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June 2009 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. REUNION Our 2009 Oklahoma City reunion will be held from Sunday, May 31, 2009 through Friday, June 5, 2009. The reunion will be held at the Waterford Marriott, 6300 Waterford Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73118. We were able to get a terrific guestroom nightly rate of $129.00 plus tax for King Non-Smoking, Double Smoking at one of Oklahoma City’s better hotels. In addition they are providing a Complimentary Hospitality Room for the duration of the reunion with an adjoining Complimentary Non Smoking Suite. MAKE YOUR RESERVATION EARLY: For guestroom reservations please call the Waterford Marriott directly at 405-848-4782, or reservations may also be made after hours with Marriott Worldwide Reservations at 1-800-228-9290. In order to receive the special group guestroom rate, individuals must identify themselves as attending the THIRD BATTALION TWENTY SEVENTH MARINES VIETNAM REUNION. This hotel is easily accessible from two major Interstate Highways that intersect our city or whether you are flying in. The following is a highlight of weekly activities: SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2009 CHECK IN: HOSTED BY OKLAHOMA NATIVE AMERICANS MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2009 HONOR DANCE FOR 3/27 MARINE CORPS VETERANS HOSTED BY OKLAHOMA NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN TRIBES TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2009 AUCTION AND COUNTRY DINNER WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2009 BANQUET THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2009 CASINO DAY, RIVERWIND CASINO FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2009 CHECK OUT DAY ALSO IN MORNING DOWNTOWN PARADE OF NATIONAL RED EARTH AMERICAN INDIAN GATHERING There are several sites you may want to visit during your stay here in Oklahoma City such as the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum or the Oklahoma National Memorial and Museum. Information on banquet and T-Shirt cost will be forthcoming. Donations for our reunion may be sent to: 3/27 Reunion 2009, 2326 NW 35TH Oklahoma City, OK 73112. The people of Oklahoma look forward to welcoming you to your 3/27 2009 Reunion. Semper Fidelis Blas Preciado ANDERSON - BURKE HALL BARRACKS DEDICATION CEREMONY
The 16May08 dedication of Anderson - Burke Hall at the USMC base, Quantico, Va., was so well attended by 3/27 Marines that it must be considered a "Mini - Reunion". Although unscheduled as such, it drew some three dozen 3/27 Marines, their guests and family members. In recognition of this it has been decided that photos from this event will be posted here on the Reunion page.
Dale Camp, India Company 3/27, delivers the keynote address on Robert Burke's achievements & sacrifices. Anderson - Burke Hall is seen in the background. Dale's speech is shown here. (Photos continued after text). On May 17, 1968, PFC. Robert Burke’s company, India, 3/27, was pinned down by an estimated Battalion of North Vietnamese infantry. Robert aggressively assaulted NVA positions with his M-60 machine gun and did such a good job of suppressing fire that many Marines of India, including me, believe that he saved their lives. If you read his citation you will have a clear idea of the courage, fighting
spirit, and sacrifice he displayed that day. But there is more to a man than one
day of his life. Before he was a Marine he was a small town kid from the
Midwest. He grew up out in the country near Monticello, Illinois. Rode his bike
to school. His family was large, he had 7 brothers and sisters and 5 half
brothers and sisters. His father was a hardworking man who built fence for a
living. Later as Robert grew up he learned a good work ethic as he built fence
with his Father in the summer. That’s hard work building fence! I know from
talking to Roberts sister Marilyn that their mom and dad didn’t have much money,
so life was a little hard, but from what I know of her and Robert I think that
their parents did a real good job. He had a girlfriend, Marcia, and a 56 Ford.
Cars had a lot to do with Robert and the Marines. He had always wanted to be a
Marine and wrangled the signatures to enlist when he was 17. While waiting for
his date to go to boot camp, he and a friend were riding around drinking beer
and had a wreck. Robert got caught. Ever heard Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the
USA”? “Got in a little hometown jam. So they put a rifle in my hand” Well
according to the story that Burke told Corpsman Mike Lutz, when he woke up the
next morning with a splitting headache in the local jail there was an impressive
looking dude with a crew cut and an outstanding blue uniform looking at him.
