet Cong or Vietnamese Communists) were shooting back.

The landing was unopposed and the Seabees and the Marines in SATS built an airfield on a 4,000-foot

strip of aluminum matting. Dave spent several months at Chu Lai returning to Iwakuni a good 50 pounds

lighter before rotating back to the states. I followed him in December 1965. Our discharge dates were

January 1966. Someone forgot to tell President Johnson, who had other plans for us.

The build-up of Marine forces in Vietnam picked up speed in '66 and '67. Marines were involuntarily ex-

tended 120 days that year. So much for a January discharge. I spent my last four months on active duty

assigned to the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing Headquarters, Marine Barracks, Naval Air Station, Glenview,

Illinois. Rumor (in Marine speak “scuttlebutt”) had it that the Corps had plans to invade North Vietnam

and needed to call up the 4th Marine Division and the 4th MAW. In fact, the Marine Corps reserves were

never called up. The call-up would require Congressional approval and President Johnson didn‟t have the

votes to pull it off. Scrap the invasion of North Vietnam.

One Marine who didn't come back from Vietnam was Jettie Rivers, Jr. During the Vietnam War, the 1st

Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment (1/9 for short) earned the name of “The Walking Dead” for its high casu-

alty rate.

The battalion endured the longest sustained combat and suffered the highest killed in action (KIA) rate

in Marine Corps history. The battalion was engaged in combat for 47 months and 7 days, from 15 June

1965 to 19 October 1966 and 11 December 1966 to 14 July 1969. With typical battalion strength of 800

Marines and Navy hospital corpsmen, 94% (747) were killed in Action (KIA) over this period. Any Marine

assigned to 1/9 during this period was very lucky to be alive. Jettie Rivers, Jr. was not one of the lucky

ones.

First Sergeant Jettie Rivers was killed with Captain Richard J. Sasek, Commanding Officer, D/1/9, HM2

John J. Van Vleck, (Corpsman with D/1/9), Cpl Joseph W. Barillo, and LCpl Edward M. Brady, on 06 July

1967 at Con Thien, RVN, by the same enemy incoming fire.

I always regretted missing his funeral in Philly. He was survived by a wife and two children and is buried

in Arlington.

The Marine Corps posthumously promoted FSgt Jettie Rivers to 2nd Lieutenant, not a common action. If

the streets of Heaven are guarded by U.S. Marines, the Lord couldn't find a better platoon leader.

Jettie Rivers‟ Navy Cross citation speaks to the courage of the man and his willingness to go to the aid of

other Marines, regardless of the consequences.

The author, Bob O’Dowd is a former U.S. Marine originally from Pennsylvania, he enlisted in

the Marine Corps at age 19, served in the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Marine Aircraft Wings in 52

months of active duty in the 1960's.

This article originally appeared in the Oregon-Salem News

http://www.salem-news.com/articles/january052010/di_memory_ro.php


http://www.salem-news.com/articles/january052010/di_memory_ro.php

Page 10


My name is Jack Neeley I was with "C" co 1st 68-69. I had a book published last Memo-rial Day. The book, "The Petrified Mind," contains 50 short versed poems about the reali-ties and mental scars of war. I will sign all copies ordered. The book is available on ama-zon.com for $7.99 + $3.99 S+H. Send orders to: Jack Neeley, 1401 South Bryon Road, Lennon MI 48449-9621.

Semper FI Jack, out

DURNGOOD SPICES

Dave Hochstrasser owns Durn Good Seasonings in North Carolina. The website is www.durngood.com. Dave says he can ship anywhere in the continental USA for minimal costs.

Dave Hochstrasser —- 1/9 RVN 1966 Bn Comm. Hill 55

1/9 PINS, T-SHIRTS ETC.

Dave Demick has a whole catalog of 1/9 related items he is offering for sale. The catalog includes, 1/9 pins, T-shirts, hats, shadow boxes etc. His catalog is on the 1/9 Website or you can contact Dave direct at: Dave Demick 35240 Perret Plantation Road, Callahan FL 32011, Phone (904) 879-3907 or [email protected]

VIETNAM TRADING CARDS

Richard White has the Vietnam trading cards from Dart flip cards. Richard has #1 sets and sealed #2 sets numbered 0001 to 10,000! Richard also has singles to complete your set. You can contact Richard at: Richard White, 1946 Ritter Avenue, Bristol, PA 19007 or phone 215-788-5735 (H&S Comm 69-70)

NEW BOOK — “395 DAYS”

The book begins two days before I leave the states for Vietnam. I joined 1/9, Charlie Co., 2nd Platoon in March 1967 up to December 15, 1967. Then I transferred to Echo Co., 3rd Recon until the end of my tour on April 1, 1968.

