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The Proud Warrior
WORLD WAR II * VIETNAM * GULF WAR * SOMALIA * IRAQ * AFGHANISTAN * PEACE TIME
National Newsletter of the 1/9 Network, Inc.
March 2013
“A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the
gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly. But the traitor moves amongst those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself. For
the traitor appears not a traitor; he speaks in accents familiar to his victims, and he wears their face and their
arguments, he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men. He rots the soul of a nation, he
works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of the city, he infects the body politic so that it
can no longer resist. A murderer is less to fear.”
Cicero 106 –43 BC
The Proud Warrior
2013—2014 Executive Board & Board of Directors
Executive Officers
National President
Vice President
Chairman of the Board
Ric Neumann
Mel Sherman
Roger Good
Secretary
Treasurer
Membership
Robert Moxley
Bill Hesse
James Stroger
Board of Directors
James
Speak
Mac
McKenzie
Sgt. Maj.
Tracy
Woody
Postle
Phil
Sutherland
Bill
Bennett
George
Malone
Bob
Fowles
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The Proud Warrior
Message from the President
A
ll Hands,
Let me start off this edition with some very bad news for all. By now I’m sure that all of
you are aware of the training accident that took the lives of seven Marines and wounded six
more plus a Navy Corpsman at Hawthorne Army Depot in the Nevada mountain’s on Monday
the 18th of March. The accident involved members of Alpha, Weapons and H&S companies of
1st Battalion 9th Marines. Our battalion was at the Mountain Warfare Training Center near
Bridgeport California for mountain warfare training, in preparation for the up-coming deployment to Afghanistan later this year. They had moved down to Hawthorne about two hours
away do some live fire assault course as well as counter IED training in those rough mountains in Nevada. They were planning on having a ‘warriors night’ (beer party) on the night of
the last training day and had invited me to the party as well as to observe the last couple of
days of training. To make a long story short, I was out on the mountain with the Alpha Company rifle platoons when the 60 mm mortar round malfunctioned and exploded as it came out of the tube about 100+
yards to my left. Given the ruggedness of the terrain it took quite a while to get assistance to the site so all medical help
came from a couple of Corpsmen until the Battalion Aid Station personnel, and eventually the Hawthorne EMT’s, could get
on site. There was no panic or hysteria, just hard working, concerned Marines and sailors trying to save the lives of their
buddies.
All casualties, both living and dead, were evacuated to the Renown Hospital in Reno. I have to say that I have rarely seen
a community come together to help and support others. The battalion CO stationed the Bn. Sergeant Major and a couple of
Marines in the hospital to take care of any needs the wounded may have as well as make sure that the dead were properly
taken care of as well. The hospital took the position that none of the hospitals rules applied to the Marines of 1/9 and that
our money was no good. They provided all food coffee snacks and in house lodging to Sgt. Maj. Tracy and his Marines as
well as a meeting room to work out of. The Reno City Police stationed a 24/7 guard at the door to the meeting room so we
could store any gear and personal belongings as well as not be disturbed. That room was stocked with deli sandwiches,
iced down soft drinks, snack trays and other assorted food items all at no cost. Beer also mysteriously appeared in the
room too. Just to give you an idea of how much latitude we were given, six of us walked into the ICU to visit the wounded
and the staff just started moving things out of our way rather than try to throw us out. As most of you know the ICU is a
place where visitation is extremely limited to next of kin for very short periods of time. We roamed the halls late at night
checking on those not in Intensive Care, again without challenge.
The Reno City Police also formed an Honor Guard to escort our dead to the airport where they would be taken by Military
Aircraft to Dover AFB for autopsy and final body preparation.
Yesterday I called the Mayor of Reno on behalf of the network and thanked him and his city for the outpouring of support
that they gave to our fallen Marines. I have also told MRP to start looking into the facilities of the city as a possible reunion
site for 2016 as a way of expressing our thanks.
On to a more pleasant topic, the 2014 reunion. Today I signed the contract with the Hilton Hotel in Wilmington NC for August 27th through the 31st 2014. I know, I know, it’s an expensive place, but it’s the ONLY place in town that can accommodate a group our size. There isn’t any place else that even comes close to what we need so it was a matter of long, and
sometimes heated, negotiations to make it as affordable as possible. We are locked in at $135 per room per night including
a breakfast that will be eatable by our many diabetics. The usual sugary stuff plus eggs and bacon or sausage will be
served in our hospitality suite each morning. Bon au petit dude’s. We are also planning on having our memorial service
across the river from the hotel aboard the USS North Carolina, which is a retired WW II battleship, so that will be a first for
us. Other activities and details will follow as we get closer to August 2014.
Semper Fidelis,
Ric Neumann
2014
2014
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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
D
ear Brothers, much has happened since our last newsletter and I pray: Dear God, let us always be thankful
for good times, give us strength for tough times and stand with us when our heart is heavy.
As we continue into spring and summer I want to remind you of a couple of mini reunions. Scheduled for April
19,20,21 2013 is the 1/9 South West Gunny Burns mini reunion at Camp Pendleton Onofre Beach Park. On the
other coast the 26th Annual Veterans Reunion will be held on April 25-28th in Melbourne FL—hope you can make
it to one or both of these events.
