71St Anniversary Iwo Jima Reunion of Honor

Iwo jima associaition of America (ijaa) 71st Anniversary iwo jima reunion of honor

Join us on the Black Sands in 2016! I w o J i m a Association of America, Inc. 71st Anniversary Battle of Iwo Jima

Reunion and Historical Symposium

Founder Emeritus 18 - 21 February, 2016 - Washington, DC MajGen Fred Haynes, USMC **

Chairman Emeritus Reunion of Honor Tour LtGen Larry Snowden, USMC #

Chairman 14 - 21 March, 2016 - Guam and Iwo Jima LtGen H.C. “Hank” Stackpole, USMC #

President LtGen “Norm” Smith, USMC # Dear Iwo Jima veterans, families and friends:

Honorary Chairmen Gen Carl Mundy, USMC ** In March 2002, the 32nd Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Gen “Chuck” Krulak, USMC “Jim” Jones, USMC was so impressed by the solemn feeling of warrior Gen Jim Jones, USMC Gen "Mike" Hagee, USMC brotherhood expressed by the American and Japanese survivors on Iwo Gen Jim Conway, USMC Jima that he decreed the Joint Reunion of Honor would become an annu- Gen Jim Amos, USMC Gen W.L. “Spider” Nyland, USMC al event. Gen Carl Fulford, USMC Gen “Tony” Zinni, USMC In March 2005, General "Mike" Hagee, USMC, 33rd Commandant, flew ADM Ron Hays, USN LtGen “Rusty” Blackman, USMC all night from Washington, DC to be with the veterans and their families LtGen Ron Christmas, USMC on the anniversary. LtGen Ron Coleman, USMC LtGen “Chip” Gregson, USMC In March 2010, the 34th Commandant, General “Jim” Conway, USMC, LtGen Earl Hailston, USMC LtGen Frank Libutti, USMC joined us for the 65th Anniversary, General “Jim” Amos, USMC the 35th LtGen Joe Weber, USMC LtGen “Rick” Zilmer, USMC Commandant attended in March 2014 and last March the 36th Comman- MajGen “Mike” Myatt, USMC dant General “Joe” Dunford, USMC joined IJAA on Iwo for the historic RADM Daniel Mc Kinnon, USN Col "Barney" Barnum, USMC, MOH 70th Anniversary in 2015 again strengthening the importance of this Col Frank Caldwell, USMC event for Marines of all eras. Since space is restricted on this “Reunion of Col Richard Rothman, USMC Col Dave Severance, USMC Honor”, (because we have to charter a civilian jet aircraft from Guam to Mr. Arnold Shapiro " " Iwo Jima), you are STRONGLY encouraged to get your registration in J. Woody Williams, USMC, MOH Mr. Jerry Yellin the mail just as soon as possible. You can change your mind later. How-

Executive Vice President ever, once the seats are gone, they're gone! Col Warren Wiedhahn, USMC

Executive Director We personally look forward to seeing all of you on the "Black Sands" in Shayne Jarosz March 2016. You will NEVER forget the feeling of awe when the plane Director, Business Development sets down on Motoyama Airfield #2, on Iwo Jima. It is an indescribable LtCol Raul “Art” Sifuentes, USMC experience! Chaplain The Rev. William M. Krulak Sincere fraternal regards, Colonel, USMCR

Communication Director Mark Stevens

Advisory Board “Gene” Bell # John Butler # Gail Chatfield Alice Clark Dale Cook Tom Cox Joyce Faulkner Joe Garza Maj Norm Hatch, USMC Ivan Hammond # L.F. “Larry” Snowden H.C. “Hank” Stackpole N.H. “Norm” Smith Bonnie Arnold Haynes # LtGen USMC (Ret) LtGen USMC (Ret) LtGen USMC (Ret) G. Wilson Horde John Huffhines Kevin Jarvis # Chris Johnson # Chairman—Emeritus Chairman President Hal Johnson Peter Johnson Jr. LtCol Mike Kessler, USMC # Dan King Diane Kuebler Laura Leppert # Donald Mates IMPORTANT NOTE: More and more sons and daughters, as well as Jim Meketa Doug Meny # Kathy Painton Dale Quillen other relatives and friends of Iwo Jima veterans, are joining our ranks. Ira Rigger # We want you to know that you are MOST WELCOME! Col Bill Rockey, USMC # Col Steve Snowden, USMC

