Vice President’s Column, By Thurman Moore

First Battalion Fourth Marines Newsletter

July 2001

Association President

The Reunion is only a couple of months away. Can’t wait to see everyone from last year and meet some new members. The Reunion committee has done a fine job of getting everything set up for us.

I guess Lonnie is gonna bring along some extra Membership applications along with Associate applications to the Reunion this year. Let’s all work really hard together to make our association grow this year.

In case anybody doesn’t know, here is my new home e-mail address along with phone number.

Jay Trina

Home/Evenings 719-748-8485

Work 719-556-2550

Looking forward to seeing everyone in September.

Semper Fi

SEMPER FI
Jay Trina
Jay Trina
(719)687-8727

Jay Trina President

First Battalion Fourth Marines Association Vice-President

News from the Web Site

Guys, sorry for my lateness in answering any correspondence or placing names on the web site and the placing of the June Newsletter on the web site.

Shortly after the Memorial Day weekend I became very ill and I’ve been up and down every since. I’ve passed all of the medical tests performed and should be back to normal by the first week of July. By that time I should be very busy with the web site as I’ve several of you to list.

My column will be short due to the effort it takes for me to type this much. My next installment will be much more informative.

Nu Guys On The Web Site for July 2001

Eric C. Chir

Mershan Cragon Shaddy

Claude H. Davis III

John R. Govern

Wayne L. Wood

Ronnie W. Adams

Rudy Alvarado

James M. Foley

George Singley

Don Roe

Gerard Cloutier

Kenneth W. Read Jr.

Michael L. Harkins

Marshall Duayne Slate

WELCOME ABOARD GUYS

SEMPER FI
Thurman Moore
1/4 Web Master
thurm@worldnet.att.net
(314)741-7604

Thurman Moore Vice President

First Battalion Fourth Marines Association Sec/Tres.

New Members

Neil Downey is now a ‘Life Member’ #68

Dan Burton is now a ‘Life Member’ #73

I had the wrong numbers for these two guys, I’m sure that they will sleep better knowing that I have it right this time.

Richard J. Sabourin #115

John M. McQuade #116

Alexander J. Nevgloskie #117

Samuel J. Millatti #118

David Greeg #119

Theodore J. Stalzer #120

Richard Popp #121

Col. James W. Davis #122 (Active Duty)

David K. Rumsey #123

When requesting items from the PX please print your name and address on the form itself. Thanks.

FYI

If you move, change your phone number or get new e-mail address contact THURMAN or MYSELF (Lonnie Young). Thanks

ONCE A MARINE ALWAYS A MARINE

Financial Report upon Request please.

SEMPER FI
Lonnie Young
Secretary/Treasurer
usmc484@juno.com

Lonnie Young Secretary/Treasurer

First Battalion Fourth Marines Association: Sargeant at Arms

Trivia Corner: DID YOU KNOW THIS? (continued from June 2001 Newsletter) Part 16

A little over a month after it arrived the battalion began its move to the troubled waters off Viet Nam.

On 28 April the unit sailed from Buckner Bay, Okinawa on board the USS Princeton arriving at Chu Lai, Republic of South Viet Nam, on 7 May 1965 for duty as part of the 3^rd Marine Division of the III Marine Amphibious Force. Upon its arrival the battalion began conducting patrol operations in the vicinity of Chu Lai.

Through out 1965 and January 1966, it was engaged along with the 2^nd Battalion 4^th Marines in Search and Clear missions in the area. During the following month the battalion completed the pacification of Hy Hoa Peninsula and coordinated all defense of the vital areas on the peninsula. It also devoted much of its efforts at this time to protection the local populace training native forces, directing civic action programs and effecting population control in coordination with the local government.

A number of personnel from One Four soon became involved in the Combined Action Companies Program in which small Marine units were integrated with the Vietnamese militia ‘Popular Forces’ to protect liberated villages and hamlets.

To be continued

SEMPER FI
Michael Boyington
Sgt at Arms
mikeboyington@yahoo.com

Michael R. Boyington Sergeant at Arms

First Battalion Fourth Marines Chaplain's Corner

Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.