The Marine Corps Birthday marks the official “Membership Dues Are Due” time for the Network. If you haven’t
sent in your dues for 2013 please take a moment and get a check in the mail—refer to the back section of this
newsletter as to where to remit and also how to become a life member. There are many costs associated with
keeping an organization like ours running well. The cost of sending a quarterly newsletter alone runs into the thousands of dollars—you can help
by notifying our “Proud Warrior” editor, Joe Heater, to start sending you the newsletter online so we can save printing and postage. If you are
reading a hard copy of this newsletter sent to you and haven’t contributed to the Network by paying membership dues on a regular basis and
don’t plan on doing so, I ask that you either switch to email or ask that your name be removed from the mailing list. We want to reach out and
keep in contact with all those who have served with the First Battalion Ninth Marines and we need your help.
God Bless and Semper Fi
Roger
Message from the Vice-President
M
y thoughts for submittal related to the 1/9er tragedy in Nevada:
Rest in Peace, Brothers. Speedy & full recovery for the injured. Emotional support for witnesses & first
responders.
Chills knowing Ric was there…
My fervent hope is for a thorough investigation that prevents reoccurrences- this time.
Such was not the case with the AR-15 that caused repeated tragedies in Nam.
Semper fi,
Mel
Message from the Editor
M
arines & Corpsman,
With a number of Mini-Reunions on the horizon this summer, it would be good time to bring a filled out
membership form to the event. I know, this is like a broken record but our renewals are running at an all
time low so it’s time to grab the wallet and a stamp. Ok, the sermon is over.
Mel, said it very well above, but I’ll ask as well to take a moment from your busy day to remember those
who gave there all in the defense of our country. Our is a dangerous profession where death and injury is
always imminent, even when not deployed. Let’s be thankful that we still have young men and women
willing to step forward in spite of the dangers and carry forward the banner of freedom .
Semper Fi,
Joe Heater - Editor
Delta Co. “66-67”
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Editors Note: Received the letter below from Dick Stiner. As a Corporal, Dick was
the S-1 forward with the Battalion CP Jan – May 1969. After Vietnam and Okinawa
(where he was C Co. chief clerk), Dick served two more years at RTR, MCRD, San
Diego, and another 4 years in the 6th Engineer Battalion HQ, Portland, OR Marine
Corps Reserve unit, finally leaving the service as a GySgt. Dick graduated from
Portland State University, and he is now a CPA, and Corporate Chief Financial Officer, living with his wife Cynthia in Sandy, OR.
M
y son Jeff asked me to give a short talk on the Marine Corps Birthday. I thought I would do it with Marine Corps
Bumper stickers. On November 10, 1775, the Marine Corps was founded in a small tavern in Philadelphia. The founders believed in “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Anybody Who Threatened It.” They were determined that “America, be the
Home of the Free Because of the Brave,” and they were bound and determined to “Provide Enemies of America an Opportunity to Die for Their Country since 1775.” Who here can tell me what day the US Army birthday is on? Or the US Navy?
Or the Air Force? Or how about the French Foreign Legion? Other services don’t celebrate their birthdays like we do. Every
year on November 10th there are hundreds of Marine Corps balls, and Marine Corps Birthday celebrations throughout
America, in many of the other nations of this world, and even aboard US Ships on the seven seas. How many of the US
services even celebrate their existence at all other than the United States Marine Corps? We, on the other hand, celebrate
our service openly, proudly displaying the Eagle, Globe and Anchor and adorning our cars with unique bumper stickers reminding others and ourselves of who we are.
What makes the Marines different? In 1969, I was in the Ashau Valley, Vietnam with “The 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, the
Walking Dead”. We were in the bush for 63 straight days, engaging the enemy every day. Part of our duty was to go
through the personal effects of the dead NVA we found finding anything that would provide intel for us. I did a lot of that,
and found that the NVA approached the Marine units in Vietnam entirely differently than other military units. The NVA respected them, but they feared Marine Corps units. They knew they could fragment many military units with relative ease,
and that Marine Corps units were much harder to fragment, and the NVA needed much stronger firepower and more soldiers to fight against them. Marines know that hero’s don’t win wars, that armies do. We don’t fragment. We know that the
key to military success is teamwork. From the first day a Marine enters boot camp, he is taught to forget everything civilian
he knows and how to become part of a team. Boot Camp is “Just Another Day in Paradise – USMC” and that “All Men are
Created Equal, a Few Become Marines.” Marines win battles and wars because Marines follow orders, and follow them without question. To a Marine, the success of his unit is everything. There is plenty of room for heroics, but the welfare of his
fire team, squad, platoon, company and battalion come first. We know that “Failure is Not an Option.”
The Marines are a force to be feared. We believe “A Dead Enemy is a Peaceful Enemy, and Blessed be the Peacekeepers.”