You can order the book through me for $25.00 each, plus shipping Priority Mail (For 1 book- $5.50, for 2 to 4 books - $11.00). Address: Gary Kasten, 120 Leonard Dr., Blanchester, OH 45107. Make check pay-able to Gary Kasten. If you order it through a book store or on line, the book costs $32.00 plus shipping and handling.

Semper Fi, Gary Kasten “The Hammer”

1/9 FMF FLAGS FOR SALE

The Network is selling 1/9 FMF flags. Cost is $50.00 with $3.00 for S&H for a total of $53.00. The flag is nylon and is 3'x5'. Money should be sent to: Bill Hesse 66 Clinton St. Meriden CT 06450-4517. Please include a note telling Bill it's for a flag

4LIFE TOGETHER BUILDING PEOPLE

Do you want to improve your health and your wealth? You can with Transfer Factor and 4Life Research, THE Immune System Company. Contact Susan at 330-832-3047 for more information or email us at [email protected] see our website at: www.susanbeckham.my4life.com


mailto:[email protected]

http://www.susanbeckham.my4life.com

Page 11


MORE THAN A FEW GOOD MEN

I have just published a book, "More Than A Few Good Men," that includes the formation of the Battalion at Camp Pendleton in December, 1964, where we were 3/1, and then became 1/9 on our arrival on Oki-nawa, when we relieved the old 1/9. I was the CO of A/1/9. My book also covers the early actions of 1/9 until I was transferred to 2/9 during the “mixmaster.” The book includes my tour as CO of H&S & E/2/9, and my 2nd tour, 1969-70 with 2/5 & 2/7. 556 pages, about 200 (including all of the original A/1/9) pic-tures, maps, etc. Members can order the book from me. They are $49.95 plus $5.00 Priority Mail. Robert Driver, P. O. Box 7, Brownsburg, Va. 24415. 540-348-5969. I would like to hear from any member of 1/9 that I served with.

Semper Fi!

Bob Driver

1/9 T-SHIRTS

Frenchy Laverriere, has the “old style” 1/9 T-shirts with the original Grim Reaper look. The T-shirts are red or black, with the Grim Reaper inside a gold shield with a banner underneath that says “The Walking Dead”. Med-L-XL, $16.25 plus $3.25 shipping, XXL $18.25 plus $3.25 shipping XXXL $22.00 plus $3.25 shipping. If you‟re ordering more than one shirt, add $3.00 shipping for each additional shirt. Thanks Billy “FRENCHY” Laverriere Order from: Billy Laverriere, 5 Celia Circle, Methuen, MA 08144 His phone number is (978) 687-1992.

CAT TALES AND OTHER MEMORIES

I wanted to 1/9er's know that I have written my life story. It is called “Cat Tales and Other Memo-ries.” I wrote it primarily for my family history, but hope others would like it. It is my first attempt at a prose-type book.

This is the story of an ordinary, main street American. From my first contact with the animal world, growing up a country boy in 1950s rural Wisconsin, through my experiences in the Marine Corps and the Vietnam War, to my faith in Jesus Christ. It is not a story of major accomplishments; just the story of one American searching to define himself in our world that has changed from the dusty roads of his childhood to his international travels in war and peace.

The hardcover sells for $12.95 and is available at buybooksontheweb.com, Amazon, and Barnes & No-bles. It is also available at Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Nobles Book Nook at reduced prices.

Semper Fi! John "Shortround" Barrenger

Bill Keely Charlie Company "67-68" has a request

This photograph appeared on the cover of the March 2011 is-sue of the Proud Warrior. Bill Keely is looking for help or any-one with knowledge about the photo.

You may get in touch with him via e-mail at the following ad-dress: [email protected]

If you don't have e-mail, please contact the Editor at the phone number listed on the back page of this Newsletter.



Page 12


1st Battalion 9th Marines

Cook Book

Ok, Marines, today we are going to get beyond C Rations or in today's vernacular,

MRE's. This is your opportunity to let your fellow Marines know you have skills that

were hidden from view and contribute your favorite recipe(s) to a 1/9 Cookbook that is

currently in the works.

It's really quite simple, just submit your favorite recipe(s) on the form shown below

and please be sure to follow the instructions shown along side of the Recipe Collection

Sheet. You may also have members of your family provide their favorites as well; all

you have to do is give them the credit let us know their relationship to you, i.e. S.O.,

Wife, Son, Daughter, etc.

