DELTA COMPANY 1/7. NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 28, 2015 OORAH! And Greetings From The Hawkeye State. Thomas James Smith Jr. VIETNAM MARINES INC.

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1 DELTA COMPANY 1/7 VIETNAM MARINES INC. NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 28, 2015 OORAH! And Greetings From The Hawkeye State. In Memory of Thomas James Smith Jr. December 24, February 17, 2015 Obituary Sergeant Major Thomas J (TJ) Smith Jr. Thomas J Smith Jr. was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. He attended Stanton High School in Duval County school district where he was active in sports: basketball, football as a star quarterback, track athletic, while excelling in academics and auto mechanics. Upon graduating from high school with honors, Sergeant Major Smith joined the United States Marine Corps on March 15, 1958 and was assigned as a Marine Corps Infantrymen (Grunt). His first duty assignment was at the United States Embassy in Morocco Spain. Upon competition of his assigned duty there he served two tours in Vietnam and was awarded Two Purple Hearts, Combat Action, Presidential Citation and Navy Commendation for Meritorious Services. Sgt. Maj. Smith participated in thirteen Major Combat Operations and Numerous Search and Destroy Operations. He served in various billets during his career; two of those to be honored as "Drill Instructor" at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, CA; and, "Non-Commissioned Officer" in Charge of NCO School, at Camp Pendleton, CA. Sgt. Maj. Smith also served as Operational Chief of Marine Detachment at the Naval Weapons Station in Concord, CA and as a Sniper Instructor at Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA. However, his passion as a Marine was serving with Delta Company First Battalion Seventh Marines as a Grunt! Upon retirement of faithful, honorable and distinguished service, for twenty six years, from the United States Marine Corps, Sergeant Major Smith attended college and received a degree in Criminal Justice.

2 He continued his federal service by applying and being accepted as a Special Officer for the United States Secret Service. He was assigned to the Western Protective Division and the Reagan Protective Division. He served twenty years with the U.S.S.S. Thomas J (TJ) Smith Jr. was a man of superior leadership, had a devotion to duty, integrity, and a caring heart for his fellow man. He always displayed professionalism. His hobbies included reading, listening to music and dancing (which he loved). He definitely stayed physically fit until his illness. His strong beliefs were standing up for what was right and, he never wavered left or right. His accomplishments never outweighed his friends. This can be quoted from "Proverbs 18:24 "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother". Family Members Preceded In Death: Mother: Mrs. Dollie Mae Brown Father: Mr. Thomas J Smith, Sr. Brothers: Mr. Leroy Smith, Sr. & Mr. Robert Smith Survivors: A devoted and loving brother, Vern Garrett, and, his wife Rose of Riverview, Florida; A host of nephews and nieces, great nephews and nieces, family members and caring friends. "A life spent devoted to his country and his fellowman" Honor Courage Commitment Semper Fidelis Our Appreciation We have been richly blessed by the numerous acts of kindness and support received from our friends and extended family. Each expression of love and sympathy has been a source of comfort to us and will forever remain dear in our hearts. It is our prayer that the Lord continues to richly bless and keep each of you in His care. The Family Celebration of Life Visitation Wednesday, March 04, 2015 Tuesday, March 03, :00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. Eternal Hills Mortuary Eternal Hills Mortuary 1999 El Camino Real 1999 El Camino Real Oceanside, California Oceanside, California (760) (760)

