"We will either find a way or make one."
-- Hannibal (247-182 BC) Carthaginian General
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Dear Members, 
Hope you all enjoyed your 4th of July holiday. Hope you were cooler than here in Oregon.

The ballots are at the printer, and should be in the mail next week. Please vote and put your ballot in the mail before 25 July.

The ballots include a letter with my farewell as President, as well as the bios for the two candidates for Vice President, the only office which is contested. For our members without email, this is about our only contact with them.

The letter asks the members to supply an email if they are not receiving this newsletter. If they do not have email, I ask that they contact family or a friend that could get the email for them. If you know a member not on our mailing list, please have them contact the office, or, pass the newsletters on to them to keep them updated on Association affairs.

Finally, the letter asks for our members' financial support. This has been a tough year and a half for our budget. The cancelled Anniversary and Reunion gatherings would have been our major fundraisers. Please donate if you can.

We are running a 50/50 raffle in place of this August's Annual Reunion. Download your tickets below. Have some fun, and support our Association.

The opening of the Last Man Bottle is still in planning. Would you be interested in attending if it was held at the Division's Birthday Ball on 6 November, in Carlsbad, California? Do you know any WWII Pacific Campaign Marines who could attend? Please let us know.

Stay cool out there.

Semper Fi

Jerry Johs
President

DJC
FROM HEADQUARTERS
We apologize for the delay in getting the ballots out. They are at the printer, and should mail soon.
FROM THE COMMANDANT
U.S. Navy Hospital Corps
122nd Birthday
ALMARS: 012/20

R 162009Z JUN 20
ALMAR 012/20
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC DMCS(UC)//
SUBJ/122ND HOSPITAL CORPS BIRTHDAY MESSAGE//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. As the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps commemorates 122 years of honorable and faithful service, Marines pay tribute to the courage and devotion of our “Docs.”

2. When the Continental Congress directed the organization of medical stations during the Revolutionary War, a longstanding tradition of exceptional medical support was born. Throughout the century that followed the Revolution, surgeons and other medical personnel tended to the wounds and illnesses of Sailors and Marines on and off the battlefield. On June 17, 1898, President William McKinley formally approved the establishment of the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps. Since then, Navy Hospital Corpsmen have continued the tradition of caring for Marines and Sailors in our military hospitals, onboard ships, and on battlefields around the world.

3. The U.S. Navy Hospital Corps remains the largest and most decorated rate in the Navy, with more than 30,000 active duty and reserve Corpsmen serving within our units across the naval force. Marines take great pride in serving alongside the Docs who are always there when we call “Corpsman Up.” We are grateful for your dedication and sacrifices, and we join you in celebrating the impressive legacy of Navy Hospital Corpsmen past and present. Congratulations on 122 years of exceptional service.

4. Semper Fidelis, David H. Berger, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps.//
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Marines:
 
First things first …
Today is Memorial Day so please join me in lifting a glass to all of our Fallen Brothers and Sisters who gave their last full measure for God, Country, our Corps and our divinely inspired Constitution … their chairs are empty and pushed forward against the table … REMEMBER
 
Attached is the General Ledger for The Fund as of 31 May 2021 reflecting all entries and transactions through 31 May. The Fund finished May with liquid assets totaling $1,186,901.02, up $7.6k from 30 April. As member Dave Franklin always reminded us: protect the corpus! The Fund’s corpus is enjoying growth at a steady pace thus generating income above the level of cumulative scholarship payments thereby maintaining the body/corpus of funds needed to fund scholarships into the foreseeable future.
 
Your Scholarship Fund continues to be in excellent health and is enjoying very nice asset growth. Your decision to engage Capitol Securities to manage The Fund’s investment portfolio continues to yield very nice dividends under the financial management of Mr. E. B. Bartlett.
 
As previously communicated, the Blair Estate remains in probate and the attorneys probating the estate have informed that they do not expect a liquidation of the estate in 2021. When liquidated, the Blair Estate distribution to The Fund will be in the neighborhood of $118,000 with a like amount going to The Association.
 