Please be sure you submission includes the following information:

a) Name, b) Rank, c) Unit (Example: 1st Platoon, Alpha Company) c) Year(s) served in 1/9, d) current

phone number, e) mailing address, and if you have one, f) an e-mail address. All address/contact infor-

mation will be kept confidential and not be distributed to any 3rd party.

If we receive enough dietetic recipes, we will attempt to establish a category for them or alternately

place them in a "This & That" category.

We will do our best to publish all recipes submitted based on the available space however if we run out

of space you will be contacted and advised of the situation.

Please submit or Mail your recipes to:

John Pastuszka

12452 Richfield Blvd

Jacksonville, FL 32218

If you wish to use e-mail, please use the following address: [email protected]

Semper Fi!

John Pastuszka

H&S Company "66-67


Page 13


Page 14


DAVID & LEE ROY: A Vietnam Story

By David L. Nelson and Randolph B. Schiffer.

Texas Tech University Press, 288 pp., $29.95.

Reviewed by Mike Glenn

David & Lee Roy: A Vietnam Story is about two pals from West Texas whose

lives took different paths in the turbulent 1960s. This poignant memoir is a

story of war, friendship, choices and regret.

David Nelson and Lee Roy Herron were high school friends from Lubbock who

attended Texas Tech University. Although both signed up for training to be-

come Marine Corps officers, Nelson opted to defer his military obligation for a

few years so he could attend law school at Southern Methodist University in

Dallas.

Nelson writes that he “had the feeling that Lee Roy was disappointed in me,

disappointed because I‟d chosen law over the infantry. I still have that feeling

today.”

Herron went to Vietnam after a language training course and was killed only two months later, leading

his Marines during a bloody battle against overwhelming North Vietnamese forces. He was posthumously

awarded the Navy Cross, second only to the Medal of Honor in the pantheon of American combat decora-

tions.

Nelson‟s guilt over his decision to spend his military hitch as a lawyer rather than a leader of Marine

Corps riflemen runs like an electric current through the book. He missed Herron‟s wedding because of his

law school classes and remained in Dallas when Herron‟s body was later flown back to Lubbock for his

funeral. At the time, Nelson justified these decisions because of his heavy course work at SMU.

“You couldn‟t just take off for something, come back, and think that you‟d catch right up,” he writes.

“No. I just couldn‟t take the time off, when Lee Roy came home.”

Nelson spent his military term as a Marine Corps lawyer and got no closer to a combat theater than the

safety of rear echelon Okinawa. He eventually got on with things like any other veteran. But Herron re-

mained a significant figure in his life, even after death. Nelson spied a ghostly image of his friend outside

the lobby of the hospital after the birth of his first child. Years later, Nelson heard someone softly men-

tioning his name while he was sitting in his office at the Houston Endowment.

In 1997, Nelson‟s secretary handed him a Houston Chronicle clipping about a book signing by Col.

Wesley Fox, a legendary figure in the Marine Corps who was awarded the Medal of Honor. Nelson re-

membered him as an instructor for novice Marine Corps officers.

“He didn‟t look like the Colonel Fox I had known at Quantico, now almost thirty years before. He looked

old,” Nelson writes.

Fox read a selection from his autobiography, and then went on to describe a particular battle in Vietnam

where his role as commander would later be acknowledged with America‟s highest decoration for valor in

combat. Fox told the audience that one young man from West Texas made the difference on the battle-

field that day — Lee Herron from Texas Tech University.

“I stared at the short man in the front and I could not get out of my mind what he had said,” Nelson

writes.

He moved forward to purchase a copy and secure an autograph from the man who was his best friend‟s

commander in combat. He could barely put together a greeting for Fox, then blurted out that he had

been one of his students at Marine Corps officer training and best friends with Herron.

Fox signed the book “To David and Lee Roy” — as Nelson requested — then brought him over to the

bookstore deli for a cup of overpriced espresso.


Page 15


Tell me about Lee,” Fox asked.

David & Lee Roy: A Vietnam Story pulls back the curtain on an aspect of military life that is little dis-

cussed outside the ranks.

Even during times of combat, most Marines (or soldiers or sailors or airmen) won‟t hear a shot fired in

anger because they‟re employed in support functions. “In military parlance, it‟s called the „Tooth-to-Tail

Ratio‟ and refers to the number of rear-echelon personnel it takes to supply and support each front-line

soldier.”

David Nelson seemed to feel guilty because he never had his “John Wayne” moment, unlike his best

friend from Lubbock.

