Mission of the Marine Embassy Guard Association
OFFICERS
&
DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Ed Vasgerdsian
Board Liaison Officer to the
Election Committee
VICE PRESIDENT
Charles M. McKinney, III
Board Liaison Officer to MSG
Battalion and WebMaster
Board Liaison Officer to the
Historical Committee
TREASURER
William J. Stanson
SECRETARY
Alfred E. Smith, III
Interim Editor-in-Chief
DIRECTOR
James K. Harkins
Board Liaison Officer to the
Financial Committee
To inspire love of Corps and Country
To encourage Marines to aspire to a career in the Marine
Security Guard program
To render aid to Marines and others when in need
To promote camaraderie and esprit de corps
To provide a forum in which to assemble for social interaction
To serve as a catalyst for communications on matters of mutual
interest
To revere the memory of our departed shipmates
To assist in preserving the historical records of Marine Security
Guards and their achievements
To perform any other lawful purpose or purposes
DIRECTOR
James K. Riekena
DIRECTOR
Guy L. Lennon
Newsletter Editor
DIRECTOR
Charles D. Ledbetter
2004 Reunion Chairman
DIRECTOR
Andrew J. Buzzo
Board Liaison Officer to the
Technology Committee
MEGA News Letter Vol. 5 No 3
COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
LEGAL COUNSEL & REUNION ADVISOR
Thomas Butler, Esq.
ELECTION
Otto W. Haversat, Jr.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
David Spellman
HISTORICAL
Jack McGarry
TECHNOLOGY
Fred Samarelli
SHIPS STORE
Kenneth S. Rapp
May/June/July 2003
2
Greetings MEGA!
The 5th Annual MEGA Reunion was a tremendous success!
This year’s attendance numbered just shy of 200. A day to
day recap, as well as photos is posted on the MEGA website.
http://www.embassymarine.org/
MEGA NEWSLETTER
Interim Editor-in-Chief:
Alfred Smith III
P.O. Box 3371
Carmel, IN 46082-3371
Alfred@embassymarine.org
MEGA Newsletter:
Published 6 times a year by the
Marine Embassy Guard
Association in Jan/Feb; Mar/Apr;
May/Jun; Jul/Aug; Sep/Oct; and
Nov/Dec.
Cut-off for submission of material
for publishing in a specific issue is
the 1st day of the second month of
that issue.
Caveats:
Opinions of authors whose articles
appear in the MEGA Newsletter do
not necessarily express the opinion
of the MEGA.
The newsletter is transforming with the changing of editors.
On May 23, 2003 Charles May resigned as Editor–in-Chief.
Director Guy Lennon will be taking the reigns shortly and we
are excited about the new look and feel he will be bringing.
MEGA Thanx! to the folks who contributed articles, time and
insight into the making of this edition.
In Every Clime and Place,
Alfred Smith III
Secretary
Interim Editor-in-Chief
Marine Embassy Guard Assn
Secretary@embassymarine.org
Articles, photos and any other
documents should be accompanied
by a stamped, self-addressed
envelope if the material is to be
returned.
Publication of advertisements does
not imply the endorsement of the
MEGA, except for such products
that are clearly offered by the
Association.
Advertising Rates (per issue)
Full Page - $125.00
Half Page - $75.00
Quarter Page - $50.00
Business Card - $30.00
Inside First Page, add $25.00
Inside Back Page, add $25.00
MEGA News Letter Vol. 5 No 3
May/June/July 2003
3
MEGA MARINE HOUSE
MEGA Marine House is dedicated to
bringing you bits of info about the past,
present and future. After all, if there was
anything happening, it happened at the
Marine House.
Edward “Ed” Vasgerdsian
PRESIDENT
BOARD LIAISON
OFFICER to the
ELECTION CMTE.
EdV@embassymarine.org
As far as I know everyone
returned home from the reunion safe
and sound. For those of you that missed
the occasion check out the MEGA web
site for photos. Remember the phrase,
“a sobering thought”? During reunion
time this expression was put to its
ultimate challenge. Aw, that’s not
entirely true. We had a great time and
everyone seems to be looking forward
to Biloxi (pronounced Buh luck si) In
order to get the proper enunciation drop
your jaw below your chin.
It’s over, at least for the Marines they’ll
soon be home. Saddam, the Insane is no
longer a threat. What a great job our
people did! I have nothing but
admiration for our troops. Marines,
soldiers, sailors, coast guard and air
force performed incredibly well.
On the other hand, the performance of
some retired military officers who sold
their souls to the media is a disgrace.
For a few silver coins they put fear in
the hearts of parents and love ones by
openly second-guessing our battle field
commanders. You wanna talk about
honor? A pox on these low caste types
who should receive a Court Martial in
absentia, stripped of their PX privileges
and have their homes tee peed.
And while I’m at it how about the
French? They’re having trouble in the
Congo and want the United Nations to
send in troops. UN Secretary General
Kofi Annan said, “It wasn’t a request
only to France”…”It was a request to
governments with capacity.” Dah! I
MEGA News Letter Vol. 5 No 3
wonder who he’s talking about? We got
a MSG detachment in Kinshasa, Congo
that should be enough. After what the
UN put us through why should we
listen to what they want? I’m convinced
if France and Germany had stood
shoulder to shoulder with us, there
would not have been a war. Hey, what
do I know I was just a grunt.