3 Delta Company Offers Its Belated Condolences To John s Family Obituary for John Michael Wendling (Wendy) John Michael Wendling passed away from this world on December 15, 2014 at OhioHealth MedCentral Mansfield following a brief illness. John was born on June 11, 1946 to Joseph and Lois Jean Wendling. He graduated from St. Peter's High School in 1964 and immediately joined the United States Marine Corps. He was assigned to the 3rd Naval District Brig in New York City. He was sent to Vietnam and was a sniper with the 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He returned home with numerous medals, including a Purple Heart. John joined the Mansfield Police Department in June of 1968 and began as a "Beat Patrolman" walking "The Flats" of downtown Mansfield. During the 46 years of service, he spent 30 years as a detective and rose to the rank of sergeant and eventually lieutenant. He was in charge of the detective bureau for many years. John received numerous commendations and letters of appreciation for his excellent service to the community. He was a member of the Mansfield Police Pistol Team and won numerous trophies. John, along with his brothers, had a gift for telling funny stories of things that occurred during their police days and also sad stories of events during the time they served their country in the Marines. John loved being a police officer and had a deep respect for the citizens of Mansfield and that became very apparent by the number of people from every walk of life that would stop to talk to him and show their respect to him. John is survived by his wife, Karen Burggraf Eldridge Wendling. He is also survived by his mother, Lois Jean (Harold) Baughman. When combining John and Karen's households, they had nine sons and two daughters. He is also survived by three brothers and many grandchildren.

4 Marines in Vietnam: A Fifty Year Anniversary Commemoration of Marines Landing in Da Nang Friday March 6, am 5 pm The National Museum of the Marine Corps

5 In the Vietnam Gallery: 9:00-5:00 - Listen to Vietnam Veterans throughout the day "share" their experiences and stories. In Scuttlebutt Theater: 10:00-11:00 - The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Program by Mark Franklin, Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret) 11:30-12:30 - Fighting the North Vietnamese by Richard Camp, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret) 1:30-2:30 - Operation Starlite by Rod Andrew Jr., Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve 3:00-4:00 - Vietnam: Through a Marine s Eyes by Bill Peters, Major, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret) In the galleries exit located outside the Vietnam Gallery: 9:00-5:00 - Exhibits displaying artifacts, artwork, and future events related to Marines in Vietnam from exhibitors such as the National Museum of the Marine Corps Visitor Services Outreach Team and US Marines Vietnam combat commander and artist, Denham B. Clements, showing his award winning artwork titled, Vietnam Elegy. If you re in the area, drop by. Thanks to Bill Peters for his contribution.

6 We, Delta Company, 1/7 Vietnam Marines would like to welcome aboard our newly found brothers. Welcome Home Semper Fidelis Marine or Corpsman Arrived Delta Company Departed Delta Company Morris, Joe "Doc" Nov-68 Feb-69 Steger, Jerry G Jun-70 Feb-71 "Bear" Moser, Phillip M Jan-69 Jan-70 Meza, John M Feb-68 Jan-69 Castiglia, Larry Jun-66 Jul-67 "Lee" (81's) Blankenship, Truman "Bob" (2nd Plt) Aug-69 Jan-70 IMPORTANT NOTE- If you decide to change your address, telephone number, or especially address, please contact Pat Hanley - patkeenahanley@gmail.com Steve Fairley- sjfairley5@gmail.com Thanks

7 New Merchandise We re always trying to come up with ways to show the pride we have in serving with Delta Company 1/7 during the Vietnam War, and what better way to do that then with a beautiful throw!! We have asked Image Throw to produce a limited number of custom throws that measure 52 x 60. Unlike most manufacturers who super impose a picture on to the material; Image Throw actually weaves the design into the throw themselves, using 100% cotton that is machine washable. Shrinkage is very limited as long as you follow the directions. For those who already, this throw replaces them. It great gift to give to grandchildren, or know. have lots of throws should be one that also would be a our children, just people we We are now taking preorders for this wonderful throw for you to enjoy. The cost is $60 plus $13 for shipping. To preorder this limited time offer throw, please send a check made payable to Delta 1/7 Vietnam Marines Inc. to: Delta 1/7 Vietnam Marines Inc. C/O Timothy Padgett 4549 Tuscana Dr. Sarasota, FL 34241

