January 2005 Newsletter

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Subic Bay Marines is to perpetuate memories of our duty in the Philippines and to foster camaraderie among Subic Bay Marines at an annual reunion. The Subic Bay Marines will serve as a role model for all Marines, past, present and future.

We will honor our commitment to this mission until there is no longer a Subic Bay Marine standing.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Now that the holidays are behind us, we begin focusing on the future. 2005 is shaping up to be a very productive year for the Subic Bay Marines. Plans for our September reunion in Branson, MO are full speed ahead. Sgt Major Bill Huggins is handling the helm with all the skill and confidence of a professional. (Look for more info later in newsletter.) Our website is also moving ahead. Our new web master, Rick Reynolds has completed the new facelift re-design, integrating photos and maps of Subic Bay. He also created a new bulletin board for ideas and feedback from guests. He has begun the awesome task of designing a new guestbook for the website and then tackling the job of providing the roster for all to use.

Of course, all of this costs money, which brings me to a very important issue for 2005. For several years, the same group of steadfast members have been diligent in paying their dues and supporting the projects that we, as Subic Bay Marines, have voted to endorse. These projects include not only the aforementioned web site and subsidizing the annual reunions, but also monetary support for Subic Bay Marines that may have fallen on hard times due to illness or injury.

Our organization is now fully tax-exempt. This means that all of your dues and monetary donations are tax-deductible on your federal income tax. We follow a regular calendar year from January to December, and the annual dues are $25.00 (minimum) payable to Subic Bay Marines. While not everyone has the time or inclination to volunteer and participate in all our activities, hopefully everyone can participate monetarily by paying dues, making a separate contribution or even finding corporate sponsors willing to contribute to our organization. Any business, large or small, willing to make a contribution can contact any one of our officers to obtain our tax-exempt I.D. number.

It is always difficult to bring up financial issues, since that is not what our organization is about. But, unfortunately, it is necessary in order to be faithful to our mission, and to survive “until there is no longer a Subic Bay Marine standing.”

I wish everyone a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year, and I look forward to seeing everyone in Branson this year.

THE 13TH ANNUAL REUNION OF SUBIC BAY MARINES
will be in Branson, MO. Why Branson? Branson is a small town – population 7,500. But they have 7 million visitors annually. Branson is situated within a day’s drive of 50% of the United States population. There are more than 100 shows to see, more than 200 lodging choices and more than 400 restaurants to choose from. Branson has 56,228 theater seats, 12,000 more than New York City. Branson is nearly ‘wall to wall’ entertainment and there are activities all the time, depending on your particular tastes and desires. Since many of the performers in Branson also have commitments elsewhere from time to time, some may not be there in September. But a lot of others will. And Branson is very proactive in honoring Veterans every day. Another plus, was the very successful and enjoyable reunion the Subic Bay Marines had in Branson in 1999.

The 13th Annual Reunion will be from September 21st through September 26th, 2005. We will gather at the Honeysuckle Inn & Conference Center, 3598 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway (just NE of the intersection of SR 76 crossing the expressway – between the Ray Stevens Theater and the IMAX Complex). Rooms have been set aside for $67.00 per night, tax included, single or double occupancy. Rates will be honored 2 days before and after the reunion dates. Call the hotel direct at 417-335-2030 or 1-800-942-3553 to make hotel reservations and get a confirmation number. Mention you are attending the Subic Bay Marines reunion. Our block of rooms will be near the Hospitality room and dining room for the banquet. There is a free continental breakfast daily as well as a buffet breakfast between 0700 and 0900 at $6.00 per person.

There is ample free parking and also room for parking RV’s. The normal amenities of pool, spa, cable TV, coffee makers, hair dryers, irons, ironing boards, etc., are available.. Bill Huggins is the reunion coordinator.

The Saturday night banquet entrees will be either roast beef or baked chicken breast. Cost will be $25.00 per person. The planners will need to know your entrée preference no later than September 1, 2005. See reservation form.

