VMF/VMA-311 Reunion Association
MARINE FIGHTING SQUADRON-311 MARINE ATTACK SQUADRON-311
THE FIGHTIN’ 311 TOMCATS
JULY 2012 EDITION edited on 7/19/2012
JIM & SUE GALCHICK LES & BONITA MCMILLAN GEORGE & JACKIE PHANDER
1290 E. 12TH ST. 12479 EBY RD. 3032 POTSHOP RD.
SALEM, OHIO 44460 CRESTON, OHIO 44217 NORRISTOWN, PA 19403
330-337-9383 330-939-2827 610-584-5654
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
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OFFICIAL WEB SITE: http://www.vmf-vma-311reunion.org Email: [email protected]
FRED TOWNSLEY, 805 S. PRICE AVE, CHANDLER, OK 73834, 405-258-0532
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: CHARLES “RALPHIE” READ, 14 BRENTWOOD ROAD, KINGSTON, MA 02364, 781-585-8184 , [email protected]
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REUNION 2O12 QUANTICO, VIRGINIA 5-9 SEPTEMBER 2012
HOLIDAY INN, QUANTICO CENTER
DEADLINE 12 AUGUST 2012
RESERVATIONS: 703-441-9001 GROUP CODE: VM3
This will be the last newsletter prior to the reunion. Anyone who is anticipating attending please contact me so I can mail you a packet. The hotel will release the blocked rooms on 12 August so make sure that you reserve your rooms as well as send me your reservations. I have to have all the numbers for the tour bus company, tours to Quantico, Pentagon and Fighter Training Center a couple weeks prior to the reunion. Remember if you are going on the Pentagon tour you will need to have two forms of ID. Two picture IDs or one picture ID and SS card or other.
Those of you who have been attending the reunions since 1998 and have been following the preparation for this one might have noticed that one set of names have been missing. Due to health issues Les and Bonita McMillan will not be handling the hospitality room and talking to Les he said he would feel better if we could find someone to take over the job on a permanent basis. George and Jackie Phander will be taking over this reunion as interim. So we will be looking for someone to take over that job along with being the Vice President of the group. Les and Bonita made my job easy and through the years they donated everything in the hospitality room or found a way to keep it stocked at minimal cost. Les and Bonita traveled with us to hotel site inspections and knew what they needed to make things work. They were my right hand and it will not seem the same with them not filling that same capacity. We wish them well and hope that they may attend the reunions on a limited basis in the future. 45 years ago in Chu Lai who would have every thought we would still be working together on something like this. Semper Fi my friends and we'll see you round the bend.
Anyone wishing to donate things for the auction on Friday night please inform my "Priceless Antiquities Procurer" Phander so we know how many things we have to auction off. Far as I know my auctioneers Jim Davis and Ralphie Reed will be in attendance and they will be handling the auction. We always have a great time with this and we'll have some pizza for a half time intermission.
Haven't heard if any canned salmon is going to make it's way to the auction block and I still have to work on the squadron to see if I can get another signed Harrier litho. They are changing command this month and I did email the incoming commander a few months ago to introduce us.
When you arrive at the Holiday Inn the hospitality room will be on the left down the hall. We may have a table set up in the lobby. If that is the case then you will pick up your welcome packets there. If we're not in the lobby we'll be in the hospitality room.
The packets will contain your name tags. If you are a 311 alumni you and your wife will get permanent tags and guests will receive the normal throw away type. Also the packet will contain the reunion agenda which will give you all the necessary information you will need for the tours and what is going to transpire over the week. Also there is your dinner tickets. Make sure that you bring them to the banquet so the servers know what to feed you ( No SOS on the banquet menu!!). Some have asked what the dress code is for the banquet. There is no dress code. It matters that you are there.
In short we will have a Marine Color Guard from Quantico and a Bugler to play taps for the Memorial Service ,which will be handled by Cecil Cheeka. We're working on a cake to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the squadron and the 100th anniversary of Marine Aviation. We may have a modified cake cutting ritual. If you are the oldest and the youngest 311 alumni in attendance you may get your moment of glory if only to take a bite of cake. Still working on a speaker and guest of honor.
At the business meeting on Saturday morning we will vote on the location of Reunion 2014. We'll bring up any amount of locations you want then narrow it down to a few . This will save us the long drawn out process of trying to muster a vote on locations throughout the year. Everyone will know where the next one will be when we leave Quantico. If you are not in attendance and would like us to submit a location for consideration just call or drop us a line and we'll throw it to the vote.
