September 2023 Proud Warrior

THE PROUD WARRIOR

First Battalion Ninth Marines Association

September 2023

FIRST BATTALION NINTH MARINES ASSOCIATION, INC.

Board of Directors

PRESIDENT James Vierstra, jvierstra@19walkingdead.org

VICE PRESIDENT Patrick Hart, phart@19walkingdead.org

TREASURER Brian Granvall, bgranvall@19walkingdead.org

Patrick Dickson, pdickson@19walkingdead.org

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITEE Warren Domingo, wdomingo@19walkingdead.org

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE, HISTORIAN Rod Fink, rfink@19walkingdead.org

REUNION COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITEE CO-CHAIR, FINANCE COMMITTEE Brian Granvall, bgranvall@19walkingdead.org

HUMANITARIAN COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE AND STRATEGIC PLANNING COMITTEE Stephen Jonas, sjonas@19walkingdead.org

CHAPLAIN, HUMANITARIAN COMMITTEE, WOODY AND GALE POSTLE FAMILY AUXILLARY COMMITTEE Ray Linebaugh, rlinebaugh@19walkingdead.org

Erik Maddox, emaddox@19walkingdead.org

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, STORE MANAGER

Ed Mertens, emertens@19walkingdead.org

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, WOODY AND GALE POSTLE FAMILY AUXILLARY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE

David Peralta, dperalta@19walkingdead.org

REUNION COMMITTEE Brigt Skjerpe, bskjerpe@19walkingdead.org

STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR, COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

Matt Valenzuela, mvalenzuela@19walkingdead.org

The Proud Warrior

INTERIM EDITOR Matt Valenzuela

CONTRIBUTOR Ray Linebaugh

CONTRIBUTOR Abby Que

CONTRIBUTOR Albert Thompson

IN MEMORIUM

O God, by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest, look kindly on your departed veterans who gave their lives in the service of their country. Grant that through the passion, death, and resurrection of your Son they may share in the joy of your heavenly kingdom and rejoice in you with your saints forever. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Freddie “Rocky” Burnia Jr., August 27, 2022

Woodrow W. Postle Jr., October 27, 2022

Tom Johnson, November 9, 2022

Skip Kenney, November 28, 2022

Ron Hicks, December 20, 2022

Daniel Antonio Hernandez, January 13, 2023

Al Anderson, June 22, 2023

Remembering Woody Postle

Woodrow W. Postle Jr. passed away on Thursday, October 27, 2022, in Kent General Hospital. He was 77. Born on June 6, 1945, in Schenectady, New York to the late Woodrow W. Postle Sr. and Mary Litchfield...

14

Remembering the Hawthorne Tragedy

We dedicate this special edition of our newsletter to remember and honor the brave Marines who lost their lives in the tragic incident that occurred in Hawthorne, Nevada, on March 18, 2013...

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Operation Summer Storm Mini Reunion

Members from the South West regional area congregated at Bastards American Canteen in Temecula, CA. The gathering was marked by inspiring speeches, shared camaraderie, and a collective respect for those who have served our country with courage and dedication...

19

2024 Reunion

Mark your calendars for the 2024 First Battalion Ninth Marines Association Reunion, taking place from August 20th to 25th in sunny San Diego, California...

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Heartbreak to Mental Health Advocacy

Cpl Kevin Schranz was my best friend, high school sweetheart, husband, and love. I felt deeply connected to him spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally...

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They Call Us The Walking Dead

Marine Corps history is replete with famous units, famous men, and incidents of valor and courage. Four years of combat in Vietnam earned the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines (1/9) a place in that Marine Corps history among those units...

REMEMBERING WOODROW W. POSTLE JR.

1945 - 2022

Woodrow W. Postle Jr. passed away on Thursday, October 27, 2022, in Kent General Hospital. He was 77. Born on June 6, 1945, in Schenectady, New York to the late Woodrow W. Postle Sr. and Mary Litchfield.

“Woody” was a 1963 graduate of Dover High School. He participated in numerous extra-curricular activities including playing football and wrestling. After High School Woody attended Delaware Technical and Community College where he obtained his Associate Degree in Business. He enlisted in the USMC in 1968 and proudly fought for his country in Vietnam from 1969-1970.

Rising to the rank of Corporal, he was honored with many service medals including the Combat Action Ribbon, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, and National Defense Service Medal. After returning from Vietnam, he met and married the love of his life, his wife, Gail. Over a period of 52 years together they raised two wonderful sons, Woody and Greg. They enjoyed many cruises and traveling. Woody also enjoyed playing cards, and his biggest recent accomplishment was teaching his wife and friends to play mahjong.

Woody worked for the United States Postal Service for 42 years as both a Letter Carrier and a Clerk. He was very knowledgeable and known to

always have a smile on his face as he welcomed the customers he served. If you ever saw Woody at the Post Office behind the counter, you saw a man who was absolutely the best at what he did. He was a virtuoso in working with customers and incredibly knowledgeable about virtually any topic that the customer could ask. He loved his job!

Woody was a tremendous father, a loving and proud “Poppy” and never missed a sporting event for his kids or grandkids, no matter the time or distance. Respected by so many kids and parents in the community, he could always be found recording nearly every baseball game, wrestling match, and football game to ensure his boys and their teammates had

documentation of their achievements. He was a very proud father, proud of all their accomplishments, especially the 1986 Junior League State Champions from Dover Little League which he helped coach, along with many other teams over the years.

After retiring from the Postal Service in 2007 Woody’s focus was helping Veterans. He was a 22-year member of the Vietnam Veterans of America where he served as Vice President, Sergeant of Arms, and Chairman of the annual oyster dinner. His fundraising efforts were instrumental in helping create the Veterans Memorial in Dover. He was a 24-year member of the 1st Battalion 9th Marines National Association where he served as Vice President, Chairman of the Board, and Membership Chairman. He was proud to be a Marine, attending reunions every 2 years across the country. Reconnecting with other Marines he served with in Vietnam was of the upmost importance to him. You rarely saw Woody without something that said United States Marine Corps.

Woody was also a life member of the Dover Fire Department where he proudly served 59 1/2 years. He enjoyed countless mornings there with lifelong friends especially sharing stories at the “liars table.”

He will never be forgotten and always loved.

Connecting Brothers

I could talk for a long time about him. He was one of those special guys that never wanted recognition for what he did for the rest of us. We would call each other on a regular basis and it was always a treat to shoot the shit with him.

A couple years ago he called me and said he had a corpsman join and wanted to know if I knew him. Woody said he was wounded in June ‘67 along the “Strip” near Gio Lin. I asked his name and he said Carlos NaKay. The name didn’t ring a bell and he gave me the info on him.

I contacted Carlos, and come to find out he had changed his name years ago because there were a lot of guys with the same name and it created a lot of problems for him. Come to find out his name was Rodriguez (not sure of the spelling}. He was wounded late one evening when we took some serious incoming arty from North Viet Nam. The round that got him came right over my head and landed about 50-60 feet behind our hole right into the platoon CP. As soon as the incoming stopped there was a cry for a corpsman. A little later a medivac came on the scene and there was a request for some help to get

the wounded out..... I went and helped and we loaded Doc and the rest on an old 34. I did not give him much of a chance and that was the last I heard of him.

The point is.......Woody was concerned about a brother “hooking up” with another brother. Woody had the memory of an elephant and he always thought of the rest of us. He’s gonna be hard to replace....but the world keeps turning. Sure miss him though. Semper Fi, Buddy.

Dave Granger

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

By James Vierstra, President

TheAssociation is making some exciting changes and improvements to enhance its efficiency and engage with its members more effectively. Here’s a breakdown of what we’re doing:

Monthly Live Zoom and Facebook Broadcast (Starting in September): This is a great way to foster communication and transparency within the Association. Members can actively participate in discussions and share their concerns and questions. Having both Zoom and Facebook options allows for broader accessibility.

New Website and Store Merchandise (Launching in October): A new website can provide a fresh and updated platform for members to access information, resources, and updates. The addition of new store merchandise could also be a great way to generate revenue for the Association.

Reunion Event Planning: Working with an event coordinator for the reunion is a smart move to ensure a well-organized and enjoyable event for members. It’s understandable that some event locations and transportation services might not have prices available yet, given the timeframe. It’s good to hear that you’re actively working on obtaining

these details in the next few months.

Fundraising Events: Planning fundraising events is crucial for supporting the reunion and other Association activities. It’s important to keep members engaged and excited about these events, as it not only raises funds but also fosters a sense of community and involvement.

The Proud Warrior: Expanding and enhancing “The Proud Warrior” publication is a commendable effort to provide valuable information to members.

Overall, it seems like the Association is taking steps to engage its members, improve its infrastructure, and prepare for an exciting future. Communication and transparency are key, so be sure to keep members informed and engaged in these upcoming developments.

It’s clear that the Association is focused on serving its members and continuing to grow. Open invitations for input and involvement, like the live zoom encourage engagement and collaboration. Let’s build this together, and SEMPER FIDELIS!

James “V” Vierstra

jvierstra@19walkingdead.org

760-349-0311

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAPLAIN

By Ray Linebaugh, Chaplain, Director

Letter from Home

In Vietnam there were some things we looked forward to, an uneventful knight in the field, a base camp perimeter, hot chow, sleep, room teperature, beer, dry utilities and socks, a 3 man fox hole for more sleep, a rifle that worked in a fire fight, water every day, poncho liner, and a rubber lady to sleep better.

But the most important of all was a letter from home. A reminder of a world. Not just an imagined dream and a hope that one day I could be there again. Away from fear that today it could be my last and the fear of failing my fellow Marines in combat and the dread of them being WIA or KIA. The coundless incoming shelling at Con Thien and the endless operations. The letters gave me hope to live and do my best day after day.

The best letter was a colorful picture post card of a river paddle boat dining room. Red table cloths, gold fixtures, yellow and orange pattern carpet, blue walls, white chairs. I didn’t realize how much the absense of color affected my reality of a world I longed for. I kept that post card in my shirt, looking at it when in dispair and fear set in. Giving me hope to be there with loved ones again. Now being back for many years,

I am thankful to have family around and my brothers from 1/9 to be with, only to discover early on that we are in a warefare for the very souls of man-kind.

