Marines of the 38th OCC and Basic Class 3-66

Marines and Friends,

Fifty years ago on December 17, 1965, we were commissioned as Second Lieutenants at Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, Virginia.

We made it!

What a momentous Christmas Holiday that was for us.

Let us take time to reflect on those days and the subsequent years that we served our Nation and our Corps. And, of course, let us remember those Classmates who are now with our Savior!

A copy of the graduation program for that day can be viewed in the OCS / Basic Photo Gallery.

God Bless you all!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Semper Fidelis.
Andy

We would like to ask for your cooperation in adding pictures to several of the albums on the website. The following are the albums to which we would like to add your personal pictures:

1. OCS/Basic - If you have any pictures taken during OCS or Basic School or in the case of Aviator, Flight School, please send them along properly identified.
2. Vietnam - If you have pictures taken during your tour in Vietnam, again, please send them with your identity, unit, geographical area of the country and the approximate date.
3. Active Duty - If you have significant pictures taken during your active duty, but not in Vietnam, please send those again, properly documented.
4. Reserve Duty - If you have significant picture taken during your reserved duty, please send those with proper details of where, when and why the photos are significant.

Please send your pictures to Dave Mellon at: dave.mellon@att.net

Thank you for your cooperation adding to the Photo Albums on the Class Website.

New Fiscal Year 2015-2016

As you probably know, our new fiscal year begins on the Marine Corps Birthday and we encourage annual voluntary contributions begin on November 10th.

Given the tax-exempt status of our Association, ALL Contributions are fully tax-deductible.

The suggested donation is $25 for every member, but membership has already been earned and is not contingent on making a contribution!

If you would like to make a leadership contribution, the levels are as follows:
Anchor: $1 to $74
Globe: $75 to $149
Eagle: $150 or more

All Contributions are strictly voluntary, tax-deductible and will be recognized on our website. To view the Contributions Honor Roll, which has captured your historical contributions, go to Contributions.

Please consider making your fiscal 2015-2016 donation today!

The new contributions to the 2015-2016 Contributions Honor Roll will be posted during the fiscal year, as received.

Checks should be made payable to "38th OCC/Basic Class 3-66 Alumni". On the memo line, please insert "Tax ID No. 54-2099257". Mail your check to our Treasurer at:

Steve McComb
12904 Glenfield Road
Leawood, KS 66209

Thank you for your continued generous support of the Class and its activities!

Marines of the 38th OCC and Basic Class 3-66

Marines:

This couldn't be a better time to send you my first letter as the new President of our Association.

Fifty years ago I remember being allowed to go the OCS "Slop Shoot" for a beer to briefly celebrate the 190th Birthday of our illustrious Marine Corps.

Where has the time gone?

Let us take a moment to remember our classmates who have preceded us and are guarding the heavenly streets and the perpetual bond amongst all of us who earned the title "Marine"!

I wish you all a very Happy 240th Marine Corps Birthday!

Semper Fidelis,
Andy

We have an update on Joe Robben of San Clemente, CA who underwent Brain surgery on April 1st.

Joe Robben - Joe returned home from his most recent hospitalization on Tuesday, November 3rd. He is receiving physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy two days a week as well as two home nursing visits. He had his first Avastin infusion on October 28th and fortunately had no side effects. He is scheduled for his next one on November 11th.

If you would like to send Joe a card, address it to him at:

Joe Robben
7 Corte Tallista
San Clemente, CA 92673

To reach Joe by email, please use: lindarobben@cox.net

Please keep Joe in your thoughts and prayers!

The Class has recently been made aware of the passing of a member of our Marine Family:

Janis Sue Pierson - wife of Mike Pierson, died at age 59 in Palm Springs, CA. Jan was born on September 13, 1955 in Denver, CO and lived there most of her life. Mike and Jan retired to Palm Springs, where she died on July 24, 2015.

Condolence cards may be sent to:

Mike Pierson
1219 Palmas Ridge
Palm Springs, CA 92262

The Class will make a memorial contribution to a charity dear to Mike and Jan.

Gone, but not forgotten!

We would like to ask for your cooperation in adding pictures to several of the albums on the website. The following are the albums to which we would like to add your personal pictures:

1. OCS/Basic - If you have any pictures taken during OCS or Basic School or in the case of Aviator, Flight School, please send them along properly identified.
2. Vietnam - If you have pictures taken during your tour in Vietnam, again, please send them with your identity, unit, geographical area of the country and the approximate date.
3. Active Duty - If you have significant pictures taken during your active duty, but not in Vietnam, please send those again, properly documented.
4. Reserve Duty - If you have significant picture taken during your reserved duty, please send those with proper details of where, when and why the photos are significant.

Please send your pictures to Dave Mellon at: dave.mellon@att.net

Thank you for your cooperation adding to the Photo Albums on the Class Website

New Fiscal Year 2015-2016

As you probably know, our new fiscal year begins on the Marine Corps Birthday and we encourage annual voluntary contributions begin on November 10th.

Given the tax-exempt status of our Association, ALL Contributions are fully tax-deductible.