We believe that “We are in the Ass Kicking Business and Business is Good.” We believe that you “Should Not Wish Ill for
Your Enemy, but Should Plan It.” In terms of battle strategy Marines believe “Gun Control is Hitting Your Target” that
“When in Doubt, Empty the Magazine” that “Happiness is a Belt-fed Weapon” and we believe that “Artillery Brings Dignity
to What Would Otherwise Just Be a Brawl.”
On a more serious note Marines always live in the shadow of death. Every Marine knows that death may be required of him
to protect the other men of his unit, and to ensure victory to the battle. Marines don’t pray for their own safety, they pray
for the strength to do their job. That, folks, is what makes us different. Marines are “Brothers to the End”, we believe that
“Death Smiles at Everyone, but Marines Smile Back”. We also firmly believe that “He Who Shed Blood With Me Shall Forever Be My Brother” that “All Give Some, and Some Give All” and that “There is No Such Thing as a Former Marine.” That is
why we are here tonight.
Marines don’t question whether wars or police actions are right or wrong. We simply carry out the wishes of those who
make those decisions. “People Sleep Peacefully In Their Beds at Night Because Rough Men Stand Ready To Do Violence On
Their Behalf.” We know that in many instances “America Is Not At War, America’s Military Is At War. America Is At The
Mall”. We know that “Pacifism is a Luxury Paid For By Warriors” and that “Patriotic Dissent Is A Luxury Of Those Protected
By Better Men Than They.” But we also know “You Only Have The Rights You Are Willing To Fight For”, and we understand
to the fullest that “For Those Who Fought For It, Freedom Has A Flavor The Protected Will Never Know”.
Marines are a special breed. We know “Some People Spend An Entire Lifetime Wondering If They Made A Difference. The
Marines Don’t Have That Problem”. We know that America is “One Nation Under God and His Marines Standing Guard.” Marines know that “Once a Marine. Always A Marine” and that “Semper Fidelis Is Not Just a Saying, It Is a Way Of Life”. When
all is over, and said and done a Marine can say “You Will Die, but I Will Die A Marine”.
To this we say “Oohrah…It’s a Marine thang”. Semper Fi. Let the Birthday Celebration begin.
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Women in the Infantry?
Editors Note: The author, James Webb, was discharged from the Marine Corps in
2010. He is currently finishing his undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland
while working full time for a DOD Contractor. His article is re-printed with permission.
I
first need to begin this post with a disclaimer. Not because of any offensive or controversial subject matter but because I have failed to achieve the proper mindset necessary for
'attacking' this kind of subject.
A good friend of mine, who knows the most intimate details about my opinion on this matter, read my draft copy of this post and said, "Jim! Get angry! Let the hate flow through
you!" So, I walked down to my local convenience store and bought a 12 of PBR in order to
tap into my inner Clint Eastwood (GET OFF MY LAWN!). I then assembled a list of tracks I
deem necessary for pushing me to the Dark Side, which may or may not have worked..
So..
Last week I had the opportunity to sit down with a diverse group of people to discuss the new Department of Defense mandate that the military open up billets in combat units to women. The discussion was pretty lively, if not completely one sided. The main (if not only) proponent for the addition of women into combat roles was Martha McSally. On the other side
were several women, to include Retired USMC Gunnery Sgt. Jessie Jane Duff, and then myself, the lone male in the group.
Before I get into the meat of my perspective on this particular issue I want to make a couple of things clear. The first is
that women have encountered combat in the past decade, just like the rest of the force, and served admirably. On a more
personal level my mother, aunt, grandmother and one of my female cousins have all stepped up, put on a uniform at some
point during a time of war. I also come from a long line of war fighters, more specifically Infantryman. In more recent history, my father was a Marine and wounded twice in Vietnam, my grandfather was in the second wave of Marines to land on
Iwo Jima, my other grandfather was a career Air Force Officer. Serving in WWII, the Berlin Airlift, Korea, and Vietnam.
In short, while only two family members (from either side) have made a career of the military, I can trace my lineage to
every American War dating back to the French and Indian and to European conflicts even further back in history. I myself
was a Sgt in the Marine Corps Infantry and the phone call to my father after rating a Combat Action Ribbon was one of the
proudest moments of my life. I had managed to carry on the war fighter legacy for another generation.
All of that to say: Women entering the Infantry is a hot button issue for me, not as an abstract policy decision, but on a
very personal level.
I see this as an attempt to create social progress or make a social statement at the expense of those who put their lives on
the line.
Pure and simple, it's nothing short of self promotion... which is ironic given that Infantry units abhor the concept of the
individual.
It is preached to the point of mantra that tightly knit teams win wars, while individuals get people killed.
Let's break this down.
1. This is unfair to women.
Plain and simple, if you admit women into the Infantry, you must ask them to be men. This is completely unfair, as women
are not physically just smaller men - they are completely different. Now, this is not the same as equality in society - that is
a completely separate issue.
In society writ large there are examples of these physical differences. One of these is the Olympics, where there are separate events for both men and women. As Ms. Duff pointed out during our discussion, women have 50% less upper body
strength, and 25% less lung capacity. Because of this reality, the physical standards for women in the military are significantly and justifiably lower. The Infantry itself is a lot like your university's football team. They're a bunch of mouth
breathing, knuckle dragging, testosterone charged, physical machines (to be clear I say this out of love). These men didn't
join the Infantry because the uniforms were cool or they wanted money for college. They joined to push themselves to the
limits of human endurance, and well, because over the past 10 years were promised a chance to take a shot at another
human being... legally.
