The Marines of
The Basic School, 1-67
|
Quantico, Virginia was the destination for 181 Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenants (and four 1st Lieutenants!) in June 1966, for "The Basic School". Almost all of us were newly graduated and commissioned; we knew it would be an interesting and possibly difficult 21-week experience before our "real" active duty assignments. Our class was designated Bravo ("B") Company. Almost all of us became good friends with one another, whether our term of duty was brief, tragically cut short, or for 50 years. 29 years after we started, after much talk and procrastination about finding everyone and possibly having a reunion, a "TBS 1-67 Bulletin" was published and sent to 11 guys. 10 months later, the list of contacts had grown to more than 80 and there was a tentative plan for a reunion. In June 1996, we had our first reunion, based at the Alexandria, VA Holiday Inn, through the hard work and great organizational skills of Bob Lange. In spite of a brief advance warning, 25 of us gathered with spouses, kids, and friends. On June 13, the "advance group" visited the evening parade at the Iwo Jima Memorial. The next evening, the full crew went to the Marine Barracks Evening Parade at 8th & I. The next day we toured Quantico, the Vietnam Memorial, and got together for a banquet. The story is below. Our class has had four more reunions, in 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016. Those stories are also below. The most recent reunion was in October 2016 to mark the 50th anniversary of our time at TBS. We are in contact with 133 TBS 1-67 guys by USPS mail and email. 52 of our classmates have passed away. If you are curious about former Marine officers of this era, please check the links below. Kit Corcoran Ken Burns sent a note: "...Kit passed away after an heroic struggle with Multiple Myeloma last Monday (October 2, 2023). He will be buried at the VA Cemetery aboard Pensacola at a date and time as yet to be determined." Ken attended the celebration of life on November11 in Wilmington and sent photos of flowers sent on behalf of "B" Company. Ken reported "The family was extremely appreciative. In my remarks I explained the history of the flowers and the Cruise Book which I presented to Mary. A super evening for a great Marine."
This is Kit's obituary It states: "A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 1:30 pm on December 8 at the Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola, FL." This photo is also from his obituary:
"A-6 All Weather Attack Aircraft" is Kit's story about his A-6 experiences written for the Tulane NROTC Alumni Association. https://tulanenrotcalumni.org/2019/07/a-6a-all-weather-attack-aircraft/ In Memory of Alex Welch
Alex, from our 2016 TBS cruise book "To Our Wonderful Friends and Family: Our beloved Alex (Sandy) passed away this morning, June 15th. He died peacefully - with Cameron and Anne Marie by his side and Deanna sending her love via phone from London. He was comfortable and in no pain. In the weeks leading up to his death, he said repeatedly that he was not afraid. And that he was beyond grateful for the life he was given and the love he felt for and from his family and friends. Alex will be buried at the Princeton Cemetery. We will hold a Memorial Service at Nassau Presbyterian Church. We will send details as soon as we can so anyone in the area who would like to attend, may. Alex’s family thank you all for the love and support you gave him and us during Alex’s illness. We love you all. Please feel free to pass this along to anyone we may have missed. Love, Anne Marie, Deanna, Stephen, Cameron & Carolyn" Update:
Later:
From Andy Vaart: "Sad, though expected, news re. Alex Welch from his widow, Anne Marie. He'd been suffering and fighting with a particularly malicious form of prostate cancer. Alex was a real trooper and good friend, who made a point of not allowing us to lose touch. And he was always positive in his outlook. I last talked to him a bit over a week ago. He'd hoped to spend some time with his son trekking the Gettysburg and Antietam battlefields. To that end, he had gotten a special treatment, hoping it would energize him for that trip. Alex and Cameron made it to Gettysburg a week ago Friday evening, but his body gave out Saturday morning, and they returned immediately and Alex went into hospice care directly. Semper fi in greatest sadness, Andy" And later from Andy: "I had sent to Deanna Alex's page from an early version of the 2016 book which included Alex's profile and a cartoon spoofing our training, a cartoon he commissioned a cartoonist friend to do. I had forgotten that Alex actually commissioned an illustration of our B Company timeline, which became the closing section of the cruise book (pp 135–139). For us, that was a great gift." From Cam Smith: "Alex and I were in the same platoon at TBS (4th Platoon) and he and I roomed together immediately following TBS (late 1966-67) when we were sent to Camp Lejeune for Supply and Logistics School. I think it was about a 10-week course. I remember Alex as always polite and positive, punctual, well prepared, able to find something good in almost any situation. He certainly helped me improve my perspective. When they chose the name of the film “An Officer and a Gentleman” they must have had Alex in mind. Sincere condolences, and Kind regards to you and your family," Bulletin #110, 111, 112 Published in December 2022, then March and May in 2023. Bulletin #109 The Volume XXIII, No. 5, Bulletin was published in time to celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday, with the Commandant's Birthday message. The Bulletin included recommendations from classmates for articles about the Marine Corps and a report on the recent gathering of USMC F-4 Phylers and Phixers in Dallas TX. Barry Lilja When emails were returned from Ralph Barry Lilja, a search found that he had passed away on November 8, 2021. Bob Lange found this: We also discovered that Barry came from a distinguished family of Marines: THE MILITARY RECORDS OF THE LILJA BROTHERS OF NATICK THAT FOUGHT IN THE PACIFIC DURING WWII "On June 15, 1944, just one month prior to the birth of his son, First Sergeant Ralph Lilja, age 31, was killed in action just hours after landing on Saipan." Bulletin #108 This Bulletin had updates on services for Ross Brown and news of memorials for our first combat casualty, Earl Smith. Bulletin #107 This Bulletin, Volume XXIII, No. 3, had comments by Andy Vaart and Bob Lange about the much-delayed 55th reunion, recommending spring, 2023 as the best plan. Bob wrote that he would be an organizer for the Reunion. There was another article about the controversy over the future direction of the Marine Corps. Fred Meier sent this:
Fred Meier updated services for Ross:
Bob Lange and Woody Goble have arranged flowers for Kare and at the services. Fred Meier was at the memorial with Prudy. He spoke at the chapel in tribute to Ross. The ceremony was on Zoom; Bob Lange, Al Bassett, Skip Curtis, Mike Wholley, Hon Lee, Bob Schmitt and Jim Scott joined with Zoom.
This is an obituary for Ross from the San Juan Journal: https://www.sanjuanjournal.com/obituaries/ross-a-brown-1944-2022/ and in the San Juan Islander: https://sanjuanislander.com/obituary/35055/col-ross-brown-25-july-1944-29-august-2022 Walt Chapman Skip Curtis found Walt's obituary, much after his passing: Jim Scott sent photos of both Ross and Walt when they all got together in Vietnam, in 1967. Bulletin #106 Bulletin #106, Volume XXIII, No. 2, noted the passing of three of the 1-67 family. There was an article about the controversy between commandant Gen. Berger and a several retired Marine Corps generals: "There is a war going on over the future of the Marine Corps. Phil Norton The Norton family - Carol Norton (wife), Danielle Atchley and Laurel Norton (daughters) - notified us that Phil passed away on May 31. When Andy Vaart learned of Phil's illness in April, he sent this: This is Phil's obituary Judy Lange Bob Lange sent us this sad news:
Bob later sent a link to photos of Judy's Funeral Mass: https://cazaresmedia.com/p329271808 Fred Meier arranged tropical flowers for Bob from Woody Goble: Bob sent a note when the flowers arrived:
Many B Company classmates contributed for flowers at the Visitation. Al Bassett send this photo:
Elaine Davis Elaine was married to Jerry Zimmer at the time of his F-4 crash in RVN. For more than 50 years, Elaine lobbied for and documented the search to recover Jerry's remains: https://www.bringingjerryhome.com/ This was sent by her husband, Ron Davis:
Bulletin #105 This Bulletin, Volume XXIII, No. 1, featured Andy Vaart's announcement, after meeting with Bob Lange and Hon Lee, that our much-delayed 55th reunion would not happen in 2022 unless there was immediate action! To that end, Andy suggested:
Responses came in and were published in Bulletin 105.1. Reaction to New Orleans is mostly positive - stay tuned! We Lost Another Classmate An email from a friend of Bob Boehm reported that Bob died of Covid-19 on January 17, 2022. This is his obituary. Stories from those who know of his humor and basketball skills are on this page. Our condolences to his wife Michaele and his family. Bulletin # 104 - Two Classmates Pass AwayThe "traditional" annual Bulletin was published in late December, numbered Vol XXII No 5. It listed all members of TBS 1-67 with last known contact information. The Bulletin will be revised with new contact data. After the Bulletin was sent, email alerted us that Jim Stokes and James Johnson had passed away. This is Jim Stokes' obituary. Services are on December 27 and 28 in Wellesley MA. The obituary for Jim Johnson is here. Further details will be added as they are known. Gil Game Gil's Citadel classmate Claude King reported that Gil passed away in Charleston SC on February 21, 2020. This is his obituary. Bulletin #103 The Volume XXII, No. 4, Bulletin was published in time to celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday, with the Commandant's Birthday message. A revised copy was sent on November 20. The Bulletin included news from classmates and articles about the Marine Corps to improve retention and to address the need for more Covid-19 vaccinations. Bulletin #102 A short Labor Day Bulletin was published and later revised for the holiday. Bulletin #101 Another "milestone" Bulletin was sent to class members on July 5, 2021. This was the 55th anniversary of our first day in TBS 1-67. A few days later, a 1985 campaign document was added to the memorial page of Dave Martin. Hays Parks Classmate Hays Parks passed away May 11, 2021 as reported by his wife Maria Lopez-Otin. Interment services were held on June 2, at 11:00 at the Quantico National Cemetery. Several TBS classmates attended and this is a report: Hays Interment.