Pay back, comes in various forms. Take
the Dixie Chicks. They got booed
loudly at the Academy of Country
Music Awards and the Chicks can’t
understand why? After all their agent
said, it’s a free country and people
should be able to say what they want;
everyone except the fans at the Music
Awards. Eat my grits Dixie Chicks.
For all you MSG history buffs here’s a
bit of trivia. In 1962 the smallest MSG
detachments consisted of 4 Marines and
the largest, at Paris, France, consisted
of 34 with an Officer In-Charge. There
were 13 Marines in London. “Marines
are normally quartered within easy
commuting distance from the
embassy/consulate.” So says,
Leatherneck Magazine July 1962 by
way of an inquiry from a reader. Forty
years ago this was true but today’s
roads leading to these same
embassies/consulates are so severally
impacted there is no such thing as an
easy commute. I’m told the MSG in
Lagos, Nigeria use boats for REACT
Drills. Now there’s a story yet to be
told!
James Wilson were assigned to
Embassy Duty in Saudi Arabia.
I heard a wonderful story from Sgt.
Joseph Cole while I was in Jerusalem.
Cole’s first post was Riga, Latvia.
Seems a problem broke whereby local
cops had to be called to grab hold of
some nut case who was acting out on
the street. When the cops arrived they
realized they didn’t have handcuffs, so
they grabbed the guy and wedged him
under a parked car until help arrived.
No, I can’t imagine that happening
anywhere in the U.S. without a law suit
from ACLU.
Hey, Mac where did you get your
tattoo(s)? I got one inked at Ace’s in
Jacksonville, N.C. Seems the Corps
has had to put the law down on some
tats. No more globe and anchor,
mother’s names, devil dog, hearts with
daggers or anything at all on the head,
neck or hand. Drat, there goes another
constitutional right. I remember the
Marines from So. California sporting
Pachuco tattoos, a crucifix with three
slash marks, usually placed between the
thumb and index finger. The Corps
banned those back in the 50’s. Today’s
Marines who violate the new regs must
have them removed at their own
expense.
Okay enough said, I’ve got brass to
polish and shoes to shine.
Semper Fi,
edV
This item may have been a first for the
MSG. In 1960 twin bothers Paul and
May/June/July 2003
4
MEGA HOT NEWS
Charles M. McKinney III
VICE PRESIDENT
The following new Board Officers and Directors were elected by the membership in early April and
installed on April 26, 2003 at Quantico MCB during the Association’s general membership meeting:
Charles W. May was originally elected President and installed
on April 26. He was a member of the Board of Directors for five
years and previously served as Secretary. Charles served on
MSG duty in Moscow & Stockholm (1954-56). This is a 3-year
elected term of office. On May 23, Charles May resigned as
President, from the Board of Directors & as Newsletter
Editor. Subsequently, on June 5, after full and thoughtful
consideration, Vice President Charlie McKinney
respectfully declined acceptance of the presidency at this
time based on current lack of time available due to other
pressing commitments including his ongoing leadership
responsibilities with the American Red Cross and his
present work schedule. McKinney then made an official
motion as Acting President to the Board of Directors that
Edward Vasgerdsian be elected President of the Association.
On June 6, the Board of Directors decisively elected
Vasgerdsian President of the Association to serve the
remainder of the vacated three year term of office. Ed had
served as the Association's Acting President for many months
prior to April 26. He has served with distinction as a member of
the Association's Board of Directors since its inception. Ed
served on MSG duty in Cairo (1956-59). The Association's
Board of Directors as well as the membership-at-large welcome
Ed's outstanding and proven leadership. Congratulations Ed!
Charles M. McKinney, Vice President, has been a member of
the Board of Directors since 2002 and has also served as the
Association's webmaster since June 2002. Charlie served on
MSG duty in Ankara & Algiers (1964-66). This is a 3-year
elected term of office.
Alfred E. Smith, Secretary, is a new member of the Board. Al
served on MSG duty in Paris & Colombo (1979-83). This is a 3year elected term of office. Al has also graciously volunteered to
serve as Acting Newsletter Editor for the June 2003 issue being
presently prepared for distribution to the membership.
MEGA News Letter Vol. 5 No 3
WEBMASTER & BOARD
LIAISON OFFICER to the MSG
BATTALION & BOARD
LIAISON OFFICER to the
HISTORICAL CMTE.
James K. Harkins, Director, is also a new member of the
Board. Jim served on MSG duty in Algiers & Monrovia (196466) and in Calcutta & Luxembourg (1974-76). This is a 3-year
elected term of office.
James K. Riekena, Director, has previously served as
President. James served on MSG duty in Beirut, Madrid,
Copenhagen, Dusseldorf & Copenhagen again (1979-83). This
is a 3-year elected term of office.
In addition, two vacancies were created on the Board when May
and McKinney were elected to officer positions. The Board
subsequently appointed the following individuals to fill those
Director vacancies, as follows: Guy A. Lennon and Charles D.
Ledbetter. Both are 1-year term of office appointments. Guy
served on MSG duty in Beijing & Dublin (1981-83) and Dave
served on MSG duty in New Delhi, Rangoon, Hong Kong &
Tokyo (1973-76). By the way, how about the quality of the
Reunion program brochure this year? Second to none ~
OUTSTANDING!. Guy coordinated that entire effort and in
late May agreed to take on the additional responsibility of
MEGA Newsletter Editor subsequent to the June 2003 issue.
