C-1-1 Reunion04

C-1-1 Reunion04

Charlie Co., 1st Bn, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division held its reunion in Portland, Oregon, August 2004. Marines of Charlie Co. have been meeting since the first reunion in 1977. The original members of the company made the landing at Inchon in September 1950. Many of the unit's members are also combat veterans of World War II.

This series of photos starts with a stop at the Oregon Korean War Memorial on the outskirts of Portland, and continues through the arrival of attendees at the CP (hospitality room) on the first day, the traditional SOS breakfast the next morning, and departure for a sightseeing tour of the area after breakfast.

Next is a series of photos taken during the auction, a fund raising event where one does not dare to scratch, yawn, or even look at one of the strong arm aids to the auctioneer or before you can say "Semper Fi" you own something you didn't intend to buy.

On the third day there was a tour of the Columbia River Gorge, and a sternwheeler cruise on the river followed by a visit to the Bonneville Dam.

The photos of the last event takes place during the farewell dinner where there is evidence that these "old salts" clean up pretty well.

TO SEE ENLARGEMENTS, CLICK ON SLIDE SHOW TO SEE ALL IMAGES OR CLICK ON INDIVIDUAL THUMBNAILS TO SEE SINGLE ENLARGEMENTS.

Suggestions from any of the "Charlies" for photo captions are welcome. Several images are of marginal quality but included in order to provide maximum coverage of attendees.

I attempted to include everyone, but not being perfect I claim credit for all that turned out well, and make it clear that any shortcomings are entirely the fault of the reunion honcho, Al Baiocchi. I borrowed this "dump the blame" strategy from Al.

It was a great time, spent with special comrades who share a common bond. Semper Fidelis.

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IMG 8234 It seemed fitting to stop at the Korean War Memorial just minutes before reaching hotel.	IMG 8237 The memorial is in the suburb of Wilsonville just off I-5.	IMG 8239 Some tend to forget that "Freedom Is Not Free"	IMG 8241 We're here! Where is the CP? Is the bar open?
IMG 8242 Everybody stopped by the "goodie" room to register on arrival.	IMG 8243	IMG 8244 That shell was bigger than my foxhole.	IMG 8245 "Doc" Tepley brought a great scrap book, enjoyed by all.
IMG 8247	IMG 8248 The "Skipper" plots strategy to capture and destroy Al's whistle.	IMG 8249	IMG 8250
IMG 8251	IMG 8252	IMG 8253	IMG 8254 You can't put anything over on "Flim Flam," don't even try.
IMG 8255	IMG 8256	IMG 8257 The "Gunny" still wows 'em	IMG 8258 You would think nobody ate on the way to the reunion.
IMG 8259	IMG 8260 The Gunny is a survivor of, among other things, Iwo Jima, Korea, and 59 years (so far) of marriage to the same woman.	IMG 8261 Ed says the Gunny isn't the only lady magnet.	IMG 8262
IMG 8263 Wishing to find two guys fit enough to stay upright on the dance floor for a whole number.	IMG 8264 Leo making a plan; probably bad news for somebody.	IMG 8265	IMG 8266 Scene from deck of the CP. Looking over the Columbia to Washington.
IMG 8267 View from CP deck to the railroad bridge.	IMG 8268	IMG 8269	IMG 8271
IMG 8273	IMG 8274	IMG 8275	IMG 8276
IMG 8277 Al instructs the Marine Color Guard. Like they needed it.	IMG 8278	IMG 8279	IMG 8280 Marine Color Guard presents the colors at first morning breakfast.