“Son, I can get you out of here,“ the recruiter told him. Robert reported to
boot camp immediately. After boot camp and ITR, he was trained for Motor T. When
Tet 68 happened Gen. Westmoreland asked Pres. Johnson for more troops and the 27th
Marines on Camp Pendelton started filling up their ranks with Marines from all
over the base. In just a few days we went to the old El Toro Marine air station,
LBJ came and gave us a speech and the whole regiment flew to Viet Nam together.
Two days later we were in the bush. May 17, 1968, is a day that a lot of us old guys here still think about every day. We were on Operation Allen Brooke in an area called GoNoi island. India was in the lead with Alpha 1/7 and Golf 2/7 behind us. We had just got out of one fight at dawn and were moving across a huge open field toward a dry river bed with heavy jungle and trees behind it. The village of Le Nam. The guys in the lead were hit real hard by a Battalion of NVA in bunkers as they got to the dry river bed and took quite a few MIA’s and KIA’s right away. Robert was near the front when this happened. There was a tremendous amount of fire coming from the tree line in front of us and Marines were being hit left and right. There was no cover. Marines were trying to dig in or run across the river bed. We were firing everything we had, to no obvious effect. My squad ran down into the river bed, scooped up a wounded Marine and tried to make it across. As we ran 3 of our 6 went down wounded. Where we ran across was right behind where PFC Burke was blasting away with his M-60 and Mike, Al, and I, believe that he kept us from being killed by the NVA. In the open field where most of India was they were getting organized but continued to be under a huge amount of fire and murderous sniper fire. The Company CO, Capt. Ralph was killed, followed by 1st Lt. Cummings, and 2nd Lt. Fiebelkorn. Lt. Thompson of 1st Platoon assumed command. PFC. Burke continued to pour suppressing fire into the NVA positions. At a time when almost all of us who had crossed the river were treating the wounded, staying behind the river bank, and poking our heads over the river bank to fire, PFC. Burke was up on top of the bank in an exposed position with his M-60. Like I said before I think about this every day of my life and I’m tormented by what I or we could have done different. I would have fired my weapon more. Tried harder to see the NVA positions. Maneuvered to take pressure off the guys in the open field. Here’s the thing, the things that I dream about going back and doing are the very things that PFC. Burke really did. He made a big difference. Our Corpsman Mike Lutz had been wounded and he had “promoted” me to Acting Corpsman. A call came down the line, “Corpsman up” and I went down there with the Corpsman’s bag. It was Burke, some of the guys had gone up on top of the bank and had pulled him back down after he was hit. He was still, we checked his wounds. He wasn’t breathing. There was nothing we could do. The battle went on. We were rescued by our brother companies Kilo and Lima 3/27 who had been choppered in behind the NVA and fought their way through the enemy lines to help us. Nothing ever felt better. I talked to some of my friends who knew Robert to ask them what they remembered about him. We all agreed that he was a happy go lucky guy, fun, with an ornery sense of humor. He loved to fire that M-60 and anytime he had an excuse to fire it he really cut loose. He also had a little rebel in him and I remember once we had some down time, and I saw him throwing his bayonet at a banana tree. Well it looked like fun but I was afraid of getting in trouble for hurting some guys tree and not winning hearts and minds. Burke wasn’t worried about that and we threw bayonets at that tree until we cut it down. We laughed and had a great time. He was a good guy. I’m sure most of you have seen the movie “Saving Private Ryan.” In one of the scenes the elderly Private Ryan has returned to Normandy with his family. After he finds Capt. Millers grave he’s very emotional and he says to Miller, “ I hope I’ve earned what all of you have done for me.” Then he says to his wife, “Tell me I’ve lead a good life. Tell me I’m a good man.” It always makes me cry because that’s how I feel about Robert Burke and all the others who died so I could be here today. I owe those guys! They didn’t get a chance to grow old, we don’t know how they would have done. But, Our debt to them is, not to waste the lives they gave us and the freedom that men and women like them have given to this country. Every American has the same debt as Veterans do. Everyone! Don’t waste your life, get out there and do something with it. When I was given the opportunity to come here and speak about Robert I was honored. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about him and what we went through. I wish things had been different for him but I will use his memory to make myself a better person. When I’m down or lazy, I’m going to remember what Robert did for me and try to live life to its fullest and I hope you all will. Thank you, and Semper Fi.
