We lost one of our brothers this week, and I lost a friend. Those of us who knew Eddie (EJ) Oswalt realized that he was a straight up guy. When he spoke you realized that you better be paying attention. On the morning of May 15 as we put the Gig in the water, we needed a radio operator and we had no doubt who would volunteer. EJ’s attitude was simple, “We have a job to do, now let’s get it done” During my tour in 68 on the rivers of Vietnam I had seen several men who were very cool under fire, but I can tell you the true meaning of “cool” was EJ on that May morning. Everyone knows that during the extraction of east beach how intense the fire was, but if you listened to the radio transmissions you heard one very cool and professional EJ, just doing his job. If anyone ever ask me what I did of significance in my life, I can answer with pride and say “I served with brave men like EJ Oswalt. I will miss you buddy, but I know we will meet again someday. As Always Tom Noble, Black Velvet One

EJ's body lost its final battle on Monday, January 23. He had been winning his battle with leukemia for many years, until recenly an infection developed at his chemo port area, forcing his immune system to decline, and a domino effect took place. His wife Iona, children and grandchildren are missing him already. So are we, his brothers and sisters.

VIEWING: Thursday 26th 5 to 7 PM
Benson Heights Southern Baptist Church at Duane & High Sts, Benson, NM
FUNERAL: Friday 27th 10AM
Southern Arizona Veterans Memerial Cemetery 1300 Buffalo Soldier Trail, Sierra Vista, NM
NOTES/CARDS: 52 West Patton St, St.David, AZ 85630
In lieu of flowers the family has requested a donation be made to the Ronnie Hughes Fund, via PayPal at www.kohtang.com or send check to KTMV Organization c/o Fred Morris 208 Grand Blvd, Evansdale, IA 50707
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Awsome site! I am glad that site exist where veterans can contact each others.

One of our Brothers, Eddie (EJ) Oswalt from Arizona is in critical condition. EJ was on Black Velvet One. Please keep EJ, his wife Iona, their children and grandchildren in your thoughts and prayers.

Anyone know the whereabouts of Anthony Hopkins? He was a pfc 3rd platoon G2/9.

2011 West Virginia Univ Marching Band Armed Forces Salute

If you haven't seen this you are really missing something grand. Copy and paste the link below into your web browser, grab some Kleenex, sit back and enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MjPmmCtHmfE

Semper Fi,

Edd

Looks like we're still at it, protecting innocent seamen in peril on the seas. #@*%! the link below, or copy and paste into your browser to go to Associated Press article: "U.S. rescues Iranian fishermen"

http://www.tulsaworld.com/site/articlepath.aspx?articleid=20120107_13_A14_CUTLIN177776

Semper Fi,
Edd

H&S 2/9 was my first unit. We were in the field when the message came in. I remember many parts of that operation.

God Bless you Andres.

Happy New Year to everyone. Hope to see everybody in Branson.


Semper Fi
Al Mahan

Happy New year warriors. May 2012 be healthy, properous, and safe for you and your loved ones.

My heart felt feelings are with those families that have lost family members and will have to endure another year of occasions without them.

Was onboard the HAPPY HARRY DE1074 during this mission, lets never forget...LRB

just wanted to wish everyone a merry christmas and happy new year.hope to see everyone in branson in may. carl odom l/cpl g 2/9

Reply to previous message,

My skin is thicker then a flak jacket, in fact it is thicker then a EOD bomb suit.

This was only a fiasco from higher echelons of command.

Personally being on the island;
Bn level and below it was not a fiasco.

Saepre Expertus,
Marine Retired (30 years)

I was assigned to the 56 ARRS (KING/Air Rescue and Recovery - formerly the 37th ARRS out of Nam) at Korat RTAFB Thailand with the HC130P air refueling/command birds. We were with the 41st as they were duck butted out to the carriers. My AC #212 flew command for 30 hours over Kol Tang until the capsule C130s came up out of Philippines. The F111s, A7s and F4s came out of Korat also. I was stations there from 12/74-12/75. Then our bases were shutdown in Jan 76 due to this operation for we pissed the Thai people off for flying missions from their soil. But hell what were we there for anyway. AC # 212 went out on the rescue of the downed HH53 with the security force - Thanks for your insight to connect us via this website.

