Marines,

Memorial Day is past, as well as the 75th Observance of D-Day, Flag Day, Father’s Day, and the Summer Solstice, the first official day of Summer.

Summer always goes fast, so in the not too distant future we will be gathering in Branson for our Reunion 2019. The list of attendees is growing and I urge everyone to book your hotel room and send in your registration forms.

In addition to seeing old friends and Squadron mates, we will tell war stories, some of which we have heard before and some new ones. You will have to decide which ones you believe. We will consume our share of adult beverages, though our share seems to be smaller today than it has been in years past. We have our Cruise on the Branson Belle scheduled on Wednesday, and our Banquet on Thursday. There are more options for entertainment than I can count for any other night you choose to spend in Branson.

In addition to getting older, our group also is getting smaller. We received word today that Tom Shea, who went over on the Boxer with us “Returned to Base” a few years back. We will, of course Honor, those who did not return as well as those who did but are no longer with us in our Memorial Service. This service will be on Wednesday prior to going
on the cruise.

Each Reunion we also hold our Board of Director and Membership meetings. This year we will also be electing a new President and a new Vice President. About a month ago I notified the Board of Directors that Tim Bastyr, our Vice President, and I would be resigning effective with the end of this Reunion. I have been President for 8 to 10 years
and Tim has been V.P for almost twice that long. He was active back when HMM-265 Veterans Association became incorporated in 2006. We are both tired, not getting any younger, and health is becoming a larger factor in our decisions. It is time for some younger Marines to step up and take the reins. I have asked two members of our Board of Directors to form a Nominating Committee. Neal Perdue and Bob Basye have agreed to serve and will be soliciting and vetting names. This really needs to be done before we get to Branson. We want to elect Marines who have had time to think about it and understand what is involved. If you would like either to serve or to nominate someone else then please contact Neal and Bob via the Nominating Committee link at http://hmm-265.org/admin/contact us/.

Tim and I both plan on being in Branson and attending Reunions for many years in the future. We will be available via the President and Vice President links at the above url if anyone would like to talk about what these positions require in the form of time, talent, etc. We promise not to meddle after we’re gone, but we will be available to help answer questions if asked.

I look forward to seeing everyone in Branson. It has been an Honor to serve as your President.

Semper Fi!

John Long
Soon to be Former President

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