GUESTBOOK
Welcome to our Guestbook. Please click the “Sign Our Guestbook” button in order to write in our guestbook.
Alternatively, you may view past entries below.
Mexico city 1974-1976. Great memories.
Fellow Marines: David Ragland, Alfredo Acosta, Top Cleveland, Jerry Whitehead, Ron Short, Roger Watts, Top Burke, Leo Cabal, Tom Fleming, David Larson, Curtis Bingham. What a diverse group of Marines aka MSG's. SEMPER FI, John Ruiz
Retired Locomotive Engineer, BNSF RR
Vienna detachment 1969-1970
Neherlon S. Berkley MSG Det Brussels 1992 - 1993 and MSG Det Mozambique 1991 - 1992.
William H Diaz GySgt Ret. Served as Marine Guard in Tel Aviv Israel 1979-1980; and in San Salvador El Salvador 1981-1982. Trying to make connection with former Marines who served together, or who were at MSG Embassy School in 1979. Semper Fidelis.
Richard L. Hensley- served with MSG Detachment Canberra, Australia from May 8th, 1975-November 8th 1976. GySgt. George Babonas was our senior staff NCO and Major John Whittelsy was Naval Attache. Marshall Green was US Ambassador and Dominick Riley was my Regional Security Officer. Colonel Frank Koethe headed up MSG during that time frame.
I was an MSG in Athens, Greece in 1961 to 1963 on a 2 year tour that lasted 28 months. The Guard consisted of the NCOIC and eight watchstanders. 1 24hr Post,1, Post 2 was 5 - 16 hr and 2- 24 hr tours, with a security check of 5 - 6hr tours. We always seemed to be at least one MSG short and on rare occasions, 2 MSG's short. Then is was like relieveing yourself. We enjoy being assigned additions hours on special detains for VIP's. I think I was in Athens almost 9 months before I got out of the city. I'm not complaining, it was great living in Athens. I think it was the number 1 liberty port in the world. We had many people visit the Marine House, some even hot-racked it with us; like the Secret Service advance agents. They were always good for stories and gossip about Wash..DC. Most were foolish enough to play Ship - Captain & Crew with us at the bar. It was our dice. Many of the MSG's I served with are gone now. I still keep in touch with 3. I hear occasionally of a few more a half dozen or less. Now, I write novels, Maybe I should write a memoir of my MSG days and some of people i met. . Time to end this: Semper Fi and a ooorah to all.
Bern,Switzerland 1958 - 1960
Donald Wunderlich
Is there going to be a reunion this year? I thought there was to be a reunion in Quantico.
I must express my disappointment with today’s MEGA newsletter regarding the cancellation of the Reunion . This is not the first time this has happened. There is plenty of time to put together at least an informal gathering for MSG’s that wish to reunite with our Brothers. As a suggestion,
Each year thousands of current and former Marines gather to celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday in Philadelphia, the birthplace of our Corps. Additional information with Vids can be found by searching Marine Corps Birthday Cookies tavern. Now known as Tankies. The original Tuns Tavern is commemorated with a Marker only blocks away . It seems the I-95 overpass took precedence. With many hotels, great places to eat and easy transportation, Philly would make a great place to hang your hat on November 10th. Please let your thoughts be known via this forum.
R/S
Bob Hasty
Brazil 66/67. Nicaragua 67/68
Hello,
I'm the son of Col. J.L . Cooper MSGBn 1979 -1982. I have lots of photos from different detachments dad traveled to while we lived in Frankfurt 71-73 and when he was Commander 79-82. I would be glad to share them if interested.
JL Cooper Jr.
Just like to look at some old photos 1964 to 1966 Geneva, Saigon and Manlia. Thank you much.
Fond memories of my time as an MSG Rawalpindi/Islamabad and Monrovia 1969-1971. The world was very different them!!!
Just checking in. I served at the embassies Cairo, Egypt and Canberra Australia from 1977-1979.
Semper Fi!
I enjoyed being an MSG in La Paz, Bolivia, in 1974, Guatemala City, Guatemala, in 1976 and in Georgetown, Guyana in 1977. I was in the first Information Screening Team for the MSG Battalion in 1977. Semper Fi!
Whar happened to all the pictures we use to be able to pull up? Are they gone for ever? I sure hope not??? Thanks Joe
Sent application to join looking for Marines I served with in the MSG Dets from 1971-1974, 1979-1983, and 1986-87. I currently reside in Costa Rica for past 18 Years. Semper Fi
MSG duty Tel-Aviv, Israel 1979 - 1980 then Brussels, Belgium 1980 - 1982
If possible, I would like to have my email address sent to MSgt Robert T. Crockett. I served w/him in Saigon.
Howard W. Evers
Sgt Saigon '65-'67
Geneva, Switzerland Oct 1964 picked up for Staff Sgt , Saigon, 1965, Manila, PI 1966.
Bill Waller spent many reunions tending the bar at our reunions. We had some great reunions, but now many have passed away or are not able to attend. Mary has known John Burke since their days in Prague when John was a MSG and Mary was a secretary. My hope is people will step up and volunteer and make MEGA a more viable organization again. Our best to you and JoAnn.
Bill Waller Charter Life Member 253-Jim I know what you are talking about. Over the years I have gave photos of Ciudad Trujillo( Santo Domingo) Dominican Republic ,three sets and the only ones i've seen was the ones Mary put on. Hope you nice people are well. JoAnn and I miss all the old timers. William R. Waller 1516172 USMC 1954-59. DR.1956-59 . MEGA the best duty!!!
