FOCUS

ON

FOUR

VETERANS

VOLUME I, NO. 18 April 2023

This newsletter is dedicated to those who have served Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4.

Reunion News

New Orleans - March 17-19, 2023

Dennis Theriot (1968-1971) was our host for MCB 4 Reunion 2023 in New Orleans. A big Thank You to Dennis for all his hard work in providing us with an interesting and fun time during our stay in New Orleans. The Reunion was attended by 23 MCB 4 Veterans and 18 spouses and guests. Activities started with check-in and Meet and Greet on Friday evening. Refreshments were provided in the lobby of the Hotel. Reunion Activities included a visit to the National World War II Museum and a City Tour.

Saturday morning was spent at the National World War II Museum including the documentary “Beyond All Boundaries” narrated by Tom Hanks. If your travels take you to New Orleans, the World War II Museum is well done and is a “Must See”. Lunch at Copelands of New Orleans was provided at the conclusion of the Museum Tour. The remainder of the day and evening was free for exploring New Orleans.

A Sunday Morning narrated bus tour of the City with stops at a New Orleans Cemetery and City Park. Coffee and Beignets from Café Du Monde was enjoyed at City Park. Our guide was very knowledgeable and highlighted many interesting aspects of the City.

Sunday evening we gathered at the Four Columns for our Banquet. The evening began with the Pledge of Allegiance, the significance of the “Fallen Warrior Table” and a poem titled “I am a Veteran” written by Andrea Christensen Brett was read. MCB 4 Seabees Killed in Action were recognized. As the names of the MCB 4 “Fallen Warriors” were read a bell was tolled. The names read are as follows:

John C. Haines, Jr. EOC 3-7-1967 Da Nang, Vietnam

Robert E. Kasper CMH3 3-7-1967 Da Nang, Vietnam

Larry R. Riddle CET3 3-7-1967 Da Nang, Vietnam

Charles A. Hubbard BU3 6-29-1967 Khe Shan, Vietnam

Paul W. Larremore GMG2 10-4-1969 Da Nang, Vietnam

Eric L. Knott SW3 9-4-2004 Fallujah, Iraq

If you aware of anyone we may have been omitted please let me know.

The names of the MCB 4 Veterans who have answered the Final Salute since we last gathered were read and remembered. As you become aware of a MCB 4 Veteran’s passing please email or send a note so their passing can be acknowledged.

In addition to planned activities the French Quarter was visited by several during our free time. The local fare was also a treat; Gumbo, Crawfish, Oysters, and Beignets to name a few. A great time was had by all.

Reunion Website

The Reunion website (www.nmcb4reunion.com) has been maintained. The Newsletter and photos taken by Pete Hayworth at the 2019 Branson Reunion can be viewed on the website. The website will be updated periodically as information becomes available.

Time for Moving On

I have been maintaining a MCB 4 Rooster, writing the Newsletter, and acting as Reunion Coordinator and Treasure since 2007. This will be the last Reunion I will organize and host. It is time to pass the torch to someone younger who can keep this loosely organized group functioning. If no one is interested in hosting Reunions or maintaining the Group are we to the point of disbanding and attending Reunions organized by others. Since I do not know the future of the Group I have not sent out Membership renewal notices or Membership Applications this year. I would like input from members

I would like input from members. My contact information is:

Dean Jaeger

2315 N. 76th Street

Lincoln, NE 68507

Phone: 402-499-5289

Email: kjaeg@aol.com

Final Salute

Since the last Newsletter we have been notified of the passing of the following veterans of MCB 4. We appreciate their service to Seabees and extend condolences to family and friends.

William J. Yetter Years Ago Notified by Friend

Glen B. Kellerman 2022 Notified by Friend

Roger W. Miner 4-12-2021 Obituary

Daniel Hiles 10-15-2022 Obituary

Richard Petersen 8-23-2019 Note from Spouse

Danny L. McRoberts 4-24-2022 Obituary

Edward A. Dinges 9-14-22 Note from Spouse

Dominic Musto 12-4-22 Facebook

William D. Sandmery 10-1-03 Find a Grave

Jason Pasko 3-4-23 Facebook