After many years of this battle, my greatest comfort and hope is from the letters from home, God’s Word, the Bible. The whole point of life here is to get into the Kingdom of God through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, the life. These letters show us there is a place prepared for those who believe and put their trust and faith in Him. The enemy, Satan and company, will try to keep you out of God’s Kingdom and keep you in his kingdom. Life or death. Although your body will die, your soul is forever. Therefore the two most important days of your life are the day you’re born and the day you die. What choices you make in between determines the outcome forever. Choose wisely! Remember if nothing changes, nothing changes, John 3:16. John 14:1-4, Jesus said, “Believe in me.”

In my Father’s house there are many mansions. Jesus said, “I will never leave or forsake you.” John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, the life!”

Welcome home brothers and sisters! Ray

Linebaugh, Director, Chaplain

EVENT CALENDAR

The First Battalion Ninth Marines Association takes pride in fostering camaraderie and connection amongst its members. One of the critical ways we achieve this is through a series of events organized by our dedicated Events Committee, which works tirelessly to plan and execute gatherings across the nation.

Our Regional Coordinators play an essential role in this process, collaborating with Marines within their respective areas to host local events. This ensures a diverse and inclusive range of activities that cater to all our members, regardless of their location. Here’s a glimpse at the exciting events we have planned for you:

REMEMBERING THE HAWTHORNE TRAGEDY: HONORING THE FALLEN

By: Warren Domingo, Director

In Loving Memory: March 18, 2013

We dedicate this special edition of our newsletter to remember and honor the brave Marines who lost their lives in the tragic incident that occurred in Hawthorne, Nevada, on March 18, 2013. It is with deep reverence that we pay tribute to these courageous individuals and extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones.

A Day That Forever Changed Us

On that fateful day, a routine training exercise turned into a heartbreaking tragedy. Seven Marines from the 2nd Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, lost their lives during a live-fire training accident at the Hawthorne Army Depot. The explosion of a mortar round in a tube during firing left an indelible mark on the military community and our hearts.

Honoring Their Sacrifice

Today, we take a moment to reflect on the service and sacrifice of these extraordinary individuals. We remember their unwavering dedication to our nation, their selflessness, and their bravery in the face of danger. Their commitment to protecting our freedoms serves as an inspiration to us all.

Supporting the Families

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the 1st Battalion 9th Marines Association, in collaboration with entities from the Town of Hawthorne and the U.S. Army Depot, organized a special event to provide support and solace to the families of the fallen Marines. The families were invited to join a wreath-laying ceremony, a poignant tribute to honor their loved ones and express our deepest gratitude for their sacrifice.

The Families as VIPs during the Armed Forces Day Parade

We are proud to share that during the annual Armed Forces Day Parade, the families of the fallen Marines were honored as VIPs. Recognizing their tremendous loss and the sacrifices made by their loved ones, the community came together to show its unwavering support and gratitude.

As VIPs, the families were given a place of honor, symbolizing the deep appreciation we have for their sacrifice and the lasting impact it has had on our community. Their presence served as a reminder of the strength and resilience they embody in the face of adversity.

The Armed Forces Day Parade became an opportunity for the community to express its profound respect and solidarity with the families of the fallen Marines. It was a poignant moment to come together, to line the streets with flags and banners, and to salute the brave servicemen who gave their lives in service to our country.

We extend our deepest appreciation to the community for their overwhelming support and for recognizing the families as the true heroes they are. Their presence at the parade was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our military families and their enduring spirit.

In Their Honor

As we commemorate this solemn

anniversary, let us come together to support one another, to remember the fallen Marines, and to offer our unwavering support to their families. Their sacrifice will forever be a testament to the values of honor, courage, and commitment that define our armed forces.

Let us never forget the seven Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice on that tragic day. Their memory will live on in our hearts, and their service to our nation will never be forgotten.

To all the Hawthorn Heroes.

The two most asked questions in life are ‘What is truth?’ and ‘Why?’

Clarity is the fundamental foundation of truth. Truth is always right, good, or bad.

The truth is, God gave us our children. They are special, just for us. In life they have choices. These Men chose, and would have chosen again, to serve our country as a United States Marine.

Truth is, as we Honor these fine your men, now and in the future, they are also being Honored int he Kingdom of God. They are truly alive in the Kingdom of God.

A Verse in the Marine Corp Hymn says: “If the Army and the Navy could look on Heaven’s scene, they would see the streets are guarded by United States Marines.”

‘Why?’ you may ask. The Truth is, For God so loved the World the He gave His only Begotten Son, that who so ever believed, and put their trust in Him would have ever lasting life.

My God Bless you and keep you.

Semper Fi

P.S. The truth will set you free.

- Chaplain Ray

OPERATION SUMMER STORM MINI REUNION

By: Ed Mertens, Director

OnJune 10, 2023, members from the South West regional area congregated at Bastards American Canteen in Temecula, CA. The gathering was marked by inspiring speeches, shared camaraderie, and a collective respect for those who have served our country with courage and dedication.

One of the highlights of the event was the speech by Master Gunnery Sergeant Arthur “Artie” Allen III. Allen, who served in the Marine Corps from 1986 to 2016, spoke eloquently about his distinguished MC career. He shared personal anecdotes and experiences from his service during significant military operations, including the Gulf War and Afghanistan. His stories underscored the resilience, courage, and commitment that define the spirit of the Marines.

Alongside Allen, Luis “Doc” Fonseca also took the stage to talk about his non-profit organization, the No Shame Warrior Foundation. Fonseca, a United States Navy hospital corpsman, was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of An Nasiriyah, Iraq. His foundation aims to support the mental health of veterans, demonstrating his continued dedication to serving his fellow servicemen and women.

The event was attended by James Vierstra, Warren Domingo, Frank Sellin, and James Speak. Also present were Matt and Sandra Schavel, Mike Cavataio, and Rod and Charlene Fink. Westley Delossantos, from 2/1, also attended the gathering.

A TIME TO REMEMBER AND RECONNECT

By James Vierstra, President

Mark your calendars for the 2024 First Battalion Ninth Marines Association Reunion, taking place from August 20th to 25th in sunny San Diego, California. This event will be a remarkable gathering of courage, camaraderie, and commemoration.

Arrival and Registration

The reunion commences on Tuesday, August 20th, with arrivals and registration. Please ensure you allow ample time for check-in, as we anticipate many arrivals around the same time. The registration desk will operate during the afternoon of August 20th and limited hours on Wednesday, August 21st.

Exploring San Diego

On Wednesday, August 21st, attendees are free to explore the vibrant city of San Diego on their own. With its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and renowned attractions, San Diego offers something for everyone.

Excursions and Day Trips

Thursday, August 22nd, offers a full-day trip to Camp Pendleton/ Camp Horno, where lunch will be served at Puller’s Post. On Friday, August 23rd, we’ll venture to MCRD San Diego to attend a graduation ceremony. This will be followed by lunch aboard the historic USS Midway, where attendees can tour the carrier’s fascinating exhibits.

Please note that we’re still finalizing details for these trips away from the hotel area. Once rates and logistics are confirmed, we’ll

share this information to help you plan your trip accordingly.

Memorial Service and Business Meeting

Saturday, August 24th, will be a day of remembrance and reflection, starting with the 1/9 Memorial Service. This poignant ceremony honors our fallen comrades, with the Missing Man Table at the forefront. The memorial service is a cornerstone of our reunion, binding us together as 1/9 Marines.

Following the service, we’ll hold our Association Business Meeting. This meeting allows members to engage directly with association leadership and receive updates on all operations within the association. We’ll also conduct bi-annual elections for directors and officers and vote on the location of our next national reunion.

Banquet

The reunion culminates with a grand banquet on Saturday evening. The event kicks off with a procession of the colors and the national anthem, followed by speeches from association leadership and our guest speaker. After dinner, attendees can enjoy music, a silent auction, and the chance to create new memories with fellow Marines and their families.

Hospitality Room

Throughout the reunion, we’ll have a dedicated hospitality room for attendees to socialize and share stories over light refreshments and beverages. This space offers a comfortable setting to connect and bond with fellow members and guests.

Association Store

Don’t forget to visit the Association

Store, where you’ll find a range of merchandise for purchase. Please note that quantities are limited and items are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Video Production

To capture these unforgettable moments, we’ll have a video crew documenting the reunion events. They’ll also conduct interviews with volunteers who wish to share their stories and experiences. We encourage everyone to consider sharing their story on camera, helping to preserve our collective history for future generations.

As we prepare for this momentous occasion, we look forward to reuniting with old friends, honoring those who served before us, and creating new memories in the spirit of brotherhood that defines our Association. See you in San Diego!

“The solemn candle lighting ceremony is the keystone and the linch pin that is part of the glue that binds us together as 1/9 Marines”

- Lt. Col. George Malone

SPEARHEADING FUNDRAISING EFFORTS FOR THE 2024 NATIONAL REUNION

By: Matt Valenzuela, Director

Weare excited to announce the commencement of our fundraising campaign for the 2024 National Reunion. Our goal is to raise a significant sum of $60,000 to help alleviate costs and make the event more accessible for all attendees. The reunion is a time for reflection, camaraderie, and remembrance and it offers us an opportunity to honor our shared history and foster connections among our community. However, we also recognize that these events can be financially challenging for some attendees. Hence, our fundraising endeavors aim to reduce these monetary constraints and ensure everyone can participate and relish in the shared camaraderie.

Our comprehensive fundraising strategy involves six simultaneous initiatives, each with its own specific fundraising target. We believe that this multi-faceted approach will maximize our outreach and engagement, thereby increasing our chances of reaching our ambitious goal.

Business Donations

Our first fundraising effort is to solicit business donations. We aim to raise $20,000 through this channel. Businesses will have the opportunity to support our association and, in turn, gain visibility among our engaged and loyal community.

Personal Donations

Personal donations form the heart of our fundraising efforts. We are encouraging our members and supporters to contribute what they can, with a collective goal of raising $5,000. Every donation, no

matter how small, brings us one step closer to our overall goal.

Store Sales

We also plan to boost our store sales with a fundraising target of $15,000. Our store offers a range of merchandise that not only helps raise funds but also allows our supporters to showcase their pride and connection to the First Battalion Ninth Marines Association.

Virtual Car and Motorcycle Shows

Recognizing the passion many of our members have for vehicles, we will be organizing a virtual car show and a virtual motorcycle show. Each of these events has a fundraising goal of $5,000. Attendees can showcase their prized vehicles, share their stories, and connect with fellow enthusiasts, all while contributing to a worthy cause.

