Notice to all Beirut Veterans From Remembrance Chairman Craig Renshaw
I would take the time to inform you planning for the 25th Remembrance has been a challenge. We have had some set backs that were not helpful to us. But we have overcome most of them, Thanks to the persistence of the Planning committee personnel and others. We would have liked to have been able to inform you 3 months ago of the schedule of events that are taking place starting on the 22nd . So as of this date things are progressing and we do expect to have tied up most the loose ends by the first week of October.
I would also like to clear up something that I have heard from people for several years. The BVA is just what it says, We are the Beirut Veterans Of America. The Organization was formed for ALL Beirut Veterans of the 1958, 1982-1984 and recently added 2006 Veterans that went to Beirut. This Includes those that served aboard ships. We also have some that served, that were flown in. If you know of someone who feels that he does not quailify to be a member please inform him otherwise. If they are unsure, contact us and we will help them determine whether or not they could be a member.
For me, this year has been a year of meeting new members and talking with a lot you of. I have learned a lot. Some of the stories I've heard, some being things you have done, some of how you have felt and what you have gone through. The phone calls I've had from you have been the driving forces for me to make sure this years Remembrance Gathering is a great one and I hope it is. We have tried to do everything to make it so, there is an old saying “you can't please everyone”, well we all know you can't but, I hope you understand that we have tried. Please over look those that you see, or bring it to our attention so we can straighten it out.
For those of you first timers to the gathering, Here are a few things that you may want to consider.
Jacksonville HAS changed since you have been there, so expect it to be so. They now have a new By-pass that was not there 5 years ago, just to name one.
Do bring your old Pictures and stuff. You will have a few laughs from them.
Do have a small writing tablet and pen on you at all times, It will come in handy for several things. Most of all getting the name and contact info of old friends to take home with you.
Do make sure to bring your camera.
Do make every effort to get involved, met people and see what you can. You will take home with you more memories and have a better time if you do.
Do help our brothers and the Family members. You may be that one person that someone is looking for answers or to meet.
Do make it known if you are looking for a certain person or group of people. Don't be scarred too ask.
Please keep in mind that your OLD friend is longer young and can't do the things he use to do back in his younger days. And he may not look like he did 20 odd years ago.
There are probably others that could be listed, but I hope these give you a good start to having a good time.
First and foremost keep this in mind. We gather each year to remember those that can't be with us. OUR FIRST DUTY IS TO REMMEBER. I ask for your help in doing this.
Thank you and Semper Fi
Craig Renshaw
Beirut Veterans Formation 2008
Camp LeJeune, October 22nd
There will be a formation of all Beirut Veterans at the Football behind Gottege House, which is located in front of Building one (Base Commanding Officer Building) on Camp LeJeune, on October 22nd at 1:00 pm.
This Formation includes ALL Beirut Veterans from 1958, 1982-1984 and 2006. You will need to be on time, so we can arrange this formation. We will be divided into the correct time period of arriving in Beirut. If you are not sure which group or time period you need to be looking into it now so you will know or have an idea when you arrive. The arrangement will be establish in this order:
1958 time line- Beirut Veterans
32nd MAU- August 16th - November 1st 1982
24th MAU- November 1st 1982 – February 15th 1983
22nd MAU- February 15th – May 29th 1983
24th MAU- May 30th - November 18th 1983
22nd MAU- November 17th 1983– April 9th 1984
2006 Time line- Beirut Veterans.
Any other time lines not shown above.
If you are not sure, look for the time period in which you were there.
During this formation we would like to have the Command Element during that period at the front of each time lines formation, so if you see or know who they are please inform them during that time to go stand in their position.
This will also be a great time to have someone take pictures from the stands. We hope to have pictures taken of each formation from the bleacher area.
We ask that you be on time and co-operate so we can do this in an orderly, and timely manner (I bet a lot of you haven't heard that in awhile). If possible and time permits we will allow the Co's of each time period a opportunity to speak and address their men. If you are unable to stand for a long period (40 min or longer) you may want to bring a small folding chair.
Thank you
Craig Renshaw