Reminder …
My job is open so if anyone wants to submit his or her name to the Fund Board of Directors for the CFO position, it is open and available for consideration by the Scholarship Fund Board of Directors as I am ready to retire at 76 and I am not getting any younger as each day passes. A candidate should have basic accounting and financial reporting skills and be capable of preparing federal and state tax returns as well as other statutory reporting requirements and pay for postage out of pocket (i.e., donate postage and stationery, envelopes, etc.). The CFO should be willing to handle all statutory reporting requirements pro-bono (these are the ways that cash expenses are minimized for the benefit of The Fund). I have handled all tax and statutory filings for 2020 pro-bono, as in the past.
 
Please let me know if you have any questions.
 
 
S/F
 
Jerry Reed
CFO
CHAPTERS
California Delta Chapter
to meet to honor
LtCol John R. Stevens
The California Delta Chapter will meet for lunch on Saturday, July 10, in Pacifica, to honor the life of the late LtCol John R. Stevens.

Please contact Chapter President Frank Wallace for details.
Phone 925-228-7033 email fwallaceiiiusmc@gmail.com
1/5 Vietnam Veterans Chapter share their Summer 2021 Newsletter:
From the Desert:
Southern California Chapter's July 2021 The Breed:
MEMBERS
Happy Birthday to
PFC Golda Fabian
June 15: Happy 98th to Sgt Elmer Hawkins
June 19: Happy 100th to Pvt Paul W. Wojahn
MEMORIALS
VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL
AT OREGON CAPITAL IN SALEM
CHESTY PULLER MEMORIAL PARK
SALUDA, VIRGINIA
Date: Sun, May 30, 2021 at 1:23 PM

Dear Marines,
   I am reaching out with hopes of support from the 1st Marine Division Association helping to build "Puller Park" in Saluda, Virginia. As you well know, "Chesty was born right down the street in West Point , Virginia and lived in Saluda, Mrs. Pullers home town. And at Christ Church where "Chesty" is buried, the 1st Marine Division Association has a sign pointing to "Chesty's" Grave.

   Sir, my family grew up and served with the General and yes, I knew the entire family personally because of my grandfather and father. Our family has been Marines since 1917.

   The reason for my letter is that the Middlesex County Museum in Saluda is an old Country Museum and the entire town of Saluda is now listed nationally as a Historic Town. The Museum itself has a big display of Veterans, local in the museum including my family.....but "Chesty" is the big draw and the Puller Family supported but only one family member is left.

   The Marine Corps League in Gloucester, Detachment 1317, has teamed up with the Museum to build a "Park, " Puller Park" for the many visitors yearly to Saluda which includes many, many Marines. "Chesty's home has finally been bought by a Marine and his is restoring it. But I am personally concerned that the name of "Chesty" is fading as the Marine Corps doesn't teach Recruits History like they used to and the Political Climate in Washington is slowly getting into the Corps.

   The Middlesex County Museum has set a goal to sell Memorial Bricks to be set either in a wall or ground around the new Flag Pole, which now flys the American Flag and Marine Corps Flag provided by Det. 1317. The Detachment has also reached out to a Brick Mason to design and cost of a brick wall of Memorial Bricks as a backdrop for the flagpole. Already, we have "Chesty's" original "Head Stone" in the park.

   I ask that you look up on the website; Middlesex County Museum and click on "Puller Park" for the plans/goals we have set. If you have any questions whatsoever, please feel free to contact me. I have supported your association at VMI. My grandfather and father were 2nd Division Marines but my fathers brother was a 1st Division Marine at Inchon, Seoul and Froz. Chosin. 

   Sir. I am reaching out for questions and support of not just our Detachment, but the memory of "Chesty" in Saluda.

                                            Semper Fi,
                                            Steve Robertson
                                            "Chesty's" Friend

PS I have proof of this statement.

