West Saint Paul Antiques

Lodging: The Embassy Suites Airport and Convention Center is the official reunion site for 1st Marine Division Association and 1st Recon Bn Association. Reunion accommodations are available at a rate of $129.00 + tax (currently 13.5% and $1.09 Destination Fee) per night. To reserve your room call the Embassy Suites at (843) 747-1882 or (800) 368-8113 and ask for the 1st Marine Division Association Reunion rate.

Transportation and Parking. Complimentary airport shuttle is available to Embassy Suites guests. On arrival, call (843) 747-1882 and wait for pick-up at the taxi/shuttle stand outside of baggage claim. Ample parking is available for reunion guests and is complimentary. The FMDA provides bus transportation for all reunion tours.

1st Mar Div Association Events. Carl Wenhold and the Charleston Reunion Committee have done a superb job planning and organizing reunion events and tours. Tours include the Boone Hall Plantation, USS Yorktown, Parris Island, Charleston City and a harbor cruise. The FMDA Reunion Banquet is open to all reunion guests. FMDA Reunion Activity Registration Forms, with all reunion event information, is available on line at: http://afr-reg.com/fmda2014/

1st Recon Bn Assn CP/Harbor Site: The 1st Recon Battalion Association Reunion CP and hospitality suite at the Embassy Suites will be open to reunion attendees from 13-16 August. Recon Battalion Association members and guests are requested to sign in at the 1st Recon hospitality suite following their arrival at the Embassy Suites.

Volunteers and Donations. As always, we need volunteers to help with reunion events
such as registration, the auction and manning/maintaining the hospitality suite. In addition, we need auction items such as Marine Corps/Recon clothing, equipment and memorabilia, sporting goods, books, art and gift cards. Help make this reunion a financial success - donate some of your time and treasure to 1st Recon Battalion Association.

Fund Raising. The reunion is your Association’s primary source of income. The auction and hospitality suite refreshment donations keep the Association operating through the year. Bid generously at the auction.

1st Recon Battalion Association Dinner will be Friday 15 August, from 7:00 pm -11:00 pm, at The Charleston Club, Charleston AFB, SC 29404. A buffet dinner, with beef and chicken entrees, vegetables, salad, bread & rolls, dessert and tea and coffee will be served. Soft drinks and alcohol will be at the individual’s expense. Guests with special dietary requirements should contact Charlie Kershaw as soon as possible. The luncheon will cost $30.00 per person. RSVP no later than 10 August 2014, and send your check or money order to: 1st Recon Battalion Association, c/o C. Kershaw, 2527 Unicornio Street, Carlsbad, CA 92009. Bus transport will be provided to the Charleston Club. If you have questions, call or email Charlie Kershaw at: 760 402-8638 or c2k2@earthlink.net

1st Recon Bn Association General Membership Meeting and Election of Officers will be Saturday 16 August at 10:00 am in our Hospitality Suite. Members will elect the following Association Officers: President , Secretary, Historian, Sergeant-at-Arms, and an Associate Director. Good leadership is critical for the Association’s success. The Association needs members willing and able to serve on the Board of Directors. Attend the General Membership meeting and vote!

Pfc Ralph H. Johnson, Medal of Honor. Pfc Ralph Johnson, a member of Texas Pete, a 15 man reconnaissance team ,was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on Hill 146, Quan Duc, Vietnam. Pfc Johnson is buried in the Beaufort National Cemetery, South Carolina. Join recon team-mates placing a wreath at Pfc Johnson’s grave, 12:00, Friday, 14 August.