The Rent-A-Battalion blog
Message from Mick Hughes
by Donna Fuller on 01/15/25
1/15/2025 MESSAGE BOARD POSTING MAY NOT CONTAIN LINKS.
Contact Mick Hughes if you haven't gotten this message directly to your email INBOX. 2/3 V.V.A. is attempting to reach ALL 2/3 (RVN) Vets with 2025 Annual Reunion details.
PREFACE:
The Officers of your 2/3 Vietnam Vetereans Association took the bull by the horns at our Savannah 2024 Reunion and addressed issues we are beginning to experience with our dwindling numbers.
A day later at the Membership Meeting a lively discussion ensued around the subject. It was overwhelmingly decided that 2/3 V.V.A. would accept the Third Marine Division Association's invitation to hold our 2025 Reunion within the Third Marine Division Association (T.M.D.A.; 501(c)19, Non Profit) 2025 Annual Reunion in Tucson, AZ.
I got some basic information from Bob North, President T.M.D.A., and presented it at our Membership Meeting 2024. Since then we've exchanged phone calls and emails to agree to some basics. It's a huge help to keep "last minute" problems and issues to the irreducible minimum. There was a good amount of work that went into making agreements so that ALL Marines, Associate Members, Family and Friends will have a 2025 Reunion that'll be a classic for all the right reasons. Some of the work was not easy but none of the work was extremely difficult. The T.M.D.A. Manager, G. Roger Bacon, provided some valuable key details of the makings of a successful 2025 Reunion.
As with previous 2/3 VVA Reunions, you must register with the hotel and separately register with the Reunion. Those forms, when they're soon to be made public, will look familiar. Armed Forces Reunions Inc. organized 2/3 VVA Reunions for years. They also put together reuions for T.M.D.A. You are asked to contact Hotel Central Reservations only when the official hotel registration form is released.
This email is going out "Bcc" to 2/3 VVA Members, Bob North and Roger Bacon, T.M.D.A. and Echo
(2/3) Vets.
I ask that 2/3 VVA Marines receiving this email forward it to any 2/3 (RVN) Marine that you know. If in doubt, send it out. Better to get an extra Reunion notification than none at all.
ALL INFORMATION IN THIS EMAIL IS TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE STAY IN THE LOOP TO KEEP CURRENT. WHEN HOTEL REGISTRATION FORMS ARE MADE PUBLIC, IT'LL BE "FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED".
1. 15-21 September 2025.
2. Sheraton Tucson Hotel and Suites. 5151 E. Grant Rd., Tucson 85712. Breakfast included.
Currently, no Tucson International Airport (TUS) shuttle. Airport about 14 miles from hotel.
The issue of transportation to/from Airport is not finalized. Further discussion is forthcoming.
3. I CANNOT STRESS HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO PAY YOUR DUES TO 2/3 V.V.A.!
DO NOT PAY DUES TO T.M.D.A. unless you decide you want to be a member of T.M.D.A.
RIGHT NOW! IF YOU'RE CURRENT WITH YOUR 2/3 VVA DUES, you're not required to
pay T.M.D.A. dues to attend REUNION 2025. YOU ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO MAKE
SURE YOU ARE PAID UP WITH YOUR 2/3 VVA DUES. PLEASE DON'T WAIT FOR THE
REUNION REGISTRATION FORM TO BE PUBLISHED TO PAY YOUR DUES. PAY 2/3
VVA DUES IMMEDIATELY. NO DUES = NO 2/3 VVA BENEFITS!!!
4. The T.M.D.A. has been around since 1949. They have about 1451 Members.
About 185 people attended their 2024 Reunion in Nashville, TN. They have geographical
"Chapters". Maybe about 15 years ago, they began to allow "Unit Chapters". 1/3 has been a Unit
Chapter for a number of years with much success.
5. Hospitality Rooms. There will be a T.M.D.A. Hospitlity Room. There will also be a Hospitality
Room run by 1/3. 1/3's Hospitality Room is known as "The Bunker". Both rooms are funded by
"passing the hat". The financial status of each of the 2 Hospitality Rooms will be announced
daily (?) at the 2025 Reunion.
