Photo By Cpl. Antwaun Jefferson | Vietnam War veterans alongside their friends and family receive an in-depth look...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. - Marines often love to reminisce about the old days when the Corps had Marines on the front lines of the Vietnam War. 7 members from Platoon 123, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, of the 1968 graduating class, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island alongside their friends and family visited Marine Corps Base Quantico for their 45th-year reunion April 19, 2013 and had their share of reminiscing.
Approximately 90 percent of the 62 member platoon went to Vietnam during their tour, losing only on in combat. The reunions started in 1998 on the 30th anniversary of their graduation. They try to have one every five years.
“When we finally had our first reunion, it was remarkable. Even though most of us haven’t seen each other in 30 years, after about five minutes, it was like we never left the island,” said Michael Quill, mayor of the city of Auburn, New York.
“Everyone hit it off really well, including our wives and children.”
The platoon has been to Parris Island and Quantico twice for their reunions, but it has been more than 10 years since they have been back to Quantico.
While on base, they saw some of the changes that have been made since their time in the Corps. A few of the stops included Camp Upshur where Derrick Trexler, instructor operator maintainer, explained the use of the Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected Egress Trainer and Humvee Egress Assistance Trainers- a trip to The Basic School for a brief on what the student officers’ program encompasses and, finally, a visit to the Martial Arts Center of Excellence at Raider Hall.
“You read about the Marines in the Vietnam era, but actually talking to them and hearing their stories first hand is a different experience,” said Gunnery Sgt. Francine Jarrett, curriculum developer, Enlisted Professional Military Education, Marine Corps University. “The information they give you is fascinating and they are excited to tell anyone who is willing to listen.”
They are going to go back to Parris Island for their 50-year reunion in 2018, where Quill said it will probably be their last reunion.
| Date Taken: | 04.19.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 04.25.2013 10:24 |
| Story ID: | 105812 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 63 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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