Boot Camp Newsletter # 3

Thank You DI‟s Our drill instructors SSgt Maggart Sgt Bates and the Marine Corps gave us the best education available

We all reaped the rewards of this education throughout our lifetimes Our drill instructors and the Marine

Corps taught us some basic standards of living ldquotell the truthrdquo ldquodonrsquot give uprdquo ldquodonrsquot whine or make ex-

cusesrdquo ldquodo your bestrdquo ldquochoose a difficult right over an easy wrongrdquo ldquolook out for the group and judge others

by their actions not their words or their racerdquo Our drill instructors taught us lessons taught centuries ago by

ancient Greek philosophers ldquodonrsquot purse happiness purse excellencerdquo Another standard that was instilled

in us was ldquoknowledge is power and power is victoryrdquo

We were pushed harder than we‟ve ever been pushed They made us go beyond our self-imposed limits

Those experiences created an esprit de corps or camaraderie among the platoon members By subordinat-

ing our needs to those of the group we all emerged with a stronger sense of self We were told that ldquopain is

goodrsquo and ldquoextreme pain is extremely goodrdquo and of course we learned to ldquoadapt improvise and overcomerdquo We

were taught that integrity was honorable This is a powerful alternative to the alarming distrust that seems

so widespread in our society today The Marine Corps‟ discipline stresses ldquobrotherhoodrdquo It

stresses that people of different backgrounds can learn to work together for a common cause

The Marine Corps approach to leadership is ldquoconcentrate on doing a single task as simply as

you can and execute it flawlesslyrdquo We were taught that we could do anything if we had the

right ldquocan-dordquo attitude The drill instructors not only prepared us for possible battle but shaped us into self-reliant

hard-working and honorable members of a team These are traits that should have been

learned while growing up but they have never been emphasized in the public education

process The Marine Corps molded and is still molding ordinary people into effective lead-

ers and honorable citizens The Corps has done a better job teaching teenagers the right

way to live than does the average American school

Thank you SSgt Maggart and Sgt Bates Your jobs were admirable and honorable endeav-

ors You created a desire in each of us to succeed and gave us the necessary tools to accom-

plish the task Thank you we have never forgotten the lessons you taught us You truly

made a difference in our lives Those lessons learned are passed on to future generations

Semper Fi

George (Grandsonndash Hunter)

PLEASE PLAN ON ATTENDING THE 2007 REUNION IT IS A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE

JUNE 22 amp 23rd PUEBLO COLORADO

COLORADO OLD GLORY PLATOON

ldquoMaggart‟s Maggotsrdquo

Volume 3 11106

SSgt Maggart Sgt Bates

Shakespeare We few ldquoOl Private Shakeyrdquo wasn‟t in the ldquocrawrdquo (corps) now was he So appropriate for

the ldquoColorado Old Glory Platoonrdquo of 1960hellip

I had often wondered about us some years after I left the Corps I secretly yearned for a

time that we would come together and deep within the depths I knew we would When I

didn‟t know but it was going to happen I lived with it for the years up to our first reunion

In the meantime my only escape was to relate everything I had experienced at MCRD and

the duty stations thereafter to any one who would listen Mostly my family

Strange as it seemed I was able to remember boot camp experiences as though it was yes-

terday I could remember names with related incidents and attach them to the photographs

of our boot camp year book I did not know each ldquobootrdquo personally although I did make some binding friends

that I shall never forget I developed a great admiration for our leaders that gave so much to a skinny snot-

nosed kid from a village in southern Colorado But the yearning persisted I had in my Marine Corps memen-

tos the Colorado Flag that we carried as one of our guidons when we were at ITR and kept it all these years

hoping that someday just someday I would share it with all of you I had it stored in my ldquosea bagrdquo along with

my issued uniforms that made me wonder if I could still fit into them I was cleaning out some space where

the sea bag was stored and came upon the Colorado Flag I unfolded it stared at it and the memories begin

to swell In an instant of irrational thought and anger I tossed the flag into the trash bound for the dump with

the notion that in spite of my years of yearning that I would never share it with you Forget it It‟s not going to

happen

George Davis Dave Dillingham Gerry Steinbach Bill Smith Ron Hamric Dennis Franklin and I met in Colo-

rado Springs to plan our first reunion It happened In Denver A cathartic event Closure to a

yearning to come together we few we happy few we band of brothers

Semper Fi

Roger

The Clark Family

Darl spent four years in the Marines and then returned to civilian life for about

