See you all at the Next Reunion 

God Willing

2023 Reunion Information

See you all at the Reunion 

God Willing

2022 REGISTRATIONS

Click Here

My last update to the website before the reunion, will be this Saturday July 31st, 2021 at 4:30pm  I'll be driving to the reunion this year. See you all at the reunion. God willing

1st Reconnaissance Battalion Reunion

Schedule of Events

 

 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association members, family and friends,

You are cordially invited to join the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association at its 2022 Reunion held
in tandem with the 75th Annual Reunion of the 1st Marine Division Association, 16-22 August 2022,
in Arlington, Virginia.

Reunion registration, hotel reservations, and planned events information is included in this email.
Join your reconnaissance team-mates in Arlington at the 2022 reunion.

Semper fidelis,
Charlie Kershaw

2022 Reunion Essential Elements of Information


Harborsite:
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
900 South Orme Street
Arlington, VA 22204
Hotel Reservations:
Telephone: (703) 521-1900
FAX: (703) 271-6626
Website: Sheraton Pentagon City
Reunion Group Code: FM1


Reunion Group Rate available for August 13-22. Room rate: $125 one king bed, plus
14.25% tax. Total: $142.81.


Complimentary breakfast for up to two persons per room


Transportation. Free shuttle from/to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The Hotel does not provide transport for Washington Dulles Airport (25 miles). Super
Shuttle may be a good alternative from/to Dulles.


Parking: Overnight parking is $15.00 for Reunion attendees.


Hotel reservations should be made by Friday, July 29, 2022; date may be extended.


1st MarDiv Association Scheduled Events ( 1st Recon Assn events in blue ):


Tuesday, August 16: Registration and check-in begins at Henderson Hall. Recon
Hospitality Suite opens .


Wednesday, August 17: Registration. Buses to National Mall monuments and museums.


Thursday, August 18: Buses to USMC Museum. Recon – Buses to Marine Corps
Museum. 1300-1330 Memorial Service at Memorial Chapel. Return to Harborsite.
Cocktails and Dinner 1800-2100 at Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel(menu selection and cost
to follow).


Friday, August 19: Morning Memorial Service. Dinner at 8th & I; Evening Parade.


Saturday, August 20: Recon General Membership Meeting 1000-1200; Division General
Membership and Committee meetings, Ladies Lunch, Reunion Banquet.


Sunday, August 21: Check-out and departure, but hotel group rate is available through

Reunion Registration. The Reunion Registration Form link follows. Registration to be
completed by 31July (may be extended).


Registration will be $55 for primary registrant, and one guest, spouse, or significant other.
Contacts : Sheraton Pentagon Hotel for any reservation issues - Jada Chavez, phone 703-
521-1900, email jada.chavez@sheratonpentagoncity.com​


1st Marine Division Association - June Cormier, (760)763-3268,
or june.oldbreed@fmda.us for information and registration, Call if you need a
Registration Form mailed to you.

**************************************************************


1st Recon Battalion Association - Hotel reservations, registration, attendance, Recon
events, dinner meal selection, payment and other questions. Contact Charlie Kershaw,
Email: invictus7@earthlink.net ; Cell: 760 402-8638. Reservations and payment for
Recon Association dinner should be sent to Creg Howland Association Treasurer at 43761
Churchill Glen Drive Chantilly, VA 20152. Email: creghowland@gmail.com/703 786-5788.

Steve,

Thanks for replying to my email. We will miss you at this years reunion. I'll post your message in our guest book.
Stay safe and maybe I'll see you at the next year's reunion. Take care brother.

Semper fi,
Floyd Ruggles,
Membership Director & Webmaster

On July 30, 2021 2:19 PM 

Name: steven R swift
Address: 3916 W 4th St Tulsa OK 74127
Email: swift1956@yahoo.com
Phone number: (918) 991-1597
Guest Book Message: old broke marine ,, miss the recon bn. if i had the cash , i would be there.
semper fi marines.

Bill,

Thanks for replying to my email. We will miss you at this years reunion. I'll post your message & Photos on our message board.
Stay safe and maybe I'll see you at the next year's reunion. Take care brother.

Semper fi,
Floyd Ruggles,
Membership Director & Webmaster

Thanks Floyd.  I look forward to next year.  Say hello to Charlie Kershaw and Jim Fossos for me for me. 

