Guestbook

From the editor: Don Cobrea
This is a new Guestbook that will filter all maggot entries that are unwanted. Please share your stories, photos and experiences. Semper Fi Marines!!!
email: admin@dccobra.com

Posted by james rat burton on July 19, 2002 at 05:48:20:

i served with usnc field bands 1965-68 at mcrd san diego; marine barracks pearl & paris island; would like to say hello to bob christianson; mike rock henry horn joe benneshan; mike wallach cwo/capt black; art la pine chuck flory sam petrella and gunny beauperlant what ever happened to hin after the no blow ??????

In reply to: James Burton

Semper Fi James. Ive heard of Capt. Black and Gunny Beauperlant but I didn't know them. I was primarily on the West coast, Okinawa, and School of Music. (1969 thru 1976)

Semper Fi Marine! Don

Posted by George Helmke on August 27, 2002 at 10:10:05:

I was in five bands during my four year enlistment. As of this writing I have found guys from four of these bands; however, I haven't been able to locate anyone I served with from the 3rd Marines Regimental Band at Middle Camp Fuji, Japan, from January 1955 through March of 1956. If any of you guys are out there, drop me a line.

Posted by FRANK GREENWOOD on September 08, 2002 at 19:31:07:

LOOKING FOR ANYONE FROM PLATOON 3048 1968, PLUS PLATOON PICTURES OR PLATOON BOOKS. Another E-mail address is fgreen@gbis.com

Posted by Linn Davison on September 15, 2002 at 11:34:13:

Posted by Douglas Clark on September 23, 2002 at 10:24:20:

I served with the First Marine Divison Band and The First Marine Air Wing Band in DaNang from 1970 to 1971. Would like to here from any Marine who served with these Bands and also The First Marine Division Band Camp Pendelton Calif. from 1968 to 1972. These were two great bands filled with great Marines. Waitng to hear....

Posted by Jim Conroy on November 10, 2002 at 19:24:11:

Would like to hear from the marined I could not contact last year in our drive to get together at Camp Pendelton for our MCMA reunion last year.Looking forward to New Orleans. You guys that didn,t or couldn,t make it to Camp Pendelton last April, should try by hook or crook to get to
New Orleans this coming year. We have about 12 guys from the Toro Band of that era. Looking for more. Does anyone have any info on a trumpet player we called Bear, He came from MIssouri I believe. His name I believe was Jim Condin or Jim Condor, I can't remember exactly. I am having difficulty tracking him down. Any body with info please contact me doublebogey2@earthlink.net.Thanks. The site is looking great, Don!

Posted by Jim Conroy on November 10, 2002 at 19:30:13:

In Reply to: El Toro Band, 1958-1962. Posted by Jim Conroy on November 10, 2002 at 19:24:11:

Would like to hear from the Marines I could not contact last year in our drive to get together at Camp Pendelton for our MCMA reunion last year.Looking forward to New Orleans. You guys that didn't or couldn't make it to Camp Pendelton last April, should try by hook or crook to get to
New Orleans this coming year. We have about 12 guys from the Toro Band of that era. Looking for more. Does anyone have any info on a trumpet player we called Bear, He came from MIssouri I believe. His name I believe was Jim Condin or Jim Condor, I can't remember exactly. I am having difficulty tracking him down. Any body with info please contact me doublebogey2@earthlink.net.Thanks. The site is looking great, Don! PS. Any body from the 1958-1962 El Toro Band, please, let us hear from you!

Posted by Don Schaffer on December 24, 2002 at 20:43:58:

In Reply to: 3rd MAW Miami. Posted by Linn Davison on September 15, 2002 at 11:34:13:

Served with the Third MAW band at Opa Locka FL. near Miami 1955-1956. Any old timers around from that era? Have made contact with two members from that time frame and thats been 15 years ago. Would like to hear from old buddies, Linn aka "Fudd"
I have a friend that served there at that time. Sax & clarinet player name of Bob Humphrey. His email is BoniBob@enter.net You best start your email SUBJECT with UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS, or he may not open the letter. Just got his computer a little while back, and is afraid of getting a virus. Do you belong to the Marine Corps Musicians Association? Good reunions. Semper Fi, Don Schaffer.