In response to Ed Swann - Ed, I have no idea about what is going on with the MEGA website. I am simply a volunteer and with the assistance of my wife, Mary learned to find pictures and historical info and pass it on to Jack McGarry who posted and finalized it. I am not a board member. I tried to find out what is going on with the site early on but all I got was "we are working on it'. Years ago the site contained so much to read and so many pictures to view., but unfortunately leadership is not able to find volunteers to help with the research and picture posting. PLEASE reach out to John Burke and offer your help. I know it will be greatly appreciated and hopefully encourage more to volunteer. Mary and I have offered to do what we can. See you are from Auburn and wonder if it is Auburn, Al? Our granddaughter is in her 3rd year at AU go War Eagle. Jim Tracy
In response to Joe Mitchell's inquiry - Mary and I were asked to stop posting pictures 6 years ago this month by Carleo. He said that the website was being updated and would be easier to navigate and more user friendly. You and so many members stepped up and volunteers to work on our history. Sad to say I get that same ERROR message and wonder where are the nearly 20,000 pictures and so many historical comments, like the story about Master Gunnery Sergeant Harry Locke. Harry served at embassy Kabul nearly 70 ago. Most importantly where are the volunteers to get the site back to and enjoyable place to reunite with other Marines??? Jim Tracy
Jim Tracy, whats the status on the completion of the new web page? Also, if there is no one collecting information on Amman Jordan and Khartoum Sudan, I'd be most happy to assist. Jordan 66-67 and Sudan 67-68
Thanks
Looking forward to the MEGA website getting its new look. I've been collecting pictures and look forward to detachment page volunteers contacting me so they can be uploaded. Jim Tracy. Havana 60-61, Rabat 61-63, Frankfurt 74-75, Luxembourg 75-76
Hi there, Was wondering what happened to all the pictures that use to be posted??/ All I get now, is a big ERROR when I try to pull them up??? Thanks
I live in Bonn and would like to have a look at the former Marine House here. Does anyone have the street address? I think it is in Plittersdorf, but I don't know where. Thanks.
I am a Life member. Was looking for the Madras detachment which was deactivated in 1969, but apparaently it has been deleted.
MSG Detachment Brussels 1978-1979. Semper Fi
Greetings All and hoping this finds you well. It's been several years since I have checked in. I served in Belgrade, YU 5/75-6/76 and my "hardship" post (for obvious reasons!) was The Hague, Ne from 6/76-8/77. Looking to connect with all who I served with and contemplating a post reunion during the MEGA annual meeting in either Nashville or San Antonio.
Semper Fi,
Ron
General John Archer Lejeune / luh jern (CMC XIII )
would be proud of this all MSG Leathernecks
please √ YouTube
under 4 minutes with the General's daughter Laura
serach under >>>>
Laura Lejeune / luh jern
Semper Fidelis Leathernecks 🇺🇸 !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAoDaeszggI
P T Brent Hawaii
Just visited and requested update to my entry on MSG list for Saigon and Fall of Saigon. Attended on Conference in the 90's when living in the UK. Met up with some of the Marines I served with as an MSG. Still stay in touch. Thanks for the website!
Semper Fi,
Very happy joining this group. Embassy service was Tehran, Iran 1976-1977 and Paris, France 1977-1978.
Wish everyone the best and welcome all.
I was in the US Army during the period April 1963-to Jan 1966. My duty station was the Pass Port Office at the US Embassy, Paris. My wife and I became great friends of the Marine Detachment and I still retain great memories of my association. I was honored to have been invited to he Marine Ball in 1965 before getting orders to Vietnam. This period was my greatest tour in 24 years of Service.
My best years serving with outstanding Marines. Rio, Brazil 66-67, Managua Nicaragua 67-68. Reach out Brothers. At 75 hearing from anyone fulfills a bucket list item.
FYI brothers, a fellow Vet ask me to come and join the local VFW.
Not much of a drinking man but wanting to reunite with many friends I still filled out the application and submitted my DD 214.
Much too my dismay I was denied membership. Reasoning: I did not serve in a “Declared War or War Zone.“ After reading all these post I think we all know that wherever we served at any given moment our Embassies became “Undeclared War Zones”.
Shame on the VFW.
Semper Fi Marines - Many thanks for the reunion in Alexandria last Sept. Look forward to San Diego.
Any watch standers from Tel Aviv? I was there from '64-'66. Thanks, Dale Bennett
BigBob wants to know why you are no longer selling MSG Lapel Pins….
From a friend of Bob K.’s who fleshed this organization out before it existed…
Non-standard tour of duty! Nouakchott, Mauritania (Jun-Oct 94) when we deactivated the Det; Manila, PI (Oct 94 - Jun 96). Looking for Warren Jones. Went from Manila to Moscow and then I lost track.
Sorry to inform the group of the passing of Frank Furleigh on 6/3 in Galveston, TX.
Frank was a watchstander in Saigon in '64 and '65. He served 22 years in the corps, and then became a Veteran's Service Officer in Galveston. One of the good guys.
RIP, old friend.
Howard W. Evers
Saigon '65-'67
Served at the Consulate in Calcutta, India (Nov 1974 - Aug 1975) and the Embassy in Paris, France from (Aug 1975 - Jun 1977). Looking for Marines that served with me. S/F Marines and be safe out there.
Belgrade, Yu 82-83
Lima, PERU 83-85
Just checking in... I had the opportunity to pay my repects ( Arlington) to my fellow classmate at MSG Bn Cpl.Robert "Bobby McMaugh killed on post in Beirut April 18, 1983.....Semper Fi brother!!!!
Radio Check! Semper Fi Marines. God bless each and every one. Tom R. (19 May 2022)
I was stationed at Camp Pendleton as a Guard in the “brig” in 1975 prior to going to MSG School in Arlington. My first assignment was Moscow 77-78 and after that Dublin until Dec 1979. After leaving the Marine Corps, I lived 25 years in Dublin. I’ve been back in the USA since 2002. Never knew about MEGA.
Would enjoy reconnecting with Marines I served with.
I really appreciate the hard work and dedication to those who make this site possible. I served in Prague, Czechoslovakia 1978-1980 and London, England 1980-1981. I would like to remember a good friend and hard charging MSG, SSgt Thomas G. Smith. I served with him in London. Smitty was killed in Beirut on 23 October 1983. There is a park in Middletown, Connecticut in memory of him. Semper Fi Devil Dog. Rest easy my friend.
Rick Liebendorfer : You'd asked if there was a way for the parents of a fallen Bogota MSG to memorialize/honor their son's safrifice. Please reach out to John Burke (MEGA Board Chairman) and/or the MEGA Ships Store Manager. We have produced several plaques to honor fallen MSGs and have provided them to both Family and the Det Commander/NCOIC at the post where the MSG perished. Please note though, I am not currently aware of an incident in Bogota where an MSG lost his/her life in the line of duty. If you could provide details, it would help in identifying the MEGA Honor Roll Category where this Marine will be identified with the Marine Embassy Guard Association (and verified with the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group).