Remembering my friends buddies; Mike Smith, Ron Kitzke, Joe Hill and JJ Jones……

 

Cheers; Bill

Bill,

Look forward to seeing you next year. I will say hi to Charlie & Jim for you.

Floyd

Last minute emails from members

July 31, 2021 9:27 AM Michael McManus <mmcmanus2128@gmail.com> wrote:


Sir – I appreciate all your work in support of the 1st Recon Bn.  Assoc.  I served in the Bn. In ’65, ’66, ’68 and ’69.  During this time I served in Delta, Alpha and H&S (Housewife) Co.’s.  One email will suffice.  Again, thanks for your service and I hope you have a good time at the reunion.


Semper Fi,

Michael P. McManus

Sgt                 USMC

____

BT

Thanks for the kind words my brother, take care.

Floyd

Greetings Floyd,

I won’t be attending the 1st Recon Battalion Reunion, but wanted to take this opportunity to check-in, say hello and wish my fellow recon marines the very best. Once a Recon Marine, Always a Recon Marine.

Semper Fi,
Dave Ballaine (Capt. USMCR)
Commanding Officer
Alpha Company
1st Recon Bn., Camp Pendleton
1962

July 31st, 2021 12:45pm

Sir,

Thanks for checking in, I appreciate you reply to my email. We will miss you at this year's reunion. Hope to see at next year's reunion. Take care of yourself.

Semper fi,
Floyd Ruggles
1st Recon Battalion Association
Membership Director & Webmaster

Paul,
 
Thanks for the great questions. I could probably answer the questions, (1) I'm sure the Marine Corps has extra ear plugs (2) on the arriving late I've been in that position myself in the past. I would volunteer to pick up your packet, but I'm going to refer these questions on to Charlie Kershaw his email is invictus7@earthlink.net So he can answer them for you. If you don't get and answer to your question soon just give me a jingle at (612) 810-4196 and I'll bring it up in my conference call with Charlie tomorrow. Keep in mind that I'll be on the road tomorrow on my way to Oceanside, so it might be a delay for me to get back to you. I'll see you at the reunion.
 
Floyd

July 31, 2021 1:13 PM Paul Barrett <pgbarret247@att.net> wrote:
 
 
Floyd:

Re schedule of events… a couple of questions…

·         If we arrive after 1900 on Wed evening… How/where do we pick up registration packet?

·         Range time/ live firing … do we need to bring our own ear plugs?

 

S/F

Paul Barrett

1ST RECONNASSAINCE BATTALION

ASSOCIATION

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association

4 – 7 August 2021

2021 Reunion

 

Schedule of Events

 

Wednesday, 4 August

1100 – 1900  Registration Reunion

          Harborside Holiday Inn,

          1401 Carmelo Drive, Oceanside CA

          (760)231-7000

                           

1730 – 2000  Social & dinner

          Pacific Views Event Center

          202850 San Jacinto Rd,

          Camp Pendleton CA 92055

          Shuttle service available

 

Thursday, 5 August

0730 – 0830 Coffee & Donuts

0830  Bus departs Holiday Inn for Las Flores, 41 Area

0900 – 1200  1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 41 Area, Camp Pendleton, CA,

          Command briefing and weapons and equipment display

1200 – 1300  Lunch 41 Area Dining Facility

1300 – 1530  Range 110. Weapons demonstration & live fire exercise

1545  Return to Harborside. Free time.

Friday, 6 August

0730 – 0830 Coffee & Donuts

0830  Depart Harborside

0930 – 1130  Basic Reconnaissance Course

          (BRC) Orientation, 52 Area

1130 – 1230  Lunch School of the Infantry

1230  Return to Harborside

1400 – 1530  General Membership Meeting Harborside

1730 – 2100  Reunion Dinner. Casual attire.

          Shuttle service available

 

Saturday, 7 August

Depart and Travel

July 31, 2021 12:10 AM Herman Jonse < herman.jonse@gmail.com> wrote:

Floyd, 

Thanks for the update. I noticed on the schedule of events for Friday, 6 August we depart Harborsite at 0830. No mention of transportation. Is this an over site?   Will transportation be provided to 52 area and SOI or do we hoof it? Be safe driving and see you soon. 

S/F 

Herman

Jul 31, 2021, at 12:47 AM, floyd < floyd@weststpaulantiques.com> wrote:

Herman,

Thanks for the email, Its a work in Progress, I'll check with Charlie Kershaw & David "Doc" Snyder and give you and update on the transportation soon.