Virtual Run

Finally, we will be hosting a virtual run event with an aim to generate $10,000. This event combines fitness with fundraising, allowing participants to get active and support our reunion efforts simultaneously.

We are excited about these diverse fundraising avenues and confident that with your support, we can meet our ambitious goal. We will publish the details as soon as they’re available. Let’s work together to make the 2024 reunion an event to remember, accessible for all who wish to attend. Remember, every donation counts, and your contribution could make a significant difference in someone’s reunion experience.

HEARTBREAK TO MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY

Abby Que, LSW

Cpl

Kevin Schranz was my best friend, high school sweetheart, husband, and love. I felt deeply connected to him spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally. Reflecting now with time, experience, knowledge, and internal resources I didn’t have at the time, we probably had an unhealthy level of attachment and co-dependency to each other. But, at the time, we both would have just said we were in love. One soul, two bodies. I never had to explain my thought processes or emotions to him; he knew me intimately and deeply in a way no one else has - or ever will. All this to say, his suicide in 2015, about a year after being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps was shocking, heartbreaking, and soul-crushing in ways I can’t describe with mere words. My whole world was over. My person was gone. The person who I would often spend my drive home from work thinking about how much I loved. Gone.

I was in a state of disbelief and numbness. I couldn’t see a future; I told myself, “One year. I’m going to give life one year without him. I can always follow him.” That message might not seem very hopeful, but that’s where

I was at. I didn’t have plans to pursue graduate school, become a therapist, get married again, and have a beautiful child. I thought it was over for me. Eventually, all these things happened: I found community, support, connection, hope, and the ability to integrate Kevin’s life and love into my “new” life. We move forward, but we never move on. My life looks very different now, but I always carry Kevin’s life and death with me.

When Matt reached out to me to begin writing articles for the association, with the goal of educating its members on mental health-related issues, I was honored, flattered, and completely intimated. While I have my Master’s in Social Work, with a concentration on mental illness and substance misuse, I am still learning constantly. From my clients, from the 1/9 vets, from my local support systems. When deciding on what topics to start with, I immediately knew I wanted to share a little of my story of grief and Kevin’s struggles when returning home. I firmly believe in the power of sharing our stories, experiences, and lessons learned to offer deepened connection and understanding. My main goal is offer education on mental health, spark discussion, and to offer hope.

988 Mental Health & Suicide Crisis Lifeline

When I teach suicide prevention workshops, I always share a little about Kevin. When I first became a trainer for this particular suicide prevention model, QPR (QuestionPersuade-Refer), I found myself only talking about Kevin’s death, the possible “warning signs,” and his probable mental health diagnoses and struggles. What a terrible way to honor someone! I would leave the presentation, feeling a wave of grief after having recalled only the darker, more negative aspects of a person I still very much love. I needed to change that. I added a slide at the beginning of my presentation to include a few of my favorite pictures of Kevin, and after introducing myself, I would introduce Kevin, too. And it felt good to share the funny, goofy, sweet, intelligent person he was, rather than just comparing him to a list of warning signs for suicide. So, that is my intention here. Many of you know Kevin, but for my own sake, indulge me while I write a little more about him.

Kevin and I started dating the summer after our Sophomore year in high school and graduated together in 2010. Kevin was, frankly, a terrible student. We made an odd pair: a goofy, extroverted guy who often showed up to class late without even knowing there was homework and a painfully shy, quiet straight-A honors student who spent her free time volunteering. It worked though. He was a gentleman and chivalrous even at sixteen years old. He made friends with the “weird” kids no one wanted to talk to, shared his deep spirituality and thoughts on the world, had an extensive vocabulary (that rarely included “Fuck!” until you all), and loved to read. He was so easy to love. And funny. Damn, he was funny. Kevin always knew he wanted to be a Marine. As I’m sure many of you can relate to, Kevin would likely tell you 9/11 is when he knew he wanted to go into the military. He joined the

Marine Corps soon after graduation and served as a machine gunner in two tours to Afghanistan. To be completely honest, many of you likely know more about his deployments and experiences in the military than I do. One of the things I love most about him is his deep protectiveness of me; however, this also meant he “protected” me from his experiences. After his death, I often found this unfair. I would have liked, at least, the opportunity to try to understand.

It would be remiss to talk about his struggles with mental illness as a direct result from only his experience in the military. Prior to swearing in, he had many adverse childhood experiences, which I don’t think is appropriate to detail here; but, I believe it’s worth mentioning that he already carried a lot of heavy shit with him. It’s also worth mentioning that I struggled with my own (undiagnosed and untreated) anxiety and depression for most of my life, so it’s not like I’ve always possessed the knowledge and understanding that I do now. All this to say, mental health is messy and impacted by a variety of factors.

When Kevin got out of the military, he began studying to become a history teacher, which he was extremely passionate and excited about. This terrible student in high school was a dedicated, hardworking college student who got good grades and told me every detail about his classes and lectures. It was tough socially though; possibly for the first time in his life, he had a hard time relating to his peers. He would often find himself angry at their lack of experiences in the world.

Anger, irritability, and frustration were likely the first signs something was wrong. He got mad at any perceived injustice: someone cutting us off in traffic, someone not putting their shopping cart away. We fought more. He often put me on a pedestal and blamed himself always and often resulted in me trying to comfort him, which only made him feel worse. His fierce protectiveness of me became something his anxiety latched onto.

One day, my phone had died at work and I wasn’t able to call him during the drive home as I normally did; I arrived at our house to Kevin pacing frantically, worried something terrible happened to me. He had told me that he was about to drive along the highway to search for me. He wouldn’t go anywhere without his gun. I didn’t particularly enjoy sleeping next to a loaded gun; the most I was ever able to convince him to do was not have a round in the chamber when we went to sleep at night. He took it to the grocery store, on errands, everywhere. Since guns weren’t allowed on campus, he would dismantle his firearm, putting the different components in specific places in his car, and knew exactly how long it would take to put it back together. He insisted I “at least’’ carry pepper spray with me or keep tools in my car that could be used as weapons, if needed. It’s not that I didn’t realize these things were an issue; I just didn’t realize how much of an issue they were. One of his therapists had told me that all my concerns would “eventually get better.” His anxieties, fears, and anger would fade over time; this was something I believed. This period was just temporary. My plan is to infuse more of

Kevin’s story and struggles as I write about mental health issues in the coming newsletters; but, I think that’s enough for today.

988 Mental Health & Suicide Crisis

Lifeline Crisis Text Line: TEXT 741741

Shitting your Pants and Other Signs of Stress

About a month before he died, I returned home from work to find Kevin laughing hysterically, excited to share some news with me. Between deep belly laughs, he told me about his drive home from class earlier that day, “So, I’m driving on 70, going 90 miles an hour, a grown man, and I SHIT MY PANTS!” Kevin found this so amusing, that he called his best friend, Kurt Kugler, to share some self-deprecating humor. If you didn’t know Kevin, you might think this laughter was out of embarrassment, but if you knew Kevin, I’m sure you can picture the way his whole body moved with amusement, the way his eyes glimmered and wrinkled, his shoulders relaxing, his wide grin.

After laughing to the point of crying (not so much because I found the situation particularly funny, but it was hard not to become completely consumed by Kevin’s sense of humor),

I urged him to make an appointment with his primary care doctor to get this checked out. Surely pooping yourself at 24 years old was not normal, right?

This task further proved to be a source of enjoyment for Kevin; he would laugh in anticipation of talking to his physician, in all seriousness, about pooping himself. He imagined her reaction and was disappointed when she kept a straight face, told him to collect a stool sample, and scheduled a follow-up appointment. He died before that appointment was scheduled to happen.

Would they have found any medical concerns? Maybe. But, it’s also possible this was a physical symptom of the internal stress he was feeling and his body was screaming at him to pay attention. If you know a little about the fight-or-flight response, which I’m sure as combat Marines you do, you know that one way the body reacts to a traumatic event or stress is evacuating its contents to remove as much weight as possible to fight or flee. Am I saying driving on I-70 was a traumatic event? No, but it’s not out of the question that this event could have been in response to the stress he had held in his body for years.

In all seriousness, I firmly believe in the mind-body connection and the way our body holds on to trauma. So, what are some physical symptoms of stress and trauma? Other than pooping your pants, of course.

In his book The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk writes about how our body’s hold on to trauma and convince our nervous systems we are still in danger. Van der Kolk writes, “After trauma the world is experienced with a different nervous system. The survivor’s energy now becomes focused on suppressing inner chaos, at the expense of spontaneous involvement in their life. These attempts to maintain control over the unbearable physiological reactions can result in a whole range of physical symptoms, including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and other autoimmune

disease” (van der Kolk, 53).

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) notes that those living with PTSD often do not associate their traumatic event with physical symptoms, which include:

• High blood pressure

• Increased heart rate

• Fatigue

• Muscle tension

• Nausea

• Joint pain

• Headaches

• Back pain or other types of pain

Now, it’s important to note that these signs and symptoms can also be caused by other physical ailments; however, when looking at the big picture, it may be helpful to check in with your body and see if there is a connection between these symptoms and your stress level. Does my chronic joint pain (because I KNOW you all have chronic joint pain) get worse in frequency and intensity at certain times of the year? Am I tensing my

muscles more when I’m going through a tough time? What is happening around the days and weeks when I’m feeling extremely fatigued?

988 Mental Health & Suicide Crisis

Lifeline Crisis Text Line: TEXT 741741

THEY CALL US THE WALKING DEAD

Albert Thompson, The Story of the 1st Battalion 9th Marines

Marine Corps history is replete with famous units, famous men, and incidents of valor and courage. Four years of combat in Vietnam earned the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines (1/9) a place in that Marine Corps history among those units. The 1/9 exemplified those traditions through its actions and earned its enduring nickname: The Walking Dead.

The 1st Battalion, 9th (1/9) Marines had an inauspicious beginning. However, this Battalion of Marines during the Vietnam War would sustain the highest casualty rate in Marine Corps history.