(Continued on page 8)
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Women in the Infantry? - Continued
(Continued from page 7)
Do you really want your daughter hanging out with men who have that mentality?
Additionally, you are opening up the door to a world of backlash as well. The Army has already mandated that not only will
women attend Ranger School, but any who are dismissed must be justified to the highest level of command. This is precisely the kind of treatment that creates resentment and makes it harder for women to co-exist in the military with men.
2. The Infantry as a sub-culture.
BLUF: The Infantry exists for one purpose and that is to kill people.
Anyone can try to paint a rosier picture of what grunts do; nation build, hand out soccer balls, etc. but, when it comes
down to it, throughout history Infantrymen have hunted down the enemy and killed him.
Intrantrymen are not diplomats, negotiators, social crusaders, or explicit advocates of human rights. They are the men who
are sent in when diplomatic channels fail, in order to influence other groups of people through the application of violence.
In all other segments of society, except in criminal elements, violence is preached against, avoided, and except in the rarest of circumstances, illegal. In an Infantryman's world, violence is actively sought out, and participating in a gunfight is
not only sought out, it is a standard by which you are judged. As this is a primal kind of existence all things are judged by
whether or not they make you more effective in combat. That is to say, does this policy enable you to take life more effectively, or does it put you and your fellow grunts more at risk of losing your own. Everything boils down to exploitation of
weakness and preservation of your own. Needless to say this is very different from the day-to-day in everyday America.
As a result, the Infantry is probably the least politically correct and most exclusive group in America. It's allowed to be, it
HAS to be. This is not to say that Grunts are sexist men who drive fancy cars and are haggled by the Paparazzi. Fairness
in the Infantry is pure. It is simple. It is determined by how effective your unit is on the battlefield. The more elite the
unit, the more 'unfair' the entry standards are, and the more 'unfair' the fight is for the enemy. Anything which hinders
your ability to dominate your battlespace is stripped out. As an individual you are constantly evaluated to determine your
worth, more specifically, whether or not you are a liability. We eat our own. If it is determined that a new member is weak
or undependable, every attempt is made to get rid of that person by any means necessary. Additionally, these screening
methods, which would boil the blood of activists across the country, has a very unique effect which isn't really witnessed in
any other institution. All races and creeds present understand what is at stake and all stand together because you're held
to the same murderous standard. There's a saying, "All Marines are Green" and unlike anywhere else, in Grunt units it's
true.
Why is it important not to alter this equation?
Because it's a methodology that works... and has to work, because if it doesn't then we no longer have the most effective
fighting force in the world. Additionally, it is inherent to the existence of Infantry units that they are able to police their
own. This mandate is the exact opposite of this, and opens the door for groups, many of whom have no association with
the military at any level, to determine the correct way for such units to conduct themselves.
More to the point, if the calculus is altered, our people, my peers, die. So, if we have the most capable and lethal ground
combat force on the planet, it isn't broken. If it isn't broken, what are we trying to fix?
3. There is a marked difference between 'Combat' and 'Sustained Ground Combat Operations'
Combat in its simplest definition entails that shots are exchanged between two hostile groups. This can last a few seconds,
minutes, or hours. Combat, or what is commonly known as a 'firefight' can occur at any point. Typically non-infantry units
who are attacked, seek to respond with force to get away from the attack, or 'out of the kill zone'. They do not seek to
necessarily close with and destroy hostile forces. In essence, the less time engaged with the enemy, the better.
Sustained ground combat operations , as conducted by infantry units, are quite the opposite. If an infantry unit encounters hostility in an area, their focus becomes driving the enemy from that area. Unlike non-Infantry units, Grunt units
will keep going back until the threat is eliminated. This means days, weeks or months away from any kind of comfort,
(Continued on page 9)
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Women in the Infantry? - Continued
(Continued from page 8)
while you constantly move around looking for a fight. Fundamentally, it is an assertion of dominance and control. It is a
primal an animalistic existence. This kind of attitude is shunned and feared in today's main stream society. However, in
warfare it is inherent that you act this way, because if you do not, your opponent will. Once a specific area is under control, leadership then finds a new area in which to repeat the process. Infantrymen do this day in and day out for the length
of their deployment. In the "War On Terror" these types have deployments have ranged from 7 to 18 months in duration.
Now, take this attitude which is completely contrary to societal norms, and do it with a series of factors which make degrade your ability to be effective. First, strap on around 100lbs of additional equipment, thereby making you slow, cumbersome, and constantly uncomfortable. Next, remove a regular meal schedule, which makes you weak. Finally, only sleep
for a couple hours at a time, usually in your gear and when it's too hot to move, as many Infantry units operate mainly at
night. All of this reaches a crescendo when it's combined with the ever present reminder that any mistake you make can
cost your peers life and limb. This is not your typical day job, and it is not a place for social experimentation. As if it's
some kind of lab set up to 'see' if certain people can hack it or not. This environment is the complete opposite of that. It
is the ultimate crucible of human physical and emotional endurance, which only the most capable people should apply.
