Greetings! I hope you and your families have enjoyed good health and happiness this Spring!
Final plans are now in place for our upcoming reunion in San Antonio, Texas, October 4th-8th, 2023. Tom Huffhines has arranged for us to stay at the historic Menger Hotel across from The Alamo and Riverwalk and only eight miles from the airport.
In addition to Tom’s outstanding work, he has had the invaluable assistance of his dedicated team. Many thanks to all who support FMDA with their special skills.
This year’s reunion highlights will include our banquet speaker, General Mike Hagee USMC (ret), the 33rd Commandant of the Marine Corps and the reading of the eulogy at our Memorial Service by Kenneth Brown, the 5th Division Chaplain’s Assistant. He knew Rabbi Gittelsohn who gave the famous eulogy for those 5th Division Marines initially buried on Iwo Jima.
Additional highlights will include talks by Tom Graves regarding the naming of a WWII Navy ship for combat photographer Joe Rosenthal, as well as a talk by historian Dan King. We’ll also be treated to a Magic Show and a tour of The Alamo.
Sadly we continue to receive notices of the passing of our friends from the 5th Marine Division. We mourn their passing while also giving thanks for their service to our nation.
FDMA will continue to pursue the purpose of our organization of Legacy, Remembrance, Fellowship, and Camaraderie. We are all bound by the desire to honor their memories and heroic sacrifices. May we never forget the legacies they have provided us.
Capt.Skip Werthmuller USN (Ret)