January 2009

Let him eat cake… and whatever else he wants… he’s 90 years-old

cy
The Lucas Chapter held their monthly meeting on Jan 28, 2009 at the Chez Andre restaurant in Alexandria, Va.

He’s 90 now, but still the feisty, alert, congenial, one-time Marine combat correspondent who everyone calls “Obie.”  On  Jan. 31, one day after his birthday, he avowed that, “I still feel the same today as I did yesterday, It’s no big deal.”

Colonel Sally Pritchett, USMC (Ret) applauding as the slice of cake is delivered. Cy, aka The Leprechaun blows out one candle as the fire marshall forbid us to light 90 candles

Colonel Sally Pritchett, USMC (Ret) applauding as the slice of cake is delivered. Cy, aka "The Leprechaun" blows out one candle as the fire marshall forbid us to light 90 candles

Cyril “Obie” O’Brien lives in Leisure World, a sprawling retirement community in Montgomery County, MD. The World War II vet, who went ashore with the 3rd Marine Division on Guam and Iwo Jima, attended the Lucas CC Chapter meeting in January, sipped a beer, then blew out a single candle on a surprise birthday cake (someone said the fire marshal would not allow a 90 candle blaze in the restaurant).  Obie is believed to be the oldest active member of the USMCCCA following the passing of his good friend, Sam Stavisky, age 93, last November.

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By Jason Fudge, ago

And the award goes to …?

Hey Marines or former Marines: CCHQ has come across some very nice (and relatively expensive) Merit and Distinguished Performance Award plaques that were never claimed at previous conferences.

If you are one of the names listed or you know who these Marines are, ask them to contact Executive Director Jack Paxton at usmccca@cfl.rr.com and he will arrange shipment. He will offer a deal. Become a member or renew your membership and he will waive the postage. They would look handsome on your office or den wall. You earned ‘em, come and get them.

2001 – Open (Print) – Capt. Gavino Rivas
2001 – News Feature Story – Cpl. Matt Preston
2001 – News Photograph – Cpl. Stephen D’Alessio

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By Jason Fudge, ago

2009 CC Conference set for Hampton, Va – Sept. 14-18

Located midway between Colonial Williamsburg and Virginia Beach the Crowne Plaza Hampton Marina is the only waterfront hotel in Hampton, Virginia.

Association President Fred “Flash” Lash has announced that all systems are “good to go” for the 2009 Annual USMCCCA Conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Hampton, VA September 14-18.

“Especially pleasing is the fact that the senior leadership of Marine Corps public affairs will be joining us again this year,” Flash said.  He also said that CCHQ has been informed that the Marketing and Public Affairs Marines from the Marine Corps Recruiting Command will again be in attendance.

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By Jason Fudge, ago