two months He decided to enlist in the Army He completed a tour at the

Army Hospital at Fitzsimons in Denver He was then stationed at Fort Riley

Kansas where he applied for flight school He was sent to Ft Walters Texas

but was unable to complete the school due to family issues He was then as-

signed to the Army Tank Automotive Command in Detroit Michigan His

next tour of duty was in SHAPE NATO Headquarters in Belgium

I (Lorraine) enlisted in the Army after graduating from Montana State Univer-

sity I was in Communications and was sent to SHAPE after completing basic

training and AIT school

Darl and I met on a blind date when a girlfriend of mine and a friend of his

both insisted we come with them Darl had the car so that was the main reason

his friend asked him As soon as we met I knew we would be married I had-

nrsquot expected that but six weeks later we married in Belgium and then flew

home for a stateside wedding in Nevada

I completed my tour of duty and then got out to start our family We already

had Darls son living with us We spent three years in Belgium and then four

years at Ft Riley Kansas

Darl retired from the Army in 1980 and returned to school to become a diesel

mechanic He worked at Round Mountain Gold in central Nevada for 13 years

and then moved to Ely Nevada to work for the county

road department He retired from this after ten years

We now live in Ely with our son and grandchildren

close by My family is also here in Ely Our other chil-

dren are raised and live in Iowa Utah and California

We have a publishing business that we operate from our

home Darl has returned to doing the artwork he had put

off while working We are updating our home and en-

joying retirement

Camp Matthews

Up to World War II the camp had no name and was known simply as the Marine Rifle Range La Jolla and fell under the command of Marine Corps Base San Diego The camp was officially designated Camp Matthews on March 23 1942 in honor of Lieutenant Colo-nel (later Brigadier General) Calvin B Mat-thews USMC a distinguished Marine marks-man of the 1930s period Camp Matthews continued to serve as the firing range for the Marines with a permanent garrison of 700 men In March 1942 a new administrative building was ready for occu-pancy along with a large mess hall a post office swimming pool and outdoor theater Marine Corps recruitment following Pearl Harbor so taxed the ranges limited facilities that some 5000 Marines who enlisted shortly after Pearl Harbor had to be rushed to an Army camp at San Luis Obispo for their weapons training During the peak of the war as many as 9000 men were rushed through the range every three weeks The rifle range was also used by Marine Aviation units as well as Army and Navy units Camp Matthews continued to function through the Korean War and into the 1960s In May 1963 it was necessary for the Marines to discontinue using one of their 65 target ranges because of civilian encroachment and consequent safety hazards Finally it was decided to relocate Camp Matthews and the Marine Corps Recruit Depots weapons train-ing to Camp Pendleton Closing ceremonies occurred at Camp Matthews on 21 August 1964 and 46 years of Marine training at that portion of the San Diego Marine Base came to an end By WO1 Mark J Denger

Bring a raffle prize to the reunion This Helps Fund the Reunion

the Reunion

Life Story in Five Hundred

Words or Less By Bill Smith

Bill‟s four years in the Marine Corps were

spent as a communicator technician and squad

leader with the Radio Relay Platoon Commu-

nications Company Headquarters Battalion

1st Marine Division FMF He got out of the

Corps in June of 1964 and returned to Colo-

rado Springs His first job upon returning was

at his father‟s filling station That lasted about

three weeks He heard there was a new com-

pany in town called Hewlett-Packard even

though he had never heard of it he applied for

a job as an electronic technician They gave

him the technician test giggled at his answers

and offered him a job in the sheet metal shop

Thirty-nine years later Bill retired from

Agilent Technologies a part of Hewlett-

Packard that had bdquospun off‟ in 2000 During

that time he had attained three college degrees

and worked in ten different career fields of the

company doing everything from tin-bending

(the sheet metal job) to middle management to

managing sections of the Human Resources

Department He left as the Communications

and Public Affairs Manager for the Colorado

Region One of his claims to fame is that he

never spent a penny of his own money on

higher education it was funded either by the

GI Bill or Hewlett-Packard‟s educational as-

sistance programs

In the HR and public affairs positions Bill had

significant contact with the community at large

and had to opportunity to serve on numerous

civic and governmental boards

including the Colorado Springs

Transportation Advisory Com-

mittee Care amp Share UCCS‟s

Chancellor‟s Leadership Pro-

gram and United Way to mention

a few

Not quite as lucky in love Bill has

been married more than once and

has no children He and his pre-

sent wife (of 13 years) Jean continue to reside

in Colorado Springs but also own a condo in

Maui Hawaii They rent it out when they are

not using it themselves but manage to get over

there about three month a year and are looking

forward to even longer stays in the future Un-

fortunately they usually stays in Maui from

March through June so after attending the

first two reunions he has missed the last two A

fact he regrets immensely

Roger amp Sally Maggart

DIrsquos CORNER

HOW IT ALL BEGAN Your Senior Drill Instructor spend over 12 years ac-

tive Duty and over 8 years in the reserves in your Ma-

rine Corps However you DI was almost never a

Marine and almost became a US Navy Veteran

I grew up in Colorado Springs and after graduating

from high school I got a job driving tour cars up

Pikes Peak In September all the tourist went home

I then went to work for Sears My job was to unload

trucks from Denver and put the merchandise out on

the floor for retail sales After several weeks of this

I came to the conclusion that there had to be some-

thing better So one day at lunch time I went to visit

the local Navy Recruiter The Navy and Marine Re-

cruiters shared a large office The Navy Recruiter

seemed very interested in me joining the Navy but had

a six to eight week waiting list Not good enough for

me I was ready for a change and I was ready to go

I turned to the Marine Recruiter and ask him what he

could do I will always remember he looked at his

watch and said ldquonot until in the morningrdquo And that

began my Marine Corps career which I wouldnrsquot

trade or change The Marine Corps has been good to

me

Until next timehellipPlatoon 350 ldquoon the roadrdquo Check

the duty roster and see when you have fire watch

Semper Fi Roger Maggart

Colorado Old Glory Platoon 350

A Reunion Perspective

All through my life when I moved from one thing to another I have never looked back always excited

about moving forward When I finished school the Marines different companies I threw or gave away

any mementos awards and such and moved on

When George Davis called about a boot camp reunion I was very hesitant actually George called several

times to convince me to attend As I said I never look back and this just didn‟t feel right after all these

years My Wife and I decided to attend the first reunion I was quite hesitant but there was a chance to see

some long lost friends so we attended

Meeting some of the members and their wives when we got there I realized they were feeling just as I was not exactly

strangers but it had been many years since we have seen each other As the reunion went on we had chances to talk to our

members hear what they have been doing since boot camp what they are doing now we could

feel the Brotherhood is there the underlying pride of being a Marine My wife also felt very in-

cluded in the reunion and has formed new friendships with the wives of our members

Now each year I really look forward to the next reunion it is a pleasure for my Wife and me to

see our Marine Friends again we feel closer to every one more each year If you have not at-

tended one of our reunions I understand your hesitation but my suggestion is give it a try I

found the reunions to be a fun and wonderful event and I am really looking forward to the 2007

Reunion

Semper Fi

Joe Abendschan

Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot San Diego

On 1 January 1948 the Marine Base Naval Operating Base San Diego officially became the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego With its re-designation as the Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot for the first time the Marine Base was removed from the com-mand influence of the Naval District Commander and fell directly under the Commandant of the Marine Corps for all matters