On a cold November 10, 1917, the 9th Marine Regiment was formed at Quantico, Virginia. This formation was part of the expansion of the Marine Corps for “The Great War.” On the 142d birthday of the Marine Corps, the Commandant signed the order directing the Regiment’s formation. The Marines formed the regiment by activating a headquarters company, one machine gun company, and eight rifle companies and assigned them to three battalions. It formed one of the two Infantry regiments of the Advanced Base Force.

To form the regiment, they transferred the 14th, 36th, and 100th machine gun companies from the naval base in San Diego. Newly arrived recruits from Parris Island, South Carolina, were assigned to complete the formation.

On December 20, they boarded the USS VON STEUBEN at Newport News, Virginia, bound for Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. They arrived on December 24 with a total strength of approximately 1,000 officers and men. The 9th Marines joined the 7th Regiment to form the 3d Marine Provisional Brigade.

Their assignment in the Caribbean area as a mobile force in readiness was the first time, but not the last time, for such duty. This force in readiness was a role the Battalion would play throughout its history. Their mission was to protect advanced naval bases and the Panama Canal in the event of enemy action.

Although Cuba entered the war on the Allied side soon after the entry of the United States, insurgent bands on the island threatened the sugar crop needed by the Allies for the war effort. Consequently, they stationed the 9th Marines in the sugar-growing districts to combat the insurgents. They established a camp at Deer Point, Guantanamo Bay. While they waited for the insurgents’ reaction, the Marines occupied themselves with a routine drill and target practice for the next seven months.

In August 1918, they were detached from the Brigade and assigned to prevent German agents from interrupting vital shipments from the Mexican oil fields. Embarking aboard the USS HANCOCK on July 31, the 9th Marines sailed from Guantanamo Bay for Fort Crockett in Galveston, Texas.

Upon arrival at Galveston on August 6, the 9th disembarked and became Part of the 3d Provisional Brigade. It replaced the 7th that had remained in Cuba. On August 13, they increased their strength when three Companies, the 154th, 155th, and 156th, were added.

The 1st Bn. 9th Marines remained at Fort Crockett as Part of the mobile force of the Advanced Base Force. To keep a high state of efficiency, the Marines spent their time in training and guard duty. In addition, they wanted to be available for any use the Navy might have for them. The trouble in Mexico never occurred, but the presence of the 9th Marines near the Mexican border helped keep the situation peaceful.

In August of 1918, Lt. Col. George Croghan Reid assumed command of the regiment and would retain command for the rest of the war. Col. Reid was the nephew of Brig Gen. George Croghan Reid, who won the Medal of Honor during the Civil War. The younger Reid would win the Medal of Honor for action at Vera Cruz in 1914 and rise to Brigadier General before retiring in 1930. Colonel Reid would command the Marine Barracks on Guam in 1925. When the war ended, the need for the 9th Marines evaporated, so they boarded the USS HANCOCK on April 10, 1919, bound for Philadelphia. They arrived in Philadelphia, unloaded on April 25, and were disbanded. The 1st Bn. 9th Marines had not won combat honors during World War I, but they did perform the exacting task of maintaining peak effectiveness as a mobile force in readiness.

The Regiment was reactivated on December 1, 1925, as a Reserve Regiment, Central Reserve Area, with the 1st Battalion headquarters at Chicago, Company C at St. Paul, Minnesota, and Company D at Company D Omaha, Nebraska. The mission was to train and maintain a group of civilian Marines at a high degree of preparedness to be quickly transformed into regular Marines. However, the 1st 9th Marines again disappeared from the Marine Corps muster rolls on September 1, 1937, and the personnel was transferred to the 9th Reserve District, Great Lakes, Illinois.

World War II

On Sunday, December 7, 1941, Americans woke up and planned for the coming holiday. People checked Christmas lists and scanned the Sunday paper for local ads. Many attended the local matinee at the movie theatre after attending church.

It was 07:55 AM in Honolulu, 09:55 AM in Los Angeles, 11:55 AM in Chicago, and 01:55 PM in New York. Over the next ninety minutes, the Japanese would bomb and strafe American facilities in Hawaii, and by the time those Americans went to bed, they knew the world had changed.

At 2:30 in the afternoon, a regularly

scheduled news program on CBS radio announced that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Most Americans had no idea where that was, but they would learn.

The next day President Roosevelt identified that Sunday as. “a day that would live in infamy.” And American men would begin to line up at recruiting stations to fight the Japs and make them pay for what they did.

A great surge of enlistments was processed over the next two months, and by February 12, 1942, the

establishment of another Marine regiment was possible. The 9th Marines was reactivated at Camp Elliott, near San Diego, as part of the 2d Marine Division.

As a result of this reactivation, the 9th Marines acquired its present and permanent designation. The 3rd Bn 6th Marines had recently returned from duty in Iceland and formed a large part of the new 1st Bn 9th Marines activated o March 1.

By April 1, the Regiments 99 officers and 3,003 enlisted were formed from recruits and existing units. Headquarters and Service Company (H & S) and 3rd Battalion came from 2d Marines. Some 1st Bn 9th Marines troops came from the 3rd Bn 6th Marines. That unit had recently returned from Iceland. The Weapons Company and 2nd Bn were composed mainly of recruits.

The 9th Marines were detached from the 2nd Marine Division on August 3 and became part of the Amphibious Corps, Pacific Fleet. In September, the first week, they marched from Camp Elliot to the new Marine base Camp Pendleton, Oceanside. California. Upon arrival, they were transferred to the newly formed 3rd Marine Division on September 9 and would remain there throughout the war. They began training that included two weeks of amphibious exercises in the Sand Diego/Oceanside area.

Their new commanding officer was Colonel Lemel C. Shephard Jr., who became the 20th Commandant of the Marine Corps. Colonel Shepard suggested the design for the regimental “Striking Ninth” insignia used during WWII.

The unauthorized shoulder patch was generally accepted. It consisted of a bald eagle carrying three chain links representing the three battalions and a banner bearing the word Striking below the eagle was a red shield with a black nine trimmed in gold and a lightning bolt through the center. Beneath the shield was another banner inscribed with Ninth Marines.

The emblem was to represent the striking power of the 9th Marines.

The 9th Marines (Reinforced) boarded the USS MT. Vernon on January 24, 1943, in San Diego and headed for New Zealand, arriving in Auckland on February 5.

Each unit was assigned a separate campsite due to a lack of accommodations resulting in the unit headquarters being located at Pukekohe racecourse twenty miles from the farthest Battalion. As a result, the Marines were occupied with 60-mile hikes and practicing seizing beachheads.

On June 29, they relocated to Tetere Village on Guadalcanal and established a campsite three miles from the village. Training continued with an emphasis on jungle conditioning and patrol work. In addition, they performed garrison duty and a five-week island working party assignment. The 9th Marines were preparing for the first of the three battles they would be involved in for the rest of the war.

• The Bougainville Campaign November 1943

• Guam July 21 – August 10, 1944

• Iwo Jima – February 19 – March 26, 1945

In July 1943, Col. Edward Arthur Craig was made commander of the 9th Marines, replacing Lemuel C. Shepherd. Col Craig was transferred to Guadalcanal and commanded the

9th Marines during the landings at Bougainville Island in November 1943; Craig led through the Bougainville Campaign and remained on the island until April 1944. For his leadership, Craig received the Bronze Star. He remained the commanding officer until September of 1944 and took part in the invasion and subsequent recapture of Guam, Marianas Islands, in July and August 1944. For his participation in the fighting in Guam, he received the Navy Cross. Craig served in Korea and rose to the rank of Lt. General before retiring in 1951.

Bougainville - 1943

A year and a half after its activation, the 9th Marines would finally be involved in its first combat operation. The Solomon Islands campaign had begun in August of 1942 when

the Marines attacked and captured Guadalcanal. It was the first defeat for the Japanese Army in its history. This campaign intended to provide facilities for air attacks on Rabaul and interdict Japanese supply traffic. The next target was Bougainville.

At approximately 130 miles long by 30 miles wide, Bougainville is the largest island in the Solomons. Its rugged central mountain spine, swamps, thick, almost impenetrable jungle, and few existing trails offered almost no means of land travel. Torrential rains and the jungle life of a multitude of insects added to the other difficulties for travel.

The Japanese landed on Bougainville in March and April of 1942 as part of their advance into the South Pacific. When they landed, there was only a 20-man Australian garrison from the 1st Independent Company and coastwatchers on the island.

They constructed air bases on this and nearby islands to support their main garrison at Rabaul on New Britain Island. They garrisoned the island with an estimated 35,000 Japanese soldiers.

The native Melanesian population was pro-Japanese, making it impossible for the Allies to obtain current information on Japanese movements. In addition, the Japanese captured many coastwatchers, and those still at large could not move safely. Those coastwatchers were evacuated by July 1943.

Possession of Bougainville would be critical to the objective of isolating Rabaul. The Bougainville Campaign was a limited-objective assault. Like Guadalcanal, it was intended to capture and defend the strategic airfield site blocking the Solomon chain advance.

Bougainville became the staging area for renewed attacks to the south and east. The Japanese concentrated the Kolombangara troops and those from other Central Solomon Islands on Bougainville. It accomplished the two goals of protecting Rabaul and serving as a base for striking southeastward.

Bougainville’s continued possession provided Tokyo leaders the time to supply and execute the China land offensives through Burma and into India. In addition, victories in these operations might derail Allied war plans in the Pacific.

Bougainville consists of Emperor Range in the north and the lower, less rugged Crown Prince Range in the south. The Crown Prone range has Mount Balbi at over 10,000 feet and Mount Bagana — two active volcanoes. Some roads in the south could accommodate wheeled transport; however, most overland movements were limited to primitive trails through the dense jungle interior.

The Navy planners selected Cape Torokina because it was lightly defended by the Japanese and possessed a suitable site for an airbase. In addition, the landing zone was part of a natural defensive region, approximately eight miles by six miles in dimension. The Division’s history records, “…nothing was known of the hydrography, terrain conditions inland from selected beaches, and location of enemy defenses in the immediate area.”

Admiral Halsey assigned the 14,000 men of the 3rd Marine Division, the 2nd and 3rd Raider Battalions, and the 3rd Defense Battalion to lead the assault, designated I Marine Amphibious Corps (IMAC).

As part of the MAC, the 9th Marines were assigned to assault Bougainville’s beaches on November 1, 1943. The regiment engaged in final landing rehearsals for a week at Efate in the New Hebrides on a beach that planners thought resembled Bougainville’s shore.

