Letter to our members

USMCCA members:
My name is Andy Omdahl, son of Gunner Omdahl whom some of you may remember. I discovered your site while looking for Jim DiBernardo in an attempt to contact him. Unfortunately, I’m 2 years too late. I met Jim through my father and remember him to be an outstanding individual and highly respected Marine. RIP Major Jim DiBernardo.

For info, my father passed away in 1999 after suffering a series of small strokes culminating in a pulmonary embolism. After his retirement in ’74, he worked in Oceanside/Vista as a carpenter. He loved woodworking. In 1978, he and my mother Lois relocated to Washington State where they built a house in the woods of Shelton. My mother still lives there. My twin brother Max lives in Shelton as well.

I enlisted in the Corps in 1975 as a musician. I went to the School of Music in Norfolk then served at El Toro in the band. Transferred back the the SOM as an instructor from ’78-’84. My career was similar to my father’s as I became a Warrant Officer in ’84 and ran the III MAW Band, Fourth MAW Band and served as the commanding officer of the Marine Element, School of Music before retiring as a Captain in ’96. I am a professional musician (trumpet) living in Olympia, WA performing in the Seattle/Tacoma area.

On behalf of my father, I wish to say hello to all who remember him. Some of the names listed on your page are familiar to me. I’m sure he would have enjoyed participating in this association. I wish you all well!

Semper Fi~
Andy Omdahl Capt USMC, (ret)
ajomdahl@comcast.net