Eileen Stokes Eileen, Jim Stokes' wife of 52 years, passed away on April 18. Bob Lange sent flowers to her services with this note:
More about these passings will be in the next Bulletin. Bulletin #100 This "milestone" Bulletin was sent to class members on President's Day, February 15. It included news from classmates and general news about the Marine Corps. An updated Bulletin was issued a few days later with more updates and all classmates were notified of a first-ever Zoom "meeting" scheduled for February 22. Sadly, the Bulletin reported the passing of Nate Wong's wife Sandee. They were married in 1968 after Nate returned from Vietnam. Sandee's obituary is here. Bob Kuhlman Bob's sister, Sandra Lindemer (sjlindy@twlakes.net) forwarded a note from Vicki Ekmark about her completion of a blog on Bob: I am writing to let you know that I have finished your brother's blog post on my website. It is up and ready for you to look at. The link is as follows: https://www.rumboogiecrew.com/post/robert-j-kuhlman-mia-in-vietnam.... This is a very nice tribute! Bulletin #99 This Bulletin was the annual holiday greetings special in December, 2020. It included the "true story" about the "Soldier’s Christmas Poem" which was not done in combat, but rather composed by Marine James M. Schmidt at the Marine Barracks in 1986. It included other general news about the Marine Corps. The Bulletin noted suggestions for Charlotte, Pensacola and San Diego as sites for for the 55th reunion. Dave Taylor later added his Pensacola research. Bulletin #98 This Bulletin was published in time to celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday, with the Commandant's Birthday message. An article also noted changes pending to the boot camp experience. Bulletin #97 This Bulletin was published a day before July 4th, 2020. A revised Bulletin was issued on July 12. The revision included contact information updates on classmates and similar updates on "Marine in the News". Bulletin #96 We were alerted to the "Taps Across America" project prior to the Memorial Day weekend. Bulletin #96 was published the day before the Monday holiday, to alert classmates of the planned 3 pm playing of taps. As usual, our classmates also sent interesting articles for inclusion. Soon after publication, we learned that a new engineering scholarship has been established at the University of Mississippi for classmate Henry Dennis "Denny" Babers. Also a report and photos from Alan Boyd, Earl Smith's cousin. See our Memorials page for details on both. Bulletin #95 This issue was published just after Easter, 2020. As the covid pandemic became a national issue, it noted the cancellation of NROTC units celebrating their 75th anniversaries. General news about the Marine Corps filled out the Bulletin. Bulletin #94 It was published during the first week of March, 2020. In addition to reporting Mike White's passing, it noted several NROTC units were celebrating their 75th anniversaries. Mike White Classmate Mike White passed away February 9, 2020 as reported by his wife Aood. Mike moved to Phuket, Thailand after his active duty service and had a rental car business in this vacation area. The business survived the 2004 tsunami but was badly affected. In 2011, Mike wrote about having a second home in Prae; his email stated this was 750 km north of Bangkok. He retired to Prae with Aood and son Artie. Flowers and a condolence card were sent to Aood and Artie. Rich Hodary sent the photo below of Mike when he was the company commander of a Motor Transport Company:
Mike's photo below is from the "Raiders" section of the 1966 Oregon State University yearbook:
Mike's OSU classmate Larry Springer was also a Raider and explained: "The “Raiders” were an extracurricular outfit sponsored by Army ROTC. There were about fifty guys that were organized into a ranger-like platoon that conducted patrols, land nav exercises, and various infantry activities on weekends. The Army provided blank ammo for the ROTC M-1s and stuff. Those of us that were Marine Options in the Navy ROTC “joined” the raiders and served as aggressor forces primarily. The outfit was as much a social organization as anything else." Bulletin #93 and John Fore The "traditional" annual Bulletin was published in early-December, numbered Vol XX No 5. It lists all members of TBS 1-67 with last known contact information. The Bulletin was revised in mid-December with new contact data. Clark Reifsnider noted the Bulletin contact list had contact data for John Fore. Clark had been alerted by a VMI classmate that John had passed away in January, 2019. Further details will be added as they are known. Added TBS Logo for Land's End Andy Vaart created a second logo (below) that can be added to products ordered from Land's End. See the latest TBS 1-67 Bulletin for the TBS 1-67 Land's End website link and password for ordering clothes or other merchandise.
Bulletin #92 A Bulletin with the Commandant's Birthday Message was sent to all class members just a few days before the November 10 Marine Corps Birthday. Bulletin #91 The 91th Bulletin was published at the end of July, 2019. It included updates to our class members and several stories about other Marines. Honoring Our KIA/LOD Classmates Bob Lange took the lead for an ongoing B Company project to ensure that all B Company officers killed in action or in the line of duty continue to be honored and remembered by the universities they attended. Presentation ceremonies at the officers' universities include the presentation of a TBS 1-67 Cruise Book, created for the TBS 1-67 B Company 50th Reunion.. The last three presentations were made in May, 2019. With this completion, each of our 21 KIA/Combat Related/LOD losses have been honored at his university/college. Cruise Book Memorial Presentations Allan Buescher We received an email from Al's son Troy that Al passed away on June 19, 2019. Al retired from the Marine Corps as a Lt. Colonel and was a great friend of "B" Company, attending several reunions. Al's obituary is here. Bob Lange arranged to have flowers sent to Al's service from the funds remaining from the Ray Daley Remembrance. Allan's son Troy sent a photo of the B Company Flowers for Allan at the Funeral Service June 28. Troy also said two active duty Marines attended for the playing of Taps and presentation of the Flag to Allan's family.
