Well know writer Jack Carr is releasing his new book "Beirut", this month. He will be making a stop in Jacksonville,NC, September 25th at 6:00pm at the Barnes n Noble book store in town. No need for tickets and he will be available for signing. This is a nice honor that he starts his book tour in the town where the 2nd MarDiv is located. All those that are in town are encouraged to attend. SF

Buy on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3SOZSYh

Please note the below dates/times for our planned events:

YOU MUST CALL THE HOTELS DIRECTLY IN ORDER TO GET THE BELOW LISTED ROOM RATES. (see  below)

The Room Block is under "Beirut Veterans of America."

Hilton Garden Inn (Annual Meeting Location)
1016 Jacksonville Pkwy, Jacksonville, NC   
25 Rms $109+ Regular rooms and Suites
(910)-346-2400

Courtyard by Marriott 
5046 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville NC   
10 Rms $107 
(910)-937-3304

My Place 401 Northwest Circle, Jacksonville NC  
10 Rms $89.99 +
(910)-968-0250

Sleep Inn 1016 Jacksonville Pkwy, Jacksonville NC  
10 Rms $89.99+
(910)478-0099

Candlewood Inn 119 Penny Ln, Jacksonville, NC  
10 Rms $89.99+
(910)-333-0494

Clarion Pointe 2115 N Marine Blvd, Jacksonville, NC   
20 Rms $99 & $109 +
(910)-347-1900

Quality Inn 2139 N Marine Blvd, Jacksonville, NC   
25 Rms $89.99+
(910)-938-0800

Comfort Inn 130 Workshop Ln, Jacksonville, NC    
20 Rms $98.00 + 
(910)-346-8900

Mainstay Inn & Suites 2201 N Marine Blvd, Jacksonville, NC    
27 Rms $90 Single  $105 Dbl      
(910)-219-1238

Red Roof Inn 1723 Lejeune Blvd, Jacksonville, NC  
10 Rms $69.99+
(910)-722-0111

Microtel 2411 Commerce Rd, Jacksonville, NC  
10 Rms  $78+
(910)-333-9232

Fairfield Inn 121 Circuit Ln Jacksonville, NC   
10 Rms  $134+
(910)-938-4499

On Monday, July 29, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., funeral services will be held at the Fort Myer Memorial Chapel for the 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Alfred M. Gray Jr., and his wife, Mrs. Janice Gray. Immediately following funeral services, graveside full military honors will occur at Arlington National Cemetery to lay General and Mrs. Gray to rest.

For those unable to attend this event will be Broadcast live at: https://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/34843

Dress Code: The uniform of the day for Marines in attendance is Dress Blue Bravo (ribbons and badges, white trousers, cloth belt) or service equivalent. Civilians are requested to wear business attire.

Individuals who desire to attend the funeral service at the Fort Myer Memorial Chapel and do not possess a valid common access card (CAC) are required to register for Fort Myer base access no earlier than 14 days, and no later than 3 days prior to the event. Please follow the link https://pass.aie.army.mil/jbmhh to register for base access.

Please be advised that seating and space will be limited inside the chapel and preference will be given to attendees on the funeral guest list and Marines in the uniform of the day. Due to the projected hot weather, attendees are recommended to come prepared with water and adequate protection from the elements, such as an umbrella. Air-conditioned transportation services will be provided to and from the chapel and burial site.

All Marine Corps Installations will half-mast the National Ensign on July 29, the day of interment, until sunset.


Always Remembering

Two Beirut Veterans experience a passing of the torch


Smith was in the front of the formation and was shocked when Weant and Kovach stood in front of him.

“Out of the corner of my eye I saw them. I thought ‘there is no way that’s them,” said Smith. “They pointed at me and smiled, and I almost broke down in tears.”

When Weant and Kovach joined the Marines, the ceremony had not been implemented, but that does not mean it had any less of an emotional impact.

