Koh Tang Mayaguez Vets Organization Guest Book

I live about ten minutes from where Gary Hall grew up in northern Kentucky. I am not a vet (my dad is a Cold War Army vet from the Brave Rifles) but have an avid passion for American Military history and deep respect for the veterans. After reading The Last Battle I have bought a few other books on the Mayaguez Incident. I am amazed by the story, and pray for those who still walk among us and for those, like Gary Hall, who did not have the chance to live much beyond the adolescent years. God Bless You All!

Sitting around the hooch, I told Al, "You guys are the heroes." He said, "No you are the heroes. If you guys hadn't brought your ships and aircraft into the battle, we wouldn't be alive today." I cried. I'm finally starting to get it. We all matter and we are forever connected by the events of May 15, 1975.

semper fi to all involved maybe I can make it next time around

I hope the reunion was strong. Semper Fi to all my brothers.

Michele, never doubt that Richard will be remembered with respect and brotherly love by all of us, as will our other brothers who no longer can come home.

Remembering the Marines, Airmen, and Sailors of the Mayaguez/Koh Tang operation today and always. It was my privilege to have met some of you before you rotated back to the States.

With Respect.
Semper Fidelis.

Sgt. Lunceford, R.D.
81mm Mortars, H&S 2/9
Camp Schwab, Okinawa 1976

41 years ago today we lost 41 brothers and the lives of the survivors were changed forever..... Semper Fi brothers that day I live everyday.....

Thinking of all my brothers today and wishing you well. Thank you for your service.
With Love
Michelle Van De Geer

Rest in Peace Gary Joe and Danny!

Fair Winds and Following Seas!

May 15, 1975
NEVER FORGET

“Together Then, Together Again”, this 15 -19 May will be an opportunity for the Koh Tang MAYAGUEZ Veterans across the United States to truly be “Together Again”. Many of us want the reunion to be very special to each of you.

For many of us the Koh Tang Battle and the recovery of the SS MAYAGUEZ was a defining moment in our lives. For others, it was a time to forget. It was an era unlike any other defined by decades of radical social change, division, betrayal and perhaps worst of all, indifference. To those who were never under fire, never saw a buddy risk his life, all are welcome into this fraternity since it is only fate that dictates our experiences. Families too, suffered the indignities of that era some of whom still await the return or word of their loved ones.

Therefore, the reunion is for all. It is an event to remember ourselves, the families, our friends, our sacrifices and most importantly those who we have lost. It is to establish new memories, make new friends and rekindle old acquaintances. It is to carry our legacy to subsequent generations of American warriors who are our equals, welcomed into our sphere, and carry a legacy of their own. Their time and their place in history is their own. For what is common among all warriors, whatever their role and whatever their conflict, is the understanding of The Divine bond of shared sacrifice.

But having re-established these bonds, honoring our fallen and thanking our supporters, the reunion which we proudly host is meant to provide an enjoyable time for all. To those of you who will travel far and wide to be here, the Koh Tang MAYAGUEZ Veterans Organization and those who helped make this event possible, thank you for your support.

WELCOME HOME BROTHERS!
15 - 19 May 2016
Cincinnati, Ohio
Al & Tina Bailey
240) 876-9717
2016 Reunion Coordinators