3rd Battalion, 5th Marines
Together Again!

May 17-20, 2001
West Point Lake
La Grange, Georgia

Our very special thanks to the staff at the 
Highland Marina for treating us all so special!

Brad and I have just returned (June 3) from our 2nd reunion with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines. We are just in awe at what we saw and heard for 4 days and 3 nights! We will be posting pics here as they come in. DR

Background by Redeye

Submitted by Curtis and Brenda Eidson (I/3/5)

Click on pictures to enlarge

When we arrived at Highland Marina, we were greeted by this sign. Our hearts just about burst open with pride when we saw it. Our grateful thanks to Liz and Mark and their staff for making us feel so welcome. 

3rd Bn. 5th Marines

Front: Denny Dinota (M/3/5), Dennis Tenety (I/3/5), Bob "Slick" Mowery (I/3/5), Rueben Salazar (I/3/5), Marko Whitely (I/3/5), John "Gunny" Gunderson (I/3/5), Craig Sullivan (M/3/5), Eddie Garcia (I/3/5), Bill Pruett (I/3/5), Jim Blankenheim (H&S and M/3/5), Mike Wilson (H&S/3/5), Jim Bisesi (H&S/3/5), Terry Otell (M/3/5), Tom Wityak (M/3/5)

Back: Mike Mannell (I/3/5), Joe Anchondo (H&S and K/3/5), Craig Tschetter (I/3/5), Tony Stovall (I/3/5), Thomas Panian (I/3/5), Jerry Bain (I/3/5), Frank Ambrose (M/3/5), Jimmy Christie (I/3/5), Curtis Eidson (I/3/5), Ed Groves (I/3/5), Hank Henry (L/3/5), Babe Peterson (honorary I/3/5), Byron Hill (M/3/5), Earl Schulz (I/3/5), Brad Reynolds (M/3/5), Rock Giambrocco (H&S and M/3/5), Ken Fields (M/3/5), Jerry Lomax (M/3/5), Joe Smith (M/3/5), Ted Duckworth (I/3/5), Skip St. Clair (L/3/5), Tom Uebell (M/3/5), Hank Oliver (I/3/5).

H&S 3/5 

Front: Joe Anchondo, Jim Blankenheim (H&S and M/3/5)
Back: Mike Wilson, Jim Bisesi, Tony Stovall, Rock Giambrocco (H&S, I, and M/3/5), and Ed McCurry

India 3/5

Front: Bob "Slick" Mowery, Ted Duckworth, Mike Mannell, Bill Pruett, Eddie Garcia, Richard Hodgdon
Back: Marko Whitely, Rock Giambrocco, Curtis Eidson, John "Gunny" Gunderson, Jerry Bain, Mark Rader, Hank Oliver, and Jim Blankenheim

Mike 3/5

Front: Tom Wityak (M/3/5), Joe Smith (M/3/5), Craig Sullivan (M/3/5), Jim Blankenheim (H&S and M/3/5), Terry O'Tell (M/3/5)
Back: Jerry Lomax (M/3/5), Denny Dinota (M/3/5), Jim Bisesi (H&S 3/5), Rock Giambrocco (H&S, I, and M/3/5), Brad Reynolds (M/3/5), and Ken Fields (M/3/5)

3/5 Ladies (and Significant Others)

Front: Phyllis Blankenheim (H&S and M/3/5), Sheila Tucker (M/3/5), Linda Oliver (I/3/5), Phyllis Stovall (I/3/5)
Back: Julie Marrs (I/3/5), Della Tschetter (I/3/5), Beverly Pyle (3/9), Shirley Schultz (I/3/5), Terry Parlee (I/3/5), Karen Bain (I/3/5), Kay Groves (I/3/5), Brenda Eidson (I/3/5), Linda Smith (M/3/5), Debbe Reynolds (M/3/5), Barbara Ambrose (M/3/5), Cathy Greene (I/3/5), Cathy Christie (I/3/5), Barbara Anchondo (H&S and K/3/5), Janet Hill (M/3/5), Sandy Uebell (M/3/5), Ginny Mannell (I/3/5), Beverly Peterson (Honorary I/3/5), Dana Wilson (H&S3/5)