The suggested donation is $25 for every member, but membership has already been earned and is not contingent on making a contribution!

If you would like to make a leadership contribution, the levels are as follows:
Anchor: $1 to $74
Globe: $75 to $149
Eagle: $150 or more

All Contributions are strictly voluntary, tax-deductible and will be recognized on our website. To view the Contributions Honor Roll, which has captured your historical contributions, go to Contributions.

Please consider making your fiscal 2015-2016 donation today!

The new contributions to the 2015-2016 Contributions Honor Roll will be posted during the fiscal year, as received.

Checks should be made payable to "38th OCC/Basic Class 3-66 Alumni". On the memo line, please insert "Tax ID No. 54-2099257". Mail your check to our Treasurer at:

Steve McComb
12904 Glenfield Road
Leawood, KS 66209

Thank you for your continued generous support of the Class and its activities!

Directions to Norfolk Waterside Marriott
235 East Main Street Norfolk, VA 23510

Eastern Shore:
Take Highway 13 South to Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. At the end of the bridge, follow the signs for Norfolk. This will put you onto Northampton Blvd. Look for I-64 East/Norfolk. Take Exit 9 (left turn), which is Waterside Dr. Turn right at the 2nd light onto Atlantic St. Go one block then turn left onto East Main St. The Norfolk Waterside Marriott will be on the left.

North:
Take I-95 South to I-64 East. To bypass Richmond, you can also take I-295 towards Norfolk, and then take I-64 East. From I-64 East, take exit 284A onto I-264 West (Norfolk). Take Exit 9 (on the left), which is Waterside Drive. Turn right at the 2nd light onto Atlantic St. Continue for one block then turn left onto East Main St. The Norfolk Waterside Marriott will be on the left.

South:
From North Carolina
Take I-95 North to the Emporia exit. Then continue East on Highway 58 to I-264 East. Take Exit 9 which is Waterside Drive. Turn right at the 2nd light onto Atlantic St. Continue for one block then turn left onto East Main Street. The Norfolk Waterside Marriott will be on the left.

East:
From Virginia Beach
Take I-264 West (Norfolk). Take Exit 9 which is Waterside Drive. Turn right at the 2nd light onto Atlantic St. Continue for one block then turn left onto East Main Street. The Norfolk Waterside Marriott will be on the left.

West:
Take I-64 East. Follow to Exit 284A onto I-264 West (Norfolk). Take Exit 9 which is Waterside Drive. Turn right at the 2nd light onto Atlantic St. Continue for one block then turn left onto East Main St. The Norfolk Waterside Marriott will be on the left.

Airport:
As you Exit the Airport, follow Norview Ave. Look for signs for Route 64. You will see an overpass ahead of you. Merge into the right lane to take I-64 East. Follow I-64 East to I-264 West. Take Exit 9 which is Waterside Drive. Turn right at the 2nd light onto Atlantic St. Continue for one block then turn left onto East Main St. The Norfolk Waterside Marriott will be on the left.

If you have any questions, please contact the Front Desk at 757-627-4200.

Parking Procedures for the Norfolk Waterside Marriott:

There is no longer an attendant at the Main Street Parking Garage for the Marriott:

The parking deck for the Marriott is located on the corner of Atlantic and Main Street across from the Norfolk Waterside Marriott. You will receive a parking ticket upon entry. This ticket must be taken to the front desk of the Marriot to be stamped for you to charge to your Guest room. When you exit the garage, you will put this ticket into the parking meter. If you plan on exiting multiple times out of the garage during your stay, insert the stamped ticket in the machine, and take it back. The garage will give you a new ticket upon your return; however still use the stamped ticket during your stay. Your charge for parking will be automatically billed to your Guest room at a parking rate of $10.00 per car/per night.

Valet Parking thru the Hotel is $26.00 per day.

Directions to Main Street Garage for Self Parking

Once you've gone through the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel:

1. Take the I-264 WEST exit towards Downtown Norfolk/Portsmouth (3-4 miles) You will want to be in the far right hand lane.
2. Merge onto I-264 West.
3. Take the Waterside Drive Exit (Left exit, .5 miles).
4. Make a right on Atlantic Avenue. (Hotel is on corner of Atlantic Ave. and Main St.).
5. At the traffic light, stay on Atlantic and cross over Main Street. The Main Street Parking Garage is immediately on your left once you cross Main Street. The Parking garage is located on the corner of Atlantic and Main Street across from the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.

It is recommended that you park your car here and then walk over thru the 3rd floor covered bridge to the Marriott. The Front Desk area is located on the 1st floor.

We would like to ask for your cooperation in updating the information on the Class Website (www.usmc-thebasicschool-1966.com ). Please go on the website and click on "Members" and then click on the "Search for a Marine." Finally, enter your last name in the box. The site will then bring up your directory entry, so you can click on it and open it in its entirety.

Please check to ensure that each piece of information in your directory entry is correct:

• OCS Platoon
• TBS Platoon
• Wife (If Applicable)
• Address
• Phones
• Email Address

If you notice any incorrect information, please send an email to dave.mellon@att.net with your corrections.

Thank you for your cooperation in updating the website directory.

