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Marine
Reunions
These
are items of interest to military reunions including reunions
that have already happened so others can find their own reunion
groups. If you have military reunion news, e-mail
us. If you are listing your reunion, send the reunion name, date
and place and the name, address, phone and contact person's e-mail
address.
Mustangs
still run together
The Marine Corps Mustang Association is made
up of US Marines who served as enlisted men and worked their way
up to the ranks of commissioned officers. There are 1,600 members
in five chapters. Not too long ago on continents not far away,
these men fought for the American way of life. Decades have passed,
but they still enjoy each other’s company and hold frequent
reunions.
Florida has one of the largest chapters, which
meets four times a year. Reunions have included riding in amphibious
assault vehicles, visiting the Naval Aviation museum and country
western themes.
The Florida chapter is sponsoring this year’s
National Marine Mustang Convention at Daytona Beach, Florida,
in September. Visits to The Kennedy Space Center and St. Augustine
are just a couple of the fun things in store. Membership is open
to Marines who served on active duty as enlisted men, then became
commissioned or warrant officers. The association is always looking
for new members. If you qualify, contact Florida Mustang Association
USMC, PO Box 770787, Winter Garden FL 34777.
Hospitality
is where it's at
by Douglas Bell
I consider the Hospitality Room to be the key to a successful
reunion. It is the focal point of everything the 1st ProvMarine
Brigade, Korea 1950, does except the banquet. A volunteer hospitality
committee sets up the room and runs it themselves. We cater it
ourselves, and buy everything locally. The hospitality room opens
at noon the day before the reunion starts.
"Early
Birds" do the leg work, purchasing beer, soft drinks, wine,
chips and snacks. Then we have an Early Bird pre-reunion reception.
On the first reunion day, the hospitality room is used as a registration,
reception and lounge area. The first evening we hold a reception
with cold cuts and salads purchased and set up by the hospitality
committee. It is the event of the evening. The next day we hold
a business meeting in the morning where coffee and pastries are
served, again catered by the hospitality committee.
During the
day the room is the focal point for sea stories and a general
gathering place. The second evening, the hotel caters our banquet
in another room which the hospitality committee decorates. After
the banquet we return again to the hospitality room. Incidentally,
we never close the room as long as two people are using it!
The third
morning, coffee, pastries and general bull sessions are in the
hospitality room while the ladies take off for a mall or outlet.
We hold a farewell party the last evening in the hospitality room
and order in pizza. We keep cold cuts, salads, beer, wine and
soft drinks stocked the entire time.
All hospitality
room expenses are paid from part of the registration fee of $35-40
per person. It pays for the hospitality room, banquet, door prizes,
everything. It sure works for us.
The Hospitality
Committee is given a budget and is reimbursed for all receipts.
I pay the banquet cost the morning after the banquet. Our hospitality
rooms are usually complimentary. When pizza is delivered, I pay
for it. I also make sure all bills are paid before I leave because
we want to be welcomed back.
About
the author
Douglas L Bell, LtCol USMC retired, enlisted in 1945 and retired
February 1972. He served in the Mariannas, Philippines, Korea,
Japan Cuba, Okinawa, Vietnam and many stateside locations. Dog
Company, 2nd Battalion, Fifth Marines, 1st Provisional Marine
Brigade served from the August 2, 1950 landing at the Pusan Perimeter
(Korea) and later joined the 1st Marine Division for the landing
at Inchon Korea on September 15, 1950. |
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