THE FIGHTIN’ 311 TOMCATS
Jim and Sue Galchick Cecil and Chris Cheeka George and Jackie Phander
1587 Westview Dr. Apt B. 2207 Lilac St. 3032 Potshop Rd.
Salem, OH 44460 Lacey, WA 98503 Norristown, PA 19403
330-337-9383 360-352-7227 610-584-5654
jgalchick@neo.rr.com ccheeka@comcast.net gphander46@comcast.net
Charles Read Fred Townsley
14 Brentwood Road 319 S. Blaine Ave.
Kingston, MA 02364 Chandler, OK 73834
781-585-8184 (405) 258-7377 Cell
(405) 328-7579 Home
Cread1@comcast.net oldsargfred@gmail.com
www.vmfvma311reunion.org
Edition February 2021
REUNION 2021 IS ON……AGAIN!
BEEN A TOUGH YEAR ALL AROUND. WITH A LOT OF UNCERTAINTY STILL IN THE AIR WE DECIDED TO GIVE IT ANOTHER “GO” TO THE FINE CITY OR NEW ORLEANS. MANY QUESTIONS STILL TO BE ANSWERED: WILL THE COUNTRY BE ALL VACCINATED UP BY SEPTEMBER, WILL THERE BE ANOTHER VIRUS TO CONTEND WITH, WILL PEOPLE BE SECURE IN TRAVELING AND BEING IN GROUPS, ARE THE HOTELS OPERATING NORMALLY AS WILL BE THE TOUR BUSES AND ATTRACTIONS.
WE TALKED TO THE FOLKS AT THE HIGGINS HOTEL AND THE GRAYLINE BUS COMPANY AND THE CVB IN NOLA AND THEY WERE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT 2021. WITH THAT BEING SAID WE FEEL WE CAN MAKE A RUN AT IT. A SHORT RUNDOWN ON THE REUNION. STILL AT THE HIGGINS HOTEL NEXT TO THE WWII MUSEUM. WE’D LIKE TO SAY IT’S GOING TO BE A CHEAP REUNION BUT IT WOULD BE A MISREPRESENTATION OF THE FACTS. NEW ORLEANS IS EXPENSIVE BUT WE GOT THE BEST DEALS WE COULD AND CHECKED OUT THE HOTEL AND A FEW PLACES OF INTEREST WHILE WE WERE THERE.
CHECK IN WILL BE SUNDAY 26TH OF SEPTEMBER AND CHECK OUT THURSDAY THE 30TH. WE’LL DO A TOUR OF THE CITY , LUNCH AT A PLANTATION AND TAKE IN THE PLANTATION LIFESTYLE ON MONDAY, ON TUESDAY YOU CAN SPEND ALL DAY AT THE WWII MUSEUM AND AUCTION WILL BE TUESDAY NIGHT., WEDNESDAY WE’LL HAVE A LITTLE MEETING IN THE MORNING AND HAVE A BUFFET DINNER AT ABOUT 1800. PRETTY MUCH THE SAME LINE UP AS WE HAVE ALWAYS DONE WITH THE EXCEPTION THAT THE REUNION WILL START ON SUNDAY RATHER THAN WEDNESDAY. THURSDAY THE ROOM RATES INCREASE ABOUT 40%. OUR ROOM RATES WILL BE GOOD FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO GO DOWN 3 DAYS EARLY AND STAY 3 DAYS LATER THAN THE REUNION DATES.
VMA-311 DEACTIVATION
ARLINGTON, VA: AN OCTOBER 15 CEREMONY MARKED THE DEACTIVATION OF MARINE ATTACK SQUADRON (VMA-311) AN AV8B HARRIER SQUADRON AT MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IN YUMA, ARIZONA, AS THE SQUADRON SHIFTED SOME ASSETS TO MERGE WITH SISTER SQUADRON VMA-214.
VMA-311 WILL BE RE-ACTIVATED IN EARLY 2022 AS MARINE FIGHTER ATTACK SQUADRON 311 (VMFA-311) AT MCAS MIRAMAR, CALIFORNIA, TO FLY THE F-35C LIGHTNING STRIKE FIGHTER, THE 3RD MARINE AIRCRAFT WING SAID IN AN OCTOBER 16 RELEASE.
VMA-311 “BECAME THE FIRST MARINE SQUADRON TO EMPLOY THE AV-8B HARRIER IN COMBAT DURING OPERATION DESERT SHIELD. VMA-311’S HARRIERS WERE THE FIRST TO FLY COMBAT MISSIONS IN AFGHANISTAN DURING OPERATION ENDURING FREEEDOM AND PARTICIPATED IN THE FIRST COMBAT SORTIE OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM IN 2003.”
“THE REPUTABLE TOMCATS HAVE AN EXCEPTIONAL LEVEL OF ESPRIT DE CORPS REPRESENTING 78 YEARS OF SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE, “ SAID SGT. MAJ. COLIN BERRY, VMA-311 SERGEANT MAJOR, IN THE NEWS RELEASE. “THE TOMCATS INBUED A LEVEL OF MORALE WITHIN EACH OTHER THAT WAS UNMATCHED, BUT I HAVE NO DOUBT THE NEWLY ADOPTED VMA-214 BLACK SHEEP IDENTITY WILL BE EMBRACED, AND THEY WILL CONTINUE PERFORMING REMARKABLY.”
THE DEACTIVATION LEAVES VMA-214 AS THE ONLY HARRIER SQUADRON LEFT IN YUMA-BASED MARINE AIRCRAFT GROUP 13. THE OTHER HARRIER ATTACK SQUADRONS, VMA-223, VMA-231, AND VMA-542, ARE BASED AT MCAS CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, ALONG WITH THE REPLACEMENT SQUADRON VMAT-203.
VMA-214 WILL MAKE THE TRANSITION TO THE LIGHTNING II, IN THIS CASE THE F-35B SHORT TAKEOFF/VERTICAL LANDING VERSION.” (ARTICLE TAKEN FROM SEAPOWER MAGAZINE)
WRAPPING UP….
