After Action Report

At the conclusion of the 2009 reunion in  Charleston, SC (very successfully hosted by Karen and Steve Stocks), it was determined that the 2010 gathering would be in Asheville, NC. The operation would be conducted from May 12-16 2010.

In a moment of temporary insanity Bob Brewington "volunteered"  his family to host the event. 

Pursuant to the decision in Charleston, plans to move the Command Post to Asheville began. By the authority placed in me by the group, I designated the gathering as a field exercise in keeping with what really got us together, the USMC.  Additionally, Joyce and Khristine Brewington were assigned as the camp commanders.

Two advance reconnaissance  trips were conducted to the new CP site.  These trips were to arrange the logistics required.  The decision to place the billeting at the Ramada Inn River Ridge was made.  There was a query from one member concerning some negative comments about the facility.  However, the advance party had billeted there and did not see any evidence to support the observation so the decision stood.  It should also be noted that other issues for the Ramada was the buffet breakfast, after some alterations it turned out to be average, and the hospitality room which turned out to be outstanding.  In finalizing comments on the billeting, there were some inconveniences which were quickly addressed by the staff.  The staff, starting with Mr. Keith Yeatman, was absolutely outstanding, they never hesitated to respond to any request.  In the interest of Obama transparency there were some reported GPS difficulties in arriving at the Ramada.  Is that not correct Rosy? 

The selection for the group dinner became a challenge.  The Flat Rock Grille was finally chosen after "checking" out MANY establishments.  More on this later.  Additionally, trips were made to Sam's club and the Exchange at Seymour Johnson AFB to get the best prices for preferred beverages.  Additionally, a bakery had to be found to properly prepare the cake we would use for the final night cake cutting. This turned out very well.

The advance party, Joyce,  Khristine, and me as a gofer, arrived on May 11 for the specific purpose of setting up the hospitality room.  In my opinion this is THE most important aspect of the gathering. We received excellent assistance from the Ramada staff in this endeavor.  The members have no idea  of how proud I am at the results Joyce and Khristine achieved.  Pictures on the web site will affirm.  Decorations included items purchased by the group, and others,  passed on to the group.  Additionally, there was a table full of articles provided by Sgt Grit.

Some members of the group also began to arrive on May 11.  I  remember some of them but will not mention because I may forget some. 

As to the attendance the following is submitted. There were three authorized  absences : Gary Bryson, Darrel Haines and Gordan Hagan.  These absences were approved based on family illness and family commitments. There were two temporary assignments: Doug (Mac) McQuate May 12-13 due to other requirements. Tom and Brenda Muollo May 15-16.  Who knows why?  Probably another cruise. There was one AWOL for 24 hours. Due to confidentiality and respect for HER father the name will not be mentioned .

On May 12 the remainder of the group (with the exception of one) arrived.  Group gathering and socializing began in the hospitality room.  This is ALWAYS a great moment in the gathering.  We welcomed Three new attendees: Doug "Mac" McQuate ( who I have served with on at least two occasions). Mac believes that he reunited w/some old comrades and met some new friends.  It might be a good idea to let him know if he did meet new friends.  We want him back.  It should be noted that I served with Mac on three occasions. Like me he was not a favorite of "them" which made him a good Marine, in my humble opinion.  Additionally, he was the absolute best "chug a lug man I ever met.  Lloyd and Carol Bean were an absolute pleasure to have join us.  Lloyd is an unassuming Marine who, took over the position of the most experienced Marine.  He presented his knowledge of the Corps and the Radio Bns in a low keyed and factual manner.  His wife, Carol, was an absolute delight that was readily accepted by the group.  Then we come To Ed and "Saint" Hanni.  To my knowledge I have only served w/Ed on one occasion, 1st. Comp. Rad Co.  W/O his knowledge I have been an admirer of his intellect and experience.  However, this definitely increased when I had the privilege of  meeting his bride.  I cannot imagine how he achieved this accomplishment.

As I attempt to condense each days events, remember, these activities culminated with socializing in the hospitality room.  This is, w/o a doubt the center piece of the events.  The main activity is, of course, the "sea stories".  These never seem to lack in originality or embellishment.

Khristine had requested "old" pictures so she could see the members in their "better days".  Many hours were spent viewing outstanding albums provided by PEGGY, Rosy and Dennis. These were obviously prepared with great care and interest in accuracy.

Some members had requested information, provided by the US Army concerning the recovery and return of the remains of SFC Carl Brewington who was KIA 12-02-50.  He was recovered from a mass grave in North Korea and returned to his family in 2002.  This report is extremely detailed and makes one appreciative of what the Government does to locate those KIA.  The report seemed to be of great interest to the members.