Men such as Lee Roy Herron and Wesley Fox lived truly heroic lives — and in Herron‟s case, died a bona

fide hero. But whether you‟re a Marine Corps platoon commander or a military lawyer working in the

safe confines of an office in Okinawa, there‟s a quiet heroism in willingly placing yourself in the position

where you might get called up if needed.

Any veteran will tell you that.

Mike Glenn is a Houston Chronicle reporter who led a platoon of Army soldiers in combat during the

Gulf War.

About the Author

David Nelson, was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas. There he met Lee Roy

Herron at Matthews Junior High School and they became close friends, or as Lee

Roy termed it, "ole buddies." The friendship continued throughout their time at

Lubbock High School and Texas Tech University. At Lee Roy's urging, David joined

the Marine Corps and on June 7, 1967, David and Lee Roy received Marine Corps

Second Lieutenant commissions after both graduated from Texas Tech. Lee Roy

was serving with Alpha Company, 1/9 when he was killed in action during Opera-

tion Dewey Canyon on February 22, 1969. He received the Navy Cross posthu-

mously, the citation having been written by Alpha Company, 1/9‟s Company Commander, 1st Lt. Wesley

Fox.

David participated in the Marine Corps PLC-law program and attended law school at SMU in Dallas. After

graduation in 1970 he entered active duty with the Marine Corps in January 1971. He was serving in

Okinawa with the Third Marine Division as a JAG officer when the Vietnam War ended in late January,

1973. After returning from active duty, David became a tax partner with Ernst & Young. He left public

accounting in 1991 to join a large private foundation, Houston Endowment, as Vice President & Grant

Director.


By Bing West

President Obama will today award the Medal of Honor to Marine Cpl. Dakota Meyer. In attendance will be a handful of soldiers and Marines who, one day in September 2009, were abandoned by their chain of command and relied on their own initiative to dislodge a fierce enemy. Their battle has entered military folklore and resulted not only in today's Medal of Honor but in two Navy Crosses, two investigations for dereliction of duty, three letters of severe reprimand, and a recommendation for a second Medal of Honor.


Medal of Honor Awarded to Marine Corporal Dakota MeyerMedal of Honor Awarded to Marine Corporal Dakota MeyerMedal of Honor Awarded to Marine Corporal Dakota Meyer

The Real StoryThe Real StoryThe Real Story

Page 16


The setting was the remote Afghan village of Ganjigal, on the Pakistan border, where elders had re-quested aid in repairing a mosque. Hoping to win hearts and minds, a U.S.-trained Afghan battalion agreed to help. At dawn, about 100 Afghan soldiers and a dozen U.S. Marine advisers entered the valley where Ganjigal is found, picking their way up a narrow, rocky wash toward the stone houses dug into the far end.

It was a setup. Hidden inside the houses and along the wash were 60 jihadists from Pakistan. The am-bushers opened fire with machine guns, mortars and rockets. Immediately the foot patrol was pinned down and taking casualties.

Back at the valley's entrance, 21-year-old Cpl. Meyer listened to radio calls for artillery fire that were re-fused by officers at higher headquarters due to concern for endangering villagers. Cpl. Meyer hopped into the gun turret of a Humvee and persuaded a fellow adviser, Sgt. Juan Rodriguez-Chavez, to drive him straight into the battle.

When the Humvee lurched into the wash, Cpl. Meyer saw the bodies of roughly a dozen Afghan soldiers strewn across the terrain, some dead and others crying. With bullets striking his truck, he leaped out, stuffed five wounded Afghans inside, and then hopped back up behind the machine gun and hammered away as the pulverized vehicle crawled out of the wash.

Leaving the wounded in the rear, Cpl. Meyer and Sgt. Rodriguez-Chavez swapped Humvees. This time the enemy was waiting in a dry streambed. Rocket-propelled grenades and machine-gun bullets followed Cpl. Meyer as he repeatedly left his armored turret to load the truck with wounded Afghan soldiers. At one point, he shot a tall man with a black beard. When another leapt forward under the barrel of his ma-chine gun, Cpl. Meyer grabbed his M4 rifle and shot him in the head.

"You'll have to kill me," he shouted in the rage of battle (he had expected to be killed, he told me a few days later at his outpost in Afghanistan), "because that's the only way you'll stop me."

When Cpl. Meyer and Sgt. Rodriguez-Chavez again dropped off the wounded in the rear, they bumped into a backup American platoon in armored vehicles. The platoon refused to join them, so they went back in for a third time with no backup, driving into a torrent of automatic-weapons fire so a group of trapped American advisers could escape. Cpl. Meyer watched women and children darting among the houses, carrying ammunition to the jihadists.