 

 Left: Slick Mowery (I/3/5) and Curtis Eidson (I/3/5) reunited with Lt. Ted Duckworth (I/3/5)
Right: Larry Vaught (I/3/5), Ed Groves (I/3/5), Jake (Butch) Bortscheller (I/3/5)

Left: Jerry Bain (I/3/5) and Mike "Whiskey 1" Wilson (H&S 3/5)
 (One of the only times we ever saw Mike sit down)
Center: Curtis (I/3/5) and Jerry Bain (I/3/5)
Right: Mark Rader (I/3/5) and Julie Marrs

Left: Rock Giambrocco (H&S, M, and I/3/5) and Slick Mowery (I/3/5)
Right: Rock and Jim Blankenheim (H&S and M/3/5)

Left: Jimmie and Cathy Christie (I/3/5), Dennis Tenety (I/3/5), and Curtis (I/3/5) 
Next: Jimmie and Cathy Christie (I/3/5) and Bob "Slick" Mowery (I/3/5)
Next: Jim Bisesi (H&S/3/5) and Slick Mowery (I/3/5)
Right: Hank Oliver (I/3/5), Slick Mowery (I/3/5), and Terry Parlee

Mike and Dana' Wilson (H&S/3/5)
Awesome cooks, they worked above and beyond the call of duty
Thank you so much!!

Marko Whitely (I/3/5)

Marko Whitely (I/3/5) and his friend Lynne (former Marine) pay their respects to the 3/5 Wall

Curtis (I/3/5), Babe Peterson, and Debbe Reynolds

People were pouring over after action reports, pictures and other memorabilia that had been brought. Under the shade of the CP tent, we yakked our heads off trying to catch up 30 years later.

Jerry Lomax (M/3/5), Howard Rainer (I/3/5), Skip St. Clair (L/3/5), Hank Henry (L/3/5), Brad Reynolds (M/3/5), Dennis Tenety, Jim Blankenheim (M and H&S 3/5), Jim Bisesi (H&S 3/5), Rock Giambrocco )M and H&S 3/5), Ed McCurry (H&S 3/5)

Rock Giambrocco (M/3/5) showing us the 3/5 patch he sewed on his leather vest last year when he was riding his Harley out from Massachusetts to see us in the Redwoods. The vest survived when a semi caused him to wreck in North Dakota. Rock was in pretty good shape too, considering it's a miracle he's still alive. Sure was good to see him make it to the Reunion!

Brad Reynolds (M/3/5) pointing to Doc Michael Kempel's name on the Mike 3/5 Wall of Honor. Doc Kempel was KIA Aug. 17, '70. We took these pictures for Doc Joe Boydell and Mitzi who couldn't make it to the Reunion.

 

Left: Curtis Eidson (I/3/5), Joe Anchondo (H&S and K/3/5), and Mike "Gomer" Pyle (3/9)
Center: Joe Anchondo and Terry O'Tell (M/3/5)
Right: John Costello (I/3/5), played his guitar and sang our favorite songs

John "Gunny" Gunderson (I/3/5) playing with some of the toys Curtis had brought in

Mike Mannell (I/3/5) taking his turn guarding the beer truck Mike's wife, Ginny (in red shirt), and Ralph Greene's wife, Cathy

Our Chaplain Roger Richards, Marine Corps Logistic Command, Albany, GA

A simple, but beautiful wedding on Friday
Chaplain Robert Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. Babe and Bev Peterson, and Brenda and Curtis Eidson

Color Guard for Saturday's Memorial and Presentations

Matt Kolakowski, after receiving a beautifully made Wall rubbing and Purple Heart for his father, Henry Kolakowski (I/3/5) KIA 6/15/68 on Operation MAMELUKE THRUST.

