From: Andy Christian, President 2007-2009, Force Recon Association
To: Our FRA Members
Subj: Presidents Memo on the FRA 2008 San Diego Reunion

1. I just wanted to thank all the FRA Marines for another successful reunion. It was great to see old friends and meet several new members. I would like to publicly thank the Board of Directors and your Executive Director Jim “Mac” Mckee for working hard to give us a world-class reunion. This was truly a team effort! We all worked diligently to make this convention a memorable event for everyone. This year the FRA scholarship auction set a new record grossing over $12,000 from sponsored donated items. I would like to recognize the following companies: Surefire, Oakley, Remington, Glock, Smith & Wesson, Trijicon, Insight Technolgy, Leupold, Horus Vision, LaRue Tactical, Tactical Concealment, Magpul, SDI, Tier 1, Wilcox, Specialized Bikes, Lewis Machine & Tool, Sgt Gritt, and several others. Please support these patriotic companies that reach out to support the FRA and our scholarship fund.

2. I would like to recognize the efforts of your Vice President Jose Tablada. Jose contacted the Skyline Display Company and delivered a donated $8,000 Recon memorial display bearing the names of our Recon Marines killed in action. The memorial was a fitting tribute to our warriors who have paid the ultimate price. The highlight of the convention had to be the awarding of the HM 2 Luke Milam Scholarship. HM 2 Milam was the first MARSOC Sailor killed in action in Afghanistan . Luke's parents Ri and Michael were at the convention to see the new scholarship awarded to FRA member Ernie Penida. Ernie is studying to become a nurse. I can't think of a more deserving Marine to receive the award.

3. A special thank you to John Baker and Dr. Wayne for all their hard efforts with the scholarship fund. John was also instrumental in providing the audio system at no cost for the scholarship auction, as well as the music at the formal dinner. A special thank you to all the ladies of the FRA. Your tireless work ethic in support of our association is amazing. The ladies have decided to formally “deactivate” the Ladies Auxiliary, but we hope that in the future they will reactivate like a true Force Recon unit. We hope that some of our new members' wives will get actively involved with our association in the future.

4. We saw record numbers of active duty Marines attending the convention. I hope that in the future we can get our active duty Marines and Sailors to join the Force Recon Association. To grow as an association we need to bring new Marines into the FRA. . Keep in mind that many of our MARSOC/Force Recon Marines are returning from multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq and need our assistance. I hope that FRA members had the chance to talk with some of the Marines attending the San Diego convention. It makes me proud to know that the future is bright with these Marines carrying on the professional reputation that our members have created. I know many of our members enjoyed the live fire at Camp Pendleton . The active duty MARSOC Marines worked very hard to provide the FRA with an experience they will never forget. The Marines told me that we still have a “few” expert shots in the FRA!!

5. I look forward to seeing all of you all next year in Quantico . Mac is already making calls and working hard to start the planning for Quantico . I can't thank you all enough for your contributions toward making Recon 2008 in San Diego a huge success.

Semper Fidelis
Andy Christian
FRA President 2007-2009