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65 entries.
wrote on October 15, 2018 at 15:21:
It is with regrets that I have to report the passing of one of MEGA's lifetime member. Cpl Ernie A. Tucker passed away yesterday at 1730. Ernie served on the duty in Ankara, Turkey 63/64 and Lagos, Nigeria 64/65. Ernie had attended the majority of the reunions, but missed this last one, due to a health problem... RIP Cpl Ernie A. Tucker
wrote on October 9, 2018 at 09:12:
Checking in, Warsaw Poland 91-92, Beijing China 92-93
wrote on October 1, 2018 at 12:23:
I served as an msg American embassy Rome Italy 1971
wrote on August 26, 2018 at 18:51:
Went to birthday party in San Diego, Ca, for Top Fritz Werner (NCOIC Paris middle 1960s), with several Paris Marines
who served during that time frame, Happy ninety years...
wrote on August 21, 2018 at 02:42:
Just checking in. Lome', Togo and Stuttgart 86-88. rbarton1492@gmail.com
wrote on August 20, 2018 at 10:12:
Anyone know a Cris Lopez MSG Det Valletta Malta and New Delhi India 96-98?
wrote on August 16, 2018 at 22:38:
GySgt Metz, was NCOIC then, Ambassador Robert S. Ingersoll, was there then as well till end 73 and promoted me to SSGT; DCM was Mr. Shoesmith; the RSO, was Mr Holden? I think; At that time, we had our main MSG post in the Chancery building, built in 1931, was where, the Ambassador and key staff worked in two out buildings within the fenced property, we also had BNDD, Bureau of Dangerous Drugs and Narcotics; and a two other agencies (no names used); the Chancery was next door to the Hotel Okura, where Sec Kissenger and Rodgers stayed when visiting; the Annex, held our MSG post 2, in the old railroad office building, an entire city block long, wide... and 6 stories high I think it was... it also housed the Defense Attache, Political Affairs, FBI, etc and the Military Assistance Group, as well as the Consulate downstairs... and other similar offices... The PAO, USAID was in a third building across town... the plans for the new US Embassy were drawn up in 1972... I think finished in 1976. Our Marine House was over below the Grew House (with 2 other similar apartment houses) and /US Compound, atop the hill, with the swimming pool a small commissary...green area, off Roppongi ave...I think it was. I will provide more of our MSG det members in a later email.
wrote on August 2, 2018 at 20:47:
This is for Terry Jesmore. I Served with a Sgt. Ernie Gutierrez in Kampala Uganda 1971. I have some photos of Ernie.
My email address is cdm45702mac.com.
wrote on May 8, 2018 at 08:13:
Thanks to everyone at the reunion, Barbara and I enjoyed seeing
old friends, and making new ones. Hope to see all In Tuscon
next year. Charlie, Paris 65-68
wrote on May 8, 2018 at 08:10:
Just returned from MEGA's 20th Anniversary reunion in Arlington, VA. It was held at the Sheraton Hotel, next to Henderson Hall... I have been to 19 of the 20 and have to say this is next to the best one ever or it was the best ever.. Would like to thank the BOD, Ray Casey (MRP), the Vincent Downes family, Quilts of Honor and everyone that attended this great reunion.. For those that did not make it this year, you missed a good one... Looking forward to 2019.... Semper Fi
wrote on April 28, 2018 at 01:09:
Looking for information on Sgt Richard E. Veasey,or any other MSG who was assign to FBIS Karavas Cyprus(Radio Station Jun-Jul 1974 during Turkish Army Invasion of North Cyprus .
We have info on Veasey and one other marine (SSGT Gutierrez) who were part of 7 MSG assigned to FBIS and were quartered Kyrenia prior to the trouble..Note: SSGT Gutierrez retired from USMC and is deceased.