Capt. Henry Kolakowski Memorial page

Chaplain Richards presented Terry Parlee a shadow box that Curtis and Brenda put together with all Doc Parlee's medals. Doc Parlee passed away April 13 from pneumonia. We all were deeply saddened at his loss, but so very proud that Terry chose to come and see us all in Georgia.

Doc Ron Parlee Memorial page

Left: Brenda Eidson reading the poem, "A Veteran Died Today."
Right: Eddie Garcia (I/3/5) reading a poem from his Medicine Man for Doc Parlee

Curtis presenting a "Thank You" plaque from 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines to Liz and Mark, owners of Highland Marina, for all they did for us to make sure we had a good time.

Curtis presenting Ed McCurry a "Thank You" plaque from 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines for his generous work on the H&S and Mike 3/5, and India 3/5 websites.

Curtis presenting Debbe Reynolds a "Thank You" plaque for patriotism and work on USMC Combat Wife website.
(Unexpected, but greatly appreciated, thank you Brother Marines!~DR)

Left: Pro bass fisherman O'Neill Williams and Curtis Eidson
Right: Eddie Garcia and O'Neill 

O'Neill Williams stopped in to party with us, and did the following write-up for "O'Neil Outside," a TV show that is on OLN and TNN and several different outdoors channels. It's also a syndicated radio and newspaper thing that discusses outdoor life and people in the outdoors. He told us that the column would be in 480 national newspapers, and also that Sat. morning show was on something like 300 radio channels broadcast nationwide.

WSB #104, May 24, 2001
A Time Recalled

Gail and I had a most enlightening trip to West Point Lake last week. You're puzzled as to how a fishing trip could be enlightening. Well, it wasn't a fishing trip. I was privileged to be a guest at a Viet Nam reunion for US Marines. It just happened to be held down at the lake.

When I was in College at Emory in 1963 and the war was raging, I didn't have to go to Viet Nam when called, as I was the sole surviving son of some one killed during WWII. A lot of young men my age did go and I got to know some of them.

The guys I met are proud of the sacrifice they made. Almost 40 years ago, they traveled half way around the world to fight for freedom. I figured the least I could do, when asked, was to drive 70 miles to LaGrange. It was worth it.

Tune in "The Great Outdoor Show" every Saturday morning from 4 to 6 am and we'll talk fishing and outdoors. See ya then.

Submitted by Dennis Tenety (I/3/5)

Jimmie Christy (I/3/5), Ralph Green (I/35), Dennis Tenety (I/3/5)

Left: Dennis Tenety (I/3/5), Joe Anchondo (K and H&S/3/5), and Bob "Slick" Mowery (I/3/5)
Right: I/3/5 Marines, Dennis Tenety and Jimmie Christy served together in '69, together again!

Brad and Debbe Reynolds (M/3/5)
Are we having fun yet??!!

Dennis Tenety (left) and Mike Wilson (H&S/3/5) playing with some "toys" Curtis had brought in

Our Color Guard

Submitted by Jimmie Christy (I/3/5)

Left: Dennis Tenety (I/3/5) and Jimmie Christy (I/3/5)
Right: Cathy and Jimmie Christy

Left: Evening Entertainers Hank Oliver (left) and John Costello
Right: Our Visiting Marines

Submitted by Mike "Gomer" Pyle (3rd Battalion, 9th Marines)

"Just a note to say how much Beverly and I enjoyed the 3/5 reunion and getting to meet Y'All here are some of the pictures we had taken." Mike and Bev Pyle (M/3/9)

   

Left: Curtis Eidson (I/3/5) and Mike "Gomer" Pyle (H&S/3/9)
Right: Bev Pyle and Debbe Reynolds.