“When they platoon marched in William was in the front and when he saw us I saw a little smile appear on his face, and he stood taller and straighter,” said Weant. “It gave him a little boost of energy and pride—and God you could see the pride in him.”

Normally the handover of the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is an honor reserved for the drill instructors of the platoon but in exceptional circumstances exemptions are made. Weant was the one to give Smith his EGA, an incredible emotional moment for the both of them.

“Being the one to hand him his EGA, I had a hard time composing myself,” said Weant. It filled me with pride, it was incredible.
Standing right next to Weant was his best friend Kovach who had one brief message for Smith.

“I did everything in my power to try and hold in my emotions, but I couldn’t hold it in so I teared up, said Kovach. “I looked right in his eyes and said one thing, ‘Wear it well.’”

Smith graduated recruit training on May, 31 and has hopes of following in his grandfather’s footsteps—by serving as an infantryman in 1st Battalion, 8th Marines.

NEWS INFO

"Respect those you are about to lead. If you ever are inclined to put anything except your mission above those magnificent people who ask for so little and yet who give so much, if you ever change that from your number-one priority, you have got to leave our Corps. And if you cannot make a dedicated commitment to that idea tonight and when you join us, then you should not."

General Alfred M. Gray
(June 22, 1928 – March 20, 2024)
29th Commandant of the Marine Corps

On January 16th at 1:00am, Marc (aka "Bent Nickel") was involved in a horrific traffic accident. Marc is a semi-truck driver that drives a very special truck with his cab, that he created, that holds the names of the Marines that were killed in the Beirut Bombing of 1983. The truck is completely totaled. But thankfully, Marc survived.

U.S. Embassy Beirut Remembers [Updated]

Photos added of Waiting Room and Cedar Trees

This October U.S. Embassy Beirut, Lebanon is conducting a series of events that will highlight the sacrifices of those who both served and died in Beirut. It will also send a message to all who visit the Embassy that the mission to help the people of Lebanon continues 40 years later.
"Beirut Veterans of America” and “Beirut Veterans of France" join together during this 40th Anniversary to remember those who died in Beirut, Lebanon on October 23, 1983. The 58 French Paratroopers, and 241 American servicemen who died on this day were part of a UN Multinational Peacekeeping force composed of British, Italian, French, and American troops.

The Rhode Island Nine Wreath Laying Ceremony

40th Beirut Bombing Observance

Monday 10:00 am 10/23/2023 - Annual remembrance ceremony to honor Rhode Island's fallen Marines "The Rhode Island Nine".

This year's guest speaker will be Naval War College student Major Patrick Hassett USMC.
Please do NOT call the American Legion for ticket info, they have nothing to do with tickets! THE DINNER IS SOLD OUT! If you purchased tickets online, they will be provided when you check in. Information regarding the BVA Muster/Reception is at the end of this email.
Anyone interested in learning more about all those who served and died in Beirut from 1982-1984 are invited to come to the field at Lejeune Memorial Gardens (Next to the Beirut Memorial). There will be a brief program along with a time for reflection on Sunday October 22, 2023 at 1:00 pm.
Annual Meeting will not take place on October 22nd in Jacksonville, but on a date yet to be determined in November or December. This meeting will occur virtually online in an interactive format.

Marathon Effort!

Soldier and Team Carry on Marine Marathon Tradition

Mike Chard, a special forces soldier who served in Beirut from June 1983 to April 1984, will carry the BVA banner in the 2023 Marine Corps Marathon, as he has done every five years since 2008.
Dickinson College and the Clarke Forum For Contemporary Issues will host:
"The Beirut Barracks Bombing of 1983: The Stories that America Needs to Hear"
Thursday, September 21, 2023

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation 20th Annual Capital Area Golf Tournament

In Honor of BLT 1/8 Marines and Corpsmen Killed in the 1983 Beirut Barracks Bombing

