Second Annual Marine Corps Birthday CruiseSponsored by the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association and Vietnam Battlefield Tours
The 'Graybeard Brigade' and their Ladies were at it again this year. On November 6, 2011 we all met in Florida and boarded the Ruby Princess of Princess Cruise Lines and set sail for fun, festivities and some shared memories. Most of us were Veterans of the 1st Recon Bn who served in Vietnam but we had a few Grunts and Flyboys and we even had a former Army Nurse along in case we got out of hand! There were thirty three of us altogether setting off across the balmy waves with ports-of-call in Princess Cay, St. Martin, Grand Turk Island and St. Thomas. We all survived and have pictures to prove it that will be posted soon on the 1st Recon Bn Association website.
We got down to business on Thursday, November 10 in the main dining hall of the Ruby Princess with a toast to the Commander in Chief, our Commandant of the Marine Corps and to all who serve on active duty, Veterans and our fallen troops from the Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force and all United States Military Services. Following the toast, E.J. Bunk led us with a rousing, if a bit off key, singing of the Marine Corps Hymn. Staff of the ship and other passengers joined in - we were honored and there were many damp eyes. It was a proud moment.
Following an exquisite dinner we moved to the Asiago Bar aboard the ship for a private celebration, David 'Doc' Snider was the Master of Ceremonies. Following a prayer led by Curtis 'Gritz' Gruetzmacher, Ed Rowland read the Commandant's Birthday Message and awards were handed out. A special thanks goes out to Ed 'Tex' Stitler of Vietnam Battlefield Tours who presented the 1st Recon Bn Association with a check for $1500 and an additional $500 that was earned when Tex auctioned off two pieces of art that he had commissioned in Vietnam last year. Afterward, there was laughter, fellowship and of course the stories. The ladies enjoyed the ports-of-call, taking in the sights and shopping while the fellows romped about in a pick-up football game in the sands at Princess Cay island where our best wide receiver was Everett W. Boone who stormed the beaches with the Marines at Okinawa - we are happy to report there were no heart attacks! The funniest story told about Vietnam was done without a word being spoken. When one of the ladies asked what E. J. Bunk did as a Sgt., Hotel Co-3/9 at Con Thien (1967 Vietnam - salvos of 1200 rounds per day) he said nothing, but immediately squatted down and covered his head - this time he didn't even spill his martini!
The cruise is one that we will all remember forever. We would like to invite you all to join with us next November and enjoy our celebration of the United States Marine Corps. You may contact David 'Doc' Snider, Historian for the 1st Recon Bn Association at docsnidley@aol.com for more information. The 3rd Annual USMC Birthday Cruise will be out of New Orleans this November. The attendance list for this year will be posted under "Meetings" at the 1st Recon Bn Association website: http://www.1streconbnassociation.org. Semper Fidelis!
Story by W.F. 'Bill' Davis, USMC 1970 -1977
.