Al Bassett wrote: "I recall spending time with Allan at the reunion and him telling me how he recovered from a stroke as well as some funny stories from his time at Marine Barracks. He will be missed." Bob De Luca sent this: "A few years ago Al made a tour to visit some of his USMC friends. We were lucky enough to have him in Houston for a day or two. I remember one story in particular. When he arrived in RVN there were three other grunts reporting in at the same time. The major making assignments told them to come back the next morning. He also said one of them would be disappointed. It was Al. The other three got rifle platoons. He got sentry dogs. Postscript: the other three were KIA. Fate is fickle. Super nice guy." Bulletin #9 0, Part 1 and Part 2The 90th Bulletin was published in two parts. Part I was sent in time for Armed Forces Day, May 18. Part II is scheduled to be timely for Flag Day, June 14. Both have updates on our Cruise Book Memorial Presentations - see the link above! Bulletin #8 9 and Jay ReynoldsA Bulletin with updates on our Cruise Book Memorial Presentations and other news was published on March 28, 2019, identified as Volume XX, No. 1 Returned email and USPS mail to Jay Reynolds resulted in an Google search inquiry that found his obituary from November 2017. Old, but still unwelcome news. Jay had a distinguished career as a judge and cowboy/rancher. Read Judge Reynold's obituary here. Bulletin #88 The "traditional" annual Bulletin was published in mid-December, numbered Vol XIX No 5. It lists all members of TBS 1-67 with best known contact information. The Bulletin was revised twice with corrected contact data. The Bulletin also confirmed that Lands' End clothing and merchandise was still available with the TBS 1-67 50th Anniversary Reunion logo. Contact the email address at the bottom of this webpage for ordering details. Bulletin #87 This Bulletin with the Commandant's Birthday Message was sent to all class members just prior to the November 10 Marine Corps Birthday. Bulletin #86 Sent to all class members in mid-September. It was revised twice in October and is now Version 2.4 Bulletin #85 Published in early May. Bulletin #84 It wasn't planned, but this Bulletin was sent just before St. Patrick's Day, almost on a quarterly schedule. It is numbered Vol XIX No 1. Andy Vaart is recognized in the January 8, 2018 issue of "The New Yorker" in an article about his work as editor of the quarterly journal "Studies in Intelligence", published by the CIA. Andy also told about a project to recognize deceased class member Matthew McKnight at Auburn and to find his lost officer's sword. The Bulletin also highlights events from 1968, especially as it affected our classmates during the Tet Offensive. The Bulletin will be revised as new or corrected contact data is received. Andy sent a report on the the March 29 ceremony for Matthew McKnight at Auburn High School Andy's description and invitation to the event:
Bulletin #83 Once again, a "traditional" annual Bulletin was published in mid-December, numbered Vol XVIII No 5. It lists all members of TBS 1-67 with good contact information. It was published as an attachment to an email to our classmates members with an email address. It was later USPS mailed to 5 of our classmates, who have not yet reported an email address. The Bulletin will be revised as new or corrected contact data is received. The Bulletin also confirms that Lands' End clothing and merchandise are still available with the TBS 1-67 50th Anniversary Reunion logo. Image below. Contact the email address at the bottom of this webpage for ordering details.
Bulletin #82 After a few months of gestation, this edition was sent to all classmates on September 16, 2017. The Bulletin includes news of classmates affected by the Harvey and Irma storms and a status of Cruise books sent to libraries and other relevant institutions. Bravo Company TBS 1-67 Memorial Plaque Project - Dedicated The dedication ceremony was held on May 24. Photos and the dedication video are on the plaque webpage. This class project was initiated and expertly managed from conception to production and funding by Hays Parks. Our classmates generously contributed to the installation and maintenance costs of the plaque. Bulletin #81 Sent to all classmates on May 20, Armed Forces Day. Bulletin #80 Sent to all classmates on April 17. TBS 1-67 "B Company" Biography Book Project - May Update! Andy Vaart reported that the book went to print on May 8. The firm delivery schedule will be determined very soon. In the meantime, sales remain open! Contact me for details at tbs167@gmail.com Andy announced a call for book orders on April 6. This was updated in a a Bulletin and email notice sent to all class members on April 17. In mid-March, Andy Vaart sent news of initial inquiries to printers and publishers, for both hard and soft-cover versions of the cruise book. Order and cost details should be known very soon! On March 2, Andy provided a "final copy" of this book, with biographies of more than 140 class members. This is a great accomplishment with credit due to Andy, Phil Norton and Bob Lange. Andy is checking printing vendors for production and possibly mailing. When costs and other details are known, all class members will be notified of the book's availability. Bravo Company TBS 1-67 Memorial Plaque Project - April Update A dedication ceremony will be held on May 24. The plaque installation took place on April 6. Photos and videos are on the plaque webpage. This class project, more fully explained on this webpage, was expertly managed from conception to production and funding by Hay Parks. Our classmates generously contributed to the installation and maintenance costs of the plaque; the fund drive announced it met its goals on February 14. "Installation" (not dedication) was scheduled for March 14, but postponed because of blizzard forecasts from New England to the Mid-Atlantic states. This has not yet been re-scheduled. Bulletin #79 The first Bulletin of 2017 was published at the end of January, numbered Vol XVIII No 1. It has important updates on the memorial plaque and the biography book projects. A recent tally shows that 44 of our classmates have not yet submitted a bio and six are "promised/pending"- the firm deadline for this is February 7! Bulletin #78 The "traditional" annual Bulletin was published in mid-December, numbered Vol XVII No 9. It lists all members of TBS 1-67 with good contact information. It was published by email to the members with an email address and will be USPS mailed a few days later to 12 of our classmates, either "newly/possibly located" classmates or those who have not yet reported an email address. The Bulletin will be revised as new or corrected contact data is received. Graduation - 1966 Fifty years ago - then we went our separate ways...
Reunion - 2016 With four prior Reunions as "practice", we got this one "just right"! Nearly 50 of our class gathered in Fredricksburg VA, with spouses and friends. The Reunion was themed for the 50th anniversary of our 1966 class - it was a grand event! It was held between October 20-23. Photos and stories will soon appear on a separate web page. Dianna Cahn, a reporter for "Stars and Stripes" newspaper was at nearly all the Reunion events and wrote a great story, which appeared in the November 11 issue. The issue also featured photos and profiles on several TBS 1-67 classmates. Visit this web site again for the report!
At the Basic School, October 21, 2016 (photo by Elaine Zimmer Davis) Bulletin #77 A Bulletin that reports on the TBS 1-67 B Company 50th Anniversary Reunion was scheduled to emailed in time for the Marine Corps Birthday. It was USPS mailed a few days later to seven of our classmates and seven "newly/possibly located" classmates who have not yet reported an email address. John Hickman, Tom Gleason and Ben Marshall As many of us prepared for the 50th anniversary Reunion, we received news from John's care-giver that he passed away October 13, 2016. There is an obituary and details of John's Marine Corps career and his life in Montana. Research to
assemble a biography book for the Reunion continues. This research
discovered that two of our classmates had passed away unknown to any of
us. Thomas J. Gleason died on March 29, 2009. Ben Marshall
passed away in October, 1982. There are links to more information on
both of these Marines on the Deceased TBS 1-67 Classmates
webpage.
Bulletin #76 The last regular
Bulletin before the TBS 1-67 B Company 50th Anniversary Reunion was emailed on
the last day of September with an October publication date, then it was USPS mailed
a few days later to our 8 classmates who prefer a physical issue. With
the Reunion less than 2 weeks away, all arrangements have been made, all
systems are "go" and many of us are just days away from travel. Bulletin #75 The September
Bulletin was emailed on September 10, 2016 and was USPS mailed
a few days later to our 8 classmates who prefer a physical issue. Check a new
webpage for an article by Hays Parks on the history and background of
the TBS 1-67 Challenge Coin. Hays has managed the procurement for
this Challenge Coin to be distributed at our 50th Anniversary Reunion. Bulletin #74 A not-quite
monthly pre-Reunion Bulletin was published at the end of July as the
July-August edition. It included news
from a Reunion Committee meeting, an updated Reunion schedule and an
announcement that Lt. Gen Ron Christmas, USMC (Ret.) would be our guest
speaker at the Saturday banquet. The Bulletin was emailed on July 31and mailed
a few days later to our 9 classmates who prefer a physical issue. Bulletin #73 Another
pre-Reunion monthly Bulletin was published, initially at the end of May
and with modest revisions early in June
by email and mailed on June 12-13 to our 9 classmates who prefer a physical issue. The
Bulletin re-printed a list of our unlocated classmates with last known
details about them. Bulletin #72 The Bulletin's May
issue was published, on the monthly, special "pre-Reunion" schedule;
by email on May 8. A few days later, it was sent by USPS to the 9
guys who prefer a physical issue. Bulletin #71 Our Bulletin is
sticking with its monthly, special "pre-Reunion" schedule and
was emailed on April 8. A few days later, it will be sent by USPS to the 9
guys who prefer a physical issue - one more has joined the email team! The Bulletin reminded class members
that we have a
"live" link for the 50th Reunion registration and for logo items
from Lands' End. These shirts, caps, etc. can be ordered if there is
no commitment yet to attend the Reunion. Just after
the mailing, another classmate was "found"! See our Authors
webpage for new about Bob De Luca's new book, "Pact With the
Devil". Bulletin #70 Another Bulletin
with Reunion and other news was emailed on March 9 and a few days later sent by USPS to the
guys who prefer a physical item. The Bulletin reminded class members
that we have a
"live" link for the 50th Reunion registration. Just after
the mailing, another classmate was "found"! Bulletin #69 The first Bulletin
of 2016 was emailed on February 6 and a few days later sent by USPS to the
guys who prefer a physical item. Important news in this issue was a
"live" link for the 50th Reunion registration and an updated
Reunion schedule. Much to do between now and October, so check this
webpage or the (semi non-public) Reunion webpage for news. Bulletin #68 Once again, we published a "traditional" annual
Bulletin in mid-December, numbered Vol XVI No 5, which listed all members of TBS 1-67 with good contact information.
