A Story About A Force Recon Marine:

Jim & Dorothy, I would like to take a moment and publicly say the Force Recon Association extends their deepest thanks for attending our annual reunion in New Orleans. Your company was enjoyed by all. Your service to our nation, to force reconnaissance and the Marines that followed in your foot steps is not easily measured once you depart our Corps, but rest assured it is there none the less. I learned reconnaissance from men you trained and lead at 2d Force

Recon Company. They spoke volumes about you when I was coming through the ranks and they mentored me in the same ways you did them. I’m proud of that history, of the 2d Force Recon Company and the heritage that is passed from old to young in Force Recon. You had a profound impact and speaking with you, listening to the way the Corps and reconnaissance was structured, how it treated Marines in your era, enlighten me to the details many leave out of the Corps pages of history. It is only at these reunions that you really learn the inside stories of the legends and mentors of reconnaissance from the past. I’m so glad you joined us, I’m glad you are back and I hope to see you again next year in Virginia. To Dorothy, it was my pleasure to meet such a strong woman who stood through thick and thin with her Marine. Your story is just as amazing as your husband’s legacy. Jim’s stories confirm your strength and courage and are an inspiration to me. I hope for all recon Marines, that your caliber of strength and perseverance is in their wives as well. Thank you for joining us and letting us honor the both of you.

Respectfully,

MGySgt Joe Settelen
FRA #1576

2004 FRA Reunion