WWII Vets John Metelsky, Cyril O'Brien, Don Knight at the National Press Club. Photo by Sonia Metelsky
Three World War II veterans, including two former Marine combat correspondents, were among 300 attending a “reunion” at the National Press Club (NPC) in Washington on Oct. 21. It was the annual “hoot” for the Silver Owls — those with more than 25 years of Club membership.
Former Marine CC Cyril O’Brien discovered that he is just one year shy of the record among all current Club members, having joined the NPC 61 years ago.
O’Brien is back in action following open heart surgery in July and, in his own words, “feeling great” and planning to attend the USMCCCA’s annual meeting at New Orleans next September. O’Brien fought with the 3rd Marine Division on Bougainville, Guam and Iwo Jima during WW II.
John Metelsky served with the Merchant Marine during the war and was a photo judge in the Association’s Merit Award programs in 2009 and 2010. He holds the record for the most years (45) as an editor and photographer for the Club’s weekly newsletter.
Don Knight, also a long-time editor and writer for the Club newsletter, served as chair for the Merit Awards program in 2007-2009. He served in World War II and as a Marine CC during the Korean conflict.
The annual celebration for the senior Club members included a special tribute to Brian Lamb of C-Span for his leadership in developing a 30-year program whereby all speaker luncheons at the Club would be televised nationally.
Another number of note: 260. That is the combined age of the three old musketeers photographed above. O’Brien leads in that category. He’s closing in on 92.
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