4. It can physically break off even the strongest men
I will never be as proud as I was about serving as a Grunt in the Marine Corps. However, it was the most physically taxing
and damaging thing I have ever done to myself. To this day I still wake up every morning, and have a nice 'walk down
memory lane'. When I look in the mirror I see the scars on my body left by a reconstructive surgery on my shoulder, at
least once a year my back seizes up because I have compressed vertebrae. I'm not yet 31 and sometimes feel like an old
man. On the same note, I have never been a physical slouch. At my peak physical conditioning I weighed in at 170 pounds,
could do 26 pull ups and ran 3 miles in under 18 minutes. However, even in that kind of shape, the sheer magnitude of the
equipment I had to carry around took its toll. An easy day was carrying around half my body weight. At times, it was significantly more.
To put it metaphorically (and to draw on a previous one), everyone should be afforded the opportunity to go to Ohio State,
but for obvious reasons not just anyone can be on the football team.
5. My Biggest Fear
Plain and simple, that standards are dropped to allow 'social progress.' To me, this will mean nothing short of a marked
drop in effectiveness on the battlefield, which in turn results in needless deaths of our people. Let's be real for a second,
whomever we're fighting could care less about whether or not we have women on the battlefield. Their only concern is
how easy it is to kill our people. What I truly believe is that those who are proponents of Women in the Infantry are actively attempting to change the culture of the Infantry, because for one reason or another, it disgusts them. Infantrymen
are notoriously aggressive, combative, politically incorrect and downright offensive at times. This is precisely the type of
attitude that the job demands. I don't tell anyone else how to live their life or how to do their job, and what I resent is the
line of people coming in and telling me how to do mine. Furthermore, if you look at American culture, the 'beta' male has
become the norm, or even the social ideal. While James Dean, or John Wayne used to be the 'ideal' American male, we
now have Justin Bieber and Justin Timberlake. Gone is the man's man.
This is no accident.
On the flip side, the Infantry is an old school, 'man's man' environment. Furthermore, the majority of Americans have never even met an Infantryman, let alone know what it takes to make a unit effective in combat.
Yet, these people are determining the fate and direction of such units.
Some .45% of Americans have served in the War on Terror, and I promise you it's vastly different than any video game
you've ever played. But, what I do know, is that once groups such as NOW, the ACLU or anyone else starts going through
the 'dirty laundry' of Infantry units (such as how they enforce discipline...for those who have been there, you know what
I'm talking about), I have no doubt that they will demand, and get, 'change.' If and when this does happen, you will see
the wholesale destruction of more than 200 years of tradition which has separated our Armed Forces from those of the rest
of the World.
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Editors Note: Since February was the 10th Anniversary of the Iraq Invasion, I thought it might do us all well to revisit
General Mattis’s inspiring message to the Marines who were about cross The Line of Departure.
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1st Battalion 9th Marines Network, INC
2013
Scholarship Application
PURPOSE
The 1st Battalion 9th Marines Network, Inc. Scholarship Awards will once again be granted
this year to two individuals, in the amount of $750 each. These Awards are given out to honor all the Warriors that have served with The 1st Battalion 9th Marines at any time during their
military service.
ELIGIBILITY
These awards are open to members of the 1st Battalion 9th Marines Network, Inc. who are in
good standing, their spouses, children, step children or grandchildren. Applicants must be a
graduating high school senior, a current college student, post graduate student, or a person
who is willing to test him/herself with the challenges of higher education for accredited
courses. Applicants will be scored on scholastic achievement, potential for success in a chosen field, outstanding character and citizenship, school and community service and/or financial need.
Member sponsors please complete and submit the form on the following pages.
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Operation Backup
D
uring our past reunion in San Diego, there were a number of conversations with members who expressed a desire to
stay in touch with the Battalion when it is deployed to Afghanistan. The idea of having some kind of organization to
support the Battalion while on the field of battle was discussed with Sgt Maj Tracy and CO Major McNulty. The idea immediately received enthusiastic thumbs up from them and many others.
Some of the other members recalled that during their Vietnam tour it was almost impossible at times to get certain things
like socks, toothpaste, green T shirts etc.
Getting a goody box from home with treasures of extreme value like raisins,
peanuts, popcorn, and goofy grape Kool-Aid mix were a big boost for morale. Sgt Maj Tracy put us in contact with 1 st Sgt
Gunn of Alpha Company. They are currently the only 1/9 unit deployed and they are currently assigned to Kuwait. 1 st Sgt
Gunn thought a big brother concept sounded like a great idea and his Marines would greatly appreciate it. He also suggested that correspondence be started between the present members of the Battalion and those of the past.
