1st Recon Battalion Association

1st Recon Battalion Association

Thanks for your service.

Part 32

2025

January 2nd Half

1st Reconnaissance Battalion
Missions / Patrol Reports

Are you looking for your Old Patrol Reports? Check out this page on my website:

http://www.weststpaulantiques.com/reconmissions.html

Too close to whisper...
...one click for "yes", two for "no"...
"Brothers of the Bush"

----------------------------
Recon...their name is
their honor...and nothing more
need be said...Recon

Floyd Ruggles

Check Out New Messages/Newsletter

...

All Companies

Photo Gallery

The Memory Remains Not All Wounds Are Visible.

"A Brotherhood Forged In Combat"

1st Reconnaissance Battalion Index

Message Board Links

Part 1 - 2018-2019 

Part 2 - 2019-2020 

Part 3 - 2020 

Part 4 - 2020 

Part 5  - 2020

Past Message Board

Past Newsletters 

Part 1 - 2017-2018 

Part 2 - 2018 

Part 3 - 2018 

Part 4 - 2018-2019 

Past Reunions 

Past Stories 

Send in your photos

Part 6  - 2020

Past Photos Galleries 

Part 7  - 2020

Part 8  - 2020

Bobby Bare

 

 

Photo Gallery

Part 10  - 2021

Click a photo to link to a page on our  website or Facebook. Links are found on nearly all Web pages. Links allow users to click their way from page to page. You will find thousands of links on the 1st recon battalion association website.

In Remembrance of our brother Reconnaissance Marines & Corpsmen killed in action or otherwise while on duty.

Daniel M Turpin

1st Recon Battalion Association

Part 11  - 2021

1st Reconnaissance Battalion
Missions / Patrol Reports

Too close to whisper...
...one click for "yes", two for "no"...
"Brothers of the Bush"

----------------------------
Recon...their name is
their honor...and nothing more
need be said...Recon
------------------------

YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

Bravo Company 1968-1969

Part 12  - 2021

Meet some of our members of our association.

To all Association Members,

Please reply and update or confirm your Information.
Your 1st Recon Battalion Association Website Information
can be found at: 1streconbn.org/members.html

Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks for all your help.

My email address is floyd@weststpaulantiques.com.
Please keep your information up to date.

This will allow the Association to send messages out from time to time by email or by mail.

Semper Fi,
Floyd Ruggles
Membership Director & Webmaster

1st Recon Battalion Association

New Members to the Association of the Natural Warrior

2023

Part 13  - 2021-2022

Part 14  - 2022

Part 15  - 2022

Part 16  - 2023

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

Get involved send in your messages, photos, stories share what you think about our website. I will post them on this page.

1st Recon Battalion Association

Message Board will be our newsletter going forward. 

It's ongoing and you can be a part of it, each month through out the year.

1st Recon Battalion Association

Message Board will be our newsletter going forward. 

It's ongoing and you can be a part of it, each month through out the year.

1st Recon Battalion Association

Message Board will be our newsletter going forward. 

It's ongoing and you can be a part of it, each month through out the year.

Click a photo to link to a page on our website. Links are found on nearly all Web pages.
Links allow users to click their way from page to page.

Navigator is at the top of each page.

**WELCOME to FIRST RECON'S WEBSITE** 2009-2023 

Don't be fooled by the warning signs it's a safe website, it's just an old platfrom. Just hit advance, you will enjoy this website, it's my personal website.

1st Recon Battalion Association

Message Board will be our newsletter going forward. 

It's ongoing and you can be a part of it, each month through out the year.

Association Purpose

Our mission is to help locate former Recon Marines and their families, and to recognize those who paid the ultimate price through the 1st Recon Memorial Fund which has established and will help maintain the permanent memorial at the Marine Corps Historical Museum at Camp Quantico Virginia.

Message from webmaster!