The 9th Marines crossed the line of departure at 0730 on D-Day, and the landing craft headed for the Empress Augusta Bay. Beaches. They reached shore with three battalions abreast, holding the extreme left of the division beachhead, encountering light enemy opposition. Rapidly crossing the beaches, they established defensive positions and sent a patrol to the Laruma River.

High surf and sloping beaches combined to hinder the Bougainville landing schedule on the beaches assigned to the 9th, causing 86 boats to dump their cargo into the sea.

The Regimental Weapons Companies 4th Platoon was the first to see action in securing Puruata Island in support of the attached 3rd Raider Battalion. Despite stiff opposition from concealed Japanese riflemen and machinegunners, resistance on the island had ceased by noon of the next day.

The Japanese commander of the 6th Infantry Division on Bougainville,

Lieutenant General Masatane Kanda, believed there would be a landing southeast of Cape Torokina, where he had about 2,500 troops. On the other hand, General Hitoshi Imamura, commander of the 16th Army on Rabaul, believed that a landing at Cape Torokina would be short-lived.

Later convicted of war crimes, Imamura believed that Buka Island, north of Bougainville, was the main invasion site. Accordingly, he reinforced Bougainville’s northern tip. Later, despite the Americans’ continued presence at Cape Torokina after Halsey’s invasion, Imamura inexplicably continued building up Buin’s defenses.

On 2-3 November, the 1st and 2d Battalions of the 9th Marines were moved to the east sector when the Japanese offered no opposition on the left flank. The 3d Battalion, 9th Marines (3/9) were left on the extreme left flank. The Japanese only attempt to reinforce their troops was made before 3/9 could rejoin its regiment, initiating the Battle of Koromokina Lagoon

A surprise counter-landing of about 475 men was made west of the beachhead early on November 7. About 50 men landed 400 yards in the rear of 3/9’s positions. The Japanese attempted to penetrate the Marine defenses and then retired into a nearby swamp.

The 3rd Battalion was counterattacked. After five hours of heavy fire fighting, they destroyed a significant portion of the original landing force. They made little headway because the Japanese continued landing reinforcements down the beach. However, they had the advantage of the foxholes abandoned by the 1st and 2nd Bn Marines. The 3d Marines relieved 3/9 At 1315.

On the 8th, as they landed on the left, the Japanese launched an attack against the perimeter right flank. The 2d Marine Raider Battalion, with 9th Marine’s fire support, forced the Japanese to break off contact on the 9th at the Piva Trail roadblock.

At 0945 on November 10, the 168th birthday of the Marine Corps, the 1st and the 2nd Bn 9th Marines attacked enemy positions astride the Piva Trail. They advanced against light resistance; the Marines moved up and then advanced.

The 9th Marines sent out patrols ready for immediate response because of the terrain and the Japanese. Progress was measured in yards per day as the Marines expanded the front to cover 7,000 yards of beach with a circumference of 16,000 yards. An area large enough to begin the construction of two airfields.

On November 23, the 3rd and 9th Marines began an exchange of

sub-sectors to allow them to have responsibility for a relatively quiet zone. While the exchange was in progress, 1/9 launched an attack on a ridge known as Grenade Hill. The hill got its name because, as they advanced on the hill, they were met by a hail of grenades from the Japanese. Dense jungle inhibited mortar support necessitating hand-to-hand fighting until the enemy evacuated the hill. 1/9 then reorganized and continued the advance to take the hills that dominated the East-West trail ending the Battle of Piva Forks. The advance broke organized Japanese resistance and allowed a substantial perimeter expansion. The 9th Marines completed the sector exchange with the 3d on 26-27 November. They then advanced on the more active front. They reached the new forward line on the 28th and sent out strong patrols. Later, they advanced with other units of the 3d Marine Division, moving up to occupy new battle lines and relieving the 1st Parachute Regiment on Hill 1000 on December 10. The Battalion was confined to patrol activity for the remainder of their stay on Bougainville. They were relieved two days after Christmas, ending 57 days of fighting the Japanese in Empress Augusta Bay. The 1st Bn. 9th Marines had been tested in the crucible of jungle combat and had not been found wanting. The price they paid was 423 dead and 1,418 wounded.

The 9th Marines left the island on December 28, 1943. 3rd Marine Division, commanding general General General Allen H. Turnage, describes Bougainville as “…Never had men in the Marine Corps had to fight and maintain themselves over such difficult terrain.” Commandant of the Marine Corps, Major General Alexander A. Vandegrift, commented that the Bougainville “jungle [was] worse than we had found on Guadalcanal.” Army historian

Stanley Frankel described the Japanese counteroffensive as “…one of the bloodiest, most fanatical Banzai attacks made by the Japanese in the South Pacific War”. And a Marine veteran said, “Of all the 28 months I spent overseas, nothing compared to Bougainville for miserable living conditions… Bougainville had to be the closest thing to a living hell that I ever saw in my life.”

COMMITTEES AND OPERATIONS

STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE

By: Matt Valenzuela, Director

InJune 2023, our Board of Directors took a significant step towards understanding the pulse of our association by distributing a Member Survey. This was an effort to gain insights directly from you, our esteemed members, about how you perceive our performance as an organization. We sought to identify the areas where we excel and the areas that need more attention. The feedback received has been invaluable, and it has served as the foundation for drafting our Strategic Plan. This plan is our roadmap to the future, focusing on building upon our successes and addressing areas of improvement, all with the aim of better serving our community.

Enhancing Communication and Trust

The first section of our strategic plan focuses on improving the way we communicate with our members and stakeholders. We aim to implement a comprehensive communication strategy that includes regular publications, social media updates, and website improvements.

We will be launching a monthly newsletter and a quarterly magazine to keep you updated on our activities and initiatives. Moreover, we’re developing a user-friendly website that will provide clear information on membership renewal, events, and key contacts.

Recognizing the importance of trust within our community, we are also establishing mechanisms to address and resolve any trust issues. These include creating a

designated communications channel for members to express concerns, sharing financial reports, and live membership calls where members can directly engage with the Board of Directors on a monthly basis.

Strengthening Member Engagement and Support

Our second goal revolves around bolstering member engagement and support. We believe that personalized communication and consistent interaction can greatly improve the member experience. To this end, we plan to implement personalized communication strategies, develop a consistent communication schedule, and create committees to involve members in decision-making and planning.

Additionally, we will be organizing regular member events and webinars to encourage participation and connection. To enhance the member experience further, we are developing a comprehensive on-boarding process for new members. Lastly, we will be setting up a regular member surveys to gather input from members and use this data to continuously improve.

Your participation and input is critical in helping us keep our association on track and on mission.

Embracing Technology for Improved Engagement

In this digital age, technology plays a crucial role in facilitating communication and engagement; especially because our members are spread across the nation. As part of our strategic plan, we aim to

enhance our online presence and leverage technology to facilitate member interactions, information sharing, and access to resources.

We are upgrading our website for improved accessibility and functionality and implementing virtual events and webinars for those who are unable to attend in-person gatherings. To ensure inclusivity, we will also be providing training sessions and resources to help members effectively use these digital platforms.

Revitalizing Regional Coordination Program

Our strategic plan includes revitalizing our regional coordination program. We aim to strengthen leadership and volunteer commitment by recruiting dedicated leaders for each regional area and clearly defining their roles and responsibilities. We also plan to enhance the flow of information between regional coordinators and the board of directors and implement a central platform for sharing updates and best practices. Moreover, we will be collaborating with regional coordinators to plan local events that cater to the unique needs of each area and promote the importance of these meetups to foster a sense of community.

Enhance Revenue Generation and Financial Sustainability

We’re taking a multifaceted approach to bolstering our financial standing. To start, we’re revitalizing our merchandise offerings and exploring fresh ideas that resonate with a broader range of members. This

will not only provide our members with meaningful items but also enhance our revenue streams.

Next, we’re improving our dues renewal process by implementing a streamlined procedure with automated reminders to ensure members are promptly notified about upcoming renewals.

To keep our community thriving, we’re initiating targeted campaigns to retain existing members and attract new ones. These campaigns will emphasize the value of membership and the benefits of joining our association.

Our fundraising strategy is also getting an overhaul. We’re developing a strategic fundraising plan, cultivating relationships with potential donors and sponsors, and launching targeted fundraising campaigns that utilize storytelling and impact.

To ensure we’re making the most of our resources, we’re implementing cost optimization measures and exploring opportunities for negotiating discounts or consolidating services.

Financial planning is another area of focus. We’re establishing a standardized budgeting process, creating a budget template, and developing a comprehensive budget in line with our financial sustainability goals.

To keep track of our progress, we’re implementing a regular review process to compare actual performance against budgeted figures and will take corrective actions as needed.

We’re also enhancing our financial reporting and transparency and sharing financial reports with the members.

Finally, we’re streamlining our payment and donation processes, enhancing online donation platforms, and establishing financial controls and policies to ensure proper authorization and documentation for transactions. Team members will also receive training on these financial controls.

Improve Financial Records and Reporting

To improve our financial records and reporting, we’re implementing a financial management system and collaborating with each operational area to ensure accurate data representation. We’re also establishing regular financial reporting and setting a schedule for generating and reviewing these reports.

Lastly, we’ll utilize the financial management system to analyze our financial health and trends over time and identify key performance indicators (KPIs) for financial health.

Ensure Long-Term Sustainability and Resource Management

To ensure long-term sustainability, we’re working on diversifying our revenue sources and developing a strategy to gradually diversify revenue sources.

To strengthen community support, we’re developing partnerships with local businesses and organizations and organizing community events and initiatives.

Finally, we’re focusing on resource allocation and efficiency by conducting regular assessments of our resource allocation and developing guidelines for efficient resource usage.

Foster Collaborations and Partnerships for Resource Sharing

Our aim is to leverage the power of unity to amplify our efforts and extend our reach. We believe that by working closely with other veteran organizations, museums, and community groups, we can collectively provide more comprehensive support to veterans and their families.

Identify and Establish Collaborations

To initiate this plan, we will be researching and identifying potential partners whose missions align with ours. Once we have a list of potential collaborators, we will reach out to these organizations to explore areas of mutual interest and potential resource sharing.

Create a Resource Directory

One of the main outputs of these collaborations will be the creation of a comprehensive resource directory. This directory will contain information about our partner organizations, the services they offer, and their contact details. The resource directory will be updated regularly and shared with our members to ensure they have easy access to relevant resources.

