38/39th OCC & Basic Classes 3-66 & 4-66 President's Newsletter

2023 Reunion October 16-20, 2023

MARINES OF THE 1966 OCS & TBS CLASSES QUANTICO REUNION UPDATE 11 July 2023 PRESIDENT’S LETTER MARINES of the 1966 TBS CLASSES “REUNION UPDATE – JULY 11, 2023” Ladies & Gentlemen, If you haven’t signed up for our reunion yet you are really going to be missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime. You will not only have a chance to visit with your Marine Brothers who you spent years building a relationship with, but to also go back and visit where it all began 57 years ago. OCS/TBS at Quantico, VA. I don’t know about you, but I remember those special moments, like when we first pulled up to Quantico in a bus and was asked nicely…no, let me rephrase that…was yelled at to get out of the God Damn bus now, and stand over on those yellow footprints. Then there was this sharp looking Marine, with a Smokey the Bear hat, no let me rephrase that again, this Marine with an angry twisted face, yelling to “move, move, move; not like that maggot, put your feet on the prints, not next to them”. “Yes Sir”, was my reply. “Did I ask you to answer me back maggot, I ain’t no God Dam Sir, I’m Staff Sgt to you”. After we all lined up in somewhat of a straight line, this voice from the front said, “From now on, I’m your mother, your father, and your God. Your ass belongs to me and the Corps”. And so, it began. Does any of that ring a bell? We already have 50 of your Marine Brothers registered (class 3/66 & 4/66). We have over 46 wives, friends, and guests as well. We are also honored this year to have several of the surviving spouses of our classmates joining us. We are especially, excited to have Sgt Riley, who served as a squad leader with Lt. Bobo (our only Medal of Honor recipient) while in Vietnam, joining us. In addition, we have the son of one of our fallen, Bob Sevell, joining us too - Bob Haggard, who never met his dad, because he was just born when his father was shot down and killed in an CH-46 while attempting to land in Khe Sanh Base under heavy enemy fire. This is an update report on the 16-20 October Quantico reunion. To date we have 102 registered Classmates/Wives/Guests. BUT time is running out on ensuring you can get a lodging room at the Inns of the Corps…that deadline is Thursday JULY 20th! It means that after that date, lodging can only be guaranteed at a hotel location off of the Quantico Base. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Banquet guest speakers have been confirmed: *Former President of our Alumni Association, Pete Clay, will provide insightful personal experience highlights on why he chose to pursue a commission in the USMC, and how it (his Uncle George’s service in the Marines on Okinawa) currently has affected him. *Cpl John Ligato (3 Purple Hearts-Bronze Star ,) who will provide a first-hand account of the riveting story of the initial Marine reaction force into Hue City during the ’68 TET offensive led by Medal of Honor recipient Gunnery Sergeant John Canley. *It is currently looking possible that we will be able to have a briefing at the HMX-1 Hangar (US President’s helicopter) on Tuesday. REPORTED ILLNESS “NONE” to report BEREAVEMENTS “NONE” to report Included in this newsletter are links to: REGISTRATION FORM (REVISED) LODGING (Rooms are blocked-out until 20 July) REUNION SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Please complete your Reunion Registration/Reservations NOW! The Committee has diligently worked to present a memorable event. And one final request: Please consider submitting your ANNUAL VOLUNTARY Alumni Association Membership dues check, payable to “38 th OCC, BC 3-66” and send them to: Chuck Sooter, Treasurer 11932 Yearling Street Cerratos, CA 90703 Looking forward to seeing YOU in Quantico! Semper Fi, Stan Pasieka Registration Form USMC-TheBasicSchool-1966.com Event Schedule Inns of the Corps

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

MARINES OF 1966 TBS CLASSES

“REUNION UPDATE – June 9, 2023”

Gentlemen,

This is a status report on the 16-20 October Quantico reunion. We are well underway with 32 Classmates and 32 Wives/Guests registered and listed below. So, there may be some names you recognize:

