SAMUEL K. BEAMON

Young Marines

Posted: 08/26/2008

I had the honor of being present a the weekly drill of a combined Young Marine Meeting in Plainfield, Ct. Being from the original Young Marine Unit started in Waterbury, Ct, it was good to see that the program is alive and well in Connecticut. This program has been voted the second best youth program in the country - only behind the Boy Scouts.  The same things that I learned a young age were being instilled in these youngters. I spoke to those present as they sat in a school circle. The older boys took a leadership role under the guidance of their Drill Instructors. The faces had changed but not the program. Keep up the good work. Semper Fi - Young Marines

USMC/Combat Helicopter Assoc.

Posted: 08/14/2008

I made the Reunion of Popasmoke - USMC Combat Helicopter Association in Washington, D. C. We get together every two years. What a great time to get with those that we served in combat in Vietnam and other conflicts. I did sell some books but that was not the reason for being there. It was those Marines that did their duty. The drill exhibition at the 8th and I Barracks was top notch. The younger generation is carrying on the traditions of the Corps with the pride and honor of those that came before them. It was a real pleasure to meet the Young Marines from Quanico, Va. that were present, when we got off of our buses. The program is well in hand. I spoke to their directors about the 50th anniversary party in Waterbury - celebrating the founding of this program.    We had a memorial service at the Vietnam Memorial Wall remembering those that gave their lives and a trip the The Marine Corps Museum. The flyover the Wall was awesome. A CH-53, CH-46 and a V-22 Osprey flew in formation over the Marines and families gathered below. The only problem was they they flew in the wrong direction - out of the morning sun. Well, I wasn't leading the flight - HaHa. My son was there and had an opportunity to meet some of those that I served with. It was an outstanding get together - Mike, Peter, Tom and not to mention "FRED" made it all worthwhile. My HMM-164 and HMM-262 families are alive and well. Thanks for the memories. See you in two years. -- Semper Fi -- Sam

Marine Corps League National Convention	Posted: 08/10/2008
I attended the National Marine Corps League Convention in Orlando. Saw some old friends and made some new one. Only Tourists and Marines are in Florida in August - very strange.    I met the National Director of the Young Marine Program, along with some of his staff. It was an honor to see that the program is growing and what they are doing for our youth.