# Board of Directors P.O. Box 680, Quantico, VA 22134 Phone (703) 590-1295 * Fax (703) 590-1292 ** Deceased E-mail: [email protected] * www.IwoJimaAssociation.org

Left: Commandant “Joe” DunforD with SECNaV “rAY” MABus At the 70th “reunion of hon- or” cereMonY. Right: Commandant “JiM” conwAY MHT is proud to partner with the with a young marine during the 65th Return. Following Associations & Museums MCA&F, MCL, NAUS, NMPW & PAM RETURN TO IWO JIMA Early in the morning we will Below (left): Woody Williams, depart Guam for a day-long Medal of Honor Recipient Memorial Tour and Observance on back on the Black Sands Iwo Jima. Upon arrival, you will be met by the official U.S. and Japanese Government delegation consisting of representatives from the Armed Services. (We will land on the site of Motoyama airfield #2.) After visiting Mt. Suribachi and the scene of the famed flag raising captured by Joe Rosenthal on 23 Feb 1945. Afterwards, Veterans and their families will gather above the landing beaches to conduct Memorial Services at the Anniversary Monument. These services, conducted by dignitaries and Veterans of the United States and Japan, will remember and memorialize those young men who gave their lives during the savage campaign for the island. Following a box lunch, we will continue touring the island to include the landing beaches. Late in the day we will return to the airfield where this historic day began, to gather one last time in friendship and camaraderie on the sacred soil of Iwo Jima. Day 6 - 19 March Flight to Iwo Jima. Upon arrival, you GuAM • iwo JiMA will be briefed on the plan for the day and proceed on your tour of the island. Please note that vehicle transportation is limited to Iwo Jima Veterans and older family members only. We will visit Mt Suribachi and the landing beaches. We will attend a joint IJAA Memorial Ser- vice overlooking the landing beaches. (** USA Passports Only permitted on charter per Japanese Immigration. **) (B/L/D)

Day 7 - 20 March Day of relaxation at the Outrigger pools or Tumon Bay Beach. Optional individual tours for Ga’an Point, Magellan Monument or Ft. Soledad available. All groups depart for the Pacific War Museum at 5PM for the John Gerber Memorial/3rd Marine Division Association an island fiesta. Return to Outrigger by 8PM (B/L/D)

Day 8 - 21 March Guam & Saipan groups depart for 14—21 Mar 2016 home or Hawaii post tour. (Cross International date line - gain a day) ** Peleliu Battlefield tour depart this evening Itinerary for Guam & Iwo Jima 2016 for their flight to Koror, Palau and overnight.

13 March If you arrive Los Angeles for overnight. (MHT IJAA Executive Director Shayne Jarosz with Iwo Jima and Rates available at LAX Sheraton 4 Points. Call for MHT Guam Vet and longtime IJAA Media Relations Director Room block at Sheraton 4 Points: 800-529-4683 Reference "Cy" O'Brien on Guam. Corporate Acct #326451.) Unless you arrange for direct connect flights with MHT or on your own.

Day 1 - 14 March Depart for Guam (Cross dateline, lose a day)

Day 2 - 15 March Arrive Guam. Transfer to Outrigger Guam Resort. Enjoy a traditional “Chamorro” Welcome!

Day 3 - 16 March IJAA Group A after a quick swing by Ft. Apugan, Plaza de Esapana & Nimitz Hill we depart for our northern island tour that highlights Guam’s importance in the final year of WWII as a B-29 staging area plus its air support of the Vietnam War. We stop at the Japanese Peace Memorial and see artifacts plus General Obata’s cave where he and his command group perished. Return to Outrigger. IJAA Group Guam/Iwo Jima Tour Price B departs for Asan Beach and Overlook, Big Navy, NPS Basic Tour Price $ 3,995 Museum, Jeff’s Pirates Cove for lunch. Return to Outrigger. (Based on double occupancy) (B-Breakfast/L-Lunch provided/D-Dinner on your own) Single Room Supplement $ 795

