MCB 4 Veterans met in Branson, Missouri April 25th through 28th, 2019.  The Welk Resort Hotel was homeport for the Reunion.  Dennis Theriot and Dean Jaeger were hosts for the Reunion.  Thank You to the Welk Resort staff for their hospitality and excellent service.

 

The Reunion was attended by 37 Seabees plus 30 Spouses and Guests.  Activities started with check-in, and Meet and Greet on Thursday evening.  Several Seabees brought cruise books, photos and other memorabilia for everyone to enjoy.  Refreshments and snacks were provided in the Hospitality Room.

 

 

Friday and Saturday were a free days for exploring, shopping, and attending shows within the Branson Area.  Friday evening the group attended the performance of “SIX”, a contemporary vocal band featuring six brothers.  The multi-talented brothers sound like a real band using only their voices.  The show was enjoyed by all.

 

Saturday evening we gathered at the Welk Resort Stage Door Restaurant for our Banquet.  The evening began with the Pledge Allegiance, the significance of the “Fallen Warrior Table” and recognition of MCB 4 Seabees Killed in Action.  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 omitted please let me know.  I have attempted to research Combat Casualties for World War II, Korea, and Afghanistan but have not had any success.

 

The names of the MCB 4 Veterans who have answered the Final Salute since we last gathered was 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.

 

A brief discussion of VA Benefits was led by Doug Morris.  The evening was concluded with the Oldest and Youngest Seabee in attendance cutting the Seabee Reunion Cake.  The oldest Seabee was Vince Peffley (85) served (1953-1957).  The youngest was Jerome Grobe (57) served (1981-1984).

 

Thank you to Pete Hayworth for the taking the time to act as the Reunion Photographer.

 

All in attendance enjoyed the Reunion Festivities, renewing old friendships, and making new friends.

 

2021 Reunion – New Orleans, LA

 

Dennis Theriot is planning on Hosting a Reunion in New Orleans, LA.  The time and location has not been determined.  As soon as more information becomes available it will be added to the website and Newsletter will be published

 

Reunion Website

 

The Reunion website is going to be maintained.  The Newsletter and some of the photos taken by Pete Hayworth have been added to the website.  The website address is: www.nmcb4reunion.com.  The website will be updated periodically as information becomes available.

 

2020 Reunion – Las Vegas, NV

 

A MCB 4 Reunion is being planned by Jim Wilson in Las Vegas in 2020.  Check Facebook Page (NMCB-4 2020 Vegas Reunion) for additional information.

 

 

Time for Moving On

 

I have been maintaining a MCB 4 Rooster, writing the Newsletter, and acting as Reunion Coordinator/Treasure since 2007.  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. My contact information is:

 

            Dean Jaeger

            2315 N. 76th Street

            Lincoln, NE 68507

            Phone:  402-499-5289

            Email:  kjaeg@aol.com

 

Where Are They Now

 

John D. Guerrant, Fulton, MO

 

John Writes:  Thanks to all who planned the Reunion.  We will not be able to attend due to we have 3 trips underway for the year.  We did attend the Reunion in Branson several years ago.  I have always been thankful for the time I served in the Navy.  I did Boot Camp in San Diego, then to Port Hueneme for Steel Worker School.  Assigned to MCB 4, Naval Construction Center, Davisville, RI.  Deployments included, North Africa (Morocco), back to Rhode Island, and Cuba for a year.  Ended my service in Little Creek, VA (January 1957).  Back home to Fulton, MO to buy a farm raising cows, corn and soy beans.  I ended up with my wife Becky and 3 great children.  We have been married 65 years and still able to keep going.  We have been blessed.

 

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.

 

            Walter W. Hagan                                          Facebook

            Richard D. Powell                10-8-15          Note From Family

            Raymond M. Dadig              4-23-16          Note From Wife

            Charles E. Richy                  7-22-18          Phone Call from Wife

            Lorin Delancey                     9-1-18             Letter from Daughter

            William L. Saalfeld               3-1-13             Note from Wife

            Eddie Romero                      1-31-19          Facebook

            James W. Brown                  2-7-19             Facebook

 

ONCE A SEABEE ALWAYS A SEABEE