Island MCB 7 At Large 

***NOW HEAR THIS***

To: Members and friends of Island MCB 7 At Large

From: Dick Pelissier, Secretary/Treasurer

Subject: Spring/Summer 2008 Newsletter

Please join me in congratulating John Blaisdell, for his dedication and service to NSVA Island MCB 7 at Large as it's Secretary/Treasurer for over 15 years. Now that's a CAN DO attitude. John, a big thank you from all the members. For sure, you deserve a rest from those duties. John has asked that I take over this task, and I will attempt to follow in his footsteps, but they'll be big shoes to fill.

I'm Dick Pelissier. I was a CEP2 with MCB7 from 1961-1963. I served in MCB7 , with assignments that included Detachment November in Bermuda, Argentia, followed by training in Camp LeJeune, and then on to Gitmo during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October of 1962, and of course, spent time in Davisville, RI.

Jim Crews will be hosting the 2008 Reunion which is taking place in Clackamus, Or. from Sept.4th-7th. By now most of you have probably received the postcard notification, and the planned activities for the reunion. It will be a challenge for many of us, with the increase in fuel costs, that impacts driving, flying, or any other means of transportation. Fortunately, Jim indicates that many shops, restaurants, and attractions are near the hotel. In any case, hope to see you all there, and looking forward to visiting the Portland, Oregon area.

History comments:
A Letter from a WW2 Marine about Seabees!

I often find myself wondering, who are they; when I hear the phrase "Unsung Hero's?" A hero is defined as: with courage, nobility, and one who fears no danger. Sixty-four years ago when I was age nineteen I met a group of people; some who were almost twice my age. I met them on a battlefield, on the island of Tinian, some eight thousand miles from our west coast They carried only small arms weapons while building the largest airfield in the world, that brought an ending to World War 2. Some history books have their deeds too deeply imbedded in the books back pages. Marines place their deeds much closer to the front pages.

As a former World War 2 Marine Sergeant, I now realize when "War" holidays approach us, we are often reminded of deeds we didn't give much thought to, heroic acts we had to put on hold. These holidays have a way of making us remember those among us, who were the "Unsung Hero's" of the pacific, as we hop-scotched every island, on our way to victory over Japan.

After sixty-three years, and my memory flashbacks of world war 2 courage, I'm still reminded of the warrior with the "can do" the job attitude, tirelessness, and most of all; many times, being side by side with we the Marines, mopping up every foxhole and cave, until they were declared secure.

If I were to continue writing it would take many pages to fully cover why this Marine, and all Marines are thankful that our government ordered our defense department to organize a much needed "Navy" construction force to aid our Marine Corps. It was then that skilled construction workers, patriotic "Older" men (average age 37) volunteered to answer the call. They needed little advanced training; they quickly excelled in small arms weapons training, and Navy discipline. The rest is history.

Did I make you wait too long, or does my message assure you: "We, The Proud Marines" during World War 2 give thanks to our new found, and tireless comrades, "their" huge airfield on Tinian gave so many of us the thrill of coming home "alive" to our loved ones. Yes, the memories do come back. We now offer a strong firm handclasp to our best friends; the United States Navy Seabees. They are truly Americas "Unsung Hero's."

Sgt. Dick Beard; USMC 1943-1945

Seabees and D-Day

June 6th is the 64th anniversary of D-Day, a good time to remember the role the Seabees played. The 25th Naval Construction Regiment was formed in England just before D-Day and included the 28th, 30th (special), 69th, 81st, 97th (2nd Section), 111th, 114th, 146th Naval Construction Battalions and CBD 1006. (The 97th [2nd Section] was redesigned as the 108th on April 27, 1944.)

Seabees assembled and operated the artificial harbor (Mulberry A) at Omaha. They constructed and operated oil and lubricant installations and naval beach camps at Utah and Omaha Beaches. They also helped reopen captured ports. But their most critical mission ... and one largely forgotten today ... was delivering about 35 percent of soldiers and the vast majority of vital war machinery to the beaches using Rhino Ferries. These motorized barges were made of interlocked pontoons, a system designed and tested at the Davisville Base. When the mission was complete, the 25th Regiment was disestablished instead of moving to a forward area and the the 25th slipped into history.

After the war thousands of Davisville pontoons that had served in Europe and the Pacific were sold as scrap or put to other uses. Today, the seven owned by the Museum may just be the last in existence. Last year they were repainted and they await completion of the new Museum building when they will be placed on display. We need everyone's help to make this dream a reality. We would sincerely appreciate donations in any amount. If you have given before, consider making an additional donation.

Well, I hope all you Bees enjoy the summer. Be safe and stay out of the hot sun.

For those of you who would like to sign up for Life Memberships, the current dues are: to age 40 are $180.00, ages 41-69 are $155.00, and for age 70 and over, the dues are $130.00. Make checks out to 'Navy Seabees Veterans of America', and forward to me, and I will make sure National gets your life membership checks.

Just a reminder, that for the annual members' dues for 2009, the dues are $20.00 dollars to renew. Please forward a check to me, and make the it out to: NSVA Island MCB7 At Large.

If you have an email address and would like to receive the 'Now Hear This' newsletter on email it would help to defray the cost of mailings to our MCB 7 Island At Large organization. Those without Internet access would still receive the newsletter via regular mail.

Well, hope to see all of you Bees at the next reunion. Until then, keep the 'CAN DO' attitude that was instilled in all of us.

Sincerely,

Dick Pelissier