Day 4 - 17 March Group A departs for Asan Beach and Iwo Jima Day Only $ 1,595 Symposium Day $ 50 Overlook, Big Navy, NPS Museum, Jeff’s Pirates Cove for lunch. Return to Outrigger. Group B We depart for our Iwo Jima Tour Includes: northern island tour that highlights Guam’s importance in the  Deluxe Hotel accommodations on Guam final year of WWII as a B-29 staging area plus its air support  Deluxe air conditioned motor coach transportation of the Vietnam War. we stop at the Japanese Peace Memorial  Round-trip airport transfers in Guam and see artifacts plus General Obata’s cave where he and his  Military historical sites and battlefield tours command group perished. After lunch at Shirley’s, we do a  FULL DAY ON IWO JIMA, via charter jet quick swing by Ft. Apugan, Plaza de Esapana & Nimitz Hill  Meals as indicated in itinerary. Return to Outrigger. (B/L)  **Note: Due to the size of this tour group Guam daily itinerar-

Day 5 - 18 March Today, we participate in a full day Educa- ies may change, but all areas will be visited. Final itineraries will be given out upon arrival in Guam. tional-Historical Symposium on the Battle of Iwo Jima, co- hosted by the Iwo Jima Association of America (IJAA.) Airfare Not Included: MHT Roundtrip Air American Historians and Veterans will offer their perspective Available Upon Request: Air Travel Price on different aspects of the battle, including roundtable discus- Quotes from your hometown sions and a luncheon. Additionally, a comprehensive pre-tour available approximately $2,200 briefing on “Iwo Jima Today” will be conducted. Tonight, we for planning purposes actual cost gather for the 71st Reunion of Honor Banquet, with honored upon registration. These quotes available from any city serviced local guests, military and civilian dignitaries. (B/L/D) by United Airlines.

IMPORTANT NOTES Booking Your Own Air - Requires you to provide your own airfare to Guam along with transfers from the airport to our hotel. MHT will provide all ground tour services as out- lined for full tour participants, including round-trip charter air between Guam and Iwo Jima (** There is NO Mileage accrual for Charter Flights.**) MHT arranged airfare includes hotel transfers. Group Size - Due to the capacity of the charter flight between Guam and Iwo Jima, space is very limited. Each registration is date stamped and processed upon receipt until the aircraft are filled. Registrations in excess of this number will be notified of their status and given the choice of cancelling or remaining on a “waitlist” until 30 days prior to de- parture. At this time we will return all registration deposits that cannot be accommodated. Iwo Jima Only Tours - We receive many requests for the Iwo Jima day only. Because of the great demand we receive from those who wish to participate in the full tour from Los Angeles, we may not be able to offer an “Iwo only” option for those residing outside of Guam, Saipan, or Tinian. This ensures that every tour participant is guaranteed a spot on the flight to Iwo Jima. Those residing on Guam, Saipan, or Tinian, who are Iwo Jima Veterans, or family members, will be given first con- sideration for available seats on the charter flight to Iwo Jima.

PRE - TOUR Mht’s LeGAcY series of SAIPAN & TINIAN Pacific Battlefield Tour s 11 - 15 March 2016 Pre-Tour Itinerary to Saipan and Tinian were loaded and see Runway Able where the Enola Gay 10 March took off for Hiroshima. Fly to Saipan late afternoon. (B/L)