It was published by email to the members with an email address and USPS
mailed on or about December 21 to all
the guys with unknown email addresses. The Bulletin
was revised as new or corrected contact data was received. The
Bulletin included links to the 50th Reunion webpage which has fresh data. Bulletin #67 A Bulletin
published at the end of October provided a few updates on the 50th Reunion,
including a link to a special Land's End website where shirts, caps and
other merchandise can be ordered with our custom "B" Company
50th Anniversary logo. The Bulletin also included the Commandant Robert
B. Neller's message
for the 2015 Marine Corps Birthday, a bio of the new Commandant and an
announcement that former Commandant General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. was
appointed Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. Maryland has a
"Welcome Home Viet Nam Veterans Day" Our classmate,
Maryland State Senator John Astle was requested by a local hospice
organization to introduce a bill which would designate March 30, 2015 as
"Welcome Home Viet Nam Veterans Day". John reported
that after introduction of the Senate Bill, a companion bill was
introduced in the House. Both bills had every member as a co-sponsor. After
passage, the Governor had a special signing with a number of invited
veterans in attendance. Once the bills were signed, there was a ceremony
at a local hotel with over 450 Viet Nam Veterans in attendance. John
delivered the key note speech and said it was a very emotional
event. He said the hospice people are now working on a plan for
2016. Bulletin #66 The
August-September 2015
bulletin reported on the 50th Reunion in much detail, following a meeting
my the Reunion committee in the DC. The webpage
for this event was also updated after that meeting. As noted earlier,
our Reunion will headquartered in Fredericksburg, VA during October 20-23,
2016. "A" Company, TBS-167 will be holding their reunion
in May, 2016. Bulletin #65 The May-June 2015
bulletin focused on locating our "lost souls" classmates, with
the number now down to 18 thanks to the diligence of Larry Karch and tips
from others. The Reunion committee will meet in June and the webpage
for this event will be update after that meeting. 50th Anniversary Reunion
Activity Our reunion
committee has been working on hotel, hospitality and other arrangements -
and memorabilia. Larry Karch has made some good efforts to locate
our class members who never were on, or have dropped off, our contact
list. These "lost souls" have now dropped to 19
guys! Bulletin #64 This February 2015
bulletin provided an update on planning for the 50th Reunion, scheduled
for October 20-23, 2016 in Fredricksburg VA. Ace sleuth Bob Lange
contacted four of our "missing" guys. Hope to see all at
the Reunion! Bulletin
#63 The "traditional" annual
Bulletin, numbered Vol XV No 4, listed all members of TBS 1-67 with good contact information.
It was published on December
17, 2014 by email to the members with an email address. The
Bulletin included sections for our deceased fellow Marine classmates and
those not located or have otherwise "gone missing". The Bulletin
was revised as new or corrected contact data was received. The Bulletin
was mailed on or about December 21 to all
the guys only with postal addresses but unknown email addresses. Since the Bulletin was first published, three more
classmates have been located due to the great efforts by Bob Lange.
Thanks, Bob! Marine Corps
Birthday &
Bulletin #62
This Bulletin was e-published in PDF format on November 10 and sent to all class
members with a current email address. It included the Commandant's Marine Corps
Birthday message, news of the retiring Commandant and an update on
planning for our 50th reunion in 2016. Printed copies were later mailed to the
14 members without a known email address George
Bershinsky An email to George on September
11 resulted in this response: "George Bershinsky passed away July 24.
He always intended to come to a reunion, but time got him first." See George
V. Bershinsky for his obituary and a few photos. Very sorry to hear this and
condolences to his family and friends. 50th Reunion &
Bulletin #61 A special Bulletin (#61) was
published in September, 2014 by email to all and USPS to 15 class members. It's more than two years away, but
there is an initiative by Bob Lukeman of a different "67" class
to plan and "all TBS X-67" class reunion for our 50th
anniversary in 2016. The idea has gained traction! Early in July we got the following from Carl Carlsson: “I am a member of TBS-366. http://usmc-thebasicschool-1966.com/
On 2 July 2014, we published an OCS/TBS networking page on FaceBook.
Please take a look https://www.facebook.com/pages/MCB-Quantico-Basic-SchoolOCS/1466395810274139
Perhaps you can pass on the information to your fellow class members. We
think the site will be a great place to post notices and happenings of
your classmates. Semper Fi, Carl Carlsson, ( Our DC area classmates have formed a 50th Reunion committee after a meeting in late July. Another meeting is planned and we have an agenda! Our Authors In addition to Ord Elliott's book "The Warrior's Silence" described below, we have added an Authors webpage with information on books by Hon Lee and Bob DeLuca. Check the webpage! Bulletin # 60This Bulletin was much delayed, but finally first published on June 21, 2014 by email to the members with a valid email address. The Bulletin was revised as news or corrected contact data was received and finalized on July 1. The Bulletin will be be mailed during the July 4th weekend to all the guys with postal addresses but no email. J im OrrThe website received this from Jim's son, Tim Orr on March 29: "I'm sorry to have to share with you the news that my father, Jim Orr, passed away yesterday in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I ran across your website and hoped you could pass this information to your classmates. A brief obituary is here. Jim was a graduate of the University of Colorado and was in MACS-3 and MACS-4. He had located to Brazil for a few years before settling in Albuquerque. This was received April 3 from Tim Orr: "We've received several emails from other Marines who knew my father. The support is greatly appreciated. Here are the arrangement for your information and to share. Ron Hellbusch wrote that he met Jim in the fall of 1962 when they were both young enlisted Marines who were stationed in Boulder, Colorado as freshmen at the University of Colorado as part of the Naval Enlisted Scientific Education Program (NESEP). Both were single at the time; Ron was from Columbus, Nebraska and he remembers Jim being from Corvallis, Oregon. Ron met Jim's wife, Jeannie after they were married and she came back to the campus with him. Ron recalled watching Jim at the baseball practice field and some of the baseball games when Jim was on the University team. Ron wrote they had some good times at UC during those four years; and remembered the day they graduated in June of 1966. He wrote that Jim looked very sharp in his dress whites as they were commissioned as Marine officers and Jim received an award as the top Marine NESEP graduate. After six months at Basic School in Quantico, Jim went on to Marine Air Control training and Ron entered the flight training program. Ron thinks they were in Vietnam at the same time in the 1968-1969 timeframe and did contact each other a couple of times over the years; primarily through the Company B TBS Class 1-67 Association. Tim Orr confirmed Jim was in Vietnam in 68-69 serving on Monkey Mountain in Da Nang with MACS-4 as an Air Director/Weapons Controller. And:
Bulletin #59 The "traditional" annual Bulletin listing all members of TBS 1-67 with known and current contact information, was published on December 13, 2013 first by email to the members with a valid email address. The Bulletin includes separate sections for our deceased fellow Marines and those we have not located or have otherwise "gone missing". The Bulletin is revised as new or corrected contact data comes in. The Bulletin will be be mailed before December 20 to all the guys with postal addresses but no email. Bulletin #5 8This Bulletin was published online and notices sent to all class members in early November. It included the Commandant's Marine Corps Birthday message and a report on the October reunion by "A" Company in San Diego. As expected, it was very well-organized and the two "B" Company guests had a great time at the BBQ. There was same discussion of an "all 1-67" reunion. A planning session was later suggested well before 2016, which will be our fiftieth anniversary year. Jack Glasgow On October 21, we sadly learned of Jack's passing from his daughter, Sara. Jack was a retired Colonel who edited the Marine Corps Gazette between 2000 - 2006. He was a great help to our reunions and all B Company activities. He will be greatly missed. We have a webpage for Jack which has remembrances from his TBS classmates and some details about his Gazette editorship. This webpage also show the seven TBS 1-67 members who attended Jack's interment ceremonies: Hon Lee, Nate Wong, Woody Sadler, Mike Wholley, Larry Karch, Hays Parks and Ken Burns. We appreciate their efforts to show this respect for Jack. Nate Wong, Jack's NROTC classmate from Cornell, flew in from Honolulu. "A" Company Reunion The contemporaneous "A" Company had a multiday reunion in San Diego, October 17-20, 2013. Jim Scott and Bob Schmitt attended the Thursday BBQ and were impressed by the thoroughness of their records and and the organization of their biographies. We were less impressed to hear they frequently referred to our group as "Betty Company" in 1966! In good time we'll think of a snappy retort. Bulletin #5 7This Bulletin was published online and notices sent to all class members in mid-September. The news included a planned October reunion by "A" Company in San Diego. This group are masters of organization and will undoubtedly have a great turnout and series of events. After the Bulletin, we added one more guy to the "located" group! Bulletin #5 6This Bulletin - and an update - were published online and notices sent to all class members during the Memorial Day weekend, May 24-27. Too long since the last Bulletin! It included a list of all the class members who were lost in Vietnam and requested remembrances of our lost class members from all who knew them - perhaps for future publication. The Bulletin will be mailed before June, to all the other guys with only a street address. June 2013 will be the 47th anniversary of our "assembly" in Quantico, VA. Bulletin #5 5Our annual Bulletin listing all members of TBS 1-67 with known and current contact information, was published on December 14, first by email to the members with a valid email address. The Bulletin included separate sections for our deceased fellow Marines and those we have not located or have otherwise "gone missing". Bulletin revisions are made as corrected address data comes in. The Bulletin is scheduled to be mailed on or about December 21, to all other guys with contact data. Dave Martin This is from Dana Martin on November 23:
Dave's obituary from the Washington Post is here and a photo of him in Chu Lai is also on that page. We were both in NROTC at Notre Dame and went down the same training path through Pensacola and Glynco to get our wings as RIOs. Dave was also at Chu Lai, eventually becoming the "O" Club officer. He was very generous with his time whenever we visited DC - both when he was in Congress and also afterwards - and was always fun to be with especially at our reunions. He will be greatly missed. Our sympathies to Dana and his family. A later notice:
Bulletin #54 This Bulletin was published online on October 23 and updated November 9. It includes The Commandant's Birthday Message for the Marine Corps' 237th Birthday and news of a book and an article by two TBS class members. See the next item for Ord's book. Ord Elliott's Book Classmate Ord Elliott released his book, "The Warrior's Silence", available from his website or from Amazon Recommended!
Massachusetts Mini-Reunion Tom Thompson sent photos of himself, Bill Sheridan and Roger Hunt at a 100th Anniversary celebration of Marine Aviation in August. Presidential Proclamation on RVN We missed this document on the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War when it was published, but since it kicks off a long period of remembrance, it will remain relevant for a long time. If the image below is too small for you to read, click it for a much larger version. Thank you, President Obama.
Also note there is a website for the 50th Anniversary Commemoration. Kathy Wholley We were very sad to learn of Kathy's passing on April 8. Many of us knew her well since her marriage to Mike during Basic School. An obituary is here, a personal note from Alex Welch is here. Mike wrote:
Bulletin #5 3Another brief Bulletin was published March 28 by email and will be sent by USPS in a few days. The primary story is an "All Marine Phantom Squadron" reunion planned for November. See VMFA-314.com for details. Herman Little Our email to Herman about Bulletin 53 received a reply from his law firm that Herman passed away March 4, just a few weeks ago. This is his obituary, which notes his Marine Corps service. Our condolences to his family and co-workers. Lt Col Edward J. Connelly Jr. This is NOT our classmate Ed Connelly! A older Ed Connelly, last at the William F. Halsey, Jr Leadership Academy (Elizabeth HS, Elizabeth NJ) was reported deceased in May 1, 2011 by his good friend at the Academy, MSgt Robert Geralds (Ret). Chuck Vogt wrote that he was with Ed in H&S Company, 3/23, San Bruno CA, 1969-70. His obituary is here. Bulletin #52 The traditional, annual Bulletin listing all members of TBS 1-67 with known and current contact information, was published on December 16, first by email to the members with a valid email address. The Bulletin included separate sections for our deceased fellow Marines and those we have not located or have otherwise "gone missing". Bulletin revisions are made as corrected address data comes in. The Bulletin was mailed just after December 20, to all other guys with contact data. Bulletin #5 1Published on November 7, by email notice to all our guys with a valid email. USPS mail will go out on or about November 23. The Reunion and Bulletin #50 Both happened on schedule! Our 45th Anniversary Reunion at the Marines' Memorial Club and Hotel in San Francisco took place September 6-12. It was great and a partial story was in Bulletin #50, sent by email on September 19. This is/was us: Shortly after the reunion, we made a long-planned trip to France. On the road from Reims to Paris, we visited the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and the nearby Marine Memorial in Belleau Wood:
The accounts of the heroic battles here in June and July, 1918 by the Marines and US and French army forces show how they stopped a massive German offensive. Two quotes came from these actions - one by Marine Captain Lloyd W. Williams of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines who retorted when urged to retreat by the French heading towards the rear: "Retreat? Hell, we just got here!" And a few days later when the Allies started an offensive action, Gunnery Sergeant Dan Daly prodded the Marines of his 73rd Machine Gun company forward: "Come on, you sons of bitches, do you want to live forever?" Bulletin #4 9The final Bulletin before the Reunion was published by email on August 21. The count for our 45th Reunion in San Francisco (September 6-12, more or less) is basically the same. We are in The Regimental Room for a banquet on Friday, September 9. More news as it develops... We've ordered polo and crew-neck shirts for the Reunion and will have a second order in the middle of September. Colors are red and navy blue; the prices to date are "average" and will depend on the total quantities, to amortize artwork, screen and setup costs. Keep in touch! Bulletin #48 A double-length Bulletin (compared to the prior issue) was published by email on July 19. The count for our 45th Reunion in San Francisco (September 6-12, more or less) is 21 class members and their spouses, friends, etc. No one will be turned away, but our headquarters and preferred Marines' Memorial Club & Hotel is full; email them or us for other nearby recommendations. We are in The Regimental Room for a banquet on Friday, September 9. More news as it develops! Bulletin #47 A very brief Reunion-status Bulletin was published by email on June 23. As noted below, "B" Company has firm plans for their 45th Reunion in San Francisco over the days September 6-12. We will headquarter at the Marines' Memorial Club & Hotel and have reserved The Regimental Room for banquet on Friday, September 9. Chuck Vogt, Andy Vaart, John Metschan and Kevin Trainor are assisting with planning for activities: golf, baseball, personally-conducted walking tours. The early dates and activities - Tuesday through Sunday - will be optional/informal - we will enjoy San Francisco, the hotel hospitality and old friendships! As on June 28, we have 19 class members and their spouses, friends, etc. committed to the Reunion. No one will be turned away, but bring a sleeping bag if you have delayed making hotel reservations! Bulletin #46 Reunion updates were the prime feature in this issue, sent by email on May 18. Deposits are due by June 30 - contact me for details! Reunions for 2011, 45th anniversary of both Alpha and Bravo Companies; Bulletins #44 and 45 Bulletin #45 was emailed out on April 12 with minor updates on the B Company Reunion, as below. A week later, it was mailed to 20 guys without an email address. The Bulletin also included news of the Alpha Company