Posted by George Helmke on August 27, 2002 at 10:10:05:

George; I served with a Marine who was at Camp Fuji, I believe he told me that the band left Camp Fuji and went to Iwakuni. He was a talented musician, and a good guy, His name was Arnold Onley, but he went by the name of Ray. This guy could play anything, Piano, Flute, Bass, Drums, Heck of a musician. Does tht name ring a bell to you? Semper Fi Jim.

Posted by Don Schaffer on December 24, 2002 at 20:43:58:

Posted by Charles Seager on April 19, 2003 at 00:53:25:

Super website, Don. I remember you, from way back when. :-)
I enlisted in September 1965, went to the San Diego MCRD Band for a few months, then the 1stMarDiv Band from May 1966 to Apr 1969 (Chu Lai and Da Nang). I got out for nearly two years, then re-enlisted, went to San Diego, SOM, El Toro, Camp Courtney (Okinawa), New Orleans, SOM (again), and finally retired from Camp Pendleton.
After retiring, I picked up a B.S. (Computer Science), minored in Music and Math, and also received a Teaching Certification (Brigham Young University), and I am now teaching for DODDS at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan.
The last I heard, *years* ago, Whitney was a Major. I'm wondering what LaRue Ford and all the others are doing now.
Thanks again, Don, for an excellent website.

In reply to: Charles Seager

Great hearing from ya! I to often wondered what became of Larue Ford. He was an awesome man and a great Marine! Whitney, I heard, was running a Military Academy of some sorts. If I could change things, I would have stayed and retired to. I have one more class to go for my Information Technology certification. Thanks for the complement on my web site. I am currently creating another for the USMC Field bands of former and current Marine Musicians. My son goes to Boot camp tomorrow at P I.

Semper fi Marine! Don

Posted by Sgt Douglas Benoit on June 11, 2003 at 11:34:35:

1) The Iceland Change of Command, where there was so much fog, all the band personnel hung out in the Marine Corps Bar, enjoying the 4-hour dark hours, before sunrise at 4 a.m. And, the only Navy P3 the band had ever flown on....those Norhtern Lights were spectacular!
2) The Florida Change of Command gig in a hanger, where the temperature was so cold, the majority of the brass section had their mouthpieces stuck (quite well) to their lips, a couple players, whose lips were torn open and bleeding when they tried to pull their horns away!
3) The rehearsals in the band facility with no air conditioning, at around 101 degrees...with permission from the base commander to wear PT attire for rehearsals for three days!
4) The parades in the rain, and those parades where there was no Head Calls before the 5-mile march.
5) The tatoos

Anyone relate?

Doug Benoit

Posted by Mike Bouffard on September 09, 2003 at 16:46:42:

In Reply to: Would like to here from members of the Band. Posted by Douglas Clark on September 23, 2002 at 10:24:20:

I served with the First MAW band in 1968 and 1969. Must have just missed you. Played trumpet for about the last 4 months led the dance band. Played with some great guys, Don Raymond, Pat Burch, JB Evans and the rest. They years have numbed the names but I can still see the faces. I'll have to tell you of the time during morning colors that Pat Burch and I gave Top Smith an ulcer. He was fit to be tied. Let me hear from you.

Posted by Margaret Smith on October 14, 2003 at 14:22:15:

Would like assistance in retrieving the email extension for the 3rd Marine Air Wing. I am looking for an individual for which I have a name but unfortunately an incorrect email extension (@3maw.usmc.mil?)

Appreciate any help that you can offer.

Posted by mike wallach on December 01, 2003 at 05:09:41:

In Reply to: Re: former bandsmen of usmc field bands. Posted by mike wallach on January 16, 2003 at 04:28:14:

i served with usnc field bands 1965-68 at mcrd san diego; marine barracks pearl.

