I wish you all the best in the New Year and hope you will be able to attend FMDA’s 75th Anniversary in October 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
I continue to be an honored member of the 5th Marine Division Association (FMDA) and remain passionate for preserving the legacies of all 5th Marine Division Marines who fought on Iwo Jima and those who fought in the Vietnam War. They provide a heroic legacy for all Marines and fellow citizens regarding honor, bravery, and the will to succeed. Their sacrifice has helped make our country so successful.
We had a very successful reunion in San Antonio, Texas thanks to Alfredo Cooke, Tom Huffhines, and all
those who helped manage and participate in the reunion. They put together an amazing agenda and program. My special thanks also goes to Leighton Willhite, for his detailed discussion of the
Battle of Iwo Jima, and to Thomas Begay for his discussion about the role the Navaho Code Talkers in the war. Mr. Bega also sang a beautiful rendition of the Marine Corps hymn in the Navajo language at the final banquet.
Additional thanks also go to Bill Bauman and Mike Archer for their Vietnam presentations, and to Major
General (USMC ret) Juan Ayala for moderating a powerful discussion group, which included all USMC
Veterans present, about their experiences in WWll and the Vietnam War. This was filmed for station CTSA, military public affairs, and Fox News local.
We also thank General Hagee, USMC (Ret., 33rd Commandant), who as President and CEO of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation, welcomed us to the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas, and Harold Overstreet USMC (Ret., 12th Sergeant Major) who gave the keynote address at our banquet.
As well, thanks to Gary Gordon and Mari Garcia who work with the V.A. in the important field of PTSD counseling and awareness, and to John Whiten, Willie Dillon, and Deacon Don Bradley who once again provided photography, airport pickup, and chaplain duties.
I also welcome our new Treasurer, Jody Snodgrass (Leighton Willhite’s grandson) and our new database manager Zach Wood! Acknowledgement and gratitude also to member Barb Allen who thoughtfully provided each registration bag with a vial of Black Sand from Iwo Jima.
I ‘m looking forward to our 75th reunion in October in Indianapolis, Indiana, which will be hosted by Chuck Jarvis. I also look forward, along with all of you, to continue our honored duty of Legacy, Remembrance, Fellowship and Camaraderie. We are bound by the desire to keep alive the honored memory of heroic sacrifice by Iwo Jima and Vietnam War Veterans and by the never-to-be-forgotten legacy they provide us.