SO THE OLD 311 IS ENTERING A NEW ERA. I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MEET A NUMBER OF THE MARINES WHO SERVED IN THE ORIGINAL SQUADRON WHEN IT FORMED UP IN 1942 AND STILL HEAR FROM A COUPLE. WATCH FOR THE REGISTRATION TO COME OUT FOR THE REUNION IN MAY. DEADLINE IS IN MID AUGUST. CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
FOR THE REUNION ASSOCIATION
JIM GALCHICK
TOMCAT AIR…ON TIME …ON TARGET
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2021 Reunion
HELLO NEW ORLEANS 2021
Sunday September 26 to Thursday September 30 2021
THE HIGGINS HOTEL
1000 MAGAZINE STREET
NEW ORLEANS, LA 71030
(504)-528-1941 HOTEL
(504)-459-0715 DIRECT
BOOKING LINK: http//group.curiocollection.com/vmfvma-311reunionassocation
Update from Jim 4/18/2020
VMF/VMA-311 ALUMNI:
ALL THINGS CONSIDERED AND AFTER TALKING TO THE HOTEL AND TOUR PEOPLE, WE DECIDED THAT IT WOULD BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE GROUP TO CANCEL THE REUNION FOR THIS YEAR IN NEW ORLEANS. AS THE WELL BEING OF THE GROUP IS PRIORITY ONE WE DECIDED THAT THERE WERE TOO MANY “IFFY” THINGS GOING ON THIS YEAR.
WE SCHEDULED THE REUNION FOR THE SAME WEEK IN NEW ORLEANS NEXT YEAR (LAST WEEK IN SEPTEMBER) AND WE WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED AS TIME PROCEEDS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYONE IN 2021.
SEMPER FIDELIS
STAY WELL.
THE REUNION COMMITTEE
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VMF/VMA311Reunion Association Newsletter Edition March 2020
GOODBYE CHATTANOOGA…….
OUR SECOND REUNION IN CHATTANOOGA WAS A GREAT SUCCESS. WE HOSTED ABOUT 60 TOMCAT ALUMNI, WIVES AND GUESTS. THE HOTEL COULDN’T HAVE BEEN BETTER. THE LOCATION WAS ACCESSIBLE TO ALL THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF THE CITY AND THERE WERE MORE PLACES TO EAT WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE THAN YOUR DIET COULD COMPREHEND. WE HAD A GOOD TIME . ENOUGH CAN’T BE SAID ABOUT THE INPUT OF ALL WHO MAKE THESE REUNIONS WHAT THEY ARE. EVERYONE CHIPS IN AND HELPS. WE ARE LUCKY TO HAVE A GOOD CORE OF ATTENDEES WHO HAVE COME TO THE REUNIONS FOR MANY YEARS AND WE NORMALLY WELCOME SOME NEW ALUMNI TO THE REUNIONS.
OUR FRIDAY NIGHT AUCTION WAS A HUGE SUCCESS AS USUAL THANKS TO THE ABILITIES OF OUR AUCTIONEERS, JIM DAVIS AND RALPHIE REED. THESE GUYS CAN COAX A LOT OF GREEN FROM PEOPLES WALLETS. WITH THE AUCTION WE FINANCE THE GROUP FOR A COUPLE MORE YEARS AND MANAGE TO MAKE A DONATION TO THE VMA-311 FAMILY ASSISTANCE GROUP OUT IN YUMA. WITH THE CHRISTMAS SEASON ROLLING AROUND I’M SURE THAT THE MONEY WILL COME IN HANDY.
WE WERE KINDA HOPING THAT SOME YOUNG TOMCATS WOULD SHOW UP WITH SOME SEMPER FI AND BE WILLING TO TAKE OVER THIS GROUP BUT IT WAS MOTIONED THAT WE KEEP THE SAME OFFICERS AGAIN. SO YOU’LL HAVE TO PUT UP WITH OUR SMILING FACES AT LEAST A COUPLE MORE YEARS. FRED TOWNSLEY IS STILL MAINTAINING THE WEB SITE . WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THAT. I AM CONSTANTLY AMAZED AT THE INQUIRES I RECEIVE ABOUT THE GROUP AND THAT THEY NEVER KNEW THERE WAS A GROUP OR THAT THERE WAS A WEB SITE. WE HAVE BEEN ON LINE FOR 20 YEARS. THAT BAFFLES ME.
HELLO NEW ORLEANS 2020……
VOTED ON BY THE ALUMNI PRESENT AT THE BUSINESS MEETING WE ARE HEADED TO NEW ORLEANS (I THINK PRONOUNCED BY LOCALS AS “NORLINS”) LOUISIANA (I THINK PRONOUNCED “LOOSIANA). ANYWAY, WE’RE GOING TO NEW ORLEANS IN 2020 AND WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO VISITING A NEW CITY. HAVEN’T GOT ANY FEELERS OUT YET BUT THE INFO WILL BE FORTHCOMING AFTER THE FIRST OF THE YEAR. I DO KNOW THAT THE WWII MUSEUM OPENED A NUMBER OF YEARS BACK. WE PURCHASED A BRICK FOR MY FATHER THAT I WILL BE LOOKING FOR. THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN THERE SAY IT IS HARD TO TAKE IN DOING A COUPLE DAYS. IT’S HUGE. OF COURSE WE ALL HEARD OF BASIN STREET AND GREAT CREOLE FOOD. ANYONE WHO I HAVE TALKED TO WHO HAS BEEN THERE SAID THEY HAD A GREAT TIME AND IT WAS WORTH THE VISIT. SO GOD WILLING AND THE CREEK DON’T RISE WE’LL BE EXPECTING TO SEE Y’ALL IN LOOSIANA COME 2020.
2.
IN ALL HONESTY PAGE ONE OF THIS NEWSLETTER WAS ACTUALLY WRITTEN IN DECEMBER 2019. SPRING FORWARD 15 MONTHS. HAD SOME TOUGH HEALTH PROBLEMS TO OVERCOME SINCE THE LAST REUNION AND THOSE PROBLEMS MADE IT NECESSARY TO RELOCATE AFTER TWENTY YEARS. MOVING 50 YEARS WORTH OF ACCUMULATION FROM A BIG HOUSE TO A SMALL APARTMENT IS NO EASY TASK IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER. WITH A LOT OF HELP WE GOT IT DONE AND ARE GETTING USED TO A SMALLER PLACE.
