Commander’s Intent
I intend to conduct another enjoyable, meaningful, and safe reunion of all Marines and sailors of BLT 2/3 of 1979. All ranks and all components of the BLT are once again invited to attend, as well as the Marines and sailors of HMM 262.
The three-day reunion of our exceptional unit is being planned by our BLT Executive Officer, Bill Steed and Kip Napier. Many others are assisting as well, particularly with searching for members of the unit that we have been unable to locate. I recognize that finding 1,200+ members of the unit is a Herculean task and ask that members of the BLT who attended our 2010 reunion assist with in this effort by locating at least three other members of your company/platoon/section/office.
The reunion festivities will start on Thursday evening, October 20, with a Welcome Reception at the reunion hotel, The Orleans Hotel and Casino. During the day on Friday, October 21, reunion attendees will be free to enjoy the attractions offered in the Las Vegas area. Golf, bowling, shopping, casinos, shows are either available at the reunion hotel or close by. That evening a BLT Barbeque is planned at the local Marine Corps League’s Leatherneck Club. On Saturday, October 22 we will conduct a Memorial Service to honor those BLT 2/3 Marines and sailors who have passed away. The reunion will wrap up on Saturday evening with the BLT Dinner in the Mardi Gras A ballroom of the reunion hotel.
My desired end state for this reunion is simple: everyone thoroughly enjoy the reunion, act responsibly, renew old friendships and establish new ones. Also, I wish each of us to become more knowledgeable about how the Marine Corps has evolved since 1979, and to learn more about 2/3’s recent combat operations in Afghanistan. I also want every attendee to return home safely so that we can all meet again in two years.