Dave & Sylvia Ledbetter together with J.C. Bond (Manila &
Djakarta 1956-58) are the co-hosts of MEGA's 6th Reunion in
Biloxi, Mississippi next year.
Andrew J. Buzzo was elected by the Board of Directors on
June 6 to complete the one year term left vacant when Ed
Vasgerdsian was elected President. Buzz will also serve as the
Board's Liaison Officer to the Technology Committee. Buzz
previously served as the Association's Vice President. He served
on MSG duty in Karachi & Brussels (1995-98). Welcome back,
Buzz.
May/June/July 2003
See MEGA HOT NEWS next page
5
MEGA HOT NEWS continued
In addition to the above newly elected Officers and Directors,
there was one position which was not up for election in 2003,
Treasurer. That position is occupied by Bill Stanson (Sofia &
Brussels (1970-72). Bill's ongoing service from the inception of
the Association is well-know and deeply appreciated by the
entire membership.
The entire MEGA Board of Directors (past & present) as well as
the membership-at-large take this opportunity to thank Jim
Trout (Monrovia & Nicosia 1959-61) & Mike Lagano
(Brussels & Dar es Salaam (1986-88) for their service as
members of the Board over the past few years. Their
contributions are well known to the other Board members and
we appreciate their time, service and dedication to the success of
the Association.
During the Association's general membership meeting on May
26, 2003, the Board of Directors created two new Committees.
Jack McGarry (Brasilia & Panama 1975-78) was appointed by
the Board to Chair the Historical Committee and Fred
Samarelli (Karachi & Manila 1977-79) was appointed by the
Board to chair the Technology Committee. Welcome aboard,
Marines.
For additional information and addresses plus telephone contact
numbers for all members of the Board of Directors and MEGA
Committee Chairmen, please see the "MEGA Officers" page.
The Association's Board of Directors will hold its mid-year
meeting in Chicago on September 20, 2003.
Battalion Graduations at Quantico: Any MEGA members in
the Mid-Atlantic near Quantico who wish to assist during
Battalion graduations, should contact Dave Spellman (MEGA
Battalion Liaison Officer) for immediate information on
upcoming MSG graduations. Please feel free to contact Dave
directly for the schedule if you can assist in the recruitment of
new MEGA members as they enter on MSG duty.
MEGA HOT NEWS is reproduced in its entirety from the MEGA website.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
As Public Relations Committee Chair and Battalion
Liaison I would like to thank everyone for their support
and kind words during the MEGA 5th Annual Reunion.
I especially want to say thanks to everyone who sent
messages and emails.
I spoke to a number of people during the reunion and
received a lot of input and help. I was able to sign up a
couple of "local" guys to help at the graduations.
Remember everyone is always welcome at these events.
I also spoke to several people about our advertising
campaign which is still in the works. I will be sending out
a suggested blurb for anyone who wants to place it in their
local papers.
The MSG BN change of command ceremony is slated for
August 29, 2003. Colonel Boyette S. (Steve) Hasty will
relinquish command to Colonel William Rizzo Jr.
MEGA News Letter Vol. 5 No 3
Colonel Hasty is a MEGA Life member and we wish him
well in his next assignment. We are looking forward to
meeting with Colonel Rizzo and speaking to him about the
MEGA/MSG BN bond!
Steve Thomas a MEGA member from Olathe, Kansas
spoke to his local paper and it perked a reporters interest.
The reporter, Mr. Gerald Hay, is a Marine veteran. Mr.
Hay did a front page article about the Association with
color photos and a story on Steve.
So, you never know. Let me know if you need the blurb
for your local paper.
David Spellman
Chairman, Public Relations
DaveS@embassymarine.org
May/June/July 2003
6
STEVE A. THOMAS
Life Member
Olathe, KS.
Association unites embassy protectors
Story by Staff Reporter Gerald Hay The Olathe News
Photograph by Jay Soldner The Olathe News
Steve Thomas of Olathe belongs to a small group of
former American ambassadors. They’re the ones in blue
at global embassies, past and present.
He and a select few were assigned dual roles of
special ambassadors and embassy guards throughout
the world. They all wore blue uniforms-the dress blues
of the U.S. Marines.
They now have organized a special veterans group
for all former embassy guards from around the world.
The Marine Embassy Guard Association, of which
Thomas is a member, is marking its fifth year in 2003. It
motto is “In every Clime and Place.”
He learned of the unique veteran group by word of
mouth and decided to join. He’s glad he did and recently
returned from the association’s fifth reunion in Quantico,
Va., where he met a few of his former embassy buddies.
“A lot of Marines do not know what it is,” he said
relaxing on his Olathe patio. “It’s a fairly new
organization that’s trying to get the word out.”
Thomas, a native of Olathe, hopes to do just that, but
doesn’t want to toot his horn too loudly as being qualified
for the elite organization.
He wore his blues during a three-year stint as an
embassy guard, including a year in Baghdad, Iraq, while
he was in the Marine Corps from 1960 to 1970.
His embassy duties spanned the springs of 1963 to
1966 at three spots - two in the Middle East, one in
Africa - with two other brief temporary gigs along the
way.
Thomas said the top priority of the Marine guards,
was not to protect people. It was to protect classified
documents and materials at the embassy from being
stolen or falling into the wrong hands.