REUNION WISE WE DIDN’T LET THINGS SLIDE COMPLETELY. WE MANAGED A TRIP DOWN TO NEW ORLEANS WITH THE CHEEKAS AND YOCCAS TO CHECK OUT THE HOTELS AND LOCAL THINGS TO DO. NEW ORLEANS IS A HORSE OF A DIFFERENT COLOR THAN WHAT WE ARE USED TO. EVERYTHING IS PRICEY. WE GOT A GOOD LOOK AT THE FRENCH QUARTER AND JACKSON SQUARE AND HAD SOME REALLY GOOD FOOD. IT RAINED QUITE A BIT ON OUR TRIP SO WE DIDN’T GET MUCH OUTSIDE THE CITY TO THE PLANTATIONS OR GHOST TOURS. WE ALSO DIDN’T GET TO ANY BLUES VENUES. THE WWII MUSEUM IS CERTAINLY A MUST AND YOU’LL WANT TO SPEND MORE THAN A DAY THERE. GOOD NEWS IS THAT THE HOTEL WE BOOKED, THE HIGGINS HOTEL, IS RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE MUSEUM. WE DIDN’T HAVE TO BOOK A TOUR FOR THAT ONE. NICE PLACES TO EAT THERE, SHOWS TO SEE, VERY HOSPITABLE AND THERE ARE PLENTY OF WHEELCHAIRS AVAILABLE. WE WENT TO THE MUSEUM TWICE AND DIDN’T GET TO SEE ONLY A PART OF IT. IT’S PRETTY BIG. I FOUND MY DAD’S BRICK IN THE SIDEWALK AND I WAS HAPPY ABOUT THAT. HURRAH'S CASINO IS CLOSE BY AND I PLAN TO VISIT MY MONEY THE NEXT TIME DOWN THERE.
PARKING IS EXPENSIVE. THERE ARE PARKING VENUES OUTSIDE OF THE MAIN AVENUES OF ATTRACTION THAT HAVE PUBLIC PARKING FOR FREE BUT THEY REQUIRE WALKING SHOES. PARKING AT ANY OF THE LOTS OR HOTELS RUN $20-40 PER DAY. THE HIGGINS AND EVERY OTHER HOTEL CHARGES $40 PER DAY BUT WE GOT A DISCOUNT AT $25. IT WAS THE SAME DEAL AT ALL THE HOTELS. ONE HOTEL HAD NO IN-OUT POLICY. ONCE YOU PARKED IT YOU COULDN’T GET IT UNTIL CHECKOUT. IN MY OWN OPINION PARK YOUR CAR AT THE HIGGINS AND TAXI CAB OR UBER YOUR WAY AROUND TOWN. WE GOT A MINI VAN CAB FOR SEVEN OF US AND IT ONLY COST A COUPLE BUCKS APIECE.
THE HIGGINS HOTEL: BELOW IS THE HOTEL INFORMATION AND BOOKING LINK. I CHECKED THE LINK AND IT AUTOMATICALLY BOOKS YOU INTO OUR ROOM BLOCK. YOU CAN PICK OUT WHAT YOU WANT AS FAR AS BEDS.
THE HIGGINS HOTEL
1000 MAGAZINE STREET
NEW ORLEANS, LA 71030
504-528-1941 HOTEL
504-459-0715 DIRECT
BOOKING LINK: http//group.curiocollection.com/vmfvma-311reunionassocation
27 SEPT-O1 OCT 2020
ROOM BLOCK GOOD PRICE 3 DAYS PRIOR AND 3 DAYS AFTER THE REUNION DATES.{$145.00/day)
THE HIGGINS IS A BRAND NEW HOTEL OPENING FOR BUSINESS THIS PAST DECEMBER. THE HOTEL IS DONE IN MILITARY DECOR AND IS THEMED MILITARILY THROUGHOUT. THE HOTEL PARKING GARAGE IS TO THE RIGHT OF THE MAIN HOTEL ENTRANCE ON MAGAZINE STREET. THE WWII MUSEUM IS RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET. THE HOTEL HAS EATERIES AND A BAR AND ALSO A LITTLE COFFEE/SNACK AREA. WE LOOKED AND TOURED 5 HOTELS AND WAS KIND OF A NO BRAINIER TO STAY AT THIS HOTEL.
LOOKING AT YOUR CALENDAR YOU MAY HAVE NOTED THAT THE REUNION WILL START ON A SUNDAY RATHER THAN A WEDNESDAY. HOTEL PRICES ON THURSDAY THRU SUNDAY GO UP$30-50. WE’VE NEVER RUN INTO THAT BEFORE. USUALLY IT’S ONE PRICE FOR THE WHOLE STAY. THAT’S THE NORM IN NEW ORLEANS PRICE GOES UP ON THURSDAY. USUALLY I CAN SNOOZE THOSE SALES REPS PRETTY GOOD BUT THE NEW ORLEANS HOTELS ARE A TOUGH BUNCH.
THE REUNION ITINERARY WILL PRETTY MUCH BE THE SAME AS IN THE PAST. CHECK IN WILL BE ON SUNDAY, MONDAY WE WILL GO ON A CITY/PLANTATION TOUR WITH LUNCH INCLUDED, TUESDAY YOU CAN SPEND THE DAY AT THE MUSEUM, WE HAVE A LITTLE AUCTION ON TUESDAY NIGHT IN THE HOSPITALITY ROOM, WEDNESDAY BUSINESS MEETING AND BUFFET DINNER IN THE EVENING. CHECKOUT WILL BE ON Thursday. MONDAY IS THE ONLY DAY WE HAVE A GROUP TOUR SCHEDULED. THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF TIME TO GO AND DO THINGS ON YOUR OWN AND HANG WITH YOUR BUDS
OVER THE YEARS THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF ATTENDEES WHO HAVE SHOWN UP A COUPLE DAYS BEFORE THE REUNION AND MAKE A WEEK OUT OF IT. IN CHATTANOOGA THE EARLY BIRDS WENT EN MASS TO DO A RIVERBOAT LUNCH SO WE THOUGHT WE WOULD OFFER THAT TO ANYONE WHO WAS GOING TO BE THERE ON FRIDAY OR SATURDAY BEFORE THE REUNION STARTS. WE ARE LOOKING AT LUNCH AND CRUISE ON THE NATCHEZ. THIS COSTS $45.00 PER PERSON BUT DO NOT SEND ME THE MONEY. CHECK THE BLOCK ON THE REGISTRATION PAGE AND WE WILL GIVE THEM A NUMBER A MONTH PRIOR FOR RESERVATIONS. YOU WILL PAY WHEN YOU BOARD THE BOAT. ALL WE NEED TO KNOW IS HOW MANY.
3.
