3rd Battalion, 5th Marines 1st Marine Div
Reunion Web Site!
REUNION WRAP-UP
Memories of our 2008 3/5 reunion still linger. Photographs help recall those of our Marine family who attended the gathering, as well as the events and good times we had. From the comments, notes and emails I received, it seems that everyone enjoyed the weekend.
I was especially moved by the words of our brothers and their spouses who were attending their first reunion. They found the entire experience to be very positive and wholesome. Most spoke the same or similar words: “I’m glad I came, but I wish I had done so a lot sooner”.
The National Museum of the Marine Corps was a great location for our Friday night reception. What an impressive place! The Corps now has a first-class facility for preserving and presenting its history and legacy for generations to come.
How fortunate we were to have such good weather for our trip to DC to visit our Wall, and the Korean and WWII Memorials. The Wall will always be a sacred place for all of us; one that still evokes strong emotion and yes, even a sense of comfort.
Later, at the Iwo Jima Memorial, we felt that special pride and Esprit de Corps known only to Marines. And what about that photo frenzy when our ladies gathered at the base of the Memorial to have their picture taken; another unforgettable memory.
The banquet at The Clubs at Quantico was a delightful function. The warmth and cheerfulness of our Marine family and friends made for a very special evening. What an honor it was to have our two WWII 3/5 Marines join us, R. V. Burgin and Harry Bender. They were inspiring. Glad they had this occasion to formally present their unique photograph to an official representative of the Marine Corps Museum.
My gratitude goes to Bill and Eileen Chapman for giving the invocation and benediction, John Olsen for handling the silent auction, Joe Dodson, our Regimental Piper, for playing his moving renditions on the bagpipes, and to Gary Williams and Dick Weber (accompanied by his two grandsons) for being the color guard detail.
I also thank Tom Gainer for overseeing our website, Joe Holt for maintaining our contact lists, Pat Dodson for helping with registration and my wife, Donna, for keeping track of registration, hotel reservations and, of course, the money; but, I especially thank her for simply tolerating me throughout the whole reunion process.
Needless to say, my appreciation is extended to everyone who donated cash to assist our brothers in getting to the reunion and purchasing items for the hospitality room, and to those who donated prizes for the raffle drawings and the silent auction, including Field Logic, Inc. for their sponsorship.
As most of you know, our next reunion will be in 2010 in San Antonio, Texas. “Yukon” John Harris and Tess (the “Gypsy”) have volunteered to be in charge. Knowing their love for our special 3/5 brotherhood and family members, I have no doubt that they will do an outstanding job. Periodic updates regarding the reunion will be posted to our website at www.jarhead2008.com (later to be changed to jarhead2010).
Some of you have contacted me about getting one of the reunion T-shirts. Well, I am pleased to tell you that there are a limited number available that can be purchased through Sgt Grit Inc. by contacting Kristy Fomin at kristy@grunt.com or calling 866-776-2607 ext. 112. The cost is $11.00 plus shipping and handling.
Also, I have the 3/5 reunion poster available for purchase. If you want another poster or know Marines who would like to have a copy, please send requests to me at: Gary E. Crowell, 857 Hillside Drive, Camp Hill, PA 17011. The cost is $15.00 (includes postage and handling).
In closing, I must tell you that it was an honor and privilege for me to serve as the person-in-charge of the 2008 reunion. The great turnout and the many expressions of thanks and appreciation made all the work worthwhile. Thanks for being there!
I look forward to seeing all of you at our 2010 reunion in San Antonio. In the meantime, stay healthy and in good spirit. Semper Fi.
Gary Crowell