At first we wondered if the old geezers spoke the same language as those Marines of the present. We were assured there
are Marines in the Battalion who would like to correspond with us. For example, when I left Vietnam I was in Charlie Company, 2nd platoon, 1st squad leader. I wondered if the Marine who now holds that position would like to hear from the Marine who held the position in 1967. (Just might be interesting!) Just think if a young Marine officer commanding 2 nd platoon Charlie Company were to find out the Marine who held his position in 1967 went on to become a Lieutenant General
and West Pac Commander. A one- time company commander of Alpha went on to become the Marine Commandant.
As of now the only items sent to Marine Central Command area of operation are 1 inch paint brushes that Alpha Company
uses to clean their weapons. The needs will definitely change when 1/9 arrives in Afghanistan. Alpha Company returned
the favor by sending an American flag they had flown during Operation Eager Falcon. The flag has been dedicated to the
Veterans of 1st Battalion, 9th Marines “Di Bo Chet”.
Our overall goal is to show support for the Battalion and help affect morale in a positive way. Linda Brown, an honorary
member of the 1/9 Network, has volunteered to act as the contact point for the present. We are in the development stage.
For those of you who wish to be part of the support group, have any ideas, or past experience in this type of project,
please contact Linda Brown at [email protected] . This is an effort to bring new members into our network to continue the legacy of the Walking Dead. We have produced a promotional video that will be sent out to the Chaplain and 1 st
Sgt of each company to be shared with their troops as well as membership applications.
Ted Van Meeteren
Operation Backup 1/9
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Member Request
O
n September 15, 2012, I spoke to the 1/9 general membership in San Diego, California, about Major Douglas A. Zombiec (pronounced Zembek). At that time I asked
for help in getting a U.S. Navy ship named for Major Zombiec. Major Zombiec, U.S. Marine Corps, referred to as the “lion of Fallujah”, was killed in action on May 11, 2007,
while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is best known for his actions during Operation Vigilant Resolve, which were detailed in the book, “No True Glory”, by Bing West.
Major Zombiec was born in Hawaii April 14, 1973, and grew up in Albuquerque, New
Mexico. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy where he was a collegiate wrestler, with a
95-21-1 record and was a two-time All-American. Also referred to as the “Unapologetic
Warrior”, he felt that killing the enemy for your country was honorable and noble. Major
Zombiec was greatly respected by his superiors and the Marines he led.
Major Zombiec had been a rifle platoon commander with First Battalion, Sixth Regiment,
a platoon commander with 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company, at Camp Lejeune, North
Carolina. While with 2nd Force Recon he served in Kosovo in 1999. In September 2000,
he was transferred to the Amphibious Reconnaissance School located at Ft. Story, Virginia and served as the XO for two years. Zombie attended the Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, Virginia, graduating in 2003. He then took command of E Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, in July 2003.
He was named the “Lion of Fallujah” as a result of his heroic actions leading Echo 2/1
during Operation Vigilant Resolve in 2004. As a rifle company commander he led the
first conventional ground assault into Fallujah, Iraq. He was awarded the Silver Star,
Bronze Star with Combat “V” and two Purple Hearts, due to wounds sustained in action.
While serving on his fourth combat tour in Iraq, he was killed by small arms fire while leading a raid in Baghdad on May 11,
2007. Major Zombiec was leading a unit of Iraqi forces he had trained. He warned the troops to get down before doing so
himself, and was hit by enemy fire. He was killed in an attempt to save his men.
As many of you know, our son Commander Ryan Keys, U.S. Navy, was a classmate of Doug. Ryan had dinner with Doug
the evening before they both departed for overseas duty. When Ryan speaks of Doug, it is with great admiration and respect. Additionally, the CO of 1/9, Major Andrew McNulty (Lt.Col. select), knew Doug well and can speak to his character
and sense of duty. The U.S, Naval Academy class of 1995, has untaken the monumental task of having a U.S. Navy ship of
the line named for Major Zombiec. The request was not granted.
In a day and age when so many are called heroes, this young Marine stands out above all, and I believe that the naming of
a ship on the line is the least that can be done in his memory. With the upcoming budget cuts, this may become even
more difficult.
Major Zombie often wrote of his beliefs, some of which were read at this funeral. At his eulogy the following excerpts of
Doug’s writings were read:
“Be a man of principle. Fight for what you believe in. Keep your word. Live with integrity. Be brave. Believe in
something bigger than yourself. Serve your Country. Teach. Mentor. Give something back to society. Lead from
the front. Conquer your fears. Be a good friend. Be humble and be self-confident. Appreciate your friends and
family. Be a leader not a follower. Be valorous on the field of battle. Take responsibility for our actions. Never
forget those that were killed. And never let rest those that killed them.”
At the general membership meeting several 1/9er’s stepped forward to assist with the project. I would like to contact the
parents of Major Zombiec and the USNA Class of 1995, and tell them we are willing to help. I thank the several 1/9ers
who have said they would help, and ask those interested to contact me. I will be thinking of ways of getting this project
rolling. Let’s join forces for a great cause, for a great Marine.
Tom Keys, Delta 1/9, 66-67
E-Mail: [email protected]
Page 16
The Proud Warrior
“Things for Sale”
A Message for Advertisers
in The Proud Warrior
Dear Advertisers,
For those wishing to advertise in The Proud Warrior, here is the advertising policy.
