Marines of the 38th & 39th OCC and Basic Classes 3-66 & 4-66
09 November 2021
2021 Las Vegas Reunion Review
A well done job by Jim Herak and the Committee Chaired byJim Conklin and the Lonnie/Jacquie Myers team (coins, Color Guard, Ladies Lunch/gift),Jack Sheehan(hospitality,) Dave Wall/Sam McClinchie (Memorial Service), and Greg Stockstill (golf) who all made the successful Las Vegas Reunion possible. With 42 classmates plus their spouse (and/or guests we had over 80 attending) enjoying the terrific October Nevada weather, bright neon lights, and renewed camaraderie at the engaging Golden Nugget facility. A sincere thank you toGinny McComb and Trudy Cleland for joining us in this gathering.
The General Membership meeting approved the slate of officers and board members to steer the organization forward through the 2023 Reunion:
***(Note: please report to me any errors found in the above email addresses)***
Following is an update on Gerald Phillips who was injured in a fall while at the reunion. He is convalescing at home in CA, and sent this message on his progress: “…I managed to be treated at a local Urgent Care Center. Later into the night, however, the pain intensified and I visited Sunrise Hospital on Wednesday morning. X-rays revealed some broken ribs, and I am convalescing comfortably at home in Laguna Beach. There are no permanent injuries and the pain intensity is waning. I am impressed with the expressed concern of so many of my classmates on my condition and hopefully will be in a position to thank you personally at our next reunion. Semper Fi, Gerry Phillips”
2023 REUNION
Your input is encouraged if you care to provide suggestions for our ’23 reunion. The possible ‘23 site locations starting point being considered by the Board are: 1) San Diego (MCRD); 2) Napa wine country; 3) Savanna; 4) K/C MO/Branson; 5) Norfolk/Charleston area; 6) Detroit vicinity. The Board will soon be presenting a more detailed list of reasons/advantages to be considered at each location (travel, amenities, value, etc.), and ask the membership to vote where they would prefer to attend the 2023 reunion.
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR ORGANIZATION
This association maintains 501c3 existence with your VOLUNTARY financial support enabling our charitable endeavors. That money goes to organizations (Marine Corps Scholarship Fund, Semper Fi & America’s Fund) and bereavement tokens in memory of deceased association members.
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 the class website:
If you haven’t already done so, please make a 2021 contribution payable to:
“38th OCC, Basic Class 3-66 Alumni”
and mail to: Walt Flynn
9 Regina Road
Weymouth, MA 02188
There is still time to make a 2021 tax deductible donation before 31 December.
Bereavement
Wednesday, December 8th, 1500 is the date set for the Steve McComb , Full Honors Arlington interment ceremony. If you plan to attend, the following details are offered:
-ALL are invited to a reception after the ceremony at:
Washington Golf & Country Club
3017 N.Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22207
LODGING: Many have already registered @ Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
900 South Orme Street, Arlington, VA 22204
(703) 521-1900; Rate: $165 (+$20 taxes)
MUST be at Arlington Cemetery gate guard station on 12/8, between the
short 1400-1415 window to be directed to the burial rendezvous site.
It is with sadness that I am advising you that my husband, James Allan Garvey , passed away in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on October 15, 2021. Shelley Azbell Garvey
as reported before: Richard F.Costello’s arrangements :
Peggy McKenzie wrote:
My dear brother, Dick Costello, passed on Monday, November 1, 2021 at 10:59 p.m. All Saints Day.
Everything will take place on Thursday November 18 at:
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church
2665 Woodley Rd., NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
10:00-11:00 visitation
11:00-12:30 Mass
12:30-1:30 reception at St. Thomas the Apostle Church
2:00 - Burial at Ft. Lincoln Cemetery
Please let other people know who are addressed and may wish to attend.
I extend best wishes to all classmates for a happy 246th Marine Corps Birthday Celebration! Thank you for your service Marines. You have given much to your country, and I am proud to be a part of this great Marine Corps Alumni Association with you!
Marines of the 38th & 39th OCC and Basic Classes 3-66 & 4-66
15 October 2021
Reunion Update Bereavements
Barring any last minute changes, this letter should be the last word on the reunion in Las Vegas.