Well, we've planned it out for most of the year and the good Lord willing we'll have a great get together and a successful reunion. The weather has never let us down. To those of you who will be attending for the first time, you are strangers but a short time. We have a great group. Sue and I will be at the hotel on Monday the 3rd as will be a number of others. So if you come in early make sure you look us up. TOMCATS are not usually too hard to spot. If you have any questions at all don't hesitate to call someone on the top of this newsletter . Travel safely and we'll see you in Quantico.
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NEW ALUMNI
BIBEY, JACK 2550 Chesdin Lake Road, Church Road, VA 23833
804-265-8096 , 1972-73, Bien Hoa
DEARING, EARL 14632 Davis Street, Westminster, CA 92683
714-349-7226 , [email protected]
1970-71, DaNang, Chu Lai, Maint. Chief
HARGRAVE, DAVE PO Box 487N, North Cairns, QLD 48070
617-4057-8741, [email protected]
1960-62, El Toro, Avionics
HOLLISTER, RICHARD 41 Grand Ave., Tonawonda, NY 14150-3318
1968-69, Chu Lai, Avionics
JONES, DON 9663 Misty Meadow Lane, Navarre, FL 32566
850-939-4610 , 1962-64, El Toro, Check Crew
PAUL, BOB 6405 Elizabeth St., Garden City, MI 48135-2004
[email protected], 734-674-1135
1965, Chu Lai, Flight Line
MARTIN, MANLEY GREG 19425 Bowman Rd., Spring Hill, FL 34610
1965-67 Chu Lai, Airframes
SPRINKLE, WILLIAM (MIKE) 3375 34th Street North #103, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
727-481-6299 , [email protected]
1969-70, Chu Lai , Ordnance 3.
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ADDRESS CHANGES
BRUNKEN, DWAINE 3700 E. 49th St., Souix Falls, SD 57103
DAWSON, JIM 215 E. Washington St., Pontiac, IL 61764
GOLDBERG, JERRY 2201 South Ocean Drive Apt. 2301, Hollywood, FL 33019
QUILL, MIKE 24 South St., Auburn, NY 13021
SCHRIENER, GEORGE 4141 N. Rockton Ave, Rockford, IL 61103
SCOTT, WALT 337 91st. PL SE, Everett, WA 98203-1942
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EMAILS AND PHONE CHANGES
BRUNKEN, DWAINE [email protected]
ECHEMENT, JIM [email protected] 330-503-6773
GOLDBERG, JERRY 954-924-6663
MULHOLLAND, JACK [email protected]
QUILL, MIKE [email protected]
SCHRIENER, GEORGE 815-316-1793
SANDLIN, MIKE [email protected] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DONATIONS
RICHARD AREHART, Latham, OH; JERRY HOLLERAN, Queens, NY; JIM DAWSON, Pontiac, IL; JACK MATTOS, San Leandro, CA; PHIL BAKER, Dallastown, PA.
Thanks Marines.
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TAPS
HICKLE, ART VMA-311, CO, PILOT, 1969-70 in Bryan, Texas. 10 October 2011
WINDLE, PAUL VMA-311, 1955-57, Flight Line, El Toro of Pancreatic Cancer in Redlands, CA
(Names will be read at the memorial service in Quantico. jg)
(I received an email from someone and I can't find it, that Speed Shea, Pilot 1964-66, passed last year. Can anyone confirm? jg) See below!! s/Old Sarg Fred
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Just received this from Lyle Prouse a few minutes ago.
I'm trying to work out a way to attend this one (my first for this particular one).
Re: Speed Shea, I just heard from him and he's alive and well (at least he was a couple of days ago).
Thanks for all your work!
Blue skies,
Lyle Prouse s/OldSargFred 12:05 PM 6/18/2012
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E MAILS
KATHERINE KIMBALL, WEST LEBANON, NH: "The most recent VFW magazine lists a reunion for VMF- 311 with you as the contact. I usually don't read the magazine but something compelled me so I thought I would follow up since I found reference to Dad's squadron. My Dad, who will be 90 this month, piloted corsairs in the south Pacific during WWII with VMF-311 "Hell's Belles". He was at Kwajalien when Charles Lindburg was there. He has dementia and thinks he is still in the Marines, but he could still fly his F4U, I'm sure. I know that Dad did attend a reunion in Florida some years back so at some point this sort of thing was meaningful to him. Could you give me any information about the reunion? He can't attend anything but some information might be fun for him. He lives in Maryland in a "memory" unit. He has plenty of memories! It's just that they have become his present. He looks around at his fellow residents and says "This is one hell of a mess; how do they expect us to win the war with this sorry crew!"