Cpl. Meyer, a qualified sniper, was hit in the right elbow but continued to shoot left-handed until the feeling returned to his right hand. Over the radio, he listened to Capt. Will Swenson, an Army adviser who remained in the valley to fight, calling repeatedly for artillery fire, only to be rebuffed by headquar-ters.

Pulling back out, Cpl. Meyer took count. Four advisers were still missing. So he gathered those still will-ing to risk death. In addition to Sgt. Rodriguez-Chavez and Capt. Swenson, an Afghan interpreter and Lt. Ademola Fabayo, another adviser, climbed into the truck with Cpl. Meyer. An Army pilot in a tiny Kiowa helicopter, flying 10 feet above the ground, protected the Humvee from the rear. They drove back into the cauldron a fourth time. After seven hours of fighting, Cpl. Meyer found his four missing comrades, dead. At about the same time, the jihadists had collected their casualties and were trekking back into Pakistan.

Over the following months, two investigations resulted in three letters of reprimand for the unit com-manders' failure to provide fire support. Bitterness about the battle and its aftermath lingered among the families of the five dead Americans. While Lt. Fabayo and Sgt. Rodriguez-Chavez received the Navy Cross from the Marine Corps, Capt. Swenson quietly resigned from the Army with no recognition for his valor.

Cpl. Meyer protested against that oversight. Last month, Gen. John R. Allen, the new commander in Af-ghanistan, re-opened the record of that tumultuous day in Ganjigal. Given the four-star general's per-sonal interest, sworn statements attesting to Capt. Swenson's valor were quickly found. Gen. Allen has since forwarded a Medal of Honor recommendation, saying it was the right thing to do despite a lapse of



Page 17


CCHAPLINHAPLIN''SS MMESSAGEESSAGE Seasons greetings to all my 1/9 brothers

On Veterans Day, Nov. 11th I attended a flag folding ceremony gathering with many other veterans from

WWII to the present fight in Afghanistan who honorably served God and Country.

The American Flag has been the symbol of our Nation‟s Unity and Freedom. A beacon of hope to one and

all.

The Flag- Folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our great Country was

originally founded.

Symbols for the Folds of the Flag

The first fold of the flag is symbol of life.

The second fold is made is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the Veterans departing our ranks, and who gave a

portion of his or her life for the defense of our Country to attain peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn

in times of peace, as well as in times of war, for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our Country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur “Our country, in dealing

with other countries, May she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong”

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the (Continued on page 18)

two years.

As for Dakota Meyer, his Medal of Honor citation speaks for itself. Ignoring withering fire, he had carried 12 wounded Afghans to safety and covered the withdrawal of 24 other Americans and Afghans. He had killed at least eight enemy fighters. He would not be refused in battle.

Men do not suddenly acquire unshakable determination to face almost certain death. At the age of four, young Dakota wanted to drive the old tractor on the family farm in Kentucky. His father told him he had to be old enough to turn the hand crank. An hour later, the tractor roared to life—Dakota had repeatedly jumped from the tractor hood onto the crank until it turned over. When he was five, he solemnly assured his grandmother that he would guard her against robbers. A rugged athlete in high school, he also tu-tored autistic students. He volunteered for Afghanistan as his second combat tour and risked death to rescue Afghans as well as Americans.

Cpl. Meyer set the example, but he could not have succeeded alone. Others of like mind joined him. Their shared tenacity wasn't rooted solely in fighting for their fellow squad members. In fact, the core group at the end of the fight didn't know each other that well. Capt. Swenson had only a passing ac-quaintance with Cpl. Meyer, while Lt. Fabayo and Sgt. Rodriquez-Chavez lived at a different base.

Today's ceremony should be a source of pride for all Americans, because Ganjigal wasn't about one war-rior. Inside that village on the Pakistan border, the defining values of America—individual initiative, com-radeship, valor and determination to prevail despite any odds—were on display.

Bing West was a Marine infantryman in Vietnam, reports regularly from the battlefields of Iraq and

Afghanistan. A graduate of Georgetown and Princeton Universities, he served in the Marine infan-

try. He was a member of the Force Recon team that initiated attacks behind North Vietnamese

lines. Mr. West wrote The Village, chronicling the daily lives of 15 Marines who protected the peo-

ple by living among them in their hamlets. The book became a classic of practical counterinsur-

gency and has been on the Commandant‟s Required Reading list for 36 years. This article was

originally published on September 15th, 2011 in the Wall Street Journal.