ADDRESS CHANGES
FRED TOWNSLEY 319 S. BLAINE AVE., CHANDLER, OK 74834-2034
405-258-7377
JIM GALCHICK 1587 WESTVIEW DR. APT. B, SALEM, OHIO 44460
SPEED SHEA 14581 W. PARKWOOD DR. STE 134, SURPRISE, AZ 85374-3602
LOST IN THE MAIL
GERALD HENNINGSEN ANCHORAGE, AK
KIRBY SCHNELL PRESCOTT, AZ
ROLLAND VESS MANASSAS, VA
DONATIONS
BUD COCHRAN, KOREA, WEBSTER SPRINGS, WV.
NEW ALUMNI
JOE GORSKI 2730 NW 51 TERRACE, MARGATE, FL 33063
ujtspret@bellsouth.net 1967-68 CHU LAI ORDNANCE
STEVE BENNETT 12107 KNOB ROAD NE, CUMBERLAND, MD 21502
301-724-1558 gsbjab@atlanticbb.net
1969-70 CHU LAI PILOT
TAPS
TOM FRENCH ROCKPORT, TEXAS IN 2019. AGE 99 ,CORPSMAN. GUADALCANAL, ROI NAMUR
MARSHALL ISLANDS, OKINAWA . (ATTACHED TO VMF-311 AT ROI NAMUR)
EMAILS…PHONE…ETC…CHANGES
BILL LEESE wleese2@gmail.com
JIM KOTMEL 216-475-5471
GEORGE SCHRIENER 5601 E. BROCKTON RD. APT 7E
DICK LEBER bearusmc6571@gmail.com
LETTERS…EMAILS AND SUCH…
KAREN FRENCH, ROCKPORT, TEXAS: “IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS TO INFORM YOU MY FATHER, THOMAS FRENCH, PASSED AWAY JULY 20, 2019. HE WAS ONE MONTH AWAY FROM HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY. DAD WAS A CORPSMAN AND DID TWO TOURS IN THE PACIFIC IN WWII. HE SERVED IN GUADALCANAL, ROI-NAMUR, MARSHALL ISLANDS AND OKINAWA. YOU GRACIOUSLY POSTED SOME OF HIS PICTURES IN YOUR NEWSLETTER. MY FATHER REALLY ENJOYED YOUR NEWSLETTERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND SERVICE.”
GEORGE SCHRIENER, ROSCOE, IL: (EDITORS NOTE: BACK IN 1996 GEORGE WAS IN CHARGE OF THE VMF/VMA-311 REUNION GROUP. GEORGE AND JACKIE PHANDER, LES AND BONITA MCMILLAN AND SUE AND I ATTENDED THAT REUNION AND WERE THE YOUNGEST 311 ALUMNI THERE. I REMEMBER HIS WORDS CLEARLY “WHY DON’T YOU GUYS TAKE THE NEXT REUNION. WE’LL HELP YOU.” SO 25 YEARS LATER (ONE THIRD OF MY LIFE) WE FIND OURSELVES DOING THE NEXT REUNION. GEORGE LETS ME KNOW HOW HE’S DOING FROM TIME TO TIME.)
4. “I AM 89 YEARS YOUNG, TEASING 90, TURNING 90 July 2019. I RESIDE IN AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY CALLED NORTHPOINTE TERRACE IN ROSCOE, IL 10 MINUTES FROM MY SON AND 45 MINUTES FROM MY DAUGHTER. MY BROTHER DON LIVES IN AKRON. (SERVICE TIME) I SHIPPED OUT TO POHANG DONG,KOREA IN EARLY 1952, I WAS STATIONED AT THIS LOCATION UNTIL 1953, SENT HOME FOR 30 DAYS AND THEN ASSIGNED TO SWDU #6 ABOARD THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER CORAL SEA, OUT OF NORFOLK, FOR DUTY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN OCEAN, VISITING THE VARIOUS PORTS OF CALL IN FRANCE, ITALY, GREECE, AFRICA ETC. VERY INTERESTING ASSIGNMENT ALTHOUGH I DID SEE MORE DAMAGE AND INJURIES TO PERSONNEL ON THIS ASSIGNMENT THAN WHAT I EXPERIENCED IN KOREA. THE FLIGHT DECK ON ANY AIRCRAFT CARRIER IS EXTREMEMY DANGEROUS.”
DAVID KOOPMAN, MARINE CORPS COMMUNITY SERVICE: “ON BEHALF OF THE MARINES, SAILORS AND FAMILY MEMBERS OF MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, I THANK YOU FOR YOUR GRACIOUS GIFT. UNFORTUNATELY, OUR INSTALLATION IS NOT ABLE TO ACCEPT YOUR CHECK FOR $1311.00 DUE TO LEGALITIES. THE CHECK IS ENCLOSED IN THIS LETTER.
THESE ARE DIFFICULT TIMES FOR OUR MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES AND ACTS OF KINDNESS SUCH AS YOURS ARE NOTED AND APPRICIATED. YOUR GENEROSITY AND THOUGHTFULNESS DEMONSTRATES CARE AND CONCERN FOR OUR LOCAL VETERANS AND PUBLIC OUR TROOPS FIGHT TO DEFEND.”
(EDITORS NOTE: TO THOSE WHO ARE NOT AWARE , FOR THE LAST THREE REUNIONS WE HAVE BEEN SENDING A DONATION OUT TO THE VMA-311 FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP…SUPPOSEDLY. I TALKED TO THE JAG OFFICE AND THEY SAID THAT INDIVIDUAL UNITS DO NOT HAVE BANK ACCOUNTS SO VMA-311 COULD NOT BE IN RECEIPT OF THIS MONEY. NOW…WHAT HAPPENED TO THE OTHER TWO DONATIONS THAT WERE SENT I AM AT A LOSS TO IMAGINE. NOR DID I PURSUE THE QUESTION WITH THE JAG OR THE SQUADRON. WHERE EVER OUR PRIOR DONATIONS WENT I HOPE THEY DONE SOME GOOD.)
STRANGE REQUESTS CATEGORY: MY MAILMAN OF TWENTY YEARS ASKED ME IF I KNEW ANYONE WHO WAS AN AUSCHWITZ-BIRKINAU SURVIVOR THAT HAD A NUMBER TATTOO. OFF HAND I SAID WOW GOOD QUESTION. HE SAID HE WANTED TO COPY THE TATTOO ON HIS ARM AND KEEP IT AS A MEMORIAL UNTIL HE PASSED AWAY. AFTER THOUGHT THE NEXT DAY I TOLD HIM TO CHECK THE LOCAL SYNAGOGUES OR JEWISH CENTERS. IF ANYONE WOULD KNOW WHERE TO FIND A SURVIVOR THEY WOULD. NEW ONE ON ME.