January 2025 - 2nd Half Newsletter

Part 17  - 2023

Part 18  - 2023

Part 19  - 2023

Part 20  - 2023

Part 21  - 2023

Part 22  - 2024

Member of 1st Recon Battalion Association

1st Recon Bn KIA Vietnam War

..

War Story

.....

The Jim Southall Story, Over 200 1st Recon Battalion Marines involved in this story. The story is a work in progress over the next year. Over 100 Patrol Reports.

Some Give It All

Vietnam 1968-1969

Thoughts of that Day

Doug Wolfe's Story

Patrol Report #349-68

98 hours on Charlie Ridge

Index by dates & names

Patrol Report #359-68

This patrol covered a period of 119 hours with contact with an estimated 40 or more VC/NVA that resulted in 8 USMC KIA, 7 USMC WIA on Hill 200 June 3rd, 1968.

Sergeant Jim Southall - Hill 200 1969

Are Message Board is now our new newsletter.

1968

1969

Membership Director & Webmaster

2016-2025

Floyd

Last night I awoke to the sounds of thunder. I was recalling a small part of a day a long time ago. As if it was yesterday...

Today is a particularly dreary, rainy day. Lookout Mountain is socked in good. It is not unusual for it to be socked in. Hell they fought the Battle Above the Clouds there during the Civil War.

However, today it put me in mind of another dreary, socked in ridge I was on for around 2 hours on 3 June, 1968. Known only to me as Hill 200, it was a desolate, indefensible place that somebody in the 1st Mardiv G3 shop picked off the map to insert my platoon on as an observation post & radio relay.

Stories from Members

Some Give It All

THE DAY THE CRAP WENT UP IN FLAMES
By Gary Graves, HM3

5 Minutes ‘Til Forever

Part 33

Coming Soon

Applicants

1st RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION ASSOCIATION

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 4. DUES. Association members have no mandatory dues. However, Members and Associate Members are encouraged to make donations, annually, to help defray the Association’s operating expenses. An annual donation of $10.00 is suggested.

Semper Fi, Floyd Ruggles

Membership Director & Webmaster

1st Recon Battalion Association

Welcome to our New Members Page

1st Recon Battalion Association

Next Page

Previous Page

Some of the 1st Marines into Afghanistan in the aftermath of 9/11

For Membership in 1st Recon Battalion Association

All Units
March 1966 - May 1971

This link is to my old website It's a safe website on a old plarform follow instructions to the webpage. 

Part 24  - 2024

Part 25  - 2024

Part 9  - 2020

1st Recon Battalion

Association of the Natural Warrior

January 2025 - 2nd Half Newsletter

Part 26  - 2024

Part 27  - 2024

Part 29  - 2024

Click a photo to link to a page on our website. Links are found on nearly all Web pages.Links allow users to click their way from page to page. You will find thousands of links on this website.

1st Recon Battalion Association is a non-profit organization of former and current members of the 1st Recon Battalion, 1st Marine Division

Thanks for taking the time to stop by our website today.

Your Webmaster

Floyd Ruggles

Coming Soon

Sgt Justin M. Hansen

Died: July 24, 2012

Lejeune Sgt. killed in Badghis province combat

 

Staff and wire reports
Posted: Wednesday, Jul 25, 2012, 19:34:57 EDT

A North Carolina-based Marine was killed earlier this week in Afghanistan,

Defense Department officials confirmed late Wednesday.

 

Sgt. Justin M. Hansen, 26, of Traverse City, Mich., died Tuesday while conducting combat operations in Badghis province, according to the military. Hansen was assigned to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, out of Camp Lejeune.

Hansen’s father, who confirmed the death earlier Wednesday, said his son died after being shot while on a house sweep. Hansen was on his second deployment to Afghanistan and also deployed once to Iraq, his father said.

Rick Hansen said his son was no stranger to the insurgents that U.S. forces faced.

“I said, ‘Do you get real close to these guys — the enemy?’ And he said, ‘Oh yeah. Someday we’ll sit down in a corner and we’ll talk about it,’ ” he told the Traverse City (Mich.) Record-Eagle. “That day never came.”