Due to increasingly complex restrictions at Nellis Air Force Base, the briefing on the “Red Flag” exercise has been moved to another site, The Marine Leatherneck Club. This club has hosted our organization in prior Las Vegas reunions. It contains loads of Marine lore and is reminiscent of clubs one might find on an obscure Marine base. The “Red Flag” briefing will be followed by a BBQ lunch and then close out the afternoon with a memorial service for our members who have passed away.
I have had a conversation with Colonel Jim Coolican, our guest of honor. He is looking forward to spending time with our membership, relating his experiences in the Marine Corps. His presentation at the banquet will be brief in order to provide a robust Q & A session, especially on the 1968 Tet Offensive in Hue.
Some Administrative Items:
The weather in Las Vegas will be just right: highs in the 70-80s, lows in the 50s.
A schedule for the week will be detailed below, as well as the restaurants available on the hotel/casino premises.
Bring your masks as they are required except when you are eating in a restaurant. If you are flying you will need them anyway.
Bring your “shot card” since you never know when you might need it.
Lastly, we will provide a list of transportation resources that will transport you to the entertainment venues of your choice.
If you have any questions concerning the Reunion, do not hesitate to contact Lonnie Myers, Jim Conklin, Walt Flynn or myself.
Bereavements :
Mike Moss reported that Robert Nelson passed away on 4 September 2021 from unknown causes.
Stan Pasieka reported that William Poole passed away on 5 June 2020 from an unspecified cancer.
Lastly, I wish to personally thank all who have expressed condolences and/or provided memorial donations on behalf of my wife, Susan.
Marines of the 38th & 39th OCC and Basic Classes 3-66 & 4-66
4 September 2021
Bereavements Reunion Update
In last month’s President’s Letter, I opened with the news that Steve McComb, our former treasurer, had passed away. Last week, we witnessed the tragic killing of eleven Marines, a Navy corpsman and an Army soldier in a suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan. We extend our condolences and prayers to those service members and their families. May they all rest in peace !!
Last December, I informed the Board that my wife, Susan, had been diagnosed with lung cancer. I did so in the event that her condition would require my full time attention at some point and necessitating my stepping down as President. While her treatments were indicating favorable progress, the cancer had metastasized to her brain and by mid July, it was evident that her condition was deteriorating rapidly. She lost her fight on 6 August.
Susan will be interred at Arlington Cemetery on a date to be announced. May she rest in peace !!
For those inclined to memorialize Susan, a donation to Semper Fi Wounded Warrior Fund would be appropriate. www.SemperFiFund.org.
Lastly, I have been in contact with Ginny McComb and she appreciates all of the condolences and prayers that have been conveyed to her in the last month. Ginny also tells me that she will attend the reunion next month in Las Vegas.
Reunion Update:
Covid 19 :
Last month, I conveyed that there had been a spike on covid cases in Las Vegas, which is also case across the entire lower 48 states. Clark County, NV, had mandated a mask policy for everyone entering a building, which is still in effect.
The Golden Nugget policy states that all guests, vaccinated or not vaccinated, are required to wear a mask, except when eating at a restaurant. Free masks and hand sanitizer are available to all who enter the premises. Employees are mandated to wear masks per the Clark County requirement.
A recent WSJ article (quoted in last month’s letter) addressed the reestablishment of masks in indoor spaces. Some of the take-aways from the article were are noteworthy:
· The “Delta” variant, while more easily transmissible, is not being contracted by those who are vaccinated in any significant levels.
· The recent spike in cases are predominantly in non-vaccinated individuals; this has also been the trend in Las Vegas.
· The unvaccinated are the primary risk group.
· 97% of hospitalized cases are people who have not been vaccinated.
· All vaccinated individuals should take extra precaution and wear masks indoors.
The bullet points cited above are valid today as they were last month.
The bottom line is this: vaccinated individuals are at a very low risk on contracting covid or the variants known at this time. If you are not vaccinated but have had covid, your physician is your best advisor on this matter. If you are not vaccinated, you should not attend.
Room booking update :
We have a number of individuals who have sent in registrations, but have not booked a room; and a number of individuals who have booked a room but no registration at this date.
In the February President’s Letter and on the registration form, 15 SEPTEMBER 2021 was designated as the drop dead date for registrations. So if you are one of those individuals who are “on the fence”, we encourage you to submit your registrations RIGHT NOW. If you need a registration form, reply to this Letter and we will send a copy to you.