SUSAN (GILBERTSON)GRIFFITH: “I AM THE PROUD DAUGHTEROF USMC CAPTAIN JOHN GILBERTSON, WHO SERVED IN KOREA AS A PILOT. HE PASSED AWAY FROM LUNG CANCER IN 1993. TRUTHFULLY, HE PREFERRED NEVER TO TALK ABOUT THAT EXPIRIENCE WITH ME. YEARS GONE BY AND I’M NOW IN SEARCH OF ANY INFORMATION I CAN FIND ABOUT HIS SERVICE. THIS VETERANS DAY I WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAM WHICH HONORS VETERANS. ESPECIALLY THOSE RELATED TO THE SCHOOL CHILDREN ( MY GRANDCHILDREN). CAN YOU STEER ME IN A DIRECTION THAT I COULD FIND OUT SOME INFORMATION ABOUT HIS SERVICE? “ (WE HAVE SOME CORSAIR MEN IN THE GROUP. ANYONE REMEMBER A CAPTAIN GILBERTSON? EMAIL HIS DAUGHTER AT sgriffith@readexresearch.com)
PAGE THREE IN THIS NEWSLETTER IS THE REGISTRATION PAGE FOR THE REUNION. FRED WILL POST IT ON THE WEB SITE. NEXT NEWSLETTER WILL BE IN JULY. CUTOFF DATE FOR THE REUNION IS SEPTEMBER 1ST TRY TO REGISTER BY THEN. ANY QUESTIONS CALL US OR EMAIL.
FOR THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
JIM GALCHICK
MARINE AIR…ON TIME …ON TARGET
```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````.
VMF/VMA-311 REUNION 2020
THE HIGGINS HOTEL
1000 MAGAZINE ST.
NEW ORLEANS, LA 71030
504-528-1941
REGISTRATION AND SIGN UP FEE: $10.00 X ____ TOTAL ______
NEW ORLEANS CITY TOUR/ PLANTATION TOUR W/LUNCH $119.00 X ____ TOTAL ______
(PLANTATION TOUR IS THE OAK ALLEY PLANTATION WITH A BUFFET LUNCH
IN THE PAVILION)
BANQUET BUFFET (includes tax and gratuity) $58.00 X ____ TOTAL ______
SUNDRIED TOMATO BISQUE
CAPONATA SPREAD
CHOPPED ITALIAN SALAD
GRILED PORTABELLA, WILTED SPINICH, CHEVRE GOAT CHEESE
CARMALIZED ONION ROSEMARY CHICKEN THIGHS chx_________
BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIBS WITH PAPPADELLE & SOUR CREAM DEMI-GLACE beef__________
SCOGLIO (CLAMS, MUSSELS, SHRIMP, CHUNKY TOMATO & WHITE WINE SAUCE) sea food_______
YUKON GOLD POTATOES IN TOMATILLO SAUCE
SAUTEED SQUASH AND ZUCCHINI
RED VELVET CAKE
TEA, COFFEE, BREAD ETC.
(SELECT ONE OR MORE MEAT DISH JUST SO WE HAVE SOME SORT OF COUNT)
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO VMF/VMA-311 REUNION ASSOCIATION TOTAL: ___________
DEADLINES ARE FIRST WEEK IN SEPTEMBER.
MAIL CHECKS TO:
JIM GALCHICK
1587 WESTVIEW DR. APT B
SALEM, OHIO 44460
ANY QUESTIONS CALL 330-337-9383 OR EMAIL: jgalchick@neo.rr.com
NAMES:
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
DO YOU NEED PERMANENT NAME TAGS? ___________
ADDRESS
________________________________
________________________________ Phone: _____________________
Do you want to go on the riverboat lunch on Saturday 26th? How many? ____________
Email from Jim Galchick
2/3/2020
Finally got computer up and running...for now anyway. Have contract signed . You can post dates and use me as a contact. I'll do VFW and Legion Magazines. Dates are 27-30 September at Higgins Hotel in New Orleans. Notice we contracted Sunday thru Thursday this time. Less expensive all around.
Am endeavoring to put together newsletter and will include registration in that. We are working on the tours today.
Finally got moved and somewhat settled. SF
2/5/2020 update by Fred Townsley
Will update when I receive the latest newsletter from Jim.
2020 REUNION
Dates are 27-30 September
at the Higgins Hotel in New Orleans
1000 Magazine St.
New Orleans LA 70130
Telephone: 1(504)258-1941
1000 Magazine ST.
New Orleans,Louisiana,70130
Next to the National WWII Museum
Close to the French Quarter
Full service fitness center
Latest update 9/21/2019
From Cecil Cheeka
Well the hotel's in New Orleans are answering!! vmF-311 TOMCATS REUNION 2020 PLANNING HAS STARTED!!On site meetings,hotel inspectionswill be the endof October 2019. Exact date, place and other happings TBD!!
If you ere at the last Reunion (REGISTERED) 2018, CHATTANOOGA. THEN YOU SHOULD BE RECEIVING THE REUNON registration packets when the final decisions are made. For those who missed reunion 2018 you'll be able to ask for one from our website: http://VMFVMA311REUNION.ORG during the reunion, Sat AM a short bussiness meeting. AND a vote on where to hold our next reuniion 2022. You must be present to vote!
Semper Fi TOMCATS
Latest update 7/18/2019
Jim has lost access to his Email and is working on getting it back
Fred is waiting for his new house to get finished. Our he burned down on the morning of 1/24/2019 when the fire in neighbors garage spread to our house. Ethel & I thank all of you for your prayers, good thoughts and ALL donations for our recovery. We are coping as well as can be expected. Thank You all again.
NEWSLETTER JULY 2018 EDITION
RUNION 2018 22-26 AUGUST CHATTANOOGA, TN
We’re down to the ninth inning. Reunion time will soon be upon us and it’s all shaping up according to plan. In the beginning it looked a little shaky but it smoothed out and we’re going to have a good reunion. Weather down in Tennessee is going to be warm and hopefully all hurricanes will mind their manners and stay out in the gulf and the Atlantic Ocean.