Posted by Sgt Walton on January 15, 2004 at 13:04:10:

Marine Band San Diego Link:

Webpage: http://www.mcrdsd.usmc.mil/Band/index.htm

Posted by Byron Smith on February 05, 2004 at 10:21:00:

was in the post band at Quantico, Va from 1948 to 1952 also from 1958 to 1962. Would like to know more about the assn Semper Fi

Posted by Bob Keller on February 13, 2004 at 21:48:00:

Hi Don: I very much enjoyed going through your site here. Very well done! I check in with the Marine Corps Musicians Assoc. from time to time. Have had many conversations with one of your board members, Bob Caro, re my dad. He (Robert E. Keller) was the Drum Major of the WWII 24th Regiment Band, 4th Marine Division (Roi-Namur, Tinian, Saipan, Iwo Jima). He made all four landings - was wounded on Iwo. I have some great photos of his band and even a video, made from a WWII recruiting film made by the USMC, showing the band marching at the San Diego Marine Corps base. The band cut a vinyl record in Dec. '43 (just before shipping out for Roi-Namur). If you go to your reunion in April, I believe Bob Caro plans to have copies available for all. Don, I hope I haven't bored you but thought you'd like some USMC musician history. My dad was the proudest Marine on this earth and he loved the music. They fought the good fight, too.
I'm Vietnam era like you. My dad talked me into joining the Navy - maybe he thought I'd be safer!! I ended up in riverine service - swift boats - Mekong Delta, VN and participated in some good action.
Bob Caro wants me to attend your reunion but I just can't get away (would very much love to meet you some day, though). Thanks for your MC story. You guys are the greatest!
Semper Fi,
Bob Keller
Sacramento, CA

Webpage: http://www.dccobra.com/keller.htm

In Reply to Bob Keller:

A huge Semper Fi to you Bob! I salute your courage and valor for braving the Nam in a gunboat down the Mekong!! The Navy and Marine Corps team is second to none!

Semper Fi Bob! Don

Posted by Tim Kimble on February 14, 2004 at 14:30:00:

1st MAW Band, Iwakuni, Japan 1964.
Base Band, 29 Palms, 1965.
Now living in Mission Viejo, CA.

Posted by Bruce Riggs on February 16, 2004 at 11:47:00:

Former Band member from 83, to 96, when I got off actice duty and went Force Recon in the reserves in Reno NV. Deployed to Iraq for the war Jan 03 with the 6th ESB from Portland Oregon and came home in June. Retired at the Marine Corps ball in Portland on 1 November 2003. 20 years 9 months.

Posted by: paul delong on 3/13/05

I knew a staff sgt tom cook while i was with the band at san diego the first halve of 1955 and i was wondering if that could be the same cwo tom cook that you mentioned in your article. i was one of the original members of the 3rd marine reg. band that was formed from members of the 3rd div band stationed at camp pendleton in 1953, under the direction of m/sgt bart larocca. the band went to keneohe bay hawaii and then after 28 days we went to camp fuji japan. I don't believe george helmke was one of the origianl menbers, but i think he may have been one of the replacements that came in later. would very much like to hear from him.i was one of the trombone players in the band. if you could give him my e-mail.

Posted by Kelly Allison on April 4, 2004 at 22:47:02

Well, fancy running into your website on the net. I
was in the San Diego Band from '75 to '77. Then Cherry Point from '77 to '81. "Corky" followed me there to show off his Captain's bars. Been doing the IT thing for over eighteen years. It provided me with pretty good income. Still making music. Check out my web sites.