Efforts had been made to schedule group tours.  However, there were not enough members that signed up to qualify for group rates. As a result, May 13 resulted in several members going on a tour of the Biltmore Estates and other areas of the grounds.  The members seemed to enjoy.  Others drove to the Cherokee Indian Reservation. Some enjoyed this.  Others detoured and drove the blue ridge park way.

Dennis Fouts, in keeping with his commitment to the group presented "beautiful" Marine Corps dog tags to the group.

On May 14 we went on a bus/trolley tour of Asheville.  19 members participated.  There were many interesting sites.  We did have a driver with a horrible collection of "jokes".  We did spend time at the Grove Park Inn.  The tour lasted for three hours.

May 15 was the highlight, in my opinion, of the exercise.  Activities began at 13::00 hours with a presentation by an outstanding Marine who I had the privilege of serving with on three different occasions.  Msgt Michael Murdock Ret. is currently the Veteran Services Officer for Henderson County NC.  His presentation on VA benefits and especially info for the wives was very well received and appreciated.  I received many positive comments on his presentation.  There is no doubt that he is as outstanding in his job performance now as he was when on active duty.

As a lead in to the exercise there were several phone contacts with 2nd. Radio Bn. There is no way to express my feelings for the positive response received from LtCol Carter CO of the Bn. and his staff.  We simply requested, if possible, a briefing on the current equipment and mission of the Bn.  What we received was far beyond our expectations.  LtCol Carter, thru his appointed representative, delivered a letter of "gratitude" to the group. This should be viewable on the web site.  He and the Bn. SgtMaj presented a "challenge coin" to all members of the group.  Coins were sent to those that had authorized absences.  The Col. also presented invitations to his change of command to be held June, 24 2010.  Randy and I will be attending.  The 2nd Rad. Bn. representative was, to be blunt, quite a surprise.  Capt. Sasha Kuhlow (a Marine brat) is the commanding officer of Charlie Co. I must admit I was apprehensive when first speaking w/the Capt.  This was especially true when she did not know what a "ditty chaser" was and her body guard was an ARMY? Capt.  He did acquit himself well under the barrage of ("indoctrinating comments) from the exercise host.  It WAS my duty!  My reservations were quickly dispelled when I met this outstanding Marine officer.  After some clarification, I now refer to the Capt. as "skipper" which is, to me, a sign of respect.  The Capt. presented a clear and cogent view of the current equipment and mission of the Bn.  No wonder she did not know what a ditty chaser was based on what they now use.  We were truly impressed.

At 18:30 we reported to the Flat Rock Grille for dinner.  It is my pleasure to report that the dinner was hosted and financed by Randy Brewington who kept a very low profile and did not seek acknowledgement.  We had purchased Marine Corps place mats at Camp Lejeune and provided them to the restaurant.  We DID NOT allow the Army Capt to use one (thanks to Ted Dudley).  The dinner started w/a co-owner treating the group to a free round of drinks. They then made a request that the group sign an unused place mat that they could place in their display case.  This, of course, included unit ID.  Beyond this the dinner was very good, and the service was great.

After dinner we returned to the hospitality room for the cake cutting.  Lloyd Bean (with a very steady hand) did the honors. The first piece went to the youngest, Dennis Fouts.  The second to Jack ("old smokey ) Williams as the also ran by two weeks.  The third to our honored guest Sasha "skipper" Kuhlow.  The fourth to our AWOL suspect Karen Stocks in honor of her father Garrett O'Hara.

In the planning for the exercise it was felt that there should be a bottle of "red pop" available. This was provided by an anonymous donor who also made arrangements to provide subject beverage to Gary and Darrell.  It was after the fact that it was remembered that Darrell does not drink alcohol.  It was suggested that he get it to Gordan.  One was not sent to Gordan due to the fact his cancellation was last minute.  A humorous side bar is the fact that local law enforcement delivered the bottle to Darrell and reported that they thought he did not drink.  After the cake cutting we did call Gary and offer a toast over the phone to him.    

Tom Muollo and Ed Gartland have also made some positive comments.  I am condensing.  Their basic feelings are that the membership and the camaraderie makes the group a must to be involved with.  As "troops " many could not wait to get out of the "USMC".  Now they are proud of their service and the small part they played in what has become a major Marine Corps mission.

This is my feeling and not attributable to the group.  Many more "senior" Marines obviously receive accolades  for what the mission has become.  However, no one can deny the fact that the "grunts" did the work. 

After the festivities the discussion for the placement of next years CP took place.  It was determined that this would be in Virginia Beach VA. May 2011.  When this was approved Brenda Muollo enthusiastically raised Tom's hand in the air as the "volunteer" to host the event.

Semper Fi