2/1 Korea 1950-1955 Reunion

The 2nd Batt. 1st Mar Regt. 1st Mar Div  Korea 1950-1955 Reunion will be held on October 03-08 2011 in Quantico, VA at the Crossroads Hotel Quantico. Contact:George T Coyle Sr   Phone:(732)254-6646 Email: GTC1528@optmum.net

E 2/7 Memorial Monument Ceremony Invitation

ATTENTION ALL MARINES WHO SERVED WITH ECHO 2/7

 1ST MARINE DIVISION IN COUNTRY 1965 - 1970

Mark your calendars!!

On 03 June, less than a month away, is the event we all have been waiting for. You are invited to attend the dedication of a monument to all killed while serving with Echo 2/7 during the Vietnam War.

WHEN
The dedication of the Echo Company Memorial Monument and reunion with next of kin will take place from 01 - 03 June, 2011 in Quantico, VA.

WHERE
These 88 names will be honored in Semper Fi Park, Quantico VA at the unveiling of our monument to honor our fallen heroes.

PLAN TO ATTEND
This memorial is open to everyone. You do not have to be a member of the FMDA or ANY organization to attend. If you served with E 2/7 during the Vietnam War you saw Marines & Corpsmen wounded or killed in action. Come pay respects to our fallen brothers. Be there.

Reservations can be made at:
Holiday Inn Quantico Center
Dumfries, VA
(703) 441-9001
(Echo Company 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines Reunion)

Plan ahead - make your reservations today for this once in a lifetime tribute to honor our fallen.

More information contact Bill Dyer
(904) 783-4116
parthree@bellsouth.net

The Monument Committee made a trip to Elberton, GA April 4-5 to check on the process of our monument. We are very pleased to announce that the monument wings have been laser etched with each of the 88 Marines who fell in combat while serving with Echo 2/7. The Marine Corps Emblem was also etched. The MC emblem will be mounted at the top of the monument.

The reality of the monument is coming forth. Just being there while the names were being etched in the granite was sobering. The engraving team that handled the job was very moved by the fact that so many Marines gave there lives for their freedom. It seemed like it was an honor for them to have the job.

The next step in the process is to erect the monument at the MC Museum, Semper Fi Park. This should be completed by mid May. After viewing the quality etchings, the monument committee can sleep better.

Semper Fi,
Monument Committee

CMC and SMMC Visit Marines and Sailors of 1/5

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELARAM II, Nimroz province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – General James F. Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps, addresses the Marines of Regimental Combat Team 8 during his visit to Delaram May 12. The commandant’s tour of the RCT-8 Area of Operations included visits to the Marines serving in Sangin, Musa Qala, and Gereshk. Amos spoke to the Marines about their importance to the war efforts and issues concerning the Marines. “After 10 years of doing counterinsurgency operations here in Afghanistan, the Marine Corps knows what they’re doing,” said Amos. “You have every reason to be proud to wear this uniform.”

Sergeant Major Carlton Kent, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, addresses the Marines of Regimental Combat Team 8 during his visit to Delaram May 12. The SMMC stressed the importance of Marine non-commissioned officers and the important role they are playing. Corporal Christopher Paulson, the legal clerk for Regimental Combat Team 8, took these words to heart “Small unit leadership is just as important today as it has been since the founding of the Corps,” said Paulson. “The fact that our NCOs are teaching our junior Marines how to be good NCOs so our Marine Corps can continue to build and we can press forward was an important point for all the Marines to hear.”

View more pictures on the 5th Marine Regiment Facebook Page

Gettin' Dirty with Company D Tankers

(Click on image below to begin video)



Marine Tankers with with 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, perform heavy maintenance on the tanks to prevent any real damage resulting from the rough Afghan terrain, Combat Outpost Ouellette, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Sound bites include Capt. Daniel Hughes - Company Commander for Co. D., 1st Tanks and Sgt. Todd Cross - Section Leader with the unit. Produced by Cpl. Marco Mancha.

Armed Forces Day "Operation Appreciation" for Marine Corps Camp Pendleton

On Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 21, 2011, the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce will bring the business community and area residents together to provide a day of recognition to the Marines and Sailors based on Marine Corps Base Camp Joseph H. Pendleton.


Date: May 21, 2011
Time: 11:00am-5:00pm
Location: Oceanside Pier Amphitheater


The beach will be loaded with military land and amphibious displays, including the LCAC, for people to explore and learn about. The EOD team will be on hand to demonstrate their latest equipment and answer questions.

All Active Duty Military and their dependents must bring an Active Duty Military ID Card to get unlimited rides, activities, and a free lunch.

This event is open to the public. Wristbands are available for purchase for children’s rides at $10 per person. Entertainment and military displays are free to everyone.


For More Information, Click Here

Recon Marine Awarded Navy Cross

Photo by Sgt. Michael S. Cifuentes 

On May 10, 2011 Gunnery Sgt. Brian M. Blonder was awarded the Navy Cross during a ceremony at the Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington, VA. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus presented the award and described Blonder as "one of the most selfless and disciplined Marines" he has ever met.

In a 2008 firefight in Shewan, Afghanistan, Blonder shot and killed an insurgent who was attempting to fire a rocket-propelled grenade at his Marines. The firefight lasted all day, with Taliban outnumbering the Marines approximately eight to one. At the end of the fight, over 50 Taliban were dead and the rest retreated, and the Marines took control of a crucial supply route through Shewan.

Blonder was a platoon sergeant for Force Reconnaissance Platoon attached to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment. Read More...