U.S.M.C.        

                   3D 155s MIKE 4/12

         REUNION 2K4 NEWSLETTER # 3

1 OCTOBER 2004

NOTES ON A SHABBY CUFF FROM THE COORDINATOR..............................

    I would like to express my appreciation to those members who have attended one or more of the annual reunions.  We realize that everyone cannot attend each year; however, the consensus is that we should continue to conduct our reunions on an annual basis.  So far, a few members have been able to attend each year and others have been able to attend  three or two years; still others have attended once.  Each of these members (and their wives/significant others) have contributed to establishing the "re-bonding" of former Marines who have served with the elite arm of the Marine Corps: Marine Artillery.  Whether 155s, 105s, 8", 175s or 4.2s, USMC Artillery has a proud tradition: we pave the way and we close the deal.  We are proud that our membership includes former combat veterans from Korea and Vietnam.

    Special recognition must be extended to our Group members who have been instrumental in their endeavors to ensure that our reunions are successful.  I salute those whose efforts made Reunion 2K4 an outstanding experience: Ted BAHRY for his professionalism, insight and perseverance as the Master of Ceremonies (and, of course, his herring-bones and his wit) ; Paul CHRISTENSEN for his attention to detail as the Senior Assistant Coordinator whose duties are myriad (and whose friendship I truly value); Jack MARSTON, who deftly handled a first-time assignment as the Assistant coordinator for the Raffle/Auction functions and whose lack of personality was duly noted (ahem....duh!!); Jack's cohort, Tom LOCH, whose ability to keep tabs on Jack while ensuring that everyone received the correct prizes and that we could keep Jack propped up during the time he spent away from the "21" tables; "Motor T" Don FOSTER for, among other things, serving as the Assistant Coordinator in Charge of the Hospitality Suite (Supply Chief who handled all requests for re-supply, maintained order and dispensed the gratuities to the hotel personnel serving the Suite); Donald Dean FOSTER, who served admirably as the Host of the Hospitality Suite (sorry Red Dog..... you get a grade of B+ since Lurene wasn't there to "take charge") and Ed DARMETKO and his bride Lorraine, for serving as Assistant Coordinators for Special Events.

    Special thanks to Colonel Allan CRUZ and his lovely bride Susan.............. their presence was brighter than the Fremont Street Light Show.

    And last but not least, special thanks to Richard D. RODRIGUEZ (Rich;DRod;Danny & Rodrigo) and his charming and better 1/2, Cindy, who have created, organized and nurtured this Association from its infancy and without whose dedication and guidance the "Association" would have been a one-year wonder.

    It has been my pleasure to serve the Association, and I am looking forward to a memorable 5th Annual Reunion in September, 2005.  I sincerely encourage those of you who can attend to do so.  I am thinking of some surprises during the Reunion week to commemorate Year V...perhaps a "wet t-shirt contest" for the guys or D. D. Foster lip-syncing "El Paso" d other assorted Marty Robbins hits while trying to call his wife on my cell phone.  Who knows?  Suggestions are welcome.

    Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.  Please join me in remembering and saluting our troops on active duty....they are our present and, they secure our future.

Semper Fi,

Joel 

Former Pfc, 3rd155s, '61 - '62

Former LCpl, M-4-12, "62 - '63