Colonel Julian W. Parrish, USMC Ret, FRA Member 244, passed away on 23 April 2016 at 85 years of age at his home in San Diego.

Julian was GySgt Parrish Ops Chief in 1st Force Recon Co. In early 1960s, Para/Scuba, Free Fall Qualified Jumpmaster. Also served in 2nd Force. Also served with 2nd Transplacement BN, 2/1, 1959-1960 in Foxtrot Co. with Captain Bill Weise and with Hotel Co. with Captain Ernie DeFazio. He epitomized the title Co GySgt. By his exceptional leadership and proficiency in all areas. During his 18 years of enlisted service, his excellence was appropriately recognized with good conduct awards and meritorious masts.

During Vietnam war, Julian accepted a commission and over the 20 plus years as an officer performed duties in assignments in the FMF in Supply and Logistics.

He retired and was recalled to active duty during the Iraq invasion of Kuwait to perform duties involving maritime preposition ships (MPS) in the Persian Gulf.

Colonel Parrish served our corps and nation for 43 years.
Rest in Peace.

Sgt. Mark Tigh, FRA Member 746, passed away unexpectedly in Pickford, Michigan, on February 2nd, 2016. Mark was a lifelong member of the FRA and Marine to the core. He passed away Tuesday afternoon at approximately 6:35 PM EST from liver failure. He was surrounded by his family at his passing and went very peacefully with no pain. He is survived by his wife, Terri Tigh; his daughter, Capt. Tiffany Tigh, USMC; myself, Lcpl. Louis Tigh, USMC, and his son Billy Tigh. He had many friends throughout the FRA and I would like to pass the word of his death. We will be holding a service this Saturday, Feb. 5 in Snellville, GA, for any members who can come and he will be buried in Mt. Shasta, CA, on Feb. 23.

Sgt. Michael D. McGuire, FRA Member 1247, passed away unexpectedly in Pickford, Michigan, on January 13, 2016, at age 52. Mike served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a sergeant in 1st Force Reconnaissance Company and was a veteran of the Gulf War. He continued his service as a medical first responder and member of the Olivet Volunteer Fire Department. Graduating from the 118th Trooper Recruit School of the Michigan State Police, Mike earned the Top Gun award for marksmanship and was later a firearms instructor for the department. He served on multiple units within the MSP, including the governor's protection detail, and most recently as detective sergeant on an undercover narcotics team. Funeral services were held at the Cutler Events Center at Olivet College, in Olivet, Michigan, at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19, 2016.Memorial contributions are suggested to the Olivet High School Class of 1982 Scholarship Fund at Marshall Community Foundation, 614 Homer Rd. Marshall, MI 49068. Memorials may also be sent to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund at www.semperfifund.org.

SgtMaj. Robert F. Snyder, USMC(Ret), FRA Member 569, passed away at his home in Allen, Texas on Sunday, November 8, 2015. SgtMaj. Snyder's military service reflects a distinguished career in Marine infantry units and in both 1st Force and 5th Force Reconnaissance Companies. Upon his retirement, he served as a security executive in the Dallas/Fort Worth business community. Many of us who were privileged to serve with SgtMaj. Snyder during Vietnam remember him as an outstanding leader and instructor whose direction and insights helped many of us do our jobs effectively and come home. "Fair winds and following seas", Sir. May God welcome you in His Heavenly Embrace!

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at 11 A.M. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Allen, Texas. The Turrentine, Jackson, Morrow Funeral Home in McKinney, Texas will post full obituary information on their website. Donations may be made to the Allen Community Outreach Center, 801 E. Main Street, Allen, Texas 75002, or to the Force Recon Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 111000, Carrollton, Texas 75011.

Recon Challenge 2014 - A web gallery of images from the 6th Annual Recon Challenge

Sgt Jonathon Blank - LaRue Tactical Elk Hunt 2011
Click on the link.

GySgt Brian M. Blonder - FRA #2313 - Awarded Navy Cross
Click on the link.

Commando Hall of Honor - FRA Member Maj. James Capers Jr. USMC(ret)
and Bigadier General Evans F. Carlson USMC(ret) inducted into inaugural class of SOCOM's Commando Hall of Honor.

Force Recon Memorial
Col. Bruce Meyers USMC (ret) and SgtMaj Neal King USMC (ret) have designed a commemorative memorial monument to be placed in Semper Fi Park at the Marine Corp Museum. Donations are needed to help put the design to stone. Click the link above for more details.

History of Marine Detachment 1 - .pdf format - 138 pages - 6.5mb
Det 1: U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Special Operations Command Detachment, 2003 - 2006.

Bikes For Wounded Warriors
The FRA donates high-quality Specialized road bikes to Marines at the Wounded Warrior Battalion West. Click above for details.

Another Marine Helped By RFSF - The Ride For Semper Fi
helps out another Marine

Ride For Semper Fi - FA Call For Volunteers