Larry & Renate AKER Bob REDELL

Jaak & Bonnie AulIK Bob & Lynn RICHARDSON

Doug CHAMBERLAIN Jack & Patty SHEEHAN

Pete & Ginny CLAY Steve & Faye SNYDER

Jim & Diane CONKLIN Chuck SOOTER

Terry & Harriet COX Al & Joan STEFL

Fred FREY (& Charlotte Chotz) Fred STEVES

Jim HERAK David & Judy STOWMAN

Tom HIGBEE David & Ann SULLIVAN

Mike & Barb JANAY Andy & Pam TRAYNOR

Jim KROHN Jim & Jane UECKER

Terry & Myriam LEWIS David & Gerry WALL

John & Kris MARTIN Quentin & Randi Walsh

Joe & Jennifer McDAVID (Gail & Gary Gordon) Brian & Denise WEST

Ron & Jayne MIKAT Howell & J’Ann WRIGHT

Stan & Ellen PASIEKA

Phil & Max PERZAN (Pete, Stacy; Tim, Stepha)

(Note: Additional members have registered at the Inns of the Corps, but have not yet completed the Reunion Registration Form)

To all attending the 16-20 October Reunion at Marine Corps Base Quantico you should be aware of the “Widow Category” on the registration form which was again approved this year by the Association Board:

“FOR WIDOWED SPOUSES, THERE IS A NO FEE REGISTRATION

TO INCLUDE THE LADIES LUNCH & Gentlemen TOO @ EFFINGHAM”

So dear ladies of the Association who fall into this category, please fill-out a registration form and call for lodging reservations. We do want you to join the reunion event and know that you are our most cherished guests.

REPORTED ILLNESS

We have recently learned from wife Janice PARKER that she and Mike will not be able to attend due to Mike dealing with Parkinson’s & Dementia. They would enjoy hearing from Alumni by sending a message @

janpark@sbcglobal.net

BEREAVEMENTS

Calls to Alumni members has revealed the passing of:

1] CHARLES J. “CHUCK” FONZONE

On February 13, 2023 in Whitehall, PA [OCS D2, TBS D2]

2] WILLIAM FENTON WHITING

On March 22, 2023 in Richmond (Moraga), CA [PLC,D5]

Make your Reunion Registration/Reservations NOW!The Committee has diligently worked to present a memorable event.

Included in this newsletter are links to:

REGISTRATION FORM (REVISED)

https://usmc-thebasicschool-1966.com/pdf/reunion23/2023_Registration_Form_June_8_2023_v2.pdf

LODGING (Rooms are blocked-out until 20 July)

https://usmc-thebasicschool-1966.com/pdf/reunion23/Inns_of_the_Corps_Room_Rates_revised_2023_0308.pdf

REUNION SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

https://usmc-thebasicschool-1966.com/pdf/reunion23/2023_Schedule_of_events_1.pdf

Note: The Ladies Luncheon “Name” has been altered to “Ladies Luncheon & Gentlemen TOO!

Semper Fi,

Stan Pasieka USMC newsletter8June23

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

MARINES OF 1966 OCS & TBS CLASSES

QUANTICO REUNION DETAILS

16-19 October 2023

It was 58 years ago in October of 1965 that we were first introduced to our own YELLOW FOOT PRINTS and began our march (OCS Shuffle?) towards our commissioning in December at Little Hall.

So-- to the present, we’ve put together the details of our 2023 Reunion and our return to Quantico where time has stood still. As it said in our promotion to 2 ^nd Lieutenant “Reposing special trust and confidence in the Fidelities and Abilities of (Lieutenant Smackatella? Et al) we are looking forward to see you all in a close approximation/condition of the Marine that showed up in 58 years ago-Geez that’s over a half-century ago!!.

Gotta a Mate you want to see in Quantico?? – Give ‘em a call!