Romans: 12:21

Violence is inherently evil. I suspect many young men with a propensity towards sudden violent action are attracted to the Marine Corps. The remainder of young Marines develop this propensity by the time they graduate from boot camp. This is a necessity. Marines are engaged in a violent evil business. The kill people.

Unfortunately young men who spend part of their formative teen age years killing people do not always become well adjusted adults. Many of our brothers have PTSD. Some have alcohol or drug problems and others are in prison.

Wars harden the hearts of those who fight them. Many of the members of our Association are Viet Nam Veterans. Because of the disgusting treatment they received from an ungrateful nation when they returned home they became bitter and their hearts grew harder.

We are supposed to revert to normalcy after we return home. When the Corps says, ‘The Change Is Forever’ they do not mean living the rest of your life prone to violence. They are referring to the admirable qualities instilled in Marines such as Honor, courage, Loyalty and Pride.

We can get well. The first step is to invite the Lord into our hearts so he can help soften them. The next step is to overcome or replace the evil in our hearts with good. The Corps taught us to take care of one another. That responsibility did not end when we took off our uniforms.

Begin by helping our less fortunate brothers. As our hearts soften helping others will become a habit. Eventually sudden violent action will no longer be our first response to adversity.

GOD *** Country *** Corps

SEMPER FI
Doc Lantz
1/4 Chaplain
jt769@webtv.net

J.T. 'Doc' Lantz Battalion Chaplain

For Your Information

News From Within the Battalion

We acknowledge the passing of a brother on Memorial Day, 31 May 2001 and Honor the Memory of:

Don H. Nelson.

Don was a member of 1^st Platoon, 1^st Squad Charlie Company from July 1967 until August 1968. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Condolences were sent by Doc J. T. Lantz, the Battalion Chaplin.

Reunion Information

Everyone need to get their reunion information sheets turned into Gerry Van Reusen as soon as possible. I know it’s not on the form but let Gerry know what unit and company you were with so he can put it on your name tag.

If you have any photos that you would like to share at the reunion send them to Gerry with a self addressed envelop and you will get them back.

I have seen the Battalion Order as to our visit with One Four at Camp Pendleton, and they are going all out. A static display is in the works and a tour of the One Four Area by the NCO’s and other Marines of the Battalion. The Battalion Commander will be at the Dinner on September 15.

If you have any comments about the newsletter contact:

Lonnie Young

Usmc484@juno.com

-
-
-

2001 Reunion

Reunion News

First Battalion Fourth Marines Association Reunion 2001
September: 13th through the 17th 2001.
Town & Country Hotel San Diego

To Make Reservations contact the Hotel at (800) 772-8527
Let them know that you are with the First Battalion Fourth Marines Association
Rooms are $95.00 per night, not per Person

All are Welcome to the Reunion Members & Non-Members of One Four.

Thursday September 13th
Check in and get together in the Hospitality room from 18:00 until?

Friday September 14th
MCRD Graduation, luncheon City Tour.

We will depart the hotel at 0900 proceeding first to MCRD for the Marine graduation. The luncheon will be at Tom Hamm’s Lighthouse Restaurant. The view over looks the harbor the Buffet assorted with several entrees, salads, desserts and beverages. Following the luncheon the group will enjoy a narrated city tour of some of San Diego’s finest spots. The group will return to their hotel by about 1400. The all-inclusive price per person is $ 39.00.

How Many______ Total__________

Dinner September 14th
At the American Legion Club Kearny Mesa is about a 10-minute drive from the town and country. The dining area seats 66 and then there is the bar area. The manager said as long as everybody doesn’t try to eat at the same time they could handle 100 people ok They have a Blue plate special every Friday the price $6.00 This one pay when you get there.

Saturday, September 15th
A. Camp Pendelton for the men. 0800-1400 round trip transportation $ 20.00 per person

How Many______ Total___________

B. Ladies Tour. La Jolla Tour. Including Scripps Aquarium, and a beautiful luncheon at another harbor side restaurant. Departs at 0900 returns by 1400. Price per person is $ 39.00

How Many_____ Total___________

C. When we return from Pendelton around 14:00 hours, at App. 15:00 Hours we will have the Association Meeting.

Dinner Saturday Night
Guest Speaker: Lt. Col. William P. Negron USMC Ret.

