Message from the Board President

NOVEMBER REUNION UPDATE

To all the First Battalion, 1st Marines Vietnam Reunion Organization members, we (1/1 Board of Directors) want to thank you for your patience and commitment to attend the Reunion scheduled in San Antonio, Texas, May 4th -8th, 2022. Because of the COVID situation nationwide, it was necessary in the best interest and well-being of attendees to reschedule from October 2021 to May 2022. The invited VIP guests and speakers, including General Ray Smith and General Ayala, have confirmed to join us in May. We sincerely appreciate their commitment. The 1/1 Board of Directors has faced many challenges in making decisions in the organization’s best interest and upcoming Reunion. I wish to commend them for their dedication and work toward the planning of your Reunion. 

The Board of Directors would like to acknowledge and recognize Bill Kendle, Reunion Coordinator, 1/1 VP, and Finance Secretary. During the last few months and while battling cancer, Bill and his wife Arlys were diagnosed with COVID. However, after much-needed rest, treatments at the VA Hospital, and a third booster shot, Bill (and Arlys) overcame COVID. Bill, now recovered from COVID) is currently moving the Reunion planning forward. The Board, in his absence, “held the fort,” and after a long wait, we are deeply grateful for his successful recovery.  

Meanwhile, have a safe and fantastic holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you May 4th 8th 2022 in San Antonio. 

Semper Fi

Sam Verdeja

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Message from the Board Vice President

Marines, 

I have just recently returned from an unintended medical leave. I contacted Covid-19 during the middle of September and am now in recovery.  The virus was utterly debilitating and very difficult to manage. It was a horrible experience.   I have never been that sick in my life. At times, I did not believe I would recover. I’m very grateful to my caregiving wife and the staff at the VA hospital that I remain.

Due to my current cancer, I must receive monthly infusions of chemotherapy and immune system replacement (IVIG) on the first Thursday of each month. My oncologist also recommended that I take the Covid booster the day I received chemo.  Two weeks later, I contacted the Covid variant.

My family has been extremely cautious and mindful concerning CDC-recommended preventive measures. However, I let my guard down and allowed a non-vaccinated, non-masked friend in my space.  The friend I contacted Covid from is now in the hospital. He may not recover. He also passed the virus to two others who have since passed away. His viral load was substantial. 

1st Battalion 1st Marines is fortunate to have a medical professional on our Board of Directors. His advice concerning Covid awareness presents us with challenges to ascertain a safe and memorable 2022 reunion. 

Many of you are not aware that Sam and I made a trip to San Antonio last April. The purpose of the visit was to meet with civic leaders and military officials concerning San Antonio’s escalating degree of pandemic exposure.  Both Sam and I returned home disillusioned and made the immediate recommendation to 1-1’s Board of Directors to reschedule the reunion until May 6 of 2022.

Everything is still on track for our 1/1 Reunion in May of 2022. The Board will continue to monitor the status of San Antonio. Let’s hope for a successful save- the- date and not have to reschedule again. 

We currently have 86 registered for the reunion. Six members requested a refund. A shout out to Doc. Montgomery for encouraging Marines to remain on the registration list.

FYI, Major Henry (Hank) Trautwein passed away on April 11, 2020. He received 2 Silver Stars, 2 Bronze Stars w Combat V, and 3 Purple Hearts.  Our Battalion Secretary, John Kaper, sent regrets to his wife, Rosella.  

Semper Fi

Bill Kendle