EEOG Donates Food to the World War II Battle of Iwojima Veterans of US Marine Corps Reunion
From left to right-Historian Bruce Behner, EEOG’s George Thomas, and Iwo Jima veteran Al Nelson
The Education Equal Opportunity Group president George Thomas received word that Veterans from the battle of Iwo Jima during World War II were having a reunion and considered it an honor to join in the festivities. Noting that the youngest vet at the reunion was 85 years of age and the oldest being 93, it was a rare opportunity to show appreciation to the group as this will be their final reunion as a group. Approximately 40 people including their spouses were in attendance. “It was an honor for the EEOG to participate in this reunion and welcome them to Nashville,” said EEOG president George Thomas.
The men were members of “L” Company 3rd Battalion 23rd Regiment of the 4th Marine Division. They made four major Island invasions in thirteen months in WWII. From February 1944 thru March 1945 these Intrepid veterans fought in the Marshall Islands, on the twin islands of Roi and Namur. Next was Saipan in the Mariana Islands that battle lasted 3 weeks. Two weeks after Saipan ended they invaded Tinian Island and then in February 1945 they landed on Iwo Jima and fought for 36 days. From February 1944 to March of 1945 the 4th Marine Division suffered 14, 736 casualties. This is over twice the casualties that have been suffered in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars combined.
From left to right-Reunion Organizer Paul Mathes, EEOG’s George Thomas and Iwojima veteran Al Nelson
Iwo Jima Reunion organizer Paul Mathes thanked the Education Equal Opportunity group for its participation. “My heartfelt thanks to the EEOG’s wonderful organization for their gracious gift to the reunion,” said Mathes. “It was most appreciated and helpful in honoring these warriors from 65 years ago that fought so bravely on an island called Iwo Jima.” The reunion was held July 14th thru 16th, 2011.
The EEOG is a non-profit organization dedicated to preparing under-served students to be the best leaders of the world.
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