Promote Collaboration Benefits to Members

We want to ensure that our members understand and can take advantage of the benefits these collaborations offer. To accomplish this, we will communicate the advantages of these collaborations and partnerships through our newsletters, social media channels, and events. We will also highlight success stories of how our members have benefited from accessing resources through these partnerships.

Enhance Public Awareness and Outreach

We’re working on establishing a clear organizational identity. We plan to finalize our mission, vision, and core values to create a cohesive and compelling identity. We will also craft a concise and impactful narrative that effectively communicates our purpose and impact.

Next, we aim to strengthen our online presence and messaging. We’ll update our website to reflect our refined mission and narrative, and

regularly share engaging content on our social media platforms that aligns with our organizational identity.

We are also planning targeted outreach initiatives. We’ll identify key events or awareness days related to our mission for targeted outreach and collaborate with local media outlets to share our stories and milestones.

We believe our members are our best advocates. We’ll equip you with key messages and information to advocate for us and encourage you to share your personal stories, amplifying our impact.

Community partnerships will also play a key role in our outreach efforts. We’ll identify potential community partners who share our values and collaborate on joint initiatives that align with our mission and benefit the community.

Lastly, we’ll measure and evaluate our impact. We’ll define metrics to track our public awareness efforts and regularly analyze the data to refine our strategies based on what resonates most with our audience.

Preserve and Share Historical Legacy

Preserving our history is crucial to understanding our journey and inspiring our future. To that end, we plan to establish a comprehensive archive system. We’ll create a structured digital archive to store historical photos, documents, and video interviews, and develop a user-friendly interface for members to access these materials.

We also plan to conduct structured video interviews and launch a podcast series. We’ll define key topics and questions for these interviews, regularly conduct these interviews with members, and explore various narratives through our podcast series.

We want to promote member contributions to our historical archive. We’ll encourage members to contribute their personal stories, memorabilia, and

photos, and organize events that highlight these contributions. Lastly, we want to educate and engage through history. We’ll develop resources that use historical materials to educate members and the public about our mission, and incorporate historical content into our communications to promote awareness.

Through these strategic initiatives, we aim to elevate our mission, engage our community, and preserve our rich history. We look forward to the positive impact these efforts will have on our organization and those we serve.

Optimize Operational Efficiency and Scalability

Our first objective involves implementing efficient systems and tools. We will assess current operational systems for effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. We will also research and select additional software or tools to streamline our operations.

Enhancing collaboration and communication is another priority. We aim to maximize the use of work management systems, to centralize tasks and projects across different committees and functions. We will also implement a communication platform to improve real-time collaboration and reduce email congestion.

To ensure everyone can effectively use these systems and tools, we will develop training materials and resources and offer ongoing support and assistance.

Lastly, we want to foster continuous improvement. We will establish a feedback loop to gather insights from volunteers and members on the usability and effectiveness of the implemented systems. We will also regularly review and refine our operational processes based on feedback and changing organizational needs.

Evaluation and Measurement for Continuous Improvement

Continuous improvement is a key principle in our organization. We will provide regular progress updates and achievements to stakeholders using a variety of platforms for progress reports, social media for sharing highlights, and newsletters for comprehensive updates.

To measure our progress, we will establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for each goal and objective , determine measurable targets for each KPI, implement tools to collect relevant data, and regularly analyze this data to measure progress.

Feedback from our members, volunteers, and stakeholders will be incorporated into our evaluation process, and combined with quantitative data for a holistic view of our performance.

We will use data analysis to inform adjustments to strategies and action plans and provide regular progress updates. Regular reviews and reassessments of our KPIs will ensure they remain relevant, and we will stay flexible in adapting our evaluation plan based on organizational changes.

Enhance Internal Operations and Flexibility

To streamline processes and workflows, we will conduct a comprehensive review of existing processes and identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.

We also aim to develop contingency plans for potential challenges or disruptions and perform scenario analyses to understand potential impacts of external changes.

We will foster a culture of agile decision-making within the organization and develop a process for reallocating resources based on changing priorities.

Finally, we will implement regular learning and adaptation sessions for

staff and volunteers and encourage a proactive attitude toward seeking and implementing improvements.

With these strategic goals, our organization is poised for efficient operations, continuous improvement, and adaptability in the face of change. Together, we will continue to improve our support for those who have served us.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

By: Brian Granvall, Treasurer

th Marines Association has relied primarily on membership dues and to a lesser degree, store sales. With the push toward life membership, as well as fewer members remaining current, annual membership dues as a revenue stream are significantly down. In addition, store sales are down when compared to years previous. This is being addressed by the Store Committee and will be discussed separately.

For the Association to remain a viable non-profit dedicated to helping our brothers and promoting the brotherhood, we need to look at alternative revenue streams.

if many more of you sign up today! Go to www.19walkingdead.org/ donate for detailed instructions on how to begin using Cultivate today.

Membership Dues

Greetings

1/9 Brothers! For those that do not know me, I am Brian Granvall, 1/9 Doc from the 90s and am your Association Treasurer. If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the finances of the Association, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at treasurer@19walkingdead.org

Briefly, the financial health of the Association is stable. We have combined balances of around $81k in our accounts.

The finance committee is responsible for the management of our funds in a responsible manner, according to laws and practices governing non-profit corporations. That being said, your 1/9 Marines Association needs your help.

Over the past several years we have noticed a steady decline in revenue, which impacts our ability to budget for needed services. These include scholarships, humanitarian assistance, direct member support through minireunions, our large biannual reunion, and other initiatives. In recent years, we have subsidized the biannual reunion to keep costs down and begun a Marine Corps Museum Memorial fund to erect a lasting legacy to our 1/9 brothers. Our current financial situation remains strong, as we have reserves to continue these programs, but this is not sustainable.

Historically, the 1 st Battalion 9

Donation Program

Beginning now, the 1/9 Association is offering via the Association web site www.19walkingdead.org a Recurring Giving Program. It’s a simple and automated system that receives a small donation on a regular basis. If you have $1, $5, $10 to spare per month…and just about everyone does if you really think about it, then please consider donating this to your Association. Every small amount helps and through the combined donations of our members, can have real significant impacts.

Cultivate

Another program we have initiated, and tested, is called Cultivate. This is an donation platform started by Mark Cuban (Dallas Mavericks owner and Shark Tank member) that sends donations to a charity of choice, such as the 1 st Battalion 9 th Marines Association, with purchases you make online. This does not cost you any extra money. Simply install the Cultivate account and while you shop online, click the link before your purchase and the 1/9 Marines Association will receive a percentage of your purchase. I tested this out myself and the Association has received several hundred dollars over the past few months just from my personal online purchases. Think about how much we can achieve

As I mentioned before, we have had declining membership dues revenue for several reasons. While Lifetime Memberships have contributed, we have no intention of changing that option. However, for those of you who have been annual members and the many other 1/9 Brothers out there that have never been a member, we are streamlining our dues collection process. Beginning this November, we will transition everyone to an invoice system that will be due for everyone each year on 1/9…see what we did there? This way we can not only address lapsed memberships directly, but also have a method of accurately budgeting our membership revenues. Look for these invoices in your email or mailboxes this November. If you have any questions, please contact treasurer@19walkingdead.org or membership@19walkingdead.org.

Finance Committee

Currently the Finance Committee is comprised of myself and Doc Stephen Jonas, also a Board Member. We would like one other member to serve on this Committee from outside the Board as a Member At Large. If this interests you or you have other suggestions for the financial well-being of the Association, please contact me at treasurer@19walkingdead.org

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

By: Ed Mertens, Director

Our membership numbers are getting better. As an association it is up to all of us to bring our numbers up. It is up to all members to contact our fellow 1/9 brothers and have them either join or renew their memberships. We are stronger when we all take pride in our organization.

Membership Numbers

542 Current Members; made up of primarily Lifetime members. However there are only 33 annual members making up the 542. 887 members, which represent 62% of our total membership, have let their memberships lapse. This situation results in an estimated annual loss of approximately $26,000 for the association.

Update Your Contact Information

Our membership roster serves as a critical tool in our communication strategy, enabling us to keep you

Members by Status

informed about what’s happening within the association. Updating your contact information should not be overlooked. It is a small yet significant step that can make a substantial difference in how we communicate and engage with our members. Our latest request for information updates yielded responses from only 63 members out of a total of just over 1,400 members. We understand that life gets busy, and updating contact information might not be at the top of your to-do list. However, we urge all our members to take a few moments to update their details. This simple act can significantly enhance our ability to communicate effectively.

Updating your contact information is straightforward. Simply visit the link below and follow the instructions provided. https://19walkingdead. org/updatecontact

Membership Dues Date Change

We will be changing the dues due date to January 9th of every year. Annual members will receive a reminder in November with information on how to pay.

This will help us better manage our

member rolls by processing these memberships 1 time each year. This will help bring the number of expired members down by proactively reminding each annual member to renew. This will also help us estimate annual revenue from dues payments and plan our fiscal year.

• If you made an annual dues payment in 2023, your next payment will be due 1/9/2025.

• If you did not make an annual dues payment in 2023, your next payment will be due 1/9/2024.

Membership Application and Renewal Change

We will be transitioning to an electronic format for member applications and renewals. This digital process will help us keep contact information current and reduce the amount of time it takes to process applications. Members still wanting to make their dues payments by check can still do so. Please mail them to:

First Battalion Ninth Marines Association, Inc.

1741 East Sabalious Street

Meridian, ID 83646

Current Members by Type

Expired: 62.1%

Current: 37.9%

Lifetime: 80.7%

Family: 10.2%

Regular: 6.1%

Discount Lifetime: 2.4%

Associate: 0.4%

Lifetime Payment: 0.2%

1/9 STORE

By: Ed Mertens, Director

Our store is a place for you to get your 1/9 official merchandise. We need input from our brothers on what they would like to have in the store. As we work on new merchandise, we would like to get the items you want. We are currently working on getting Company specific items, but we need the different logos. I would like you the membership to send the logos you have from your era, and we can make some items happen.

Survey Insights

We recently conducted a member survey to better understand how our merchandise offerings are being received and what we can do to improve. We’re excited to share these insights with you today.