Floyd

 July 31, 2021 3:43 PM John Grandusky <grandusky@gmail.com> wrote:


Thanks for the update! Hope to see you at another reunion.

Steve (Sky)

Jul 31, 2021, at 12:48 AM, 

Floyd,

The Association strongly suggests that UBER, LYFT, or rental be used.

S/f
Dave ‘Doc’ Snider

Charlie:

Re schedule of events… a  question…  Floyd suggested I contact you on this one…

If we arrive after 1900 on Wed evening… How/where do we pick up registration packet?

 

S/F

Paul Barrett

Looking forward to it old friend.

Floyd

July 31, 2021 1:12 PM C. Kershaw <invictus7@earthlink.net> wrote:


Floyd and Dave,

The most current reunion schedule is forwarded for posting on our web sites. I will send a reunion update and this schedule to individual registrants.
Thanks for your help getting the word out.
See you in Oceanside.

Semper fi,
Charlie

Charlie,

Thanks for the update. I have a number of questions from members.


Is there a bus to the BRC on Friday or how do they get there.


For members arriving after the registration desk has closed, where and when can they pick up their materials. Will someone be holding them for them so they can get them before the bus leaves Thursday morning.


For people that are driving into Camp Pendleton, what protocols need to be followed, masks? ids? other ??


Do we need to bring our own earplugs.

Can I get a final count/update on a total staying at the hotel and the ones that are coming to the dinner.

What day are we actually have the auction and do we have donations for that?

This is a new question just came in from one of our member. As to covid-19, masks or hand sanitizer is that going be available for members?

Please get back to me ASAP. The last update of the website that I can do before leaving for CA is at 4:30 CDT today.


Semper fi,
Floyd

July 31, 2021 10:57 AM Rick Alvira <stcrispin2006@yahoo.com> wrote:


Outstanding! Thank you. Nice work.

Thanks Rick

"See you all at the reunion. God willing"

Sorry, Floyd, but God ain't willing - can't make the reunion - but will be there in spirit

Fred Vogel
A/1st Recon 7/68 - 2/69

What is the meaning of phrase God willing?
—used to say what one hopes and expects to do or happen if no problems occur We'll be able to move into our new house next week, God willing. God willing, I'll finish my degree this year.

Fred,

Thanks for replying brother hopefully I'll see you at next year's reunion, God Willing

 Floyd

July 31, 2021 9:17 AM Frederick John VOGEL <vogelfj@hotmail.com> wrote:

***************************************

***************************************

1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association members, family and friends:

A Reunion Update and Schedule of Events are provided for your information.

I look forward to seeing you in Oceanside. Stay well and travel safely.

Semper fidelis,

Charlie Kershaw

1 st Reconnaissance Battalion Association Reunion Update

COVID Policy. Mandatory Wearing of Mask aboard Installations. In accordance with SECDEF MEMO dated 28JUL21, MCB CAMPEN, MCAS CAMPEN, MCLB Barstow and MCAS Miramar are considered by the CDC (and DOD) to be in an area of high community transmission of COVID. Until further notice, all Service Members, federal employees, onsite contractor employees, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask in indoor settings onboard the installation (Masks are not required while dining indoors).

Expect further COVID mitigation measures to be put in place by either local commanders or by the SECDEF if COVID numbers continue to rise exponentially as has been experienced in the areas surrounding the installations AND onboard our installations.

If you are unable to accept this mask wearing policy, the Association will refund reunion registration and dinner payments; contact Creg Howland, Association Treasurer.

Weather and Dress. Oceanside/Camp Pendleton weather during the reunion is forecast to be dry, with temperatures in the mid-high 70s. Hydrate. Sun screen and hats are appropriate. Dress comfortably and wear shoes appropriate for walking.

Transportation. Travel from local airports to the Holiday Inn is the individual’s choice. UBER/LYFT and rental cars may be good options. The Association will provide transportation for unit visits on base meals. Member POVs are not recommended for unit visits..

Reunion Events . A reunion schedule of events is attached. Dress casually for the Friday 6 August dinner. Beach attire is not recommended.

Regrets. Wish I could make it to the reunion. Circumstances prevent. (No, I'm not incarcerated 🤡) Have friends and relatives in Carlsbad and Vista and it would really be great, but no can do.