Submitted by Jim Bisesi (H&S/3/5)

  Jim Bisesi (H&S/3/5)
Biker, Skipper, and King Fisherman

 

3rd Bn. 5th Marines Reunion 2001 

H&S 3/5, India 3/5, Mike 3/5

1. Hank and Linda Oliver (I/3/5)
2. Jerry and Karen Bain (I/3/5)
3. Tony and Phyllis Stovall (I/3/5)
4. Bob "Slick" Mowery (I/3/5)
5. Mark Rader (I/3/5) and Julie Marrs

 

Memorabilia table (left)
3/5 Wall of Honor (right)

Mixing and mingling

 

   

Saturday Presentations

 

Wedding of Babe and Bev Peterson

Submitted by Eddie Garcia (I/3/5)

Eddie Garcia, aka "The La Bamba Kid"

 

Eddie Garcia (I/3/5) and Joe Smith (M/3/5)

 

Vic Vilionis (7th Marines) drove down from Canada to be at our reunion. Last year, he did the artwork for the 3/5 shirts and caps we had. When he saw them this year, he grabbed up a shirt for himself when he realized he didn't have one yet. Thank you, Vic!

Submitted by Frank Ambrose (M/3/5)

Frank Ambrose (M/3/5)

Left: Frank and Barbara Ambrose and "Cody"
Right: Ken Fields and Sheila

  

Ken Fields and Frank Ambrose with Frank's camera
This is a very special camera, check out the story about it posted on the Mike 3/5 website. 
"A Story of Two Vietnam Marines and a Camera"

Relaxation, camaraderie, new beginnings, and remembrance

Comments

  "We had a ball my friends. Best count I can give you is 146. I had 4 different people counting and that # is a compile of the 4. Man! I am here to tell you that it was awesome. Major awesome!!!!!!! Plenty of good fun and food was second to none. The weather tried to spoil our time on Sat. but we were smiled on for sure with several hours of clear weather so we could get the color guard and all for the memorial service. I asked the chaplain to put in a good word to help out here and was told that he was in "sales" not "management. Man I am here to tell you that those young Marines did us an awesome job. 

Y'all that missed this really did miss an event second to none. I have people writing from all over to tell their story. I am telling them to put it up on the Board so all can see what we did. I also have asked that no one make any kind of decision about next year just yet till the emotion gets out of the way and we can think past the emotions. I am here to tell you that there was not a dry eye in the crowd Sat. evening. Hey!!!! Ask Deb about the tears!!! The lady has a heart as big as CA!!!!!!!!

We will be posting pics soonly as soon as we get some of them back. We do have some from the digitals that may be posted sooner. Major pictures taken. Keep an eye out for the "Bass pro" Jim Bisesi and his Bass tournament winning fish. Gotta see that one my friends.

Best dressed male: Bill Pruett; Best looking male: Thomas Wityak; Best dressed Female: Dorothy Rainer; Best looking female: Cathy Christy; Male with the best staying power at the keg: We have a 4-way tie here. Dennis Tenety, Bob Mowery, Terry Otell,and Mike Mannell; Female with the best staying power at the keg; Another tie here, Brenda Eidson and Karen Bain, Best fisherman; Jim Bisesi, Wittiest; Dennis Tenety: Person who traveled the furtherest: Bill Pruett( Keiv, USSR), Least changed from Nam: Jake Bortscheller, Most work at the reunion to ensure our needs were met: (Hands down) Mike Wilson, Best overall personality : (Hands down) Chaplain Roger Richards with his humor and seriousness blended. More details on the recap on the sites. Later my friends! Curtis Eidson (I/3/5).

*****

 "We had an outstanding time at the reunion. I thank God that we went. I was very apprehensive at first to attend because I had forgotten so much in the last 33 years. Barb, I and of course Cody (Boston Terrier) had a great time. I feel sorry for those who were not able to attend and can only hope to see them at future reunions. The good feelings can not be put in words. Except maybe to say OUTSTANDING! Thanks to all who did the hard work of getting us all together again. Semper Fi, Frank and Barbara Ambrose (M/3/5).