Web pages: http://mcdixieland.com and http://nashccband.com

Posted by LCpl Zimmerman on April 8, 2004 at 18:34:01

I am currently serving with the Quantico Band. I am also the Historian for the public Affairs Office. We are currently trying to put together a videoaugraphy of the history of the Band here. If there is any Marines out there who have photos or information regarding the history of this band please email me at JCZ25@aol.com
Thanks and Semper Fi,

Posted by Kitti on Mon 7/26/2004 10:11 AM

Wow, an impressive web site. My son is a new recruit (7/12/04)and one of the reasons he joined
The Marines, is because he fell in love with one of the bands that came to his high school and played for their band class. He was a little disappointed when he found out that they had no opening for someone who played the sax.
Thank you and GOD BLESSES you all

please email me at tuffkitti2yahoo.com

Posted by dtrail on Thu 8/12/2004 11:35 PM

Looking for anyone that served with VMT-2. 1961-1966. Please email me at dtrail5750@wowway.com

Posted by Jablosser1@wmconnect.com on Wed 8/18/2004 6:53 PM

I have a 1942 WWII Marine Corp Baritone Horn for sale.
It was made for the Marine Corp by Martin and has USMC engraved on the bell above the Martin logo. The original case is included with USMC imprinted on the side. It has recently been checked out by a professional baritone player which stated it is in excellent condition, both appearance and playing. It is has 4 values and silver with brass inside bell. If interested please respond ASAP.

Thank you

Posted by David P. Higgins on Thu 9/2/2004 11:13 PM

I served with the band in San Diego from 64-late 65, went to DaNang with CWO Black and Flore, Bruce Wilder, Rock, Remariz, Nice to see this sight, will be at the reunion in San Diego in 2005, hoping to see anyone I know their.

Posted by GySgt Jim Corcoran on Sat 10/30/2004 10:01 AM

Retired in 82 and like you, loved my time in the Corps. I have to say, though, there were a few times things didn't appear to be all that rreat, at the time but I survived. One the sadest days of my time in the Corps was the closing of Marine Barracks, Philadelphia. At the time it was the "Oldest Post of the Corps", now it is 8th & I who can make that claim, until the closure of MB Phila., they were the second oldest. Well so long, for now. Semper Fi!

Posted by oneminx on Sun 11/28/2004 at 6:18 PM

I am looking for a Marine & his wife who was at MCLB Georgia in 1991 when I was. The marines name and rank was GySgt John Rhodes from there he went to TX somewhere. When he was in Ga he was the ast band director, he also played a horn. His mom and dad are in Ca I think. If any one can tell me where they are or if he is still in the corp I would appreaciate it. E-Mail me at oneminx@msn.com or ltlblkegl@msn.com. or you could just pass the emails along to them thanks so much and Semper Fi.

Posted by MSgt John J. Brosnahan on 12/5/2004 at 8:44 PM

Nice Web Site, Retired 1978, 5571 Drum and Bugle Corps Leader, As a SSgt Led the III MAF Drum & Bugle Corps- came down from 3rd Marine Div Band to replace Top Moran 1968-1969 had a great little D&B traveled all over NAM supporting CAG Marines, Was also Drill Master and Drum Master with the Commandants Own Drum & bugle Corps Marine Barracks 8th & I 1962-1968, Member 1st Marine Brigade Band Kaneohe Hawaii 1959 and FMF Pac D&B Team 1959-1961, Director/Drum Major 4th Marine Aircraft Wing Drum & Bugle Corps Glenview, IL and New Orleans 1972-1975, Retired from 1st DIV Band/D&B Camp Pendleton 1978. I tried logging onto the Marine Corps Musician's Association Web Site to join but apparently it's not working. Do you know if this group is active? Again great web site, take care and Semper Fi, John Brosnahan

Posted by john{doc} taschler on 2/2/2005 8:47 PM

I was in vetnam from 1961 to 1975
I was a combat corpman. I took care of my marines god bles them all

Posted by Andy Leonard (Cpl. USMC Field Bands)

Love your site. I was in the 1st MAW Band in Iwakuni Japan and my last duty station was MCRD San Diego under Lt."Corky Whitney" and Top Kelly, who you mentioned on your home page. Semper Fi