(Later email from Katherine. I mailed her some "Hell's Belles" memorabilia.) Thanks for the response. I'm also happy to send copies of some of the things that we have. Lot of pictures of the islands. One of my sons interviewed him about his time in WWII for a school project, lots of good stories there. My favorite item that I found is Dad's pilot's log book of his time in the Pacific and, for that matter, he was still flying when he was 81.
Dad is near Fredrick, Maryland so Quantico isn't that far away. we were able to take him to the Udvar Hazy Museum at Dulles a few years back. he loved the corsair that hangs in the main hall there. His name, by the way, is FREDRICK W. BRUNE JR. from Baltimore, Maryland. (Any of you Hell's Belles out there remember Fred Brune you can contact Katherine at 10 Gilson Road, North Lebanon, NH 03784 or email at [email protected] jg)
DAVID HARGRAVE, NORTH CAIRNS, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA: (Email to Ralphie Reed) " I found information about the upcoming VMF/VMA-311 reunion on Facebook. I was a member of VMA-311 from January 1960 through August 1962. I was in Avionics and worked on A4D-2 Skyhawks. We were based at El Toro but also had a deployment to Iwakuni, Japan in 1961-62. I have good memories from those 2 1/2 years, but do not have contact with former Marines from my squadron. I did for several years, but now that is 50 years ago. Can I have info about the reunion and membership? I have lived in Australia for the past 30 years so it would be like a major trip for me to get to Quantico but I'd at least like to see if it will be possible.
(Later email) "Thanks for taking the time to catch me up a bit. I have been in Australia since 1979 so I'm feeling much like a local here. I worked in linguistics studying the Aboriginal languages when I first came but in my final years I managed all the aged care programs for one of the non-government organizations here in Cairns. I retired in 2008 and am enjoying living just a kilometer from the beach and Coral Sea. Beautiful place in Far North Queensland. We get to see Marines from time to time when the Navy ships dock here for liberty in relation to exercises with the Australian armed forces." (We have a lot of 60-62 alumni on the roster I'm sure David would love to hear from you and touch base. jg)
MIKE SPRINKLE, ST. PETERSBURG, FL: "I was there on March 21, 1969 when the VC hit 211 and 311 with rockets. That was a bad morning! Wade Kelly was a member of the same shop and we both came out of VMA-324 stationed at Beaufort, SC."
RICHARD HOLLISTER, TONAWONDA, NY: "While in Viet Nam 1968-69 I was a Hydraulics mechanic on A4E Skyhawks. Let me know what events are planned. I got out as an E5 SGT in 1970 and in 1975 joined the Air Force Reserves and spent 19 years as an active reservist. From 1994 I was in the ready reserves until 2004 at which time I retired. I am a member of the Marine Corps League and hold the position of Commandant of my detachment as well as the West Area Vice Commandant for the Department of New York. It keeps me busy and I am also President of the Veteran's Council of the Tonawandas."
MIKE HEARNE, SACRAMENTO, CA: "In the 15 April 1966 issue of the Chu Lai Chatter there is an article about 1st Lt. Augustus (Gus) Xavier who was a pilot and popular officer with the enlisted men. My days of serving with Gus go all the way back to the MCAS El Toro days in 1963 to Chu Lai. When the squadron would hold a "kegger" at the El Toro picnic grounds Gus would make a habit to talk and tip back with a few of the troops. Gus had a trick that he told us about that he learned in college. He could take a 6 or 8 ounce beer and down it in one continuous gulp!
When Gus was KIA'd in 'Nam it was more than a missing man. It hit me and I know other enlisted troops differently; more of a traumatic loss or more closer as if one of your family or best friend had been killed. I was the first VMA-311 troop, officer and/or enlisted, permitted to go on R&R from Chu Lai. By going first I was only authorized three to four days and I selected to visit Hong Kong. Later; in 1966 and into the future, Chu Lai personnel were authorized from one to two weeks in more exotic locales. When Gus found out that I was going to Hong Kong he sought me out. His ancestry was Chinese/Portuguese and he had relatives in Hong Kong. When I arrived in Hong Kong his family treated me like visiting royalty and invited me into their home to meet the rest of the family and have dinner. If I recall correctly, Gus made it to Hong Kong for his R&R just once prior to his death. In this particular issue of the "Chatter" is a letter from Gus's father back in California. There is a traveling wall that visits various California cities and towns and on it is all the KIAs from California. they are listed by their home towns and I believe Gus's home town was Costa Mesa in Southern California.
If you knew "Gus" Xavier you knew a real swell guy. He really won a popularity contest with the troops. I don't know of any enlisted Marine that did not hold Gus in their highest respect and appreciation. He was an outgoing officer who really made an effort to know the enlisted Marines compared to the other officers. Probably; the other officers knew their immediate enlisted men who assisted them; but, it seemed to me that Gus went out of his way to know practically every enlisted man in every shop and office in the squadron."
