A Sincere Thank You
Dear Sgt. Grit,
I had the incredible honor of helping in planning the first ever Vietnam-Era Reunion for the 3rd BN, 11th Marines this past September in Arlington, VA. I have enclosed a few pictures from the event for your enjoyment. Many of these men had not seen each other in over 35 years, for some it had been 40. We had our own private hospitality suite and as men and their families started to arrive, I knew right away that we were going to have a very fun, successful and powerful weekend. To be in the company of their brothers again, to tell tales and remember whens with those who truly understood what it meant to be in their Vietnam, was obviously the most significant aspect of their weekend together. I wish there were some way to express in words what was written on their faces as they reunited with old friends, the looks in their eyes, these will be memories forever etched in my mind. I mean no disrespect to any other Marines, past or present when I say that there is no finer group of Marines than the men of the 3/11. Each and every one of them are not just fine men, but fine human beings and I consider myself blessed to have been in their company. You having been a Cannoncocker yourself, know full well what I mean. It is true what your bumper sticker says, “Artillery brings dignity to what would otherwise be just a brawl”. Dignity was most definitely what was in the air the entire reunion weekend.
Our weekend was such a success that plans are in the making for next year’s event in Las Vegas. Many of those unable to attend due to prior commitments are very excited for another opportunity to be with their brothers. I want to publicly thank Lt. Col. Tom Pace for all of his help in planning the event with me. Although he claims that he didn’t do much at all, don’t let him fool you, he is a wonderful man, a proud and outstanding Marine and he was an integral part of the weekend’s success. Thank you, Colonel!
And finally, I would like to thank one of your sales staff, Kristy, whose efforts with our order for the reunion were nothing short of perfection. She maintained close contact and was proactive when issues arose and I just cannot say enough about her dedication to helping us make this reunion special for these men. Covers off to Kristy! I hope she continues to be our POC for many more reunions to come.
Thank you again!
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Reitano
3/11 – Vietnam-Era Administrator