Web Page: www.techprostaging.com

Posted by Chris Benedict

Former Marine, served in the 2nd Marine Airwing Band at Cherry Pt. '91-'94

Posted by Charles Taliaferro on 3/31/2005 11:18 PM

You can retire your tattered, worn out and frayed American flags without any cost to you. Just send your flags to the Kitchen Table Gang Trust, 42922 Avenue 12, Madera, CA 93638-8866 and we will dispose of your flags in a proper and dignified manner with full honors and dignity pursuant to the United States Flag Code Section 8K (PL93-344). We veterans have been doing this for he past seven years. Our flag retirement ceremonies are held on Flag Day, June 14th each year and are conducted by an all volunteer U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard led by GySgt. Dan Kelley USMC (Ret.). The Kitchen Table Gang also has a nationally recognized educational program for our young people and students, teaching them the history, traditions and respect for our national emblem.

Thank you very much,

Charles Taliaferro
ctaliaferro@kitchentablegang.org
THE KITCHEN TABLE GANG TRUST
http://www.kitchentablegang.org

Posted by K. Dorward on 5/13/05 at 5:12 am

Great Website! Did my thinkg w/the Wing Band 1978-1979.

Posted by Margaret Dial on 6/05/05 at 11:47 am

I would like to get in touch with my nephew Donald Hickman. I am proud of all you guys and gals. 6948 whitby, Garden City MI 48135 God Bless you All!!!

E-Mail: mdial@wowway.com

Posted by PFC CABRERA on 9/11/05 at 7:20 am

OOOORAHHH SGT MOTO PAGE!!! MCAS WX CAMPPENDLETON CA

E-Mail: DRMR@TMAIL.COM

Posted by Richard Brooks on 7/25/05 at 10:45 pm

Depot Band 1973-74 Great site Sgt. Don
from Motherworm

E-Mail: rbrooks@i29.net

Posted by Doug LaPoint on 11/4/05 at 6:59 pm

I was stationed in Okinawa from 1982 to 1984 with the Third Marine Amphibious Force Band.

It's funny how I can mostly only remember the good times now, though some of those memories are a little foggy due to whatever they replaced the booze with in the vodka and rum bottles in those bars on Gate 2 Street.

Check out my website dedicated to my time over in Okinawa with the III MAF Band.

Website: http://3mafband.lapoint.net/

Posted by Mike Haggett on 11/11/2005 at 15:07

Semper Fi my dog brother. send our thoughts to our bothers in harms way. Have a great holiday, and stay safe.

E-Mail: mhaggett@triad.rr.com

Posted by Ron Schreffler on 1/14/2006 at 17:17

I was in the 3rd MarDiv Band in Okinawa from 1976-1977. I served under the batons of 1st Lt. Jessie Owens Sunderland and GySgt Swingle.
From 1977-1979 I served in the 2nd MAW Band under the batons of a CWO and also Captain "Corky" Whitney. Our band played the opening ceremony for the Epcot Center, Fl., Indy 500 races, and were the back-up band for Bob Hope at the Ohio State Fair during my tour.
Still playing and teaching the Horn in F.

Semper Fi!
Sgt Ron Schreffler

Posted by Al "Speedy" Gonzalez on 1/16/2006 at 15:54 hours

I'm Al Gonzalez(Speedy) and was in the Marine corp from 67 to 71. I served with the 5th Divy Band in the latter part of 67 and most of 68. From there I was transfered to the Navy School of Music in Little Creek from Jan 69 to June 69. then I was reassigned to the 2nd Marine Air Wing Band at Cherry Point until June of 70. From there I received orders to West Pac and pulled a short term in Viet Nam with the 3rd Marine Amphibious Force . My last and best duty station was The 3rd Divy Band in Okinawa until June 71.( Man It was like dying and going to Heaven)
I would like to hear from anyone that remembers me at almar032001@yahoo.com . Steve Cseplo, Danantonio, Roardink, Morales, Keith Delke, Jimmy Simms, Avioli, Pete Snyder,Daral Ruh, just a few names I remember if you're looking in send me a line.
Al "Speedy" Gonzalez