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ON THE BOOKSHELF
Lyle Prouse has written a life bio book called "FINAL APPROACH". Lyle served with VMA-311 as a pilot in Chu Lai in 1964-65. Anyone who knows Lyle knows he went through some life altering experiences as a young man, Marine Aviator and a pilot for Northwest Airlines. It's about hitting the lowest of lows and rising again to the highest of highs. Lyle sent me a copy and I read it in one sitting (separated by 5 hours sleep!). The book is 260 pages and it's a well worth read not only because Lyle is a TOMCAT but, it's a great story of life. There is a chapter dedicated to the 311. I'm sure that Lyle will be glad to sign a copy for you.
Here is the contacts: www.lyleprouse.com
Amazon.com [email protected]
Phone: 770-507-4040
"If someone wants a personal copy from me they need to go through my web site but otherwise they'll save a few bucks by using Amazon. It is also available as a Kindle E Book as of February for $5.99."
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FROM THE VAULT
3 APRIL 2008: AL ASAD AIR BASE, IRAQ,
LTC JOHN "SUGAR" CANE, COMMANDING
"One hundred and seventy-two TOMCATS and ten Harriers arrived at Al Asad to conduct flight operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was a long trip, as we had to travel through air bases at Cherry Point, Lajaes, Portugal and Sigonella, Italy. The squadron and ten jets traveled over 12,000 miles in six different groups to get to Al Asad Air base- and though getting the squadron to Iraq in the first place was no simple task; the TOMCATS made it look easy- and were ready to conduct flight operations within forty eight hours of arrival. the squadron exhausted a considerable amount of effort preparing for this deployment- all their hard work paid off- and I am tremendously proud of our Marines and the magnificent job they accomplished. Though I'm certain all the Marines would rather be home with their families- the TOMCATS are ready to fight and proud to be serving their country. We conducted a transfer of authority with the VMA-542 on April 5th. Once the Tigers departed Iraq it took only a few hours for the TOMCATS to "mark" their territory with all things TOMCAT. One of the more significant "markings" is a massive "VMA-311 TOMCATS" sign made from sandbags and arranged on top of one of our hardened concrete hangers at the approach of runway 27L. If you fly into Al Asad, there is no way to miss that the TOMCATS have returned to Iraq.
The second element of TOMCATS remains in Yuma and will deploy in early May 2008. These ninety marines and six Harriers will embark on the USS Tarawa as an AV-8B Detachment assigned to the 15th MEU. As with any MEU their deployment locations can vary, but any luck- we are hopeful of a TOMCAT reunion on Iraqi soil."
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3 NOVEMBER 1965: CHU LAI CHATTER: VIETNAM
"SWINDLE BUDDIES"
Two of the VMA-311 TOMCATS are in our spotlight today. For their earnest efforts in acquiring from fellow TOMCATS such items as : re-enlistment contracts, excess 78twice gear, extra work, and overwhelming co-operation; they are admired and known to their fellow TOMCATS as the "Swindle Buddies".
Needless to say, we are referring to GySgt Parker, VMA-311 Administration Chief, and GySgt. Flores, NCOIC of the VMA-311 Material section.
Beyond a doubt, these two GySgts are recognized by fellow TOMCATS as "TOPS" in their field; and as NCOs they reflect to others the true meaning of Marine Corps Leadership.
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"MESSHALL OBSERVATIONS"
Have you ever sat in our "candlelight" and music" mess hall and observed your fellow Marines?
You will always notice the "Footpatter". That's the Marine who is subconsciously engrossed with the music being played and he must pat his foot during the whole meal- even when the music has stopped.
You also have the "Breakfast Sandwich Marine". This marine is always late for breakfast and only has time for a sandwich. Whatever the breakfast meal is he will make a sandwich- a creamed beef breakfast is no exception.
Last but not least is the "Makeshift Napkin Marine". This is the Marine, who, after his wonderful meal, suddenly realizes there are no napkins available. He will invariably look around to see if anyone is watching him; finding the coast clear , his cover or sleeve automatically becomes the duty napkin. One Marine was observed using a slice of bread.
What could be more fascinating than a Marine living in the field!
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BOTTOM OF THE NINTH
Sue and I had a surprise visit from old friend George Schriener (1952-53) . His brother Don lives up towards Cleveland and he ran over here for a little visit. First he has traveled since Joan passed. We had a nice visit. To those of you who don't know, George and Joan Schriener were the planners of this group until 1996 until they conned Phander, McMillan and I to take it over. It was overwhelming at first but we managed to hold things together for 16 years. On the way out the door I thanked George for the opportunity to have this job for the rest of my natural life. He said I was welcome. Good to see you my friend. Stay well.