Page 18


United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, boundaries of

our republic.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our

Country and our flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our

republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might

see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mothers Day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion

that the characters of the men and woman who have made this country great have been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our

Country since he or she was first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David

and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in

their eyes, God the Father, the son and Holy Ghost.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God

We Trust.”

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it has the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding

us of the soldiers who served under Gen. George Washington and the sailors and Marines who served

under Capt. John Paul Jones and were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the U.S Armed

Forces, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

I hope this served as a reminder to all of us older 1/9 walkers that when it was our turn to protect and

preserve the rights, privileges and freedom that our Country enjoys today we were there, though at

great cost we never gave up, we maintained, we gave it our all.

To the younger 1/9 walkers we are proud of you and our gratitude goes out for your service and your

fighting now for God and Country.

You now, as we were represent and stand for all the 12 fold symbols of our flag. You are the Nation's

finest.

My advice from Experience

1. Put your Faith in God,

2. Keep your weapon clean,

3. Take care of your feet,

4. Keep your head down!

With Love and Respect,

Ray Linebaugh


BEREAVEMENTBEREAVEMENT Woody Postle is asking that members contact him for any notice of death or illness of any member.

Phone: 302-678-2410

Email: [email protected]

For Prayer Request

Email: [email protected]

719-369-5692



Page 19


TTHEHE OONENE NNINEINE NNETWORKETWORK SSCHOLARSHIPCHOLARSHIP AAWARDSWARDS -- 20112011 In the last issue of the Proud Warrior, the Network, announced the names of recipients of our Scholar-

ship Awards. These Awards are given out to honor all the Warriors that have served with The 1st Battal-

ion 9th Marines at any time during their military service.

We've received a very nice set of acknowledgements.

Page 20


On the "Lighter Side"On the "Lighter Side"

When this happens, retire with dignity!

One day, three O-6s were hiking together and unexpectedly came upon a wide, raging, violent river.

They needed to get to the other side, but had no idea of how to do so. The Air Force Colonel called out

to God, praying, "Please God, give me the strength to cross this river."

POOF!

God gave him big arms and strong legs, and he was able to swim across. It did, however, take him

more than an hour and he almost drowned a couple of times.

Seeing this, the Army Colonel played to God saying, "Please God, give me the strength and tools to

cross this river."

POOF!

God gave him a rowboat and oars. He was able to row across but it still took almost an hour, it was very

rough, and he almost capsized several times.

The Navy Captain saw how things worked out for the other two, so when he prayed to God, he said,

"Please God, give me the strength, tools, and the intelligence to cross this river."

POOF!

God turned him into a Marine Lance Corporal. He looked at the map, hiked upstream a couple of hun-

dred yards, and walked across the bridge.

Page 21


MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

If you would like to apply for membership in the 1/9 Network, please return this form to:

FIRST BATTALION NINTH MARINES NETWORK, INC. National Membership Committee Chairman

James Stogner

217 East Park Drive Onalaska, TX 77360

(936) 646-4648 [email protected]

Please attach DD-214,NAVMC 118 (3) and NAVMC 118 (9) confirming service with 1st Battalion 9th Ma-

rines unless verified by an active member of the 1/9 Network, Inc. organization. In the absence of

documentation list the names of members of your fire team, squad or platoon, however, be advised this

may delay processing of your application while verifying your service with 1/9 with our active member-

ship rolls. Providing documentation allows much faster processing toward membership approval.

Full Legal Name: __ ____________________________________________________

*note: If you have legally changed your name since serving in the Marine Corps you must provide your

Military Service name, and a document of proof that your name has since been legally changed in a

court of law.

SS# (Last Four)/Service # : __________________ “Nickname” (if any)___________

Mandatory

Address:______________________________________________________________

City/State: __________________________ Zip Code: _____________

Company: ____________Platoon: __________ Squad: _______or Section__________

Dates assigned to 1/9: FROM:___ _________________ TO:____________________

Phone #: (____)_________________________ List in Directory? Yes____ No____

Active (Y/N) Rank:_____ Retired (Y/N) Rank:_____ Medically Retired (Y/N) Rank:_____

Email Address:__________ _______________________

Signature Date

Don't forget to attach documentation to this application *A copy of any official document such as Orders,

SRB entry, Citation, Promotion Warrant, Letterhead paperwork, or orders that indicate you served with

the 1st Battalion 9th Marines.

A copy of your DD-214 would be appreciated to keep on file (not mandatory). Also required is a NAVMC

118 (9) and a NAVMC 118 (3) which can be obtained from NPRC St Louis.

Please submit Membership Dues of $20.00 with your application. The IRS requires Dues to

maintain our tax status, (Mandatory).