Anyone who wishes to attend, you still have until 1 August to get me your information so we can take care of the paperwork before the reunion. The caterer and tour people want to be paid for numbers prior to the reunion so it’s imperative that you call by the first if you want to attend. We can settle up money wise down at the reunion but I have to have the numbers.14
582the auction on Friday night we raise money to keep the group going for another couple years and possibly send some money out to help out the VMA-311 Family Assistance Group as we have done in the past. Most of you are aware from previous auctions that our more than adept auctioneers, Ralphie Read and Jim Davis , are capable of selling anything . If you have something you want to unload or many things you want to unload bring them in and we’ll sell them off (does not include children or in-laws). The auction has proven to be a great deal of fun. You even get to eat half way through the auction.
Saturday night is our banquet. Dress code is there is no dress code. Come in what makes you comfortable. There will more than enough food to eat and we’ll offer up the mike to anyone who wants to talk.
I would be remiss if I didn’t thank everyone at this time for their loyalty and hard work to the existence of this group. Looking down the reunion roster many of us have been together for since we took over the group 22 years ago. Through your participation and work we have been able to keep the TOMCAT spirit alive and kicking. There are a younger group out there that are continuing to meet and that’s a good thing. I’m sure that many of us never paid much attention to the history behind the 311 while we were there. I always revert back to our reunion in Arlington and the Squadron XO read a paper that was produced to evaluate all Marine squadrons peace time and war time. And the 311 came out on top. We have a great history. I remember one incident in Chu Lai and I think it was spring 68. We were on the line 24 hours non-stop loading and launching aircraft as fast as we could turn them around and after it was all over I remember thinking “What the hell did we just do?” And at that time I thought the squadron did something special and I got to be a part of it. No matter what time it was, all of us were part of something special peace time or war time doesn’t make any difference. The 311 is special and it’s our honor to have played a part in it’s history.
Many thanks to my friend, Fred Townsley, for continuing to maintain the web site. Over the years Fred has been a “computer genius” to my “Computers for Dummies”. In Pensacola 2016 Fred was all ready to transfer the web page to another young guy but that didn’t pan out and he stuck with it for these last two years. I keep thinking of the movie “Perfect Storm” where they were trying to get out of the storm and George Clooney said to Mark Walberg “It’s not letting us out.” I know that it’s only a matter of time when things will necessitate Fred retiring. So if this be the year, many thanks for the years of dedication.
NEW ALUMNI
EDWARD “NICK” RUSSELL 7 Riverwind Drive, Port Roal, SC 29935
1964-65, Chu Lai, Line Chief/QC
CHUCK GAUTHIER 14014 Moss Lake Drive, Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538-9775
1967-68, Chu Lai, MOS 6043
VERN SCOTT 1821 Los Logos Circle, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
906-869-2918, vernscottpsg@yahoo.com
1968-69, Chu Lai, Ordnance/OPS
TOM EVANS 4004 Dixie Lane, Bardstown, KY 40004
1967-68, Chu Lai, Hydraulics
ED CARTOWSKI 1500 Brecknoch Rd., Apt. 156W, Greenport, NY 11944
1950-51, K-3, Pilot
LARRY DAVIS PO Box 2735, Blairsville, GA 30514
1976, El Toro, Avionics
DON PIIRALA 277 S. Baldwin Rd., Oxford, MS 48371
1969-70, Chu Lai, Flight Line/ Check Crew
WILLIAM STEINER 5128 Arabian Run, Indianapolis, IN 46228-2096
317-328-787, dsteiner@purdue.edu
1964-66, Chu Lai, VMA-223,224
ADDRESS CHANGES
KIRBY SCHNELL 13940 Lacey Blvd., Hanford, CA 93230-9440
STEPHEN GAUGHAN 1425 Main St. Apt. 4F, Cincinnati, OH 45202-7654
LOST IN THE MAIL
DAVID ADELMAN TALLAHASSEE, FL
TOMAS GARZA AUSTIN, TX
SAM RIEL BELPRE, OH
ROBERT SOFGE FALLS CHURCH, VA
CARL WHITLOCK VILLA RICA, GA
DONATIONS
We thank all those who have donated to the group since last newsletter: DONALD DOUGHERTY MEMORIAL DONATION; CHUCK VINCENT (1952) GULFPORT, MS; GEORGE SCHREINER (1952-53) ROSCOE, IL; BILL BURG (1965-66) WHITEFISH, MT; RICHARD AREHART (1966-67, 1969-70) ZENIA, OH; ED STEPNOWSKI (1966) NAPLES, FL; AND JERRY BRADLEY (1964-66) ST. PETERS, MO.
TAPS
GARY COLBY GYSGT (RET), HILL CITY, SD, 13 MARCH 2018, Chu Lai, ORDNANCE
SYLVESTER FINNER 1965-66, CHU LAI, PILOT, LAKE FOREST, CA.
THOMAS MANNING CHU LAI, 1967-68, ORDNANCE, 12 DEC 17 in BOCA RATON, FL
CLINT PARRISH ENGINE MECH, CHU LAI, 1977 ACCIDENT
RICHARD SERFILLIPI NO INFO AVAILABLE
KIM SUTTON 1967-68, AVIONICS
Names will be read at the memorial service in Chattanooga.
EMAILS…LETTERS….AND OTHER THINGS
This email slipped through the cracks on the last newsletter. It was an answer to an inquiry by Kim Sutton’s widow, Toni, to locate those who might have known her husband.
RONALD JANICKI, 1967-68, WOODBRIDGE, VA: “In the December newsletter I just received and read there is a request from Toni. F. Sutton seeking information about her recently deceased husband, Kim G. Sutton. The info she included matches with what I and 2 others included in this email (Gary D. Clemons and Harry R. Schlegal) recall. We were in Chu Lai in VMA-311 Avionics from June ’67 approximately until April 1968 and lived in the same hut. Over the years we tried to find Kim’s whereabouts and several others from our hut but with no success. All the info Toni provided sounds like the Kim we knew and served with. We all went our separate ways after Chu Lai and unfortunately most of us lost contact with each other.
Ill follow up with a photo we used as a “Christmas Card” under a separate email after I find it and scan it. Would really love to hear more about Kim and his life after Vietnam from Toni if she’s willing to share and I (we) regret his passing. He was a really good guy!”
There is an upside to this. Toni Sutton recontacted the group and Ron Janicki and they were able to exchange information about her husband.