Hansen, a 2003 graduate of Kingsley (Mich.) High School, played football in high school.

Lifelong friend Jon Walton said Justin Hansen was “always full of energy, always up for something new.”

“And he was the most committed person I’ve ever met,” Walton said. “Whatever he did, he did 110 percent.”

Amanda Herrick, who graduated from Kingsley High a year before Hansen, said his loss was being strongly felt.

“We are still a small community. Everybody knows everybody,” Herrick said.

Kingsley is about 12 miles south-southeast of Traverse City.

Hansen joined the Corps seven years ago, according to TV stations WWTV/WWUP.

Rep. Dan Benishek...


Mr. Speaker, today, I join all Northern Michigan in extending my greatest sympathies to my constituent Ms. Vickie Hayes, of Vanderbilt, Michigan, as she and her family mourn the loss of Marine Sergeant Justin Hansen.

Sergeant Hansen was killed during combat operations in Badghis Province, Afghanistan on July 31, 2012. Justin had previously served in Iraq and was serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan.

A gifted athlete, Sergeant Hansen served as captain of the track, wrestling, and football teams for the Kingsley High School Stags during his high school career. Sergeant Hansen also enjoyed outdoor activities such as snowboarding and was an avid motorcyclist--often doing these activities with members of his family.

Sergeant Hansen graduated in 2003 from Kingsley High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2005. He attended the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, California, where he graduated with honors. In 2006, Sergeant Hansen was selected to participate in and graduated from the Basic Reconnaissance Course in Coronado, California. He was also stationed at Camp Schwab with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion in Okinawa, Japan.

He was later deployed with the 31st Expeditionary Marine Unit and joined the Special Operations Command in 2009. His honors include the Purple Heart, two Combat Action Ribbons, two Good Conduct Medals, a certified Corps Parachutist, and a brown belt in the U.S. Marine Corps Martial Arts program.

Sergeant Hansen is survived by his parents, Ms. Vickie Hayes of Vanderbilt, Michigan, and Mr. Richard Hansen, of Williamsburg, Michigan. Sergeant Hansen is also survived by his stepmother, Shawna Hansen; stepfather, Steven C. Cornell; sisters, Adrienne (Matthew) Russell, of Traverse City, Morgan Compton and Veronica Compton of Kingsley; stepbrothers, Jeremy Borey, of Chicago, IL, and Adam Cornell, of Traverse City; stepsister, Jessica Borey, of Elk Rapids; grandparents, Wayne and Ardyce Hansen, of Traverse City, Ken and Sandra Sleder, of Traverse City, and Carol Hays, of Jackson; niece and nephew, Madison Goodwin and Garrett Russell, of Traverse City; aunts and uncles, Steve Hansen of Pacifica, California, Richard and Sue Costlow of Traverse City, USAF Chief MSgt. Erick M. and Mary Hays, of Benton, Louisiana, Lonnie, and Valerie Schaub, of Grand Rapids, Dave and LeAnne Sleder, of Traverse City, Jeff and Bev Sleder, of Katy, Texas, and Kathy Sleder, of Fort Collins, Colorado; as well as a large extended family throughout the United States.

I can find no words that can fully express my gratitude for his service to our country or for the sympathy I feel for the family, friends, and loved ones by the loss of this young man. I know Justin's memory will live on through our actions and conduct towards others. To Justin's family, I can offer only the hope that you will find solace in the loving embrace of your family, friends, and the kind providence of God. I am well aware that my words will not soften your overwhelming grief, but I am reminded of the words of President Lincoln, written to a mother during the Civil War, ``I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.'' On behalf of the citizens of the First District of Michigan, I would like to express my profound sadness for the loss of Sergeant Justin Hansen. Northern Michigan has certainly lost one of its finest, and his memory and service will not be forgotten.

