2006 First Armored
Amphibian Battalion Reunion
Coming Soon:
Reunion Scrapbook
Guest List
The 30th reunion of the First Armored Amphibian Battalion
was held at the Holiday Inn - Erlanger, KY Wednesday, October 4, 2006
to Sunday, October 8, 2006.
Arriving on Tuesday, October 3rd it was noted that several
Marines arrived on Monday, October 2nd and were enjoying
the area. There were 35 Marines registered, 51 rooms rented and 115
banquet reservations. The facilities were first class and our host did
an outstanding job making the reunion most enjoyable. We thank Marine
Raymond Smith’s four daughters, Sona Hodge, Sharon Clark, Trica Applegate
and Melissa Young, for a job well done. Others who helped with registering
and the hospitality room were Richard Zenger and wife Edna, Ruthie Cutright,
Joe Baumbach, Michael McGann and wife Dorothy, Michael Perkins, George
Tremblay and Al Vogel with wife Linda.
Thursday October 5
Tour of LST ( Landing Ship Tank) 325 was a nice add on tour of a type
ship that transported us and our amphibian tanks during World War II.
This ship was present as part of the Tall Stacks, which is a once every
four year happening in the Cincinnati, Ohio area on the Ohio river.
The tour was a memory jarring experience and a living testimony to the
hardships and horrors of World War II.
After the ship tour we visited the Cincinnati Museum Center to view
WW II exhibits. From there we went to a nice buffet lunch at the Argosy
Riverboat Casino. Those wishing to gamble stayed on for another three
hour, while others were taken back to the hotel.
Friday October 6
This was a tour to Hofbrauhous Brewery in Newport, KY for beer tasting
and lunch. The beer was very good and the buffet lunch of good German
type food was much appreciated. We were entertained by a German type
band that played the Marine Corps Hymn and later the playing the Marine
Corps Hymn again followed by God Bless America, which was sung by the
audience.
After the brewery tour we had a very nice tour guide for a grand Cincinnati/Northern
Kentucky city tour. A much enjoyed tour of some outstanding scenery.
Saturday October 7
Memorial Service was accompanied by the local Marine Color Guard
Prayer was lead by B Company Marine, Charles Perkins. The names of the
deceased were read by the various company representatives. Taps was
played by Raymond Smith’s grandson, Navy Officer Kevin R. Smith. Kevin
had not played a trumpet for 20 years but the day before worked on getting
it right, which he did. A letter from B Company Marine, Ed Dooley was
read by Joe Baumbach titled I WILL KNOW WHERE TO FIND YOU. This
was an message from Ed Dooley who missed this reunion because of back
surgery. We were pleased to know he is doing well.
Business meeting followed the memorial service conducted by
Joe Baumbach. Donald (Frenchie) Ferchau gave the financial report which
was favorable. Along with Dale Barker we were updated on our book sells.
Grady Coker gave an update on our web site. George Legino gave information
on the next reunion to be in Denver, Colorado, which was received favorably.
Joe Baumbach gave a pitch for Houston the following year.
Banquet on Saturday night was well attended with many family
members accompanying their Marines. This started with a prayer by Charles
Perkins followed by singing of the Marine Corps Hymn. Entertainment
was a provided by a Ike Eisenhower impersonator who expounded on Ike’s
vision of the invasion of France. While this Army dressed person presented
the wrong theme he was entertaining and appreciated.
Guests
There were numerous guests and this report is sure to miss many. Raymond
Smith’s had his four daughters and son who were accompanied by their
spouses and many children. Jerry Thompson was accompanied by his son,
Terry and daughter Sherry. Jennifer Rosenthal was a guest of Mary Bartels.
Bill Brewer was present with deceased Captain Lillie’s daughter Nancy.
Earl Hill’s daughter Tami Fergert was present with her daughter, Amanda,
and son, Earl. Frenchie Ferchau’s brother, Temple, and sister, Frankie
Day, were present.
George Tremblay's three daughters were present with their husbands..
Mark Johnson, son of A Company Marine Max Johnson. was a visitor. Gloria
Capik, daughter of D Company Marine Harry Paul, was present.
James Bush, C Company Marine, had as his guest his daughter, Jamie
Loper and son-in-law, Jim Loper.
Gus and Mary Iacozili had their daughter, Kay Ralph, as a guest.
Grady Coker
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