The old marines landed at San Diego on Sept 17th,18th and 19th for a 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines reunion. It started on thursday night with a get together and reaquaintance period for those of us that hadn't seen each other in 40 plus years. Most of the vets were from the Viet Nam era, with two old timers from Korea. Friday was a special treat, a large group of us boarded a bus and went to MCRD for the recruit graduation. What an impressive sight to see 566 recruits become new marines. Oh did they stand tall and have very wide smiles when the ceremony was over. I was able to chat with a few of them about their feelings of being marines. Everyone of them couldn't quit grinning and expressing a gratitude that boot camp was over. All of the command staff present, Lt. Colonel, Sgt Major down were in fantastic shape and left a positive impression that the Corp is in better shape than when we were in. We were honored to have Cpl. Steiner for our guide around the base. Ladies and gentlemen our corp is still in very good hands and will continue to do so with the fine young men and women enlisting today. We were even allowed PX and store privileges, yes, it cost us all a lot of money. I noticed some very large bags being carried out of the store with various goodies, shirts and jackets seemed the most popular. After 6 hours we went back to the hotel with lighter wallets. The memories will stay forever and my wife even commented on what a great experience it was to see these young men in all their glory, marching tall and proud on the old parade deck.
Saturday night was great with a fine dinner and speeches by different people. Sgt Grit was one of the guest speakers and definitely left a lasting impression on all in attendance. We had about a 100 people for dinner. The stories were great with a lot of different versions of what happened at certain firebase or compound we all shared. There was a special toast for those that didn't come back from the war. The evening went well with a little ribbing between enlisted and officers. Yes folks, we are getting older and it most fascinating to talk with these old vets, what and where they were at in life. They each walked a different course but displayed the old pride in their times as a marine. One picture is the two oldest marines in attendance, Sgt Jim Foster (Dress Blues) Ser no 1082563 and Sgt John Daniels (winter greens) ser.no. 1117788, both from the Korean era.
I would like to thank Doug Miller, 3/11 reunion secretary, for all the countless hours he spends setting up and contacting all the men who served with this unit. This is the 5th reunion with one planned every year until we're all gone. Next year is planned for San Antonio, Texas, the year after in Washington D.C. I hope that any marines who ever served with the 3/11th Marine Battalion will be able to attend one of the reunions.
The pictures are of the different batteries and one marines wife who had the best sense of humor. Sorry, I'm not allowed to Identify her by name.
F. McDowell
# 2349865
Proud old marine/Semper Fidelis
P.S. Don, thank you again for your appearance and donations to the unit.
My name is D. Michael Rayo…aka…Little Bit…..Yes, I attended the reunion in San Diego two years ago…My first reunion which I’ll always remember… I was with Golf 3/11 between Sept ’69 until June of ’70. I was somewhat concerned that I wouldn’t like it or that I really didn’t want to see or meet up with any of the old guys I served with.. But I did want to see my old buddy..Tony Armour..aka..Frosty who didn’t make the reunion. So after meeting up with my OLD section chief, Sgt Herb Snyder, who I always thought was a true Marine through and through with his leadership and grit, and our XO Lt Richard Pops, well needless to say, I’m glad I attended. It was really funny when I went up to Herb and told him my name. I could tell he didn’t remember me until I told him my nick name which our old comrade, John Cool, gave me. Then he just yelled and said, SOB!!! …I do remember you Little Bit….I can still see his expression on his face. This years reunion is in New Orleans, and I’m sorry to say that due to some medical issues I will not be able to partake…But I will try my best to attend next year…Battery Adjust …Get Some…Semper Fi
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