Edd,

In boot camp, were you ever the house mouse? Most house mice were also scribes. LOL

Better you then me, I support your e-mail 100%.

The technique that I still use to put forth an agenda item is;

Topic: Generalized explanation

Discussion: Who, what, where, when, Why?

Recommendation: Just don't come up with an idea, have a solution.

Only trying to help, not hinder.

Keep your head down and your gun powder dry.

Fratres Aeterni (Brothers Forever),
Scott (ECHO Company)

SCRIBE’S SCRAWL

Meeting Agenda Items

When I accepted the position of KTMVO Secretary at the 2010 reunion little did I know how daunting a task it would be, particularly at my age. Trying to concentrate and stay involved in the discussion, rapidly scribbling notes, and trying to keep track of who said what is much more difficult than I ever expected. Then, the worst part is later trying to decipher the notes accurately while transcribing them. Maybe there is a way that you could help me. If there is a particular subject which you would like to discuss during our 2012 reunion, could I ask that you give me a heads-up in the form of an agenda item. It doesn’t have to anything real fancy or formal. Just an email, snail-mail note, or phone call relating the subject and a short outline of your viewpoints. Actually, this has already been done by our President, “Lt Dan” Hoffman, in his most recent President’s Page submission. I’ll quote to give you an example: “At our upcoming reunion, I would suggest that we need to discuss purchasing a plaque for the ship (S.S. Jerimiah O'Brein floating museum) to identify our operation and information on the MAYAGUEZ.” It’s just that simple, “No sweat GI, payday mo ricky ticky!” This would really be very helpful to me and greatly appreciated. Thanks & Semper Fi,
Edd

This is a great memorial to those who served during this time. Great job on the site...Service with honor...!

I was an F4 crew chief at Udorn 73-74

May God Bless you all

just wanted to wish everyone a happy thanksgiving.

With the sacrifices of the past, present and future clearly before us; I thank anyone who currently serves, has served or has a loved one that has made a special sacrifice to defend this great country. I will carry the passion, dedication and devotion to the RED,WHITE and BLUE.

The wife and I celebrated the B-day and Veterans day at Jeff Kerns House in Arizona. Cut the cake with some older Marines and said a prayer for the ones that are in need of a little help from the lord. I've got pictures to send to Larry so he can post them.
Semper Fi

Veterans Day salute's
Enjoyed 50% off meal at "O" Charley's yesterday and they gave a $10.00 gift card for next visit. Monday, will be going to Golden Corral for a free meal. Needless to say, Veterans Day salute's are very nice and does show America's appreciation for Veterans.

Happy Birthday Gentlemen
236th,time keeps marching on and all the best to all of you.
H&S 2/9 81's

A most Happy Birthday (236th) to the USMC. It was a pleasure and honor to share some sand with the Best this country has to offer some 36 years ago. I take comfort in knowing the Marine Corps continues to produce these dedicated warriors to protect our shores and interests abroad. Semper Fi!

To help honor and remember those who served, I wanted to share the poem "Bury me with Soldiers" for the upcomming Veteran's Day Holiday.

Hope it means as much to you as it does to me.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all of you and your families.

May you always be remembered...

[b][/b] Bury me with Soldiers

I've played a lot of roles in life;
I've met a lot of men.
I've done some things I'd like to think
I wouldn't do again.

And though I'm young, I'm old enough.
To know some day I'll die,
And to think about what lies beyond,
and beside whom I may lie.

Perhaps it doesn't matter much;
Still, if I had my choice,
I'd want a grave 'mongst soldiers when
At last death quells my voice.

I'm sick of the hipocrisy,
Of lectures of "the wise,"
I'll take the man, with all the flaws,
Who goes, though scared, and dies.

The troops I knew were commonplace
They didn't want the war;
They fought because their fathers and
their fathers had before.

They cursed and killed and wept...
God knows
They're easy to deride --
But bury me with men like these;
Who faced the guns and died.

It's funny when you think of it,
The way we got along.
We'd come from different worlds to live
In one no one belongs.

I didn't even like them all;
I'm sure they'd all agree.
Yet I would give my life for them,
I know some did for me.

So bury me with soldiers, please
Though much maligned they be.
Yes, bury me with soldiers for
I miss their company.

We'll not soon see their likes again;
We've had our fill of war,
But bury me with men like them
Till someone else does more.

- Author Unknown -