MSG School 15 Hun 71
Kampala, Uganda 21 September 1971
1972 watch stander Monrovia Liberia
September 1973 transferred to Beirut,Lebanon as NCOIC
1 September 1973 promoted Staff Sergeant.
December 1973 to July 1974.NCOIC ,Karavas(FBIS) station
Awarded Navy Commendation Metal for successful emergency evacuation of FBIS
He attended MSG school on June 15, 1971, and upon completion, transferred to Kampala, Uganda, September 21, 1971. On July 17, 1972, he proceeded to Monrovia, Liberia, as a watch stander. In September 1973, he transferred to Beirut, Lebanon as NCOIC of the detachment. On September 1, 1973, he was promoted to Staff Sergeant.From December 1973 to July 1974, he established a new MSG detachment at the Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) station in Karavas, Cyprus, and as NCOIC of the detachment carried out a successful emergency evacuation for which he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal. The President of the United States recognized SSgt Ernesto K. Gutierrez for heroic achievement in connection with the safety and evacuation of American and British Nationals in a hostile combat environment July 15 through 23, 1974. SSgt. Gutierrez, NCOIC of the Marine Security Guard, Karavas, Cyprus, was in complete control and command throughout and was made responsible for the safety of all personnel in the FBIS by the Mediterranean Bureau Chief who had no staff or other personnel qualified to undertake such an assignment. With complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal dangers involved, SSgt. Gutierrez exposed himself to save American and British National Personnel. His actions directly relate to the safety and well being of those persons as well as their safe evacuation.
On July 22, 1974, SSgt. Gutierrez braved a naval bombardment to rescue two American employees of the FBIS. The employees, caught in the open, were in danger from bursting ordnance when SSgt Gutierrez rushed from the safety of the FBIS building, amid shrapnel from a direct hit on a steel antennae tower, and maneuvered the two government workers at the risk of his personal safety to a safe haven. His action was instrumental in preventing serious or fatal injury to the two employees.
On July 23, 1974, SSgt. Gutierrez volunteered to enter hostile lines and evacuate American and British Nationals from a potentially dangerous environment. During one leg of his trip, SSgt. Gutierrez was confronted by soldiers, stopped and searched at gunpoint, he displayed cool professionalism and maintained his composure thereby preventing a potential confrontation with the invading forces. After obtaining the release of nine Americans and an undetermined amount of British National families, SSgt Gutierrez calmly led them through the lines to an evacuation point. During this entire period, SSgt Gutierrez gave precise instructions to Marines and civilians on safety procedures. Pointing out safe areas within the bureau to protect personnel under fire, he was instrumental in preventing injury, especially when the bureau was subjected to much shrapnel from mortar and artillery fire. Many rooms in the building were devastated, however, due to the cool manner and professional advice to all concerned, not one person was wounded. The positive control, sound judgment and timely and decisive actions undoubtedly were the determining factors in the safe handling of all personnel under his control. His courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and that of the United States Naval Service.
SGT Veasey was also involved in driving FBIS Bus across Turkish/Greek lines and recovering US Personnel.
Any one have any help??
Terry Jesmore
Gysgt Retired
MEGA/MCCIA member
wrote on April 7, 2018 at 19:13:
I have been checking this website on and off for a few years in an attempt to find members of the Bujumbura, Burundi Detachment from 1988-89. I don't see pictures in the photo album from way back. I have some pictures from that great group of guys. I guess I am gonna have to join to be able to post some of those memories in this great site. Members of the detachment: SSGT. Richard D. Betzinger, Sgt. Oscar Rodriguez Jr., Sgt. Arthur Davis Jr., Cpl. Karl Atkins, Cpl. Steve Miller, and Cpl. Terrance Sellars. This Detachment was awarded the "Best Detachment of the Year" and the
"Physical Fitness Award" for Company "F" Africa before the company was divided. I will never forget those guys. If anyone here knows them and have their contact information, please let me know. Semper Fi! Former SSGT, Oscar Rodriguez Jr. USMC
wrote on March 31, 2018 at 23:23:
SSgt/GySgt Tom W. Maness was the DetCmdr at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from 83-85 and Riyadh 85-86. Returned back to Quantico, VA and became an Instructor at MSG School. Sgt Don Block, Mike Johnston, and others are here in your photo album. It was good to see them again. Semper Fidelis, Angela Maness SgtMaj (ret)
wrote on March 30, 2018 at 13:58:
Been a long time since I posted. Lots has happened. Want to say Semper Fi to all. Fair winds and following seas. Colombo Sri Lanka 1970 and Manila RP 1972.