Grinder

is Sacred Ground

I would like to send this short note as a response to a prior letter regarding the San Diego Calif Marine Corps Grinder I agree with D Jensen and J Siegenthaler (in a previ-ous newsletter) that the Grinder is sacred ground--not to be walked on or utilized by non-Marines except during special ceremonies and then only for short periods of time Some cultures in the Far East ask people to remove their shoes for fear of soiling their floors or causing dis-harmony The Marine Corps simi-larly dont want just anybody or anything walking on their Grinder or parade ground The millions of Ma-rines who have endured and completed the some-times difficult but challenging boot camp (basic training) have earned the right to experience the many wonders of the Grinder If you stood in the middle of the large parade ground and watched the many platoons (sometimes fifteen plus) youd hear one set of commands and one set of boot heels hit the ground at the same time in complete unity The many Drill Instructors show their experience of Team Work by keeping a constant cadence without running into an (Continued on next page)

Ron Hamrick

Ron spent almost all his active duty time at El

Toro in A-4 squadrons During the Cuban Missile

Crisis Ron deployed to Florida Ron and Rae were

married at the Base Chapel at El Toro They em-

barked on their now 43 years of marriage They

have one daughter and two grandchildren

After getting out of the Corps he worked for Pa-

cific Telephone He then landed a job with the

Anaheim Fire Department that lasted 30 years

Ron worked himself up through the ranks and re-

tired as Battalion Chief

During his career he was involved in various spe-

cial assignments He went to Oklahoma City and

work in the area of victim recovery He was invited

back to Oklahoma City as a VIP during their 4th

of July Parade along with representatives from the

various other National Search amp Rescue that

worked on the site ldquoThat event pretty much put a

cap of his fire service career as he retired in 1996

2007 Reunion

See You There

(Grindermdashcontinued ) other platoon

Those Marines would sleep at night and dream of the many times they had marched on the Grinder and showed the other platoons just how sharp they looked This part of MCRD San Diego is so special that birds animals and most insects are most reluctant to use the Grinder as a place to rest or travel The Grinder is one of the first areas where a Marine is taught to listen un-derstand and respond (correctly) to verbal com-mands If you have a Marine

Recruit thats scheduled to graduate in the near future--show himher just how proud you are of them by attending the graduation ceremony The MCRD San Diego Grinder-- A place to respect a place to remember

Taken From Sgt Grit) By Sgt Rock Omaha Nebraska

THE OTHER GRINDER

ON THE WEST COAST

The most famous ldquoGrinderrdquo for all West Coast recruits is the Parade Deck or ldquoGrinderrdquo at MCRD San Diego The sec-ond most famous West Coast grinder is at Camp Pendleton next to the recruit squad bays Recruits go there for there for the third phase (field training) of Recruit Training They leave San Diego and go north for weapons training NBC (nuclear biological and chemi-cal) training advanced Martial Arts and the Crucible

HONORMANrsquoS CORNER - John Wetter A brief synopsis of Johns Marine Corps career is

Enlisted 14 June 1960

Honor Man Platoon 350 MCRD San Diego September 1960 Meritoriously

promoted to Private First Class

Honor Man Field Radio Operators Course 1st Marine Division Schools

Camp Horno Camp Pendleton Meritoriously promoted to Lance Cor-

poral April 1961

Promoted to Corporal January 1962

Promoted to Sergeant November 1963

Combat service in Viet Nam 1965-1966

Selected for promotion to Staff Sergeant May 1966

Selected for Officer Candidate Course May 1966

Promoted to Staff Sergeant Aug 1966

Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant October 1966 Honor Man 4th Platoon

Company F 41st Marine OCC

Marine Officers Basic School Platoon Honor Man and recipient of three of

the five awards presented to the officers following graduation in March

1967 The awards received by John were

the Edison Trophy for high aggregate Rifle and Pistol qualification

scores of 595 out of a possible score of 600

a pair of Binoculars with engraved plaque for highest class grade aver-

age in Leadership of 998 and

a 1911A1 Colt 45cal Automatic Pistol in Presentation Case with en-

graved plaque for highest class grade average of 9534 in Military

Skills

John‟s class standing was 7th of 541 officers with an overall grade average of

9261 John received a verbal reprimand from both his Commanding Officer

and later his wife Elisa for not studying harder Four more points on his aca-

demic average of 827 would have set the Basic School highest grade point av-

erage record He got a pat on the back and a kick in the butt at the same time

His final comment on the subject was gee if I knew how well I was doing in

everything else I would have studied harder No cigar --- but he got the gun

Promoted to 1st Lieutenant December 1967

Promoted to Captain November 1969


Promoted to Major August 1977

Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel May 1982

Retired from active duty 31 July 1984

John‟s citations and awards include

Three Meritorious Masts

Two Letters of Commendation

Bronze Star wcombat V

Meritorious Service Medal

Navy Commendation Medal

Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal wstar (two awards)

Only awarded to enlisted men

Presidential Unit Citation

Combat Action Ribbon

Viet Nam Service Ribbon w4 stars

Viet Namese Cross of Gallantry

National Defense Ribbon

John served twenty four years one month and seventeen days with

the finest military organization America has to offer

ALL MEMBERS Please Report Your Changed

Address Phone Numbers and

e-mail to Filbert

303-452-1387 fegomezpeoplepccom

David Dillingham

After boot camp and ITR I was stationed at 20 Palms with a 155 Gun Battery I did various things including working in

the company office drove ambulance and was actually a loader on a 155mm for a short period of time which impaired

my hearing After being at ldquoThe Stumpsrdquo for 18 months I had put in for two types of duty anything to get away from the

desert and oddly enough received orders within three days of one another for both duties I had put in for Recon and

received orders to go to jump school and three days later got a second set of orders to CG of FMF Pac HQ G-4 Section

Camp Smith in Honolulu I think that this was the only time while I was in the Corps that I ever had a choice of what I

wanted to do I think it took me about 4 seconds to make my decision letrsquos see do I want to jump out of airplanes

which I have to admit was appealing or go to fight the battle of Waikiki I worked for a Colonel as a classified material

control clerk in Lt General Carson A Robertrsquos office who later was replaced by General Victor Krulak just before I was

discharged in 1964 My Hawaii duty was fantastic and Irsquoll always consider the two years I spent there as a highlight in

my life

Before being discharge in 1964 I took some test which I passed to apply for MARCAD Program This included the oppor-

tunity to go to Annapolis become a commissioned officer and an F-4 pilot That was also appealing but when I found

out that I had a six year commitment following my fours years in college I chose not to pursue which didnt make the

local brass very happy with me

When I was released from active duty I came back to Colorado met a girl within two weeks and got married in four

months Oh the impetuousness of youth I also started college that fall at the University of Northern Colorado in