LANSING, Mich.—By order of Gov. Rick Snyder, U.S. flags on all campuses of Western Michigan University and throughout Michigan will be lowered to half-staff Friday, Aug. 3, in honor of Marine Sgt. Justin M. Hansen, of Traverse City, Mich.

Hansen, 26, died July 24 while conducting combat operations in Badghis province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Hansen graduated from Kingsley High School in 2003, joined the Marines in 2005, and attended the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, Calif. He was first stationed at the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan, and later deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Hansen joined the Special Operations Command in June 2009. He served a tour of duty in Iraq and was serving his second tour in Afghanistan.

Hansen received a Purple Heart, two Combat Action Ribbons, and two Good Conduct Medals.

Services

Former Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm issued a proclamation in 2003, requiring U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff throughout Michigan and on Michigan waters to honor Michigan servicemen and servicewomen killed in the line of duty. Michigan was among the first states to honor its fallen sons and daughters by lowering flags.

Thanks for stopping by today

Part 28  - 2024

Part 30  - 2024

Part 31  - 2025

Floyd,

The Force Recon Association (FRA) invites our members to join the FRA. !st Recon members are also invited to attend the FRA reunion, 24 - 27 Apri 2025.l
Please post their announcement.

Thanks,
Charlie

CKershaw <invictus7@earthlink.net> 12/17/2024 4:01 PM FRA Recon 2025 - FRA Annual Reunion

Email from:

From: FRA Vice President and Executive Director, Dave Jarvis
To: All FRA Members
Subj: 2025 FRA Annual Reunion
 
Attn: Alan Sniadecki    FRA#: 2064   Dues Paid Through: LIFEMBR    Member Status: A
 
2025 FRA Annual Reunion
 
Mark your calendars, as our reunion dates are set for 24-27 April, in San Diego, California!  Attached to this email is our schedule of events and registration form should you want to pay with check or money order by mail.  You can also register and find out all the details through our website at: www.forcerecon.com
 
The hotel block of rooms is on a first come first serve basis so don’t wait to make reservations!  I’ll be sending out a 90 and 45 day email reminder along with any adjustments to the schedule of events. 
 
Holiday Inn Bayside Hotel Information:
 
The Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside is located in Point Loma across from the San Diego Bay and only 1.5 miles from the San Diego International Airport at: 4875 N. Harbor Drive San Diego, CA.
 
Our overnight accommodations are scheduled from 04/23/2025-04/27/2025.  The group discount code is T0P, and rates are valid for booking through 03/24/2025.
 
Click here Force Recon Association Reunion to proceed directly to your reservation desk.
 
The group rate is available for three days pre and post event based on room availability via the provided link or contact hotel reservations directly at Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside.  Call toll free (800) 662-8899 to book by phone.  If you need to speak to someone at the hotel directly for special assistance, please call 619-221-3052 from Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm PST.

• Complimentary Airport Shuttle Service
•  Parking Fee = WAIVED (value = $23 per day, per vehicle)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi in all guest rooms and meeting rooms
• Hotel will allow our group to bring in their own Snacks & Beverages, including alcohol, into their designated Hospitality Room at no additional charge.
• Complimentary Fitness Center
• On-site Restaurant serving daily breakfast, lunch & dinner, plus a wide variety of great restaurant options within close walking distance, including several waterfront restaurants across the street.
• Weekday Happy Hour Specials from 4:00pm – 7:00pm
• 10% Discount in Point Loma Café for Senior Discount
 
Should you have any questions at all please feel free to reach out to me at any time.
 
I look forward to seeing many of you at our next reunion!
 
 
Semper Fidelis
Dave Jarvis
Jarvisda77@gmail.com
C: (760) 716-3713
Vice President and Executive Director

2025 Reunion

1st Recon Battalion voted the fittest unit

in the Marine Corps

The Reconnaissance community as a whole seems to be the fittest in the Marine Corps. According to the Marine Corps Times, the 3rd Recon Battalion came second, with a combined average score of 543, and the 2nd Recon Battalion came third, with a combined average score of 542. The fourth and fifth spots were taken by two Marine Embassy Security Guard (MESG) units.

