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I hope this is a reply to Steve. I enjoyed meeting you at the reunion in Detroit some years back, and I marvel at how you carry your story forward. I also think of you every time I break out my ironing board. Margo is always with me, but especially at this time of the year. Dale Pack and I reconnect around this time and discuss the sorry excuse of a hole we tried to fit into on the 16th.
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LZ Margo was a lifetime ago and at times, the memories of that day seem almost surreal. I don't know about any of you, but I find myself reminiscing about my youth more and more with each passing day. I frequently ask myself did I really do this or that? The years have muddied the memories of a time when I was young, invincible, and full of energy. Now I'm at the other end of the spectrum. LZ Margo changed my life forever, as I'm sure it did for many of you as well. I often think about what my life would have been like had I not served in the Marine Corps. Even though September 16, 1968, changed my life physically and mentally forever, my life has been and continues to be so very, very blessed. What appeared just to be the "dumb luck" of a 19-year old kid…
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I’m 78 now my fellow Devil Dogs.
In all honesty I try NOT to remember some of our challenges in the bush.
However, we all had some very strange good times that made your stomach sore from laughing so hard.
I was with Fox Co., 2/26, in phu Bia from October 1966 to March 1968.
James,
Wow! Sixteen grandchildren. That’s so awesome. We have a son and daughter, and 3 beautiful grandchildren. They brighten our lives beyond belief. Been married to my high school sweetheart for over 48 years. Our daughter is also a teacher, and our son is an auto technician. He served in the Marine Corps in the 90’s. I speak to high school classes every year on my experiences in Vietnam, and I always tell them the beauty of growing old is being able to look back and see one “God moment” after another in my 77+ years.
I served with “H” Co 2/26 Wpns Plt. from April - September 16, 1968, when I was wounded at LZ Margo. I spent 6 months in the hospital after that. Neither of those names sound familiar. I live up near Libertyville, so you’re not too far away. Semper Fi
Steve
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Welcome to our group dmzrats Group! A space for us to connect and share with each other. Start by posting your thoughts, sharing media, or creating a poll.
first time on this site--joined e co 2/26 at khe sanh and went on float through dec 68. sorry i missed the chance to to touch base with my brothers the past 57 yrs--would have definitely went to 50 yr memorial in 2018.--spent my life thinking of that monday 9/16/68--now at 77 and the passing of my wife, the memories are returning of my 2 tours in vn. nothing comes close to the LZ MARGO experience. always felt 2/26 was the most under appreciated band of marines and never recognized for the sacrifice BLT 2/26 exhibited during that time. the mental and physical toughness displayed by my brothers in arms on sept 16 1968 was exceptional. Semper Fi
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The reason I'm writing is that I just read that Gunnery Sgt Teddy Banks has passed away. I went to recon school with Teddy and Rivers and we with others from recon school got to Vietnam we were assigned to the 26th Marines instead of recon upon reporting in aboard the USS Princeton. On the 16th when I got hit and laying in a foxhole all of a sudden Teddy Banks fell in front of me wounded bleeding from his arms and hand, he couldn't use his rifle so I pulled him in with us until the incoming stopped. I was med-evaced to Dong Ha, Da Nang then to Guam. I never saw Teddy again. We lost a lot of friends that day and I often think of what happened to Teddy and I'm said to hear of his passing. RIP GUNNERY SGT TEDDY BANKS. SEMPER FI
Michael,
So sorry to hear of Teddy's passing. I didn't know him in Vietnam, but I had the honor and privilege of meeting him at our reunion in Detroit. I stayed in contact with him for a while after our reunion but hadn't talked to him the past few years. He was a great guy and will be missed. Semper Fi
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We received a request from a family member about John Shawver to see if anyone remembers him. John served with "H" 2/26 9th MAB in 1968 and 1969. The family member believes that John may have been taken as a POW in 1969 near Chu Lai, but escaped from his captors. I've searched our command chronology and can't find anything. If anyone remembers John would you please reach out to me. Unfortunately, John passed away in August 2014. Thank you. Semper Fi
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I hope this finds you all doing well. I know this is several days early, but I want to wish you all a happy birthday and Veterans Day. I’m taking a road trip to DC on Friday with 3 of the guys I was in boot camp with. We’re going to the Marine Corps Museum on the birthday, and to The Wall on Veterans Day. I haven’t been to the museum in 10 years. Looking forward to seeing the changes they’ve made. Going to head back home on the 12th. Hope you all get to celebrate both days. Semper Fi
Thanks Steve. Right back atcha my brother. Hope all have an ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL weekend. God Bless and Semper Fidelis!!!
Larry
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Any Friday the 13th gives me pause, and when one comes in September I get tremors thinking about what lies ahead.
LZ Margo has been on my mind for the past week; it's always there, just 'up front' @ this time of year. My heart is heavy from the intense impact of earth-shattering, life-changing, events that occurred three (3) lifetimes ago. Many are gone--then or since. They will NEVER be forgotten. Semper Fidelis!!!
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I was just informed that Butch Strasner passed away this past weekend. I don’t have all of the details. Butch served with Fox Co 2/26 and was at LZ Margo. Rest in peace my friend. Semper Fi
😥
Saw him @ the Khe Sanh Veterans reunion in Louisville, Kentucky just this past weekend. Am so sorry to hear this. May an all-knowing, all-loving, all-powerful, all-meciful, all-fogiving God wrap him in his strong arms and hold him next to his tender breast. May he rest in eternal peace.
Always good to hear from you. You’ll be happy to know that our ironing board is still in use daily. Apparently the foxhole I jumped into with an unknown Marine on the 16th wasn’t deep enough either. Semper Fi