2012 Dues are now due ($20.00). New membership cards are ready to go

out. Lifetime Membership are available for $250.00 which can be paid for over one year.

Make your check payable to:

1st Bn 9th Marines Network, Inc.


Page 22


Mail your check and this sheet to:

National Headquarters

1/9 Network

66 Clinton St

Meriden CT 06450-4517

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

2012 Dues

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip: +

Phone:

$20.00 annual dues Apply to Lifetime Membership

Email Address:

Please check this box if you would like to receive The Proud Warrior by email

2012

Page 23


NEW MEMBERSNEW MEMBERS The names submitted to the Network should not be reproduced and given to other sources for

commercial use. Please respect the privacy of our Brothers and their families.

First MI Last Date Served Company Pla-

Larry E Coey 67-68 Charlie 1st

William J Inman 65-66 Weapons- Alpha ---

Stephen D London 68 Alpha ---

Send address changes to: James Stogner, 217 East Park Drive, Onalaska, TX 77360

Your DI's say, it's time to "Re-Up" so mail in your dues for 2012 to keep your membership current!

Page 24


1st Battalion 9th Marines Gun Raffle1st Battalion 9th Marines Gun Raffle

1. Raffle tickets are $10.00 each

2. One ticket has two chances to win. One drawing for each pistol.

3. First Pistol Raffle Prize is an engraved New Colt Model 1911 United States Marine Corps Silver

Tribute in hard nickel plate, Ser#.USMC0108.

4. Second Pistol Raffle Prize is a New Colt Model 1918 (WWI version Colt 1911) Ser.# 3919WWI

5. There is no limit to the amount of tickets one may purchase. Only 2,000 tickets will be sold.

6. YOU MUST BE 21 years old and a legal resident of the United States to purchase a ticket.

7. You do NOT need to be present to win.

8. The winner of each raffle has the option of accepting $1,000 in lieu of accepting the firearm. If

the cash is chosen the firearm remains the property of the 1st Battalion 9th Marines Network Inc.

Once a prize is chosen the decision is final. No further changes will be made.

9. The drawing will take place at the 2012 1st Battalion 9th Marines Reunion Banquet scheduled to be

held in September 2012.

10. Raffle is void where prohibited and ALL Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (BATF)

rules apply. NO exceptions.

11. By obtaining a raffle ticket you attest that you are a law abiding citizen of good moral character,

may legally possess the firearm won, have intention of using the firearm only in a legal and safe

manner, and will or already have obtained instruction on the safe use and operation of the firearm

won.

12. All proceeds of each raffle will be used to help lower the cost of the Reunion. The 1st Battalion 9th

Marines Board of Directors will determine how the proceeds will be applied to best benefit the

members attending.

13. The winner will be announced at the Reunion Banquet and the name of the winner will be pub-

lished in the first Network Newsletter following the reunion and posted on the official Network

webpage.

14. All firearm transfers will be handled through a Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealer, and all ap-

plicable Federal and State laws will apply, including all local firearm laws for the legal residence of

the winning ticket holder.

15. All firearms will be shipped to a local federally licensed dealer (FFL) for transfer to the winner. The

1st Battalion 9th Marines Network Inc will pay for shipping costs only. Any additional costs for in-

surance or other services requested by the winner will be the responsibility of the winner and paid

by the winner. The winner is responsible to identify and contact the local dealer requesting their

assistance in completing the transfer, Once the winner has obtained commitment from the local

FFL dealer to assist with the transfer, the winner is responsible for contacting the 1st Battalion 9th

Marines Network Inc. to supply the name and contact information of their local FFL dealer. The

Winner is responsible for any and all transfer fees charged by his/her chosen FFL. The 1st Battalion

9th Marines Network Inc will make arrangements to ship the firearm to the local FFL dealer as re-

quired by federal law.

16. The winner of each raffle will be responsible for any Federal, State, or Municipal expenses incurred


Page 25


for the registration of the weapon as applicable and is responsible for any Federal, State, or Mu-

nicipal taxes.

17. Winners are responsible to verify that ownership of the firearm won is legal in their state, city or

town prior to taking possession of the prize won. This responsibility falls solely on the winner.

18. ALL PRIZES MUST BE CLAIMED AND TRANSFER COMPLETED WITHIN 90 DAYS OF THE DATE THE

TICKET IS DRAWN.

19. The 1st Battalion 9th Marines Network Inc., its officers, members and business affiliates makes no

warranty, written or implied, on any of the firearms offered in this raffle. All manufacturers‟ war-

ranties apply. Winners are to deal directly with the manufacturer in the event of a warranty claim

or if a problem arises with the firearm.