There have been several inquiries as to whether family members (sons, daughters, grand children) or guests are permitted to attend the reunion. All of the above are welcome. They will be required to submit a completed registration form to attend.
We are expecting a number of wives who have lost their husbands to be in attendance at this reunion: Irma Alonzo, Joan Bowen, Trudy Cleland and Ginny McComb. The policy of our alumni group has been that these ladies will attend the reunion and that the cost of their registration fees and the ladies luncheon will be borne by the alumni group. This policy applies to all widows of members who are deceased.
Accordingly, we encourage all wives of deceased members to attend reunions and renew friendships from years passed. If any member knows of a wife who may want to attend a reunion, you may reply to this letter with her name and we will follow up with a contact to that wife.
Golf Outing: as mentioned in the August Letter, the outing is scheduled for Wednesday, 27 October, at the Nellie Air Force Base. Greg Stockstill is the point of contact at 305-373-0544 and gregstockstill@comcast.net. Greens fees are $42.00 per person; a hamburger lunch is included. Beverages are extra. Rental clubs are $20.00 per set; VIP sets are available at $36.00 per set. Individual payment will be at the clubhouse; there is no advance payment required.
Ladies Luncheon : the luncheon is scheduled for 12:00 PM, Wednesday at the Carson Kitchen, a short walk from the Golden Nugget. The cost for the luncheon is $40.00 per person. For those who partake in this function, contact Walt Flynn at 781-335-7363 or whflynnjr@comcast.net. You may send the funds directly to Walt. Walt needs to firm up the ladies who will attend this event. A call to Walt with a yes or no, will be appreciated.
The menu to this event is published below.
If you have any questions concerning the Reunion, do not hesitate to contact Lonnie Myers, Jim Conklin, Walt Flynn or myself.
Marines of the 38th & 39th OCC and Basic Classes 3-66 & 4-66
1 August 2021
Bereavements Reunion Update
I open this letter with sad news: Steve McComb, our treasurer up until a few years ago, passed away on 19 July. Steve, as you may remember, was diagnosed with brain cancer over two years ago and had undergone chemotherapy to fight the disease. Steve’s wife, Ginny, had conveyed to me Steve had experienced a number of seizures which contributed to his demise.
Ginny also conveyed to me that Steve will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be announced. For those inclined to memorialize Steve, Ginny has indicated that a donation to the Semper Fi Wounded Warrior Fund would be appropriate. www.SemperFiFund.org .
Steve was a super guy and a great Marine. May he rest in peace !!
Reunion Update:
Covid 19: It is an understatement to say that the continuing news on the national level is anything but reassuring: Delta vs Alpha variant; masks, no masks; vaccinations vs no vaccinations; and on and on.
Some facts as can best be determined, are in order. In Las Vegas, there has been a spike in the seven day moving average of new cases. It has been reported in local news outlets that the new cases are among unvaccinated folks. Clark County (the County in which Las Vegas is located) officials have recently reimposed the requirement that all employees working indoors will be masked. This is in effect until 17 August, at which time the practice will revisited.
The Golden Nugget policy states that all vaccinated guests are not required to wear a mask, but that unvaccinated are required to wear a mask. Free masks and hand sanitizer are available to all who enter the premises. Employees are mandated to wear masks per the Clark County requirement.
A recent WSJ article addressed the reestablishment of masks in indoor spaces. Some of the take-aways from the article were positive:
· The “Delta” variant, while more easily transmissible, is not being contracted by those who are vaccinated in any significant levels.
· The recent spike in cases are predominantly in non-vaccinated individuals; this has also been the trend in Las Vegas.
The unvaccinated are the primary risk group.
· 97% of hospitalized cases are people who have not been vaccinated.
· All vaccinated individuals should take extra precaution and wear masks indoors.
These observations are all subject to change, which seems inevitable. With that in mind, we will continue to update the Covid situation as pertinent information becomes available.
Room booking update: there have no new room bookings during the month of July, which is obviously a disappointment. We have just under seven weeks to achieve our registration goal of 120 registrants; we are half way to that goal.
