"Come what may, all bad fortune is to be conquered by endurance."
― Virgil
From the San Diego Union - Tribune
San Diego’s Bravo Co. Marine recruits recover from COVID-19, complete boot camp milestone

Recruits from Bravo Company quickly advance to the top of the last hill of the Reaper, during the 3-day Crucible event. At the completion of the Reaper on Thursday, recruits are presented with their Eagle, Globe and Anchor pin, officially earning the title to be called a U.S.Marine.
(Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Dear Members,
How's your summer treating you? Hope you are able to stay cool as you stay safe in isolation.

The Executive Committee met by telephone today. We discussed the candidate search for the Nominating Committee. Names are coming slowly, but we have until 31 August to find our five. Chapter Presidents are requested to submit two names to their Deputy Vice President. Nominating Committee tasks do not require any travel.

Col Len Hayes presented his progress in scouting with Col Kirshaw for our Annual Reunion next year. The challenge is to keep it close to either Camp Pendleton, or MCRD San Diego, while keeping hotel and transportation costs reasonable. Your ideas are welcomed.

50/50 raffle tickets, to be drawn on our "Reunion Banquet" date of 22 August, 2020 are available below. Thanks to those already in.

Keep safe, keep cool. These strange times are beginning to feel normal, but hang on, and we will eventually get back there.
 
Semper Fi

Jerry Johs
President, 1st Marine Division Association



DJC
From Headquarters
Save the date!
 First week in August 2021
Oceanside, California
 Blue Diamond Birthday Reunion
“Last of the First Bottle” in honor of our WW II Vets

For more info contact:
Len Hayes
(760) 760-712 7088
Lenhayes@cox.net 

73rd Annual (Virtual) Reunion 2020
50/50 Raffle     
Prize: 1/2 of ticket sales
 
Tickets: $10 or 3 for $20

To be drawn on our “Banquet” date: August 22, 2020
Winner need not be present
 
 
Mail stub and check to
FMDA, PO Box 9000, Box #902, Oceanside CA 92051
 
Or leave a message at (760)763-3268.
Your call will be returned for your contact and credit card information.

You can keep current on the Association events at our website:
USMC FORCES PACIFIC
THE FLEET
U.S. Navy Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli Joins the Fleet
The U.S. Navy commissioned USS Tripoli (LHA 7), today, July 15, 2020.

Although the Navy canceled the traditional public commissioning ceremony due to public health and safety restrictions on large public gatherings, the Navy commissioned the USS Tripoli administratively and the ship transitioned to normal operations. Meanwhile, the Navy is looking at a future opportunity to commemorate the special event with the USS Tripoli’s sponsor, crew and commissioning committee.

“USS Tripoli is proof of what the teamwork of all of our people – civilian, contractor and military – can accomplish together,” said Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite. “This ship will extend the maneuverability and lethality of our fleet to confront the many challenges of a complex world, from maintaining the sea lanes to countering instability to maintaining our edge in this era of renewed great power competition.”

Rear Adm. Philip E. Sobeck, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group THREE, welcomes the Navy’s newest amphibious assault ship, and crew, to the amphibious force. “Tripoli is an example of the continued investment in our Navy, to increase and maintain our edge on the battlefield,” said Sobeck. “Congratulations to Tripoli’s crew for all of your hard work, amidst these challenging times, to reach this milestone. We welcome you to the amphibious force, of combat ready ships and battle-minded crews to go to sea and support sustained combat operations.”

LHA 7 incorporates key components to provide the fleet with a more aviation-centric platform. Tripoli’s design features an enlarged hangar deck, realignment and expansion of the aviation maintenance facilities, a significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity. The ship is the first LHA replacement ship to depart the shipyard ready to integrate the entire future air combat element of the Marine Corps, to include the Joint Strike Fighter.
...
Gary Brannan writes:
Just in time, because the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6), also an amphibious assault ship, just (barely) survived a terrible fire , while moored for construction updates in San Diego.
 