Reunion, May 11-15, 2011 in Fredericksburg, VA. Check their group photo on TBS167.com/A-Company Also, effective July 26, "A Company" will "own" a new sub-domain: A.TBS167.com We expect them to fill up many web pages with news, photos, etc. The Reunion had a great turnout! Alpha Company had located all their members except one and has started on our missing guys - tremendous! A careful look at records shows we never had, or lost contact with, 29 of our classmates. "B" Company has put a stake in the ground for a reunion in San Francisco over the days September 6-12. We will headquarter at the Marines' Memorial Club & Hotel and have reserved a banquet room for Friday, September 9. Chuck Vogt, a former long-time San Francisco resident, has suggested a "slew" of activities from golf, to baseball to personally-conducted walking tours. The suggested dates and activities - Tuesday through Sunday - will be optional/informal and intended to strike a balance between desires to see typical tourist locales and renew old friendships. An "alert" to all class members will be emailed on January 21. Results of emails and post-office mailings of Bulletin No. 43 show bad contact data for two classmates, John Hamilton (Harvard and Newton MA) and Tom Nalls (George Washington and Leesburg VA). If you know where John and Tom have moved, contact me. Bulletin No. 43, Reunion 2011 and a "Find"! The traditional, annual Bulletin listing all members of TBS 1-67 with known and current contact information, was published on December 13, first by email to the 107 members with a valid email address. Bulletin revisions are being made as corrected address data comes in. The Bulletin will be mailed in part, December 20, to all other guys with contact data. As of December 18, 83 classmates have acknowledged the Bulletin by email. Reunion voting shows the Marines' Memorial in San Francisco leading Washington D.C. as the site for the proposed 2011 reunion by 25 to 15, with a slight favor for a September time. This is our working assumption; we have a great response with open dates from the Marines' Memorial Club. Stay tuned for details - watch for email and special Bulletins! Another classmate located, through his son, Major Tom Wood. His father is Dan(a) Wood, in Temecula. I'll mail him a Bulletin. Thanks, Major Wood! Here's something really unique - the photo speaks for itself, courtesy of Marshall DeLuca (Bob's son) who collected it while working in that area:
235th Marine Corps Birthday and Bulletin No. 42 TBS 1-67 Bulletin No. 42 was published on November 9 with a web link to all class members with an email address. If you are a class member reading this and did not get the announcement, contact me for a copy. We also need your input on a reunion! This Volume XI, No 1 requested a final vote on Reunion 2011 location and date - Washington DC and Marines Memorial in San Francisco are the final choices and "anytime but summer 2011" and the time alternatives. The Bulletin included the Commandant's Birthday Message and an essay by Lt. Col. David W. Szelowski USMCR (ret.) Our next Bulletin will be out in 2-3 weeks and will include contact information for all class members, if known. Reunion 2011 and New BooksI may have been the last person to get "the word" about a highly-reviewed novel about Vietnam and an 03's experience on the northwest border. I finally read "Matterhorn" and was both very impressed and very glad my RVN experience was flying out of Chu Lai. The author, Karl Marlantes, was a speaker at the Marines Memorial Club at the end of September. Shortly after finishing "Matterhorn", I received an email from Jack Wells, a member of TBS 6-67 and the author of "Class of '67". His Basic School class had graduated 498 guys and had 43 members KIA in Vietnam, the most for any Basic School class since the Korean War. Amazon seems to be the best source to get this book. Here's the book jacket. As noted below, we have an active web page to collect votes and comments for a possible 2011 reunion; the link to that page is in Bulletin No. 41 and available to all 1-67 guys. As of "Discovery/Columbus Day", Marines' Memorial in San Francisco leads Washington DC/Quantico 118 to 103. "A" Company is planning a Washington DC reunion for May. Yet to be determined is how to settle on the date and location. Bulletin No. 4 1 and Reunion 2011?The Bulletin was send by email on August 11. 85 class members have acknowledged receipt to date. Two emails have been returned, likely indicating a new email address. Starting on August 27, the Bulletin will be mailed to the 21 guys with an email address, but no response, and the 23 class members who have not reported an email mail but have only a known postal address. Since the last Bulletin, we've heard from many of this class of TBS and did see Dr. Nate Wong in Honolulu in May. Nate asked the question: "will there be a Reunion in 2011?" We have started the discussion with an announcement in the Bulletin, which has a link to a web-based spreadsheet for class members to choose site preferences and offer other suggestions. Marines' Memorial in San Francisco and Washington DC are neck-and-neck in the voting currently with 19 voters. Bulletin No. 40The annual roster, listing all members of TBS 1-67 with known and current contact information, was published on December 7, 2009 by email to 106 classmates and sent to all other guys with contact info on December 18 - 130 in total. It's marked as Volume X, No. 3. If you were in this TBS class and did not get a Bulletin, send me an email. If any information was wrong, send me updates. Yes, this was the 40th Bulletin, first published in 1995. Bulletin No. 3 9This Bulletin, Volume X No. 2, was posted to this website and notices sent by email on November 5, 2009 with the Commandant's Birthday message, other Birthday greetings and news. The Bulletin was mailed to all contacts without email. The total mailing was to 129 guys. If you ddid not get one and think you should, email me. If you were in this class, send updates and news! Andy Vaart sent a report and photos from Arlington on November 11: Happy Birthday to all (I'm a bit tardy, sorry). I've attached four scenes from a visit to Arlington today--as I stopped by to visit the resting places of Tom King and Tom Wall, and Jerry Zimmer's memorial stone. Happened to be there at the same time as the President. Somber day--given recent events - and somber weather. Semper fi, Andy
Bulletin No. 38 An issue with the Memorial announcement (below) was published on July 31, 2009 by email to 104 guys. It's marked as Volume X, No. 1. Mailed copies were sent, starting August 6. If you don't get one and think you should, email me. If you were in this class, send updates and news now! Jerry Zimmer Memorial, August 20, 2009 Report from Hays Parks (August 22):
We received an email invitation, sent to all TBS 1-67 email addresses, in May:
Bulletin No. 37 The annual roster, listing all members of TBS 1-67 with known and current contact information, was published on December 17, 2008 by email to 104 guys. It's marked as Volume IX, No. 4. Send updates now! Bulletin No. 3 6This Bulletin, Volume IX No. 3, was sent by email on November 7, 2008 with the Commandant's Birthday message, other greetings and news. The revised bulletin was posted on November 21 and then mailed to all contacts without email or an unacknowledged email address. The total mailing was to 129 guys. Later messages brought the email contacts to 104 of the 129 - excellent! Four TBS "alumni" assembled at the Flying Leathernecks Museum, MCAS Miramar on November 15. It was great to see Ron Hellbusch, Skip Curtis and Jim Scott. Bulletin No. 3 5This Bulletin, Volume IX No. 1, was sent by email on July 31, 2008. There was a revised bulletin posted on August 15, which was then mailed to all contacts without email or an unacknowledged email address. The total mailing was to 129 guys. Memorial Bricks at the National Museum of the Marine Corps Mission Accomplished! From Andy Vaart:
At Tun Tavern
Andy further reported:
Background In October 2007, Hays Parks suggested a new memorial project for our class members by email:
All members with email have been contacted and early response was very good by the end of November. Contact Hay Parks or Andy Vaart (see your contact list for email or phone numbers) for more information and current status of this project. All who want be in this project should send their checks, made out to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, to Andres Vaart. Andy will consolidate the checks and deliver them with Hays to the Foundation so that these bricks can lie in an honored B Company formation when the installation takes place - another year or more. Andy and Hays will also work with the Foundation to get letters to the givers for their tax purposes next year. Update In early February, Andy announced:
And on February 13, there was a plan!
