THE GIFT
It was 42 years ago when a dozen Marines, including myself, from the 8th Communication Battalion, 2nd FSSG (Camp Lejeune) were sent to Beirut, Lebanon. We were TAD to 22nd MAU for about a month until the 24th MAU would arrive at the end of May. We were the advance party for the 24 MAU Headquarters, Comm Section. As the old salts of 22 were showing us the ropes, we stopped at a local vendor “Shuffles” in the BLT lobby. He sold bottled water, little cans of propane and some keychains with MAU Logos on them. I picked up a few of these keychains and not only kept one in my pocket throughout the whole tour in Beirut, but everyday for the next 40 years. No matter where I was in public, anyone who saw it would always ask the question "where did you get that?" This simple item remained a conversation starter and must have told the story about the Beirut Marines a thousand times. In May 2023, our 40th anniversary, I had the privilege of sharing a meal with a Gold Star family. I told this family about how their Marine lived and worked, as well as our last supper on October 22nd,1983. I shared where this keychain was purchased and how it became symbolic, because it came from where their Marine lived, worked and died. I offered this precious keychain, which I had on my presence every single day for 40 years, to the nephew of one of our Marine brothers who was KIA. I offered it to him under the condition, that at a minimum of two times each year, both Memorial Day and October 23rd, he would tell the story about his uncle and the Beirut Marines. He agreed to the terms and thanked me for the gift. I then thanked him for his willingness to take on this task and reminded him that "The Gift" is what do we do with the freedom that these men gave us with their lives. How many more people over the course of your life can you tell about the sacrifice these men gave? Your memorial might be a simple keychain or a USMC tattoo. It could be a wall at Camp Johnson. Whatever or wherever your memorial is, what are you going to do with "The Gift"?
Semper Fi, Mike Zawacki (President, BVA)
ARMED FORCES DAY
Thomas Walsh (3rd Batallion, 8th Marines) was one of several recently recognized at the Armed Forces Day ceremony held May 17th at the Phillies pre-game ceremony (Citizens Bank Park). The celebration recognized all active duty, veterans and their families for their service, though Thomas was noted being a Marine and a member of the Beirut Veterans of America. We can’t emphasize how important it is to be visible in the community, as even small events help cement our legacy for posterity. Thank you Thomas for proudly representing us.
NEW MEMBERS
Firstly, a BIG welcome to all new members. The BVA continues to grow with a wide variety
of members from Veterans, Active Duty and Next of Kin. Except for Active Duty, we added
the State where each Veteran resides, which presents an opportunity to network and
expand the BVA presence regionally. One thing we have observed is that some people may
believe the BVA membership is the same as being on our official Facebook page, so if you
are in a conversation, see if the person you are speaking with is actually a member. To join,
go to our website then “Members.”
NEW EDITOR
The BVA now has an Editor - Kevin Macomber - who is a Beirut Navy Veteran who served on
board the USS Mahan (DDG-42). Kevin is a retired Sales Engineer and also author of the
book “Walking From The Shadows.” If you have information that you would like to submit,
please contact him at kevin.macomber at beirutveterans.org.
Root Scoop is the Official newsletter of Beirut Veterans of America. For more information,
go to www.beirutveterans.org
