Marine Embassy Guard Association
St. Louis, Missouri
12th Annual Reunion
2010
This year I had the pleasure of attending the "Meet Me in St. Louis" MEGA Reunion. From 1997 thru 1999, I worked with the founder "Big Bob" on many fronts to help design, organize and help him fulfill his life long dream of starting MEGA. Not sure how the first reunion was pulled off in Arlington, but it took off from there. I knew Big Bob pretty well and most of what he worked for has been accomplished plus more. He would be thrilled with the continued growth in the organziation and the membership. Ed V - Thanks for remembering & for pointing out some early details of MEGA. I am honored to be a part of this organization and this group is one of the finest in the world. Thanks Again!
2008 MEGA Celebrates 10th Annual Reunion (2008)
"All Gave Some, Some Gave All" - Two Flags
10th Annual Marine Embassy Guard Assoc Reunion
San Diego, CA - Semper Fi
April 24th thru April 27th
Editorial
by Jack McGarry
Two members of our association wish that their names remain anonymous concerning a background event from this years reunion, and yet for me the event, and their acts of selfless kindness will probably remain one of the most special memories of the year. The MEGA Scholarship fund auction is a highlight of the Saturday Night Formal Dinner, and Ed Vasgerdsian has done a tremendous job over the years adding explosive energy at the tail end of our sometimes exhausting 4-day celebration, soliciting bids for donated items.
Answering our invitation, we were honored to have a group of nine wounded warriors in attendance, (Marines recovering from battle injuries). This tradition gives us all an opportunity to say thank you to these Marines, who are struggling to overcome their physical challenges, some will continue their battle over disabilities for years to come.
From this years list of items up for auction were two American flags, their value to Marines magnified, having flown over our Iwo Jima Memorial.
As Ed presented the first flag to the membership and the bidding war began. As bids climbed past what most of us could afford it was none-the-less fun to watch. With Ed's cajoling, the bids climbed up into what become something very special. It was obvious to all that the bidding Marines cared deeply for the Scholarship fund. Ultimately, Ed sealed the bid at $1000, and to the cheers of us all he presented this flag which had become even more special.
Upon presenting the flag there was a commotion up at the podium...we in the far corners of the room weren't quite sure what was happening. The Marine who had made such a generous donation had gone up to retrieve his flag. Quietly insisting on his anonymity, he walked over to one of the Wounded Warriors and handed over a precious gift from one Marine to another.
Ed, like the rest of us was floored. Becoming emotional, he staggered through one or two other items and finally gathered steam once again... Taking the second Iwo Jima flag he launched into another bidding war, ending once again with the financial value of the flag unbelievably inflated by the history of where it had been displayed. A second bid of $1000 dollars was brought forward to help support the Scholarship fund and once again, one of our Marines brought his special gift over to another wounded Marine.
Marines, there isn't a day that goes by where I don't thank God for giving me the opportunity to serve our country as part of our brotherhood. I am sincerely proud to be associated with these Marines through our association. The saying that "All Gave Some, Some Gave All" hits hard for me as we've tried to build our Archives in honor of the sacrifice of many Marines who have gone without recognition for their acts of courage as MSGs and Marines. Honoring these two wounded Marines in the way that it was done, and then asking for no recognition is such an inspiration. God bless you both for leading by example, setting a standard we all hope we can follow, and making this thing we call MEGA something pretty special.
Semper Fi