From: Stephan Robertson <stephanrobertson91@gmail.com>
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.
GENERAL FUND DONATIONS
USAA
Reunions & Events

1/5 Vietnam Veterans Chapter and
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
will hold their annual
Sergeant Dougherty Memorial Shoot
25 September 2021
Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays
near Allentown, Pennsylvania


Contact: HM3 John Chang jschang1829@gmail.com
New Members
Welcome Aboard to our newest members:

SSGT SCOTT D. BUSH
MRS JEANEECE A. ERENS, Associate, Sponsor: SSgt Richard E. Erens
MRS GAYE KANE, Associatee, Sponsor: Sgt Darrell J Kane
MAJ DWIGHT MCCAN, Sponsor: Quintin Villanueva
CPL RICHARD P. PODGUSKI, Sponsor: Stan Mosczienski
Taps Report

We are updating the membership roll from public records.
Passings in previous 12 months are in boldface.
We have been searching for those eligible to share
the Last of the First Bottle.

SGTMAJ TED ARNOLD JR, 7 Jun 2003
1STLT WILLIAM G. BRINCK JR, 29 Aug 2006
GEORGE 'JEFF' EHLEN, 17 Feb 2021
CPL CLARENCE J. GOODSPEED, 2 Jan 2005
PFC ANDY GOODWIN JR, 15 Jul 2014
PAUL M. GOODWIN, 26 Apr 2018
LTCOL ABIE GORDON USMC(RET), 28 Oct 2009
CPL JOHN A. GORDON, 29 Jun 2010
PFC JOHN P. GORMAN, 18 Apr 2020
SGT DOUGLAS L. GOSNELL, 13 Jul 2005
SGT WILLIAM A. GOTHARD JR, 17 Apr 2013
SGT WALTER J. GOUGH, 12 Jun 2018
PFC MARVIN D. GOUGHLER, 26 Apr 2019
HENRY GOUKA JR, 13 Dec 2009
ARTHUR J. GOULD, 30 Oct 2008
CPL BYRON B. GOURLEY, 6 Oct 2014
CPL JARED F. GOVIG, 25 Jul 2007
PFC JOSEPH J. GRABITZ, 20 Mar 2006
SGT TONY G. GRACCO, 21 Sep 2008
SGT RAYMOND C. GRAMKOW, 12 Jan 2016
ELMA GRANT, 9 Jan 2015
EUGENE F. GRANT, 19 Nov 2013
SGT MARVIN F. GRANT, 24 Jan 2018
CPL LAWRENCE G. GRANTON, 19 Nov 2020
GYSGT ALEXANDER GRASMICK, 1 Jan 1999
CPL THOMAS J. GRASS, 16 Oct 2009
MGYSGT CHARLES F. GRAUSTEIN USMC(RET), 2 Jul 2019
JACK C. GRAVATT, 7 Jan 2007
SSGT ED B. GRAYDEN, 3 Dec 2015
COL LAWRENCE P. HARRIS USMC(RET), Jun 2019
SGT DANIEL HERRERA JR, 25 Feb 2021
PHM1 JESUS HERRERA, 8 Nov 2012
SGT RICHARD MARSHALL HERRING, 15 Apr 2012
CPL JOHN T. HERRMANN, 20 Apr 2015
MRS MARY BETTY HERROD, 25 May 2015
CPL JAMES H. HERRON, 1 Jun 2021
GYSGT EDWARD J. HERTERICH USMC(RET), 13 Feb 2009
SGT JOHN H. HUDSON, 29 Jun 2021
CPL SAM A. HUTTENHOWER, 18 Nov 2020
SSGT GLENN A. KASDORF, 30 Mar 2021
ROBERT B. KAUFMAN, 24 May 2021
LT FRANK KIWATISKY, 18 Mar 2016
MRS CAROL KLEIN, 24 May 2017
LCPL DENNIS G. KLEIN, 8 Jun 2005
CAPT WILBUR C. KLEMM JR, 24 Jan 2020
CAPT EDWARD KLIEWER, 8 Dec 2018