Greeley By passing the one year college USAFI exam and transferring the few course I had taken at the University of

Hawaii I was able to start college as a sophomore without having to take all the common course requirements including

English which was a gift By going summers I was able to complete my BA with a double major in Business and Psy-

chology in December 1966 I was able to get a graduate assistantship which paid for my graduate degree a masters

and an Ed S in Counseling Psychology Rehabilitation Counseling

After graduation from grad school in 1968 there was little opportunity in Colorado for going into the mental health field

which is what I was looking for Consequently I moved the family I had two sons by then to Clarinda Iowa to the State

Mental Health Institute I set up a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program there for patients moving back into the commu-

nity I was there for six years and began longing for the mountains and was able to get a job in Pinedale Jackson Hole

Wyoming I was Clinical Director of a four county community mental health center wrote a grant and developed an alco-

holsubstance abuse treatment center and did psychological testing for the local school district This was an incredible

experience doing this work in Wyoming which Irsquom writing about

As my sons got older we identified a need for better schools and a more temperate climate it once reached ndash64 below

zero in Pinedale I applied for and got a job in Jefferson County Mental Health Center as a Pro-

gram Manager for chronic mentally ill adolescents and young adults I didnrsquot like that job very

well and had a job offered to me by Coors Brewing Company to set up an Employee and Family

Counseling Service which I did for five years At that point I got into a conflict with my boss who

was alcoholic and making crazy demands of me and so applied for a job in Coors as an Organiza-

tional Consultant I worked in that capacity for the next five years and did teambuilding leader-

ship development manager counseling and conflict resolution a very nice opportunity When the

Coors family decided to bring in an outside CEO several hundred of us were offered a nice buy-

out package and I chose to leave That was also the time that I was getting a divorce and set up

my own business as an organizational consultant I did that for a couple years and then for the

next several years did work with a company that was working for Colorado Boys Ranch promoting their program and

then two years ago began doing the same job with El Pueblo an adolescent treatment program in Pueblo I still live in

Golden Genesee actually and have a very enjoyable life golfing fishing camping dating and spending time with my

sons and granddaughter and friends Itrsquos a good life

Whatever Happened To John Wetter If I remember correctly Ron Wilkinson and I graduated from Durango High School on a Thursday Two days later Ron

who had already signed up on the 90-delay program shanghaied me into the Marine Corps By the following Thurs-

day I was in a state of shock at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego wondering who I was where I was

what happened and how I was going to repay Ron for what he had done to me Ron and I had been best friends

since we were three years old but at that moment all I was thinking about was revenge

Although I didn‟t think so at the time Ron‟s abduction of me turned out for the best The Marine Corps once

the shock of Drill Instructors in our faces for what seemed like twenty-two hours a day for the next four months wore

off gave me a sense of direction and an education I could not have received anywhere else Like Ron I had every inten-

tion of bdquoterminating‟ my relationship with the Corps when my four-year enlistment ended By then however I had spent

almost half of my tour going to professional and technical schools had been promoted through several ranks been given

responsibilities I could only dream of and before I knew it I re-enlisted I was a Sergeant then and my reward was an all

expense paid trip to the Orient ndash for thirteen months ndash without my new bride of six months of which I got to spend two

and a half months with prior to departure The reason for our brief time together was an old Marine Corps tradition

called the bdquopre-deployment work-up (continued next page)

My luck held Three weeks after our arrival in Japan someone blew up an Army barracks in a place called Pleuku Viet-

nam and my education in Japanese culture came to an end Instead it was off to Vietnam and back to seven days a

week in what seemed like twenty-two hour work days in a very hot humid and at times dirty place This time however

I didn‟t have to put up with Drill Instructors with bad breath

A lot happened over the next year but before I knew it I was back in California with my bride in my arms and the sun was

shining This time we got six months together before I was shipped back to Quantico Virginia for a Boot Camp re-

fresher course They called it Officers Candidate School More ugly guys in funny hats with bad breath My bride

got to stay home again After they made me a Lieutenant I got to spend the next five months in the Marine Officers

Basic School again learning the things I had spend the previous six and a half years learning Just kidding They

taught me much more They taught me how much I still had to learn They taught me the only time you should allow

yourself to stop learning is when you stop breathing

The remainder of my days in the Corps included two more all expense paid trips to the Orient one more to Vietnam Posts

of The Corps throughout the country and several trips to Europe working with NATO and the British Royal Navy and

Royal Marines I decided to cut and run from the Corps at my twenty-year mark in 1980 but they put another carrot

out there in front of me and next thing I knew it was 1984 I retired in July of that year I made it as far as Staff Ser-

geant while an enlisted man and departed a Lieutenant Colonel More than seven of those twenty-four years were

spent at various schools and courses On my own time after work hours and on weekends I got my BS degree in Busi-

ness The last thing I did prior to retirement however was to write a long thank-you letter to Ron Wilkinson Ron had

retired from the Corps the previous year I owe him so much

All of the aforementioned exotic travel was without my bride She got to stay home How many women would have put up

with that kind of life Mine did This brings me to the most beautiful and wondrous part of my life

On the long 4th of July weekend in 1961 while stationed at Camp Pendleton a friend and I went to Disneyland looking for

chicks Of course having no hair then (young Marines have to keep it short) we really were not all that attractive I

cannot count the number of times I have been caught unawares when my buddies and I were out deer hunting during

our high school days Buck Fever was a thing we all lived with and although I would never admit it then I probably

had the worst and most frequent attacks I would usually find myself daydreaming and then look up to see a deer

watching me Complete and total shutdown of all physical and mental functions Classic Buck Fever Well that‟s

what happened when I first saw the girl I was to later marry When I finally regained my composure limited as it

was I introduced myself with some inane utterance I can still remember the feeling of relief when she didn‟t laugh at

me or tell me to get lost In later years I would say to my children ldquoif love at first sight were not real then they would-

n‟t write books or make movies about itrdquo

Sirppa Elisa Laine was born in Oulu Finland while World War II in Europe was reaching its crescendo I used to chide

my one-tour Vietnam comrades when they sometimes got too full of themselves that my wife had more time in a com-

bat zone than they did That always brought them back down to reality She was an infant but what the heck time on