Well it's come down to the reunion again. Seems like it’s not that long out of Chattanooga. As at every reunion we have an election of officers, newsletter editor etc. If you would like to take on any of these jobs feel free to jump in and get your feet wet. We will need someone to take over the office of Vice President in Les's stead. A permanent hospitality room chairman would be good but one to do Reunion 2014 will suffice until we can con someone into doing it on a regular basis.
It has been an honor to serve you over the last 16 years. The 311 has become our extended family. On behalf of the reunion committee and officers, God Bless and Semper Fidelis.
For the Fightin' TOMCATS
JIM GALCHICK
(CHU LAI 1967-68 FLIGHT LINE)
MARINE AIR---100 YEARS ON TIME ON TARGET!!!
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2012 REUNION PACKET
This is from the "REUNION PACKET" for this years reunion. I felt that it should remain until the reunion is over and the "Reunion Report Newsletter is posted.
REUNION 2012 QUANTICO, VA 5-9 SEPTEMBER
We're up and running. Contracts are signed and down payments made. We have a good reunion planned and hope that you will be able to join us come September. If you haven't seen the Marine Corps Museum this will be your chance to kill two birds with one stone. We are family oriented and hope that your can bring some of the family along as well. Room rates at the Holiday Inn are $95.00 per night this includes a hot breakfast. Call the hotel for reservations at 703-441-9001 and use group code VM3. Specify double or single rooms. You can also go on line at http://www.ichotelsgroup.com and enter group code VM3.
We've blocked off half the rooms in the hotel. Deadline for the tours and hotel is 12 August 2012. On that date we have to submit the rosters of the attendees to MCB Quantico, Pentagon and Fighter Training Center at Lockheed. Security is understandingly tight in those places. You will need two forms of ID including one with a picture. Retirees will have drivers license and military ID. Everyone else will need credit card or Social Security card.
THE HOTEL: The Holiday Inn Quantico Center is located in Dumfries, VA just outside of MCB and not to far from the Museum. Check in at the front desk to your left as you go through the front door. We will have a table set up either in the lobby or in the hospitality room which will be to your left and down the hall. Pick up your reunion packets there. The packet will include your name badges, banquet tickets, agendas for the reunion and a bag of things from the Prince William County CVB. Bring in your memorabilia and display them. We will have munchies and drinks there. The hotel bar is located off the main lobby if you wish to purchase alcohol. We do not serve alcohol in the hospitality room for liability reasons. They have an outdoor pool for anyone who wants to take a plunge. They also have a dining area open for breakfast and dinner. We sampled a lot of things on the menu and didn't have a bad meal. This hotel is Marine oriented so you'll see a lot of old and young Marines running back and forth. There is a lot of Marine Corps decor. The hospitality room will also be the banquet and auction room. We have run of that room for the four days. Anyone needing directions to the hotel contact us and we will map quest you in. HOTEL TRANSPORTATION: From the Dulles and Reagan airports. I wish I had some good things to say about this. "Highway Robbery" and "Legal Extortion" come to mind. I tried every possibility to get a decent rate for airport shuttle. Lowest rates per person are $45 to $50 per person one way by taxi. They must have based these rates on what politicians make. Both airports are within 25 miles. By September who knows what the gas prices will be and I'm sure the shuttle companies will adjust accordingly. If you come in by car from the east try to avoid the 495 corridor around Washington. AAA routed us nicely down through there and we avoided alot of traffic. If you are used to driving in traffic then there is no problem. If you come from a small town like mine where a major traffic tie up is a four way stop then Washington traffic will get you ready for the bridge. Flying in you might want to take a look at renting a car. Sue and I paid $100 bucks for four days in Yuma. If you know of anyone else flying in you can maybe split the cost. There will be enough cars to get around in.