wrote on March 24, 2018 at 13:08:
New to the site came across in a search. Anybody who graduated from Msg either April or May of 1970. Also any Marine that was stationed at the Embassy in Santo Domingo 1970-1972
wrote on March 17, 2018 at 01:30:
Pete Peterson. I served 61 Jiddah, Saudi Arabia 62-64 Nicosia Cyprus. A group of us have been trying to fill out MSG archives Nicosia 1960-2015. We have feed a lot of photos,write ups on events etc. Pleaase contact me and coordinate with KevinCorleo webmaster. I am going to cyprus 29Mar-12Apr2018. Drop me a line. I will be up on line while in Cyprus. Looking for info on FBIS Karavas 1974 Turkish Invasion etc.Semper Fe
A long time ago I had a RE office in Escondido.
wrote on March 16, 2018 at 16:13:
I served as MSG in Tehran, Iran from 1957-1961. A free lance writer now, I'm working on a positive story on MSG's. If any one has pics or sea stories they'd like to share, I'd welcome them, giving full credit of course.
wrote on March 8, 2018 at 18:06:
Amman Jordan 66-67
Khartoum Sudan 67-68
wrote on March 4, 2018 at 13:41:
Hope to see some of the Paris Marines at 2018 reunion
Charlie.. Paris 12/65 thru 01/68
wrote on March 2, 2018 at 12:22:
Retired MSgt. Served MSG Colombo Sri lanka 78/79 and Manila Philippines 79/80. Awesome memories, unfortunately, not many photo's to share.
65 entries.
wrote on October 15, 2018 at 15:21:
It is with regrets that I have to report the passing of one of MEGA's lifetime member. Cpl Ernie A. Tucker passed away yesterday at 1730. Ernie served on the duty in Ankara, Turkey 63/64 and Lagos, Nigeria 64/65. Ernie had attended the majority of the reunions, but missed this last one, due to a health problem... RIP Cpl Ernie A. Tucker
wrote on October 9, 2018 at 09:12:
Checking in, Warsaw Poland 91-92, Beijing China 92-93
wrote on October 1, 2018 at 12:23:
I served as an msg American embassy Rome Italy 1971
wrote on August 26, 2018 at 18:51:
Went to birthday party in San Diego, Ca, for Top Fritz Werner (NCOIC Paris middle 1960s), with several Paris Marines
who served during that time frame, Happy ninety years...
wrote on August 21, 2018 at 02:42:
Just checking in. Lome', Togo and Stuttgart 86-88. rbarton1492@gmail.com
wrote on August 20, 2018 at 10:12:
Anyone know a Cris Lopez MSG Det Valletta Malta and New Delhi India 96-98?
wrote on August 16, 2018 at 22:38:
GySgt Metz, was NCOIC then, Ambassador Robert S. Ingersoll, was there then as well till end 73 and promoted me to SSGT; DCM was Mr. Shoesmith; the RSO, was Mr Holden? I think; At that time, we had our main MSG post in the Chancery building, built in 1931, was where, the Ambassador and key staff worked in two out buildings within the fenced property, we also had BNDD, Bureau of Dangerous Drugs and Narcotics; and a two other agencies (no names used); the Chancery was next door to the Hotel Okura, where Sec Kissenger and Rodgers stayed when visiting; the Annex, held our MSG post 2, in the old railroad office building, an entire city block long, wide... and 6 stories high I think it was... it also housed the Defense Attache, Political Affairs, FBI, etc and the Military Assistance Group, as well as the Consulate downstairs... and other similar offices... The PAO, USAID was in a third building across town... the plans for the new US Embassy were drawn up in 1972... I think finished in 1976. Our Marine House was over below the Grew House (with 2 other similar apartment houses) and /US Compound, atop the hill, with the swimming pool a small commissary...green area, off Roppongi ave...I think it was. I will provide more of our MSG det members in a later email.
wrote on August 2, 2018 at 20:47:
This is for Terry Jesmore. I Served with a Sgt. Ernie Gutierrez in Kampala Uganda 1971. I have some photos of Ernie.