Both rooms supply snacks and beverages. If either hospitality room doesn't serve what you
want, you can bring your own. The T.M.D.A. generally is a bit more low key than "The Bunker"
and closes around 2200. "The Bunker" operating hours are usually longer. Both Hospitality
Rooms may close during Official 2025 Reunion functions.
6. Uniform of the Day. Dress codes are not in force.
In the past, Marines attending the T.M.D.A. Annual Banquet dressed formally (Tux). Suits or
sports coats were allowed. I will wear at least a sport coat probably with a tie.
Let me explain.
Last year, the U.S.M.C. was asked to supply a Color Guard or at least an Active Duty Speaker for
our 2/3 2024 Annual Reunion. It was extremely difficult dealing with U.S.M.C. Administration,
even with Parris Island being just a stone's throw from Savannah. The last time I checked, both
the First and Second Marine Division Associations were out of business. 1st Mar. Div. Assoc.
was making an attempt to rise from the ashes. T.M.D.A. has influence with U.S.M.C.-H.Q. They
always seem to get a Color Guard and an Active Duty U.S.M.C. Speaker. In Nashville, it was 2
speakers. Two Generals. You can bet that any Active Duty Speaker will be reqired to give an
after action report to their superiors. If those reports over the years were to
indicate that it's not worth the trouble for the U.S.M.C. to send a General to the T.M.D.A
Reunion, it won't happen. It may never happen again. So I'll bite the bullet and wear a jacket and
tie out of respect to Active Duty U.S.M.C. Speakers and to help the T.M.D.A. continue to get an
Active Duty Marine Speaker in 2026 and beyond.
Survey the landscape Marines and do what you think works best in the Big Picture.
7. COMMUNICATIONS. Attached, you will find the latest issue of CALTRAP, a quarterly
publication of the T.M.D.A. CALTRAP will have 2025 Reunion info in an upcoming, soon to be
released issue. That 2025 Reunion info may be a bit "old" by the time all Marines read about it in
the next quarterly publication of CALTRAP.
The T.M.D.A. has a website. caltrap.org
FACEBOOK, "The Third Marine Division Association". Simple vetting process to become a
"Facebook member" of the this page. Seems that a good number of 3,000+ Facebookers are not
T.M.D.A. Marines or never were Marines.
Lastly, get these emails from me. Within 24 hours of me getting info from CALTRAP, or
Facebook, or the T.M.D.A. website or, most likely, via email from Bob North, you'll have it in
your inbox.
8. MEETINGS : 2/3 VVA OFFICERS: 9/17 AM or PM; 2/3 V.V.A. MEMBERSHIP: 9/18 AM or
PM; T.M.D.A. MEMBERSHIP : 9/20 AM; 2/3 VOTE 9/20 PM.
2/3 V.V.A. Marines may attend T.M.D.A. meetings but can't vote. As of now, you will have
"voice" only if you are also a T.M.D.A. Member. In full disclosure, I'm currently a Lifetime
Member of T.M.D.A. I have not been "active" in T.M.D.A. for over 10 years.
The "VOTE" Meeting on 9/20 is for the purpose of deciding some details about our 2026
Reunion. The T.M.D.A. will provide 2/3 VVA with a room, adjacent to the Annual Banquet
Room, for our Meetings. Toward the end of the Annual Banquet on 9/20, 2/3 Marines will
assemble to vote. Do we have another year with T.M.D.A. (dues, $35, to T.M.D.A. will be
required in 2026) OR hold our own 2026 Reunion? Hoping this VOTE Meeting will take 10-15
minutes.
9. We'll go forward with our activities. We'll strive to not conflict 2/3 VVA activities with T.M.D.A.
activites. Our Guidons and Banners will be displayed in "our room".
We'll move forward with our Annual Auction (preferably PM) and 50-50 raffles.
2/3 V.V.A. shirts and caps will be offered.