-station counts I fervently believe that my life began when I fell in love with this woman

In July 1964 three years after we met Elisa and I married Four years later we had our first child a girl we named Ann-

Marie Elisa Our second daughter Tanya Elisa arrived two months prior to the start of my second Vietnam tour

What a heartbreak it was to leave them behind but what indescribable joy it was to hold all of them when I returned

the following year Four years later Elisa gave me a son Bryan Tauno Tauno is Elisa‟s fathers name Bryan Well

he was born late in the afternoon prior to St Patrick‟s Day If he had been born a day earlier on the bdquoIdes of March‟

I wanted to name him Brutus Don‟t know why but Elisa didn‟t think much about that Four years later after we

thought three was a good number we were blessed with another daughter Kathryn our baby is now 28 What a

beauty

We live in the same house we built following our return to California in 1984 Fallbrook is about 40 miles north of San

Diego and is the only place in Southern California I would want to live Elisa has her garden and does magnificent silk

ribbon embroidery while I enjoy anything I can do with my hands Woodworking has been my release over the years

I retired from the world of the working folks two years ago I was with seven different companies since retiring from the

Marine Corps in 1984 Actually I only changed jobs once All of the other company name changes were the result of

our corporation or division being purchased by other corporations a continuing phenomenon throughout industry to

transfer education I have been fortunate to be able n and skills I acquired while in the Corps to the private sector ---

and it all started because Ron Wilkinson didn‟t want leave home without a pal

Semper Fi

John WE NEED YOUR LIFE

STORY

PLEASE SEND TO

GEORGE DAVIS

gdavis457livecom

years in Portland

(Jim L Thompson now known as

Jimmy Thompson)

Thompsons one-man-show captures new gen-eration by Dan Golden (wwwpositivelyentertainmentcom

featuresdoc1999thompson)

Hes known in local musical circles as The King of

Sandy Boulevard For 23 years solo artist Jimmy

Thompson has entertained audiences up and down that

famous Northeast Portland corridor As the new millen-

nium rolls closer its good to know that Thompsons one-

man show is not only Y2K compliant but also ready to

capture a new generation of listeners

Since moving to the area from Colorado in 1976 Thomp-

son has worked full time playing music At first he says

he had the privilege of sharing the bandstand with a

wide variety of local players The last 10 years however

Thompson has thrived as a solo act Accompanied by a

sophisticated multi-media music station that provides

real-time back-up sounds he plays live guitar or key-

boards while singing hits spanning every musical genre

Ever the late bloomer this local legend didnt actually

start performing until the ripe old age of 24 Although

singing is his first love he has become very proficient as

both a guitarist and entertainer He credits good luck

and divine intervention for his success over the last

quarter century and includes thanks to many of the local

players hes met and jammed with He also appreciates

the support of the venues on Sandy Boulevard that have

allowed him to ply his trade for so many wonderful

years

With influences dating back to Elvis and all of those

50s cats Thompson has kept his act current through

the use of modern technology The Italian-made Music

Station holds literally hundreds of musical sounds and

rhythms that he uses as the foundation for his perform-

ances The key difference here is that everything happens

live in real time so that Thompson can adjust to his

immediate situation and jam along rather than being

tied down to a sequencer The resulting mix is amazing

- it sounds like a full blown band Audiences seem to ap-

preciate the skill level involved and dont seem to miss

the rest of the group Thompsons affable stage de-

meanor and steady sounds keep the crowds dancing and

clapping throughout the course of an evenings show

Thompsons story is even more impressive when you con-

sider the nearly fatal accident he survived almost four

years ago Run over by his own motor home this tough

cookie has recovered from debilitating injuries to con-

tinue his mission of entertaining crowds as long as he

is able His friends affectionately call him Winnebago

Man a tribute to his popularity amongst his profes-

sional peers Currently Thompson plays Thursday

through Sunday nights at Gin Sun a quaint bistro lo-

cated at NE 207th and Sandy Catch this interesting and

entertaining fellow he will bring the music home to you

Jimmy Thompson The Legend and The Miracle By Brandi Mikell wwwpositvelyentainmentcom

ldquoI had become a person I never thought I‟d berdquo laments Jimmy

Thompson ldquobut He can change anyone if you accept Himrdquo In his

soft-spoken humble way Thompson recounts past events that

brought him through death-defying trials to a crowd of over 400

music fans musicians and singers honoring him recently on a Sunday

at Gin Sun Restaurant on Sandy Blvd When asked why there was

such an incredible attendance of loyal fans and friends his answer is

ldquoI can‟t take the credithellipit‟s all about Jesus and it‟s all about Him

When I first moved here in 1976 from Colorado Springs I sat down

and read the biblehellipall 66 books The latest books were written 2000

years ago and are coming to pass on a daily basis I started doing as

the Lord wanted me to do If I wanted to have friends then I had to

be friendly By following the spiritual laws I‟ve become a blessed

manrdquo

ldquoIn 1996 I was run over by my motor home I walked behind it to use

a pay phone forgot to put the emergency brake on and it ran over

me My right lung burst my back was broken in three places and

my pelvis was broken from front to back (snapped it in two pieces)