There have been several inquiries as to whether family members (sons, daughters, grand children) or guests are permitted to attend the reunion. All of the above are welcome. They will be required to submit a completed registration form to attend.
Golf Outing: the outing is scheduled for Wednesday, 27 October, at the Nellie Air Force Base. Greg Stockstill is the point of contact at 305-373-0544 and gregstockstill@comcast.net . Greens fees are $42.00 per person; a hamburger lunch is included. Beverages are extra. Rental clubs are $20.00 per set; VIP sets are available at $36.00 per set. Individual payment will be at the clubhouse; there is no advance payment required.
Wives, girlfriends, children, grandchildren and guests are all welcome to play. If 20 golfers sign up, tournament format utilizing a shot gun start will be employed. Tee time will be 10:00 AM. Call or email Greg to sign up and ask any questions you may have.
Ladies Luncheon: the luncheon is scheduled for 12:00 PM, Wednesday at the Carson Kitchen, a short walk from the Golden Nugget. The cost for the luncheon is $40.00 per person. The menu will be published in the next Presidents Letter. For those who partake in this function, contact Walt Flynn at 781-335-7363 or whflynnjr@comcast.net . You may send the funds directly to Walt.
Activities on Wednesday, the free day: the late afternoon and evening of Wednesday was blocked out for those who wished to see the sites in Las Vegas. As mentioned in the July letter, some members have not been to Las Vegas in decades, some in forty or fifty years. For those, there is a lot to see just on the “strip” which is south of the Golden Nugget. Below is a “short list” of famous sites on the “strip”:
· Caesars is an imposing property with a mall called the “Forum” which contains all the up-scale stores one can imagine.
· Next door is the Bellagio, an Italian renaissance structure with an enormous set of water ponds & fountains in the front of the building. In the late afternoon and evening, a spectacular water-light show is conducted daily.
· To view the Bellagio water show, go across the street to Paris, Paris where you can sit and view the show while having an “adult beverage.”
· Last but not least is New York, New York, a collection of replica iconic sites from the “Gotham City” complete with steam rising from manholes in the floor.
The Las Vegas Magazine maintains a website which offers a comprehensive review of all aspects of entertainment in Las Vegas. The site is www.lasvegasmagazine.com . On the site, you can elect to see the latest edition of the magazine or issues that are months old. There is a section entitled “Listing Showbiz Weekly” which details all entertainment currently available with places, timings and ticket cost ranges (note, most shows utilize TicketMaster for ticket sales). I suggest that these pages be printed out, since it is difficult to read on the computer screen. Also, you can sign up for their email list, which periodically sends a list of the latest happenings.
Lastly, we will provide a list of transportation resources that will transport you to the entertainment of your choice.
If you have any questions concerning the Reunion, do not hesitate to contact Lonnie Myers, Jim Conklin, Walt Flynn or myself.
Semper Fi, Jim Herak
Remittance of Reunion Registration Fees and/or Annual Contributions:
Checks made out to: “38thOCC/BC 3-66 Alumni”
Mail to: Walt Flynn, 9 Regina Rd, Weymouth, MA 02188
Marines of the 38th & 39th OCC and Basic Classes 3-66 & 4-66
3 July 2021
Reunion Update Contributions Bereavements
On behalf of the officers and board members, we extend a Happy Independence Day to all members and their families. This is the 246th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and we trust that with the Covid threat subsiding, that everyone will be able to celebrate the holiday in the customary manner.
Reunion update :
We are pleased to announce that Colonel James J Coolican will be our Guest of Honor at the reunion banquet in October. Colonel Coolican was the commander of 2nd platoon, Echo Company of Basic Class 3-66. He was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions in the Battle of Hue City 1968. The Colonel will provide his insights of that battle, as well as reflections of his career in the Marine Corps.
In regard to the reunion, there are two and a half months to the deadline for registration, 15 September 2021. Our registrations to date are at the half way mark of our goal of 120 members and spouses. Obviously, we need more registrants up on the board to meet our goal. Our website contains a printable registration form and instructions on its preparation and submission. It also contains information on booking rooms at the Golden Nugget. If there are any questions on the registration procedure or issues on booking rooms, do not hesitate to contact Lonnie Myers, Walt Flynn or myself for assistance.
