Local VFW hosts a party to mark Seabees' 75th year

Desert Storm, Vietnam, Korean War, World War II, action in Afghanistan and Iraq -- for 75 years, if there was a military action, the Seabees were there.

For the 75th anniversary, a formal ball was held at Cape Girardeau VFW Post 3838 to honor the Seabees and their rich history.

"Most people don't know what we do," said Larry Pierce, who served from 1967 to 1968 in Vietnam. "Fact is, every World War II landing in the Pacific, we went in on the first wave with the Marines."

The Seabees were formed March 5, 1944, as a construction battalion for the United States Navy. Their motto is simple: "We build, we fight."

Douglas Gerecke, who served from 1972 to 1994, said the object was to build for the Navy, defend and maintain; it was that simple.

He was a gunner and airman, he said, and was happy to see so many people attending.

Nearly 100 attended from the Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois and the St. Louis area. The oldest and youngest Seabee cut the cake together, as dictated by tradition, said emcee and former Seabee Thomas M. Meyer.

Pam Johnson of the Jackson chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution gave a commemorative pin to each Vietnam veteran there.

Frank Nickell, retired history professor from Southeast Missouri State University, gave a speech on the history of the Seabees.

Mike Morgan, who served from 1982 to 2008, said being a Seabee had meant a great deal to him.

"You're working with a great group of guys -- for the most part," he said, laughing. "It's a chance to travel the world, go where called upon, where Uncle Sam needs you."

Morgan said he was pleased to see so many new faces and so many Marines.

"We all know what it takes to be a Seabee. Marines, wannabe Seabees," he joked, "they're a lot of help. We've had a good working relationship. A little inter-service rivalry keeps everyone on our toes."

Pierce said he had attended a 25th-anniversary celebration for the Seabees while on active duty. While still in the reserves, he attended a 50th-anniversary celebration at the naval base in Millington, Tennessee.

"Now, for the 75th anniversary, I'm here," he said. "Hundredth would be nice, too."

Richard Hengst served from 1984 to 2006, and said he was stationed here and everywhere.

"Germany for a bit," he said, "and Fort Hueneme in California, to name a couple."

Hengst's wife, LaDonna, is a member of the VFW Auxiliary and was on the decorating committee.

"We're retired military," she said. "We do what needs doing."

Photos, professional and candid, decorated the tables, along with a Seabee manual, several small displays of ribbons and medals, posters advertising the Seabees, uniform pieces, even a Quilt of Valor.

A copy of the John Wayne movie "The Fighting Seabees" was on hand, as were commemorative plaques and flags.

Hengst said he loved being part of the Seabees.

As he surveyed the tables of memorabilia, he said, "I want to go back."

mniederkorn@semissourian.com

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