This message includes:

Ø REGISTRATION FORM (attachment)

Ø ACCOMMODATIONS @ “ INNS OF THE CORPS” (Instructions in Registration form)

Ø SCHEDULE OF REUNION EVENTS (attachment)

The Reunion Committee has worked with Quantico Staff since last October. That work by the Reunion Committee Team has successfully secured support from all the various Quantico elements: Inns of the Corps, Breakfasts, Hospitality Room, Banquet, Museum Tours, Memorial Ceremony, OCS/TBS Tours, Ladies Luncheon, Golf Outing, PLUS countless other important coordinating requirements…The Reunion Team are excited to see us all to get together once again!

Attendance at this reunion will allow you to dust off and improve upon your Sea Stories and at the Museum you will see what really happened. It’s a great opportunity a chance to spend some time with your classmates and see the many changes at MC Base Quantico and in our personal lives. We hope you will choose to join us in this nostalgic setting and reflect on the unique challenges we faced and conquered to meet the high standards required to become 2 ^nd Lieutenants in the USMC!

I really want to see you again in Quantico, so send your registration form in and make your reservation at the Inns of the Corps TODAY!!! 703-630-4444 ID # 2180

P.S. You can also download the Registration Form, and Schedule of Events on our website:

usmc-TheBasicSchool-1966.com

Semper Fi,

Stan Pasieka

Newsletter 13 May 23

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

MARINES OF 1966 TBS CLASSES

“REUNION UPDATE”

Members,

This is a long-awaited status report on the 16-20 October 2023 Quantico reunion.

I can assure you that our Reunion Committee members with guidance by Jack Sheehan, and with the on-site leg-work of Andy &Pam Traynor, Mike Janay, and Jim Herak these final, but important details will be achieved. And when these items are complete, a registration form will be published on our website. We estimate that the Registration Fee will be in the range of +/- $250-275.

What I strongly encourage is to make lodging arrangements, which we recommend at:

Inns of the Corps Quantico

Phone: (703) 630-4444

(Reference: ID #2180, OR Reunion Class 3-66)

General Manager- Ebony Markell

Rates: $102 Standard rooms

$104 Efficiency rooms

$124 Suites

( Daily breakfast is included @ Staff Club within a short walk from the Inn)

We ask that guests book their reservations by July 20^th, 2023, to guarantee a room. There are a limited number of rooms at the Inns of the Corps

There have been a number of important details that have been difficult to reach agreement on:

• Transportation to OCS, TBS, and possibly HMX-1
• New base access requirements for all visitors

· Golf costs & group arrangements @ the Quantico Medal of Honor Course (Chair: Greg Stockstill)

· Bus transportation & venue costs @ the Effingham Vineyards for the Ladies Luncheon

• Banquet speaker yet to be confirmed

However, the final reunion arrangements are continuing, with Pete Clay & Sam McLinchie securing a Featured Banquet Speaker, and many others on the Committee diligently working to pull remaining event items together. I hope this update provides confidence on what you can expect in your return visit to Quantico. I am anxiously looking forward to greeting you all in October.

Joan Bowen has volunteered to assist with our Facebook Group: USMC OCS and Basic School Classes of 1966. Joan was the creator of our Facebook Group. We will be adding info/posts to the Group.

Speaking of Golf, Paul Strokes is coming and hopes to win back some of his losses to Ronnie Sutton in 1968. It’s looking like we may be able to add Doug Starr to that Foursome!?! Expecting Mike St.Clair to once again get the Morning Formation squared away. Tom Howe has stepped up to the plate (& Tap) and has agreed to ensure that Hospitality in Quantico will be real!

There are thankfully “NO BEREAVEMENTS” in this report and on the Bright Side we can share that Terry Cox continues his recovery -he’s now driving his and working on the temporary “Drop-Foot” side effect. We’re pleased to say that Terry will not only be ensuring our reunion badges are made, but also handling the processing of reunion registration forms. THANK YOU TERRY!

Further good news that both Ron & Jayne Mikat are recovering from serious health threats-hope to see them both in Quantico!!

Once again, really looking forward to getting together with you all at our October 16-20 ’23 Quantico Reunion!

Semper Fi,

Stan Pasieka

Thanks to our unfailingly polite and patient editors Ellen & Patty

USMC newsletter15Mar23