The survey was an essential step in our journey towards improving our merchandise offerings. It aimed to gather candid feedback from our members about their satisfaction with our current product range and their preferences for future items.

Our sample size totalled 60 members who responded across the country. These participants represent a diverse cross-section of our veteran community, ranging in age and having served in different periods. This diversity has provided us with invaluable insights into the needs and preferences of our member base.

Overall, the satisfaction level of the members who responded was encouraging. A majority of respondents expressed satisfaction with the quality and variety of our merchandise. However, we also received some constructive feedback that will guide us in refining our product selection.

By purchasing our merchandise, you’re not just acquiring a unique and meaningful item; you’re also contributing to the vital work we do in supporting veterans across the country.

Member Hobbies and Interests

Merchandise Type

Apparel (e.g. T-shirts, hats): 44.4

Accessories (e.g.patches, pins, keychains): 19.7%

Collectibles (e.g. challenge coins): 16.2%

Home Decor (e.g. posters, flags, mugs): 16.2%

Other: 3.4%

Merchandise Price

Under $10: 1.6%

$10 - $25: 20.6%

$25 - $50: 52.4%

$50 - $100: 19.0%

Over $100: 6.3%

Shirt Color

Black: 25%

OD Green: 23.7%

Red: 18.4%

Grey: 18.4%

White: 9.2%

Other: 5.3%

Shirt Size

XL: 38.7%

L: 21.0%

XXL: 16.1%

M: 14.5%

XXXL: 8.1%

XS: 1.6%

REGIONAL COORDINATION

By: Ed Mertens, Director

Regional Coordinators facilitate meetings with members, aid in communication to and from the Board of Directors, and provide support and resources association members. The goal of the Regional Coordinators is to promote comradery, build community, and cultivate enthusiasm; achieving greater impact in our 1/9 community.

Revitalizing our Regional Coordination Program: A Call to Action

Every organization thrives on the strength of its members and their collective effort. In our case, our regional coordination program has been a crucial part of connecting us with our members, organizing local events, and understanding the pulse of our organization. However, it’s no secret that this vital program hasn’t received the level of support necessary to serve our members effectively.

In the past, we’ve struggled to find volunteers who are both willing and able to commit to the demanding yet rewarding task of regional coordination. This lack of manpower has resulted in a breakdown in our program, leading to fewer local events and a diminished connection with our member base. We recognize that this has impacted our ability to serve you and respond effectively to your needs.

However, we believe in the power of change and the potential for growth. That’s why we’re currently developing a plan to revitalize our regional coordination program. Our aim is to reestablish this crucial link between our central organization and our members spread across different regions.

Our revitalization plan includes several key strategies. Firstly, we will be implementing a comprehensive volunteer recruitment drive. This will involve reaching out to potential volunteers through various channels and offering them training and support to help them succeed in their roles. We aim to build a robust team of dedicated individuals who are passionate about serving our members.

Secondly, we plan to enhance the visibility of our regional coordination program. By promoting its successes and sharing stories from our events, we hope to generate more interest and participation from our members. This increased engagement will allow us to stay in touch with the pulse of our organization and respond more effectively to your needs.

Lastly, we aim to increase the number of local events. These events serve as a platform for our members to connect, share experiences, and contribute to the organization. They also provide us with valuable insights into our members’ needs and expectations.

Support for Coordinators

The Board of Directors is also taking a critical step towards supporting our regional coordinators. We are currently developing a comprehensive Regional Coordination Operations Manual. This manual will serve as an essential guide for our coordinators, helping them understand their role and responsibilities more clearly.v

The Operations Manual will outline in detail how to organize events, manage information resources, maintain rosters, and set achievable goals and objectives. By providing clear instructions and guidelines, we aim to equip our coordinators with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles.

We understand that the task of regional coordination can be daunting, especially for new volunteers. That’s why we’re committed to providing as much support as possible to our coordinators. The Operations Manual is just one way we’re striving to do this.

With this new manual, we hope to streamline the process of regional coordination, reduce the burden on our volunteers, and increase the effectiveness of our program. By defining the pathway to success, we believe we can empower our coordinators to perform their duties with confidence and efficiency.

We’re excited about this development and believe it will significantly contribute to the revitalization of our regional coordination program. As we continue to improve and evolve, we look forward to seeing the positive impact of these changes on our organization and our members. However, to make this plan a success, we need your support. We encourage you to consider volunteering for our regional coordination program or participating in our local events. Your involvement is critical to the success of our organization and the effectiveness of our services. Together, we can breathe new life into our regional coordination program and ensure that it serves as a robust, effective bridge between our organization and our members. Let’s work together to make this vision a reality.

Regional Coordinator Responsibilities

As part of our commitment to revitalizing our regional coordination program, we are defining key responsibilities that our Regional Coordinators will undertake. These roles have been carefully designed to ensure effective communication, resource sharing, and collaboration among our members, while also keeping a pulse on developments in the region. The following text provides an overview of the responsibilities:

Convene meetings

The Regional Coordinators will be responsible for convening member meetings in the region, through

North/West

• Alaska

• Idaho

• Montana

• Oregon

• Washington

• Wyoming

South/West Coordinator | Ed Mertens

• Arizona

• California

• Nevada

• Utah

• Hawaii

Central/North

• Minnesota

• Iowa

• North Dakota

• South Dakota

• Nebraska

• Wisconsin

Central/South Coordinator | Jose

Cardenas

• Arkansas

• Colorado

• Kansas

• Louisiana

• Missouri

• New Mexico

• Oklahoma

• Texas

Central/West

• Kentucky

• Illinois

• Indiana

• Michigan

• Ohio

• Canada

regular conference calls and in-person meetings.

Facilitate

communication

The Regional Coordinators will be responsible for facilitating communication to and from the Board of Directors by sharing information and updates, and by managing a mailing list or other communication channels.

Provide support and resources

The Regional Coordinator will be responsible for providing support and resources to members in the region by disseminating information about programs and resources that may be of interest or value.

Monitor developments and trends

The Regional Coordinators will be responsible for monitoring developments and trends in the

Central/East

• Delaware

• Maryland

• New Jersey

• New York

• Pennsylvania

• DC

North/East

• Connecticut

• Massachusetts

• Main

• New Hampshire

• Rhode Island

• Vermont

South/East

• Alabama

• Virginia

• West Virginia

• North Carolina

• South Carolina

• Tennessee

• Mississippi

• Georgia

• Florida

region by tracking news and information about the region, and by providing updates to the Association and members.

Coordinate activities and initiatives

The Regional Coordinators will be responsible for coordinating activities and initiatives among members in the region by facilitating collaboration and coordination on projects and programs, and by

promoting the sharing of resources.

The Events Chairman is Ed Mertens he over sees all the coordinators and is their point of contact to the Board of Directors. To contact the events committee, you can call (760) 349-0311 ext.400 or email Ed at

emertens@walkingdead.org

HUMANITARIAN AID COMMITTEE

By: Stephen Jonas, Director

Marine and Corpsmen of the 1st Battalion 9th Marines Association. I would like to take the time as I write in my first Proud Warrior to discuss the 1/9 Association Humanitarian Committee. It was formed to help our members in a time of emergent need. It was originally formed as we were getting questions about how we could help members who had emergent needs. The first few times we used the humanitarian committee it was mostly several board members getting together to discuss the concern and then vote on how much we could assist. We soon learned that we needed to form a formal committee to be able to quickly identify needs and pull in resources to help members.

In 2022 we were able to assist a 1st Battalion, 9th Marines Marine with a $1000 from our budget to assist with some emergent needs he had. We prefer not to give out specifics to protect the privacy of the Marine. I know in previous years we have been able to assist members with some emergent needs including helping with a broken-down vehicle and a few other member needs.

This year in 2023 we have budgeted up to $3000 to help members who may have an emergency need. We hope we don’t have to use it, but it is available if we need it. What might constitute and emergency need? A broken-down car needed for work, help with ability to provide food for family short term, etc. We as the committee will meet and discuss options and how we can best help. This might include financial help but could also include pointing you in the right direction to find other sources of assistance including the VA.

Basic requirement is that you must be a member in good standing. If you have questions, please contact

a member of the committee and we will be happy to assist. Ultimately, we want to be able to help as many in need as we can but realize we have a limited budget and will need to make sure we are vetting appropriately any request.

Another part of the Humanitarian Committee will be to send out helpful links and information for assistance to all of our members. I wanted to start this month with the VA website and the different “Health Programs for Veterans.” If you go to www. va.gov/health/programs/index.asp it lists several different programs and benefits that are available to veterans. Some of these are a chaplain, vocational rehabilitation, disease prevention, mental health, etc. Give it a look. As Sir Francis Bacon stated, “Knowledge is power.”

community is most needed. With this in mind, we’re introducing a new committee dedicated to assisting families in their time of loss.

This committee will be built on the principles of empathy, respect, and effective communication. Our primary goal is to ensure that families can convey their wishes to our members in their preferred manner and on their timeline. We acknowledge that everyone processes grief differently, and we want to provide a platform that respects and accommodates these individual needs.

One of the key services provided by this committee will be the arrangement of a wreath at the funeral, honoring the deceased’s time served with 1/9. This gesture symbolizes our collective gratitude and respect for their service and sacrifice.

Additionally, the committee will act as a buffer for the family, managing the flow of information to our members. This will help prevent the family from being overwhelmed during an already difficult period. Moreover, the committee will provide families with essential resources on grief support. This can range from sharing literature on coping mechanisms to providing contact information for professional grief counselors.

WOODY AND GALE POSTLE FAMILY AUXILLARY COMMITTEE

By: David Peralta, Director

During our May board meeting, we discussed the importance of providing support to the families of our members during their most challenging times. We understand that dealing with the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and often overwhelming experience. It’s during these times that the strength of our

As this committee grows and evolves, we will continue to refine our strategies and services based on feedback and experience. Our ultimate aim is to create a supportive arm that families can rely on during their most sensitive times. We believe that through this initiative, we can further strengthen our community, reinforcing the bonds that unite us and showing that in times of sorrow, we stand together.

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE

By: David Peralta, Director

Inhonor of the unwavering courage and dedication of all Marines and Sailors who have served with the First Battalion Ninth Marines, we are proud to announce our scholarship awards. This initiative is a testament to our profound respect and gratitude for these brave individuals who have given so much in their military service. Our scholarship program is designed to recognize their sacrifices and provide tangible support to them and their families, reinforcing our commitment to those who have selflessly served our nation.