Thanks Andy for a great job and to Hays for a great idea! Bulletin No. 34 This Bulletin, Volume VIII No. 3, was sent by email on December 18, 2007. Revised bulletins were posted daily until a mailing started in late December. The total mailing went to 129 guys. Happy Holidays to all! Bulletin No. 33 This Bulletin, Volume VIII No. 2, was sent by email on July 9, 2007. A revised, final Bulletin edition was published on July 13 and sent as follows: 73 delivered and acknowledged by email, 52 sent by USPS mail. Of these, 23 guys have/had an email address, but not acknowledged, so these will be mailed also. There are 125 B Company members on contact list, but we still don't have contact information on 32 guys.The TBS 1-67 Memorial Dedication, February 12, 2007 From Andy Vaart: The dedication took place
as scheduled on 12 Feb. The sand tables in oak and ash glory were there,
built on solid steel frames with wheels. Eight approximately 10x12 tables
were completed, along with one triply large and low-level one. Photos will
be on our website soon. In attendance from B
Company were Larry Gerlach, Larry Karch, Mike Wholley, Hays Parks, Dave
Martin, Bill Hatch, Ken Burns, Hon Lee, John Astle, and I. Attending from TBS were the
CO, Col. Royal Mortenson, the XO, Lt Col(?)
Geracoulis (who hosted us last June), members of the staff and two
platoons from Foxtrot Company, the senior class on deck (though senior is
a relative term). The group looked young, and it was, but I was told later
that about a third of them had prior enlisted service--and most likely
combat duty. Hon Lee was the duty photographer, and I'll post his photos as soon as I can. In the meantime, the following is the dedication speech I gave. I hope it adequately reflects the feelings of all those who contributed to this effort. Alert Notice: Situation: Young Marines learning their craft and culture and past Marines, still learning, will gather on February 12 to dedicate the spirit of the Corps as reflected in the service and sacrifice of the officers of B Company, TBS 1-67. B Company Mission: Show the young how we remember our comrades and how we care about our successors. Execution:
Administration:
The Main Table
Build Crew and WO Crew Leader
The Presentation Background: At the end of the June reunion,
there was unanimous consent of the reunion group to use the $1,200 surplus
of operating funds as a start towards a memorial to our class at the Basic
School. Andy Vaart took the lead on this project and after
discussions with the basic School leadership, the group and later with the
Marine Corps University Foundation, a very short (3 week) fund drive
kicked off. The goal was $6,000 for 6 "sand tables" to aid
tactical training. Very quickly, we had a surplus and Andy reported:
Thanks to all! Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund John French wrote in mid-December: "You might be interested to hear that I have become very involved with a group called Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. It raises money to help families of the seriously wounded Marines visit their sons/husbands etc. in the hospitals. Healing needs to have the family close by and most enlisted families can't afford housing and food. The Fund has been so successful that the mission has been expanded to include buying things like wheelchairs and vans etc for the wounded. I have really liked connecting with this group especially the wounded Marines themselves." Thanks John - sounds like a worthy project for other to check out. Bulletin No. 3 2 (and 31)The annual "all hands" list issue, #32, was sent by email on December 2 and will be mailed on December 8, or close to then. Bulletin #31 was a short update on the TBS Memorial fund drive - if you missed the opportunity to contribute, we're planning to set up an account for on-going projects, so contact Andy Vaart. Tom Wall - 2006 Just three weeks after we left each other at the Reunion, our cheerleader extraordinaire, Tom Wall, left us all. He promised us a great ceremony at Arlington and it's scheduled for July 24. A message from Marybeth and photos of Tom are here. Andy sent the following on July 11: Anniversary Reunion! It was a great time for all who came to this Reunion in DC, at the Army-Navy Club, June 2 through 4, 2006. Everything went like clockwork (from my perspective!) for the usual events, Parade at 8th & I, a bus trip to Quantico and the Vietnam Memorial, dinner, breakfast and farewells! New events included a Thursday evening reception at the ANC and a tour of the Supreme Court. Many thank to Andy Vaart, Woody Sadler, Chuck Vogt and Mike Wholley for the great planning and execution, especially for picking this new venue (See the announcement published by Andy). Updates to the original plan were in Bulletin No. 29, mailed early May. We are still collecting stories and photos! From the early planning and the musically inclined, here's the music to an old Marine Corps tune. And an announcement of a change to Saturday's reception. Woody did a great job on the "rare" Reunion polo shirts and may still have a few to mail at a very good price. Watch the mailbox for the next Bulletin and here's an advance look at Andy' collages (click for larger image):
Bulletin No. 30
This issue is being sent by e-mail on
July 14, 2006 and will be followed a few
days later by regular mail. Happy Bastille Day!
Bulletin No. 29 This issue had news about the
reunion, classmates and the lyrics to
the "Song of the Marines". Make sure you know these for
the reunion. The Bulletin sent by e-mail on May 5, 2006, followed a few
days later by regular mail. Also, read the story
from the Los Angeles Times about our very own Tom Wall.
Bulletin No. 28 An issue with holiday greetings
and general news was sent by e-mail on November 10, 2005, followed a few
days later by mailings from our "distribution net". Thanks
guys! I was off enjoying the roads in New Zealand.
Bulletin No. 27 This is an
"all-roster" issue and was completed on June 20. The roster
seems fairly well updated, even as new guys find us - such as Curt Twiddy,
through Kathy, in mid-May. We also "re-located" Dan Phipps. The Bulletin
was e-mailed on
June 20 and copies by US mail were sent June 30-July 2. Alan McLean We lost our reunion chaplain
and good comrade, Al McLean, on February 11, 2005. A link to news reports
is below. Al will always be remembered and we've sent our sympathies to
his wife, Betsy. Mike White and the
Tsunami One of our classmates, Mike
White, had his car rental business severely damaged by the Indian Ocean
tsunami. Here is Mike's email reply to an inquiry about his
well-being: Mike
White email, January 4, 2005
Bulletin No. 26 It was finally sent in March,
after a first draft in late
December, but an attempt to include all recent news conflicted with travel
and the delay was considerable. The
Bulletin is not even an "annual"! But with only a year before intense
planning must begin before the 40th Reunion, we'll expect more in 2005. Bulletin No. 2 We barely got a single edition done during 2003 - mailed December 30! This was primarily an updated roster of the entire class, with addresses and contact info for the 125 "still located" class members - sent by regular mail. As soon as corrections seem to be complete - new email and regular addresses - a revised version will be sent as a "PDF" file to all known guys with email. Bulletin No. 2 4It missed all the forecasts, but Bulletin No. 24 was sent to all the guys just before Christmas. Oh yeah, December 2002! But there was sad news to report. Jim Hadjuk sent a notice from the Purdue alumni news that Terry Bache passed away last Fall. Further checking found that Terry's wife, a successful author, also mentions his passing on her web site, when writing about the publication of her book:
Our condolences to Ellyn and Terry's family. Bulletin No. 2 3Shortly after the latest Bulletin hit the mail, our 35th reunion was recognized in the Marine Corps Gazette, December 2001 issue, in the article "TBS Reunion" by Hays Parks. A very nice story which provided some tips for other TBS classes. Thanks to Hays and Jack Glasgow, the Gazette editor! The "all data, fall special" Bulletin, Volume 6, No. 1, was assembled by editor Bob, duplicated and mailed in mid-November by Tommy Thompson. Again, much thanks to Tom! We won't burden the post office until 2002. Really tremendous news about Richard Daerr - he was awarded a very much delayed Silver Star for heroism in May, 1967 while a platoon commander in the 3rd Marine Division. The long delay was caused by records that were destroyed in Vietnam. The award was made at Texas A&M University on September 14, 2001. Congratulations, Dick! Bulletin No. 22 Another Bulletin was done by editor Bob, duplicated and mailed on July 24 by Tommy Thompson. Much thanks to Tom and Mike Wholley for sending more than 100 digital photos from the Reunion, but who are all these people?! 35th Anniversary Reunion - It was great, or "Whoops, we did it again!" The 38 of us who made the trek to Alexandria VA in June, 2001 are all back at home, making sense of the activities, stories and memories of "Reunion II". And there are a few tales on this website already. Our Reunion polo shirts were great - although we never agreed on the "color of the day" - and we now have a TBS emblem patch which will also be available for future shirt orders. But on the adage that a "picture is worth a thousand words", take a look at:
Andy Vaart reports:
"You'll hear much more from Bob Schmitt and others about our
gathering this weekend. None of us regretted being there, and all of us
missed those of you who could not make it. Everyone was grateful for the
photos and bio clips many of you sent. I will use them as we pull
together the cruise book--and I'm still open to submissions. Our 35th
Anniversary Reunion - a group photo in the TBS Sand Room! Click here for the story of Reunion II! Our planning for Reunion II started on November 1, 2000, when Jack
Glasgow announced: "I just had the pleasure of hosting a planning
meeting for our 35th reunion. Present were Mike Wholley, Bob Lange, Andy
Vaart, and yours truly. I have Hays Parks on the "addee"
list, because if he weren't on a trip today, he would be working
with our Reunion Committee." As of May 30, 2001, 37 deposits
for Reunion II had been sent to Bob Lange - it looked like a great event
was shaping up! Bulletin No. 21 The final alert message on the
35th Reunion was sent out in Bulletin No. 21 on May 17, 2001 to 126 guys
on the mailing list. Russ Harrison checked in just in time to get
recognized in this issue. Before the end of May, we got a
confirmed address for Terry Bache in South Carolina and Ed Eloe also
called in from Colorado. Welcome aboard! Bulletin No. 20 Yes, hard to believe, but our Twentieth
Issue mailed about the same time as my taxes, April 15. How's
that for multiprocessing? It had more reunion news and many updates
on our "alumni". Also news that TBS member Number 120 has
turned up, Gil Game in South Carolina. Just a few weeks after this
issue was mailed, Chuck Vogt had a friend research our list of the
"missing alumni" and we made further contacts to 14 "possibles".