My email address is cdm45702mac.com.
wrote on May 8, 2018 at 08:13:
Thanks to everyone at the reunion, Barbara and I enjoyed seeing
old friends, and making new ones. Hope to see all In Tuscon
next year. Charlie, Paris 65-68
wrote on May 8, 2018 at 08:10:
Just returned from MEGA's 20th Anniversary reunion in Arlington, VA. It was held at the Sheraton Hotel, next to Henderson Hall... I have been to 19 of the 20 and have to say this is next to the best one ever or it was the best ever.. Would like to thank the BOD, Ray Casey (MRP), the Vincent Downes family, Quilts of Honor and everyone that attended this great reunion.. For those that did not make it this year, you missed a good one... Looking forward to 2019.... Semper Fi
wrote on April 28, 2018 at 01:09:
Looking for information on Sgt Richard E. Veasey,or any other MSG who was assign to FBIS Karavas Cyprus(Radio Station Jun-Jul 1974 during Turkish Army Invasion of North Cyprus .
We have info on Veasey and one other marine (SSGT Gutierrez) who were part of 7 MSG assigned to FBIS and were quartered Kyrenia prior to the trouble..Note: SSGT Gutierrez retired from USMC and is deceased.
MSG School 15 Hun 71
Kampala, Uganda 21 September 1971
1972 watch stander Monrovia Liberia
September 1973 transferred to Beirut,Lebanon as NCOIC
1 September 1973 promoted Staff Sergeant.
December 1973 to July 1974.NCOIC ,Karavas(FBIS) station
Awarded Navy Commendation Metal for successful emergency evacuation of FBIS
He attended MSG school on June 15, 1971, and upon completion, transferred to Kampala, Uganda, September 21, 1971. On July 17, 1972, he proceeded to Monrovia, Liberia, as a watch stander. In September 1973, he transferred to Beirut, Lebanon as NCOIC of the detachment. On September 1, 1973, he was promoted to Staff Sergeant.From December 1973 to July 1974, he established a new MSG detachment at the Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) station in Karavas, Cyprus, and as NCOIC of the detachment carried out a successful emergency evacuation for which he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal. The President of the United States recognized SSgt Ernesto K. Gutierrez for heroic achievement in connection with the safety and evacuation of American and British Nationals in a hostile combat environment July 15 through 23, 1974. SSgt. Gutierrez, NCOIC of the Marine Security Guard, Karavas, Cyprus, was in complete control and command throughout and was made responsible for the safety of all personnel in the FBIS by the Mediterranean Bureau Chief who had no staff or other personnel qualified to undertake such an assignment. With complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal dangers involved, SSgt. Gutierrez exposed himself to save American and British National Personnel. His actions directly relate to the safety and well being of those persons as well as their safe evacuation.
On July 22, 1974, SSgt. Gutierrez braved a naval bombardment to rescue two American employees of the FBIS. The employees, caught in the open, were in danger from bursting ordnance when SSgt Gutierrez rushed from the safety of the FBIS building, amid shrapnel from a direct hit on a steel antennae tower, and maneuvered the two government workers at the risk of his personal safety to a safe haven. His action was instrumental in preventing serious or fatal injury to the two employees.