The task required guards to man their posts and
routinely search the premises for unlocked doors and
drawers, carelessly discarded papers and typewriter
MEGA News Letter Vol. 5 No 3
May/June/July 2003
carbons or ribbons in the trash to prevent accessibility to
classified information.
“If we can find it, then there was a high probability
someone else could,” Thomas said.
The second priority of the guards was to protect
American lives at the embassy.
He and other guards were screened by the FBI and
received high-security clearance.
They also had to undergo 100 hours of classroom
training in the language of the nation they were assigned
to so that they could answer the telephones at the
embassy or respond to inquiries from the natives.
“You have to have some smattering of the language,
he said. Despite being in exotic places, the job often
was just a job.
“Guard duty is guard duty and it sucks he quipped.
His first assignment as an embassy guard was a gig in
Costa Rica when extra Marines were needed for a visit
to that country by President John F. Kennedy in early
1963. Thomas didn’t have an assignment after
completing his embassy training in Washington and
volunteered to go. The duty lasted about a week.
“That was a bonus, “he said.
His first year as an embassy guard found him in
Baghdad in the spring of 1963.
“The duty was considered a hardship post” because
the country was in the midst of turmoil because of
unstable politics and government, corruption,
economic uncertainty and poor living conditions.
“The embassy staff sometimes had to live under a
strict dusk to dawn curfew.
“There were two or three coups, or attempted coups.
It got hairy sometimes,” he said. “The outs wanted in,
and the ins didn’t want them in.”
See Steve Thomas next page
7
Steve Thomas continued
Thomas had a few problems with the Iraqi citizens,
who liked Americans, he said.
The respect for the embassy staff was reflected when
President Kennedy was assassinated on Nov. 22, 1963,
in Dallas. Hundreds of Iraqis went to the U.S. Embassy
in Baghdad to show their respect to an American they
had never met. The lines often stretched for blocks
outside the embassy gates.
“The turnout of people coming to the embassy was
phenomenal,” Thomas said.
His next embassy duty station was in Tel Aviv,
Israel, which was making its niche as being the “Paris of
the Middle East.” Unlike Baghdad, that assignment had
no major problems or difficulties from 1964 to 1965.
Then Thomas was sent to the Republic of the Congo,
now Zaire and served in the embassy at its capital,
Leopoldville, now Kinshasa, in mid-1965. During that
time, he also spent a few weeks in Nigeria for a special
embassy gig.
It was either Leopoldville or New Delhi, he said of his
options at the time. “I really don’t know why I chose
Leopoldville.”
The nation, at the time was struggling for stability and its
own identity after receiving independence from Belgium in
1960.
Thomas said that people of the new republic did not know
what independence meant.
“They heard they were being given their independence,
and it was free. They came to the capital with baskets and
bags to put it in so they could take it back to their homes,” he
said.
“Really, they had no concept about what was happening to
them at the time. It wasn’t a total shock to me, but it was an
eye-opener”.
That embassy duty also was considered a hardship with a
lot of uncertainty, rival factions seeking to gain power in the
new African nation and frequent fighting throughout the
country, including the use of foreign mercenaries.
The nation also was dirt poor because of corruption and
economic instability.
Outside the capital, life in dirt huts and small villages was a
norm, he said.
Inside Leopoldville, Thomas described life as abuzz with
political strife, frequent fights, and brawls and occasional
sounds of firearms.
The embassy staff did not often venture out at night.
“A lot of times in Leopoldville it was like Dodge City on a
Saturday night, he said. It was certainly some wild and woolly
times.”
Thomas got out of Dodge City in mid-1966, but left the
embassy program to return to his regular Marine job in
administration with stateside duties.
He left the Marines in 1970 to pursue his goal of completing
his college education in personnel administration. He earned a
bachelors degree in it from the University of Kansas in 1973.
After that, he returned to Olathe to work in warehouse
management until retiring in December 1998. His retirement
lasted about a year. Thomas has since returned to work as a
warehouse manager.
His assignments as a Marine embassy guard are recorded
in a scrapbook, containing fading pictures of him and other
embassy guards on duty, at special functions or in leisurely
play.
It also contains pictures of him and other former guards,
now older and hopefully wiser, during recent reunions of the
Marine Embassy Guard Association.
When he’s not working, Thomas remains active in the
unique veterans association, hoping to find more former
guards like himself in the Kansas City area. The group has
slightly more than 700 active members.
So far, he has found only two in the area-one in Overland
Park, and another near Drexel, Mo.
It may be like looking for a needle in a blue haystack of
sorts because the embassy program, which began in 1949,
was very selective in its guards. Out of about 190, 000
Marines on active duty while he was in the military service,
only about 1,000 became embassy guards.
“We figured that one half of 1 percent of the Marines ever
got into the program,” he said.
Since 1949, about 27,000 Marines have become embassy
guards.
Back in his days as an embassy guard, he performed his
duties and was only armed with a .38 caliber handgun and
nightstick.
Embassy guards nowadays have to undergo far more
training because of chemical warfare and terrorism threats,
especially in locations he once guarded in the Middle East,
such as Tel Aviv and Baghdad. “It’s a totally different world
than when I was there, “Thomas said.
“It’s a fairly new organization that’s trying to get the word out….”