Jack McGarry - jackmcgarry@yahoo.com
I was stationed at The Hague, Netherlands from 1966-1968. Dutch people were very friendly. Great Duty!!
Is there a problem with the Photo Gallery site? I get an "error" message.
Just signing in. Algers, Algeria 1983-84, Munich, Germany 1984-86. Stay well and keep safe. Semper Fi!
Been a long time since i was a watch stander but easily one of my best memories . Had dinner with Ernie and Minon Martinez from Managua been 50 years or so but it was like yesterday to us . Semper Fi Caveman
MSG Det Nassau, Bahamas from 1975 to 1977, Looking for Pat Butler, Dave, Rocky,
So Proud to be a member of Marine Embassy Guard Association.. serving way back In Nicosia Cyprus from 1970 to 1972 with such a great bunch of Marines Hoping to hear from others that had the pleasure to serve in Cyprus as well>>
To all my MEGA buddys, check out Nov. Leatherneck, page 14. SURPRISE. Dominican Republic , 1956-59. What a ball.Sempre Fi Sgt. 1516172 W.R.Waller (Bill)
MSG Calcutta India, MSG Det Seoul and A/ MSG Det Bucharest. Looking to hear from Leroy F. Gibson and David W. Lato of MSG Det Seoul. Also looking to hear from Hans Ellefson from MSG Det Bucharest. Email: Kazseam@Gmail.com
I was stationed at the Embassy in Moscow 1972=1973, then to Consulate in Leningrad in July 1973 for the post opening, and finally to the Embassy in London in 1974. It was great duty and I really enjoyed it.
Met the parent of a Marine that was killed in Bogota Columbia while a serving as Embassy Security 1987. He asked about anything to memorialize/honor his son's sacrifice. I told him I would look into it. I know only that his last name was Sprouse. Please reach out, thank you. (Sgt, US Army C 1/44 "Dusters", Dong Ha to Khe Sahn 1969-70)
Hi all,
Been away from the site for a few years but glad to be back. Watchstander in Moscow, USSR 76-77, Ottawa, Canada 77-79.
U.S. Embassy Seoul Republic of Korea 1974-1977
Just checking in, hope all is well for all
Semper Fi Marines still looking for those hard chargers who severed with me on MSG Duty in Athens Greece 89-91 and Abu Dhabi 91-93.
Just checking in, ready to stand post!
I'm a lifetime member, just saying Hello to fellow watch standers. Damascus Syria, 1964-66. Hope all are well and happy, older now but great memories of my time on post in Syria. James Handlon Sgt.
I'm back ...Reykjavik 66-67; London 67-68
I served at the American Embassy in Tehran, Iran from 1966 - 1968
Just found this facebook page and followed it, Det Cmdr Karchi Pakistan 1991, Jerusalem 1992. Great duty, great Mairnes, state department... no comment..... Semper Fi Marines.
Been a MEGA member since the beginning. watcher stander in Peking-72/73. A/Det Cmdr in Rio De Janeiro 73/75 and Det Cmdr in Montevideo 83/85. Was very sorry to hear of Gene MacDondald's passing whom I served with in Peking. Thank you Mark.
A belated recognition from my wife and I for a wonderful time we had at the MEGA Reunion in Alexandria, VA. Three of my fellow Marines from the American Embassy Tehran Iran attended together, Sgts Terry Baute, Booker T. Livingston, David Myers and me all served at the same time (1970-72) Some at the reunion said they never had Watchstanders from the same post and the same time. Can't believe they no longer have the Marine Bar at the Marine House. It was the epicenter of social life at both embassies, Tehran and Addis Ababa., where I served. You can tell from the photos I have posted on this site.
Just checking in to see if there are any Marines who served in Saigon 1967-1968 or Addis Abba 1968-1970.
Hello brother Marines! I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and that your New Year will eventually deliver happiness, security, prosperity.
I would love to hear from Marines who were assigned to the Embassy in Prague Czechoslovakia, or Brussels Belgium. I had duty for 15 months in Prague and 13 months Brussels between 1977-feb 1980. Also had temporary duty at the Embassy in DenHague, Netherlands and Bonn Germany. The Paris Detachment came to Brussels to play us in a fast pitch soft ball game. Anyone out there? Respectfully Former Sgt T. Coe USMC.😀
Merry Christmas Marines.
Retired MGySgt, served as a Watch Stander in Moscow U.S.S.R. Dec 1989 - Jan 1991 and Watch Stander, A/DetCmdr and DetCmdr Jan 1991 - May 1992.
Merry Christmas to each of you! Semper Fi
Dave Sommers
11th Sgt Maj of the Marine Corps
Hello Jarheads, I served in three detachments; Paris 1987-1988, Havana 1988-1989 Buenos Aires 1989-1991
Still looking for Marines who served with me at MSG Athens 89-91 and Abu Dhabi 91-93. Any photos to share or contact info.
Semper Fi
Many belated thanks to Vincent Downes and Ray Casey for a very enjoyable MEGA Reunion in Alexandria, VA in early October. Excellent location, hotel and activities.
Anyone out their from Athens Greece 89-91 and Abu Dhabi 91-93
Served in San Salvador, El Salvador 1984-1985 and Havana, Cuba 1985-1986.
Served at the U.S. Embassy in Algiers, Algeria and Santiago, Chile from 1982-1985. Semper Fidelis!
Served 2003-2007 Malta, Armenia and Haiti.
Larry Gill here, from Mobile, AL. Just paid my dues and application. Went through MSG School in 1983, Class 1-84. Served in Beirut, Lebanon and Caracas, Venezuela. Served just over 11 years in the Corps, came home, and about a year and a half later, joined the Army (guess I wanted to do something easy!!). Served 10 years in the Army and was medically retired after getting blown up in Baghdad, Iraq, 2003, while serving with 82nd Airborne. Looking forward to my membership and catching up with my brothers from MSG.
Larry French ... Athens 73-74 Cairo 74 -75 Beirut 75-76
Msg karavas cyprus dec 1973 - july 1974
MSG Athens Greece looking for ya 89-91
I was in Bad Godesberg, Germany from 1966 to 1969. My father worked at the embassy in Bonn.