In speaking to several members concerning the reunion, it is evident that many people have not been to Las Vegas in decades. There may even be folks who have never been to this entertainment hub. With that in mind, in mid July, we will publish a list of sites to see, places to visit and review the facilities at the Golden Nugget. We will also provide resources to assist you in planning your stay in Las Vegas. Our reunion schedule permits you to utilize Wednesday for site seeing at your own discretion.
Annual Contributions :
As mentioned in the last President’s Letter, our contributions are lagging behind last year’s effort. Year-to-date, we have received $3755 from 23 members. We need to renew our efforts on this front, so break out the check book and send your contribution to our treasurer, Walt Flynn.
Bereavements :
Cindy St Clair, wife of Mike St Clair, former alumni group President, passed away in June 2021 after a long battle against cancer. Mike has indicated that an appropriate remembrance of Cindy would be a donation to Father Joes Villages of San Diego, CA. A simple google search will provide direction to the Father Joes website.
Bob Richardson has reported that Jim Wynn of the 38th OCC has passed away on 30 Jan 2021. We are currently searching for details on his passing.
In closing, have a great Fourth of July celebration!!
Marines of the 38th & 39th OCC and Basic Classes 3-66 & 4-66
31 May 2021
Memorial Day Reunion Update Contributions
While Memorial Day Weekend traditionally marks the start of the summer season, we should remember that this holiday was established recognize those members of the military who lost their lives in the discharge of their duties as a member of the armed forces. We are all keenly aware of the members of our respective classes who paid the ultimate price and we should remember all military personnel from all the services who have lost their lives in the line of duty. May they rest in peace.
Reunion update:
Lonnie and Jacquie Myers and Jim Conklin recently met with representatives from Nellis AFB and the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV.
The visit to Nellis Air Force base has been confirmed as advertised in previous President’s Letters: a short tour of the “Thunderbird” museum followed by a briefing at the “Nellis Club” on the capabilities the US Air Force and a description of the mission and purpose of a “Red Flag” exercise. A luncheon will be provided at the conclusion of the briefing. We will then move to the base chapel for our customary memorial service to honor the members of our classes who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Lonnie and Jacquie Myers and Jim Conklin treated themselves to dinner at the Carson Kitchen, a restaurant proposed as the site for the Ladies Luncheon on Wednesday, the 27th. They found the food to be excellent. This event is elective and not included in the registration fee. The cost will be $ 40.00 per person and includes a three course lunch, the description of which is described at the end of this letter. The ladies are encouraged to comment on the lunch menu. Tax and service charges are included in that price. Those ladies interested in this event can forward a check to Walt Flynn, our Treasurer.
Due to the anticipated reopening at 100% of capacity of all entertainment establishments in Las Vegas on 1 June 2021, the “Nugget” is still formulating its final plans to address our reunion requirements. What is firm, however, is that all employees of the Golden Nugget will be vaccinated and CDC/State/Local Covid guidance will prevail. It is recommended that all attendees be fully vaccinated and that your shot card is on your person upon while traveling.
In regard to attending “shows”, we are unable to provide a list of shows which will be available during the week that the Reunion will occur. The “Nugget” has booked several shows for that week; when we receive a complete schedule from the “Nugget” and several other ticket outlets which provide admission to shows on the “Strip”, we will publish that information. Shows will be booked on an individual basis; we will, however, identify resources to assist in booking a show.
As of this writing, we have 36 members/spouses/guests who have booked rooms at the “Nugget” or have submitted/paid for registrations. As mentioned in the April Presidents Letter, our goal is 70 members and an anticipated 55-60 spouses and guests to register.
Information on booking a room at the “Nugget” is detailed at the end of this letter. It is also available on the Alumni website. Printable registration forms are available on the website. Walt Flynn’s address and the proper verbiage in writing your check for registration fees is detailed at the end of this letter.
We anticipate your registration at your earliest convenience and look forward to seeing all in October.
Contributions : In the April Letter, it was mentioned that year to date, we have received contributions totaling $2680 from 16 members. No contributions were received in the last month.
We appreciate the generosity of those contributors thus far and anticipate a ramp up in this appeal.