Because of the many entertainment options available, we are only scheduling one optional tour, the Showboat Branson Belle. This is a two-hour dinner cruise on Table Rock Lake (that we enjoyed the last time we were in Branson). An excellent meal is offered as well as continuous entertainment. Should you wish to take the 8:00PM cruise, the price is $47.00 per person plus $15.00 per person round trip for the bus to and from the Honeysuckle Inn. The cruise is scheduled for Thursday evening September 23rd, 2005 and due to its popularity, we will need to know the number of people that want to go on the cruise by September 1st. See the reservation form.

Please check the Bulletin Board for any changes at our web site http://subicbaymarines.com.

SECRETARY NOTES
Newsletter Policy. Every person on the active roster will receive a copy of the first newsletter of each calendar year. This will have reunion news and other items of interest. Other Newsletters during the year will go to those paying dues or making a financial contribution as well as newly identified Subic Bay Marines for 1+ years. All newsletters will be posted on the web site for all to see.

Newsletter. We are still planning to send as many Newsletters by e-mail as possible. However, to work really well, we need your current e-mail addresses. If you got this by e-mail, we have it. Please keep us current on changes. If you got this Newsletter by mail, If you have an e-mail address, will you please forward your e-mail address to jimsbm@cox.net.

Dues. Our dues year runs from January 1 to December 31. For those that say they don’t know when dues are due or otherwise procrastinate, this is probably the time. If you are philosophically opposed to paying dues or should you wish to make a voluntary contribution (to defray expenses for the web site, periodic Newsletters, etc., in lieu of dues), the Subic Bay Marines will appreciate it. Please send checks or money orders to: Subic Bay Marines, c/o Larry Mauro, Treasurer 4117 Knollglen Way, San Jose, CA 95118-1834. THANKS to all of you who all who have paid dues or made a voluntary contribution during 2004!  See the reservation form.

E-Mail. The e-mail address for the Secretary or for regular Subic Bay Marines business is jimsbm@cox.net. Please make a note of it. Always glad to hear from Subic Bay Marines. However, the Secretary is currently receiving hundreds of e-mails per month and despite the various security programs, virus scans, firewalls, privacy services, and other filters, etc., working on behalf of e-mail users eventually you get ‘Spammed to death’. The Secretary has no interest in receiving Spam and other similar things and certainly doesn’t want to inadvertently pass Spam on to others. If you are sending an e-mail to the secretary, you could help considerably if you would PLEASE include (a) your name in addition to your e-mail address in the From line and use (b) SUBIC BAY MARINES in the subject line. Otherwise, it could easily just disappear into the trash bin, unread, as I do not open things anymore that I cannot readily identify.

Job Opportunity. The Secretary continues to look for a successor. After nearly 9 years on the job, the Secretary of the Subic Bay Marines is interested in finding someone willing and able to run for election (you will probablyl be unopposed) as Secretary at the business meeting in Branson later this year. Duties include maintenance of the Active, Lost and TAPS Rosters of Subic Bay Marines. Also creates, and distributes 3 periodic Newsletters per year, either by mail or e-mail. Sends Welcome Letters, Newsletters, etc. to newly identified Subic Bay Marines. Is a Constitutional Officer and member of the Executive Committee. This is a pretty good job. You regularly hear from people all over the world. Continuous paper in and out during the year, but most can be handled in less than a day per week. Should have a computer with a good data base program and word processor, and know how to use them. The successful candidate will undoubtedly represent a significant upgrading of the skill level, which has been learn as you go. Anyone interested, please, double please, contact the Secretary for additional info, etc.

TAPS
We regret to announce the death of the following Subic Bay Marines:

Napoleon J. Stelly – SSgt, SepGdCo, 04-63/06-65 – Ret’d MSgt Stelly, USMC, Yuma, AZ died May 4, 2004 per wife Hattie
Brian D. Quinn – Cpl, “B” Co, 12-78/03-80 – Mr Quinn, Rochester, NY died Dec 2003 per brother Tom
Richard Scharton – 65 – Mr Scharton, Oceanside, CA died 2002 per Chuck Vitek & wife
Michael F. Burleson – Pvt 67 – Mr Burleson died in Vietnam. Chuck Vitek found name on Vietnam wall
Dennis L. Cook – Pvt, 67 – Mr Cook died in Vietnam. Chuck Vitek found name on Vietnam wall James E. Farrow – Sgt, – 67 – Mr Farrow died in Vietnam. Chuck Vitek found name on Vietnam wall
Roy L. Gipson – 67 – Mr Gipson died in Vietnam. Chuck Vitek found name on Vietnam wall