1. For new books written by members in good standing of the 1/9 Network, we will carry a full description for two (2) issues and there after the book will go on to a recommended reading list which will display the following information;
Author, Title, Subject, Purchase Source, i.e., Amazon, etc.; Books written by other than 1/9 Network members will be
subject to standard advertising rates.
2. For advertising for other products and services the Network will request a per issue donation per this schedule:
1/9 Network Member in Good Standing
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1/9 Network Not a Member in Good Standing
To place your Advertisement
please Contact the Editor:
E-Mail: [email protected]
Phone: 847-991-2160
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I
t is 1966, when a nineteen-year-old boy from Three Rivers, Michigan, follows family tradition by enlisting in the United States Navy. A plan which he "thinks" will guarantee an
uneventful tour of duty aboard a US naval ship goes awry when he is deposited in the middle of a war zone in South Vietnam. For the next grueling year, he performs the duties of a
fleet marine force medic, caring for wounded and dying American marines. Dubbed Doc
John by his comrades, he soon becomes entrenched in a strange, dangerous world, where
he becomes both witness and reluctant warrior. Whether he is patching up wounded comrades or placing Band-Aids on scrapes of native children, young Doc John somehow manages to do an impossible job, even as the world is falling down around him. He not only learns
the sad lessons of war, but survives them and finds himself in the process. These are the
experiences of a different kind of soldier, who manages to traverse a minefield of emotional
upheaval and can still tell his stories with honesty and self-deprecating humor, exemplifying
the resiliency of the human spirit.
John “Doc” Holm served with Charlie Company in 1968-69. He will be donating a portion of
any profit from the sale of his book to the 1/9 Network Scholarship fund.
The book is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble in both hard copy and as an e-book.
Page 17
The Proud Warrior
Stolen Valor Act - Update
Editors Note: This space is usually reserved for updates on the Stolen
Valor Act. Since there haven’t been any changes since the last issue,
thought I would run the Citation for the latest Medal of Honor recipient.
Staff Sergeant Clinton L. Romesha distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty while serving as a Section Leader with Bravo Troop, 3d Squadron,
61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division,
during combat operations against an armed enemy at Combat Outpost
Keating, Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan on October 3,
2009.
On that morning, Staff Sergeant Romesha and his comrades awakened to
an attack by an estimated 300 enemy fighters occupying the high ground
on all four sides of the complex, employing concentrated fire from recoilless rifles, rocket propelled grenades, anti-aircraft
machine guns, mortars and small arms fire.
Staff Sergeant Romesha moved uncovered under intense enemy fire to conduct a reconnaissance of the battlefield and
seek reinforcements from the barracks before returning to action with the support of an assistant gunner.
Staff Sergeant Romesha took out an enemy machine gun team and, while engaging a second, the generator he was using
for cover was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade, inflicting him with shrapnel wounds.
Undeterred by his injuries, Staff Sergeant Romesha continued to fight and upon the arrival of another soldier to aid him
and the assistant gunner, he again rushed through the exposed avenue to assemble additional soldiers.
Staff Sergeant Romesha then mobilized a five-man team and returned to the fight equipped with a sniper rifle. With complete disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Romesha continually exposed himself to heavy enemy fire, as he moved
confidently about the battlefield engaging and destroying multiple enemy targets, including three Taliban fighters who had
breached the combat outpost’s perimeter.
While orchestrating a successful plan to secure and reinforce key points of the battlefield, Staff Sergeant Romesha maintained radio communication with the tactical operations center. As the enemy forces attacked with even greater ferocity,
unleashing a barrage of rocket-propelled grenades and recoilless rifle rounds, Staff Sergeant Romesha identified the point
of attack and directed air support to destroy over 30 enemy fighters.
After receiving reports that seriously injured Soldiers were at a distant battle position, Staff Sergeant Romesha and his
team provided covering fire to allow the injured Soldiers to safely reach the aid station.
Upon receipt of orders to proceed to the next objective, his team pushed forward 100 meters under overwhelming enemy
fire to recover and prevent the enemy fighters from taking the bodies of their fallen comrades. Staff Sergeant Romesha’s
heroic actions throughout the day-long battle were critical in suppressing an enemy that had far greater numbers. His extraordinary efforts gave Bravo Troop the opportunity to regroup, reorganize and prepare for the counterattack that allowed
the Troop to account for its personnel and secure Combat Outpost Keating.
Staff Sergeant Romesha’s discipline and extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty reflect great credit upon
himself, Bravo Troop, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and the United States Army.
Page 18
The Proud Warrior
On the "Lighter Side"
Winston Churchill vs. Lady Astor
Winston Churchill vs. a Member of Parliament
Groucho Marx vs. a contestant on “You Bet
Your Life,” after the contestant revealed
that he was a father of 10
Page 19
The Proud Warrior
NEW MEMBERS
The names submitted to the Network should not be reproduced and given to other sources for
commercial use. Please respect the privacy of our Brothers and their families.
