A/1/7 Newsletter - February Page 1

$1,000.00 per night plus tax. The tax rate for rooms is 15 percent.

Cut off date is: 5 OCTOBER! Call 888-388-8484 for your reservations.

Directions: Traveling south 45 minutes from Hobby Airport (Houston) exit 61st Street, right on 61st St to Seawall Blvd, then right on 81st Street, and finally left on Hope Blvd.

HOBBY AIRPORT - HOUSTON, TX
- Ground Transportation Visitors to Hobby Airport have a variety of transfer and transport-ation options available to them once they arrive in Houston. This includes taxis, limousines, Super Shuttle shared-ride, scheduled ground transportation shuttles, hotel/motel courtesy vans, and even public (METRO bus) transportation. Services can take you to your nearby or downtown hotel or wherever your local travel takes you to in the surrounding area. Shuttle service is even available to Galveston and the various cruise ship ports of embarkation.

Shuttle services are available at the curbside outside of the baggage claim area in the lower level.

Various carriers to locations throughout the Houston area provide regularly scheduled bus and shuttle service. These Carriers provide service at regular intervals from William P. Hobby Airport to areas outside of the Houston Metropolitan area and to Galveston and College Station. These shuttles differ from taxis and chauffeured limousines in that that provides continuous service to certain area.

They offer our shared scheduled shuttle at the rate of $60.00 per person round trip for Bush IAH and $50.00 per person round trip for Hobby airport. These prices are to Galveston. You may go to their web site: www.galvestonlimousineservice.com

To make reservations or they may contact the main office @ 1-800-640-4826 or 409-744-5466. They must tell the clerk that they are seniors.

MORE HISTORY OF GALVESTON, TX

In 1528, when the first Europeans landed, Galveston Island was home to the Akokisa and Karankawa (Cont'd page 2)

CHECK IT OUT!

• Pg 1: 13th Reunion Info
• Pg 2: Reunion Info cont'd
• Pg 3: SgtMaj Jim Skinner, Corrections to Roster, TAPS, Our Corpsman
• Pg 4: Military Records, Korean War
• Pg 5: Who is A Marine, Stories from our past
• Pg 6: "D" Day, "Chesty", Remember?, A question and input! 2008 Dues
• Pg 7: Registration Form for 13th Reunion
• Pg 8: Registration Form for A/1/7 Dues

A/1/7 Newsletter - February Page 2

Indians who camped, fished, and hunted the swampland and buried their dead there.

The Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca was shipwrecked on the Island and lived among the Kanankawa Indians for several years as a medi-cine man and slave. In the late 1600's, French explorer Robert Cavalier La Salale claimed this area for King Louis and named it St. Louis.

The Pirate Jean Lafitte arrived on the Island in 1817, making it his base of operations and named it Campeche. The little village contained huts for the pirates, a large slave market, boarding houses for visiting buyers, and a ship- yard, saloons, pool halls, gambling houses and Lafitte's own house, the "Maison Rouge." At one point, Campeche was home to about 1,000 people.

General James Long attempted to recruit Lafitte to help make Texas independent from Spain and Mexico, but Lafitte remained neutral. In 1820, Mexico won independence from Spain, but Lafitte stayed on the Island. In May 1821, after Lafitte's attack on an American ship, he was forced to abandon his operations in Galveston. Before leaving, he hosted a huge party for his pirates with wine and whiskey and burned his settlement. It is believed that he had buried treasure on the Island, but it has never been found.

In 1821, Jane Long, while waiting in vain for the return of her hus-band General James Long, who had been killed in Mexico, became "The Mother of Texas" giving

birth to the first Anglo-Saxon native Texan, Mary Jane Long on Bolivar Peninsula.

In 1826, four ships of the Texas Navy made headquarters on the Island and protected the Texas coast from harassment by the Mexican Navy. These ships prevented supplies and men from reaching Santa Anna, ensuring a victory for Sam Houston's army at San Jacinto, 22 miles northwest of Galveston.

TOUR OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON:

This is a sightseeing train that will take 1½ hours in a 17 mile narrated tour around the island city.

This fun ride covers both old and new Galveston-including Seawall Boulevard, the Remains of Fort Crocket, Historic Old Homes, Rosenberg Library, Churches, Business District, Shrimp Fleet, Docks, Jean Lafitte's Home, Moody Mansion, Bishop's Palace, Ashton Villa, Downtown Strand, University of Texas Medial School and dozens of other places of Interest. This tour will be on Monday the 27th.

NASA - HOUSTON SPACE CENTER:

On Tuesday the 28th we are going to the space center, America's Best, Houston' own!