Here’s more info about USS Tripoli (isn’t that a great name!): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Tripoli_(LHA-7)
 
R/s
 
…Gary
SEMPER FI FUND

The Semper Fi Fund is caring for veterans from all U.S. military service branches. See below for details of services provided.
1MARDIV Photo Gallery

Jun 16, 2020
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - On June 11, 2020, Marines & Sailors from Headquarters Company, 5th Marine Regiment; 3d Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment; and 3d Marine Air Wing conducted an air assault from Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton to the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California as part of Mountain Exercise 5-20.
 
OFFICIAL USMC PHOTOGRAPH by Capt Michael Wright

Jun 30, 2020
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Sermon on the Mount. No photo details given.
 
OFFICIAL USMC PHOTOGRAPH

Apr 20, 2020
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - U.S. Marine Corps Assault Amphibious Vehicles with 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division drive on a beach at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California on Jan. 29, 2020. 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment worked with 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion to conduct a mechanized raid to enhance lethality and hone combat skills.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Teagan Fredericks)
Health
Coronavirus:
Call before you visit VA.

If you are worried about COVID-19 symptoms or have concerns about your VA services and benefits, ask a question of the VA coronavirus chatbot or review the Frequently Asked Questions .

If you have an appointment, consider making it a telehealth appointment .
From Veterans Affairs

What should Veterans do?
Veterans with symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath should immediately contact their local VA facility. VA urges Veterans to contact VA before visiting – you can find contact information for your closest VA facility . Alternatively, Veterans can sign into  My HealtheVet to send secure messages to their VA providers or use  telehealth options to explain their condition and receive a prompt diagnosis.
Read responses to Veterans'  frequently asked questions about accessing their VA benefits.
Upon arriving at VA, all patients will be screened for flu-like symptoms before they enter in order to protect other patients and staff. A VA health care professional will assist you with next steps once this screening process is complete.
At this time, VA is urging all visitors who do not feel well to please postpone their visits to VA facilities.
How to protect yourself
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the COVID-19 infection and no medication to treat it. CDC believes symptoms appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. Avoid exposure and avoid exposing others to an infection with these simple steps.
  • Learn to use VA Video Connect through the VA mobile app store or by contacting your VA care team, before any urgent problems arise.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. An easy way to mark the time is to hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice while scrubbing.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick or becoming sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue (not your hands) and throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Getting a flu shot is recommended.
MILITARY SERVICE RECORDS
MILITARY SERVICE RECORDS, AWARDS, AND UNIT HISTORIES
(See the attached pdf file, or go to the URL at bottom here)
 
A New Congressional Research Service Publication on U.S. Military Service Records, Awards, and Unit Histories
 
The Congressional Research Service has just published a short reference document that might be of interest to many:
 
The guide provides information on locating military unit histories and individual service records of discharged, retired, and deceased military personnel. It also provides information on locating and replacing military awards and medals. Included is contact information for military history centers, websites for additional sources of research, and a bibliography of other publications, including related CRS reports.

 
GENERAL FUND DONATIONS
USAA
New Members
SGT E-5 JOHN 'JACK' ESSER, Sponsor: Bob Belz

Taps
We are again updating the database from Social Security records.
Recent reports are boldface.

CHARLES 'CHUCK' BONES, 14 Jul 2020
CPL JOHN NICHOLAS COVANES III, 21 Jul 2014
MRS EDNA RUTH COVER, 11 Apr 2016
CPL HAL P. COWAN, 2 Dec 2003
MARLIN G. FOSMARK, 30 May 2020
JOHN HANA II USAF, 5 Jul 2020
RM3 IRVIN H. HERMAN, 15 Mar 2020

Challenge Coin
Association's Challenge Coins Available
Contact HQ at (760)763-3268

These Challenge Coins commemorating the 50th anniversary of Tet 1968 are available to members. The price is $5 per coin, plus shipping.

We sent out our last coin. Our supply will be restocked soon.
 
Headquarters Office (760) 763-3268
President Jerry Johs Email: geronamo0122@gmail.com
Please visit our website: www.firstmardivassoc.com

First Marine Division Association
P.O. Box 9000, Box # 902
Oceanside CA 92051

(760) 763-3268