TOURS
THE TOURS: Thursday morning we'll load up on Marine buses and head out to tour MCB Quantico. We'll pick up a couple of Marine guides and they will escort us around the base to different things. We'll eat lunch there and load up again to shuttle over to the Museum. It takes a good four hours to cover the Museum but those of you who want to come back to the hotel earlier , the bus will shuttle back to the hotel about 1500 and then pick the rest up at 1630 or 1700. THE KICKER: Marines have priority on their buses. With school starting half the bus fleet is dedicated to the kids. If the Marine Corps needs to shuttle Marines on short notice then we would lose transport. At that point we'll have to jump through hoops to line up alternate transport. The bus company that will transport us on Friday says they can possibly transport on short notice. My contact at MCB says that he has had to cancel tours only a few times in the last 5 years but there is that possibility. We have it covered regardless. Friday we'll head up to the Pentagon. I'm not sure how much of the Pentagon you will see. The 9-11 Memorial Chapel for sure. Obviously, you won't be seeing the Joint Chiefs. I doubt that you will be able to take a lot of pictures inside. Col. Woltman (VMA-311 CO 2005) has arranged for us to eat at the Lockheed Martin Fighter Training Center and then take a tour of the facility. He thought it better that we have lunch there rather than try to disperse to eateries around Chrystal City. Col. Woltman will not be joining us as planned as his job at Pratt and Whitney requires him to be elsewhere that week. He says the 311 has a lot of presence in Washington so we will be taken care of. Should get back to the hotel about 1700. I went out of my comfort zone and booked a bus for a half day tour of Manassas on Saturday at 1000. I know that many of you are interested in Civil War history and wanted to give you a chance in Manassas to see some of it. If we can get enough to pay for the bus the tour will go. I've got a tour guide lined up from Manassas Historical group that will take you through the battlefield sites and the bus will drop you off for a couple hours to visit the Manassas Museum and visit the town ,maybe grab a bite to eat. Bus should get you back at about 1400. THE AUCTION
THE AUCTION: Those of you who have attended the reunions since 2006 have been to this event. It gets crazy and it's alot of fun. With the proceeds we are able to keep the group financially in good shape and end up doing some good for others. Notably we have donated to the Cpl. Jason Dunham Scholarship fund (MOH recipient in Iraq) and had a brick laid at the Marine Museum for our group. Taking a straw poll this year I ran it by some of the others and thought maybe we could donate something to the VMA-311 Family Support Group. Give back to the squadron if you will. They do a lot of good for the 311 Marines and families. With this thought in mind, gather up something to raffle off. Send it to George Phander (66-68) or to the hotel if you are not attending or bring it with you. We have been collecting things at auctions and online to auction off over the past year but all contributions are welcome and nothing is too small or weird. Both Jim Davis (68-69) and Ralphie Read (66-68) are planning to attend and both have served as auctioneers and they have auctioned off everything from bear skulls to canned salmon. We'll split the auction in half and have some pizza at half time. Last reunion we got a lithograph of a Harrier matted and framed signed by all the pilots from 311. I'm going to try and con another one this year.We'll start the auction about 1930 on Friday night. Usually lasts about 3 hours.
BUSINESS MEETING
THE BUSINESS MEETING: 0800 Saturday morning in the hospitality room. You can eat your breakfast at the meeting if you choose. We'll go over the finances, election of officers and discussion and vote on where Reunion 2014 will be held. I thought I'd alleviate all the back and forth about a reunion site by deciding at the meeting where the next one will be held by the attendees that are there. If you have some area you would like to see the group go to bring it up at the meeting or let us know by contact and we'll put it up to the vote.
THE BANQUET
THE BANQUET: Saturday night at 1800. Bring your camera and dinner tickets. We got a Marine Color Guard to post colors and a Marine bugler to blow TAPS from MCB Quantico. This year is the 70th anniversary of the 311 and the 100th anniversary of Marine Air so we thought of doing something special with a modified cake cutting ceremony. If you are the oldest 311 alumni or the youngest 311 alumni you may get your chance to be a celebrity that night for a short time. Obviously, we can't do the gala cake ceremony as the Marine Corps Ball but, we'll try to be as dignified as possible. Cecil Cheeka, Native American and member of the Screen Actors Guild, (Ordie guy from 67-68) will handle the Memorial Service. (Notice the plug here, Chief?) We'll eat and have a guest speaker who is not know at this writing. Hopefully, Col. Woltman has someone in mind. There may be a chance also, that there will be present squadron personnel in attendance. I'm always asked how to dress for the banquet. Answer: Most men wear jacket and tie but whatever you feel comfortable in. I guess "Casual Dressy" might describe it. Doesn't matter. It matters that you are there.
So that pretty much lays out the whole reunion picture. Any questions contact any of the officers on top this newsletter. There is alot of work done by a lot of people to make each reunion a success. Not only those in our group but the hotel personnel, the CVB and all the people involved with the tours. Problems are sometimes unavoidable and we work to get around them and try to assure that your reunion experience is a notable one. It has never rained on our reunions. Literally or otherwise.
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WELCOME
HELL'S BELLES, THE WILLY LOVERS, AND TOMCATS OF VMF/VMA 311
REUNION 2012
We, of the reunion committee, want to say thank you for your participation. This is a special reunion, in as much as it marks the 70th Anniversary of VMF/VMA - 311 and the 100th Anniversary of Marine Corps Aviation. We have a couple special things we are trying to line up and if we can pull them off, the banquet will exceed it's great time.