20. The 1st Battalion 9th Marines Network Inc makes no claim of the firearm suitability of purpose of

any firearm won.

21. The 1st Battalion 9th Marines Network Inc sole liability is limited only to the purchase price pub-

lished on a valid ticket.

22. In the event of a dispute, all decisions by the Board of Directors of the 1st Battalion 9th Marines are

absolute final.


Page 26


GUN RAFFLE TICKET REQUESTGUN RAFFLE TICKET REQUEST

TICKETS $10.00 EACHTICKETS $10.00 EACH

Each ticket is good for both drawings. The first drawing is for a Colt, engraved hard nickel,

USMC Silver Tribute model 1918 (WW I 1911), Reg.# USMC0108. The second drawing is for a

Colt model 1918 (WW I, 1911) Ser.#3919WWI.

FOR COMPLETE RAFFLE RULES go to the battalion website

TICKETS ARE LIMITED SO DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS. BOTH FIREARMS ARE NEW, DONATED

BY ONE OF OUR MEMBERS WHO WISHES TO REMAIN ANNONYMOUS.

SEND ME THE FOLLOWING TICKETS

(Please Print)

YOUR NAME: _____________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

PHONE: ___________ ________________________________

NUMBER OF TICKETS_____________

TOTAL ENCLOSED $____________

MAKE YOUR CHECK OR MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO:

FIRST BATTALION NINTH MARINES NETWORK INC.

SEND YOUR PAYMENT AND TICKET REQUEST AND A SELF ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE

TO:

DON HANSON

1010 Camp Ranch Rd.

Alabaster, AL 35007

YOUR TICKET RECIEPTS WILL BE MAILED BACK TO YOU.

SEMPER FI

Page 27


NETWORK OFFICERS AND COORDINATORS 2010NETWORK OFFICERS AND COORDINATORS 2010--20112011

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bill Bennett; [email protected] Bob Palisay; [email protected]

Bob Fowles; [email protected] Col. Mac Radcliff, Ret.; [email protected]

Donald Hanson; [email protected] Louis W. Robesch, Jr.; [email protected]

George Malone; [email protected] James Speak; [email protected]

David Murray; [email protected] Marco Polo Smigliani; [email protected]

Ric Neumann; [email protected] Phil Sutherland; [email protected]

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

NATIONAL PRESIDENT: Roger Good; [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT: Woody Postle; [email protected]

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD: Ric Neumann; [email protected]

SECRETARY: Robert Moxley, [email protected]

TREASURER: Bill Hesse, [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN: James Stogner; [email protected]

REGIONAL COORDINATORS, as of August 2010

Tom (Doc) Stubbs, Regional Coordinator - South/West (602) 795-5405, [email protected]

Joe Heater, Regional Coordinator - Central/West (847) 991-2160, [email protected]

Robert Moxley, Regional Coordinator - North/West (841) 568-8203, [email protected]

George Malone, Regional Coordinator - Central/East (301) 868-4087, [email protected]

Ron Walker, Regional Coordinator - North/East (802) 263-9472, [email protected]

Johnny Beamon, Regional Coordinator - South/East (757) 627-7701, [email protected]

Robert Taylor, Regional Coordinator - Central/South (985) 228-0758, [email protected]

Chuck Olson, Regional Coordinator - Central/North (218) 838-0985, [email protected]

CHAPLAIN: Ray Linebaugh

NATIONAL NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Joe Heater, (847) 991-2160, [email protected]

WEBMASTER(s): Casey Piatt, [email protected]

John Geisler, [email protected]

First Battalion Ninth Marines Network, Inc.

National Headquarters

66 Clinton St.

Meriden CT 06450-4517

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

www.1stbattalion9thmarinesfirebase.net

NETWORK PHONE # 203-238-1999

This is a dedicated line for members to call. There is also an

answering machine for members to leave messages.

This newsletter is published for the mem-

bers of the First battalion Ninth Marines Net-

work, Inc. Articles and comments do not

necessarily represent the views of the offi-

cers and members, but are those of the au-

thor. The editor with the support of the

President has the right to refuse any article

that brings discredit to this organization or

the United States Marine Corps.























Page 28


THE PROUD WARRIOR

% Joe Heater

1256 East Cooper Drive

Palatine, IL 60074

Documents

The Proud WarriorThe Proud Warrior - …19marinesnetwork.org/December 2011.pdf · eral very distinguished Marines at NRA headquarters in Fairfax Virginia. ... Page 3 The Proud WarriorThe