Featured Attractions:

1. Space Center Plaza - The Plaza is the central hub of activity at the Space Center. Special exhibits and events are part of it. The exhibits charge throughout the year and include a mix of space themes. From stellar art to hands-on

interactive exhibits, all ages will have the change to discover more about the quest for exploration. Allow 1 hour

2. Space Center Theater - Journey through space in our five-story giant screen theater. Allow 1 hour

3. Living In Space - Experience the challenges of living and working in space during this live presentation. Allow 25 minutes

4. Flight Simulator - Land the Shuttle Simulators. Test y our skills at landing the space Shuttle or docking your spacecraft to the Space Station.

5. Starship Galley - Relive the triumphs of America's manned space flight program with "On Human Destiny" and trace the progression of the space program in our artifact gallery, space time line and multiple exhibits. Starship Gallery also features the world's largest display of Moon rocks. Allow 45 minutes

6. NASA Tram Tour - Peek behind the scenes of NASA on a John Space Center tram tour. Trams fill quickly, so plan to take a tour early in your visit. Allow 4 ½ hours

7. Blast Off - Experience the spectacular sensation of a Blast Off. You will see and feel what it is like when over 7 million pounds of thrust push a 4-½ million pound vehicle skyward. After your launch, you will make your way into Blast Off Theater for an update on current missions, as well as future explorations of Mars. Allow 30 minutes.

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WHO HAS SIGNED UP FOR OUR 13H ANNUAL REUNION:

Jim & Ginger Dearing
Arty & Carole King
Bill & Jackie Landers
Warren & Maxine McVey
Shifty & Darlene Shifflette
Guy & Joan Taylor

SGTMAJ JIM SKINNER USMC (RET) - RECEIVES AN AWARD



COL. HODGES HONORS'
HARDCORE WARRORS'

KEVIN FORSYTHE
January 29, 2008 - 12:00AM
DAILY NEWS STAFF
While in her final days as commanding officer of Camp Lejeune, Col. Adele E. Hodges presented awards to some of her favorite people: Hardcore Warriors.

Seven service members were honored at a ceremony at Camp Lejeune for their service in three historic military conflicts. Each of the Hardcore Warriors served during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Hodges presented each warrior with a framed

proclamation, a framable piece of art and a commemorative coin honoring his contributions.

"We appreciate your service and the legacy you've provided," Hodges told them. Paul O'Toole, a member of the Camp Lejeune Military Retiree Council, read the proclamation.

"You have demonstrated exceptional dedication, patriotism and tenacity," he read.

He told the men, "It is difficult for most to comprehend the uniqueness of what you did."

A number of the Hardcore Warriors were accompanied by family members.

"We're all proud of his service and contributions," said Jim Skinner Jr., whose father was one of those honored,

As for Jim Skinner Sr., a retired Marine sergeant major, he preferred to put his service to country in a different light. "It's all been fun for me," he said. "I got to see lots of places all over the world and got paid doing it."

But Hodges made sure those in attendance were aware of the significance of service contributed by the honorees.

"Most serving in Desert Storm and currently in Iraq have not felt the pressure you did over the course of three wars," she said.

George Barrows, president of the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Military Retiree Council, said the event marked the third time they have made Hardcore Warrior presentations. To date, 51 Hardcore Warriors have been honored by the local Military Retiree Council - with 11 more presentations pending.

While the ceremony was filled with accolades, one of those being honored, Herbert Kinney, may have made one of the more poignant comments.

"All of us," he said, "were lucky."
Contact Kevin Forsythe at kforsythe@freedomenc.com or by calling 910-353-1171, ext. 8449.

CORRECTIONS TO OUR ROSTER:

Douglas Barnes' address:
995 Linwood Ave., Lumberton, NC 28350-2229 Al Johnson's Email address:
almarjohn@q.com
Harold "Muley" Mulhausen's Email: hmuleym@cox.net

TAPS:
GySgt Edward "Ed" Orford USMC (Ret) MG/HQ Co 9/50 - 5/51 Report to his final duty station on 28Feb2008.

George J. "Jerry" Shutz 1stSqd 1stPlt 6/51- 3-52 Reported to his final duty station on 30Dec2008. Jerry and Phyllis were regulars at our annual reunion and they will be missed by all!

OUR CORPSMEN

I don't usually publish poems in our newsletter but I feel this one is very special, a very special tribute to our Corpsmen Bless them all!!!! A U.S. Navy Corpsman serving with Marines, wrote a wonderful poem and we have re-copied it here for you. It is titled:
"Bury me Next to a Marine". A big oohrah! to Robert.

Bury me next to a Marine,
When my time has come to an end,
So I can spend eternity beside my

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brother and friend.
I've served beside them for years
And they've inspired me every day. They've never asked for anything,
So a debt I can never repay.

None of them served for glory,
None for money or fame.
But they've served in every clime and place.

