Reunion deadlines!

Marines and Associates,  Today, 15 August 2025, is officially the last day to register with Armed Forces Reunions Inc. (online see caltrap.org; 757 625-6401) for our Annual 2/3 VVA Reunion.  

27 August is the cut-off date for the Sheraton Tucson Hotel and Suites (800 325-3535).

It will become more challenging to sign up for the 2025 Reunion after the dates above.

Maj. Gen. Kyle B. Ellison, Third Marine Division Commanding General and Sgt. Major Vandentop, Third Marine Division Sergeant Major are scheduled to attend Reunion 2025.  Genera Ellison is scheduled to speak at our Banquet.  He will also likely attend the TMDA Membership Meeting.  Who knows, perhaps he or the Sgt Major may drop in on our 2/3 VVA Membership Meeting.  

There's also the real expectation that a USMC Color Guard will present Colors prior to the Annual Banquet.

Some food for thought.  There are no dress codes for any Reunion Events.  Out of respect for the USMC sending a Major General AND a Sergeant Major, I will at least wear a sports coat and possibly a tie to the Banquet.  By regulation, mini-medals are permitted on a tuxedo.  For many years, they have been tolerated on suits and sports coats. 

Separately, if past practice continues, the TMDA provides a professional photographer to take portrait shots of anyone who wants them just prior to the Annual Banquet.

For the first time in our history, the 2/3 VVA Reunion 2025 is be held on an experimental basis in conjunction with the Third Marine Division Association Annual Reunion.  Since our creation in 1997 we have been adjusting and tweaking our policies and practices where necessary to make our Association better.  We are a "last man standing" Association.  We are "maturing" with everything that entails.  Some of us are growing reluctant to travel.  Some are suffering illnesses and injuries.  Some have unrealistically high expectations of "perfection" in our Association and in all things Reunion related.  There may even be one or two crusty old curmudgeons in the mix.  The large majority of us just want to continue enjoying our Annual Reunions for as far into the future as humanly possible.  The only way we can do that is to have Marines and Associates who will PARTICIPATE in Reunions.  And for Members to voice their ideas for improvement.  Ideas are important and can have extra value if Members who propose ideas STEP UP to do some of the work required to implement fresh ideas.  Currently, neither "Golf" nor "Hotel" Companies have Company Representatives.  If those positions go vacant for much longer, will it even be possible to expect that Members will run for President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer?

At some level we must all stay involved.  If for you that means paying your annual dues, then do just that.  If you and your Battle Buddies have ideas that you think have merit and are do-able, we want to hear 'em.  If our Membership likes them, we'll make 'em happen with your help.

REMINDER:  If you're not interested in the 2/3 VVA or the Benefits that are attached to Membership, simply let us know.  We'll stop collecting annual dues from you and put you on our "Archive List".  For the rest of us, pay your dues or, even better, pre-pay your dues.  We've had former Members die since their Vietnam War Service.  They missed out on a Funeral Floral Arrangement from the Association because they were not Members in Good Standing.  They neglected to stay current with their Annual Dues, currently $5 per Fiscal Year.  Our Fiscal Year runs from October 1 through September 30.

Stay involved, stay current, strive for the common good.  See y'all in Tucson.  And beyond!

"Fortes Fortuna Juvat".  Fortune favors the Brave!  Semper Fidelis.  Mick Hughes, President 2/3 VVA