May you all have a Happy Memorial Day
Semper Fi, Jim Herak
Proposed Ladies Lunch Menu: Carson Kitchen
1st Course
Street Corn Chopped Salad
“Devil’s” Eggs crispy pancetta, caviar
2nd Course
Wild Mushroom Flatbread seasonal toppings
Chili Cauliflower garlic, lemon juice
Chicken Thighs seasonal complement
3rd Course
Glazed Donut Bread Pudding three rum caramel, vanilla creame anglaise
Marines of the 38th & 39th OCC and Basic Classes 3-66 & 4-66
30 April 2021
Reunion Update Contributions Bereavements
Spring is here and we are assuming that everyone has emerged from the “covid” winter with their health intact and are on the closure path with respect to the vaccination routine. With that in mind, we are hoping that many of you are contemplating your decision to attend the Reunion in October at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, NV.
To help you with your decision, we will lay out some favorable information for your consideration. Las Vegas in general and the Golden Nugget is operating at 50% of capacity per State and Local government orders. 50% capacity means that rooms are booked and occupied at 50% as well as group functions. State and local authorities are anticipating changing that level to 100% on 1 June 2021. That means that Las Vegas is “open for business.”
While the Golden Nugget is operating at 50%, we are informed that all restaurants are currently open. All hotel and casino employees have been or will be vaccinated; masks and “social distancing” are required by quests.
A google search will reveal that as of the third week of April, Nevada’s population is fully vaccinated at a 26.6% level which compares favorably with Florida at 27.5%, Texas at 25.3% and California at 28.8%. The preponderance of the vaccinations was in the 50+ age groups.
We have contacted the Commanding General’s Office at Nellis Air Force Base and he has conveyed to us that a briefing on the “Red Flag” Training Program and a mini tour of the Thunder Bird Museum will be provided. It would be worth your while to look up the objectives of a “Red Flag” exercise; you will be surprised at what you may find. Further, it is little known that Marine aviation units from time to time participate in such exercises.
Lonnie Myers and Jim Conklin will be meeting with representatives from the Golden Nugget, as well as reps from Nellis Air Force Base during the week of 10 May 21 to finalize plans for the Reunion. We will report on their results in the near future.
As of this writing, we have 26 members/spouses/guests who have booked rooms at the “Nugget” and have submitted/paid for registrations. Our goal is 70 members and an anticipated 55-60 spouses and guests to register.
We would advise any member who anticipates attending the Reunion, that the member be fully vaccinated for Covid 19 and takes all protective measures as prescribed by the State/Local authorities and National CDC. It is appropriate that your “shot” card be on your person while traveling.
Information on booking a room at the “Nugget” is detailed at the end of this letter. It is also available on the Alumni website. Printable registration forms are available on the website. Walt Flynn’s address and the proper verbiage in writing your check for registration fees is detailed at the end of this letter.
We anticipate your registration at your earliest convenience and look forward to seeing all in October.
Contributions : last year, we had a “banner year” for contributions during a non reunion year. We trust that this year’s campaign will yield similar results. As of this writing, we have received contributions from 16 members in a total amount $2680.00. Last year, our contributions were provided by 61 members and totaled in excess of $9000.00.
We appreciate the generosity of those contributors thus far and anticipate a ramp up in this appeal.
Bereavements : we have received an unusually high number of bereavement notices this year; some are dated, most are occurred in 2021. Below are Marines who have passed away and the date of their passing:
Robert McBee 7.26.19
Thomas Stack 1.19.20
Paul G. Clark 12.02.20
Walter Birbeck 1.17.21
Joesph Brophy 1.27.21
Reno Rizzo 3.01.21
John Minahan 3.25.21
We do not have all the circumstances surrounding the passing of these Marines and classmates. We are obtaining that information currently and will report as it is confirmed.
Just a short reminder concerning registration for the 2021 Reunion at the Golden Nugget, Las Vegas, NV in October:
The event is scheduled from 25 to 29 October 2021. It is suggested that attendees to plan to arrive on the 25th (Monday) since the visit to Nellis Air Force Base is scheduled for 0800 on Tuesday. The last event, the banquet is scheduled on Thursday evening, the 28 th. Departures can be scheduled for Friday in the morning.
For those attendees who wish to arrive earlier or stay later, the room prices will remain the same one additional night before and after the reunion schedule.
The cancelation policy of the Golden Nugget is 72 hours prior to arrival with no penalty. Once a registrant has arrived and checked in, an early departure will trigger a $50.00 departure fee.