1STSGT RICHARD LEE KLINE (RET), 27 Oct 2017
CAPT BRIAN P. KLINKER USMCR, 25 Oct 2018
SGT RAYMOND E. KLUNER, 18 Jan 2017
GYSGT MANFRED J. KNAPP, 22 Oct 2014
CPL LELAND F. KNISLEY, 7 Apr 2020
PHM1 KENNETH C J. LAHRS, 9 Apr 2003
SSGT L. R. LITTLE, 4 Feb 2012
SSGT JERRY ISMAEL MAGALLANES, 9 Jun 2021
SGT GEORGE H. MANSFIELD, 8 Aug 1992
SGT JAMES W. MCCRARY, 30 Sep 2017
EDWARD J. MCGEE, 1 Feb 2009
CPL CARLTON E. MCKINLEY, 24 Jul 2019
SSGT PHILIP W. MCLEOD, 20 Nov 2003
SGTMAJ FRANCIS T. MCNEIVE USMC(RET), 29 May 2020
MICHAEL METTLER, 25 Sep 2004
CPL GERALD K. MOHN SR, 7 May 2008
SSGT JOSEPH NAPOLIELLO, 25 Mar 2012
SSGT FRANCIS J. NEAR, 1 Sep 2008
1STSGT JAMES R. NOCIFORA (RET), 30 Oct 2015
PHM2 WILLIAM E. NORMAN, 23 Jan 2009
LCPL C. R. O'DELL, 5 Mar 2016
PFC JAMES L. ORR, 22 Apr 2021
PVT THEODORE S. PAVENSKI, 16 Jun 2008
CPL ARMANDO ROCCO PELLEGRINI, 8 Aug 2011
GYSGT DAVID B. PETROS USMC(RET), 27 May 2008
DR SIDNEY C. PHILLIPS, 26 Sep 2015
MGYSGT SAMUEL C. PLOTT JR USMC(RET), 17 Jun 2008
PLTSGT PAUL J. PLYLER, 9 Feb 2009
PFC DANIEL E. POIRIER, 5 Sep 2013
CPL GERALD M. RAUWALD, 16 Nov 2005
SGT JOHN A. RAVENTOS
JOHN J. RAY JR, 4 Dec 2020
SSGT TOM RAY, 5 Jan 2018
CPL PAUL REALE, 6 Aug 2019
CPL WILLIAM F. REEHL, 6 Oct 2003
SGT RAY M. RIDGEWAY, 8 Feb 2021
SGT DONALD D. RIDLEY, 15 Oct 1996
SGT TERENCE J. RIETH, 21 Jan 2009
CAPT JOHN H. RIMES USMC(RET), 11 Nov 2011
CWO EDWIN R. RING, 10 Aug 2009
CPL ALBERT R. RITCHER, 12 May 2009
PFC JAMES F. ROBBINS, 20 Jan 2019
PFC HARRY D. ROCKWELL, 10 Aug 2016
SGT WILLIAM I. ROPER, 16 Jul 2008
PLTSGT SIDNEY ROSENHEIM
CPL MATTHEW R. ROUSSEAU, 14 Jan 2020
SGT JOHN L. SCHOENECKER, 5 Feb 2018
TSGT AUGUST J. SCHREIBER, 30 Sep 2013
SSGT WILLIAM J. SENDEWICZ, 27 May 2004
SGT JOHN V. SETTEDUCATI, 30 Jul 2013
SSGT RICHARD R. SIMS USMC(RET), 21 Dec 2015
HAROLD E. SMITH, 5 Jan 2016
SGT HOMER FRANK SMITH, 18 Aug 2007
CPL ERNEST SNOWDEN, 22 May 2016
WILLIAM SOUZA, 9 Mar 2016
LTCOL ZANE E. SPRAGUE USMC(RET), Jun 2000
PFC MAURICE J. STARR, 2 Sep 2018
BGEN WILLIAM A. STILES USMC(RET), 2 Jan 2005
SGT DONALD T. STODDARD, 28 Jun 2021
PFC HAROLD L. TARVIN, 21 Aug 2008
SGT WILLIAM J. TEEFEY, 16 Apr 2019
HMC WILLIAM A. THOMAS, 7 Jan 2016
MAJ EARL W. THOMPSON USMC(RET), 4 May 2014
PVT DONALD M. TIFFT, 19 Feb 2009
CAPT ARNOLD J. TOWNSEND, 9 Sep 2017
ALFRED 'AL' MITCHELL VARNES JR, 2 Jun 2021
JIM WILLIS, 15 Jun 2021


 
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.

Our coin supply is replenished.
We'll be fulfilling backorders, and welcome more. 
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