Heroes with but one name
No one will ever out do them,
Their honor is never outdone.
They will all go down in history,
As America's favorite sons.

Marines will never fail you, And their
guard will never cease.
Please bury me next to a Marine,
So I may rest in peace.

HM2(FMF) Robert L. Owens
August 31, 2007
*Considering all the Corpsman that we have served with, we would certainly welcome their presence without a doubt!

ONE MORE POEM:

FINAL INSPECTION

The Marine stood and faced his God, which will always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass
Step forward now you Marine, How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek, And to my Church been true?
The Marine squared his shoulders and said, No Lord, I guess I ain't
Because those of us who carry guns can't always be a saint
I've had to work on Sundays and at times my talk was tough
And sometimes I've been violent 'cause the world is awfully rough

But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just got too steep
And I never passed a cry for help though at times I shook with fear
And sometimes God forgive me, I wept unmanly tears
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here
They never wanted me around except to calm their fears
If you've a place for me here Lord, it needn't be so grand
I never asked or had too much if you don't I'll understand
There was silence all around the Throne where saints had often trod
As the Marine waited quietly for the Judgment of his God
Step forward now you Marine you've borne your burdens well
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets. You've served your time in
Hell.

MILITARY RECORDS:

DD-214s - Its official, D 214's are NOW Online.

The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided the following website for veterans to gain access to their DD-214's online: http://vetrecs.archives.gov/ This may be particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy of his DD-214 for employment purposes. NPRC is working to make it easier for veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of documents from their military files. Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents. Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the online web

site. Because the requester will be asked to supply all information essential for NPRC to process the request, delays that normally occur when NPRC has to ask veterans for additional information will be minimized. The new web-based application was designed to provide better service on these requests by eliminating the records centers mailroom and processing time.

Please pass this information on to former military personnel you may know and their dependents.

KOREAN WAR:

I received this email from Harold "Muley" Mulhausen 3.5 Rockets 11/50 - 11/51
"From Rice, Douglas
To: HmuleyM@AOL.com

Subject: Korean War

Dear Mr. Mulhausen,

I am in the process of doing research, in the hope of writing a book about the Korean War. The basis of the book will be using personal stories from those who served in the war. I just recently finished one on World War II, using personal stories.

My father was there in 1951, with the 1st Cav. Division. His cousin was there with the 2nd Inf. Division and was KIA on May 18, 1951.

If anyone in your association would be interested in contributing to this project, it would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Doug Rice 630 Great Country Estates Rd, Hawesville, KY 42348 (270) 927-6085
doug0555@yahoo.com

A/1/7 Newsletter - February Page 5

I received this request from Ed Bittner XO-CO 2/52 - 11/52

"Any member of the 1stPlt who was on the HOOK or the outpost on the right flank, especially the three Marines who helped me carry Sgt Gallagher's stretcher back off the outpost after he was wounded by mortar fire on 26 October 1952, please contact GySgt F. Bud Grunert USMC (Ret), P. O. Box 585, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538-0685 or email me at:
fgrunert@cfi.rr.com"

WHO IS A MARINE?

This is very old, but well worth reading every couple of years. Written by GEN. WILLIAM THORNSON, US ARMY (l956)

U.S. Marines are the most peculiar breed of human beings I have ever witnessed. They treat service as if it was some kind of cult, plastering their emblem on almost everything they own, making themselves look like insane fanatics with haircuts to ungentlemanly lengths, worshipping their Commandant almost as if he was a god,

and making weird animal noises like a gang of savages. They'll fight like rabid dogs at the drop of a hat just for the sake of a little action, and are the cockiest sons of bitches I have ever known. Most have the foulest mouths and drink well beyond man's normal limits,
but

their high spirits and sense of brotherhood set them apart and, generally speaking, the United States Marines I've come in contact with are the most professional soldiers and the finest men and women I have ever had the pleasure to meet...

"There are only two kinds of people that understand Marines: Marines and the enemy. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion."

All militaries harden their recruits, instill the basics, and bend young men to their will. But the Marine Corps provides its members with a secret weapon. It gives them the unique culture of pride that makes the Marines the world's premier warrior force. "The Navy has its ships, the Air Force has its planes, the Army its detailed doctrine, but ' culture '---the values and assumptions that shape its members---is all the Marines have."

They call this culture "esprit de corps." "Alone among the U. S. military services, the Marine have bestowed their name on their enlisted ranks. The Army has Army officers and soldiers, the Navy has naval officers and sailors, the Air Force has Air Force officers and airmen----but the Marines have only Marines.

Please pray on this day, and every day, for our Armed Forces standing in harm's way around the world in defense of our liberty, and for the families awaiting their safe return.

