2004 Reunion Report
View Reunion Scrapbook
The 28th reunion of the First Armored Amphibian Battalion
was held October 6-10 at the Biltmore Hotel in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Hosts of this annual event was Bob Schwaninger and his wife, Dorothy.
They were ably assisted by the following: George Tremblay as bar tender;
Ruth and John Wilson helped with the organization and set up decorations;
Dottie Addison and Helen Pacak took care of registration; Fred Addison,
Matt Pacak, Elga Lee, Willy Germain and Charles Perkins were caravan
drivers for Marines going to Sgt. Grit's store; Joe Baumbach led us
in the singing of the Marine Hymn at the Saturday night banquet. Locals
Billy May and Larry Smith of the Sooner Marine Corps League helped as
bar tenders and Billy May also drove Marines to Sgt.Grits. We thank
all those who helped with this reunion and their contribution to a successful
reunion was much appreciated.
Our reunions follow a set pattern with our hospitality room open on
October 6th for registration, refreshments and visiting. This room is
well visited and remains open except during other events. The second
and third days (October 7th and 8th) were set aside for tours as it
has been our habit to try and learn something of the culture of the
location of our reunion.Saturday is the day of our memorial service
when we honor our deceased Marines. This is followed by a business meeting,
hospitality room visiting and later that night our annual banquet. A
short summary of these events is given.
October 7th
This was our first tour and was well attended with two
full bus loads of Marines and their families. At each reunion we tend
to have more and more family members both of our living Marines and
those of our deceased Marines.We welcome this extension of our family.
On the first tour bus our tour guide was Diane Shelly, a retired school
teacher, and a good one. The first stop was at the Oklahoma City National
Memorial and Museum. This is the site of the bombing of the federal
building in Oklahoma City where 168 people were killed including children
and many more injured. Our tour was not long enough for a tour of the
museum but time spent was well worth the visit.
Second portion of the first day tour was to the National Cowboy And
Western Heritage Museum where we had a very nice buffet dinner. The
tour was divided into five sections of twenty persons per tour guide.
this is a beautiful place where several days could be spent visiting
this well researched and historical exhibits. A much enjoyed tour.
October 8th
For the second day tour we again had two full bus loads
of Marine and family members. We visited the famous Oklahoma City Omniplex.This
would appear to have been designed as a education vehicle as there were
many school children touring the building. One exhibit that struck me
was a large bronze stature of S. Goldman--who? He is famous as he invented
the shopping cart! After the tour of the Omniplex there was an interesting
drive into the exhibit of war weapons of the Oklahoma 45th Infantry
Division. These exhibits included tanks, cannons and other armored vehicles.
After these tours we had lunch in a Oklahoma City downtown area known
as the Brick Town, which is a restored area of shops and restaurants.
October 9th
Beginning our memorial service we had a prayer of remembrance
by Bob Schwaninger. A Marine Color Guard was present during the company
representatives reading of names of our deceased Marines.We honor our
deceased with our silent prayers and concluded our memorial service
by the playing of taps by our own Roger Behling. Moving our memorial
service from Sunday to Saturday has greatly increased the attendance.
Following the memorial service after a brief recess before the business
meeting we had a inspiring speech by Sgt.Major Michael W. Davis of the
Color Guard. He told us how much admiration the present Marine Corps
has for the Marine Corps World War II veterans. Following his speech
he awarded Michael Perkins, 12 year old grandson of B Company Charles
Perkins, a medal making him a honorary Corporal of the Marine Corps.
A financial report was given and accepted by our battalion secretary
Don Ferchau. A book report was given by Dale Barker who reported a second
printing of 100 books bringing the total number of books on hand to
132. Book prices are set at $35.00 plus five dollars for handling and
shipping. There will be no restrictions on the sale of the books.
Grady Coker gave a web site report with emphasis on number of visits
to the site since 06/15/00. Questions were answered. Number of links
to other web sites was noted. These links are reciprocate.
Earl Hill gave a pitch for Reno, NV for next year's reunion and his
site was accepted. So next year we will be in Reno.
Banquet
Our banquet had 135 attending. After a photo session we
generally follow a set routine- Pledge of Allegiance (under God, of
course), sing the Marine Corps Hymn, and guest speakers plus some entertainment.
Routine left up to the host. We had retired Marine Lt. Col. John Love
who told a inspiring short story. Entertainment was provided by Ann
and Tom David where Ann did the singing and Tom on the piano. She sang
several crowd pleasing favorites highlighted by GOD BLESS AMERICA. Floor
prizes were given where yours truly won a nice bottle of wine consumed
in the hospitality room after the banquet.
The following attended the 2004 reunion as guests:
-
Alan and Kathleen Dale. Kathleen is the daughter of deceased A
company Marine Walter Scott.
-
Jeannie Iacozili Magri, daughter of Gus and Mary Iacozili, attended
the reunion with her parents.
-
Kathy Rees and Teresa Johnson daughters of George and Lola Trembaly
attended the reunion with their parents.
-
Michael Perkins attended the reunion with his grandparents Charles
and Minnie Perkins.
-
Rusty Buckner, son of deceased B Company Marine Irwin Buckner,
attend the reunion with his wife Kathy.
-
Terry Thompson attended the reunion with his father Jerry Thompson.
Grady N. Coker,M.D.
8220 Bar X Terrace
Colorado Springs, CO 80908
naptiger@pcisys.net
View Reunion Scrapbook
Our
Book: 