*****

    "Hi all, just got back from reunion in Ga. Curtis & Brenda went all out in showing us a great time. Like Frank said, words can't begin to tell the feelings we all have for this great advent. If you missed it I truly feel sorry for you. It was awesome. My hat is off to Brother Curtis. He is one outstanding Marine. Semper Fi, Jimmie Christy (I/ 3/5).    

*****

    "My husband Curtis worked very hard indeed on this, and on the previous shindig. He will work just as hard on the next one and I will help where I can with ideas, suggestions, typing and sending email and snail mail, etc. Boy, do I love that man! He's the best! I feel sorry for those that were not there. Semper Fi brothers and sisters, Brenda Eidson."    

*****

"Marines, Thanks for inviting us to come to your reunion in LaGrange. It was really great to be able to meet and talk to Marines who actually fought in Vietnam. It taught me some things that I never knew. I was really interested in the stories that you had to tell, especially about the camera. It also made me feel even better to be a Marine. I feel that you are the men who deserve the most respect. I have tremendous respect for all the Marines who fought in Vietnam and wish all of you well. I hope that in the future everyone can come to appreciate the things that you did and the sacrifices that you made for our country."
Sgt. Timothy Bryan (MCLB Albany, GA)/

 "I & Skip St. Clair (L/3/5) were in awe of the 3/5 Reunion this May in Georgia. Your photo display is beautiful. It was a dream to meet you (Brad & Deb) after all we have exchanged in recent years. To every Marine/ Corpsmen ... "attend this Reunion, it will make a difference in your life" ... Hank Henry@ L 3/5.

*****

"Just wanted to say what a great party at West Point Lake, Ga. and thank everyone who was there, and I wish I could have talked to everyone and eventually will I hope...it was a great
inspiration to be around so many true Hero's and Warriors; can't wait till next year...Semper Fi." Terry Otell (M/3/5).

*****

"It's almost like trying to relate Nam to others. Only those that were walking in the same steps could only understand what a great time was had by all. My thanks to Curtis, Brenda, Mike, and Jerry for everything. I already can't wait until next year.

For those that couldn't make it, please start now in making arrangements to come. I promise it will be one the highlights of your life.

I told Jim Bisesi that I was gonna start now practicing on how to catch fish. He is without a doubt the champion (even though some came from the pro weigh in, but what the hey, he is A Number 1 in my book).

A big thanks again." Jerry Lomax (M/3/5)

*****

"I just wanted to thank all those that came to the reunion for all of your love & support. I have never had that kind of caring before & I want you all to know it is very much appreciated. A very big THANK YOU to Curtis & Brenda & Mike for all of their hard work in making this reunion a fantastic event! I won't ever forget the wonderful time had by all! Thanks again to all of you!" Terry Parlee.

"I  had one of the best times of my life. I enjoyed meeting and talking to everyone. I'm humbled and honored to even be associated with such a fine group of people. I hope everyone made/makes it home safe. Made me feel like a Marine again...Thanks so much and God Bless all of you." Mike Mannell (I/3/5)

*****

"I've had some time to reflect on this year's reunion and I have to share some of this with you all. First and foremost I need to thank some people. Although it may have looked like I was very busy and didn't get a chance to enjoy the festivities, be assured I've never had a better time. So here are the reasons why, Dorothy, Phyllis, Debbe, and my wife Dana were invaluable with their clean-up assistance. There were 3 of my fellow Marines who were always there when I needed help, Dennis Tenety, Slick Mowery, Howard Rainer and Jim Blankenheim. Even the officers got involved, Lt. Mark Rader was on "bacon patrol" Saturday morning. There were of course many others whose names escape me ( we all know how that is ) but to everyone who pitched in, my heartfelt thanks.

There remains one more reason why this event was such a success and that thank you goes out to all who traveled from near and far, to re-affirm our Brotherhood, all of you contributed to the success of the reunion and for that I thank you -I love each and everyone you. I look forward to our next reunion with great excitement. Semper Fi, Mike Wilson (H&S/3/5)."