Five of these contacts have firmed up - Tom Drummond, Ron Laughlin, Ken
Shumate, Jim Spinks and Phil Zeman. We're waiting for phone calls or
return mail from the other 9. Thanks Chuck! Bulletin No. 19 The first batch of this
Bulletin was mailed February 26, 2001 and all 118 issues will be in the
mail before March 1! Our "located" count is up to 119 guys
with the addition of a current address for Ed Lawrence. Bulletin No. 18 Our apologies to the Post
office, but the latest Bulletin was mailed on December 17 to 117 guys to
send seasonal greetings and more news on the Reunion. There were
also a few new and/or changed addresses. And here is the first page -
A
Proper Marine Corps Christmas. Just after this issue was put
in the mail, I heard from Tom Pierpan with an address for Jim Orr, so his
Bulletin is now heading to Kansas! Bulletin No. 17 It was mailed to 115 guys on
November 6-7 to announce that the Reunion will happen! We heard from
Tom Thomson, who sent along an address for Ed Michael and confirmed that
Tom Crew, Walt Horsfall and Ed were in NROTC at Northwestern U.
Thanks for the updates, Tom! A short time later, Bob Lange
sent contact data for Dick Esler and he is now among our
"located". Bob, Dick & Russ Harrison are all Southern
Cal alumni. Bulletin No. 16 The "all data, summer
special" Bulletin was sent by mail during the first week of August,
2000. Thanks to some great tips from the guys with email, we added
four more guys to the "located" list - and the lists linked
below have been updated with miscellaneous bits of info about the guys
located and still not found. Since the initial mailing of
No. 16 Bulletin, three more addresses have turned up - for Richard Daerr,
Bob Hawks, and Lance Zellers. Welcome to the "active"
list! Bulletin No. 15 Volume 4, No. 1 was mailed to
108 guys in early July, 2000. This issue was primarily news about
TBS 1-67 members, with only a few email addresses and other updated
contact information. The next issue (see above) was planned to be an
updated roster, with addresses, phone and email for all known
"B" Company members. In this issue, the concept of
"Reunion 2001" was surfaced. It's hard to believe that
four years have passed by since our 30th reunion. Because the
Reunion depends so much on leader(s)/coordinator(s), the location, date
and events will probably be entirely up to the volunteer(s) who step up to
this task - we have no organization, formal or otherwise! However,
contributions for the Bulletin and Reunion are welcomed! Just a few days after this
Bulletin was sent, Tom Wall was "re-located"! The count is
up to 109. Bulletin No. 14 Volume 3, No. 2 was sent to 94
guys during the last days of December, 1999. This issue was
primarily news about TBS 1-67 members, including updated contact
information. There was also a story about Kevin Trainor's
acquaintance with Earl Smith's young cousin, Joel Bate, and the family
interest in hearing from those of us who remembered Earl. His
roommate in TBS, Cam Smith contributed his thoughts, as did Andy
Vaart. Kevin later wrote that the family appreciated our
memories and writings. Six weeks after the Bulletin was mailed, John Kaheny of "A"
Company sent a note. Through him, Chuck Vogt was located and we have
a lead on Ross Reeves. Thanks, John! Right after that, we heard from Rich Hodory and were able to add 10
more names to the TBS contact list! The Bulletin was then mailed to check
addresses for the following - if they pan out, that's 106 guys contacted,
55 to go! The new contacts were: Al Buescher, E.J. Connelly III, John Hickman, Glenn Hill, Dan Phipps,
Larry Springer, Joe Thomas, Jim Turse, R. M. Zell and John Gordon Jr. We later heard from Glenn Hill and Jim Turse. Glenn is at the
Marine Military Academy and reports that Bill Johnson is in Pennsylvania,
so we hope to hear from him. Jim is in New England, after many years
in Honolulu. Although we don't have a current address for Tom Wall,
I've heard he's in Orange County (CA) and on the El Toro development
committee. Finally, in June, just as we started Bulletin No. 15, we heard from
Mike White, now running a business in Thailand. I must visit to
scout locations for Reunion 2001! Bulletin No. 13 Volume 3, No. 1 was mailed to 91 guys in July, 1999. This was an "all addresses" issue that provided contact information for TBS 1-67 members. Since mailing No. 13, we received updates to the data in that Bulletin by e-mail and from the USPS. Dave Taylor reported in by e-mail with a current Florida address and speculated that Pete Millichap is in Atlanta and Bob DeLuca in Texas. We confirmed addresses for both. We also have updated contact info from Larry Karch, Dick Hulslander, Walt Walsh, Ed Hinkle, Rich Hodory and Jim Henderson. The web tables have been updated. Nice to hear from and about you guys! Bulletin No. 12 We published a Bulletin in December, 1998. As a result of this issue No. 12, Dan Kuhn was located in Cincinnati and John Wegl in Alexandria. Tom Nequette sent some promising leads for a few other guys. Just after the 11th "B Company Bulletin" (the newsletter) was printed on April 3, 1998 another classmate was added to our roster, Rev. Alan McLean in Pine Bluff, AR. He and Jim McClung attended the 30th Anniversary Siege of Khe Sanh tour, March 10-23. Soon after, Bob Lange forwarded John Oppenhuizen's current address in Yorktown. Great news! 94 copies of Bulletin No. 12 were sent out and three issues came back with outdated addresses. We don't have a current location for Tom Wall, Ed Lawrence or Richard Daerr. 0th Anniversary ReunionOur 30th Anniversary Reunion banquet group photo! A group photo and a link to other pictures from our 35th reunion is above.
Andy Vaart has copies of the 30th Reunion Cruise Book - contact him. This web site will someday tell the story of "Reunion I" and more about our class, but currently we are providing a record of who has been located, who is yet to be found and our classmates who are no longer with us. The "Cruise Book" for the 30th Reunion can be viewed or downloaded (a PDF file*) in three parts, Volume I , Volume II and (of course) Volume III. In General Please send me any news of TBS 1-67. Your submissions will be in the next issue of the Bulletin, planned between Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day, 2022. Bob Schmitt Contact me at tbs167@gmail.com This page was last updated on November 15, 2023 |
|
*You need to have Acrobat installed