Bob Simonsen, George Rostron, Al Ciezki, Steve Easton, Cordie Rostron, Ernie Fitzgerald, Doug Grady Janet Rigney and the Richard Buchanan Family South Vietnam Medal of Merit is presented to the Burke Fanily The sister of Robert Burke, Marilyn Barnett, cuts the Ribbon to open the Hall Photos & MOH Citations in the Entrance Foyer Steve DeWitt, Dave Ellison, Chuck Spencer Plaques on Outside Entrance Wall Ernie Fitzgerald, Cordie Rostron Seven of the 55 attendees at Friday dinner David Ellison, Terry Rigney, Bill Jansen A Visit to the Vietnam Memorial Marilyn wearing the pendant made from her Brother's Dress Blues Cover EGA
Below you will find the writings of a participant at the Burke dedication. His insight is phenomenal and I'm sure that you will agree that it parallels the thoughts of all who attended. Eloquently stated, this work must be given 'star' status within the realm of 3/27 lore. The Dedication 16 May 2008 by Robert Simonsen Nearly 40 years exactly had passed for these former warriors as they traveled to the Marine Corps Base at Quantico, Virginia to honor one of their fallen brothers. They came by planes, cars and even motorcycles from a cross section of cities throughout the United States including places such as: Aztec, NM; Pisgah Forest, NC; Placerville, CA; Wildwood, NJ; Hixton, WI; Galena, KS; Yakima, WA; Newton, PA; Georgetown, TX; Salem, OR; Macomb, MI; Bartow, FL; Englewood, OH; Long Island, NY; New Orleans, LA and Virginia Beach, VA. Most of them had been married (some more than once) and had raised families. Although many are now retired, they had held previous jobs representing a vast diversity of work: businessmen, construction workers, salesmen, police officers, teachers, firemen, engineers and even career Marines. Many had graduated with high college degrees while others had not even finished high school. The bottom line is that they represented the heart and soul of America. These 60 plus year-olds included former ranks from Privates to Colonels. They had all been Marines or Navy Corpsmen. They represented all five companies (H & S, India, Kilo, Lima and Mike) from the 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines (3/27). Most of them now had gray hair or were balding. Although some could still fit into their old uniforms, most had added a ‘few’ pounds to their waistlines and no longer looked like the ‘lean and mean green machine’ of their youthful years. Some limped and showed the physical effects of their old war wounds; others who suffered from deep emotional wounds were not as obvious. If you talked to them you would learn of their many troubled years of suffering in silence before the demons finally erupted later on in life. Post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) is the name for it. “All gave some, some gave all.” Advanced age has left many with various pains, illnesses and the limitations that might come with it. The big joke is to compare how many pills one is now taking to help alleviate the various symptoms and perhaps provide a better life. Several of their Marine ‘brothers’ have passed away in recent years due to poor health or unfortunate accidents. Although many will probably live another twenty years or so, mortality is once again facing them in their daily lives, as it did some 40 years ago in Vietnam. Some came alone; others with wives, girlfriends, children, grandchildren and friends. Many who came had never seen or even knew the Marine being recognized, while others knew him intimately and were there in the Vietnam jungle when he was killed and earned the Nations highest award for valor: The Medal of Honor. He was the youngest recipient of this Medal during the Vietnam War. He was barely 18 years old and his name was Robert C. Burke. He was raised in Illinois and represented the best that America had to offer in 1968. He was a Marine and damn proud of it. He lived life to the fullest and left this earth well before his time. He was a ‘Gung Ho’ Marine hero who saved many lives on a fateful May 17, 1968 day in a place only a few still remember: Go Noi Island. Dale Camp was appropriately selected to give a speech at the dedication, telling the brief story of Robert Burke. Dale had been there that day and credits Robert with saving his life as he, Al Ciezki, and ‘Doc’ Mike Lutz crossed a dry river bed under a tremendous volume of fire. Twenty-one Marines died that day and scores more were wounded. The unbearable heat also took its toll on the pinned down Marines. Robert had aggressively provided cover fire with his machine gun and eliminated several enemy positions before falling to automatic rifle fire. Miraculously, both Dale and Al were not even wounded, while Doc Lutz was hit severely in the wrist. Dale had to take over for Corpsman Lutz and provided medical care to others as best he could. There were also several relatives of Robert who made the journey: sisters, nieces, nephews and cousins. His younger sister, Marilyn, was the glue that had kept