Unsurprisingly, the award for the victor was a hammer similar to that of Thor, the Scandinavian deity.

Captain Samuel Stephenson, a Marine Corps spokesperson, said that “We wanted this award to be different and stand out amongst others that a unit may have on display. The award needed to highlight strength and fitness while also capturing the warrior ethos of Marines,” he added. “The legend of Thor’s power and warrior spirit is legendary and his hammer being the most iconic object from Norse mythology made it the perfect choice for this award.”

Rest In Peace, Marines!

from: Bruce Fogarty
I remember that day. I met Colonel Leftwich’s son in Washington Naval Yard for a Recon Reunion. I remember that day as if it was yesterday

Part 33  - 2025

I'm just a simple old warrior who served in the uniform of this country's military in War who loves to discuss all aspects of life. It is my firm conviction that if one understands what caused the war, how the war was conducted, and the Reconstruction Years that followed, one will know what this country is about. 

Dan Turpin

Rick Sikkema

Rick Sikkema and Dave Terpstra

Barry Fiske, Rick Sikkema & Dave Fowler. Echo Co. 1st Recon

Brian Riley

Elephant_Valley_1969

Elephant_Valley_1969

The Jim Southall Story
1st Recon Battalion

1967 - 1970

Ralph Witkin

Ralph Witkin: Seven years of marriage, Happy anniversary.

These are some of the men that I served with in Vietnam. Ralph Witkin

Thank you to all who served our country.  Diane May

Thurman Mullins &  Charlie Daniels

January 2009/4 Corners, Colorado
Jimmy King Jr. was one of the top Navajo artist after serving in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne. His Dad Jimmy King, Sr. ,was a Navajo Code Talker in WWII, and his son was a Marine serving in Iraq when this photo was made. Jimmy King Jr. made three of these turquoise USMC bolos and gave one to his Dad and one to his son. The third one was given to me by Charlie and Hazel.

from, Thurman Mullins gallery of photos.

WHERE were you in Vietnam?

WHERE were you in Vietnam?

I was just wondering if very many of you have made contact with your buddies from Nam. I wish I had got their full names and towns they were from. I have made contact with three . I also found that one had passed. We called so many by only their last names. I was stationed on the Qui Nhon Airfield from August 1966 to August 1967. I worked mostly on helicopters but a few fixed wing. I was Army aviation. One contact me last year and he came to Oklahoma to see me. We visited at my home then went out for a steak. I really enjoyed seeing him again. Lawrence Wilson

1st Recon, Association of the Natural Warrior

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA

Todays Recon

Todays Recon

1st Reconnaissance Battalion

Association of the Natural Warrior

SUMMARY of CHANGE

Once again we're at January 12...the day Paul Warren left us in 1978...I think of him constantly but even more so on this date. I always smile when I listen to his recording (singing the lead even) to Pig in a Pen (also called "Little Girl")...it's on YouTube, and it's about the second number on Vol. 1 of the Martha White show videos--it will make you smile too when you see how much the rest of the band was enjoying doing this silly, silly number--with great breaks by everyone and Curley's usual dynamic harmony with all the swells, punches, etc. Thank you, Paul Warren, for all the inspiration over the many years

SAD MORNING HAD BROKEN - Some of you have seen the striking image (from video) of the glowing red sunrise over Los Angeles recorded last Wednesday. Andrew Kimmel told news source Storyful he captured footage of the “eerie sunrise” over Los Angeles from a West Hollywood vantage point. The other photo of a brighter, clearer LA skyline was made by Seth Modersohn 11 years ago this month. It was taken from Griffith Park, not far from the famous big Hollywood sign. ***Seth and his family, and extended family members, living in and north of LA, are all fine.