Website: http://www.dccobra.com/speedy/

Posted by Jesse Sunderland on 3/29/2006 at 02:14

I'm Jesse Sunderland. I was in from '52 to '79. (20th century, that
is.) I served in all our field bands except 29 Palms...and I had orders to go there but they were changed!
I saw some familiar names on your website and would love to hear from all you guys.
I can give a lead on some of the guys who some of you are looking
for...just let me know who you're looking for.
I'm a member of our Marine Corps Musician's Association and can give out some info...like, we're having our reunion at Cherry Point on 25-29 April. 'Yaall come!
Hope to see you on the counter march...
Jesse.

E-Mail: Jesse Sunderland

Posted by: Denny Willis on 4/10/2006 8:54 PM

I served with the 2nd Div. Band for a very short time, then spent a year with the 29 Palms Base band in 66-67, then on to the 1st Div. Band in 67- 68 RVN. Alot of memories, some good, some not so good.

E-Mail: lincgetty@adelphia.net

Posted by: Ken Ford on 7/18/2006 6:08 PM

I went through boot camp in 1943 in Platoon 500. I would like to see a photo of what it looks like today. I served 3 years during WW2. I also would like to hear from any one from Platoon 500.
Kenneth Ford 136 S. Milton St.
Rensselaer,In. 47978

E-Mail: kbford@webtv.net

Posted by: GySgt (Retired)Laird Keith Miller on 9/19/2006 8:54 PM

I served 18 1/2 years of my career in the Corps in the Band Field. Alot of the names you mentioned I have heard in the past. Especially "Corky" Whitney. If you know how I can reach him I sure would appreciate it. Semper Fi. from one of the "Boys in the Band"
Keith Miller

E-Mail: gunnylkm@yahoo.com

Posted by: Rick Mason on 9/26/2006 8:16 PM

ILooking for marines of 3rd Mar Div Band Quang Tri HQ Co. 1969 Drummers and others. Also 3rd Mar Div Div.D&B Camp Carol 1968

E-Mail: rmason7@stny.rr.com

Post by: Paul Boardman at Sat 1/26/2008 2:36 AM

In looking at your boot camp page I couldn't help noticing Gunny Troy Hensley with your plt guide. Gunny Hensley was also my Plt Cmdr for Plt 3314 MCRD Oct 68. He was one hell of a marine. my brother who was a FO served with him in Nam and I heard about some of his heroics from him. He was definitly a major influence in my life and is part of the reason for the successes I enjoyed both in and out of the Corps. Does anyone know his whereabouts. Last I heard was he retired in the 80's and was living in the Oceanside area. I had no success in locating him though.
Semper Fi

E-Mail: Paul Boardman

Posted by: Jennifer (Hill) Eckhoff on Fri 4/25/2008 1:59 PM

I'm Jennifer (Hill) Eckhoff, (3rd MAW from 1983- 1987 - flute, vocals) and am looking for anyone else who was in the 3rd MAW at that time. I saw a few 3rd MAW people at the School of Music (Paul Bianchi, for one) when I was there for an Army school, but they're probably retired now. My husband Dan (3rd MAW 1983-1986 - trumpet) and I live in Minnesota, where we joined the 451st Army Band (reserve - it's actually good - really!)). I've heard a few stories about some of our friends from the 3rd MAW, but would like to connect. I believe Dan heard from Jolene Catron and Debbie Hogan. I met Jim Buckler's wife (National Guard) at an Army Band Leaders conference. Has anyone heard from Gunny Cseplo? I believe he's living in Ohio, but I'm not sure. We owe him a reply to a letter he sent shortly after I got out in '87. (I think Kirsten and Elizabeth are in NY.) Amazing how the years fly, but the memories seem as clear as yesterday. (Some are a little clearer than I'd like, but all in all, I'm proud to say I was (am!) a Marine.) Semper Fi jennifer.eckhoff@us.army.mil

E-Mail: Jennifer (Hill) Eckhoff

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