On September 25, 2023 at the Army Navy Country Club this, the 40th Anniversary year, the Capital Area Golf Tournament will honor the memory of the 220 Marines of 1st Battalion/8th Marines that lost their lives on 23 October 1983 when a suicide truck bomber attacked the U.S. Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.
It’s Memorial Day, a time for our Country to remember… we Remember every day. And always Remember their Families.
Forty years after the bombing, the United States remains committed to its efforts to defeat terrorists wherever they are. The American people will never forget those who lost their lives while pursuing peace, promoting human rights, and advancing fundamental freedoms.
On March 15, 2023 at 10 am Charlotte County will host a special groundbreaking event located at the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park in Port Charlotte FL to begin construction of the Beirut Peacekeepers Tower.
Gen. Al Gray at 35th
Recorded for Broadcast on G10TV & Streamed Live on Facebook @jacksonvillenc.gov @ camp.lejeune

2:00PM, Sunday, October 23, 2022 Lejeune Memorial Gardens

A Time to Heal - Beirut Peacekeeper Tower Update

By Connie Mack (Retired Senator - FL)

Soon, construction will begin on the Beirut Peacekeepers Memorial Tower, in Port Charlotte, Florida, a town recently impacted by hurricane Ian, at a park named after one of the Marines who died in the Beirut explosion, Cpl. William R. Gaines, Jr. When completed, the centerpiece of the park will be this symbolic 40-foot tower simulating the bombing. Large panels on each floor of the tower will educate visitors, prompting reflection and remembrance.

CLICK image to enlarge!

BLUF: From 21-23 Oct 2022 at the Lejeune Memorial Gardens, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines will host a 241 mile relay run to memorialize the lives lost during the Beirut Bombing on 23 Oct 1983.  Runners can sign up for a time slot via the following link:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yoPb-lz_ppSovrQAsawimfsoZ9t-KxbVCrYGOognXGA/edit

or 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yoPb-lz_ppSovrQAsawimfsoZ9t-KxbVCrYGOognXGA/edit#gid=1109016379

SOM

21 OCT

1130: Opening Remarks/Ceremony

1150: First runners depart

22 OCT

0800: Sync with leadership and Volunteer Cadre

1200: Barbecue Lunch (hamburgers and hotdogs) provided by USO (with BVA support!)

23 OCT

0000-0330: Run ops continue

0330-0400: Closing Ceremony, last mile at 0450

0430-0500: Cleanup and exfil

SATURDAY
22 OCT 2022
1100-1300
At the Lejeune Memorial Gardens
109 Montford Landing Rd,
Jacksonville, NC 28540

<-- Click the image at left to enlarge!

Please join Strength & Honor Motorcycle Club in honoring the sacrifices of the 241 Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers who lost their lives on the morning of 23 October 1983 while conducting peace-keeping operations in Beirut Lebanon.

Saturday 22 October 2022 Registration begins at 0930 a.m. All bikes must be registered by 1030 a.m. Riders $20 & Passengers $10 (All Bikes Welcome) Includes Free Memorial T-shirt for the first 100 bikes to register Leave New River Harley Davidson, 2394 Wilmington Highway, Jacksonville 28546 at 11a.m. 

USO Beirut Memorial Walk
Help Support the Jacksonville USO - they’ve always supported BVA! With COVID and building issues, they have been unable to raise funds to support important programs, like assisting service personnel and providing Thanksgiving and Christmas meals!

