Welcome Aboard

The 2005 Reunion was an OUTSTANDING success. But don't take my word for it, read some comments below.
Semper Fi, Mike Moran

FROM BOBBY COPPOLA; Mike, This was our first reunion and I promise you it won't be our last. My wife and I had such a wonderful time. You all did a wonderful job of putting it all together. I finally met a few men I proudly served with, one being S/Sgt. John Johnson. Once again a wonderful job to all . SEMPER FI, Bobby Coppola and wife Jewel

It is with a sad heart that I must inform you that on 5 October 2005 Bobby Coppola passed on, from a car accident. We have no guarantees about our time here. I can only say that I am glad he did make this year's reunion and say to his family that Bobby and his family are in our prayers. MM

FROM PATRICK 'BARNEY' BARNES;
Hi Mike,
Great time in Savannah. You folks deserve a lot of credit, especially Harry Dill.
Semper Fi,
Barney

FROM CRAIG WARDLAW;
Mike-
What a great job you and your team did in order to present such a successful reunion in Savannah. Thanks so much for countless hours of work and preparation.
I hope everyone got home safely and whom do I notify of additional KIA's that were not on our list?
Semper Fi,
Craig Wardlaw

FROM CARL 'BUD' PAEPCKE;
Some would say that "justice was done." Thanks! (and Thanks for all you did for our reunion).
S/F,
Bud

FROM CAROL DILL;
Hi,
Hope everyone had a safe trip home! The reunion was OUTSTANDING!
I'm certainly glad the wives are included -- would have hated to miss this one!

FROM BILL CRAWFORD;
Mike,
First of all, THANK YOU.
What a wonderful reunion. My wife and I had a wonderful time.
I have sent several pictures to another Marine that was in the 7Th Engineers but was unable to attend and he inturn has sent them to others as well.
Maybe next year we can all make the next reunion.
What a great tribute to our fallen brothers . Not a day goes by that I do not remember those times.
Again, thank you and all the Marines that made our reunion a success.
Semper Fi,
Bill Crawford

FROM RON MANDELL;
Bravo!!! I only wish I could have been there, but I'm living out on this island, called Saipan, in the far, far South Pacific.
I will be in the future though.

S/F,
Ron Mandell
1st Bridge '67-'69

FROM ROBERTO CASTILLO;
Hi Harry,
We had a wonderful time.
This was my first attendance.
Looking forward to Camp Pendelton. Sure hope to see MCRD, San Diego. I am a hollywood Marine. I have never been back. Sure like to see it again.
I met 7 other Gyrenes who were with Service Company and all seven of us served together at one time or another within our 13 month tour.
I found that kind of odd because I was there from 9-66 to 11-68 (Inclusive dates).
Thank you all for the wonderful time we had.
Semper Fidelis,
Robert

FROM COLONEL FRANK W. HARRIS III (Retired) Commanding Officer 7th Eng Bn. Oct 1966;
Congratulations to you, your staff, the Convention Manager, Harry Dill and all the others who worked so hard to put on such an outstanding Reunion in Savannah.
You people are amazing!
As you know, I have been to many reunions and conventions.
This was one of the best thought out, planned and executed that I have ever been to.
The color brochure announcing the Reunion was as professional as any you will ever see and I am sure convinced many that they should come. The Hotel was top notch and their helpful attitude; service and meals could not have been better.
The trip to Paris Island, I am sure, brought back great memories to many and was a highlight to all.
We will all long remember the Memorial Breakfast, the Flag Ceremony and the Marines who put it on. This was a very touching Ceremony and gave us all an opportunity to pause and reflect and give thanks.
Special mention has to be made of the display made by Dave Hauntly. This was just plain outstanding and represented a great amount of time and effort. The plaque presented to me is already hanging in a place of honor in my home. Thank you.
Instead of him making plaques to give away, we should be making one for him.
As has always been the case, the Banquet was the main highlight of the Reunion. The fellowship and camaraderie demonstrated that evening is what binds us all together. There is no other organization in the world that has what we have.
Thanks too to Andy Blenkle and Carl Paepcke for their presentations. On a personal note, I want to thank Valerie Moran for looking after Marian so well and to all the others who were so kind and attentive to her every need.
Again congratulations for a truly outstanding Reunion.
Semper Fi,
Colonel Harris

(Thank you Sir, for the Attaboy. But it truly is an Honor and a privilege to be part of this organization and to have such grand fellow staff members to work with. The 7th Engineer Battalion of Vietnam Veterans members are also due some credit - for without them we would not have such fine Reunions – that’s for sure. MM)

FROM PAUL J. HART;
This was our first reunion for my wife and I.
I would like to thank all of you and all those responsible for your time and hard work in putting it together.
I didn't get to meet anyone I served with, but I met a lot of other Marines who served with 7th Engineers Battalion and that made the trip worthwhile.
Looking forward to next year in San Diego.

Again, thank you and a big thank you to all the Marines that made our reunion a success.
Semper Fi,
Paul J Hart

FROM LARRY BOX;
Just wanted to let you and all those who were involved in organizing the reunion how much we enjoyed it and so glad that we attended. It was so well organized and I know a lot of hard work and time went into getting it planned. My wife and I had a wonderful time, and met so many wonderful people. Please extend our thanks to all those who made it happen. Looking forward to the next one!!
S/F,
Larry Box

FROM ROBERT RODRIQUEZ (A member of my squad in RVN-Hard charging Marine I often wondered how he faired. It was really great to see him and his lovely wife.-MM);
I`ve been hesitant in emailing you about our great reunion, but after reading the responses you`ve recieved, I just had to add to them.

For many, many years, I`ve had something missing in my life. Not knowing what ever happened to my brothers.

The reunion was wonderful. I couldn`t believe how many brothers I had that I had never met before. The wives were very friendly and got acquainted with each other rather quickly, considering they only had 2 days.
We are definitely one huge family!!!

Thanks again for encouraging me to attend.
Robert Rodriguez
Semper Fi

THIS FROM RICHARD BROWN.
Hi Mike,
We certainly want to echo the thoughts and words that you have received from my brother marines.
This too was our first reunion, and it certainly was OUTSTANDING !!!
My wife has her own business in the hospitalty field, so we know how much work and effort went into this successful event. The countless hours that it takes to put on such a superb weekend.
You and your team made our reunion one that will not be forgotten.
I was able to reconnect with a couple of brothers that I served with at Camp Love, in Vietnam. We met some great people that weekend. We too are planning on next years reunion.
I say to any fellow marine that didn't attend because they didn't know what to expect or may be nervous as I was, make plans to be there next year. It will be the best thing you can do for yourself.
Thank You So Much !
Semper Fi,
Richard & Vickie Brown

GENTS,
THIS WAS OUR LARGEST ATTENDANCE TO DATE, WITH A LOT OF NEW FACES.
A GROUP PICTURE WAS TAKEN AT PARRIS ISLAND BY A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER, THOSE IN ATTENDANCE WERE ALL SMILES AND I WILL POST INFORMATION HERE ON GETTING YOUR COPY, AS SOON AS IT IS AVAILABLE. THIS MAY TAKE A FEW WEEKS, AS THE DEVELOPEMENT OF PICTURES IS BACKED UP CURRENTLY.
THE 2006 REUNION IS GOING TO BE ON THE WEST COAST AND ALREADY BEING ARRANGED, SO VISIT OFTEN FOR UPDATES.

Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas.
Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever.

Mike Moran

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