Now I have lots of good friends but my good friends have lots of

good friends The musicians in this town are a great family There‟s

no one who would get a phone call and not show up to help I was

working four nights a week at that time The Portland musician fam-

ily showed up and covered me in my absence and gave me the payrdquo

Thompson has performed for 14 years at the same location through

three different owners and name changes (La Mesa Wind Cove and

now The Gin Sun) ldquoWhen I first came to Portland I worked with

the best musicians and bands in town The first club I worked at was

called Tony‟s and Bobby Gibson‟s band with Bobby Salome and Neil

Grand staff played on the main nights On the off-nights I played

there in Ann Young‟s band They also were headliners at The Red

Steerhellipboy that brings back memories There was Jeff Dean on pi-

ano Gary Clinton from the Stan Kenton Band on sax Bobby Lyon

on drums and Paul deLay My next band had Ernie Howell on bass

Danny Primmer on drums Larry Simmons Jerry Mudica and my-

self on guitar

Music is two things pitch and time Cactus Davis is one of the great-

est musicians around because he started on drums Music is just like

a basketball or football team if you can‟t play with the team then

you‟re better suited for the benchrdquo

Thompson‟s most recent struggle with health issues came about when

medication for a stroke back-fired and attacked his immune system

bringing on a painful case of arthritis He is taking two months leave

from his long-term position as the music-master at Gin Sun‟s to visit

his mother in Colorado Despite rumors that reported him moving

from Portland Thompson says he‟s returning here because son Jesse

needs him around ldquoJesse is a very good man and a serious computer

science major at Portland Staterdquo

ldquoI was overwhelmed at the function that took place out at Gin Sun‟s

Ed Neumann made some phone calls and put a little flyer together It

was done in about four weeks Our customers are obviously what it‟s

all about But I give Him the glory It‟s for real and it‟s free and it‟s

for everyonerdquo Thompson‟s repertoire is extensive featuring country

oldies standards and rock-a-billy His rendition of Under The Board-

walk brings the house down when he jumps to a high falsetto His

hospitality reaches to the crowd inviting guests to sit in on instru-

ments or grab a mike and sing He ends each evening with Ocean‟s

Put Your Hand In The Hand and dedicates it to Jesus ldquoHe can

change anyone if you accept Him It‟s not about religion It‟s about

The Manrdquo remarks Thompson Jimmy Thompson will resume his post at Gin Sun‟s the first Sunday in Au-

gust on the 6th Plan to arrive early or you‟ll be part of a SRO crowd once

again as this legend and walking miracle entertains his loyal fans

years in Portland

On November 10 1775 a Corps of Marines was created by a

resolution of the Continental Congress Since that date

many thousand men have borne the name Marine In mem-

ory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should

commemorate the Birthday of our Corps by calling to mind

the glories of its long and illustrious history

The record of our Corps is one which will bear comparison

with that of the most famous military organizations in the

worlds history During 90 of the 146 years of its existence

the Marine Corps has been in action against the nations foes

From the battle of Trenton to the Argonne Marines have

won foremost honors in war and in the long eras of tran-

quility at home Generation after generation of Marines

have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every

corner of the seven seas that our country and its citizens

might enjoy peace and security

In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our Corps

Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinc-

tion winning new honors on each occasion until the term

Marine has come to signify all that is highest in military effi-

ciency and soldierly virtue

This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who

are Marines today have received from those who preceded

us in the Corps With it we also received from them the eter-

nal spirit which has animated our Corps from generation to

generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Ma-

rines in every age So long as that spirit continues to flourish

Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the fu-

ture as they have been in the past and the men of our nation

will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illus-

trious men who have served as Soldiers of the Sea since

the founding of the Corps

GENERAL LEJEUNES MESSAGE 10 November 2006

A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE

CORPS

On November 10th 1775 our Corps was born as the Continental Congress raised the first and second battalions of American Marines Each Year as we cele-brate our birthday we pause to reflect on the Marines of yesteryear who fought in our touchstone battles and forged the modern Marine Corps with their courage

integrity and undying commitment to their fellow Ma-rines Each of our storied battles is a link in the long chain that binds all Marines together- from the Conti-nental Marines at Bunker Hill to the Teufelhuden cross-ing the wheat fields of Belleau Wood This chain binds us to the Marines on the crest of Mount Suribachi it passes through the ice and snow of Chosin Reservoir

and the steaming jungles of Vietnam and it anchors firmly today in the sands of Iraq

This years celebration again finds many from our ranks serving with distinction in harms way As we have for the past 231 years our Corps is answering the Nations call I can report first hand that our Marines fighting on the front lines of the Long War on Terror are performing brilliantly acquitting themselves with honor dedication and dignity in difficult and danger-ous environments

All Marine are making a difference Regardless of where you are serving you are adding new chapters to the legacy that was earned with sweat and blood on

old battlefields Just as previous generations of Ma-

rines shaped todays Marine Corps your deeds are molding the Corps of tomorrow Our Corps has never been stronger and all Americans are extremely proud of your magnificent performance and unwavering com-mitment to server our Corps and country With high caliber Marines like you our future has never been

brighter

Another irreplaceable element of our success as Marines is the terrific support we receive from our

families Through the long hours the exercises and the combat deployments their support is unconditional and firm They give us love and devotion providing us with the strength to drive on when duty calls Today we should all acknowledge our loved ones for their pa-tient steadfast service

To all who have earned the title Marine to the su-perb Sailors who serve with us in every clime and place and to our precious families-- I wish each one of you a heartfelt Happy 231st Birthday

Semper Fidelis and Keep Attacking

M W Hagee General US Marine Corps

MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY HISTORY

The above message was issued in the form of an order (Marine

Corps Order No 47 Series 1921) by Major General Lejeune

on November 1st 1921 and was to be read at every Marine

Corps Birthday celebration throughout the world every subse-

quent year

Traditionally the first piece of birthday cake is presented to

the oldest Marine present and the second piece of cake to the

youngest Marine present When and where this tradition be-

gan remains unknown

Like the Corps itself the Birthday Ball developed from simple

origins to become the polished professional function that all

Marines commemorate on 10 November around the world

Happy Birthday Marinesmdash231 YearsmdashNovember 10th

Call your local Marine Corps League and attend the

Birthday Celebration

First Day of Boot Camp By Roger Cortez

ldquoFrom the Halls of Montezumardquo

I didn‟t choose the Corps My two high school friends did that for me I knew of the Corps having seen the films ldquoSands of

Iwo Jima Halls of Montezuma Gung Ho Fighting Leathernecks‟‟ etchellip etchellipstarring every body‟s hero Jonathan