Robert’s memory alive and held the family together. She had attended two previous building dedications honoring her brother and was also in Washington D.C. in 1969 when Vice President Agnew presented the Medal of Honor to the family. She brought with her an album with pictures and other items concerning Robert’s life, which she graciously shared with everyone. Dangling around her neck was a new necklace with a medallion that she just had made and centered on the medallion was Robert’s ‘Eagle, Globe and Anchor,’ taken from his dress blue uniform cover prior to his burial. Marilyn, former 3/27 Marines Terry Rigney, Andy Boyko and Johnny Johnson, along with the Marine Corps representative, Madelon Farr, and several active duty Marines had all played important parts at one time or the other in putting the dedication together and reaching out to 3/27 Marines and family so that there would be a successful ceremony. Hats off to them all! Your efforts are all greatly appreciated. Robert wasn’t the only hero that came from this group of Marines. Others who attended the dedication had earned the Navy Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star and other commendation medals. Many had also received the Purple Heart for their ‘red badge of courage.’ It seems appropriate to quote from Shakespeare’s King Henry V play, “He, who shed his blood with me, shall be my brother forever.” All were heroes in their own right, whether it was recognized by a medal or not. To be in harms way, thousands of miles from home on a daily basis, is one of the most heroic tasks that any person can undertake. ‘Every Marine is a basic rifleman’ is the motto that many will take to their grave. The former Marines had gathered together, not just to honor Robert and to see the new building which was being dedicated and was now adorned with his name on a brass plaque, along with another honoree, James Anderson Jr., but also to honor the memory of the dozens of others who never came back home. If you observed these men over the weekend, you would see strong handshakes, hugs, tears, laughter and every other possible emotion. They talked of old times and new. They tried to remember events which had slipped from their memory over the previous 40 years. Although nothing formal had been planned, many joined each other in both large and small groups for meals, camaraderie and late night drinking, cigar smoking and the telling of ‘old war stories’ (many embellished over the years). Most found time to visit the nearby Marine Corps National Museum where their USMC heritage is proudly displayed. There were important stops in the gift shop where they purchased Marine Corps memorabilia: mugs, shirts, hats, books, challenge coins and you name it. After all: “Once a Marine, Always a Marine!” Another must, was a visit to the second level to the inside replica of the birth of the Marine Corps on November 10, 1775: Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A cold brew or two were quaffed down by the thirsty veteran Marines. A few, who stayed on an extra day or two, went to Washington D. C. to view the Vietnam Memorial Wall. Some stood in silence in deep remembrance and others quietly wept over the name(s) of a remembered friend that had been etched into the granite wall. One name may seem insignificant in the sea of 58,000 names but to the fellow Marine brother who had survived the war, the specific name(s) held an everlasting bond that could never be broken. Marilyn, visiting the ‘Wall’ for the first time in her life, wept at the sight of her big brother’s name. She proudly kept saying to anyone around, “That was my brother.” Penciled etchings of special names were taken for keepsakes. Marines don’t leave their dead on the battlefield nor do they ever forget those that made the ultimate sacrifice. The names really do not need to be placed on a wall because they will remain etched in their minds forever. “Semper Fidelis – Always Faithful.” ====================================================================================================== GULF COAST REUNION - GULF SHORES, ALABAMA, JUNE 2007
REUNION PHOTOS Gulf Shores, Alabama June 2007
SUSAN & ERNIE FITZGERALD, TERRY RIGNEY, ANDY BOYKO, GENERAL JOHN & HELEN TOOLAN Alabama Reunion Photos (June 2007) Brig. Gen. Toolan and Marilyn Barnett Blas Preciado with Gen. and Mrs. Toolan Nan Simonsen as Banquet Auctioneer Peggie Prish, our gracious hostess Keith Soukkala, Mike Stoppa, Ed Benavidez Roy Parr, George Rostron, Mike Stoppa, Keith Soukkala, Ed Benavidez Paul Michael's "Agent Orange" Bike Paul Michael's 3/27 Motorcycle Dayton Reunion Photos (Oct 2005) Fred Steube, Andy Boyko, MajGen. Bice, Gunny Recruiter Major General David F.Bice (Inspector General of the Marine Corps)
San Diego Reunion (2003) At the San Diego Reunion ( Ed Benavidez, Blake Thomas, John Zalipski, Rich Buchanan, Miles Keefe, (kneeling) Keith Soukkala
Recruit Tom Burke, nephew of I / 3 / 27's Robert Burke -MOH - kneeling in utilities, front center.