STORIES FROM OUR PAST:

THE PERIMETER - LIFE'S LESSON:

The Perimeter, in the infantry, is a circle of men. It is half a squad, platoon or company. One half is on guard, staying vigilant, watching for the enemy, while the other half rests, sleeps and carries on with life as it is. They are more than just men; they are a brotherhood in uniform. They share their plans, dreams and hopes with each other. In hard times, they share their sadness, fears and pain.

They face the enemy together, some like brothers, others like fathers and sons, and always as true friends. They find a spirit in each other that binds them to one another in a bond that lasts forever. As time passes, they will leave the service and each other. They will travel many different paths of life, some to prosper well and others not so well. Somewhere in life's travels, these men find themselves lost in the world, confused, dazed, scared, unhappy and searching for something; something they are not even sure exists. They are not soldiers anymore, they are called veterans.

Somehow, in their search, they once again find others like themselves. They find brothers of the past, brothers of the Perimeter, that circle of safety, where someone else shares their pain, their confusion and their fear. That Perimeter where that fear is eased, where there is less confusion. They share each other's pain in stories, in tears and in silence. Inside the Perimeter, eye contact can say it all. This Perimeter is a circle of life and a circle of death; it is a circle of wounded warriors, with wounds of both flesh and spirit. This Perimeter is a circle of iron that has never broken. It is a circle of common duty that knows no color, no creed and no religious ground. The circle will last forever, through the best of times and the worst of times.

The Perimeter is a place warriors will always seek - even for eternity. Just gaze out at our national cemeteries. For out there, on the outer edge, ever so vigilant, are those on the Perimeter
By James R. Lawson.

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We Marines will surely know about and can remember "The Perimeter."

"D" DAY?

What does the "D" in D-Day stand for?

The "D" does not stand for "Deliverance", "Doom", "Debarkation" or similar words. In fact, it does not stand for anything. The "D" is derived from the word "Day". "D-Day" means the day on which a military operation begins. The term "D-Day" has been used for many different operations, but it is now generally only used to refer to the Allied landings in Normandy on 6 June 1944.

Why was the expression "D-Day" used?

When a military operation is being planned, its actual date and time is not always known exactly. The term "D-Day" was therefore used to mean the date on which operations would begin, whenever that was to be. The day before D-Day was known as "D-1", while the day after D-Day was "D+1", and so on. This meant that if the projected date of an operation changed, all the dates in the plan did not also need to be changed. This actually happened in the case of the Normandy Landings. D-Day in Normandy was originally intended to be on 5 June 1944, but at the last minute bad weather delayed it until the following day. The armed forces also used the expression "H-Hour" for the time during the day at which operations were to begin.

GENERAL CHESTY PULLER

Words from Lewis B. (Chesty) Puller just before the landing at Inchon September 1950: "We're

the most fortunate of men. Most times professional soldiers have to wait twenty-five years or more for a war, but here we are, with only five years' wait for this one. During that time we sat on our fat duffs, drawing our pay. Now we're getting a chance to earn it, to show the taxpayers we're worth it. We're going to work at our trade for a little while. We live by the sword, and if necessary we'll be ready to die by the sword. Good luck. I'll see you ashore."

HOW MANY REMEMBER THIS ONE?

What a night in China
Harbor lights
Deep purple night
Sailing junk
Ship of dreams
Ah Ah, I cannot forget
The sounds of the kokyu*
China Night
Night of dreams
China night

What a night in China
In the willow window
A ramp was shaking
A red bird cage
A Chinese girl
Ah sadly
Singing love songs
China night
Night of dreams
China night

What a night in China
Waiting for you
Flowers in bloom
Like rouge on her cheeks
Even after parting I will never forget
China night
Night of dreams
*Chinese musical instrument

OR:

Adedong Adedong
Ah na de o
Adedong ko ke nop
No me ken da

This song describes a trek over the mountain peak at Arirang and laments,

The sorrows in my heart
Are as many as the stars in the sky.
Bring back some old memories Marines?

QUESTION AND I NEED YOUR INPUT!

I am often asked do I owe dues and how much are they. I try to explain to each and everyone that the date on your mailing label indicates the last year that your dues were paid and credited to our account rosters. If this is con-fusing, then would someone tell me a better way of letting each Marine know what year their dues are due and the amount owed! Please let me know by email, telcon, or by letter, and I would be very appreciative.

Further, I have been writing our quarterly newsletter since I assumed the roll of your President. My backlog of material is almost depleted and I need anyone and everyone to send me something noteworthy to fill the 6 pages of our newsletter. I know there are stories that have been stored away, maybe with some cobwebs, please dig deep in your mind or files and send me some!

Semper Fi! Shifty

TIME FOR PAYING YOUR DUES FOR YEAR 2008 -
There are still many that haven't paid for year 2007?