Steve Thomas
Marine Embassy Guard Association
REFER A FRIEND TO MEGA
http://www.embassymarine.org/Refer.htm
Editors Note: This article appeared on the front page of The Olathe Daily News. Our thanx to Gerald Hay for granting us permission to
reprint this story. Gerald is also a Marine veteran. He served as a Marine grunt in Vietnam (1966-1968). Semper Fidelis!
MEGA News Letter Vol. 5 No 3
May/June/July 2003
8
DEBRIEF:
5TH MEGA ANNUAL REUNION
QUANTICO, VA.
APRIL 25-27, 2003
By all standards, the
Association's 5th Reunion was
a roaring success!
It was even bigger and matched
the last reunion in San Diego
where Don Chmiel and his
outstanding crew did such a fine
job of hosting our 4th reunion.
Much of the success of the
MEGA reunions is due to the
ongoing hard work of those
directly involved in making it all
happen ~ the Reunion
Committee. As always, under the
able direction of Tom Butler it
always works. Although several
people contributed to the success
of the reunion; the driving force
as always behind the scenes
making things happen was and
remains Tom & Barbara Butler.
Their extraordinary leadership
and "can do" attitude is
invaluable to MEGA. Special
thanks also to Norm & Kathy
Root, and Dave Spellman for
their able help in so many ways.
Plus Karen, Kathy & Barbara did
an outstanding job decorating at
the O Club for the dinner and
dance. Also, special thanks to
Bill & Karen Stanson for all the
special things they did to make
this reunion memorable in so
many ways.
It was great to see one of our own MEGA charter members,
GySgt Steve Rice, selected as the class SNCO Honor Man.
And, who could forget that
outstanding young man, Tylor
Harkins, who helped out so
much with registration,
decorating & greeting guests at
the dinner dance. Tylor is
MEGA Board member Jim
Harkins' grandson. Special
thanks to Flame for a job well
done.
These are the very special people
who coordinated the events and
got us all where we were
supposed to be on time and made
the 5th reunion the success we
all enjoyed. Our gratitude to
them for their endless
contributions cannot adequately
be expressed.
For those MEGA members who
could not attend the reunion this
year (and we hope to see you
next year), here's an overview of
the highlights below.
Thursday, April 24
The MEGA Board of Directors
held its semi-annual "all-day"
meeting beginning at the
ungodly hour of 0830 and
reunion registration started that
afternoon.
Most importantly, the Marine
House was open for business on
time and hardly ever closed over
the next three days until very late
Saturday night (or was that late
Sunday morning). Special thanks
to the Marine House crew who
kept the booze flowing and the
bathtub full of ice cold beer in all
flavors with plenty of snacks,
especially Bill Waller & Denny
Krause. Ships Store Manager,
Ken Rapp, was on hand with all
the MEGA great stuff and just
about sold out over the course of
the event (we hear Ken got his
start in sales back in the Corps
trading 782 gear with some old
supply gunny). By the way Ken,
what ever happened to those
great metal MEGA license plate
frames anyhow? Plastic doesn't
cut it.
Friday, April 25
MSG Battalion's graduation
ceremony for class 3-03 began at
0900 and lasted until noon. It
was great to see one of our own
MEGA charter members, GySgt
Steve Rice, selected as the class
SNCO Honor Man. Afterwards,
we all assembled at Battalion
HQ for refreshments and talked
with the staff and new MSGs.
See Reunion next page
MEGA News Letter Vol. 5 No 3
May/June/July 2003
9
"No, go over there!" "No, back over there!" It was like being back in the Corps looking for our rally point..."
Reunion continued
At 1300, two events began: an
outstanding tour of
Fredericksburg National
Battlefield and the Golf match.
At 1830 to 1930, we assembled
at the officer's club for cocktails
followed by the annual banquet
and dance from 1930 to 2300.
Total attendance for dinner was
192 MEGA members & guests,
best ever! Ed Vasgerdsian served
as Master of Ceremonies (no he's
not Bob Hope, but did an great
job throughout the evening and
still honing those one liners).
Harry Lock (our eldest member)
lead us in the Pledge of
Allegiance. Ron Ryan provided
the invocation and Charlie
McKinney offered the banquet
toast. Colonel Steve Hasty
(Commanding Officer MSG
Battalion and MEGA Life
Member #340 serving in Saigon,
Bangkok, & Can Tho 1972-75)
was our guest speaker and his
presentation hit the mark four
square. Major Lewis Vogler
(OIC MSG School and new
MEGA member) was also
among our special guests. Of
course, the ladies enjoyed the
dancing best of all it seemed. It
was a wonderful evening for
everyone. Afterwards, many
Marines returned to the Marine
House at the Crossroads Inn until
the wee hours of the morning.
the Marine House opened again
and it was full until early Sunday
morning.
Sunday, April 27
Saturday, April 26
At 0800 we assembled once
again at the O Club for the
Association's general business
meeting (who came up with
these early hour meetings
anyway?). As it always goes,
some of us were late with
hangovers and some of us
thought the meeting started at
0830! The Washington DC tour
began at 0930 for some of the
ladies and we understand Laura
Chmiel's memories of that
shopping trip will last forever!
At 1700 we drove over to Lunga
Park for the barbecue with the
MSG Battalion command &
staff. Those guys really know
how to fire up some mighty fine
steaks ~ great cooks! Of course,
it was the standard "where are
we now?" program ~ "No, go
over there!" "No, back over
there!" It was like being back in
the Corps looking for our rally
point." The hospitality was
outstanding and the fellowship
second to none. Around 2100
Around 60 of us (those of us
who can't give it up) gathered at
the O Club for a final farewell at
brunch and by noon everyone
was on their way back home.