Philadelphia, PA Reunion ( July 2000) (Front) Matt Raible (Standing) Andy Boyko, Charlie Butler, Mike Ricci, Dennis Christy
Hot Springs, Arkansas Reunion (1998) 3/27 Marines & Honored Guests, July 31, 1998 B. Simonsen, S. Monk, Domingo DeLeon, R. Fonseca, A. Ciezki, M. Lutz (Front) M. Raible, Mike Ricci, C. Butler, L & B Gostlin, (Rear) Tom Fuleky, M. Lutz Charlie Butler with Mustang Sally Johnny Johnson with Major John K. (Keith) Wells (Navy Cross), Iwo Jima author *(added 5May08) Chaplain Mike O'Neil, Jerry Kline, George Hight *(added 4 Jun 08) New Mexico Reunion (1996)
Springfield, Missouri Reunion (1995) Frank Cortez, Al Ciezki, Raul Fonseca, Fred Steube, Shelby Monk
Colorado Reunion (1993)
Switzerland, Florida Reunion (October 1991) Florida Reunion Tom Hanson, David Burns, Joe Thomas, Richard Pelkey, Ray Allison, Tullis Woodham, Andy Boyko, Chuck Spencer, Bill Gostlin; Seated: Tim Davis, Mark Smith
Mars Hill, N.C., Reunion (August 1990)
Lancaster, Ohio Reunion (June 1989) Lower: Tom Hanson, Tim Davis; Upper: Bill Gostlin, Joe Thomas, Denny Christy, Bob Detty, Ray Allison
Grinnell, Iowa, Reunion (July 1988) Ray Allison, Joe Thomas, Denny Christy, Gary Harlan
Irons, Michigan Reunion (August 1987)
Oceanside, California Reunion (1974)
Miscellaneous Photos Lima Co., Third Platoon Members (Lima Co. only Reunion, Fla.) Rich Buchanan & Marlin Jackson - 2005
It has been a past ritual and is fast becoming a lasting tradition that, at the close of each 3/27 Reunion Banquet, all persons present rise, join hands, and sing along to Lee Greenwood's song "God Bless the U.S.A.". Many people may not know the words to this patriotic American favorite, so we have printed them and provided a link to the audio below. Please enjoy the song, learn the words, and prepare for a moving experience at the next Reunion in OKC. We suggest that you purchase a CD or tape of this song and practice at home or in your car until you'll be able to lead the group in song if asked ( ... only kidding, Marines ) . Please click the below link to access the audio of the song written below. GOD BLESS THE USA By Lee Greenwood If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life, And I had to start again with just my children and my wife. I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today, ‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom
and they can’t take that away. where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today. ‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A.
to the hills of Tennessee, 'cross the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea. From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA, Well, there’s pride in every American heart,
and it’s time we stand and say: where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today. ‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A. And I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God Bless the U.S.A.
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