2003 Reunion Report

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The 27th reunion of the First Armored Amphibian Battalion was held at Holiday Inn Fairlane Motel at Dearborn MI from October 15th to October 18th. Our host was Max Johnson with help from Mary Bartels, Bill and Dorothea Germain, Fred and Dottie Addison, and Bill and Betty Carter. The hospitality room was amply run by George Tremblay, Al Vogel and others.

We had 58 Marines and many guests having over 140 people at our banquet. Those Marines making a first appearance was Harold Roberts and daughter Joan Schiada, Gus Iacozina, Dick Clendenen with wife and daughter, and Clarence Reisig. Those members with guest set a new record by Jim Shiley and wife Pat having 11 family members. Ray Smith had 7 family members down from 9 family members last year. Harry Paul had as his guest his daughter Gloria Capik. Lil Flinn, wife of deceased Marine Bob Flinn. was present with her daughter Diana Currier and grandson Jeff. We were honored to have Nelson Bousman, son of deceased Marine Freeman Bousman, with his wife. Grady Coker had as his guest his nephew, Mike Peplinski and niece Peggy.Thomas Coleman had as his guest his son Thomas Coleman Jr who gave a nice speech at our bouquet. Charles Perkins and wife Minnie brought their grandson. I am sure this is an incomplete list and I apologize to any guest I might have omitted.

ACTIVITIES
Thursday, October 16th

This was a tour of the Ford Assembly Plant, which was well attended. This was a morning tour with a free afternoon for visiting. that night we loaded on a bus for a dinner at Martinos (soon to be Mitch Hovseys) Restaurant. This was a great place to eat and enjoyed by the many that made the trip.

Friday, October 17th

This was an all day tour of the Ford Village and/or Museum. This tour was well attended and we needed two tour buses for this trip. Both the village and museum are well worth a long look and although the tour was six hours much more time could have been used. Much to see and do there. Imax Theater was a real plus with the Lewis/Clark Exposition featured.

Memorial Service

This was on Saturday, October 18th. We had begun last year having this service on Saturday rather than Sunday and this method has worked out very well making the memorial service better attended. The Marine Color Guard was presence and appreciated with a nice thanks from the leader of that group. We were impressed when the leader expressed that it was an honor to attend our service. Tom Coleman gave a much appreciated prayer , which is as below.

PRAYER OF REMEMBRANCE

Heavenly Father: We gather again in your presence
To honor and pay tribute to our deceased brothers of the First Armored Amphibian Tank Battalion.
We are thankful for those men who gave their lives in combat for this nation. They came willing to serve, and were called to
make the full sacrifice.
Our purpose today is to honor them and our brothers who have passed on since the days of combat.
Our duty here today is to recognize all of these men, by name, in reverence and gratitude.
And father, we ask your special blessing on the
loved ones of all these men. And we remember with
fondness the wives of our battalion who have passed on
since the beginning of our reunions. They are special to us
and became a part of extended family.
We are thankful for the twenty-seven years we have been able
to gather. So now, we dedicate this time as a memorial to our
deceased brothers, and pray that you would consecrate it today.
In the name of Christ. AMEN

The reading of the names of the deceased was by each company representative. After this reading TAPS was played by our own Roger Behling. There was not a dry eye present.

BUSINESS MEETING

The business meeting followed the above memorial meeting.

A complete treasury report was given by Don (Frenchy) Ferchau, it was discussed and accepted.

Dale Barker gave a book report. After much discussion it was decided to extend our printing to 200 more books and remove the restriction of distribution. In the past only Marines and family members could obtain a copy of our book, Hitting the Beaches, now we may sell the book anywhere. Dale also make note of the increased number of e-mail addresses in our e-mail directory. This is a service Dale does and keeping the directory updated is much appreciated.

Grady Coker gave a report on our website. It is noted that the website is secure for two years without any funding from the battalion. Several suggestions of running the website were discussed.

Bob and Dorothy Schwaniger a made a pitch for having the reunion next year in Oklahoma City, OK. This proposal was well accepted and we will have our next reunion there October 6th to 9th, 2004.

BANQUET

This banquet was attended by 140 plus Marines and guests. We had the usual singing of the Marine Corps Hymn and Pledge of Allegiance. We had a nice talk by Thomas Coleman, Jr.
No longer is there a band and music at our banquets. We used to have a dance and party but times change. At this reunion we had a nice experience by many Marines coming forward and giving personal happenings while serving with the First Armored. It was a heart warming spontaneous experience.