EDWARD “NICK” RUSSELL, 1964-66, PORT ROYAL, SC: “I was not a pilot. I joined 311 in 1964 at El Toro. I was a Staff Sergeant and was their line chief. I also worked in quality control. 311 was scheduled to deploy to Japan for a 13 month tour and we knew we were going to Vietnam. I landed in Chu Lai on a C-130, as the rest of the squadron in the beach like the “old Corp” earlier. This was the first of 1965. In December of that year the squadron was directed to go back to Japan for three months and then return on station. I was selected at that time for the 1966 Warrant Officer Class, and left the squadron.
Sign me up as a member of the group. Thank you and God bless you all.”
AMANDA GUILLORY VMA-311 FAMILY READINESS OFFICER, YUMA, AZ: “Thank you for your email. I’m not a new FRO, my name changed after I got married (from Robinson). I’m sorry I didn’t think to let you all know. Would you mind including this email (amandaj.guillory@gmail.com) in your distro list when you send out the newsletter? My government email removed the attachment. Otherwise, I can be reached at this email for any other correspondence. Phone: 928-269-6137 or check us out on Facebook “Marine Attack Squadron 311”
Dateline February 1975: Upon returning from carrier qualifications the squadron deployed to Roosevelt Roads to participate in Operation Rum Punch ’75 fine tuning air/ground operations. After returning to Beaufort Lt.Col. Dorsie D. Page, Jr. took the reins of this proud and historic squadron on 20 June 1975. When “Flags of our Fathers” came out as a movie I’m sure that many Marines went and saw it. I also read the book. James Bradley, son of John “Doc” Bradley spearheaded each and Clint Eastwood made a movie out of it. Great movie and sad in its own way. The story goes that a Marine named Harold Schwartz had told one of his family members that he was a flag raiser and she asked him why he never said anything to which he replied” I just did my job.” She contacted a private investigator who amassed a ton of pictures that were taken that day on Mount Suribachi. He proved that the Marine that is in the picture that Joe Rosenthal took is not John Bradley. He took all his evidence to Marine historians who perused the findings and did indeed agree that the Marine who represented John Bradley in the Photo and on the memorial is indeed a Marine PFC named Harold Schwartz.
In all the pictures taken they found that Harold Schwartz was a rifleman and his rifle had a rifle sling that was moved up beyond the stacking swivel. His pants were rolled down and the cartridge belt had wire cutters and things that a rifleman would carry. Doc Bradley, as a corpsman, carried two D2 bags with medical supplies a knife and a .45 pant legs rolled up. Doc Bradley may indeed have been on the first flag raising but the proof it was clear that he was not in the Joe Rosenthal picture.
I believe that when Rene Gagnon was pressured to come up with some names so he named Doc Bradley. I believe that when they confronted Doc about this while he was in the hospital he said he wasn’t the one in the picture and they said, needing for some heroes at that time, for the good of the country and Corp yes you were one of the flag raisers. Half of the named others we dead and they needed some bodies.
It was noted that in the film and book that whenever Memorial Day rolled around that they would try to get Doc Bradley to participate and he would have his kids tell them he was fishing in Canada. Maybe the Doc had had enough of taking credit for something he knew he had not been a part.
The Marine Corp in all its credibility to be historically correct said that the mistake had indeed been made and PFC Harold Schwartz would be given his proper due. Not taking anything from Doc Bradley who was rightfully awarded the Navy Cross for his action on Iwo Jima. The Marine Corp historians went on to say that the names of the Marines are immaterial. The monument is a testimonial to the Marines and to the adage “Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue”.
Those of you who get magazines from the VFW and American Legion read the stories about the 1968 Tet Offensive. They did a swell job. It was good reading. But…oops…no mention hardly at all about the rotor or fixed wing assets involved. I brought this to their attention in a lengthy email that air assets were performing above and beyond prior to and after the offensive. 311 lost two A-4s over Khe Sahn and I went on to say that VMA-311 arrived in Vietnam 24 May 1965 and departed 29 January 1973 after 54,625 combat sorties. My bragging never prompted a reply or was never inserted in the feedback in subsequent issues. Over the years there has been very little written about the aviation assets that served with distinction in Vietnam. Well, we know what we did I guess.
I was just talking to my sister and we were discussing what was to become of my dad’s military uniform when he goes. He is still doing good at 94. I said I’m taking mine with me. I got my Marine blouse and Army blouse dry cleaned and ready to go. My dad could wear his uniform his whole life which he did on Memorial Day. I think a lot about who is going to want all the military stuff I collected not only from my 27 years in but all the stuff I collected from this group for the past 22 years. The 311 stuff I decided will go to the Marine Archives in Quantico. First Sgt. (my wife) has orders to do so. The thought of a bunch of my things ending up on EBAY is too much to contemplate.
I wanted to make sure that I got a newsletter out before the reunion. Still got a couple weeks before 1 August deadline. Join us if you can. If not, keep in touch with the group.
Semper Fidelis
Jim Galchick for the Reunion Assn.
TOMCAT AIR…ON TIME…ON TARGET
DATELINE: JANUARY 1961: VMA-311 BEGAN BY ENTERING THE FINAL PHASE OF PREDEPLOYMENT TRAINING—CARRIER QUALIFICATIONS. ON 16 JANUARY, AFTER 4286 FIELD MIRROR LANDINGS AT EL TORO, THE TOMCAT PILOTS WENT ON BOARD THE CARRIER USS ORISKANY FOR DAY/NIGHT QUALIFICATION PHASE.BY THE 8TH OF FEBRUARY THE PILOTS HAD COMPLETEDTHE REQUIRED NUMBER OF “CAT SHOTS” AND “TRAPS” WITHOUT A MISHAP. IN TOTAL THE SQUADRON LOGGED 843 LANDINGS ON BOARD THE ORISKANY WITHOUT SO MUCH AS A BLOWN TIRE
MARCH 2018 EDITION
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CHATTANOOGA REUNION 2018
HOLIDAY INN AND SUITES
434 CHESTNUT ST.
CHATTANOOGA, TN
RESERVATIONS: 423-777-5858 GROUP CODE: VA311
ALL THE BAGS ARE PACKED AND WE’RE READY TO GO. WE’VE MAILED OUT THE REGISTRATIONS TO THOSE WHO WERE IN PENSACOLA AND TO THOSE WHO HAVE REQUESTED THEM. THIS NEWSLETTER WILL CONTAIN THE SAME INFO AND FRED TOWNSLEY WILL ADD IT TO THE WEB SITE (SEE WEB SITE CHANGE). WE’VE POSTED IN A NUMBER OF PERIODICALS SO WE COULD GET THE WORD OUT AND MAYBE ROUND UP A FEW NEW TOMCATS FOR THE FOLD.