Waynehellipuhhellip John Wayne Brief episodes of life at boot camp were just that brief and on with the movie I don‟t remem-

ber the recruiter describing boot camp as we experienced it Do you

We left Denver soon after the banquet full of piss and vinegar dressed in the uniform of the day civvy trousers and manda-

tory white shirt Off to boot camp to MCRD to beat back the foes of the good bdquool US of A just like our hero JonahellipJohn

each of us with our special reason to be on that flight to San Diego I often wondered why some of you were there I know

that we came from different walks of life a diverse group perhaps rich as some was poor dropouts from school or society

the Corps or the slammerhellipwe each had our own mission

We arrived in San Diego not quite sure of the time We were greeted by a Marine and ordered into the ldquosix-by ldquoas the flap

at the rear of the truck bed was lowered not knowing the direction we were headed and then some gung-ho adolescent in

our truck decided to begin singing the Marine Corps Hymn I know who it was We all joined in and belted out our rendi-

tion of the hymn still full of viss and pinegar I knowhellip and I say this emphaticallyhellipas sure that there is a Jonahellipuhhellip

John Wayne in heaven the driver of the truck and his assistant was laughing their asses off knowing the maggots we were

about to become Maggart‟s maggots to be sure And welcome to the first step of disorientation

Like a smash from the butt-end of an M-1 between the running lights confusion set in and reality took a seat on the first

flight eastward from the San Diego Airport toward our beloved Colorado The DIs at the receiving barracks immediately

set upon us like stink on a turd and it was then that everyone‟s faces went blur I didn‟t know an Abendschan from a

Wood and any one in between Everything was a blur except for those two yellow foot prints painted on the asphalt You

remember the yellow footprints Have you given thought as to who may have stood on them before you You just angled

your feet forty-five degrees off center chest out arms aligned and hand gingerly closed and swore that the next DI that got

in your face again was certain to get decked It was either him or that gungy adolescent who started the hymn earlier from

the airport to the depot

Reality is flighty I needed to pee Oh did I ever Lucky was the DI and the adolescent ldquobootrdquo for their demise was

trumped by a mere act of nature I had choices Pee my pants and onto the yellow foot prints where past heroes may have

stood Never Sacrilegious Request permission from the DI NawhellipI may have to deck him if he says no

WWJDhelliphelliphelliphellip What Would John Dohelliphelliphelliphellip

Off to my rear right stood a stately palm tree somewhat surrounded by some waist high bushes of unknown species much

like that of the DIs I desperately side stepped my way rear right oblique to the tree whipped out the ldquoshort armrdquo and

ldquopeed upon the palmrdquo AAAAHhellipRelief That‟s what JonahellipJohn would have done I know it and you know it I side

stepped front left oblique and returned to the yellow footprints wiping my hands on the white shirt that was our ldquounirdquo of

the day back in Denver

After doing what John would have done it all became clear You became clear There‟s Abendschan there‟s Wood Sailas

Porter Lopezhellipall of youhellip brothers fewhellip I remain honored to have stood beside you on the yellow footprints as our

comrades before shit birds all I salute you from my ldquopiss cutterrdquohellip pun intendedhelliphellipHAND

SALUTEhelliphellipTWOhelliphellipCARRY ON AND SEMPER FIhellipno more piss and vinegar I never did deck those uhhellipuh

helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliptwo high school friends

Did You Ever Think ldquoWHAT IF rdquo

What if Roger Maggart joined the Navy What if John joined the Army instead of the Corps What if

Dave accepted the appointment to Annapolis What if we never met in Colorado Springs to plan for the

first reunion What if Bill continued to work at his fatherrsquos filling station What if Joe decided not to

attend any reunions What if Ron would have continued working for Pacific Telephone What if Roger

Cortez decided not to listen to his school friends that talked him into joining the Marine Corps

WHAT IF we meet in San Diego MCRD in September 2007 attend a graduation tour the base attend

morning colors visit the base museum visit receiving barracks stand in the yellow footprints again

have lunch at the mess hall honor Roger Maggart at dinner What if we knew a Lt Colonel who could

help us arrange this ldquowhat if situationrdquo I have done most of these things at MCRD with the Young Ma-

rines It can be done if we have a ldquocan-dordquo attitude Comments welcome

Semper Fi George

Shakespeare We few ldquoOl Private Shakeyrdquo wasn‟t in the ldquocrawrdquo (corps) now was he So appropriate for

the ldquoColorado Old Glory Platoonrdquo of 1960hellip

I had often wondered about us some years after I left the Corps I secretly yearned for a

time that we would come together and deep within the depths I knew we would When I

didn‟t know but it was going to happen I lived with it for the years up to our first reunion

In the meantime my only escape was to relate everything I had experienced at MCRD and

the duty stations thereafter to any one who would listen Mostly my family

Strange as it seemed I was able to remember boot camp experiences as though it was yes-

terday I could remember names with related incidents and attach them to the photographs

of our boot camp year book I did not know each ldquobootrdquo personally although I did make some binding friends

that I shall never forget I developed a great admiration for our leaders that gave so much to a skinny snot-

nosed kid from a village in southern Colorado But the yearning persisted I had in my Marine Corps memen-

tos the Colorado Flag that we carried as one of our guidons when we were at ITR and kept it all these years

hoping that someday just someday I would share it with all of you I had it stored in my ldquosea bagrdquo along with

my issued uniforms that made me wonder if I could still fit into them I was cleaning out some space where

the sea bag was stored and came upon the Colorado Flag I unfolded it stared at it and the memories begin

to swell In an instant of irrational thought and anger I tossed the flag into the trash bound for the dump with

the notion that in spite of my years of yearning that I would never share it with you Forget it It‟s not going to

happen

George Davis Dave Dillingham Gerry Steinbach Bill Smith Ron Hamric Dennis Franklin and I met in Colo-

rado Springs to plan our first reunion It happened In Denver A cathartic event Closure to a

yearning to come together we few we happy few we band of brothers

Semper Fi

Roger

The Clark Family

Darl spent four years in the Marines and then returned to civilian life for about