Now that I am older, I can appreciate the value and service the the Marine detachment that I saw in the mornings jogging through the neighborhood doing their PT, securing my dad's office and hosting the
Marine BBQ every year.
Thank you for your service!!!
Looking for all the Central Florida MSG Marines. Lets get together.
It is with great sadness that I inform you that former watch stander Roy E. MacDonald passed away suddenly on May 18, 2021. Roy was with the detachments in Hong Kong, Beijing and Manila. I served with Roy in Beijing in 1973. Roy was a great man and a true Marine. He will be greatly missed by all those who had the pleasure to serve with him. Semper Fi till we die. Rest in Peace my friend.
Looking for any info on CWO-4 Lance E Parker who served as a Cpl at Helsinki Embassy and Munich Consulate in the mid sixties….is he still around?
Thx.
Hope to hear from Marines / Staff who served in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 1978-1979.
Hi Alan!
Miss mountain biking in Lejeune.
Just found site.
Guarded Malaysia and Kuwait 96-99
Served at U S embassy in Saigon 1967-1968 and then Taipei 1968-1969 Have many photos of Embassy grounds in the immediate aftermath of attack on the embassy. Looking for contact with Duane Oakes ,a marine from the embassy in Taipei. Best wishes to all the great men and women on Americas Team,The United States Marine Corps
On 26 June, Ken Rapp received PCS to the Pearly Gates, Heaven. Ken was sick with Parkinson's Disease for quite some time. He passed away quietly, and with family. Ken served at the Embassy & Nato in Paris, and then he moved to Brussels with Nato, all in the mid-1960s.
He, also, ran the MEGA Ship's Store for a few years.
He will be missed.
I served in Saigon Sept. 71 t0 Sept. 72. Vienna, Austria 72-73, Brussels Belgium 73-74.
Would love to hear from any/all Marines who served there as well. I am also a member of Saigon MAC (Marines and Civilians) the past 10 years. I am looking for fellow Marines William Cornell, Rick Baird or beard, Randy Perkins and Eric Wood or Woods from Sweden then Vienna and last Lisbon Portugal Embassies. Anyone with info about any of these Marines I would truly appreciate hearing from you. Semper Fi to all Marines. I thank you for your Service to Our Nation. God Bless you all.
Larry Robertson SGT USMC.
I've worked with many great Marines. Looking for Marines that served with me at these Embassies. Caracas, Venezuela 1970 -1971. Buenos Aires, Argentina 1971-1973. Lima, Peru 1978-1980. Bogota, Columbia 1982-1983.
I was also an instructor at MSG school in Quantico 1980-1982. These dates are as close as my memory allows.
Semper Fi Marines! I served with a SSG Francis MacDonald (possibly McDonald) in Camp LeJuene from 1984-87. Last I heard, he was a MSG serving with the Embassy Marines in Mexico City in 1995. If anyone has ANY info on his whereabouts, I would love to give hima shout out. He was one of the people in this life I look back on as a mentor, and would like to say hello! I'm guessing in 1995 he would have been close to retirement. He was a New York City area guy, loved his Harleys.....any info would be deeply appreciated. Kris Holmgren on Facebook.
L/Cpl John Partlow where are You..? I still have some of your property and Fotos..
Vienna Austria Dec 75 - Jun 78, just checking in. Great times, great Marines and great place. Take care all,
Semper Fi! Fellow MSGs! I served in Ankara and East Berlin from 76 to 78 and looking for brothers that might have served there also. Thank you. Jeff Myers
Like to hear from any one I served with between 1963 thru 1993 was in MT and Embark served in all major commands Paris dec/65 thru jan/68, viet nam 1969 semper fi.
Served in the Dominican Republic
1st Marine assigned to newly named Embassy in Jamaica
Platoon Sergeant/Vietnam following Embassy Duty
Served with the MSGBn in Yaounde, Cameroon (73-74) and Paris, France (74-76). Many great memories from those days. Served with some great Marines. Love to hear from any of them.
I would like to find the Marines tha worked the US Embassy in Mexico City. We were visiting Family my uncle was president of Smith Kline Pharmaceuticals in Mexico City. So we were at the Embassy a lot during our two week visit. The Embassy had a News Years party for all the American Kids. It was then about an hour into the New Year. The bullet went a half inch above her heart. The doctor called my mom into the operating room, that's Mexico. Do you feel that bump in her back. That is the Bullet. I would really like to find these Marines it's been almost 50 years.
Served at the US Embassy in Saigon, 1973-1974 on Dragon Communications; and later at the US Embassy in Bern, Switzerland from 1974 to 1975. Just wondering how any of guys who served at those locations are doing? I have had zero contact for over 40 years.
Served in Vienna 1962- 1964. Wonderful experience and a lifetime of memories. Sent home a month early because I got married......that was a no, no. 56 Year later we're still together.
I proudly served at the following embassies. Algiers, Algeria : May 1988-July 1989; Stuttgart, Germany: July 1988-August 1989; and Paris, France: August 1989-January 1992. It was great servings with the Marines at these posts.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Semper Fi,
MGySgt
Retired
Proudly served as a Detachment Commander at the following United States Embassies: Managua, Nicaragua (02-03), Ankara, Turkey (03-04) and Baghdad, Iraq (06-07). Also served as an Instructor/Advisor (04-05). I continued to serve at our Embassies around the world with DOS/DS after I retired from the Corps from 2011 to 2019.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Semper Fi Marines!
First Sergeant Scott Dieckhoff, USMC, Ret
I am the pagemaster for Athens. Served in Athens 1965-66 just before the fireworks in 1967. Just wanted to pass a letter from the first Marine assigned to this post in 1949.
1949
Yes we were the first Marines in Athens. Those of us who went out were
the first at all the places we went to. We had total of 2 1/2 days
briefings at FOREIGN Service INSTITUTE, tOOK US TO bONDS STORE DOWN TOWN on E ST TO GET OUT $300 of clothes. TOOK US ON A BUS PRIOR TO OPENING OF THE STORE. our orders had the security classification of Restricted on them. THAT CLASSIFICATION WENT AWAY IN THE EISENHOWER DAYS. wE WERE NOT TO TELL ANYONE WERE WE WERE GOING AND WHAT WE WERE GOING TO DO. WE FIRST HAD HAD PRIORITY TWO FOR MILITARY FLIGHTS. sINCE HE BERLIN aIRLIFT WAS GOING ON THEY HAD TO CHANGE IT TO priority one. They told us it was the same as a CONGRESSIONAL PRIORITY. aH CRAP i AM NOT MUCH OF A TYPIST AND i HAVE THIS IN CAPS. GONNA LEAVE IT THAT WAY. It is 0330 and I haven't been to sleep tonight. Did fall asleep in my Lazy Boy as usual. I use a mask when I am in bed as I have sleep apnea.