10. On 9/19/25 PM there will be an Early celebration of the 250th Birthday of the U.S.M.C.
Semper Fidelis. Mick Hughes, President 2/3 V.V.A., P.O. Box 211, Baldwin, NY 11510-0211
CALTRAPhttp://www.example.com/Link1
Merry Christmas from Mick
by Donna Fuller on 12/25/24On this day, 25 December 2024, MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPPY 2025 to all 2/3 (RVN) MARINES, their FAMILIES and LOVED ONES. Semper Fidelis.
Jim Dillon passed away today
by Donna Fuller on 11/21/24It is with great sadness that we learned that Jim Dillon passed away today. Our prayers go out to his wife Diana.
Jim Dillon
by Donna Fuller on 11/20/24
Marines,
On 11/19/21, Jim Dillon suffered a severe health issue. Because this website is in the public domain, specific details are not included in this message. Contact your Company Representative for more info. "H" Company (no Rep) Marines contact Mick. "Bravo Battery" contact Bud.
Email blast is going out to all on list.
Most importantly, keep Jim and his family in your prayers.
Semper Fidelis
Mick
HAPPY 249th BIRTHDAY MARINES!
by Donna Fuller on 11/10/24HAPPY 249th BIRTHDAY MARINES! ENJOY YOUR VETERANS DAY TOMORROW! Semper Fidelis. Mick
2024 Reunion Recap
by Donna Fuller on 09/24/24
Greetings 2/3 Marines, Family and Friends on this 23 September 2024!
It's been 15 days since we parted ways; closing out our Annual 2024 Reunion in Savannah.
Generally, our Reunion was a very good one! Savannah is a beautiful venue with plenty of things to do. Some comments on specific areas:
Hospitality Room went well. Always a good place to relax and spend time with Marine Members, Family and Friends. We never ran out of water, beer, wine or soda. For the first time in our history, the City of Savannah required a license to distribute beer and wine in our "Room". Violation of their "rules" could mean a forfeiture of license and the $150 fee the Association paid. But worse would have been the immediate and permanent closure of our "Room". Their "rules" were common sense and easy to understand and simple for most to comply with. Operation between 0800 and 2400 only; no hard liquor; no minors and other easy restrictions.
Partner Introductions on Day 1 seems to have worked well. There won't be any humus or grapes at next year's Reunion! But plenty of "Moscato" Wine!
Welcome Buffet with Cash Bar got no complaints. We were able to reintroduce some past practices like singing "Our Hymn" and the 50-50 raffle (A BIG HIT). To explain some procedures regarding the Cash Bar. Our contract with "Embassy" contained a "non-compete" clause. We also were required to keep our credit card on file with "Embassy". We could have opted to have wine on each table at both the Buffet and Dinner at an exorbitant cost. Or, we could have supplied our own wine if we paid $35 for each bottle's "corkage". Also exorbitant. If we broke the "non-compete" agreement, the Association would have been liable for thousands of dollars in penalties. In summation, we were NOT permitted to bring outside alcohol into the Dining Room. Nor were we allowed to keep the Hospitality Room open while there was a Cash Bar available.
Please note here that numbered tables selected to visit the buffet serving table were chosen BLINDLY and RANDOMLY.
The 2 free rooms and 1 half-price room raffle was a lot of fun
MANY took to exploring Savannah on their own during the Reunion OR spending extra days at the Hotel. Our $149 rate was good for 3 days before and after Official Reunion Dates.
The "Trolley Tour of Savannah" seemed to work well. Especially for Marines who did some research before the reunion so they'd know where to go. Or, just wandering through Savannah with the option of re-boarding the Public Trolley suited some Marines just fine. Providing addresses for each of about 14 stops in the Welcome Packages proved invaluable to some Attendees.
The Officers Meeting on 9/6 was lively and VERY productive.
The "Savannah Shuttle" was uncrowded because folks who signed up wanted a break, or did not want to deal with the Shuttles or did not like the weather. The communication system set up to reduce wait times at the 2 shuttle stops in Savannah worked perfectly. Without the comm system, folks might have waited for nearly an hour at the stops in Savannah heading back to the Hotel. With our Comm System, no one needed to wait more than a few minutes at either Savannah stop.