two months He decided to enlist in the Army He completed a tour at the

Army Hospital at Fitzsimons in Denver He was then stationed at Fort Riley

Kansas where he applied for flight school He was sent to Ft Walters Texas

but was unable to complete the school due to family issues He was then as-

signed to the Army Tank Automotive Command in Detroit Michigan His

next tour of duty was in SHAPE NATO Headquarters in Belgium

I (Lorraine) enlisted in the Army after graduating from Montana State Univer-

sity I was in Communications and was sent to SHAPE after completing basic

training and AIT school

Darl and I met on a blind date when a girlfriend of mine and a friend of his

both insisted we come with them Darl had the car so that was the main reason

his friend asked him As soon as we met I knew we would be married I had-

nrsquot expected that but six weeks later we married in Belgium and then flew

home for a stateside wedding in Nevada

I completed my tour of duty and then got out to start our family We already

had Darls son living with us We spent three years in Belgium and then four

years at Ft Riley Kansas

Darl retired from the Army in 1980 and returned to school to become a diesel

mechanic He worked at Round Mountain Gold in central Nevada for 13 years

and then moved to Ely Nevada to work for the county

road department He retired from this after ten years

We now live in Ely with our son and grandchildren

close by My family is also here in Ely Our other chil-

dren are raised and live in Iowa Utah and California

We have a publishing business that we operate from our

home Darl has returned to doing the artwork he had put

off while working We are updating our home and en-

joying retirement

Camp Matthews

Up to World War II the camp had no name and was known simply as the Marine Rifle Range La Jolla and fell under the command of Marine Corps Base San Diego The camp was officially designated Camp Matthews on March 23 1942 in honor of Lieutenant Colo-nel (later Brigadier General) Calvin B Mat-thews USMC a distinguished Marine marks-man of the 1930s period Camp Matthews continued to serve as the firing range for the Marines with a permanent garrison of 700 men In March 1942 a new administrative building was ready for occu-pancy along with a large mess hall a post office swimming pool and outdoor theater Marine Corps recruitment following Pearl Harbor so taxed the ranges limited facilities that some 5000 Marines who enlisted shortly after Pearl Harbor had to be rushed to an Army camp at San Luis Obispo for their weapons training During the peak of the war as many as 9000 men were rushed through the range every three weeks The rifle range was also used by Marine Aviation units as well as Army and Navy units Camp Matthews continued to function through the Korean War and into the 1960s In May 1963 it was necessary for the Marines to discontinue using one of their 65 target ranges because of civilian encroachment and consequent safety hazards Finally it was decided to relocate Camp Matthews and the Marine Corps Recruit Depots weapons train-ing to Camp Pendleton Closing ceremonies occurred at Camp Matthews on 21 August 1964 and 46 years of Marine training at that portion of the San Diego Marine Base came to an end By WO1 Mark J Denger

Bring a raffle prize to the reunion This Helps Fund the Reunion

the Reunion































sistance programs










a few















DIrsquos CORNER























me






















Reunion

Semper Fi

Joe Abendschan



Grinder

is Sacred Ground


Ron Hamrick




















2007 Reunion

See You There





THE OTHER GRINDER

ON THE WEST COAST








poral April 1961


















Skills































e-mail to Filbert


David Dillingham











my life


























































































beauty









Semper Fi


STORY

PLEASE SEND TO

GEORGE DAVIS

gdavis457livecom

years in Portland


Jimmy Thompson)



























years








































manrdquo





















self on guitar



























years in Portland



































CORPS








brighter











quent year




gan remains unknown

























































Semper Fi George































sistance programs










a few















DIrsquos CORNER























me






















Reunion

Semper Fi

Joe Abendschan



Grinder

is Sacred Ground


Ron Hamrick




















2007 Reunion

See You There





THE OTHER GRINDER

ON THE WEST COAST








poral April 1961


















Skills































e-mail to Filbert


David Dillingham











my life


























































































beauty









Semper Fi


STORY

PLEASE SEND TO

GEORGE DAVIS

gdavis457livecom

years in Portland


Jimmy Thompson)



























years








































manrdquo





















self on guitar



























years in Portland



































CORPS








brighter











quent year




gan remains unknown

























































Semper Fi George


















Reunion

Semper Fi

Joe Abendschan



Grinder

is Sacred Ground


Ron Hamrick




















2007 Reunion

See You There





THE OTHER GRINDER

ON THE WEST COAST








poral April 1961


















Skills































e-mail to Filbert


David Dillingham











my life


























































































beauty









Semper Fi


STORY

PLEASE SEND TO

GEORGE DAVIS

gdavis457livecom

years in Portland


Jimmy Thompson)



























years








































manrdquo





















self on guitar



























years in Portland



































CORPS








brighter











quent year




gan remains unknown

























































Semper Fi George





THE OTHER GRINDER

ON THE WEST COAST








poral April 1961


















Skills































e-mail to Filbert


David Dillingham











my life


























































































beauty









Semper Fi


STORY

PLEASE SEND TO

GEORGE DAVIS

gdavis457livecom

years in Portland


Jimmy Thompson)



























years








































manrdquo





















self on guitar



























years in Portland



































CORPS








brighter











quent year




gan remains unknown

























































Semper Fi George

David Dillingham











my life


























































































beauty









Semper Fi


STORY

PLEASE SEND TO

GEORGE DAVIS

gdavis457livecom

years in Portland


Jimmy Thompson)



























years








































manrdquo





















self on guitar



























years in Portland



































CORPS








brighter











quent year




gan remains unknown

























































Semper Fi George











































beauty









Semper Fi


STORY

PLEASE SEND TO

GEORGE DAVIS

gdavis457livecom

years in Portland


Jimmy Thompson)



























years








































manrdquo





















self on guitar



























years in Portland



































CORPS








brighter











quent year




gan remains unknown

























































Semper Fi George

years in Portland


Jimmy Thompson)



























years








































manrdquo





















self on guitar



























years in Portland



































CORPS








brighter











quent year




gan remains unknown

























































Semper Fi George

years in Portland



































CORPS








brighter











quent year




gan remains unknown

























































Semper Fi George



















































Semper Fi George

Boot Camp Newsletter # 3

Documents

Transcript of Boot Camp Newsletter # 3