Opinion:                     Organizing

At the Reunion in Colorado Springs, which had an admirable family attendance, there was discussion of a bit more organization to our "Association", due to the size we have become over the last several years.  There was much hashing over of options and ideas, culminating in Mike Harrington being "volunteered" to organize a steering committee (the sound of that made us farm boys shudder). ThirdMarDiv Ass'n again pitched for us to become a chapter at large of their group.  This has its pluses and minuses.  The vast majority of those in attendance shyed from that option.

Dues were discussed, but again, that idea raises as many problems as it does solutions.  The way things operate now, all alumni are members in good standing, and funding is done volutarily from within, with a minimum of soliciting.  However, with the size of our group, and the many varied projects ongoing, such as this newsletter, reunions, and several other items,  there needs to be a bit more of a centralized clearing house with a group of people running herd on it, in order to spread the work around a bit, and cover all the bases as the herd thins through attrition.

Also, the question was raised about the long-term succession, and whether to include the Desert Storm, OEF and OIF vets, if they care to participate.  We have begun to include their history in our websites and this newsletter, and down the line I hope that they will carry on with what we have worked so hard to make viable.

Those who have not attended a reunion lately should plan on doing so.  Contact old comrades and get a group together to join in the fun.  Efforts are made to keep these as affordable as possible, and there are many ways to share the expenses.  We aren't formal, and try to make the gatherings enjoyable not only for our alumni, but for their family members too.        Nothin' but ear to ear grins!  ::>)

Last, but by no means least, several of the spouses have initiated an effort to get an "auxilliary" together to address the family aspects of our reunions, and daily efforts.  Kudo's ladies!  This will be an evolving thing, but we hope to see a lot of participation, and assistance with the organization and functions of the group.  There will be a section of the newsletter available each issue for their use.  Pass this newsletter over to yur "SgtMaj" for her perusal.
Onnard and uppard!     Doc                (See below)
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Welcome to the M G & L Corner

While the ladies getting together isn't a new thought, Pam McBride, Carol Highsmith, and Peg Churchill are bringing this concept to life for the 3/3 reunion in 2008.  M G & L planning started right after the Colorado reunion. It must have been something in the water there that sparked some great ideas! That Rocky Mountain high stuff is already hard at work!

So what's MG &L....another new military term? Nahh.. it stands for Meet, Greet, & Laugh.
M -meet and muster together for the first Ladies 3/3 reunion session (okay....attendance is volunatary and the *admission is free)
G - Gee....what's going to happen? It will be a time for the gals to share, meet, and get to know one another.
L - LOL :-) lot's of laughter..... and sign our guest book!

Stay tuned for the next edition for the latest MG & L update.
LOL to you!

Pam, Carol & Peg :-)

Doc... regarding the free admission ...some of us had the thought that if we have this as a "free" event then if future funds are needed as group participation grows charging a nominal fee would be procative. In other words make it a planned event... not any type of "dues" but optional just as event trip activities are at the reunion.  If we start not charging, then we be setting an expectation of always having the event free in the future. Folks may complain about being charged when they didn't pay the first time.  It could be just small fee of say $3.00 - $5.00 dollars. Funds will go towards this Mg & L event gifts &/or momentos that we plan on having for participants. Just an FYI.. most gals don't put money in a jar type of thing like the guys do to help cover costs.  Most prefer any upfront costs no matter how nominal it may be.  They like tickets for things... in my opinion.   OR..... do we tell this first group that this is a new event and is free this time and there may be a small charge for future reunions?  Just trying to think ahead.......  
Pam 

p.s.  I do see this the meet and greet evolving into a larger group in the future and then calling it the 3/3 Aux as more sons, daughters, sisters, grandchildren of the 3/3 Marines carry on the legacy.

[Editor’s note:  It’s up to the ladies and family members now.  This is a chance to get involved and get a support group going that will be there long after the last of us old worriers… er, warriors… has mustered out.  You can have a group that is proactive in VA affairs for surviving spouses - /family, and provide info and support in that area.  I feel it is a much neglected facet of our overall project (basically due to the fact that we will live forever…LOL).  The ball is rolling … go for it!]    next page
3/3 RVN Ass’n  Vol  1  Issue 8    01/01/2007  Pgs 12-13
HUMOR

Three men are sitting stiffly side by side on a long commercial flight. After they're airborne and the plane has leveled off, the man in the window seat abruptly says, distinctly and confidently, in a loud voice, "Willowby, Admiral, United States Navy, retired. Married, two sons, both surgeons."

After a few minutes the man in the aisle seat states through a tight lipped smile, "Sloan.  Admiral, United States Navy, retired. Married, two sons, both Judges."

After some thought, the fellow in the center seat decides to introduce himself. With a twinkle in his eye he proclaims, " O' Bryan, Sergeant Major, United States Marine Corps, retired. Never married, two sons, both Admirals."
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Ode to a Peaceful Dawn

I woke early one morning,
The earth lay cool and still
When suddenly a tiny bird
Perched on my window sill,

He sang a song so lovely
So carefree and so gay,
That slowly all my troubles
Began to slip away.

He sang of far off places
Of laughter and of fun,
It seemed his very trilling,
Brought up the morning sun.

I stirred beneath the covers
Crept slowly out of bed,
Then gently shut the window
And crushed his friggin’ head.

(I'm not a morning person)
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Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.

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A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.

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Most of the stuff people worry about ain't never gonna happen anyway.

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