The tour of MCB Quantico and the Museum on Thursday is a go, as is the Pentagon and the Lockheed Martin Fighter Training Center on Friday. You will need 2 forms of photo ID (Driverxs License, Passport, or Military ID) to get through security. If you do not have 2 forms of photo, you will need Social Security Card, Credit Card, etc. Understandably, the security is tight at the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin. Wexll include in the Newsletter what you can and cannot do regarding the Friday tour.
Friday night is Auction night. We really have a good time with this and will pizza at intermission.
Saturday morning will be a business meeting at 0800 and finish off with the banquet on Sat. night.
We have laid out the reunion pretty much as previous reunions, with one exception. We usually didnxt plan anything on Saturday and let everyone to their own adventure. Knowing there are Civil War enthusiasts in our group, wexre going to schedule a bus on Sat. to go to Manassas. You will be doing a battlefield tour and visit the museum. If there is enough interest, then we will make this happen.
You will receive in your welcome packet, when you check into the hotel, all specific times and events. We will be updating the reunion in the newsletter and on the web site. Keep in mind the old adage "be flexible."
Again, we wish you all a great reunion. Much work goes into the process by a group of great Marines , wives and the people that they work with to make this happen. Travel Safe and Have a Great Time!
Semper Fidelis The Reunion Committee
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REUNION OVERVIEW SEPT. 5-9
WED. SEPT. 5, 2012
Official Registration and Check In at the hotel. Check in time is 1600, but if your room is ready, Ixm sure you can get in earlier. Hospitality Room will be up and running, hosted by George and Jackie Phander. Drinks and munchies will be available. Feel free to bring memorabilia to display for everyone. Make sure to pick up your Welcome Packet as it will contain your name tags and all information as to time and events for the reunion. Dinner is on your own. There are restaurants in the area and also in the hotel.
THURS. SEPT. 6, 2012
Breakfast served in the hospitality room. Tour MCB and USMC Museum. We will board at approx. 0800 for a guided tour of MCB Quantico to include aviation facility, archives, and training facility, etc. Lunch will be in the mess hall at approx. 1130. And at 1300 we will board the busses for the USMC Museum. Arrive back at the hotel at 1630-1700. Hospitality Room is open. Dinner on your own.
FRI. SEPT. 7, 2012
Breakfast in the hospitality room. Tour Pentagon 9/11 Memorial Chapel and Lockheed Martin. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE 2 FORMS OF ID WITH YOU! Board for Pentagon 9/11 Memorial Chapel at 0800. Board bus at 1130 for Lockheed Martin Fighter Training Center. Col. Clyde Woltman (Former VMA 311 Commanding Officer) has coordinated tour for us .You will need your IDs there also. We'll eat lunch at the FTC and tour the facility. Arrive back at the hotel about 1600. Dinner on your own.
FRI. NIGHT SEPT. 7, 2012
About 1900, we will have our auction. This has always been a great time. Donations to the auction are always welcome. Bring something and Buy something! Wexve auctioned off everything from a black bear skull to canned salmon. We'll take a break part way through the auction for pizza. Usually we're done about 2200.
SAT. SEPT. 8, 2012
Business Meeting at 0800 in the Hospitality Room. Will have election of officers, financial report, and new and old business. We'll make a decision where Reunion 2014 will be held. We should be finished by 0930. Vacate the Hospitality Room. All memorabilia to be removed.
Tour of Manassas will board at 1000 for a guided tour of Manassas Battlefield and the town of Manassas. Lunch will be on your own. Return to the hotel at approx. 1400.
SAT NIGHT SEPT. 8, 2012
Banquet begins at 1800 with cocktail hour. BRING DINNER TICKETS! 1900 will be posting of colors by USMC Color Guard from Quantico. Memorial Service for VMF/VMA -311 Alumni or family member who have passed since 2010. Cake cutting ceremony to commemorate 70th Anniversary of VMF/VMA 311 and 100th Anniversary of Marine Aviation.
Dinner and then introduction of Honored Guests and Guest Speaker.
Retire the Colors and finish about 2200. Bring your Camera!
SUNDAY SEPT. 9, 2012
Breakfast on your own. Checkout time from the hotel is 1100.
Travel safely. Semper Fidelis and God bless.
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REGISTRATION FORM
You can cut & paste this into a word processing program or word pad and fill it out for mailing to Jim.
