The Executive Committee has been conducting weekly tele-conferences since late August to deal with Association financial problems. We targeted January 1, 2010 to measure the effects of reducing staff hours and other office expenses and our plea for donations. I’m pleased to report that we have increased the General Fund by meeting our financial goals as of January 1, 2010. Member donations, annual dues and the life member assessments continue to move the Association to a more stable financial condition. Also, the Association was named in the estate of Sgt. Chester S. Marsh of A-1 Engrs, WWII and received $11,885. God bless Marine Marsh for his generous gift.

 

The 1st Marine Division Association attended the 69th Division Anniversary February 1-3, 2010 at Camp Pendleton. We held the Chapter Rep, Director and Scholarship meetings on February 1. The directors concurred with the life member assessment of $25 but eliminated the raffle of a % of the paid assessment. Note that the life member assessment will be considered paid if donations made in 2010 plus assessment total or exceed $25. The Executive Committee, in their meeting of March 19, 2010, approved a blue diamond patch for all life members that pay their assessment.

 

The 69th Anniversary, with 147 Association members in attendance, totaling 502 guests was a great success. Executive Director Colonel Len Hayes was placed in charge of the Association’s involvement and he coordinated with the division staff to make it a memorable event. Division Commander Major General Richard P. Mills was a gracious host and thoroughly mingled closely with Association members.

 

The Anniversary was dedicated to the WWII Association members. Part 1 of “Pacific” was presented and shown by technical advisor Captain Dale Dye, a former Marine at the division banquet. He previewed the HBO series to be shown in March 2010. I presented a plaque, from the Association, to General Mills at the banquet, recognizing the hospitality displayed by him and his staff to Association members. The Anniversary was also a financial success providing over $7,000 for the Association.

 

New office space for the Association has been reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee. The new space will cost slightly more but it will improve office efficiency and morale. The lease contract was reviewed and approved by the Financial Review Committee, our Insurance Committee and our Legal Officer Dave Franklin. The move to 403 North Freeman Street, Oceanside, CA 92054 was completed April 2010.

 

Our financial condition is steadily improving. The January-February-March 2010 Old Breed News was discussed in February 2010 but it was considered financially prudent to delay publication and check in March. The first quarter 2010 Old Breed News has been scheduled for April 2010 delivery.

 

The camaraderie of this Association has brought us to where we are today. We are all brothers, young and old, working towards a common goal. With your help and continued dedication and commitment to the 1st Marine Division Association that began in 1947, we will continue to grow and prosper in the future.

 

Semper Fidelis

Michael J Carone