*****

"I thoroughly enjoyed the get together in Georgia. Not much has moved me in the last 32 years. I felt honored and humbled in the presence of the Marines that came before me in Nam. I just wish they had left a few more gooks for us in 69. It was a bitch turning over rocks and crawling through tunnels trying to find them little slant eyes. On a more serious note I didn't know what to expect going to the reunion and even after leaving I don't know what I feel. Sounds like another place and time we all know about. What I do know is when the shit hit the fan I always knew I could count on guys like you. Never a doubt. I've always felt like the luckiest guy in the world and now I know it. Semper fi, Tom Wityak (M/3/5)." 

*****

"Hello everyone, it is almost a week being home from the Reunion and emotions are high just as Curtis had said. Joe and I were married six years ago, I am 41 and was not educated about the Vietnam War. Being married to Joe has educated me and opened my eyes to many things. Our two youngest sons 14 and 11 are being educated because they need to know. When we arrived at the reunion, it was as though I was standing outside of myself, the hugs spoke to me as welcome home we made it. You did not have to say a word, eyes spoke volumes. You could see from looking the Honor, Pride, and Respect everywhere you looked and the devotion to one another without question. 

The memorial service to honor Terry Parlee's husband (Doc Ron Parlee) was, cannot find the words. But the tears never left my eyes. The Chaplain spoke to me in so many ways, our men and women were never welcomed home and he welcomed them home. They are heroes, and to tell their stories, for if they don't how are our children to learn. I know that our youngest children are learning, when we came home Joe was distant he shut down for 4 days and Paul and Nicky knew why, they came to and said, "Mommy, is Joe ok? We know he is having a hard time right now." I assured them he will be fine. When Joe started to come out of it, Paul and Nicky sat on Joe's lap with tears in their eyes and said, Welcome back." Luv, Linda Smith.

*****

"Hello everybody.  When Britt and I left on Sunday morning, this feeling of sadness was so evident that I knew the airplane ride back to New York would be more unpleasant then the usual. I've been reading some of the e-mails and it's so great to connect the faces with this family of ours. I really can't explain it properly, but some how its like going back in time and its stirs up these old feelings that have been put away for a long time. I was nineteen again and with these guys from all over the country, sharing this experience that would make us brothers for life and then some. Thanks for putting up with my attempt to entertain you all. God willing, the magic will happen again next year and for many years to come. Stay safe and stay close." John Costello (I/3/5).

To all 3/5 Marines and guests who attended the LaGrange Reunion -- Thanks for being there!!! I think I can say for all who attended that we had a great time. A special thanks to Curtis and the others who organized the reunion. Another special thanks to Chaplin Roger, the weapons display detail, the color guard and the bugler. For those that were not able to attend; I hope you can come next year. Semper Fi,  Ken Fields (M/3/5). 

*****

It is with Great Pride and Pleasure that I was able to attend this year's reunion. Over the years I have often wondered what happened to so many of you. Some of you left the Platoon, Company, or the Battalion on your normal rotation. Some of you left from the battlefield and were never seen or heard from again. I am sorry to say that over the past 34 years, I did not have the pleasure of seeing any of you again. This reunion did not just allow us to reunite as a group of warriors from the past. It allowed us to close some doors that have been haunting us for 33 -&- 34 years. Now that we have opened up some new doors to or future, we must build on this and continue to seek out and find the many other lost brothers of our brotherhood that are still lost. I can not express my feelings of gratitude to those that made this all a reality. Words alone cannot and will not ever thank you enough. Semper Fi, Craig Sullivan, (H&S and M/3/5).

*****

Thank you all for such a wonderful event, we are so happy to have been part of it. We left there with great memories and knowing that we had met new friends, that we will be looking forward to seeing again next year and keeping in touch with thoughout the years. You are all a wonderful group of caring and loving people. Thank you again, and will see you next year.
Semper-fi, Tom and Sandy Uebel (M/3/5).

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