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VMF/VMA - 311 TOMCATS REUNION 2012
HOLIDAY INN QUANTICO
3901 FETTLER PARK DRIVE DUMFRIES, VA. 22026
***** RESERVATION PHONE # 703-441-9001 GROUP CODE VM3
***** FINAL DATE FOR HOTEL AND TOUR REGISTRATION IS AUG. 12TH 2012
____ I need permanent name tags. ____ I do not need name tag. I have the permanent one(s) given at the last reunion
List Names(s) as you want them to appear on name tags
NAME ______
SPOUSE ______
OTHER ______
OTHER ______
REGISTRATION NUMBER OF ATTENDEES: # ____ X $10.00 = ______
MCB QUANTICO & MUSEUM TOUR: # ____ X $20.00 = ______
PENTAGON 9/11 MEMORIAL & FTC TOUR : # ____ X $30.00= ______
MANASSAS / BATTLEFIELD TOUR: # ____ X $18.00 = ______
BANQUET (TOTAL FROM SELECTION PAGE): $ ______
TOTAL $ ______
ADDRESS: ______
CITY, STATE, ZIP ______
YEARS WITH 311: ______311 JOB OR CAPACITY ______
AGE AS OF SEPT 8, 2012 ______
PHONE: ______EMAIL: ______
MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO: VMF/VMA-311 REUNION ASSN.
MAIL BANQUET FORM AND REGISTRATION FORM TO:
JIM GALCHICK
1290 E. 12TH ST.
SALEM, OH 44460
PHONE# 330-337-9383
EMAIL: [email protected]
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7/18/2012 I just got this from Jim today! Corrected on 7/19/2012
It appears that we were missing the Banquet selections for our reunion.
Here they are, better late than never. s/Old Sarg Fred
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Dinner Selections
All Plated Dinners include your choice of Garden or Caesar Salad, Fresh Baked Rolls and Sweet Cream Butter, Chef Selection of Desserts, Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee
Assorted Teas, Brewed Iced Tea
Add Assorted Soft Drinks for $2.00 per Person
Champagne Chicken
Breast of Chicken served with a light Champagne Cream Sauce Served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Broccoli and Carrots Mix
$29.95 per Person
Chicken Breast Piccata
Breast of Chicken served with Lemon Butter and Capers Cream Sauce
Served with Mashed Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetable Medley
$29.95 per Person
Pork Tenderloin
Sliced Tenderloin finished with Peppercorn and Mushroom Snare
Served with a Choice of Baked Potato/Red roasted Potatoes and Green beans Amandine
$32.95 per Person
Tropical Pork Loin
Sliced Tenderloin served with our homemade tropical Mango Sauce
Served with a Choice of Wild Rice/Rice Pilaf and Honey-glazed Carrots
$32.95 per Person
Roast Beef Bordelaise
Served with a rich Bordelaise Sauce and Mushrooms
Served with Red roasted Potatoes and Spring Mix Vegetables
$32.95 per Person
Crab Stuffed Salmon
Served with Lemon Butter Sauce Served with Garlic roasted Potatoes and Lemon Butter Asparagus and Pepper Mix
$33.95 per Person
Broiled Salmon
Prepared with our homemade tropical Mango Sauce
Served with Cranberry Pecan Rice Pilaf and Lemon Butter Asparagus
$30.95 per Person
Roasted Vegetable Tortellini
Cheese Tortellini tossed with roasted Spring Vegetables
$20.95 pit Person
A VARIETY OF FINE WINES ARE AVAILABLETO TO COMPLIMEANT YOUR MEAL.
Vegetarian and/or special request to any of our dinner selections can be accommodated for an additional fee.
All menu prices are subject to 20% service Change and 5% Virginia sales tax. Menu items and prices are Subject to change without notice.
Menus ordered for fewer than 25 guests will be subject to an additional $50.00 taxable service charge.
Holiday Inn Quantico Center
3501 Fettler Park Drive - Dumfries, Virginia 22025 - (703)441-9001
Director of Sales, Petra Carr (703)441-9001 Email: [email protected]
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Here is a BLOG site that I have set up for your use!
Some day I'll master BLOGing. (ft) http://groups.google.com/group/vmf-vma-311-reunion-org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
VMA-311 AWARD STREAMERS
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Tomcat Pictures
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If you have any pictures to add to this album, send them with identifying information to Fred Townsley at [email protected] [email protected]
Join the group & I'll send notification of the next newsletter to all the members who have signed up.
Semper Fidelis
"Old Sarg Fred" Townsley (webmaster) 6/18/2012 *************************************************************************************
Squadron Awards
Tomcat Pictures
If you have any pictures to add to this album, send them with identifing information to Fred Townsley at [email protected] -
Join the group & I'll send notification of the next newsletter to all the members who have signed up