The main topic of conversation
was our looking forward to
seeing each other again in Biloxi
next year to share even more
fading, but wonderful memories.
We hope next year's reunion will
be even larger, more fun and
filled with more memories (if
that's possible) than 2003
certainly was for all of us. So, its
never too early to start planning
to attend our 6th MEGA
Reunion 2004 in Biloxi next
year. See y'all there!
Change-of-Command
Ceremony
CoC ceremony for the MSG
Battalion Commander will take
place on August 29 at Quantico
for Commanding Officer Col.
Steve Hasty and incoming CO,
Col William Rizzio. All MEGA
members and former MSGs
nationwide are urged to attend.
…the Marine House was open for business on time and hardly ever closed over the next three days...
MEGA News Letter Vol. 5 No 3
May/June/July 2003
10
MEGA KABUL FAMILY
FAMILY.
MEGA MSG’s share a very unique kinship. Though cities, miles
and in some cases continents separate us, it’s moments like this that make it all
worth while. Pictured are MEGA MSG’s from 1951-1984 reminiscing their glory
days in Kabul, Afghanistan. Wonder what they think of the state of things now?
James Sommerhauser (pictured with his lovely wife Betty) was one of the original
MSG’s assigned to Kabul. Harry is the oldest MSG today, and still looks good in
his dress blue Alphas. I did not have the pleasure of speaking with Ray, Dave or
Juan, but the smile on their faces says it all: It’s Good to See You.!
Alfred Smith III
MEGA KABUL MARINES
Left to right (Sandy Mackey 84-85; James and Betty Sommerhauser 51-53; Ray Kunkel 61-62;
Harry Locke 51-53; Dave Wojta 66-67; Juan Rocha 65) Quantico, VA April 25, 2003.
“…I know some of you old-timers had the same reaction I did when I returned to the battalion after an
absence of 29 years. First, there was the shock of the school being at Quantico instead of Henderson
Hall. The second was the incredible changes that have taken place in the curriculum and the training.”
Excerpt from remarks at MEGA 5TH Annual Banquet Dance by:
COLONEL BOYETTE S. (STEVE) HASTY
COMMANDING OFFICER
MARINE SECURITY GUARD BATALLION
MEGA LIFE MEMBER #340
Saigon, RVN 72-73; Bangkok, TH 73-74; Can Tho, RVN 74-75
Visit http://www.embassymarine.org/ for more reunion photos!
MEGA News Letter Vol. 5 No 3
May/June/July 2003
11
5th MEGA REUNION TOAST
April 25, 2003
Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my distinct honor
to offer this special toast on this special night.
TO OUR GREAT NATION, MAY GOD
AWAYS BLESS AMERICA;
TO OUR BELOVED CORPS ~ MAY IT ALWAYS PREVAIL
IN WAR & PEACE ~ PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH;
TO OUR MARINES WORLDWIDE IN HARMS WAY
ON EMBASSY DUTY, IN IRAQ AND ACROSS
THE GLOBE, GOD SPEED;
TO EMBASSY DUTY, THE BEST DAMN DUTY IN
THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS.
HERE'S HEALTH TO YOU AND TO OUR CORPS.
Charlie McKinney
Vice President
MEGA News Letter Vol. 5 No 3
May/June/July 2003
12
6TH ANNUAL REUNION UPDATE
Charles “Dave” Ledbetter
DIRECTOR
CHAIRMAN
2004 REUNION CMTE
Dave@embassymarine.org
6th Annual Marine Embassy Guard Association's Reunion
Location: Biloxi, Mississippi
Date: 29-30 APR ~ 01 MAY 2004
BEACHFRONT HOTEL ~ BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI
Room rate: Reunion dates: $84.95 + tax per night.
Room rate: pre & post reunion dates: $49.95 + tax per night.
150 courtside rooms are being held for MEGA on a 1st come 1st serve basis.
RESERVATIONS CALL: 1-800-441-0882 ~ CODE NAME: MEG
Fact File…
Biloxi Beachfront Hotel at the Coliseum
Located across from the beach and Gulf of Mexico, this location is in the middle of all the fun the
coast has to offer. From the beach toys and boardwalk to casino row, the coast offers something for all
ages. Historic ante-bellum homes, art museums, golf courses, deep sea fishing charters, sailing schooners,
shrimping trips, catamaran sailing, festivals and so much more are within minutes and offered year round.
MEGA News Letter Vol. 5 No 3
May/June/July 2003
13
SHIPS STORE
Ken Rapp
MANAGER
MEGA SHIP’s STORE
Ken@embassymarine.org
Visit our Ship’s Store at:
http://www.embassymarine.org/ShipStore.htm
The Ships Store is starting a blazer breast coat pocket patch collection issue. We are looking for
suggestions from individual members or posts. Our first breast pocket patch comes in Navy blue (suitable for all
blue blazers). It depicts the Eiffel Tower with a French flag on the top with the eagle, globe and anchor emblem
stitched over the tower about 1/3 to 1/2 ways up from the base. This gift idea is from the 60's Paris Marines and a
special thanks to Joel Hakesley, Paris Marine (66-68).
