In Memory Of MGySgt Roger Roll
The Iwo Jima Association of America (IJAA) commemorated the 78th Anniversary of the Battle for Iwo Jima from 16-18 February at the Hilton Arlington National Landing Hotel in Crystal City, Arlington, VA. We were honored to have a number of Iwo Jima veterans present to once again be commemorated and interviewed. The Iwo Veterans who attended, Louis Bourgalt, Roy Earle, Buel Faughn, Ivan Hammond, Juan Montano, Matthias Guttman, and Marion Noel strongly represented the Navy and Marine Corps Iwo Jima and Pacific Island veterans.
The event began on Wednesday with the Traditional IJAA Board of Directors meeting welcoming Mr. Ray Etter aboard as a new Director. Director and Chairman of the Development Committee, Mr. Gene Colabatistto introduced the MajGen Fred Haynes Scholarship Program with George Washington University, launched under the Chairmanship of MajGen Haynes’ widow, Sr. Vice President Mrs. Bonnie Haynes. The scholarships will go to deserving ROTC students interested in the various historical and political aspects of the Battle for Iwo Jima. IJAA is grateful to Leonardo Helicopters as the first donor in support of the program. Mission Barbecue, always a strong supporter of the military and veterans provided a wonderful evening barbecue buffet.
On Friday morning all boarded a bus to tour the US Army Museum, followed by commemorative wreath-layings at the WW II Memorial in Washington DC and the Iwo Jima Memorial at Arlington.
On Saturday, the group enjoyed the educational symposium on the attack on Pearl Harbor and the Pacific Islands campaign, with presentations by historians Mr. Shayne Jarosz, Dr. Charles Neimeyer and Mr. James Oelke-Farley. A special presentation was provided by the Japanese Defense Attache’, Capt. Yusuke Kawachi. Captain Kawachi provided an excellent presentation on the defense preparations made by the Japanese military in the Pacific Theater, especially Iwo Jima. That evening all enjoyed a tasty buffet, followed by EMCEE and IJAA President and CEO, MajGen David Bice. The evening’s schedule provided the presentation of colors by the Young Marines and a musical interlude by the famous Presidents Own Quintet. Following dinner, IJAA Chairman LtGen Norman Smith introduced the Guest of Honor, Marine Commandant General David Berger. It was then the Second Annual Hershel “Woody” William Spirit Award was presented to Chairman of Potomac Institute, former Commandant General Al Gray and CEO, Dr. Jennifer Buss for their patriotic service to Corps and Country. The evening continued with the entertainment of music and dancing by our good friends Rick and Robin Gordon’s Radio King Orchestra.
IJAA looks forward to the 79th Anniversary Commemoration at the Hilton Hotel again next February 15-17….. Mark it on your 2024 calendar!!
A message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps General David H. Berger:
“On behalf of all Marines, Sgt Maj. Black and I are heartbroken to learn of Woody’s passing. From his actions on Iwo Jima to his lifelong service to our Gold Star Families, Woody has left an indelible mark on the legacy of our Corps. As the last of America’s “Greatest Generation” to receive the Medal of Honor, we will forever carry with us the memory of his selfless dedication to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to our great Nation. The Marine Corps is fortunate to have many heroes, but there is only one Woody Williams. Semper Fidelis, Marine.”
Thank you for your support of the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima Gala Event. The dinner, music, history and most importantly — our vets — made this year’s event perfect. See photos here.