When we got to the Embassy we got to meet a bunch of women who worked
there they were all single they picked out our names. I got a gal named
Virginia Workman, in her 40's, a nice gal my mother's age. Some of the
guys got younger ones. I forgot who got Imogene Ficklen. She was about
50, nice but had some problems. I was taking some courses from MCI
history etc. She would always volunteer to help me. I think she was
medically retired after Athens. She lived in WDC. We were the
Ambassadors Marines. Orders read to report to US Amb and remain there
until we recd orders to return to HQMC. there was a Marine LtCol with
the US Military Mission to Greece. He came by and told us that we would
be in dress blues and take part in the Greek holiday ceremonies at the
Tomb of their UNKNOWN SOLDIER in front of the Parliament. we tried to
tell him we couldn't do it. He told us that were Marines and he was the
senior Marine in-country and we would do as we were told. We went to the
Amb and bitched. He had his secretary Helen, forgot her last name now, a
great gal we got along really well together.Amb was president of Dollar
Steamshipline in San Francisco and he brought Helen with him. He was Amb
in India before Greece and went to Iran as Amb from Greece. To get
MajGen Van Fleet the head of the Military Mission on the phone. He told
Van Fleet to get the Marine LtCol over to his office NOW. LtCol came
over to the Amb office and was told by the Amb that these are his
Marines and they only took orders from him. If he had a problem with it
he would have orders removing him from the country within the week. The
LtCol never spoke to us again. I think the asshole went on to make
general. We wore blue trousers, khaki shirt on duty with white cover
and had one 45 cal pistol. Also had 38 cal pistols, some made out a of
stamped metal that was given to the underground in WWII.
I hope I haven't told you this stuff before. I sent you some emails from the
library yesterday. I told you that I lost all my photos due to yahoo
making some kind of change. I had photos of the old Embassy etc. A man
named Don Brown who came out in about aPR 51 AND WENT TO SALONIKA WHEN HEY OPENED IT SENT THEM TO ME. h RETIRED DURING NAM DAYS AS 1ST LT i BELIEVE. hE LIVES IN cALIF. HE IS NOT COMPUTER LITERATE AND HIS WIFE SENT THE THING TO ME. i SENT THEM SOME EMAILS AND THEY BOUNCED BACK. APPARENTLY they have me blocked. I'm gonna leave this in caps. I sure loved my days of doing investigations when all I had to do was dictate the reports. Let some GS-3 do the typing. Need to read some of the 18 unread emails I have on webtv. Nuff for now. 0420.
All the best and Semper Fi, Frank
Served at these American Embassies: Tehran, Buenos Aires, Ankara, Canberra and Islamabad.
Retired in January 2002. Semper Fidelis. God Bless.
Semper Fidelis Marines! To this day I believe the Marine Corps is the best thing that happened to me.
I was a Marine Guard from Feb 1959 to Dec 1961 in Saigon Vietnam.
SAIGON EMBASSY,1966-1967. I CORE 1968-1969.
1969 - 1971 The Hague ( Den Haag ), Netherlands
Leathernecks I’m a proud Veteran of US Embassy Ankara, Turkey (83 - 84) and Rome, Italy (84 - 85). Semper Fi
Want to say hello to past companions in Budapest HU (72 - 73) and Geneva CH (73 - 75) and PSD (72 - 75). Enjoying retirement at 7,000' in the Rockies and getting ready for another winter with cold and blowing snow. Evanston WY is small but packed with amenities of much larger cities including residentg mule dee and pronghorn antelope herds with an occasional moose and black bear thrown in. Have only made it to a couple reunions but had a great time. Keep your heads down if you need to and wear a mask to protect us old folks at high risk.
Greetings Devil Dogs. Just happened to see this site while trying to research and remember the hotel that held the 1988 Paris Marine Ball. I didn’t get the name but found our picture from the ballroom! Great to see! Hoorah! Sgt. G. Curry, MSG Paris, France and Damascus, Syria 3/88.
Mogadishu (1983) Manila (1984-1985)
I’m a Marine Veteran of 8 years, I have a daughter in Marines for 2 years now. My oldest brother, SSGT Thomas T Handwork, was a Security at the Salvador Embassy when he and 3 fellow Marines were killed in a terror attack June 19, 85.
Was in the first detachment deployed to the US Interest Section in Havana in August, ‘77.
I served at the following embassies.
Algiers, Algeria 1988 - 1989, Sgt | Stuttgart, Germany, Sgt 1989 - 1990 | Paris, France 1990 - 1992 Sgt - 3rd Squad Leader
MSG 1975-78 Saigon, RSV; Manila, Philippines; Calcutta, India; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Geneva, Switzerland. Also member of Fall of Saigon Marines, Saigon MSG during Operation Frequent Wind.
MSG Watchstander; Havana Cuba; May 82 - Jul 84 (PNG'd)... Capetown, South Africa - Jul 84 - Sept 84... Buenos Aries, Argentina - Sept 84 - Oct 85. Good seeing some old names within this organization and reading the articles. Looking forward to reaching out and attending a function soon.
Anyone out there who was stationed in Moscow 1964-1965? Charlie Ford
Looking to connect with any of the embassy personnel who served in Accra Ghana Apr75-Apr76 and Tel Aviv Israel Apr76-Dec77. Thanks and Semper Fi
Looking to connect with any of the embassy personnel who served in Jakarta Indonesia 1991-1992 and Niamey Niger 1992 -1993. I have kept up with most of the MSGs I served with but was wondering if anyone who served in and around those times had contact with embassy folks from that era. Thank you and Semper Fi
Richard McGuinness class 2/64 looking for Marines who served in Abidjan or Athens 63 to 67😍
Looking for Marines stationed in Singapore 1967 to 1969.
