PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

I finally left the Middle East this past week after working as a contractor for the U.S. military for 22 months. I am returning to retirement for the second time. I was one of the oldest employees in the department and one of the only former Marines. Oh yeah, our boss, CMC General Jim Amos, reminded us that there are no former Marines. We’re just Marines in a different uniform.

It is absolutely wonderful to be back in the USA. Living and working in the desert presents its challenges. Heat as high as 122 degrees and sandstorms can take its toll. Furthermore we take a lot for granted as Americans and don’t realize the freedoms we take for granted. As foreigners we had to be careful about offending the locals.

Dave Brown and I have been working on a new recruiting pamphlet to acquire new members. Each chapter will receive a new supply and a copy of the brochure should be placed on the SMDA web site for download. Additional copies may be provided as needed. If each member could set a goal of recruiting just one new member that could help make a difference.

Dave Brown is working on the upcoming birthday reunion at Camp Lejeune N.C. to be held February 1-4, 2012. Plans are also in the works for the SMDA National Reunion which is scheduled to take place in September 2012 in Buffalo, New York. Further details will be forthcoming.

Your suggestions and comments for the reunions are also encouraged. I hope to see a nice turnout at both reunions.

Semper Fi, David O. Earley