Root Scoop II

Happy New Year 2021!

As we close out the year 2020 and look back to the challenges it brought our nation and the world, it is also a time to reflect on the importance of our BVA mission; The First Duty is to Remember.

Thank you to Dan Joy for sharing this picture at the Beirut Wall on Christmas day. We look forward to preparing for our annual gathering in October of 2021, and the opportunity to once again remember our fallen brothers together.

Scholarship Chair Appointed

North Carolina Scholarship
Thank you to Mrs. Pollard for volunteering her time and knowledge to be our chairperson for the BVA Scholarship Committee.

The Scholarship program has been in the making for several years and with the help of everyone it has now come to a reality.

At this point in time we have less than a dozen scholarship applications, If you know of any people who work in the education system please send them the BVA Scholarship link from our webpage (https://www.beirutveterans.org/scholarship). If you know of any veteran organizations in your area please pass along the information to them as well, as the application process runs out on 31 January 2021.

Gold Star Families Memorial in Alabama

A new Gold Star Families Memorial Monument (GSFMM) honoring the families of servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the military is now in Huntsville AL. This memorial was dedicated at a ceremony in Huntsville, AL on October 17th of 2020.

There were 7 Marines and 1 Sailor from the state of Alabama who died in Beirut. Some of their families were there for the dedication along with BVA representatives. You can learn more about this memorial at http://hwwmohf.org/monuments/huntsville-al.html.

Strength & Honor Ride Going Forward

Bike Ride 2
5th Annual Beirut Memorial Ride set for 24 October

The ride honors the sacrifices made by those Marines, Sailors and Soldiers who died in the bombing of the Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, 23 October 1983.

Registration at the New River Harley Davidson begins 0930 hours. You can follow them on Facebook @SHMCNC for updates.

1stSgt (Ret) Richard Truman's email response:

Dr. Morcos,

My name is Richard Truman and I am a retired U.S. Marine and Beirut Veteran. I am currently the Membership Chair for the Beirut Veterans of America. I want to apologize for the delayed response to your contacting our organization, but your article brought back memories that have been stored away in a compartment in my mind that as you can imagine, I try not to access. Even now, it's with great trepidation that I put "pen to paper," or in this case keystrokes to email.

Devil's Den Author at MainStay 22 October

Retired Marine Corps LtCol Dave Brown plans to be at the MainStay Hotel on the afternoon/evening of October 22nd. He’ll have plenty of copies of his new book, Devil’s Den, Marines War in Lebanon, available. Retired Marine Corps LtCol Dave Brown plans to be at the MainStay Hotel on the afternoon/evening of October 22nd. He’ll have plenty of copies of his new book, Devil’s Den, Marines War in Lebanon, available.

Lebanese Doctor/US Citizen recalls the Horrors of 23 October 1983

Doctor emails BVA looking for Marine he treated that day; Marine told him, “Don’t worry Doc, you’ll be fine.” Asks for help locating Marine.

This is an amazing story from Dr. Jacques Morcos about his life in Beirut, and his actions on 10/23/1983. Following is Board Member/BVA Membership Chair Richard Truman’s email response. If you recognize this Marine, contact BVA!

Beirut Room at USO limited Opening

Limited Access to Beirut Room Only on 10/23

Presently, the USO in Jacksonville expects to be closed during this year’s annual Remembrance. However, on Friday October 23rd there will be a limited window for Next of Kin and Beirut Veterans to visit our Beirut Room

2020 RUCK Cancelled

Ed Brown - Photo Credit The Brunswick News
BVA Board/Officers consider Options

The USO was looking at doing a Virtual RUCK this year, but it’s not going to happen. We look forward to its return next year.

This RUCK was an important opportunity for participants to help stock the shelves of the Food Bank in Jacksonville. The Board of Directors will be considering options to ensure BVA can still help with this important cause.

DEVIL'S DEN Book Available in September

Devil’s Den is a gripping story about a group of young, high-spirited, cocky, and sometimes rebellious US Marines and sailors sent by a reluctant commander in chief to the Middle East to assume a mission they hadn’t prepared for and didn’t understand.
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