Additionally, please make note of the new items that are available while supplies last:
Name badge and MEGA patch $20.00 (see picture)
Jerzee short sleeve golf shirts $33.00
Sizes S - 2XL
Colors: white, black, forest green, khaki, maroon,
true navy, true red, orange
Rip stop Wind Jacket $45.00
100% ripstop shell, mesh lined body, nylon lined
sleeves, front zipper and zip pockets, elastic
cuffs and drawcord bottom.
Sizes M - 2XL
Colors: black, navy
Cross Creek pullover windshirt $45.00
Long sleeve micro fiber, fully lined, slash front
pockets, nylon rib on crew neck, cuffs and
waistband.
Sizes S- 2XL
Colors: black, navy, khaki
Name badge and MEGA patch
MEGA News Letter Vol. 5 No 3
May/June/July 2003
14
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE
Editor’s Note: Jack McGarry was appointed the Chairman of the MEGA Historical
Committee at the April 2003 general membership meeting. This is an enormous mission.
Members are encouraged to contact Jack with suggestions and comments.
Original MEGA Historical Archives
Mission Statement (Draft)
The historical committee of the Marine Embassy Guard
Association (MEGA) exists to collect, record, preserve, exhibit
and disseminate;
1.
Current MEGA related membership, or association
achievements
2.
The cumulative operational experience and significant
accomplishments of the association’s membership on
assignment as Marine Security Guards.
3.
Jack McGarry
CHAIRMAN
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE
Jack@embassymarine.org
Historical data related to / or impacting the Marine
Security Guard Battalion
Historical Committee Status
Mission Statement
Submitted draft to board for review. Awaiting feedback from
board on mission focus. Discussions scheduled for September
board meeting.
Located archive CD containing backup of early Historical
Archives Web Page. Content currently under review for launch of
redesigned Web Page.
Team Recruitment
Current Active Team:
Jack McGarry - Ian McIntyre
Current Project Assignments
Procedure Manual
Jack – Ian: in Discussion, Key Issues being worked out. Once
completed all processes will be submitted to BOD for approval
Storage of Donated Historical Material
Jack – Ian: Process in Discussion, once identified, it will be
added to Procedure Manual and submitted to BOD for approval.
Updated Web Display of Historical Archive
Jack – Technical Committee: Currently in early design phase
Newsletter Article
Submitted draft to board / editor for review. Awaiting feedback
from liaison on issues which affect content.
MSG Class 3-03
Graduated April 25, 2003
MSG Class 4-03
Graduated June 27, 2003
SNCO HONOR GRADUATE
GYSGT STEVE E. RICE CM-137
Havana, CU
SNCO HONOR GRADUATE
SSGT DENNIS W. WEBB
Rabat, MA
HONOR GRADUATE
SGT NICHOLAS L. MABE R-1041
Kiev, UA
HONOR GRADUATE
LCPL PAUL P. SVIHLA
ST. PETERSBURG, RU
MEGA News Letter Vol. 5 No 3
May/June/July 2003
15
SPECIAL NOTICE
Meeting Notice
Notice is hereby given that a semi-annual meeting of the full Board of Directors of the Marine Embassy Guard
Association, Inc. will take place at the place and dates stated below. The meeting has been called under the provision of
Article VI Section 6-05 of the Association’s By-laws as Approved by Members, by vote on 06.26.01. On Saturday,
September 20, 2003 the full Board of Directors of the Marine Embassy Guard Association, Inc. will meet in open session for
the benefit of the General Membership between the hours of 10:00 am and 12:00 pm. Any member is permitted to observe
during this period. Members wishing to address the Full Board of Directors of the Marine Embassy Guard Association, Inc.
by letter or in person are hereby notified that a written request must be received by the Marine Embassy Guard Association,
Inc. Secretary by 5:00 PM, September 18, 2003. Posted mail, electronic mail and fax are the accepted mediums to
communicate your written request.
September 19, 20, 21st, 2003
Dates and Place:
FULL BOARD of DIRECTORS MEETING of the MARINE EMBASSY GUARD ASSOCIATION, INC.
HOLIDOME & CONFERENCE CENTER
HOLIDAY INN NORTHSHORE
5300 W. TOUHY AVENUE
SKOKIE, ILLINOIS 60077
Email:
Secretary@embassymarine.org
Fax:
270-738-5067
Address:
MARINE EMBASSY GUARD ASSOCIATION, INC.
c/o Alfred Smith III
Secretary
P.O. BOX 3371
CARMEL, IN 46082-3371
Notice posted by:
Alfred Smith III
Marine Embassy Guard Association, Inc.
MSG DET El Salvador awarded the Combat Action Ribbon
Sergeant Major Al Kelleher, Jr. USMC (Ret.) R-442 has informed MEGA that the Secretary of the Navy has awarded the
Combat Action Ribbon to MSG Detachment personnel assigned to the American Embassy El Salvador for actions in defense
of the American Embassy San Salvador, El Salvador from September 1978-December 31, 1980.
MEGA News Letter Vol. 5 No 3
May/June/July 2003
16
William “Bill” Stanson
Treasurer
Bill@embassymarine.org
MEGA INC. RECEIVES IRS APPROVAL
On June 06, 2003, the Internal Revenue Service has granted exempt from Federal Income tax status to the Marine Embassy
Guard Association, Inc. This status was granted under section 501 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
A sincere thank you and appreciation is extended to Charles May. He spent many hours working on the
membership lists, contacting members and compiling the required information needed by the IRS. He did this to
make it possible for you, the members, to declare your donations to MEGA as a deduction at tax time.