MSG 87-90 Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Amman
MSG (now MEG) at the American Embassy; Ankara, Turkey, April 1964-Sep 1966. Never transferred to a second post due to orders from HQMC re "my" fitness program. I was honored and privileged to initiate and manage a very popular Marine Physical Fitness Program. Among the honors I received was a letter from President Johnson, the Secretary of Defense, and a handwritten letter from Stan Musial (Hall of Fame baseball player and Director, President's Council on Physical Fitness). I was also nominated for the National Physical Fitness Award. Sid Gillman, coach of the winning (before any Super Bowls) San Diego Chargers, won the award. Retired from the Marine Corps after 23 years. Ranks held were PFC-GySgt, WO-1-CWO-3, 1st Lt-Captain (Major selectee). Close combat in infantry in Vietnam (1st Plt Echo Co, 2/1) and Operation Urgent Fury (Grenada) on behalf of Naval Intelligence Command. Retired from second professional career as Director, Special Security, Space & Defense. Joe Mitchell and I served together at this post. Semper Fi to all Marines!
I was a MSG from 1975 to 1977. I served at the Embassies in Warsaw, Poland and Athens, Greece.
Greetings – I was stationed at the Embassy in Dublin Ireland from 1973 to 1979 as a USAF NCO Veterinary Technician. Our Air Force Unit was responsible for inspection of Carcass Beef products produced in several Irish towns – that were then shipped to the US Forces in Europe.
Being single, I once attended a Christmas program one year with one of the other single Marines that was held in the old YMCA in downtown Dublin – and actually noticed a girl in the front row of the Christmas Choir. My Marine friend told me she looked to be 12 years old (actually she was 21 at the time and I would eventually meet and marry her 5 years later.)
I went out running one day with one of the Guards – at that time the Air Force required only a one and a half mile distance – while the Marines 3 miles. Had a hard time keeping up with him. I remember that a Marine Officer would come over from Europe to Dublin once a year for an evaluation (distance run, pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, etc.). One story goes that one of these Officers was in a local pub with the Marine Guards. Somehow he was challenged by a civilian for some reason – and to quell the conversation – the Officer took a bite out of his glass holding his Guinness – true or just a good story?
I recognize a few (but not their names) of the Marines in the photos on this sight dated 1978. Some of the Air Force Personnel in my Unit were: Rychner, Wise, Fritchie, Blackard, Stokes, Nichols, Stillman, and Reed among others.
One year the Air Force guys were asked to cover some of the early Sunday morning guard duty shifts – so the Marines could “really” enjoy the previous Saturday night celebration (believe the Marine Corps Ball) that was held within the rotunda of the Embassy.
I had the shift – that when I arrived there were instructions that I would have to raise the American Flag outside. I looked around the first floor of the Rotunda and sure enough there was an American Flag available – in fact there were two – one larger than the other. Fortunately I choose the correct size – the bigger of the two – and did not lock myself out of the Embassy. Perhaps I have the honor of being the only Air Force member to raise the American flag outside of the Dublin Embassy?
This was also the time frame when there used to be a person who would sometimes hide in the bushes and throw stones at the Marine Guards while they were outside performing their duties. Fortunately - the local Garda would intervene if needed.
We Air Force guys had great “Darts and Ping Pong” competitions with the Marines. And the Marines knew how to throw a party at the Marine House. I was once in a Dublin taxi when I told the Irish driver that I was assigned to the Embassy. His first response back to me was - “are you going to the Marine House party next Friday?”
Like myself, I believe that the majority of the single Marines stationed in Dublin during my tour of duty ended up marrying an Irish colleen.
The assignment in Dublin to me – was the best of my career. Besides my job – I really enjoyed the camaraderie that we shared with the Marines in several different ways.
Ron Holley, SMSgt, USAF, Retired
1964-1991
Hello to all Marines, I have a lot of pictures from Dublin, Ireland, 1987-1989, Hopefully I will be accepted into the group.
Glenn
MSG Detachments in Bucharest, Romania 75-76, Frankfurt, Germany 76-79
Perhaps you could address the problem that as a Retired Marine, former MSG, living overseas, NOT employed by the US Embassy, I am not allowed to buy tickets to attend the Marine Balls. This happened to me the 3 years we were in Tbilisi, Georgia, and again this Fall in Islamabad, Pakistan. They only sell tickets to US Embassy employees, security. I'm told I should find someone inside the US Embassy to buy tickets for me, but since they are locked away hiding inside their compound that is really hard to do. I've written to the MSGBN SgtMaj twice over the years, no response. Semper fi Mac.
Valletta, Malta & Monrovia, Liberia
MSG La Paz, Bolivia 1974, Guatemala City, Guatemala 1975 and Georgetown, Guyana 1976.
Served in Cairo Egypt 1981-1982 American Embassy . Second Post Tel Aviv Israel.... Just wondering who is still with us... Thank You Cpl Matthew Flynn .... flynn.matthew60@yahoo.com . Currently living in Mass. Working for the V.A. Administration
In a belated response to Bill Waller's interest in this year's reunion, let me report that I thoroughly enjoyed the Tucson event. It was really a shame that so few members attended.
Hoping to hear from Marines serving in Damascus Syria 76-77 or Rome Italy 77-79
Anyone planning to be at Cookie's Tavern in South Philly for the Marine Corps Birthday?
Mexico city, 1974-1976. Semper fi to all Marines this coming November. Living in Modesto, ca.
Enjoyed my visit to the Embassy and talk with a Marine on 02 October 2019 during my Egypt vacation. Thanks for the "challenge coin".
Reporting the passing of Warren Caudle of Lafayette, LA. Warren was a watch stander in Saigon, Viet Nam during the Tet offensive.
Obituary will be found at Fountain Memorial Home in Lafayette, LA
Semper Fi Marines, served on MSG duty in Kingston Jamaica, Sept 1st 67 to Sept 69. best duty i ever had.
I am a retired SSGT 1984-2005. I am here working as a contractor on a long term construction project. I am in desperate need of a haircut. Where do MSG Marines get theirs cut?
+966 055-982-7924
I was a Marine embassy guard in 1983-84 in Beijing China and am looking for some former Marines who were there the same time as I was. Does anyone know the whereabouts for NCOIC SSGT Gallager, SGT Dennis Harriston, CPL Wilson, CPL Entwhistle, CPL Tead or SGT King. Thank you. Semper Fi
Reporting the passing of Col. Phillip E. Tucker, USMC. He was the OIC of the MSG detachment in Saigon. He passed on 7/23 in FL.