8 Memorial Flowers Please place this letter in with your important personal insurance papers so that your loved one(s) can contact Delta 1/7 Vietnam Marines, Inc. at the time of your death. (Perhaps copy to best friend, brother, sister, etc.) A flower arrangement with a "DELTA 1/7 VIETNAM MARINES" banner will be sent to your funeral or memorial service. Additionally, the following card will be included: "This banner is to honor our Marine brother (name), a member of Delta 1/7 Vietnam Marines, and to recognize the service and sacrifice he made for his country, the Marine Corps and most of all to his fellow Marines. Signed All we Delta 1/7 Vietnam Marines." This is in keeping with our last two items in Delta 1/7 Vietnam Marines, Inc. mission statement,which are: Provide prayer and support whenever requested or needed & Provide flowers at memorial or funeral services. Contact Delta 1/7 Vietnam Marines Chaplain (1) Ray "Doc" Tutolo ( ) or if unable tocontact Ray, contact Delta 1/7 Vietnam Marines Chaplain (2) Richard Larson ( ). If you cannot reach either of our Chaplains please contact Delta 1/7 Vietnam Marines President Tim Padgett (941) Thank you and Semper Fidelis - Board of Delta 1/7 Vietnam Marines, Inc. WEBSITE UPDATE deltacompanyvietnammarines.com is updated and doing fine. We now have a new web provider (HostGator). Tim Padget is working with Ryan Brewer to migrate it to HostGator.

9 WE RE LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MEN STEVE My fellow Delta 1/7 Vietnam Marines and Corpsmen, My name is Patrick Hanley (May69-Feb70, 3rd platoon, 3rd squad) and I have served as Secretary of OUR association since Tim Padgett opened our first board meeting May 20,2012 and in response to George Schneider's call for help at the September 2010 reunion "Grand Gathering of Grunts" banquet dinner in Asheville, NC. I am very proud of the 33 months that I have served in that position and I need you to know that I announced to the board at our Washington, D.C reunion board meeting last August that I intended to resign the position of Secretary after the September 2015 Delta 1/7 Vietnam Marines reunion. I plan to continue as "roster keeper" and want to have more time available to dedicate to full time searching for our brother Marines and Corpsmen who have not yet been contacted since returning from Nam (August 1965 through October 1970). That effort includes working with our brother association One Seven, the battalion level group that includes many Deltas and has met bi-annually for close to 30 years. In addition to serving as secretary & "roster keeper" for Delta 1/7 Vietnam Marines I spent April 21, 2013 to February16, 2014 as our board chairman. Please note that there are other board positions that could be rotated to new volunteers. I'm retired (from my permanent life's work) and I know that my plate is not as full as yours may be, especially the many

10 of you who are still working, but after the September 2015 reunion in Reno, Nevada WE ARE GOING TO NEED A NEW SECRETARY. Job requirements of Secretary (from bylaws of Delta 1/7Vietnam Marines. Inc.} a. Maintain contact with board members by phone or as needed b. Attend monthly or special meetings as required c. Keep records of meeting minutes (with attachments as noted in minutes) and membership roster d. Keep current copies of Delta 1/7Bylaws, Mission Statement, Flower Fund Procedure, with paper trail of changes e. Be custodian of these records and keeper of the Delta 1/7 Vietnam Marines, Inc. seal f. Transfer upon leaving his position these records and seal g. Send rosters to members, quarterly by , and yearly hard copy to non- members h. Keep copy of KIA Memorial list (digital & make hardcopy available for reunions) l. Assemble minutes of all/any official board meetings i. Prepare/distribute draft minutes to chairman, president & treasurer for proofing ii. Distribute official minutes to all board members within one week of meeting j. Be available to serve on committees whenever possible k. Be proactive with membership in seeking potential successors to all board and officer positions l. Present to the board a resume recommendation for any member who is willing and qualified to assume an open position. I. Nominate successor who want to be included in the next annual ballot Will you step up and fill this position of secretary? Contact me! Semper Fidelis - Pat or at patkeenahanley@gmail.com Secretary and current roster keeper Delta 1/7 Marines Inc

11 The Prayer: Father, Thank You for each and every day You have blessed us here on earth. Thank You for Your tender mercies. Thank You for giving us friends and family to share joys and sorrows with. I ask You to bless my friends, relatives, brothers and sisters in Christ and those I care deeply for, who are reading this right now. Where there is joy, give them continued joy, Where there is pain or sorrow, give them your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence. Where there is need, fulfill their needs. Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings and their comings. In Jesus' name, Amen. Semper Fi, Steve Fairley Communications Officer

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