Unfortunately, several of our Classmates are experiencing serious health problems. Should you wish to contact them with encouragement during these difficult times, their contact information is provided.

Steve Bowen - Steve is recovering from sextuple bypass surgery. He is back in the gym and approximately 75% recovered. He can be reached at rhh0802@gmail.com or by cell at (646)285-3053.

Joe Robben - Joe had surgery to remove a brain tumor on April 1st. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy. He can be reached at jwrobben@cox.net or by phone at (949)240-6687.

Dave Rogers - Dave was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease approximately 11 years ago. The insidioius disease has take it's toll and Dave will not be able to attend the Norfolk Reunion. Dave can be reached at drogersksv@att.net or on his cell at (817)805-2344.

Jeff Wilson - Jeff has had surgery on both of his carotid arteries to remove blockages. The 2nd surgery was on August 11th. He can be reached at jeffwilson39@mac.com or by phone at (702)656-7462.

Please keep these Classmates in your thoughts and prayers!

The Class recently learned the details of the tragic passing of two members of our Marine family:

Walter Melvin "Mel" Gibbs: - Mel died on May 31, 2015 of cancer while under hospice care in Jacksonville, FL. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Mel was in platoon A-3 at OCS and D-2 at TBS. He was a gunship pilot with VMO-2 in Vietnam. He was awarded both the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star with combat "V". Mel served 21 years on active duty retiring as a LtCol.

Darvin Donald "Dar" Pierce - Dar succumbed to the cancerous gilblastoma tumor of the brain that was reported in the May Newsletter. He died in Naperville, IL on June 22 at his home. A graduate of Iowa State University, Dar was in platoon C-4 at OCS and D-4 at TBS. He was an infantry platoon commander and served two tours in Vietnam. Dar was on active duty for 5 years and spent 25 years in the reserves advancing to Bird Colonel. He was active in the Chicago area Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, serving as the Chicago Ball Chairman from 1993 to 2005. Dar was interred at the Quantico National Cemetery.

The Class has made contributions to charities dear to these departed members of our Marine Family.

Gone, but not forgotten!

For those that have not already donated, please consider making a donation for fiscal 2015 to support the Class! Remember, all contributions are fully tax-deductible!

The suggested donation is $25 for every member, but membership has already been earned and is not contingent on making a contribution!

If you would like to make a leadership contribution, the levels are as follows:
Anchor: $1 to $74
Globe: $75 to $149
Eagle: $150 or more

All Contributions are strictly voluntary, tax-deductible and will be recognized on our website. To view the Contributions Honor Roll, which has captured your historical contributions, as well as those for fiscal 2015, go to Contributions

Please consider making your fiscal 2015 donation today!

Checks should be made payable to "38th OCC/Basic Class 3-66 Alumni". On the memo line, please insert "Tax ID No. 54-2099257". Mail your check to our Treasurer at:

Steve McComb
12904 Glenfield Road
Leawood, KS 66209

Thank you for your continued generous support of the Class and its activities!

Below you will find a photo of the replica Mameluke knife that is this year's memento. They are available for $10.00 each.

Favor (Mameluke Knife)......$ 10 per person x #_______ = $_________

Our Annual Voluntary Contribution drive begins, as you know, on the Marine Corps Birthday, so it is currently in full swing. Please consider making a donation for fiscal 2015! Remember, all contributions are fully tax-deductible!

The suggested donation is $25 for every member, but membership has already been earned and is not contingent on making a contribution!

If you would like to donate at a leadership level, those are as follows:

Anchor $1 - $74
Globe $75 - $149
Eagle $150 OR MORE

All contributions are strictly voluntary, tax-deductible and will be recognized on our website. To view the Contributions Honor Roll, which has captured your historical contributions, as well as those for fiscal 2015, go to the Class website, then click on: Info Library/Class Assn Info/Contributions.

Please consider making your 2015 donation today!

Checks should be made payable to "38th OCC/Basic Class 3-66 Alumni". On the memo line, please insert "Tax ID No. 54-2099257" and mailed to our Treasurer, Steve McComb, at:

Steve McComb
12904 Glenfield Road
Leawood, KS 66209

Thank you for your continued generous support of the Class!

Our Class recently received another accolade for its gifts to one of its Marine Charities:

Margaret B. Davis

President and CEO of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation wrote on December 11, 1014:

"In honor of your generous support of our Marine and Navy Corpsmen Families, the Board of Directors of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation hereby welcomes you - 38th OCC/BC 3-66 Alumni - to the Honor Guard - our esteemed society of benefactors."

The Class recently learned the details of the tragic passing of Colonel Willliam M. "Lucky" Luchsinger on November 19, 2013 in Spring Hill, FL. Lucky was an AOC, who joined us for Basic School with Echo-3. At approximately 18:20, he was walking along a road without sidewalks with his fiance and her dog. As a 2001 Oldsmobile station wagon approached from the rear, the dog bolted and Lucky tried to get control of it. He and the dog were struck by the station wagon and died at the scene.

Lucky, during a Marine career that spanned 26 years, was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and a Bronze Star.