Hello Jim & Mary I didn't make the reunion again this year,too far and too $. Waiting to get my right knee replaced,had it set up but blood count was low. Soon I hope. Good to hear from some old members,miss Mary's pictures. No one has posted MEGA reunion.I heared the turn out was small compared too other years. Got to go SEMPER FI BillWaller
hellomsgs
Sad to inform the members of the passing of Bob Sistek. Bob was a watch stander in Saigon and was a member of the Personal Security Unit shortly after it was formed.
His obituary will be found shortly in the Las Vegas Review Journal.
Sad to learn that a former NCOIC and fellow West Virginian, SSgt Marvin Zane Grey passed away a year ago. Marv was our NCOIC briefly, at AmEmb Tehran from Feb to April 1970. Marv served at four different embassies in his MSG career. Later owned several gas service stations in West Virginia and was the President of the West Virginia Gasoline Retailers for nearly three decades.
Just made aware that we lost another Lifetime member of MEGA. Robert (Bob) Perna passed away on 31 Aug 2018, Bob served on the duty from 1970 til 1972 in Beirut, Yaounde, Amman and Lagos. He will be missed.. RIP Bob and Semper Fi.
Fellow Marines: David Ragland, Alfredo Acosta, Top Cleveland, Jerry Whitehead, Ron Short, Roger Watts, Top Burke, Leo Cabal, Tom Fleming, David Larson, Curtis Bingham. What a diverse group of Marines aka MSG's. SEMPER FI, John Ruiz
Retired Locomotive Engineer, BNSF RR
Each year thousands of current and former Marines gather to celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday in Philadelphia, the birthplace of our Corps. Additional information with Vids can be found by searching Marine Corps Birthday Cookies tavern. Now known as Tankies. The original Tuns Tavern is commemorated with a Marker only blocks away . It seems the I-95 overpass took precedence. With many hotels, great places to eat and easy transportation, Philly would make a great place to hang your hat on November 10th. Please let your thoughts be known via this forum.
R/S
Bob Hasty
Brazil 66/67. Nicaragua 67/68
I'm the son of Col. J.L . Cooper MSGBn 1979 -1982. I have lots of photos from different detachments dad traveled to while we lived in Frankfurt 71-73 and when he was Commander 79-82. I would be glad to share them if interested.
JL Cooper Jr.
Semper Fi!
Howard W. Evers
Sgt Saigon '65-'67
Thanks
Semper Fi,
Ron
would be proud of this all MSG Leathernecks
please √ YouTube
under 4 minutes with the General's daughter Laura
serach under >>>>
Laura Lejeune / luh jern
Semper Fidelis Leathernecks 🇺🇸 !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAoDaeszggI
P T Brent Hawaii
Semper Fi,
Wish everyone the best and welcome all.
FYI brothers, a fellow Vet ask me to come and join the local VFW.
Not much of a drinking man but wanting to reunite with many friends I still filled out the application and submitted my DD 214.
Much too my dismay I was denied membership. Reasoning: I did not serve in a “Declared War or War Zone.“ After reading all these post I think we all know that wherever we served at any given moment our Embassies became “Undeclared War Zones”.
Shame on the VFW.
Any watch standers from Tel Aviv? I was there from '64-'66. Thanks, Dale Bennett
From a friend of Bob K.’s who fleshed this organization out before it existed…
Frank was a watchstander in Saigon in '64 and '65. He served 22 years in the corps, and then became a Veteran's Service Officer in Galveston. One of the good guys.
RIP, old friend.
Howard W. Evers
Saigon '65-'67
Lima, PERU 83-85
Just checking in... I had the opportunity to pay my repects ( Arlington) to my fellow classmate at MSG Bn Cpl.Robert "Bobby McMaugh killed on post in Beirut April 18, 1983.....Semper Fi brother!!!!
Would enjoy reconnecting with Marines I served with.
Jack McGarry - jackmcgarry@yahoo.com
Been away from the site for a few years but glad to be back. Watchstander in Moscow, USSR 76-77, Ottawa, Canada 77-79.
I would love to hear from Marines who were assigned to the Embassy in Prague Czechoslovakia, or Brussels Belgium. I had duty for 15 months in Prague and 13 months Brussels between 1977-feb 1980. Also had temporary duty at the Embassy in DenHague, Netherlands and Bonn Germany. The Paris Detachment came to Brussels to play us in a fast pitch soft ball game. Anyone out there? Respectfully Former Sgt T. Coe USMC.😀
Dave Sommers
11th Sgt Maj of the Marine Corps
Semper Fi
Now that I am older, I can appreciate the value and service the the Marine detachment that I saw in the mornings jogging through the neighborhood doing their PT, securing my dad's office and hosting the
Marine BBQ every year.
Thank you for your service!!!
Thx.
Miss mountain biking in Lejeune.
Just found site.
Guarded Malaysia and Kuwait 96-99
He, also, ran the MEGA Ship's Store for a few years.
He will be missed.
Would love to hear from any/all Marines who served there as well. I am also a member of Saigon MAC (Marines and Civilians) the past 10 years. I am looking for fellow Marines William Cornell, Rick Baird or beard, Randy Perkins and Eric Wood or Woods from Sweden then Vienna and last Lisbon Portugal Embassies. Anyone with info about any of these Marines I would truly appreciate hearing from you. Semper Fi to all Marines. I thank you for your Service to Our Nation. God Bless you all.
Larry Robertson SGT USMC.
I was also an instructor at MSG school in Quantico 1980-1982. These dates are as close as my memory allows.
1st Marine assigned to newly named Embassy in Jamaica
Platoon Sergeant/Vietnam following Embassy Duty
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Semper Fi,
MGySgt
Retired
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Semper Fi Marines!
