Orange County California Chapter First Marine Division Association

11/06/2025

Happy 250th Birthday to all Marines, past and present

For two and a half centuries, you have been America's force in readiness, embodying the highest ideals of honor, courage, and commitment.

Thank you for your unwavering service and sacrifice.

Semper Fidelis!
President Scott Montoya NC

To all Marines,
A very happy 250th birthday.

Thank you Marines for your sacrifices, and of course we are grateful to our family and their sacrifices, support and love.

Please reach out to Marines you know and conduct buddy checks.

Also,
We Remember Armistice Day World War 1;
honoring the sacrifices of the US Military and our allies.
https://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp

AND Happy Veterans Day to all who served.
Thank you for your service.

Please reach out to our fellow Veterans who do not have email.
And do not forget the free meals being offered by certain restaurants.

https://calegion.org/veterans-day-2025-discounts-for-california-veterans-and-service-members/

https://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/

- Gunny

11/06/2025

The Chapter is a great way for Marines and Sailors of all generations to come together and share their experience and to honor our fellow Marines and Sailors, and to continue Marine Corps traditions.

10/23/2025

In celebration of the 250th birthday of the US Marine Corps
http://packrat-s.com/2_specials.html

09/29/2025

Chapter family and friends,

I bring you sad news that one of the pillars of Orange County Chapter First Marine Division has passed on.

Neil Reich has been reassigned to guard heaven's gates.

We loved learning from him and sharing in the camaraderie that only Marines will know.

He was an amazing storyteller; Neil impacted everyone he met.

Please see the attached flyer for funeral services.

Scott Montoya, NC
Chapter President

Neil enlisted at the end of World War 2. Obtained his commission and served in the Korean War and Vietnam War, retiring at the rank of Major.

Neil was a long time member of American Legion Fullerton Post.

Please visit Chapter website for updates.
-Gunny Rat

09/29/2025

05/27/2025

On Memorial Observance Day,

The Chapter Honor and Remember the sacrifices of our Military brothers and sisters who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Let us keep the surviving family members in our thoughts and prayers.

"A nation that does not honor it's heroes will not long endure."- President Abraham Lincoln

Memorial Day, May 30th (the historical and actual day) General John A. Logan's General Order 11 (Memorial Day Order) "I. The
30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will
in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit." https://www.usmemorialday.org/general-order-11 https://www.usmemorialday.org/history-of-memorial-day US Congress wanted a three day
weekend.
https://www.usmemorialday.org/date-restoration

American Legion Memorial Observance Day events

https://www.legion.org/information-center/news/memorial-day/2025/may/legion-family-members-to-lead-memorial-day-events-nationwide

https://www.legion.org/flag/255859/your-flag-half-staff-questions-answered?utm_source=Adestra&utm_medium=email&utm_content=MEMORIAL%20DAY&utm_campaign=Source+Code+Here&utm_term=newsletter

National Cemeteries https://www.cem.va.gov/Memorial-Day/

Memorial Day the will flag is to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to noon; learn other days the flag is flown at half-staff.

03/27/2025

Chapter family and friends,

To our brothers and sisters who served in the Vietnam War,
Welcome Home and thank you!

On March 29th, the nation honors your service and sacrifices.

Please contact your local veterans organizations for various events.

The Long Beach Veterans Affairs hospital will be hosting an event
on Friday March 28th.

See attached flyer.

03/13/2025

XL only, while supplies last
http://packrat-s.com/2A_prodpg1.html
Celebrate USMC 250th birthday, -$2.50 discount

01/14/2025

Chapter family and friends,



Please see below for the Chapter meeting dates:

January: no meeting

February: Wednesday 19th; 6:30 pm.
At American Legion Post 716 Los Alamitos.

_________________________________________

Please mail your 2025 annual Chapter dues of $25:

OCCCFMDA
c/o Ray P.

Membership categories:

Chapter Membership is open to those who served in the First Marine Division at any time since its formation in 1941; to include those who served with attached or supporting units, such as Corpsman, aviation units, Seabees, ships, other regiments, battalions and companies of the U.S. Marine Corps and any branch within the U.S. Department of Defense. New and annual dues are $25 (January 1st to December 31st). Attach a copy of your DD-214 or retirement documents (black out social security number).


Chapter Legacy Members are family members of our Chapter members who have passed away, and wish to continue being part of the Chapter.
The Legacy Members are non-voting members, and volunteering for the Chapter is appreciated but not necessary; and FREE to join.

Chapter Support Members are our valued volunteers.
To be a Chapter Support Member is FREE. Simply complete the OCCCFMDA Membership application. The Chapter Support Member is open to anyone, civilian or Military, spouse, siblings, parents, friends, etc. who want to be part of the Chapter. They are welcomed to attend our meetings and all events.
Chapter Support Members are non-voting members and FREE to join.

The Chapter started using a new photo sharing website. Please visit the link below to take a look. If you have pictures of Chapter events, please contact the Chapter.

The first Marine Combat Instructor Course Award, sponsored by our Chapter.  Sgt Ronald C. Hathaway; graduated on 21 March 2007.

11/18/2024

USMC Flag presentation to American Legion Post 716 Los Alamitos

https://occcfmda.org/scuttlebutt/f/veterans-day

11/11/2024

Happy Veterans Day!