Please give my regards to all of my brothers in arms.

John Reed, HMCM (FMF), USN Retired
Delta 3rd, 09/66 - 09/67

July 31, 2021 1:26 AM jreedsr@charter.net wrote:

See you next year.

Floyd

Charlie,

Thanks for the update. I look forward to seeing you in Oceanside.

Semper fi,

Floyd

2021 Reunion Information

75th Annual Reunion
16 August – 21 August 2022

1st MARINE DIVISION ASSOCIATION ACTIVITY REGISTRATION FORM

1st Recon Battalion Association Dinner

The 1st Reconnaissance Battalion Association will hold its reunion dinner on 18 August at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel, 900 South Orme Street, Arlington,VA.

Cocktails are 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm and dinner 6:00pm - 9:00pm. Casual attire is recommended. The dinner meal includes: a field greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette,short ribs braised in red wine, with fig bordelaise garlic mashed potatoes and Chef’s choice grilled vegetables; and strawberry shortcake. Iced tea, Starbucks Coffee regular or decaffeinated coffee, and a selection of Tazo teas. Guests requiring an alternate meat or vegetarian meal contact
Charlie Kershaw at (760) 402-8638.

Dinner is $50.00 per person. Guests should make their reservation as soon as possible by phone (703 786-5788) or email CregHowland@gmail.com

Payment may be made at the Reunion or mail your reservations and checks to: 1st Recon Bn Assn,
c/o Creg Howland, 43761 Churchill Glen Drive, Chantilly, VA 20152.


Semper fidelis,
Floyd

Email from: Herman Jonse
I will be attending the dinner. Thanks for the info.

Email from: James M Armstrong

I really thank you for inviting me
I can not make this

Having great difficulties with heat and breathing due to Agent Orange

Please keep my in your prayers and notifications

Moe Armstrong
Medical Corpsman with both First and Third Recon

Email from:  Robert J. Fawcett

Floyd,

 

Thanks for your continuing efforts to get the word out on the reunion. 

 

Although I live in Northern Virginia, we will be away at the time of the reunion and will be unable to attend. 

 

Semper Fi, Bob

 

Robert J. Fawcett

US Marine (ret)

Take care of yourself my brother...


Semper fidelis,
Floyd

Email from: Terry D. Barkovich

Floyd,
I mailed the Bob Crane photo to Charlie Kershaw to bring to the convention and donate to Recon Bn for their HQ.

Emil from: Rudolph "Rudy" Fontane - H&S DEC. 65 - MARCH 66

Floyd enjoy
Give my best Charlie Kershaw
I am scheduled to be in Daytona for MCL National Convention
Believe me would rather be at 1st Recon

Email from: Ralph M. Witkin

Gentlemen:

  Just wanted to let you know everything was squared away this morning.  Both Jada Chavez at the hotel and June Cormier at First Marine Division Assoc were very cooperative. 

 

  I scanned & emailed to June my division registration.  Jada added the group code to my reservation at the hotel.

 

  We’ll be arriving at Reagan airport on Sunday, Aug 14th at 10:15am.  Our flight back to Vegas leaves on the 21st at 8:40pm

 

  I’ve been to Washington a few times in the past 10 years or so, and remember parking being extremely difficult (and expensive), so as of now, I’m not planning on renting a car – unless someone more familiar with DC recommends that I do so.

 

  This will be my first ever Division reunion.  I did casually indicate last year in Oceanside that I’m both available & willing to help our Recon Association with future reunions (apparently at age 73, I’m among the youngest), so just let me know what needs to be done.

 

“It’s just not necessary to do extraordinary things, to produce extraordinary results.”

Ralph M. Witkin

Terry,

Thanks for the photo. I do not know names of the team or the members. But I'll post it on the our website. We'll see if we can find out some information on the team or the members in the photo..

Terry Barkovich wrote:


Floyd,
I have a photo given to me by a former team mates family after he died many years ago. It has Bob Crane in it. 1972 Dont know who these men are.

--
Terry D. Barkovich
Technical Service Engineer (ret)
Lead Rifle Builder/ SME
Precision Weapons Shop
US Special Operations Command

Gentlemen,

Attached is the guidance for our reunion dinner on 18 August. Please post it on our website and your social media sites.
Members attending the dinner are encouraged to make their reservation as soon as possible. Payment may be made at the reunion.

Thanks for your help.