TOWN & COUNTRY BUFFET
Minimum 50 Persons

Assorted Vegetable Crudités served with Ranch Dip
Variety of Salad Greens with Two Dressings
Pasta Salad Primavera
Marinated Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Sliced Seasonal Fresh Fruit
Fresh Seasonal Fish with Fresh Herbs & Vegetables
Roasted Pork Loin with Cider Sauce
Sliced Roast Top Sirloin Au Jus

Rice Pilaf
Oven Roasted Potatoes
Selection of Fresh Seasonal Vegetables
Freshly Baked Rolls with Butter

Chefs Sweet Table
Freshly Brewed Coffee - Decaffeinated Coffee & Tea

$35.95 per person

How Many ________ Total __________

Sunday, September 16th
08:00 or 09:00 meet at a local spot for breakfast Picnic lunch in Balboa Park. Omni Theater presentation. Departs at 12:00 Noon the group will enjoy a delicious box lunch at the park, followed by an exciting film presentation at the Omni Theater, also located in historic Balboa Park. The theater makes everyone feel as if they were right at the sight being filmed. Most subjects are similar to National Geographic and we will return back to the hotel by 16:00. The price per person is $ 37.00

How Many______Total____________

Sunday Evening Event
"Forever Plaid" Dinner theater package.

We depart at 6:00 PM dinner is served prior to the performance. The musical comedy is high energy, with tunes sung by four lads out of the 50's and 60's. Everyone seems to leave the theater feeling better when they first went in. The group returns to their hotel by 10:00 PM. The all inclusive price per. Person is $ 59.00

How Many_____ Total___________

Pick out the items that you wish to attend, add them up plus the $20.00 dollar Registration fee
Please make Checks payable to 1/4 Association

Grand Total______________ Check #__________ forward the total to:

Jerry Van Reusen
Box 839
Huntington Beach, CA. 92648

Name ________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________

Phone # ____________________________________________

Registration Forms should be mailed in by 10 August 2001 to insure enough vehicles from Tour Company. If you want MCRD only and not tour please let us know so that arrangements can be made to accomodate you.

MCRD only_______

To Print Reunion Form Click Here

Semper Fidelis

2001 Reunion

13-17 September 2001

Town and Country Resort Hotel

San Diego, California

Town and Country Resort Hotel
500 Hotel Circle North
Phone 800-772-8527
Dates 13-17 Sept 2001.

SEMPER FI

1st Battalion 4th Marines Association

To Print Out Forms

To Print Reunion Form Click Here

To Print Dues Form Click Here

To Print Membership Form Click Here

To Print Assoc. Membership Form Click Here

All Printed Forms

Open Column

Veterans News

Note

WWII Vet High School Diplomas – Many World War II veterans are now eligible to get a high school diploma if they don’t already have one. This is due to a national trend of states enacting legislation to authorize this. According to Robert McKean, Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services, the following states either have enacted or are working on administrative rules or legislation that award high school diplomas to World War II veterans: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, West Virginia.

Source: Armed Forces News Issue 15

Income Tax (State) – Moving to the states or changing your home of record could impose additional expense for you through the payment of state income taxes on your military retirement pay. State income tax is not automatically withheld from retired pay by DFAS-CL. If your state taxes your retired pay as income, you must notify DFAS-CL of the amount of money you want withheld from your retired pay and to which state it should go. Amounts must be in even dollar amounts with $10 the minimum. A simple letter with our signature and Social Security number will be sufficient. Some states have special exemptions for military retirees, so you need to check out these special exemptions. Some states do not have a state income tax law and some that do, do not tax military retired pay. States with no personal income tax are: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. They may have a dividend or personal property tax, but your retired pay is not taxed.

States that exempt all military retired pay are: Alabama, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Oregon and Wisconsin has special qualifications, so be sure to check them out. Information on state income tax can be found at:

http://www.1040.com/state.htm

Source: Max’s Facts 32-01 dtd 15 Jun 01

Federal Jobs for Veterans: The Veterans Readjustment Appointment ‘VRA’ authority provides vets with jobs in the federal government. This authority allows federal agencies to appoint Viet Nam Era and post Viet Nam Era vets to jobs without competition. Such appointments may lead to conversion to career or career conditional employment upon satisfactory performance for two years. Vets seeking VRA appointment should apply directly to the agency where they wish to work.