2021 Beirut Veterans of America, Inc., Annual Meeting Canceled.

Private Vigil for Next of Kin, Veterans and Family Members to go Forward

Private Vigil for Next of Kin, Veterans and Family Members to go Forward

The Marine Corps Installations East and City of Jacksonville have again decided to hold this year’s annual Beirut Memorial Remembrance virtually. The Memorial will be closed to the public for the 1030 Observance. This follows the cancellation of Oktoberfest and Patriots’ Day events in Jacksonville. Those decisions were made due to the increasing spread of COVID-19 cases in the Community. Based on the above and the restrictions required, the 2021 Annual Meeting of the Beirut Veterans of America, Inc., is canceled.
We have lost several of our BVA family this year. One of our long serving board members Bill Yontz passed away in March.
Mary Ellen Jackowski, one our Gold Star Mothers passed away in April. You can learn more details about them at the Final Muster section of our website at https://www.beirutveterans.org/final-muster.
Bike Ride 9
Please join Strength & Honor Motorcycle Club in honoring the sacrifices of the 241 Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers who lost their lives on the morning of 23 October 1983 while conducting peace-keeping operations in Beirut Lebanon.
The BVA is proud to announce its support to build an historical educational legacy that will not only fulfill the BVA mission and purpose, but honor and recognize all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, and those who served, supported and advanced the mission.

Please join us at www.beirutpeacekeepers.org today. Only we can preserve our history. The time has come.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Doug Jones (D-AL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Todd Young (R-IN) in introducing a resolution that would designate today as a national day of remembrance for members of the United States Armed Forces who were killed or injured by the terrorist attack on the United States Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon on October 23, 1983.
Retired Marines that were present during the bombing of the Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon tell their story at the Lejeune Memorial Gardens on Oct. 21, 2020. A ceremony is held annually to honor the 220 Marines, 18 Sailors and and three Army Soldiers that died on Oct. 23, 1983. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Stephanie Corona-Morales)

Annual Beirut Memorial Observance to be Virtual

Safety of Participants of Key Concern with Keeping the Pledge to Remember

The Wall
Breaking News – 9/24/2020 @ 1300 hours EST: The City of Jacksonville publishes a Press Release concerning the 37th Annual Memorial Observance scheduled for 1030 hours on October 23, 2020. The Beirut Veterans of America’s Board and Officers are closely watching these developments, with more information possibly released the week of September 28th. This may include an announcement of changes in social distancing policies (NC Phases) by the Governor of North Carolina. We will keep everyone advised as best we can, and as quickly as we can.
The base COMMSTRAT (Combat Camera/Public Affairs) for Camp Lejeune, NC and are looking to put a video piece together for the Beirut memorial anniversary this year.

They are looking for contacts of any Beirut Veterans, includes all, navy and army that were there during the Beirut attack and live near Jacksonville, North Carolina. If you live in the area and are interested in assisting them by doing an interview for the video please contact:
There were eight Rochester area Marines in Beirut that fateful morning in 1983. LCpl Steve Frederico, LCpl Jeff Lancie, Pfc Craig Stockton, Pfc Kevin Hayes, LCpl Brad McLaughlin, SSgt Alexander Ortega, Cpl Michael Zawacki and Cpl John McCall. They were deployed to Beirut Lebanon as members of the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit that was serving as part of a multi-national peacekeeping force. Three of these Marines, Ortega, McCall and Stockton, were killed in Lebanon.
Strength and Honor Motorcycle Club plans to have its 5th Annual Beirut Memorial Ride honoring the sacrifices of the 241 Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers who lost their lives on the morning of 23 October 1983 while conducting peace-keeping operations in Beirut Lebanon.
The Virginia War Memorial celebrated the completion of a nearly two-and-a-half-year expansion Saturday. February 29th. The dedication marked the expanded Shrine of Memory - Global War on Terrorism and Beyond, which honors the 175 Virginians killed in the War on Terror.

Email your request with sizes & quantities to:

[email protected]

You will be contacted to confirm we have your sizes.

Once you receive our confirmation email, you can Pay at: https://beirutveterans.org/donate. For a limited time only, add $5.00 Postage & Handling for 1 shirt, $8.00 for 2-3 shirts, and $10 for 4-5 shirts. Email us for orders of more than 5 shirts! Put "T-shirts" in the tribute/memory line. You will receive a confirmation email once it sumbits.

