2001 Reunion
The 25th Reunion of the First Armored Amphibian was
held at the Red Lion Inn, Sacramento, California October 3rd-7th,
2001. Reunion host was Bill and Joan Walker, plus a working supportive
cast.
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2001 reunion scrapbook now
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October
3
Registration and hospitality room was open.
October 4
This was the State Capital of California tour in the AM. The capital
of California was founded in 1854 and the present location was built in
1874. The tour was well attended by Marines and guests. The capital building
and the well-kept grounds were most impressive. We had a free time for
lunch and in the afternoon the tour continued to the old Sutter Fort of
gold rush times featuring gold rush décor in several buildings.
October 5
This date was an on-your-own tour of Old Sacramento. There was much to
see and do in this area that had many shops and visiting areas.
At 1600 we had a special program. The thinning of the ranks has saddened
marine reunions, but much joy is had by the increased number of family
member guests attend our reunions. This program was an opportunity to
recognize and know our guests.
Ross Burnham- Ross is the son of Dexter and Judy Burnham, Company
B. Ross had 
previously
attended our reunion at Milwaukee.
Deree McClain Dickerson -sister
Oria Ann McClain Balchin-sister
Selwyn McClain Tingen-sister
Christa Balchin Myers –niece
These guests were three sisters and a niece of Lt. Calvin “Swampy”
McClain, my platoon leader who was killed on Guam July 21, 1944 (see Tributes).
These ladies traveled all the way from SC and NC to be with us and we
were blessed by their presence.
Mardi Adams and Helen Adams-The daughter and wife of John Adams, Company
B, who was to host this reunion but died last year. Son, Daryl Adams (with
his wife), later joined us at our Saturday banquet.
Yvonne
Struthers-Yvonne is the daughter of deceased Marine Mel Struthers, Company
C.
Terri Riley-Terri is the daughter of deceased Ellery and Shirley Ferson,
Company B. She was held up by traffic and arrived too late for introductions.
John Burgess and wife Valery-This is the nephew of Phyllis and George
Legino of B Company. They also arrived too late for introductions.
Stewart Carlson and his wife Margaret- Captain Stew Carlson is the long
lost company commander of B Company. This was his first reunion so we
felt proper reorganization was in order. B Company welcomes our company
leader with much affection, and we hope he will be with us for many more
reunions.
Sharon S. Clark visited her father Raymond A. Smith of D Company.
Mike Miller, son of deceased M.K. Miller, visited his father's friends
in C compnay. Mike's father died six years ago without knowledge of First
Armored reunions.
David (Dave) Dotur visited his father, Paul Dotur, of A Company.
October 6
The business meeting was at 1400 and well attended.
Dale Barker gave a report on the sale of our book, Hitting the Beaches,
indicating that we had 60 books left out of the original 1000 copies printed.
It was indicated that these books would be reserved for battalion members
and their family members only.
Dale Barker gave an update of the e-mail directory noting that the total
number of addresses is 57 up from 8 a year ago. Dale has done a good job
keeping the membership up to date on other members e-mail addresses. Also,
noted is the increase of the number of family members signing on to our
directory.
Don “Frenchie” Ferchau, battalion secretary, gave an up-dated
financial report of battalion funds. He indicated that the battalion was
in good financial condition.
Grady Coker gave a report of the battalion web site indicating to the
membership that it was their web site and suggestions for additions and
extractions were welcome.
There was much discussion on the site for next year’s reunion. Suggested
sites were St. Joseph, MI; Dallas, TX; and Chicago, IL. Dallas, Texas
was selected as the site of next year’s reunion to be hosted by David
Watkins, H&S Company. The exact site of reunion is to be determined.
There may be a change of dates due to the Oklahoma/Texas college football
game.
Annual
banquet was well attended with over 141 registered.
We had the privilege of the appearance of retired Lt. General Louis Metzger
and his wife, Joan. General Metzger was our battalion commander and describes
the First Armored as the best battalion he ever commanded. Such comments
from our General are much appreciated.
Many guest were introduced and I am sure this report will not recognize
everyone. Noted was the presence of Barbara Oyler, wife of deceased Thomas
T. Oyler of C Company who was wounded on Guam.
October 7
The annual memorial service to honor our deceased comrades was at 1000.
The proper Marine Color Guard was in place as designated company representatives
read the names of the deceased. Taps was played and there was not a dry
eye.
God bless our departed Marines.
Grady Coker
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