I am writing in regards to a momentous event that occurred this past weekend (11-14 June 2009).
In 1969, an honor platoon graduated from "A" Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, MCRD, San Diego. Platoon 1066 Drill Instructors were, SSgt. Guadalupe Gonzalez, Senior Drill Instructor, SSgt. Ed E. Alley, and Sgt. Anthony Leon Gatling. The Honor Man was Private (awarded PFC) Steven Wills. Although awarded the "Honor Platoon" streamer for their guidon, members of this platoon has exemplafied the meaning of honor thoughout their military and civilian careers. One member, Ken Fielder, has been awarded 5 Purple Hearts and the bronze star. Of all the members of this platoon that saw duty in Viet Nam, not one failed to return. This, in itself, is unheard of. The Senior Drill Instructor, SSgt. Gonzalez, however, feeling the call to serve again, returned to Viet Nam, where he was fataly wounded by a booby trap.
In honor of SSgt. Gonzalez and the two remaining Drill Instructors, a reunion was held in Branson Missouri 40 years later, organized by Recruit Platoon 1066 members, William "Tom" Rogers and Robert "Bob" Deal. They were assisted by Tom's wife Michelle, Honor Man, Steve Wills and 1066 platoon member, Mark Tapscott (ret SSgt).
This is the only reunion of it's kind and I hope that you will find it of interest to your readers.
Attached are photographs of the recruit platoon, drill instructors and attendees of the reunion.
Semper Fi