BVA Shirts    35th Rem. No Date Lg Emblem
35th Remembrance Shirt BVA Shirt No Date Large BVA Emblem Shirt
$20.00 ea. 60C / 40P 60C / 40P 100 Cot
Frt & Back Frt & Back Frt only
Size
XS $15.00 14    
S $15.00 8 1  
M     2 9
L     3 10
XL     9 5
2XL    
3XL   8 1  
4XL   4    
5XL     1  

The BVA has partnered with Galli Apparel to create Beirut Veterans of America logo approved customized flight jackets for all military branches. Below are just two example jackets for Marine and Navy, but they can also produce Army or Air Force jackets. THE COST FOR THE JACKETS SHOWN BELOW IS $160 Other jacket styles, colors, and patches can be added for additional cost if requested.

Shown below is the MA-1 Flight Jacket features a ribbed collar, 100% Nylon water repellent outer shell, Poly fiberfill lining and 4 front slash pockets. Jacket has an extra full cut and is available in sizes from Small through 3XL, sizes and colors do vary. Adult Sizes: XS-3XL. COLORS: Black, Navy, Sage Green

If you are interested in having a custom jacket made PLEASE CALL 845-226-7305 TO ORDER Their work is very customized, for the best possible service it is best to call. You can see examples of other jackets and patch options at their website at http://gallishirts.com/id324.htm

The Beirut Memorial Ruck, open to 300 participants, will begin at the Jacksonville Beirut Memorial and travel along the greenway to Camp Lejeune’s Main gate and back to the Memorial. This route parallels the original memorial trees originally planted in honor of the fallen. The ruck is 10.23 miles, representing the month and day of the bombing. Participants are encouraged to carry a weighted pack though it is not mandatory; the participation fee is $35.

Wellington LTD is proud to announce its partnership with the BVA.  Together we have combined to produce a custom engraved 1911 .45 ACP pistol that captures the legacy of all the comrades who served.  Utilizing 24 Karat Gold, Nickel and Black Copper, the different layers of plating bring out the iconic images.  This type of firearm is to become a family heirloom and speaks to the motto “Our First Duty is to Remember”.  Not only is the legacy of brave souls captured in steel but it also gives back to the BVA.  Wellington LTD has pledged a donation for every pistol sold to the BVA. This supports the organization to continue its mission.

A Wellington LTD representative will be at the BVA Annual meeting with a display pistol for those interested in ordering a custom pistol. You can see more pictures and get additional details at https://wellingtonltd.com/beirut-veterans-of-america/

Spyglass Section of Tower
On February 23, 2019 at 10:00 am the Charlotte County Board of Commissioners will formally dedicate the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park at 20499 Edgewater Drive, Port Charlotte, FL. All who wish to attend this dedication are welcome.

October 23rd, 1130 hours after Our Main Ceremony

2/8 will be holding an Alumni Day

CP will be Open, Static Display, tours... 2/8 gear available for sale!

LtCol Daniel J. Gaskell `... looks forward to meeting our heroes - SF...'

5 years ago in 2013 for the 30th Anniversary of the Beirut Bombing, Paul "Doc" Doolittle walked 273 miles from Oct. 1 to the 23rd in honor of the names on the Beirut Memorial Wall in Jacksonville, NC. It's now 2018 and for the 35th Anniversary he's walking again.
Today marks 35 years that a truck bomb was detonated at the US Embassy in Beirut Lebanon. This tragic event ended the lives of 63 and changed the lives of many more.
We must Always Remember the sacrifices of that day.
Semper Fidelis
Bryan Ayres
President
BVA

The main ceremony located in Lejeune Memorial Garden began at 1030 on Monday, October 23, 2017.

This event was managed by The City of Jacksonville in cooperation with Marine Corps Installation East-Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, & the Beirut Memorial Advisory Board.

