6th Marine Division Official Web Site. WWII U.S. Marines.

Sons & Daughters Organization

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For all 6th Marine Division members and their offspring: By way of introduction, I am Jean Steed, LtCol, USMC (Ret.). My father was a Corporal in G Company, 22nd Marines, 6th Marine Division, and one of the original flag raisers on Okinawa. He is the recipient of a Bronze Star-for actions on Sugarloaf-and three purple hearts. Needless to say, I am very proud of him, his unit, and the entire Division. In tribute to all these men and their accomplishments, we have launched a Sons and Daughters Adjunct of the Sixth Marine Division Association.

Many 6th Marine Division members and their offspring have been anxious to see the formation of a Sons and Daughters Group. We can finally say we have taken the first steps. Outlined in the text below is the concept for the Sons and Daughters Group that was briefed to and approved by the Board of Directors and collective assembled membership at the 6th Marine Division's 2002 reunion. Stated goals for the Sons and Daughters Group are: help Division members enjoy the benefits of their organization today, and in particular, ensure them a carefree time at the annual reunions; boost Division membership and bolster its coffers; keep the memory of the 6th Marine Division alive and well in the coming years.

In the fall of 2003, I wrote an article for the Division's newsletter outlining the Sons and Daughters concept and soliciting offspring interest via an accompanying questionnaire. Many thanks to the sons and daughters who responded: you confirmed for me that the interest was out there and we can move on with accomplishing/refining our goals and structure. For those of you just now logging onto the website, the concept is outlined below. I have also included a Sons and Daughters Group Membership Questionnaire for your attention and action.

The Sons and Daughters Group Goals

Help Division members enjoy the benefits and camaraderie of their organization today, and specifically ensure them a carefree time at the annual reunions. The annual reunion in the cornerstone of Division bonding. The Sons and Daughters Group will help Division officials plan the reunion, then facilitate its execution. Thus, the veterans can take their packs off at the event, and just enjoy the camaraderie without the inevitable associated logistical-operational headaches.

Bolster both Division membership and its coffers by joining the 6th Marine Division Association as Associate Members. In mid 2002, the current Division membership had fallen to 2,909 (this number has dropped again because so many have passed away in the ensuing months, but I use it here for perspective). To date this year, the Division has lost another 135 Marines (of note, America daily loses over 1000 WW II veterans). As the membership declines, so too does the intake from such revenue- producers as membership dues and reunion attendance.
Unlike other Marine Divisions that served during WW II, the Striking Sixth is unique: it is the only Marine Division formed and disbanded overseas. There is no active duty or reserve 6th Marine Division today and no organization to whom the 6th Division's "baton" can be passed. The onus is on the offspring to embrace the baton, boost the ranks, and contribute to the continuance of an honorable organization. The first step is for sons and daughters to formally join the Division Association as Associate Members.

Work with the Division Historian and other key personnel both within and outside the Division to keep the history of the 6th Marine Division burning bright for generations to come. At the Division's annual reunions, we still have the unique, though perishable, opportunity to hear oral history from war's survivors. Through their recollections--some wrenchingly painful, others humorous--we hear the stories of their comrades who perished on the battlefield, never to make it to a 6th Marine Division Reunion. The men who did walk off the "killing fields" of Okinawa, Guadalcanal, and other Pacific battlefields have sustained the memories of fallen comrades for almost 60 years, and in so doing epitomized the honor and commitment unique to Marines.
But now, the aging warriors voice concern over who will keep their collective history alive when their last member has passed on. One way to ensure the Division's memory continues is the engagement of their offspring now. The Sons and Daughters Group can perpetuate Division history through a sustained public awareness campaign using various local and national-level conduits.

Proposed Structure

We envision the offspring adjunct functioning as a structured team under the umbrella of the existing 6th Marine Division. At this time, there are no plans to form a separate Sons-Daughters organization outside the Division apparatus. The original plan has the offspring standing-up an operational structure to shadow that of the existing 6th Marine Division. Thus, for each elected/appointed Division officer/chairman, there will be a designated Son/Daughter (S/D) assistant action officer (AO). This AO manages a supporting team of other S/Ds. The AO/team mission is to serve as a supporting staff, brainstorm and plan with Division officials, ensure mission accomplishment, and ease the burden on Division members during the year and at the annual reunion. Depending on the level of response from the offspring, it would be great for each of the Division's unit directors to have a sons-daughters support staff, too.

Eligibility

An eligible Son or Daughter is defined as any 6th Marine Division Members' offspring who is 18 years of age or older. This includes stepchildren and adopted children of Division members. Spouses of offspring also are eligible. To join the S/D Group:

First, apply for Associate Membership in the 6th Marine Division Association by sending in the membership form (available on the Division website) and dues to the Division Membership Chairman. The Sons and Daughters Group annual dues are established at $10 for now (unlike the plan in effect for 6th Marine Division members, a lifetime membership option will not be offered).

Secondly, complete the Sons and Daughters Group Membership Questionnaire--loaded under the S/D button on this website. This questionnaire focuses on the level of support and specific skills that individuals can provide. Return it to me via e-mail/mail at:

Connie Houseweart
258 Sechler Drive
Montoursville, PA 17754
almostnuts1@comcast.net

Periodically, I send out group emails/mailings to interested members of the Sons and Daughters Group. The latest missive will always be posted at What's New under the Sons and Daughters button.

In August, the 6th Marine Division Sons and Daughters Group will hold its first meeting in conjunction with the 2003 Division reunion in St. Petersburg, FL. Look for the results of that meeting by early Sep, under the What's New tab. All interested offspring are invited to attend, help formalize our plan of action, and address the myriad other immediate and future details associated with the Group's formation and relationship with the 6th Marine Division Association.

NOTE: This is an opt-in email list, thus after entering your email address to join our list, you will see the message below. You will then receive an email to the address you enlisted asking you to click to affirm your desire to join our mailing list.

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