Saguaro Detachment Marine Corps League

I was born in Newcastle, England and raised in Columbus, Ohio.  In the spring of 1962, my junior year in high school I joined the Marine reserves.  In the summer of 1963, I went to boot camp at Paris Island, SC and after 6 weeks I received a hardship release due to the illness of my mother.  In the summer of 1965 I went back on active duty and was sent back to boot camp, this time I was assigned to San Diego, CA, becoming one of the few Marines to get to experience both boot camps.  Therefore, I know why they are called Hollywood Marines.  After advanced infantry training at Camp Pendleton I received orders to jet school at Millington, TN.  After graduating from jet school I received orders to okinawa and reported to VMGR152. I was assigned to the flight line for aircraft maintenance.  During the years of 1966 and 1967 I had temporary duty for 60 days at a time at DaNang.  In the spring of 1967 I started flying as a 1st Mech and in training to become a flight engineer.  In May I was promoted to Cpl.  In July of 1967 rotated back with orders to Cherry Point and joined HAMS-27, engine shop.  In September I met my wife Ann and after only 6 weeks we were married on November 10, 1967.  Two weeks after I received orders back to VMGR152.  Reported to MGR152 in January 1968, remained with the quadrant for 13 months.  In July of 1968 was promoted to Sgt (E5). During my tour I received 16 air medals, earned during our flights in Viet Nam.  In February of 1969 returned to Cherry Point to HAMS-27, back to the engine shop.  In 1970 our son was born at the Naval Hospital.  I was discharged at Cherry Point in November 1972.  We continued to live in North Carolina near Ann’s family and our daughter was born in 1973.  We moved to AZ in March of 1977, our son now lives in CA with his wife and 3 daughters and our daughter lives just 4 miles from us with her husband son and daughter.  Ann is employed  with ASU working as a database supervisor for KAET Channel 8 and I am a VP of Business Development for Type K Damper Drive out of Dallas, TX.  My area of responsibility includes western Canada, western United  States, and Latin America.

So where do I begin? It was so long ago. I was born on the shores of Lake Erie in far upstate New Your in 1934. Good fishing, warm summers, but bitter cold winters. Being a cowboy at  heart, I should have been born out West like maybe Montana. Before graduating from High  School, I was called by the Draft Board for a physical because my number came up. After having passed, I was informed that I could be called any day. I didn't want to be drafted in to the Army, as that was the worst that could happen to me, so I joined the Marin Corps. At the  time, I was working after school in a garment factory, when I told some of my co-workers  what I had joined, they thought I was crazy. I left two weeks later and was sent to that great sunny resort known as Parris Island, over populated with those damn gnats. On qualifying at the rifle range and being the highest shooter, I was awarded the grand prize of an electric steam iron, which I rented out from time  to time. Low and behold, this started me off, in later years, in my rental business. After Boot Camp we  were sent to cold weather training, known as Pico Meadows, because of the bitter cold in Korea. There I was surprised to see many Marines who had never held snow in their hands. What a wake up!! I even learned some new tricks. I was shipped out with thousands of other Marines from San Diego, CA in February on 10 big cruise ships, more commonly known as troop carriers. Our sleeping racks were a canvas that was stretched over  poles and packed seven high. We headed due east for 27 days, and were escorted by planes, submarines, and battleships. What a sight! Some where out of Hawaii one morning we were all alone. Our ship docked in the  harbor of Yokoyama, Japan. From there we boarded trains and some of us headed for South Camp Fuji, 3rd Tank Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. Maybe because I did mechanics on cars earlier, I found myself in Tanks. A whole lot bigger and meaner than any cars that I had known. These M47’s had big 12 cylinder, oil cooled engines. The armament is a 90MM cannon and two 50 caliber machine guns. Carries a crew of 5 and was one hell of a Marine Corps weapon. Besides, a whole lot of fun to drive. When my tour was up there, I was sent back to Camp Pendleton and transferred to the 1st Marine Division. With my enlistment nearing it’s end I would have shipped over if I could have done a Med cruise, but I was turned down. So, that ended my Marine Corps duty till now. Presently, I live in the East Valley, better known as Mesa, with my wonderful, loving wife Karen, and we’re  both members of the Saguaro Detachment.

Chaplain, John