Program Events:

  • Musical Prelude - 2d Marine Division Band

  • Master of Ceromonies - Ron Bower; Beirut Memorial Advisory Board

  • Invocation - Chris Phillips; Pastor, River Life Church

  • March of the Colors - Second Battalion, Eight Marine Regiment

  • National Anthem - 2d Marine Division Band

  • Welcome - Sammy Phillips; Mayor, City of Jacksonville

  • Guest Speaker - HMCS Darrell Gibson, USN, Ret, Beirut Veteran

  • Musical Interlude - 2n Marine Division Band

  • Beirut Memorial Observance Address - Lt General Robert F Hedelund, USMC, Commanding General, II Marine Expetionary Force

  • Special Music - Prayer of the Children, Arranged by Andrea Klouse, My Country 'Tis of Thee, Samuel F Smith

    White Oak High School Chamber Choir, Directed by Hillary Goodson-Spear

  • Laying of Wreaths

  • Rifle Salute - Second Battalion, Eighth Marine Regiment

  • Taps - 2d Marine Division Band

  • Retire the Colors - Second Battalion, Eighth Marine Regiment

  • Benediction - Lt. Commander Ulysses Ubalde, USN, Chaplain, Eighth Marine Regiment

  • Musical Postlude - 2d Marine Division Band
Oct. 22, SUNDAY 2017

1500 -1800 Annual BVA Membership Meeting: USO

1800-2200: Beirut Veterans Get Together: Holiday Inn Express

Oct 23, MONDAY 2017

0600: Candlelight Ceremony at Memorial: Camp Johnson

1030: Remembrance Ceremony at Memorial: Camp Johnson

1400: Marine Corps League Devil Dogs Ceremony—Camp Geiger Circle

(NOTE** Access to Camp Geiger is through MCAS New River Main Gate)

1800-2200: Hospitality Suite: Beirut Veterans and Families: Holiday Inn Express

Thanks to all the BVA members who were able to attend the annual BVA meeting at the USO in Jacksonville, NC on October 22, 2017!

More details and updates on the meeting will be shared soon.

Glenn Dolphin
On Sunday February 19, 2017 one of our Marine Brothers and a long standing Board Member of the Beirut Veterans of America passed away.

Glenn Dolphin served as a 1st LT in the role of Asst Communications Officer for HQ 24th MAU during its deployment in Beirut from May to November of 1983. He authored an account of his experience in Beirut in a book titled 24 MAU 1983. In the book he shared his heart, humor, and commitment to duty.
Please join Strength & Honor Motorcycle Club in honoring the sacrifices of the 241 Marines Sailors and Soldiers who lost their lives on the morning of 23 October 1983 while conducting peace-keeping operations in Beirut Lebanon.

Registration begins at 0900 at New River Harley Davidson.
I must have this information no later then Sunday evening October 16th 2016. Anyone not submitting this information will not be sponsored and will not be able to get a base temporary pass.

The Comfort Suites, Candlewood Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and Mainstay Suites all have blocks set up for Beirtut Veterans and families.

Comfort Suites, Candlewood Suites, Holiday Inn Express are honoring the $65.00 plus tax per night amount for kings or doubles. Mainstay Hotel is honoring 1 Queen, $60/night; 2 Queens, $70/night. See form below for more details on room availability.

All,
I hope this finds everyone back at home and settled back safely into their routines no matter where you live. I’d like to say thank you to all of you who traveled to Jacksonville and to those who arranged and held separate Remembrance Ceremonies in other locations. If you weren’t able to attend a Remembrance I’m sure you were with us in spirit.

Congratulations go out to our new appointees and Board Member. They are:
Richard Truman ; New Membership Chair
Jeff Hamman; Root Scoop Editor
Stacey Pollard; Board of Directors

I look forward to working with all of you. Your willingness to step up and answer the call of service to the BVA speaks volumes.

A special thank you again this year to Dan Joy whose tireless efforts and leadership set an example for us all.

Be well.

Semper Fidelis,

Bryan Ayres
BVA, President