As of last week, ten members have booked reservations at the Golden Nugget. We expect that in the next several months, that number will rise significantly.
The best way to book your room is to call the Golden Nugget at 800-331-5731 and using the Group Code: GL38OCS.
COVID 19: as I mentioned in the last President’s Letter, the VA has been a responsive organization in administering the Covid 19 vaccination to veterans. It is now apparent that major drug stores, grocery outlets and “big box” stores are getting into the supply chain. Turn over every opportunity to obtain the vaccination for yourself and your family.
Annual Contributions: lastly, I wish to remind everyone concerning annual contributions. We had an excellent turnout last year. Let us put forth the effort to exceed our results in 2020 by contributing to the group in an amount appropriate to your means.
Marines of the 38th & 39th OCC and Basic Classes 3-66 & 4-66
01 February 2021
Covid 19 Reunion Registration Other Items
With the onset of the New Year and the continuing uncertainty Covid 19 is providing, I trust that everyone is staying out of harm’s way.
Covid 19 : with the launch of the vaccination process in each state, it appears that the common action for all of we senior citizens is to turn over every stone in obtaining the vaccination: local and county boards of health, the Veterans Administration, local pharmacies (Walgreens & CVS) or pharmacies affiliated with major grocery stores.
I recently did a quick survey of our board members and for those that responded, all have secured their first shot. John David emailed me stating that his local VA facility in the Chicago metro area, promptly scheduled him for his first shot. As for myself, when I called a local pharmacy at Krogers to check on a prescription for my wife, I was asked if I was interested in a Covid shot; obviously I said yes. Apparently, an individual who scheduled a shot did not show and the pharmacy needed to dispense the dose. I was lucky.
The common wisdom on this issue: pursue every avenue possible to get on a list or booking an appointment.
Reunion Registration : Attached is the registration for the 2021 Reunion at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. The form is self explanatory and is in the same format from prior reunions.
The reunion is scheduled for 25 – 29 October 2021. Plan to arrive on 25 October and depart on 29 October. Actual reunion days will be 26, 27 & 28 October.
Daily Schedule:
10/25 Arrival
10/26 Visit to Nellis AFB, Luncheon, Memorial Service
10/27 Ladies Luncheon, Golf Outing details to be announced
20 rooms at $ 100.57 per night Carson Tower Double
Room pricing preference is on a first come first serve basis
Early departure will trigger a $50.00 fee
Note: both the phone number and the online link address are dedicated to our group. It is best to use the phone connection.
Registration Fee:
$150 per registrant: this includes the visit to Nellis AFB and the Banquet
Optional charges for the Ladies Luncheon, the Golf Outing and the Theatre Show are yet to be determined. The reason for this is that most restaurants are not booking events and there are no shows currently performing.
There are ample restaurant offerings at the Golden Nugget, ranging from Chick Filet and Starbucks to an up-scale steak house. We will be arranging a daily breakfast offering exclusively for our group on a pay as you go basis.
All of the above mentioned options will be finalized at a committee meeting in May 2021. We will publish an information sheet concerning all additional option events.
We encourage everyone to register and book your hotel room early. We need revenue and registration data early so that we can anticipate and measure participation levels for this event.
Facebook page : In addition to this letter, Jack Sheehan will be contacting the membership concerning use of our Facebook page. This page will be a closed group page and access to the page will be by invitation only. This feature was stipulated as a condition to the establishment of the page. Jack will publish the admittance procedures in the near furure.
Contribution Campaign : I have mentioned the necessity of our membership to contribute to our group on a yearly basis. I am pleased to announce that our 2020 contributions were excellent considering that 2020 was not a reunion year. Total contributions were $9510.00 from 61 members. We appreciate this effort from those contributors. A typical non reunion year would bring in $6000.00. It is our expectations that our 2021 contributions will exceed 2020 results.
2021 Budget : Lastly, the Board of Directors has approved the 2021 Budget prepared by Treasurer, Walt Flynn. A continuing highlight of the budget is our group’s donations to two Marine charities: the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and the Marine Corps Semper Fi Wounded Warrior Fund. We have budgeted funds for charitable donations.
That concludes the letter,
Semper Fi, Jim Herak
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