If you arrive Los Angeles for overnight. (MHT Rates avail- Day 5 - 15 March able at LAX Sheraton 4 Points. Call for MHT Room block Participate in a moving Liberation Ceremony & wreath at Sheraton 4 Points: 800-529-4683 Reference Corporate laying at the American Memorial Park. Each veteran will Acct #326451.) Unless you arrange for direct connect be individually honored by Saipan. Today we will also flights with MHT or on your own. visit the CMMI museum, spanning all periods of Saipan Day 1 - 11 March history, as well as recovered Spanish treasure. The remain- Depart Los Angeles for Saipan (via Honolulu and Guam). der of the day will be at leisure to take care of any unfin- (Cross International Dateline - lose a day.) ished shopping, take a swim, and pack for an early evening flight to Guam. After check-in at the Guam Outrigger Re- Day 2 - 12 March sort, the evening is at your leisure. (B/L) Arrive Saipan in the evening with a traditional Saipan island welcome. Check into the Pacific Island Club and relax Grotenhuis Family at the Enola for the remainder of the evening. Gay Bomb Loading Pit on Tinian Day 3 - 13 March A full day WWII history tour of Sai- pan beginning at the American Me- morial Park Visitor Center. Next, the 2d and 4th Marine Division beaches where you can feel how exposed the Marines were to Japa- nese observers on Mt Tapotchau towering 1500 feet above us. Follow the progression of the battle south to Aslito/ Isley Airfield. Next proceed through the infamous "Death Valley," flanked on the east by "Purple Heart Ridge" and on the west by the ever-imposing Mt Tapotchau. Follow- Saipan - Tinian Pre-Tour Price ing the flow of the 1944 battle northward, pass the notori- ous site of the mass banzai attack. End the day at "Suicide Optional Tour Price $ 1,795 Cliff" and "Banzai Cliff," the sites of mass suicides. Here, (Based on double occupancy) where the battle for Saipan ended, are impressive memori- Single Room Supplement $ 495 als to peace. Group dinner in the evening. (B/L/D) Pre-Tour Includes:  Roundtrip Airfare from Guam to Saipan Day 4 - 14 March Depart to Tinian Island for a battlefield study of this is-  Roundtrip Airfare between Saipan and Tinian land’s liberation. Marvel at the small and narrow invasion  Deluxe Hotel accommodations on Saipan at the Pacific Island Club, Saipan located in the heart of beaches where the Marine landings surprised the Japanese Garapan close to the beach and nightlife. defenders. See pillboxes and the rusted hulk of a landing  Meals as indicated on the itinerary craft. Explore the now abandoned North Field, which in  Deluxe air conditioned motor coach transportation 1944-45 was the world’s most active airfield with hundreds of B-29 bombers and tens of thousands of airmen and sup-  Round-trip airport transfers in Saipan port troops. Visit the "bomb pits" where the atomic bombs  Battlefield tours on Saipan and Tinian

Mht’s LeGAcY series of POST TOUR Mht’s LeGAcY series of Pacific Battlefield Tour PELELIU 21 - 26 March 2016 Post Tour Itinerary to Peleliu three hills. We observe Radar Hill just across the road to the east. 21 March: Flight to and overnight in Koror.

Day 1—22 March: Peleliu - Boat through the beautiful Rock Islands on the way to Peleliu. After lunch we Check into rooms board our boat for with lunch on the will be our return beach. After lunch, to Koror.(B/L/D) explore The Point and White Beach I Day 5—26 & II as well as adjacent areas. As time allows, a bus tour of March: Koror - the island will allow the group to understand the island’s Depart for home overall layout. Cross talk session on the operation in the at 0200, cross the evening for those who want to participate. Evening at lei- international date sure. (B/L/D) line and gain a day. Arrive in the USA the same day. Day 2—23 March: Peleliu - Trek into Wildcat Bowl to view artifacts NOTE: This tour uti- (such as Japanese artillery pieces, lizes tourist class ac- napalm tank and water catch basin) commodations on Pe- of the battle and explore caves. After leliu to maximize the lunch, we will trek into the jungle to battlefield touring. view the Sherman tank destroyed by The activities listed a land mine and some aircraft wreck- are of an “adventure” age. (B/L/D) nature, requiring good physical fitness to Day 3—24 March: Peleliu - Trek traverse the battle ter- into the Horse Shoe Valley to view rain. Please contact the Japanese fighting positions, the our office with any air compressor used by the 81st In- questions. fantry Division to clear caves as well as see other battle artifacts. In the afternoon we will trek into Death Valley to view the last command post of the Peleliu Post Tour Price island’s Japanese commander. Additional battle artifacts located around the island that we will visit as time allows include: Betty Bomber wreckage, 200mm gun cave, Zero Peleliu Post Tour $ 1,995 (Based on double occupancy) wreckage, big gun bunkers and caves, Japanese tank and Headquarters Building and the Museum of the Battle for Single Room Supplement $ 425

Peleliu. (B/L/D) Post Tour Includes:

• Roundtrip Airfare from Guam to Peleliu Day 4—25 March: Pele- • Tourist Class Hotel Accommodations on Peleliu liu & Koror - • Round-trip transfers between airport, dock and This morning we have a walking hotel tour of Hill • All meals on Peleliu Row to explore the caves, gun • Tours led by knowledgeable MHT Battlefield Guides bunkers and ar- • Services of experienced MHT Tour Directors tillery pieces located on the • Admission fees and gratuities as indicated on itinerary north face of

POST TOUR - HONOLULU Post TOUR - Japan — & PEARL HARBOR WWII & Imperial Sites Mht’s LeGAcY series of PAcific BAttLefieLD tours Kyoto—Nara—Hiroshima—Nagasaki 21 - 24 MARCH 2016 21 - 26 MARCH 2016 Enjoy 4 Nights & 4 Days at the Outrigger Ohana Enjoy 5 Nights & 6 Days in Japan

East Resort Hotel—Waikiki RELAX AND ENJOY THE WWII & IMPERIAL SITES OF JAPAN!

RELAX AND ENJOY THE Post Tour: $ 3,750 (Based on double occupancy) Single Room Supplement: $ 795 SUN AND HISTORIC SITES OF HONOLULU! 21 March - Depart Guam for Kansei International Airport Osaka & transfer to our hotel in Kyoto. Hotel: Granvia Kyoto Post Tour: $ 1,295 (Based on double occupancy) 22 March - After breakfast we tour the former Imperial Capi- Single Room Supplement: $ 425 tal of Japan with stops at the other-

21 March - Depart Guam worldly Kiyomizu-dera & Ginkaku-ji for Hawaii. Temples and Grounds. We also visit the Ryoan-ji Temple with its fascinat- 20 March - (Cross Interna- ing dry landscape of smooth pebbles tional Dateline - gain a and rock gardens. Hotel: Granvia day.) Arrive Honolulu early Kyoto(B) evening and check into one of the Ohana Waikiki Hotels. Din- ner on your own. 23 March - Today we head out to Nara with a stop at Todaiji Temple Cultural Center and see the Big Buddha and then on to 21 March - After break- see one of the oldest wooden fast we depart for the buildings in the world, the pa- Arizona Memorial. goda at Horyu-ji Buddist Tem- While there we also visit ple. We finish the day touring the USS Bowfin and the the UNESCO World Heritage Submarine Museum. Af- Site, the Kasuga Shrine & For- est. Hotel: Granvia Kyoto (B) ter lunch we tour the USS Missouri and Ford USS Arizona Memorial 24 March - This morning we Island. (B/L) take the bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima to see the site of the 22 March - After breakfast, we head for the “Punchbowl”, first deployment of the Atomic the National Cemetery of the Pacific. From there we head bomb (Little Boy) on 6 Aug 1945 to Ford Island to and tour the Hiroshima Peace have lunch and vis- Memorial Museum. We take the it the Pacific Avia- ferry to the Itsukushima tion Museum. (Miyajima) Shrine to see the (B/L) amazing “floating” torii gate. Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza (B) 23 March - Day of leisure. After break- 25 March - Today we take the bullet fast enjoy a fun filled train from Hiroshima to Nagasaki to see day on Waikiki the site where the first Plutonium bomb Beach or sightseeing (Fat Man) was dropped three days later. in downtown Hono- We tour the Peace Memorial Museum Waikiki Beach & Diamond Head lulu. Late checkout. as well as the oldest western-style house Leave Hawaii on an in Japan the Glover House & Garden. evening flight. (B) We finish the day visiting Dejima Island the site the shogun built for the original 24 March - Arrive contact with Portuguese and later Dutch traders and the Japa- Los Angeles 5:00AM. nese Empire. Hotel: Best Western Premier (B)

OPTION: Add 1 to 26 March - After 7 additional days breakfast, we board in Honolulu to see the bullet train from the sights or enjoy Nagasaki to Osa- the beaches on ka’s Kansai Interna- your own. Call the tional Airport office for (KIX) for our flight details. Veterans on the Battleship USS Missouri home. (B) P.O. Box 680, Quantico, VA 22134-0680

IJAA RETURNS THE VETERANS OF IWO JIMA TO THE “BLACK SANDS”

JOIN THEM FOR THE 71ST ANNIVERSARY