IMPORTANT NOTICE
If you have an e-mail address and received this Newsletter by U.S. Mail, the Secretary does not have a current e-mail address for you. And once more, if you have not already done so, PLEASE forward your e-mail address to jimsbm@cox.net. Also, if you use “block sender”, etc, or other devices that will not let you receive e-mail, PLEASE put jimsbm@cox.net as a sender you will accept from and also PLEASE include jimsbm@cox.net in your Address Book so that you can advise of address changes, etc

THE LADIES CORNER
Just a reminder to all the women who are involved with the men of Subic Bay Marines, we now have our own support group called The Ladies' Corner. Remember guys, many wives and widows spent more time in Subic Bay than you did, had kids there, and enjoyed their experiences there, although perhaps not the same experiences you did. Any woman interested in joining, including widows of Subic Bay Marines, may send her name, address, e-mail address, phone number, birth date, and anniversary date to T.J. Amundsen at 4353 Scenic Drive Ave., Pittsburg, CA 94565 or intuit3@comcast.net. Pat Brown is our chairperson, and any questions or new information can be directed to her at patnbillbrown@msn.com. We wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year, and we look forward to seeing everyone in Branson, MO.

SOMETHING NEW
Have you ever heard of the Marine Corps Legacy Museum? It does exist, in Harrison, AR, 27 miles south of Branson, MO on Rte 65B. It opened its doors on November 10th, 2001. The MCLM (Click for website) is the only private, historically comprehensive Marine Corps Museum in the country. The museum is the culmination of 10 years of planning and effort by the father and son founders, both retired Marines. The curator of the MCLM is D. A. ‘Red” Millis, GySgt, USMC Ret’d and a Subic Bay Marine, 77-79. The MCLM has 501 c (3) Non-profit, Educational Organization status. The MCLM seeks to demonstrate to visitors four major ideas:

1. Reflect the Marines as an integral and important part of American History
2. Direct attention to Marine innovation and readiness to accomplish any mission directed by the American government in support of American and foreign and domestic policy
3. Document the actions of the Marine Corps not only on the field of battle, but as a service which has and continues to be called upon to conduct a myriad of operations, world wide.
4. Present visitors an “inside look” at the modern day life and operation, as well as the history of the Marines so that patrons may compare both and receive a better understanding of why America has needed and will continue to need a ready, capable Marine Corps.

The MCLM has recently initiated a project to accurately replicate 11 Marine Corps uniforms that were in service from 1798 through 1847. These uniforms have never been authentically replicated before because there are no known examples of these uniforms to use as patterns. Exhaustive research has been accomplished to ensure the highest level of accuracy in the design and material identification of the uniforms and accouterments. Because of the material requirements alone, these uniforms will cost approximately $1,000.00 apiece to accurately replicate. Once the uniforms have been completed, patterns and fabric sources will be provided to the National Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico, VA to facilitate their reproduction. The patterns and materials will also be available to other museums and historical associations who express an interest in them. Anyone wanting more info, make a contribution or whatever may call 870-743-1680 or visit their interesting web site: Marine Corps Legacy Museum.

SUBIC BAY MARINES WEB SITE
Check it out. Sign the New Guest Book. Keep your eye on our web site. http://subicbaymarines.com. Changes are on the way!! Hopefully the entire roster will be available for you to research your Subic Bay friends.

To receive a copy of the "Subic Bay Marines Newsletter" by mail, contact: Mr. Jim Bassett 3417 Las Vegas Drive Oceanside, CA 92054-3830 Phone: (760) 757-3836 Jim Bassett.

If you have copies of the missing Newsletters, please send a copy to: Rick Reynolds, webmaster, (818) 700-8221 or email:webmaster