Thanks to me, the Annual Auction got off to a slow start. Sorry 'bout that. But after the "auctioneer" got his act a bit more together, our Membership contributed a tidy sum to our Treasury. NICELY DONE FOLKS! The decision to forego another "Cash Bar" for the Auction and instead use the Hospitality Room and it's refreshments saved the Association and Attendees some serious cash.
The Annual Membership Meeting was EXTREMELY significant. More on this below.
The 9/7 Cocktail Reception (Cash Bar, 1800-1900) got skewed when the bartender never showed up for work. The Cash Bar was to have continued through Dinner, 1900 until 2300. Fortunately, folks could get their 2 free daily drinks at the hotel lobby bar. Then, Embassy staffed "our bar" and hosted an "open bar" from 1845 to 1915 at which time they began the "cash bar".
Unfortunately, because of the no show bartender problem and 1 or 2 other SNAFU's, our schedule was thrown out of whack. Adjustments meant there was no second 50-50 raffle and no singing the United States Marine Corps Hymn.
The Embassy Suites by Hilton (Airport) got a thumbs up from our Group. Especially when the complimentary breakfast was mentioned. Neither the indoor pool nor the "restaurant" that was open for "dinner" were a big hit. Good thing there were so many other places to eat close by or via delivery or via an app like "grub hub" or "door dash".
Thank you to all who helped make our Reunion work! There were boxes, cases and cargo to move. The Hospitality Room needed fresh ice and a clean-up daily and sometimes twice a day. Incoming Marines needed to Register and pick up their Welcome Packets. Flags and Guidons that needed to be put up and taken down. Raffle tickets to be sold. Items to be auctioned off and accountings documented. Prayers to be led and said. The POW-MIA Ceremony conducted. If I've missed any helpers, my hat's off to you. And to all who pitched in.
Congratulations to the winners of "rooms", the 50-50 winner and to the 5 Marines who were awarded customized plaques for their service to the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and for their service to our 2/3 Vietnam Veterans Association.
The Officers who attended the Officers Meeting truly rose to the occasion. This "brain trust" collaborated with each other and in an hour came up with some incredible ideas. TEAMWORK at its FINEST! Through their efforts, a comprehensive presentation enabled Attendees of the Membership Meeting to have all the facts they needed to raise questions, get answers and make sound decisions for the present and future of 2/3 V.V.A.
I was amazed with our Marines who accomplished so much at the Annual Membership Meeting. To a man, they were lazer focused to discuss the complicated matters at hand, look at and evaluate solutions and develop a plan to take the Second Battalion Third Marines Vietnam Veterans Association into the future. A feat that much larger and much more famous Veterans Groups could not accomplish. Groups like the "Dolittle Raiders" and the "Second Marine Division Association".
Here are a couple of factoids to demonstrate the good sense of your decision to do SOMETHING about our declining numbers. We are truly a LAST MAN STANDING ORGANIZATION.
33 Marines Registered for Reunion 2024. Down a bit from 2023. There was 1 "no show" making a total of 32 Marines (62 People) present.
Only 23 Marines attended the 2024 Annual Membership Meeting. It was well-advertised well in advance that this Meeting would have serious consequences. About 28% of Marines attending the 2024 Reunion did not attend this awesome 2024 Membership Meeting. This is just one example of why things needed to change and SOON.
If all goes according to plan, 2/3 V.V.A. will hold its 2025 Annual Reunion with the Third Marine Division Association Annual 2025 Reunion in Tucson, AZ , 15-21 September at the Sheraton Tucson Hotel and Suites. You can be sure that more info will be coming down the pike regarding this endeavor.
Spread the word to ANY 2/3 Marine (RVN) that you know. Of course, this includes ALL Companies and ALL Supporting Units. If you're not getting this message in your email "Inbox" it means I don't have your address. Confirm your contact info with me to stay "in the loop" and up to speed. I will try to post all my email blasts to the Message Board of the Official 2/3 Website. I may put out small blurbs on Facebook asking all 2/3 Marines (RVN) to check the Official Message Board.
May God Guide Us. Semper Fidelis. Mick
Hints for Reunion 2024 Attendees (Amended, 1)
by Donna Fuller on 08/23/24
Greetings Marines and all Reunion Attendees on this 23 August 2024. This is a corrected version of an email sent earlier. See revised #7 & #8 below.