Upcoming Events


There are hundreds of free events for Veterans and their families, caregivers and survivors. Check out the full list of upcoming events on the outreach events site, including:

Online: Introduction to Creative Arts - Jan. 16 - 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CST

Doc Terry L Coffin
March 21, 1945 - December 5, 2017
Monticello, Indiana

 

Alpha Company - Corpman

Roger Dennis Fleming

Marine Cpl. James Wright

Camp Pendleton Marine Receives Navy Cross For Heroism In Iraq

When his platoon was ambushed in an attack by insurgents in Iraq last year, Marine Sgt. Willie L. Copeland III took charge.

He led five Marines out of the heaviest fire, found cover and killed 10 of the enemy in close combat. When his commanding officer fell wounded, Copeland used his body to shield the officer as he administered first aid.

For his leadership and dedication to duty, the 26-year-old from Utah on Thursday received the Navy Cross, the Navy's second-highest honor. Seven Marines have received the Navy Cross for Operation Iraqi Freedom through Jan. 10, according to the latest figures from the Marine Corps Awards Branch.

The attack killed one Marine and wounded several others, including Cpl. James Wright, who lost both his hands and was awarded the Bronze Star last year.

Copeland said he was embarrassed by the attention and explained that he was doing only what every Marine would do.

"Nothing's natural about running into bullets," he said. "It's more important for me to make sure my men are OK."

Copeland is a member of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, whose members are seen as some of the Corps' toughest, on par with Navy SEALs and Army Special Forces.

On the afternoon of April 7, 2004, Copeland's platoon was in a 15-vehicle convoy that was ambushed by 40 to 60 insurgents southeast of Fallujah in a volatile region known as the Sunni Triangle. The insurgents, firing from well-fortified and concealed positions along the Euphrates River, crippled the lead Humvee with a rocket-propelled grenade and disabled Copeland's vehicle with mortar rounds and gunfire.

Col. Rory Talkington, who recommended Copeland for the Navy Cross, said the fighting was the worst 1st Recon experienced during its deployment.

"Everybody in that platoon was heavily engaged in close combat," Talkington said. "The fact that Sgt. Copeland was not hit was just miraculous."

Copeland led five Marines out of the heaviest fire and rushed across an open field toward the enemy, according to the medal citation. The Marines crossed a deep and muddy canal and worked their way up to firing positions near the enemy.

Ten insurgents were killed at close range. Others were forced to flee.

Reinforcements soon arrived at the scene, but not before Copeland's commanding officer, Capt. Brent Morel, was mortally wounded.

Copeland did not want to discuss the battle Thursday, but a Navy Times account of it said Copeland shielded Morel with his own body and dragged the officer to an irrigation ditch.

Copeland stripped off his combat gear, vest and blouse and treated Morel, who was still conscious, by covering the captain's bleeding wounds with his hands and tying a bandage around his chest. For 15 minutes, Copeland stayed with Morel until an armored Humvee arrived. Morel was taken to a combat hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Copeland's father, Larry, who works in a steel mill and raises cows in Smithfield, Utah, was proud but not surprised by his son's actions under fire.

"All the way through school, if he was in trouble it was because he was helping someone else," Larry Copeland said following the award ceremony at Camp Pendleton.

Copeland has been in the Marines for seven years and is gearing up for his third deployment to Iraq. He met his wife, Marine Sgt. Danielle Copeland, a 24-year-old from Pasadena, Texas, at Camp Pendleton in 2001. The two were married 1 1/2 years ago.

"I think every man would be proud to serve with him," Danielle Copeland said of her husband. "He would never leave a man behind."

Mark Smykowski

Col Herbert Richard “Dick” Oxnam

Bruce Ware

John W. Peeples, Sr.

John W. Peeples, Sr., of Sicklerville, NJ (Gloucester Twp.) passed away on October 6, 2008, at the age of 60 yrs. John was a USMC Vietnam Veteran who served our Nation proudly.