THIS WILL MAKE 22 YEARS WE HAVE BEEN AT THE HELM AND WE KNOW THAT THERE ARE YOUNGER MARINES FROM 311 WHO MIGHT BE WILLING TO TAKE OVER THIS LEADERSHIP. IT’S BEEN A GREAT RUN AND WE ARE MORE THAN WILLING TO STEP DOWN AND MAKE WAY FOR SOME FRESH IDEAS. WE HAVE RUN THE GROUP A CERTAIN WAY BUT, WHOEVER WOULD TAKE OVER COULD MAKE IT THEIR OWN AND CHANGE THE FORMAT.
WHEN WE TOOK OVER WE KNEW NOTHING ABOUT HOW TO RUN A REUNION. THE INTERNET WAS GETTING BIG AT THE TIME AND IT WAS EASIER TO TRACK DOWN MARINES FROM 311 THAT SERVED FOR THE LAST 70 YEARS. WE WERE GIVEN A SHORT ROSTER OF WWII ERA, KOREAN WAR ERA AND A SMATTERING OF VIETNAM ERA MARINES. FROM THAT WE CONTACTED THOSE WHO WE KNEW AND THEY IN TURN CONTACTED SOMEONE THEY KNEW AND IT SNOWBALLED FROM THERE. WE ADDED THE WEB SITE AND NEWSLETTER. IF YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO LET THE MULTITUDES KNOW IT’S THERE. WE MANAGED TO PUSH THE ROSTER UP TO ABOUT 400 AT ONE TIME. IT’S NOW JUST OVER 325 AND SHRINKING. REASON IS OBVIOUS…WE’RE GETTING OLD! TO STIMULATE THE ROSTER OUR MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE HAS BE WORKING THROUGH “TOGETHER WE SERVED” AND OTHER PLACES TO ROUND UP SOME FRESH BLOOD AND GET THEM INVOLVED. IT’S A PROCESS IN ITSELF.
WE WOULD BE REMISS IF WE FAILED TO MENTION ALL THE GREAT HELP WE HAVE HAD OVER THE YEARS. PLANNING IS ONE THING, PULLING THINGS OFF IS ANOTHER. TO THE MARINES AND WIVES WHO CONTRIBUTE SO MUCH WE OWE A DEBT OF GRATITUDE. THROUGH THEM OUR GROUP CONTINUES TO PROSPER AND REMAIN INTACT.
A LITTLE ABOUT THE BUS TOURS. SWEET MAGNOLIA TOURS CHARGES BY THE HEAD AND CAPACITY. THE PRICE QUOTED IN THE REGISTRATION IS BASED ON CAPACITY 36-54 PASSENGERS. LESS THAN 36 THE PRICE GOES UP $13.00 AND MORE THAN 54 THE PRICE GOES UP $10.00. WE SEEM TO BE ABLE TO FILL UP ONE BUS FOR SURE. IF NEEDED AND WE GO OVER ONE BUS LOAD WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO COLLECT SOME EXTRA MONEY REUNION TIME. IS WHAT IT IS.
2. WE SCHEDULED THE REUNION A LITTLE EARLIER THAN WE NORMALLY DO. WEATHER SHOULD BE GREAT BARRING FLOODS, HURRICANES AND FREAK SNOW STORMS. THIS REUNION IS A COUPLE WEEKS BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS IN A LOT OF PLACES AND IT MAY GIVE THE YOUNGER MARINES WITH FAMILIES A CHANCE TO VACATION IN CHATTANOOGA. WE TRY TO BE AS FAMILY ORIENTED AS POSSIBLE AND AS ALWAYS WE INVITE WIDOWS AND FAMILIES OF THOSE 311 ALUMNI WHO HAVE PASSED. THOSE MARINES IN THE AREA WHO WILL NOT BE ATTENDING ANY OF THE FUNCTIONS AND WILL BE IN THE AREA WE INVITE YOU TO STOP IN AND SAY HELLO. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE U.S. COAST GUARD I THINK WE HAVE HAD VETERANS FROM ALL THE OTHER BRANCHES THAT HAVE ATTENDED OUR REUNIONS ONE TIME OR ANOTHER AND THEY ARE MORE THAN WELCOME.
OUR AUCTIONS HAVE BEEN A GREAT SUCCESS ON FRIDAY NIGHTS AND HAVE BEEN THE MAJOR SOURCE OF OUR INCOME NEEDED TO KEEP US AFLOAT. NOT ONLY THAT, WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SEND SOME SUPPORT TO THE VMA-311 FAMILY ASSISTANCE GROUP OUT IN YUMA. WE HAD MADE SOME OTHER DONATIONS EARLY ON BUT IT SEEMED AS THOUGH VMA-311 IS OUR ALMA MATER WE WOULD DO WHAT WE CAN TO SUPPORT THE SQUADRON. BRING SOMETHING TO THE AUCTION AND TAKE SOMETHING HOME WITH YOU.
WE LUMPED TOGETHER THE HOSPITALITY ROOM FOOD, BANQUET FOOD AND AUCTION FOOD INTO ONE PRICE. A $45.00 BUFFET WOULD SEEM A MIGHT PRICEY AND WE NEEDED TO CLARIFY THAT. THERE WILL BE MORE THAN ENOUGH TO EAT FOR EVERYONE.
WITH THAT, WE HOPE YOU WILL ENJOY THE REUNION WITH US AS WE HAVE ENDEAVORED TO MAKE THE EVENT AS PLEASURABLE WITH LEAST AMOUNT OF EXPENSE. SEE YOU IN CHATTANOOGA!!
TAPS
CALDAS, JOHN LOUISIANA 2014, PILOT, VIETNAM
DOUGHERTY, DON WHITEHALL, PA, 2017, VMF-311 1952-53, K-3, HYDRAULICS
KING, JACK ALEXANDRIA, VA, 2017, 1951, KOREA, PILOT
KUROCIK, MILT VIETNAM
URBAN, KEN E. DURHAM, NY, 2017, VIETNAM
NAMES WILL BE READ AT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE IN CHATTANOOGA.
LOST IN THE MAIL
ANTON, ROBERT MUNDALIEN, IL
FAVELA, AL