Our Reunion is in it's final stages of shaping up. Here are some hints that could make a great experience even better.
1. Please wear your name badges at all 2/3 VVA functions. Like the Hospitality Room, Welcome Buffet, traveling on trolleys or shuttle, etc. Wear your badge in the hotel as you see fit.
2. It'll help the Association if you bring your checkbook. Cash is the less preferred way to pay the Association for items purchased at Auction.. Bring your items for the Association's Annual Auction. We won't have a cash bar at the Auction this year.
Instead, we'll hold the Auction in the Hospitality Room!
AND we'll have at least two 50/50 drawings where you can drop all the cash you like.
Instead, we'll hold the Auction in the Hospitality Room! AND we'll have at least two 50/50 drawings where you can drop all the cash you like.3. I'm hoping we just got the final OK to raffle off 2.5 rooms at the Welcome Buffet. Anyone who books a room(s) for the period 9/4-9/8 (check out) will have their name entered into the raffle. Two lucky Reunion Attendees will get all 4 nights free of charge. One half-lucky Reunion Attendee will get their 4 night room at 50% off. If a winner chooses to check out early, their prize is forfeited and will go to an alternate instead.
4. Those of you who'll be driving to Embassy Suites (Airport) (and a stones through from I-95) might want to bring along a lawn chair, folding chair, etc. or two. There is SOME outside seating at the hotel but not very much. We're all praying for great weather so we can enjoy the sun and fresh air.
5. I'm not a big fan of indoor pools. This one isn't big and the last time I saw it (March), I'd paint it if it was mine.
6. Especially if you're gonna stroll or even just lounge in the Georgia Sun, consider bringing canteens, bug juice, sun screen, hats and SPF clothing. If walking and hiking are on your to-do-list, consider appropriate foot wear. If you venture near the Riverfront, you may find some inclined cobble-stone streets. If a small sidewalk is provided on either or both sides of the street, consider using it. Over centuries of foot traffic, cobblestones get "polished" and become very smooth. Add a bit or morning dew or drizzle to the equation and humans take flight.
7. Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. has confirmed the following:
A. Wait staff for the Welcome Dinner and Annual Banquet have their tips built into the costs of dinners. The drivers of trolleys and the shuttle also have a gratuity built into their earnings.
B. Bell hops, chamber maids, breakfast staff, the cash bar and lobby bartenders DO NOT get tips built into their salary.
C. The guides and staff from ARMED FORCES REUNIONS, INC. have not been tipped. An Armed Forces Reunion Representative will accompany each private trolley on 9/5/24.
8. For those of you who paid up to use the shuttle (9/6), you may want to make sure I have your cell phone number. There is a plan in the works for you to get text updates to make shuttle use easier for you. If you want to take part, kindly get your cell phone number to me now; don't wait until you get to Savannah.
9. This email is targeted specifically to Reunion Attendees. If you're not getting this email directly to your inbox let me know.
See y'all in GA! Semper Fidelis
Private First Class Bruce Wayne Carter (H/2/3, U.S.M.C.)
by Donna Fuller on 08/07/24
Private First Class Bruce Wayne Carter (H/2/3, U.S.M.C.) earned the Medal of Honor (posthumously) on 7 August 1969 for his actions in Quang Tri Provence, Republic of Vietnam. Panel 20W, Row 107 on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, D.C.
Pfc. Carter was one of three Marines of 2/3 who earned the Medal of Honor in the Vietnam War.
God Bless You Bruce and your Family.
Semper Fidelis, 6 August 2024
Registration is closed
by Donna Fuller on 08/07/24
Marines, Spouses, Partners, Family and Friends,
LAST CALL ( 8/6/24)
Registration for our 2024 Reunion is officially closed.
If you want to attend, try signing up with Embassy Suites @ 800 362-2779.
You must also register with Armed Forces Reunions Inc. @ 800 562 -7226.
The window for ordering polos/caps/pint glasses is CLOSED.