Semper fi,
Charlie

Sorry to hear about the forest fires. We should be out west for reunion next year. Maybe we'll see you, take care my brother. Have a great time in Jamaica.
Linda and I spend some time in Jamaica years ago. Check out the Jamaican Ram Factory "Appleton Estate" it is a good outing for a day trip.

S/F
Floyd

Email from: Geoffrey "Geoff" Harp (Alpha Company 11/25/1967-12/10/1968)

Hi Floyd,

Patty, and I won’t be able to make it to the reunion, as we will be in Jamaica celebrating our 38th anniversary. When another reunion is scheduled, and located on the western side of the U.S., we should be able to show up.


It’s hotter than hell here in Montana, and we’re hoping that another bad forest fire season doesn’t begin. Hope you, and yours are all well.


Semper Fi, my brother,
Geoff

2022 Reunion Information

2024 Reunion Location

Will be announced in August of 2023

2025 Reunion will be at the,

New Updates

Coming 2025 

Sheraton Pentagon City

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA

Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
900 South Orme Street
Arlington, VA 22204


76th Annual Reunion

1st Marine Division Association & 1st Recon Battalion Association
August 13-20, 2023

Las Vegas, Nevada

Posting by Ralph Witkin 5/27/2023

Reunion update, of sorts.
Received my Blue Diamond news from division. They are taking a poll regarding excursions so nothing is set as of yet. They're looking for feedback. Don't answer me, the poll is on the newsletter email and interactive.
Leatherneck bar? Dinner there for about $40 each? (please note that the battalion is already planning on going there and the range on Thursday August 17th)
Nellis Air Base and the Thunderbird museum?
Visit the Mob museum?
Hoover Dam est. $80 each?
Party bus tour of Vegas?
Ladies luncheon on Saturday August 19 est. $35 each?
Saturday Night banquet August 19 est. $65 each?

Our President Charlie Charles Kershaw will continue to update us on our plans. As of now, Thursday August 17th is Leatherneck Lounge and American Shooters range across the street. Check their website and special packages to choose from. Serious fire power boys.
https://americanshooters.com/
Friday during the day we'll have our business meeting and in the evening, we'll have our battalion dinner and fund raising auction. Bring your goodies, it's for a good cause. This auction is one of the big reasons we don't have dues.
Also, note that by doing our business on Thursday and Friday, we can really shorten our stay in a very expensive city. Charlie was very concerned about the cost. You can come as early and stay as late as your choose but you don't have to. The division is scheduling their reunion for August 13-20. We're scheduling ours for August 17-18.
Semper Fi
Here's the particulars for the reunion.
Orleans Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas
website orleanscasino.com
phone 800-675-3267
Give Group Number FMDH23C for our group rate.

Ralph Witkin
Yes, Recon is planning on having lunch at the Leatherneck Club on Thurs -- it's not the type of place I would recommend for dinner. I would recommend the Mob Museum (downtown). The Party Bus Tour sounds interesting, but I'd like some details. I haven't been able to find out the per night charges for the Orleans Hotel, but most hotels in Vegas charge a lot more on Saturday than the rest of the week (Friday should be less than Sat, but more than Thurs).


Reply: Ronald Overton
Ralph Witkin thanks, Ralph. Note to group, Ralph lives there so is our go to guy for questions. SF


Reply: Ralph Witkin
I don't know much about the Party Bus tours. I'm guessing that they're mostly about stopping at a few of the "clubs" inside the more upscale hotels on the Strip. This is mostly for a younger crowd (probably 20's & 30's) and the clubs are ridiculously expensive by my standards (and I'm far from "cheap"). I could be wrong, but I'm thinking of bachelor parties. I did contact Jerry C at the Division Assoc for more details. btw -- for those of you unfamiliar with Vegas in the last 20 years or so, the "clubs" have somewhat replaced the old-school Vegas "shows" for younger people (especially singles) and are B-I-G money makers for the hotels.


Reply: Ralph Witkin
I just went on the Orleans website (wasn't able to use the group code) and these are their AAA/Senior Citizen/Military rates (it figures about $200 more for 7 nights than the rate Division is quoting) -- Sun $118; Mon $108; Fri $235 & Sat $266. Those rates could easily change a few times between now & August, but it gives you a clue what extra or fewer days will mean. Friday night is more than double either Sunday or Monday, and Saturday is even more. My numbers include tax & Resort Fee.