On July 23, 1974, SSgt. Gutierrez volunteered to enter hostile lines and evacuate American and British Nationals from a potentially dangerous environment. During one leg of his trip, SSgt. Gutierrez was confronted by soldiers, stopped and searched at gunpoint, he displayed cool professionalism and maintained his composure thereby preventing a potential confrontation with the invading forces. After obtaining the release of nine Americans and an undetermined amount of British National families, SSgt Gutierrez calmly led them through the lines to an evacuation point. During this entire period, SSgt Gutierrez gave precise instructions to Marines and civilians on safety procedures. Pointing out safe areas within the bureau to protect personnel under fire, he was instrumental in preventing injury, especially when the bureau was subjected to much shrapnel from mortar and artillery fire. Many rooms in the building were devastated, however, due to the cool manner and professional advice to all concerned, not one person was wounded. The positive control, sound judgment and timely and decisive actions undoubtedly were the determining factors in the safe handling of all personnel under his control. His courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and that of the United States Naval Service.
SGT Veasey was also involved in driving FBIS Bus across Turkish/Greek lines and recovering US Personnel.
Any one have any help??
Terry Jesmore
Gysgt Retired
MEGA/MCCIA member
wrote on April 7, 2018 at 19:13:
I have been checking this website on and off for a few years in an attempt to find members of the Bujumbura, Burundi Detachment from 1988-89. I don't see pictures in the photo album from way back. I have some pictures from that great group of guys. I guess I am gonna have to join to be able to post some of those memories in this great site. Members of the detachment: SSGT. Richard D. Betzinger, Sgt. Oscar Rodriguez Jr., Sgt. Arthur Davis Jr., Cpl. Karl Atkins, Cpl. Steve Miller, and Cpl. Terrance Sellars. This Detachment was awarded the "Best Detachment of the Year" and the
"Physical Fitness Award" for Company "F" Africa before the company was divided. I will never forget those guys. If anyone here knows them and have their contact information, please let me know. Semper Fi! Former SSGT, Oscar Rodriguez Jr. USMC
wrote on March 31, 2018 at 23:23:
SSgt/GySgt Tom W. Maness was the DetCmdr at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from 83-85 and Riyadh 85-86. Returned back to Quantico, VA and became an Instructor at MSG School. Sgt Don Block, Mike Johnston, and others are here in your photo album. It was good to see them again. Semper Fidelis, Angela Maness SgtMaj (ret)
wrote on March 30, 2018 at 13:58:
Been a long time since I posted. Lots has happened. Want to say Semper Fi to all. Fair winds and following seas. Colombo Sri Lanka 1970 and Manila RP 1972.
wrote on March 24, 2018 at 13:08:
New to the site came across in a search. Anybody who graduated from Msg either April or May of 1970. Also any Marine that was stationed at the Embassy in Santo Domingo 1970-1972
wrote on March 17, 2018 at 01:30:
Pete Peterson. I served 61 Jiddah, Saudi Arabia 62-64 Nicosia Cyprus. A group of us have been trying to fill out MSG archives Nicosia 1960-2015. We have feed a lot of photos,write ups on events etc. Pleaase contact me and coordinate with KevinCorleo webmaster. I am going to cyprus 29Mar-12Apr2018. Drop me a line. I will be up on line while in Cyprus. Looking for info on FBIS Karavas 1974 Turkish Invasion etc.Semper Fe
A long time ago I had a RE office in Escondido.
wrote on March 16, 2018 at 16:13:
I served as MSG in Tehran, Iran from 1957-1961. A free lance writer now, I'm working on a positive story on MSG's. If any one has pics or sea stories they'd like to share, I'd welcome them, giving full credit of course.
wrote on March 8, 2018 at 18:06:
Amman Jordan 66-67
Khartoum Sudan 67-68
wrote on March 4, 2018 at 13:41:
Hope to see some of the Paris Marines at 2018 reunion
Charlie.. Paris 12/65 thru 01/68
wrote on March 2, 2018 at 12:22:
Retired MSgt. Served MSG Colombo Sri lanka 78/79 and Manila Philippines 79/80. Awesome memories, unfortunately, not many photo's to share.
