Comments for USMCCCA

Comment on Parris Island’s “The Boot” folds by Jack Paxton

Jack Paxton — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 15:00:15 +0000

I couldn’t pass on the opportunity for a slight remembrance about BOOT days. When I checked in from Philadelphia’s 3rd MCRRD in January 1957 we had characters a-plenty: Charlie Houts, Editor; Ron Harwood, Assistant; George Shipper on sports. Others in the office were Mike Akey and West Miller. Ron got transfered shortly after and I became the assistant editor. Whenever things went wrong, Charlie would disappear into our storeroom and pound his fist into a wall locker, then we would get on with things.

Roy Carbine would soon relieve Charlie who would become Info Chief. Roy then moved into the Press Chief’s job and I interited the editor seat. In those days we published a five column, tabloid with no ads. You had to learn makeup. West Miller was relieved and I picked up Al Steele who, while quirky as hell, knew makeup and taught me well. CWO Hugh Gibson was OiC but decided to retire and young Jim Lehrer came in kicking and screaming. He had his sights set as a serioes officer but his Journalism degree mandated him to the BOOT. Jay Jenkins joined us as sports editor and we had ourselves a good productive unit, winning the old “Best Letterpress” award in the Armed Services Press Association competition. I moved on to Kaneohe Bay and the Windward Marine in 1969, closely followed by Al Steele who became my assistant again. Jim DiBernardo joined as sports editor and, again we had a good staff. Great memoriies of a great era. Sadly, all mentioned are now deceased, except Jim Lehrer.

Comment on Mescall: Life Member passed away by dan_carpenter

dan_carpenter — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 16:06:24 +0000

Dick was the first PA Marine I met. I deployed as an infantry lieutenant from Pendleton to Port Hueneme to guard pre-positioning gear on the pier. Dick was there for a few days at the beginning as the PA rep (lots of initial interest in what was going on, par for the course). He and I roomed together for a couple of nights and chatted about PA duties. Good man.

Comment on by Jack Paxton

Jack Paxton — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 21:48:11 +0000

…which goes to show that some of our members will go anywhere for a free meal

Comment on Brewer: PA Brigadier General dies by Jack Paxton

Jack Paxton — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 21:39:36 +0000

Well do I remember checking into the old 6th MCD, Atlanta in September 1966 following my commissioning and return from Vietnam weeks before. LtCol. Brewer was PAO, a very nice lady and a very good officer, but hardly prepared for a 36-year-old brown bar, who had previously to RVN, been stationed at MARTD, Atlanta (Marietta). I had established great media relations with the Metro media before leaving for RVN and, on return was treated somewhat as “royalty” – remember this was early in the Vietnam campaign. Also, none of the staff officers had yet to go to Vietnam so I was somewhat of a rarity. Our deputy director was also a bird colonel and who, as a captain, I had worked with during the McKeon trial in the summer of 1956. Col. Mac was known to partake of an occasional libation and, on my arrival, came to the office shortly after my arrival, and invited me to lunch at Atlanta’s then-famous Pitty Pat’s Porch. As we sat on our rocking chairs reminiscing about the trial and solving other problems over a senior beveridge or two (three ?) I thought that duty could not get much better than this. On return, LtCol. Brewer reminded me that I might use a bit more of “discretion” on my lunch hours. She was a gem and she will be missed.

Comment on New chapel dedicated outside Quantico gate by Robert Holley Photography » Military Wedding Photography – McEwen Wedding

Robert Holley Photography » Military Wedding Photography – McEwen Wedding — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 17:06:54 +0000

[...] another Military wedding, this one at the Quantico Marine base. The ceremony was at the beautiful Marine Chapel just off base and the reception was at The Clubs located on base. Tana and Robert had a wonderful [...]

Comment on Sam Stavisky’s dream came true by Jack Paxton

Jack Paxton — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 18:47:42 +0000

All: The following was received at CCHQ from Judith Stavisky Schiff, Sam’s daughter:

We can’t imagine a more thoughtful or beautifully executed salute to Brigadier General Denig than the November dedication! Your careful planning, the finely crafted memorial and the selection of speakers set just the right tone to celebrate and remember Gen. Denig along with the essential work of the Marine Corps Combat Correspondents. The presentation was powerful and moving, inspiring and warm. We were especially touched by the spotlight on our dad’s contributions to this event. And Fred’s memorial brick honoring Sam was a most generous surprise. The inclusion of Bernice’s recollections along with Mrs. O’Leary’s comments was the perfect complement to a magnificent day — and they did a really good job, too!

We will cherish the memory, savor the video and visit the place we know dad would have relished. While Sam could not be present at this glorious celebration, we are confident that he would be cheering the most heartily at this long anticipated triumph. The dogged perseverance that you and many others have devoted yourselves to over the past several years has finally come to fruition and our family is exceedingly proud to have been included. With our admiration and gratitude, Sam, Bernice, Robin, Judy and Alan

Comment on Old friends meet up by Bob McEwen

Bob McEwen — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 22:09:14 +0000

Two of those mugs (Red & Frank)were also at the Museum in Quantico to honor Gen. Denig, along with other FL chapter members Jack Paxton and our webmaster, Kate, and Bob McEwen I also enjoyed chatting with MajGen. Usher (MCA&F)who went to a Lakewood (OH) High School about the same time as my son. Ron Keene and Walt Ford graciously hosted me for a quick session of Sea Stories and Fairy Tales (Sorry, Beveridge) and informed me of the four-hour drive on I-95 to DC Airport (I left the night before my flight and stayed at a hotel near Reagan.

Comment on Denig Memorial unveiled by Knight

Knight — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 18:20:56 +0000

Gen. Denig is now part of the hallowed landscape surrounding the Marine Corps Museum. All of that effort via Stavisky and others was not in vain. I remember those many times I picked up Sam at his apartment complex in D.C. enroute to a Lucas Chapter meeting in Alexandrdia. He always spent the 45 minute drive at rush hour outlining his pitch for two causes: 1: the Association and its chapters need to do more on behalf of the active duty Marines and the Corps in general. 2: We must find a way to recognize the work of the combat correspondents over many decades and battlefields and to honor the general who started in all — Denig — preferably at the Marine Corps Museum at Quantico. He wrote letters to the Corps leadership and at my suggestion met with Fred Lash, USMCCCA president, for lunch at the Press Club, where he handed out copies of one such letter. You know the rest of the story. Don Knight

Comment on Denig Memorial unveiled by ATeam6Actual

ATeam6Actual — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 15:12:31 +0000

Great shot, Kate!

Evi and I really enjoyed the event and the opportunity to reconnect with a lot of old friends.

Comment on Back in Print by Bob McEwen

Bob McEwen — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 23:34:20 +0000

FYI, Marv Wolf was an Army Mustang 2dLt when I met him at Ft. Benning while doing a recon for DoD Public Affairs on Ranger Training in 1967 I, too was a 2nd John, just busted from MSgt. Marv met me at the PA office and escorted me to the Ranger Training area where students climbed a tall pole, then went by hand along a line under a horizontal pole to drop into water. As we creseted a hill, a LtCol. came running up as one of the students froze at the top. I assured him I was a Marine, though in civvies (DoD). We chatted and I commented that a “nut” was running across the pole, acting like a monkey. “Oh that’s the Marine Cpl. From Camp Lejeune, said the colonel. Proud to see Navy Times reported USMC Cpl., 2d Recon was honor man of that Ranger class. Few years later, Marv was our award winner.