The Office of Personnel Management ‘OPM’ administers the Disabled Veterans Affirmative Action Program ‘DVAAP’. All federal departments and agencies are required to establish plans to facilitate the recruitment and advancement of disabled vets. Vets who are disabled or who served during certain periods have preference in federal jobs. This preference includes additional points to passing scores in examinations, first consideration for certain jobs, and preference in job retention. Preference is also provided for: Unremarried widows/ers of deceased vets and Mothers of military personnel who died in service. Spouses of service connected disabled vets who are no longer able to work in their usual occupations. Mothers of vets who have permanent and total service connected disabilities. Individuals interested in federal employment should contact the personnel offices of the federal agencies in which they listed in the phone book under U.S. government offices. Info regarding job opportunities is provided by Career America Connection at (912)757-3000 or at:

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov

Source: Federal Benefits for Vets/Dependents VA Pamphlet 80-00-1

Lt. James 'EMO' Tichacek USN Retired, Director, Retiree Activities Office & U.S. Embassy Warden Baguio City, RP.

Email: raoemo@mozcom.com (Pri) or raobaguio@hotmail.com (Alternate)

Tel: (63-74) 445-6786 or 446-2087 to record msg. or FAX 1-801-760-2430

Al/AmVets/CORMV/DAV/FRA/NCOA/PRA/TROA/USDR/VFW/WWV member.

Open Forum
Poem by Unknown Vet

Poem

Author Unknown

They carried P-38 can openers and heat tabs, watches and dog tags, insect repellent, gum, cigarettes, Zippo lighters, salt tablets, compress bandages, ponchos, Kool-Aid, two or three canteens of water, iodine tablets, sterno, LRRP-rations and C-rations stuffed in socks. They carried standard fatigues, jungle boots, bush hats, flak jackets and steel pots. They carried the M-16 assault rifle. They carried trip flares and Claymore mines, M-60 machine guns, the M-70 grenade launcher, M-14-s, Car-15’s, Stoners, Swedish K’s, 66mm Laws, shotguns, .45 caliber pistols, silencers, the sound of bullets, rockets and choppers and sometimes the sound of silence. They carried C-4 plastic explosives, an assortment of hand grenades, PRC-25 radios, knives and machetes.

Some carried napalm, CBU’s and large bombs, some risked their lives to rescue others. Some escaped the fear, but dealt with the death and damage. Some made very hard decisions, and some just tried to survive. They carried malaria, dysentery, ringworms and leaches. They carried the land itself as it hardened on their boots.

They carried stationery, pencils and pictures of their loved ones, real and imagined. They carried love for people in the real worked and love for one another. And sometimes they disguised that love, ‘Don’t mean nothin’!’ They carried memories for the most part, they carried themselves with poise and a kind of dignity. Now and then there were times when panic set in and people squealed or wanted to but couldn’t, when they twitched and made moaning sounds and covered their heads and said, ‘Dear God’ and hugged the earth and fired their weapons blindly and cringed and begged for the noise to stop and went wild and made stupid promises to themselves and God and their parents, hoping not to die.

They carried the traditions of the United States military and memories and images of those who served before them. They carried grief, terror, longing and their reputations. They carried the soldiers’ greatest fear, ‘the embarrassment of dishonor’. They crawled into tunnels, walked point and advanced under fire, so as not to die of embarrassment. They were afraid of dying, but too afraid to show it. They carried the emotional baggage of men and women who might die at any moment.

They carried the weight of the world.

They carried each other.

Open Forum

First Battalion Fourth Marines

21. The important thing are always simple, the simple are always hard.

22. The easy way is always mined.

23. Teamwork is essential, it gives the enemy other people to shoot at.

24. Don’t look conspicuous, it draws fire. For this reason it is not at all uncommon for aircraft carriers to be known as bomb magnets.

25. Never draw fire, it irritates everyone around you.

26. If you are short of everything but the enemy, you are in the combat zone.

27. When you have secured the area make sure the enemy knows it too.

28. Incoming fire has the right of way.

29. No combat ready unit has ever passed inspection.

30. No inspection ready unit has ever passed combat.

Open Column Murphy's Law	Open Column