The ruling we received from the IRS dated Jun 6, 2003 states that: “Contributions to your organization will
be deductible effective 2003. Prior to that year contributions are not deductible.” Yes, we were a non-profit
organization prior to 2003 but in a different category. None of your contributions could be claimed as a donation
on your taxes. You will notice that I am referring to donations. Be sure that you do not think of your annual dues,
reunion fees or purchases from the Ship’s Store as donations.
At tax time we all need to check with our respective tax advisor for direction as to what is and is not a
deductible contribution to MEGA. “Under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, and, at least 90 percent of
our members are war veterans ~ donors can deduct contributions made to or for the use of (MEGA).” If you are
like me, this can all get very confusing. That is why I again urge you to seek you own counsel as to tax advice.
Bill Stanson
MEGA Treasurer
MEGA News Letter Vol. 5 No 3
May/June/July 2003
17
TAPS
Richard F. McClellan LM-641
Sergeant Major USMC RET.
May 24, 1931-May 25, 2003
Sergeant Major Richard F. McClellan USMC Retired of Waterford, PA. enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 7, 1952.
Sergeant Major McClellan graduated from Marine Security Guard School June 21, 1963. Sergeant Major McClellan was assigned to the
American Embassy, Karachi, Pakistan (June 1963-August 1966). Sergeant Major McClellan retired from the Marine Corps on March 10
1979. Sergeant Major McClellan departed us on May 25, 2003. Sergeant Major Richard F. McClellan was laid to rest on May 28, 2003
at St. Teresa’s Cemetery, Union City PA.
Kate Rodgers
This past February we lost one of our own. Kate Rodgers was the housekeeper for the Dublin Marines for 27 years. She was Mom to
many Marines posted to Dublin and to many others who passed through. Kate had an honorary rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant and was
officially "retired" by the Marine Corps posthumously. Her daughter Leslie married a Marine, as we used to tell Kate she would, and they
have since retired back to Ireland. There was never any doubt that the Marine House in Dublin was run by Kate. There is probably no
other person who has been through as many semi-annual inspections as Kate and no one who knows more about passing one.
Kate was given the memorial by the Marine Corps she deserved. The Marines, in full blues, received Kate's remains from the funeral
home and escorted her to the church. Following the service the Detachment had the family and close friends back to the Marine House
for drinks.
The funeral Mass was held the following day. Again the Marines were present and escorted Kate from the
church. Kate requested cremation and they accompanied the remains and provided the escort to the crematorium. Tom Hobbs (Leslies
husband), retired USMC Major, gave a fitting eulogy and the made point made was that she was Mom to over 200 Marines. The US flag
was placed on her casket and was presented to Leslie by the Detachment Commander.
The Dublin Marine House from this time on will be known to all who live there as Kate’s House. This will have a plaque and photo of
Kate and no matter where that house is it will be Kate's house.
She is now in the company of Marines guarding the streets of heaven and knowing her she's running the house.
Contributed by Guy Lennon and Rod Beal
Felix de Weldon
Felix de Weldon made statue of U.S. Marines raising flag in WWII
Felix de Weldon, an Austrian-born sculptor best known for his statue of U.S. Marines raising the American flag on Iwo Jima, has died,
family members said. He was 96. De Weldon, who died Tuesday, immigrated to the United States and served in the Navy’s artist corps
in World War II. While stationed in Maryland, he saw Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal’s famous picture of the flag-raising
on Mount Suribachi during the battle for Iwo Jima, and it inspired him to create a sculpture based on the photo. De Weldon showed a
table-size clay version of the statue in bronze for the Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington, Va.
According to the Felix de Weldon International Art Gallery in Providence, R.I.., de Weldon created more than 1,200 public monuments,
on every continent, including a statue of Adm. Richard Byrd at McMurdo Sound, Antarctica.
Contributed by Karen Stanson
MEGA News Letter Vol. 5 No 3
May/June/July 2003
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IRISH PENNANTS
Have you moved? Changed email addresses?
Please send your updated information to:
Marine Embassy Guard Association
c/o Alfred Smith III Secretary
Post Office Box 3371
Carmel, IN 46082-3371
Email: Secretary@ embassymarine.org
Dues renewal for Charter, Regular, and Associate members should be submitted by December 31, 2003
ADVERTISE with MEGA NEWS!
Full Page-$125.00
Half Page-$75.00
Quarter Page-$50.00
Business Card-$30.00
Inside First Page, add $25.00
Inside Back Page, add $25.00
Send check or money order payable to MEGA, to:
MEGA
P.O. Box 3371
Carmel, IN 46082-3371
Secretary@embassymarine.org
(317) 818-0746
2004 DUES – 2004 DUES – 2004 DUES
Yearly Dues, $ 15.00 per year
Name: _____________________________________
______
Foreign Postage, $12.00 per year _____
Life Memberships:
(Surcharge to cover Foreign postal fee, if address is via Foreign Postal Service)
Membership Number: _________
age 40 and below, $ 250.00 ______
age 41-50, $ 200.00 ______
age 51-60, $ 150.00
age 61-69, $ 100.00 ______
______
age 70 and above, $ 75.00 ______
Donations Accepted for:
MEGA News Letter Vol. 5 No 3
General Fund: ____________
May/June/July 2003
19