The scholarship committee received four completed applications this time.

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

By: Matt Valenzuela, Director

Preserving Your Story

To honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans, we are proud to announce that work has begun on our next video project. At our recent meeting, we approved hiring New Media Systems to document our upcoming reunion and continue recording personal stories from our members.

For those who had the honor of attending the 2018 reunion in DC, you’ll vividly remember Richie Macdonald and his dedicated team from New Media Systems. They spent an entire week immersed in our community, capturing heartfelt testimonies from numerous veterans and their families. They documented every moment, from our solemn memorial services to

the joyous banquet dinner. Their commitment took them beyond the reunion, flying out to the west coast to capture additional testimonials.

The resulting video was a testament to their dedication and our collective stories. Garnering immense support from you, our valued members, it also resonated with the public, amassing an impressive 23,000

Bob Moxley, captured at home, shares his Vietnam experiences during the filming of the 2018 documentary ‘Speak Their Names.’ A production by First Battalion Ninth Marines Association, filmed by Richard MacDonald of New Media Systems.

views on YouTube. This documentary stands as a powerful reminder of our shared experiences and the enduring spirit of our veteran community.

Our commitment to preserving history, as outlined in our Articles of Incorporation, is a core part of our mission. We believe that every veteran and family member has a unique story to tell, and these narratives form an essential part of our shared history. By capturing these stories, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the experiences of those who have served our country. The proposal to hire New Media Systems was put to a vote after a motion from Valenzuela and a second from Mertens. After a thorough discussion on the merits of the proposal and its alignment with our organization’s goals, the vote was conducted.

We’re pleased to report that the motion was approved unanimously. This decision reflects our shared commitment to preserving the personal histories of our veterans and ensuring their stories are heard. As we move forward with this exciting initiative, we look forward to sharing the rich tapestry of experiences, memories, and insights from our veterans. We will share more details about the project as soon as they are available; including how you can volunteer to share your story.

See the first video we produced at: https://youtu.be/3TZKwlrrQkM?si=U_ vtAO6XAnyInrVV

Upgrading Our Website

We are thrilled to announce that we will be upgrading our association website. This upgrade is not just about a new look; it’s about creating a more seamless and enriching user experience for our members and supporters.

As a critical hub of information

and connection for our members, accessibility and ease of use are paramount. We understand the value of having relevant information at your fingertips, which is why we’re making significant improvements to our site’s structure and content.

More Information, Less Hassle

One of the key enhancements will be the expanded access to information about our events. Whether it’s a reunion, fundraising activity, or a commemorative occasion, you’ll find all the details you need in a clear, easy-to-navigate format. No more endless scrolling or clicking through multiple pagesthe information you need will be right there, readily accessible.

Delving into History

Our history is a testament to the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of our members. And we believe in celebrating that. As part of the upgrade, we will include an enriched history section where you can delve into the remarkable

stories and accomplishments that have shaped our association.

Keeping You Informed

Staying informed about association news is crucial for our members. That’s why we’re revamping our news section to bring you the latest updates in a timely and efficient manner. From policy changes to member achievements, you’ll be the first to know.

Resources at Your Fingertips

We understand the importance of resources for our veterans and their families. The upgraded website will feature a comprehensive resource section.

We are excited about these upgrades and are confident they will significantly enhance your experience on our website. Our commitment to serving you, our members, drives every decision we make. We look forward to unveiling the new website and continuing our mission to support our veteran community in every way possible. Stay tuned for more

updates on this exciting project!

A Revamped Store Experience

As part of our website upgrade, we’re also breathing new life into our association store. We understand that our store is more than just a place to purchase merchandise; it’s a way for you to show pride in your association and support our mission.

The Communications Committee, in collaboration with Ed Mertens, Membership Committee Chairman, is working to enhance your shopping experience. Expect a more userfriendly interface where you can browse and purchase with ease. But that’s not all - we are also expanding our product range. You’ll find new merchandise that reflects the spirit of our community and our commitment to service.

In addition to this, we’re adding visually stunning photos to accompany each product. This way, you can get a clear, detailed view of what you’re purchasing.

We can’t wait to bring you this

upgraded store experience as part of our website overhaul. We anticipate completetion in October. Stay tuned for the launch and get ready to shop your favorite association merchandise like never before!

The Proud Warrior

We are aware that our members have been eagerly anticipating the new issue of the Proud Warrior, and we cannot thank you enough for your patience and understanding as we navigated through the setup and production process. We’re thrilled to announce that the wait is finally over. The new issue of the Proud Warrior is here, with stories, news, and updates that we hope will inspire, inform, and connect our community even further. This issue of the “Proud Warrior” is digital and not available for print at this time. This decision comes as we navigate some logistical challenges related to producing and funding a physical publication.

Our Board of Directors, always prioritizing the interests of our members, has determined that launching this first issue digitally will allow us to deliver valuable information to you promptly. While we work out the back-end logistics, we believe it’s essential not to delay sharing stories, news, and updates that matter to our community.

The primary challenge we face currently is the cost associated with printing and distributing the physical copies. However, we are dedicated to providing options for all our members. Therefore, we are exploring platforms that offer print-ondemand services. This means that any member who prefers a physical copy can easily purchase it, and it will be delivered directly to their home.

We plan to publish the “Proud Warrior” on a quarterly basis, with issues being released in January, April, July, and October of 2024. Our goal is to build on the legacy that Joe Heater established with the Proud Warrior for so many years.

As other operational areas of our association ramp up, we look forward to bringing you more stories from events, testimonials, updates on how the organization is doing, and a rich array of photos and videos that will also be available on our website.

Your voice matters to us. We welcome any feedback - whether positive or constructive criticism. We also need article contributions from our members. If you have a story to share or insights that could benefit our community, please send an email to Matt Valenzuela at mvalenzuela@19walkingdead.org.

The Walking Dead Sit-Rep

Integral to our strategic plan, we understand the importance of timely and relevant updates to keep our community informed and engaged.

This newsletter is designed to serve as a quick and concise update directly from our Board of Directors. The Walking Dead Sit-Rep is a dedicated channel that will bring you important updates and decisions made at the board level. We are working hard to improve the transparency and this newsletter is a testament to these values.

Each issue will provide an overview of the latest happenings, plans, and any crucial information that our members need to know. The goal is to keep everyone abreast of the organization’s direction and any changes that might affect our community.

We encourage all our members to look forward to these monthly updates. Your feedback, as always, will be invaluable in shaping the content and format of the Walking Dead Sit-rep.

Stay in the Loop: Introducing Our Text Subscription Communications Channel

In our efforts to enhance communication in our community, we are thrilled to announce our text

subscription communications channel. This innovative feature is designed to keep you updated and informed, directly to your mobile device.

Members who subscribe to this service will receive periodic notifications about important updates. Whether it’s an important announcement from the Board of Directors, new article published on our website, or the release of our monthly newsletter or Proud Warrior, you’ll be the first to know.

This text subscription service ensures that you never miss out on any important news or updates from our organization. It’s quick, convenient, and allows you to stay connected with us, no matter where you are.

Subscribing is easy. All you need to do is follow these simple steps:

1. Open your messaging app on your cell phone.

2. Start a new text message.

3. In the recipient field, type in (760) 349-0311.

4. In the message field, type ONENINE.

5. Hit send.

Once subscribed, you will start receiving timely updates straight to your phone. It’s that simple!

We believe in the power of communication and staying connected. Our new text subscription service is just one of the ways we’re working to ensure that our members have easy access to important information when they need it.

We encourage all our members to sign up for this service and stay in the loop. Your involvement and engagement are what drives our community forward. So, take advantage of this new feature and join us in forging stronger connections within our proud and resilient community.

PRESIDENT

James Vierstra, jvierstra@19walkingdead.org

VICE PRESIDENT

Patrick Hart, phart@19walkingdead.org

TREASURER

Brian Granvall, bgranvall@19walkingdead.org

SECRETARY

Vacant

DIRECTORS

Patrick Dickson, pdickson@19walkingdead.org

Warren Domingo, wdomingo@19walkingdead.org

Rod Fink, rfink@19walkingdead.org

Brian Granvall, bgranvall@19walkingdead.org

Stephen Jonas, sjonas@19walkingdead.org

Ray Linebaugh, rlinebaugh@19walkingdead.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMITTEES

Erik Maddox, emaddox@19walkingdead.org

Ed Mertens, emertens@19walkingdead.org

David Peralta, dperalta@19walkingdead.org

Brigt Skjerpe, bskjerpe@19walkingdead.org

Matt Valenzuela, mvalenzuela@19walkingdead.org

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITEE

Matt Valenzuela, Chairman

Warren Domingo

Rod Fink

• Website

• Social Media

• Proud Warrior

• Newsletter

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITEE

David Peralta, Chairman

Stephen Jonas

• Applications

• Approvals

• Disbursement

WOODY AND GALE POSTLE FAMILY AUXILLARY COMMITEE

David Peralta, Chairman

Ray Linebaugh

MEMBERSHIP COMMITEE

Ed Mertens, Chairman

• Member Management

• Events

• Regional Coordination

• Association Store REUNION COMMITEE

Brian Granvall, Chairman

James Vierstra

• Planning

• Execution

• Fundraising

FINANCE COMMITEE

Brian Granvall, Chairman

Stephen Jonas

James Vierstra

• Budget

• Financial Reporting

• Financial Planning

HUMANITARIAN COMMITEE

Stephen Jonas, Chairman

David Peralta

• Applications

• Approvals

• Disbursement

STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITEE

Brian Granvall, Co-Chairman

Matt Valenzuela, Co-Chairman

Stephen Jonas

James Vierstra

David Peralta

• Short term / long term strategy

• Mission and vision alignment

PHONE NUMBERS

MAIN PHONE NUMBER

760-349-0311

PRESIDENT

Ext. 200

EVENTS

Ext. 300

COMMUNICATIONS

Ext. 400

SCHOLARSHIP/HUMANITARIAN AID

Ext. 500

MEMBERSHIP

Ext. 600

LINKS

Website

https://19walkingdead.org

Public Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/19association

Association Facebook Community

https://www.facebook.com/groups/311736862862629

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/19walkingdead/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-battalion-ninth-marines-association/