First Sergeant Scott Dieckhoff, USMC, Ret
1949
Yes we were the first Marines in Athens. Those of us who went out were
the first at all the places we went to. We had total of 2 1/2 days
briefings at FOREIGN Service INSTITUTE, tOOK US TO bONDS STORE DOWN TOWN on E ST TO GET OUT $300 of clothes. TOOK US ON A BUS PRIOR TO OPENING OF THE STORE. our orders had the security classification of Restricted on them. THAT CLASSIFICATION WENT AWAY IN THE EISENHOWER DAYS. wE WERE NOT TO TELL ANYONE WERE WE WERE GOING AND WHAT WE WERE GOING TO DO. WE FIRST HAD HAD PRIORITY TWO FOR MILITARY FLIGHTS. sINCE HE BERLIN aIRLIFT WAS GOING ON THEY HAD TO CHANGE IT TO priority one. They told us it was the same as a CONGRESSIONAL PRIORITY. aH CRAP i AM NOT MUCH OF A TYPIST AND i HAVE THIS IN CAPS. GONNA LEAVE IT THAT WAY. It is 0330 and I haven't been to sleep tonight. Did fall asleep in my Lazy Boy as usual. I use a mask when I am in bed as I have sleep apnea.
When we got to the Embassy we got to meet a bunch of women who worked
there they were all single they picked out our names. I got a gal named
Virginia Workman, in her 40's, a nice gal my mother's age. Some of the
guys got younger ones. I forgot who got Imogene Ficklen. She was about
50, nice but had some problems. I was taking some courses from MCI
history etc. She would always volunteer to help me. I think she was
medically retired after Athens. She lived in WDC. We were the
Ambassadors Marines. Orders read to report to US Amb and remain there
until we recd orders to return to HQMC. there was a Marine LtCol with
the US Military Mission to Greece. He came by and told us that we would
be in dress blues and take part in the Greek holiday ceremonies at the
Tomb of their UNKNOWN SOLDIER in front of the Parliament. we tried to
tell him we couldn't do it. He told us that were Marines and he was the
senior Marine in-country and we would do as we were told. We went to the
Amb and bitched. He had his secretary Helen, forgot her last name now, a
great gal we got along really well together.Amb was president of Dollar
Steamshipline in San Francisco and he brought Helen with him. He was Amb
in India before Greece and went to Iran as Amb from Greece. To get
MajGen Van Fleet the head of the Military Mission on the phone. He told
Van Fleet to get the Marine LtCol over to his office NOW. LtCol came
over to the Amb office and was told by the Amb that these are his
Marines and they only took orders from him. If he had a problem with it
he would have orders removing him from the country within the week. The
LtCol never spoke to us again. I think the asshole went on to make
general. We wore blue trousers, khaki shirt on duty with white cover
and had one 45 cal pistol. Also had 38 cal pistols, some made out a of
stamped metal that was given to the underground in WWII.
I hope I haven't told you this stuff before. I sent you some emails from the
library yesterday. I told you that I lost all my photos due to yahoo
making some kind of change. I had photos of the old Embassy etc. A man
named Don Brown who came out in about aPR 51 AND WENT TO SALONIKA WHEN HEY OPENED IT SENT THEM TO ME. h RETIRED DURING NAM DAYS AS 1ST LT i BELIEVE. hE LIVES IN cALIF. HE IS NOT COMPUTER LITERATE AND HIS WIFE SENT THE THING TO ME. i SENT THEM SOME EMAILS AND THEY BOUNCED BACK. APPARENTLY they have me blocked. I'm gonna leave this in caps. I sure loved my days of doing investigations when all I had to do was dictate the reports. Let some GS-3 do the typing. Need to read some of the 18 unread emails I have on webtv. Nuff for now. 0420.
All the best and Semper Fi, Frank
Retired in January 2002. Semper Fidelis. God Bless.
Algiers, Algeria 1988 - 1989, Sgt | Stuttgart, Germany, Sgt 1989 - 1990 | Paris, France 1990 - 1992 Sgt - 3rd Squad Leader
Being single, I once attended a Christmas program one year with one of the other single Marines that was held in the old YMCA in downtown Dublin – and actually noticed a girl in the front row of the Christmas Choir. My Marine friend told me she looked to be 12 years old (actually she was 21 at the time and I would eventually meet and marry her 5 years later.)
I went out running one day with one of the Guards – at that time the Air Force required only a one and a half mile distance – while the Marines 3 miles. Had a hard time keeping up with him. I remember that a Marine Officer would come over from Europe to Dublin once a year for an evaluation (distance run, pull-ups, sit-ups, push-ups, etc.). One story goes that one of these Officers was in a local pub with the Marine Guards. Somehow he was challenged by a civilian for some reason – and to quell the conversation – the Officer took a bite out of his glass holding his Guinness – true or just a good story?
I recognize a few (but not their names) of the Marines in the photos on this sight dated 1978. Some of the Air Force Personnel in my Unit were: Rychner, Wise, Fritchie, Blackard, Stokes, Nichols, Stillman, and Reed among others.
One year the Air Force guys were asked to cover some of the early Sunday morning guard duty shifts – so the Marines could “really” enjoy the previous Saturday night celebration (believe the Marine Corps Ball) that was held within the rotunda of the Embassy.
I had the shift – that when I arrived there were instructions that I would have to raise the American Flag outside. I looked around the first floor of the Rotunda and sure enough there was an American Flag available – in fact there were two – one larger than the other. Fortunately I choose the correct size – the bigger of the two – and did not lock myself out of the Embassy. Perhaps I have the honor of being the only Air Force member to raise the American flag outside of the Dublin Embassy?
This was also the time frame when there used to be a person who would sometimes hide in the bushes and throw stones at the Marine Guards while they were outside performing their duties. Fortunately - the local Garda would intervene if needed.
We Air Force guys had great “Darts and Ping Pong” competitions with the Marines. And the Marines knew how to throw a party at the Marine House. I was once in a Dublin taxi when I told the Irish driver that I was assigned to the Embassy. His first response back to me was - “are you going to the Marine House party next Friday?”
Like myself, I believe that the majority of the single Marines stationed in Dublin during my tour of duty ended up marrying an Irish colleen.
The assignment in Dublin to me – was the best of my career. Besides my job – I really enjoyed the camaraderie that we shared with the Marines in several different ways.
Ron Holley, SMSgt, USAF, Retired
1964-1991
Glenn
Obituary will be found at Fountain Memorial Home in Lafayette, LA
+966 055-982-7924
His obituary will be found shortly in the Las Vegas Review Journal.