Good luck and God Speed. Semper Fidelis. Mick
Reunion Tip - Food
by Donna Fuller on 07/10/24
T.I.P.S. # 6: FOOD
Member Marines, Associate Members, Partners, Family and Friends,
Below is T.I.P.S. # 6: FOOD (7/9/2024) for our Savannah Reunion 2024.
INDEX:
T.I.P.S. #1: Where to Go to get all Information About Savannah and Pooler, GA
T.I.P.S. #2: Registering with Embassy Suites (Airport) and Armed Forces Reunions, Inc.
T.I.P.S. #3: Things to Do
T.I.P.S. #4: Animals
T.I.P.S. #5: Transportation
T.I.P.S. #6: FOOD
BASICS:
1. Complimentary full breakfast is provided in the Hotel Lobby Restaurant every day.
Two complimentary drinks can be had by each adult Embassy Suites (Airport) guest in the Lobby Bar every late afternoon during "Social Gathering".
2. No lunch is available at the Hotel.
3. Our Welcome Buffet and Dinner Banquet provide "for fee" dinners and Cash Bars.
4. As of now, Embassy Suites will provide "for fee" dinners in the Lobby Restaurant.
PARTICULARS:
1. Your research into T.I.P.S. # 1 will lead to contact information for hundreds of restaurants in Savannah and Pooler, GA. Many of them provide delivery service. Phone in your order and get food delivered to you location.
2. If you like, order food to be delivered through your smart phone apps like "Door Dash" and "Uber Eats". Load your smart phone with a food delivery app if you like. If you need help doing that, ask any 12 year old how to download and use a food app.
3. Other than fast food eateries, advance reservations can work wonders. Even for lunch in some good eateries.
4. "Cheddars" restaurant is .24 miles from Embassy Suites. Mostly on sidewalks but some walking on mowed grass and/or the paved street is necessary. They open at 1100, serve better than average pub grub and are reasonably priced. It's got pleasant staff and a comfortable bar.
5. Need to satisfy your Tex-Mex food cravings? "Jalapenos" is a local chain. The one on East Broughton St. in Savannah lacks atmosphere and wasn't neat. Luckily, just down the road from "Cheddars" is another "Jalapenos", 226 Pooler Parkway, Pooler 31322; 912 988-3017. Food's pretty good and so are the Margaritas.
6. "The Lady & Sons", especially for Paula Dean fans. 102 West Congress St. Savannah 31401; 912 233-2600.
7. "The Olde Pink House", 29 Abercorn St., Savannah 31401; 912 232-4286. Recommended by locals and our own Kevin Moley. Couldn't get lunch because I didn't reserve. Lower level bar was excellent.
8. "Common Thread", 122 E. 37 St., Savannah 31401; 912 944-7482. Very different. Seems like owners and staff are "Gen Z" folks. Went for dinner without reservations. Lucked out and got a small room to ourselves off the upstairs bar. At first glance, the place looked "fancy" and we though about walking out. Glad we didn't. The building is a big old "Queen Ann" style home converted to a restaurant. Interesting. The food and service were both great. This "not cheap" place fills up FAST. Brief tidbit: The only place I've seen that sells "Topo-Chico" carbonated mineral water imported from Monterrey, Mexico.
9. "McDonald's" on Broughton and Jefferson, Savannah 31401, 912 236-4494. Because of it's small "golden arches" and its central location, this place gets MOBBED.
10. "Ruth's Chris Steakhouse", 111 West Bay St., Savannah 31401; 912 721-4800. Did not visit but I'm a fan. Opens at 1600 for dinner every day. Ties not required but there is a Dress code.
Anyone who's hasn't already done so has just a couple of weeks to register for Embassy Suites (Airport) AND Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. They are distinct and separate from one another. Registering for one will not register you for the other. These are two SEPARATE reservations that must be made by attendees.
If you don't meet the deadline of August 1, 2024 and decide you want to attend, you'll need to call Embassy and A.F.R.I. directly to determine if they have any remaining spots. Changes are slim that any Savannah Reunion 2024 polos, caps and pint glasses will be available after 8/1/24.
Don't miss out. Sign up now and get in on the camaraderie and fun. Semper Fidelis. Mick
