Alright..alright 2003, here's the latest.  Received only two updates, one from Ricky Mui out in Sasebo, Japan, and the other from Julie & Ian McColley who are the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl.  Aside, from the latest two entries, the hotmail inbox has been seriously empty for months now.  I can't make this stuff up.  Anyway, we all know how to solve this problem, send in pictures of places you've been, things you have experienced (don't go there...navy related only please), and stories to explain the pictures.

Of good news, the class staff has been active in developing a Class of 2003 website (not done yet) with the support of some great folks from the Class of 1993.  If you have any ideas for the website or talents that could contibute to the site development, please email (navyclass2003@hotmail.com) or contact any class staff.

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.(March 14, 2006)    The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to 1st Lt. Brian M. Stann, United States Marine Corps, were the words starting the Silver Star presentation ceremony here March 10.  All of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment gathered together as the commanding general of 2nd Marine Division presented Stann, Weapons Company commander, with his Silver Star Medal, honoring him for his actions and bravery during Operation Matador last year in Iraq.  This award represents my guys, the Scranton, Pa. native explained. It's an insight to what my men did over there. There were a lot of our guys who received awards from our group when we were out there, not just me. Stann was the 2nd Mobile Assault Platoon leader with Weapons Company when everything started happening during the operation. From May 8 to 14, 2005, Stann led his men into battle, where their mission was to seize a bridge near Karabilah, Iraq. Three different times, he negotiated four kilometers to maintain their position from enemy attacks. However, on the third time through, the enemy had set up an ambush for the Marines.  Although ambushed, Stann called in close air support and direct fire from tanks while taking on over 30 rocket propelled grenade attacks, multiple machine guns firing, and improvised explosive devices detonating.  "When we began, it was a big fight, but as the days went on, we began to use more of our assets", Stann explained.  We called in close air support and used tanks and dealt a big blow to the enemy. Stann was in a 360 degree fight and was setting up casualty evacuation points after they were hit by suicide IEDs. All of this would not have been possible if it were not for the hard work of his men in the sheer face of danger, explained Stann.

He [Stann] has great strength of character and endurance, which was shown when everything happened over a week and he kept on going, explained Maj. Gen Richard Huck, 2nd Marine Division¹s commanding general, after he presented Stann his award.  It doesn¹t even capture all that happened. Stann is a Naval Academy graduate and a former linebacker for their football
team. There he learned what it took to complete a mission with a team, a lesson that would come in handy in the Corps.  He was only with his men for a few months before they deployed to Iraq.

 

Stann¹s main goal was to bring his entire group of Marines home from Iraq. You can forget all the other medals; I just wanted the award that said 42 out of 42 men came home safely, Stann explained. And we all came home, so mission accomplished.  Stann was put into the position of company executive officer after serving as the MAP leader. Since returning home from Iraq, he has been put into the position as company commander. Stann's experiences as a leader while in
combat have now prepared him to lead all of his men as preparation for another deployment later this year.

In other news, the class is organizing for several tailgaters at Navy-Marine Corps this fall.  Lead organizers will be revealed once we receive the go ahead from the powers that be.   One issue that will quickly become a priority for each of us is internal fundraising and class giving projects.  Most importantly is our 5 year reunion.  The manner in which we can celebrate depends soley on what the class can afford.  The class officers will present the class with several options regarding fundraising and we look forward to receiving input...hopefully through our website.  Aside from that info, I turn you over to a photo of Ian & Julie's baby girl and a censored Ricky Mui contribution. 

Take Care, Dan

I was kind of hoping we can all share our news.  I'm  willing to kick start my side of the bargain.  I  cruising around the Pacific right now; home-ported out of Sasebo, Japan.  The funny thing about Sasebo ships is that we see more of the Pacific than Japan; I'm  out 80% of the year.  In the 7 months I've been on USS ESSEX (LHD 2), I've visited Hong Kong, Korea, Guam, Thailand, Iwo Jima, The Philippines, and Okinawa, Japan.  Check this idea out: send me your email address, some news (any news), and a mailing address, and I will send you a souvenir.  If you are hanging around an exotic locale, I wouldn  mind a little smile back.  If anyone feels the sudden urge to test out the FPO system, my mailing address until APR 2007 is: USS ESSEX LHD 2, FPO AP 96643-1661. 

Hey Nick Parker, how is EOD School?  Nick split Japan in February.  Because of Nick I found a great Japanese apartment in Sasebo; it really helps out when you know someone in a foreign country when you get there.  Thanks for the smooth transition, Good Luck Buddy.  In APR 2006, my ship  SAR Det swapped out; in flew Jon Lee-Warner.  I hadn  seen Jon since the mini-reunion at Sam Peterson  Wedding.  I was lucky and got invited while I was hanging around Norfolk.  Robert Weaver went GLO and dresses in Cammies.  Rob is the considered the expert SWO liaison for naval surface gunfire support for the Marines when they do their ops.  Mixed in among ESSEX is a scattering of people you thought you  never see again; (due to the trauma of Come-arounds/Chow calls): Rebecca Jabouri (05) is here on ESSEX.  At one time she was my youngster; now she  running around as an Ensign going for OOD (underway).  Oh, 22nd Company, anybody remember Andrew Abate ( 1); affectionately recalled as Mr. Abate from Plebe Summer/Year.  Mr. Abate has upped it a notch to CAPT in the USMC.  Andy provides intel to the 31st MEU ACE.  That makes two generations of First Class-Youngster bond happening on ESSEX.

Ricky F. Mui