CA-3 continues to hold well attended monthly meetings. At the October meeting, hosted by Loyal Escort Kathleen Sao, CA-3 celebrated Halloween. The November Meeting, hosted by Maggie Hart celebrated the 243rd Birthday of the United States Marine Corps. At the traditional ceremony, the oldest Marine present, Zita Cussary, passed a piece of birthday cake to the youngest Marine present – Molly Howe.
The December meeting was hosted by Lily Brockmeier. We exchanged Christmas gifts, and had an “ugly sweater’ contest, won by Bonnie Dabalos-Castro! Who really celebrated her win!
As has been our tradition for the past several years, CA-3 ‘adopted’ a family in need. This year, we actually supported 2 Marine Corps families from the Combat Logistics Battalion 453 in San Jose California. We obtained a list of Christmas wishes from the children of each family, and purchased all 3 items on each child’s list. We also donated enough funds to gift each family with a food gift card, and additional cash for whatever was needed.
During this time period, Lynn and Paul Giadrone attended a Veterans’ Day luncheon sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Lynn and Paul were both recognized as Vietnam Era Veterans. Of the 127 Vietnam Era Veterans, Lynn was not only the only female Marine present, but also the only female Veteran present! Lynne and Paul also attended the USMC Birthday celebration at the Stockton Hilton, sponsored by the Stockton Marine Corps Club.
On November 3rd, Kathy Wright attended the Frank Reasoner Marine Corps League Detachment 919 Breakfast to celebrate the 243rd Birthday of the United States Marine Corps, along with Loyal Escort Vern Smith. Kathy was the guest speaker and told the detachment and guests a bit about the 100 year history of Women in the Marine Corps. She talked about history a lot of the male Marines present were unaware of! The event was a big success and Kathy was presented with a lovely wooden plaque for having been the guest of honor.
On November 10, 2018 Kathy Wright joined the Frank Reasoner Marine Corps League Detachment on their 28th Annual Marine Corps Birthday Cruise from the Benecia Harbor Yacht Club to the Vallejo Yacht Club and back to Benecia. Each Veteran shared a little about their individual histories in the Marine Corps, had a lovely SOS breakfast in Benicia and a wonderful luncheon in Vallejo. While in Vallejo, Kathy joined the Detachment in a little close order drill before lunch. It was a beautiful cruise and everyone had a great time.
Lily Brockmeier attended the San Mateo County 3rd Annual Veteran of the Year Luncheon on November 8th at the San Mateo Marriott. She was able to meet the color guard, who were Marines! Kaiser Permanent sponsored a table for its employees who are also Veterans.
Susan Johnston participated in the Veterans Day Celebration and reading of the names of the fallen at the War Memorial in Tracy California as part of the combined American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard. Besides the guest speaker, there was the presentation of colors, a ceremonial gun salute, and the playing of taps. Also, Susan participated in 3 funerals/memorial services as part of the combined Honor Guard.
Susan Johnston