First
MI
Last
Date Served
Company
Platoon
Jerry
Lee
Mudra
1965
Charlie
N/A
Send address changes to: James Stogner, 217 East Park Drive, Onalaska, TX 77360
Jim Stogner
Your DI's say, it's time to "Re-Up" so mail in your dues for 2013 to keep your membership current!
Page 20
The Proud Warrior
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
If you would like to apply for membership in the 1/9 Network, please return this form to:
FIRST BATTALION NINTH MARINES NETWORK, INC.
National Membership Committee Chairman
James Stogner
217 East Park Drive
Onalaska, TX 77360
(936) 646-4648
[email protected]
Please attach DD-214,NAVMC 118 (3) and NAVMC 118 (9) confirming service with 1st Battalion 9th Marines unless verified by an active member of the 1/9 Network, Inc. organization. In the absence of documentation list the names of members of your fire team, squad or platoon, however, be advised this
may delay processing of your application while verifying your service with 1/9 with our active membership rolls. Providing documentation allows much faster processing toward membership approval .
Full Legal Name: __ ____________________________________________________
*note: If you have legally changed your name since serving in the Marine Corps you must provide your
Military Service name, and a document of proof that your name has since been legally changed in a
court of law.
SS# (Last Four)/Service # : __________________ “Nickname” (if any)___________
Mandatory
Address:______________________________________________________________
City/State: __________________________ Zip Code: _____________
Company: ____________Platoon: __________ Squad: _______or Section__________
Dates assigned to 1/9: FROM:___ _________________
TO:____________________
Phone #: (____)_________________________ List in Directory? Yes____ No____
Active (Y/N) Rank:_____ Retired (Y/N) Rank:_____ Medically Retired (Y/N) Rank:_____
Email Address:__________ _______________________
Signature
Date
Don't forget to attach documentation to this application *A copy of any official document such as Orders,
SRB entry, Citation, Promotion Warrant, Letterhead paperwork, or orders that indicate you served with
the 1st Battalion 9th Marines.
A copy of your DD-214 would be appreciated to keep on file (not mandatory). Also required is a NAVMC
118 (9) and a NAVMC 118 (3) which can be obtained from NPRC St Louis.
Please submit Membership Dues of $20.00 with your application. The IRS requires Dues to
maintain our tax status, (Mandatory).
2013 Dues are now due ($25.00). New membership cards are ready to go out. Lifetime Membership are available for $250.00 which can be paid for over one year. Dues
for 2013 will become payable 11/12/2012 will be $25.00.
Make your check payable to:
1st Bn 9th Marines Network, Inc.
Page 21
The Proud Warrior
Mail your check and this sheet to:
National Headquarters
1/9 Network
66 Clinton Court
Meriden, CT 06450-4517
Please fold on dotted line
Please PRINT information requested below
First Name: __________________________ Middle Initial: ____ Last Name: ______________________________
Street Address: ________________________________________________________________________________
City:: _____________________________ State:____________________________ Zip Code: _________________
Phone Number: (______) -(__________________ )
E-Mail Address: _______________________________________________
Please fold on dotted line
Check applicable box(s)
I would like to save the Network some money so please send the Proud Warrior to my E-Mail address listed above
$25.00 Annual Dues
Membership Dues
Check here to apply for Lifetime Membership
2012-13
$250.00 Lifetime Membership
Page 22
The Proud Warrior
NETWORK OFFICERS AND COORDINATORS 2012-2014
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bill Bennett
Bob Fowles
George Malone
Mac McKenzie
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Woody Postle
James Speak
Phil Sutherland
Patrick Tracy (Sgt Maj)
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Ric Neumann
Mel Sherman
Roger Good
Robert Moxley
Bill Hesse
James Stogner
NATIONAL PRESIDENT:
VICE PRESIDENT:
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD:
SECRETARY:
TREASURER:
MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
REGIONAL COORDINATORS, as of August 2010
Tom (Doc) Stubbs
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Robert Taylor
Chuck Olson
South/West
Central/West
North/West
Central/East
North/East
South/East
Central/South
Central/North
(602) 795-5405
[email protected]
(985) 228-0758
(218) 838-0985
[email protected]
[email protected]
CHAPLAIN: Ray Linebaugh
NATIONAL NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Joe Heater (847) 991-2160 [email protected]
WEBMASTER(s): Casey Piatt
John Geisler
[email protected]
[email protected]
Our Grateful Acknowledgement to the Founder of the 1/9 Network, Roger W. Liggon Sr. Alpha Company 1966-67
First Battalion Ninth Marines Network, Inc.
This newsletter is published for the members
of the First battalion Ninth Marines Network,
Inc. Articles and comments do not necessarily represent the views of the officers and
members, but are those of the author. The
editor with the support of the President has
the right to refuse any article that brings discredit to this organization or the United
States Marine Corps.
National Headquarters
66 Clinton St.
Meriden CT 06450-4517
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
www.1stbattalion9thmarinesfirebase.net
NETWORK PHONE # 203-238-1999
This is a dedicated line for members to call. There is also an
answering machine for members to leave messages.
Page 23
The Proud Warrior
THE PROUD WARRIOR
% Joe Heater
1256 East Cooper Drive
Palatine, IL 60074
Page 24