3/1 Association Newsletter – February 2025 Issue

Brothers, Sisters, and Families of 3/1

We’re kicking off 2025 with momentum, gratitude, and a commitment to keeping our 3/1 family strong. Whether you wore the Diamond, supported those who did, or are carrying the torch forward, this Association exists for you and because of you.

2025 REUNION – VENUE CHANGE & NEW PLANS!

We’re excited to announce the 2025 3/1 Reunion is officially in the works! While our beloved Dana Point Marina Inn is being rebuilt, we’re embracing a fresh venue with great accommodations:

 VOCO Laguna Hills – Offering us a fantastic rate of $128/night. We believe this new venue will be a great spot for this year’s gathering!

Here’s the tentative schedule so far:

 Thursday Night – Welcome reception in the hotel lounge (cash bar).
 Friday Night – USMC 250th Birthday Dinner – Join us in VOCO’s banquet hall for a buffet-style dinner. Attire: Business casual to cocktail. We are currently seeking guest speakers. Saturday – Laid-Back Family-Style Dinner – San Onofre Beach Club for a relaxed, family-friendly evening by the ocean.

This is your reunion, and we want it to be memorable. If you have ideas, suggestions, or people you’d like to hear from—tell us!

 HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! 
Not everyone is on social media, and we need your help reaching those who may not be seeing these updates. If you know a fellow 3/1 Marine or Gold Star Family who may be interested, please pass this along.


USMC 250TH BIRTHDAY – A Historic Milestone

This November marks the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. What better way to celebrate than together at our reunion? We are planning a meaningful tribute to honor this moment in Marine Corps history and our legacy within it. More details coming soon!


3/1 DAY

We’re also working hard to strengthen our relationship with the active-duty 3/1 Battalion and will be on-site for 3/1 Day on February 28th. This is an incredible opportunity to connect with today’s warriors, share the legacy of 3/1, and ensure that every Marine who serves with our battalion knows about the Association. 


REUNION TICKETS & BASE ACCESS will be available soon!

If you plan to attend the 2025 Reunion, please register first and secure your tickets as soon as they become available. Adults are $50 each, and kids are free.

If you do not have Camp Pendleton base access, we need to get your information on the roster as soon as possible to ensure you can participate in base-held activities, including:

⭐ Memorial Service
⭐ Hike to the Crosses at Camp Horno
⭐ San Onofre Gathering

Let’s ensure everyone who wants to be there—can be there.


Final Thoughts – This Association is Yours

How You Can Get Involved

This Association thrives because of you. If you want to help with planning reunions, assisting Gold Star Families, or expanding our outreach, let us know! Stay connected by following our Facebook group, website, and Instagram for updates. Most importantly, check in on your brothers and sisters—a simple text or call can make all the difference. Reach out. Stay involved. Stay connected. We are honored to serve in this role and grateful for each of you who continues to show up, support, and strengthen this community. Together, we honor, remember, and carry the legacy of 3/1 forward.

Semper Fidelis,

Brian Heatherman and Melissa Ketchel
President and Vice President, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines Association

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