Not as lean, not as mean, but still Marines (Ops Plt, Hq Btry 3/11 Reunion)
They converged on the Windy City like 155mm rounds for a final protective fire (FPF). Coming from far and wide, the Artillery Marines of Operations Platoon 3/11 “fired for effect” August 24 – 26 in Chicago to re-establish old friendships, swap sea stories and have a grand time. The Marines, the majority of whom are veterans of the war in Somalia, formed up at their downtown barracks (hotel) Friday afternoon where they were met by the welcoming committee and enjoyed some refreshments.
After convoy operations Saturday morning via the Chicago “L,” they enjoyed a hearty breakfast (which also served as an elixir to too many refreshments the night before) and then attended a game at historic Wrigley Field. From their OP in the upper deck, they watched the Colorado Rockies beat the Chicago Cubs (much to the enjoyment of Denverite Corporal Carlos Sala). BDA for the game was 4 – 3, Colorado. The rest of the day was spent enjoying the sights and sounds of Chicago’s many drinking establishments, excellent food (thank God no MREs), camaraderie and an overall unforgettable time. Souvenirs were purchased from Sgt. Grit and included custom made T-shirts, bumper stickers, EGA gift bags, and a custom-engraved KA-Bar for one winning Marine of the raffle (Corporal Matt Robbins of Indianapolis). The service and quality of the products was first-rate. Two custom, original prints of the Marine Corps Monument in Washington, DC were donated to each attendee by Sgt. Michael Sadaj (USAF ’64 – ’68).
The quote of the weekend comes from Sgt. Sean Dailey of Springfield, Illinois who uttered the timeless words: “I don’t care where we go, as long as I get a beer.” Furthest travelled award went to Corporal Brian Lubiens of Bismarck, North Dakota, who put up with some good-natured jabs about Bismarck, ND finally getting air travel. Special consideration was given to Mike Ritchings who continues to serve our county in the US Army and has recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan. A special thank you to Julie Brumback (wife of SSgt Michael Brumback) for putting up with us. She was the only wife brave enough to attend. She is the only Marine wife and therefore was the only one who could probably put up with us. A good sport indeed. Due to communications problems, “virtual attendee” Lt. Col. Michael Broihier (Ret.) was unable attend via satellite from an undisclosed location overseas. Sunday morning was spent disbanding the group and heading home from our “TAD” assignment back to our permanent duty stations under the orders of our respective CO’s (wives). It was an unforgettable weekend. Now that the beer quantity of Chicago has been severely diminished, the only option is to pick a new location for the next reunion … Vegas, 2014!
We fought together, lived together, and laughed together for many years. This weekend proved that we are still family and always will be.
Semper Fidelis,
LCpl Kevin “Tile Marks” Sadaj