Marine Corps Interrogator Translator Teams Association

Only two years since our founding, the Marine Corps Interrogator Translator Teams Association held its 2^nd Annual MCITTA Gathering in San Antonio with the resounding approval of all in attendance.

The background for this Gathering was Fiesta San Antonio, a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture, second only in grandeur to the New Orleans Mardi Gras. Everyday was filled with scheduled activity along with ample opportunity for all MCITTA members in attendance to renew old friendships and to "meet and greet" the many guests and Active Duty, Reserve and Retired Marines who were present to help with the celebration and to gather together in the Brotherhood of Marines.

Our host, Frank Espinoza located our Gathering Headquarters at the Sheraton Four Points Riverwalk North, just a short half-mile from the center of San Antonio and at the headwaters of the San Antonio River, site of the famed and beautiful Riverwalk. The Hospitality Suite was spacious and well appointed with ample complimentary food and drink on a daily basis. The balcony overlooked the city of San Antonio and provided a grand view. Frank, along with the able assistance of Felix Conde, worked hard to establish the perfect venue with the greatest access to the most that San Antonio had to offer.

The San Antonio Fiesta is an annual 9-day, citywide, fun-filled, multi-cultural, family-oriented celebration and the biggest party and greatest community benefit in the State of Texas. Our Gathering was surrounded with marvelous Mexican culture in "The Alamo City", the cradle of Texas Independence. We enjoyed the splendor, the flare, and the color of Mexico as the local senoritas swirled and twirled in their native dress while the mariachis played the unique music of Mexico. The aroma of enchiladas, burritos and fajitas filled the air with their tempting taste along with plenty of exotic cerveza to quench our thirst!

Wednesday, the 21^st of April was Check-in and Registration. A prominent reception point with Marine Corps colors posted was established in the hotel lobby with plenty of help from the local Alamo Detachment of the Marine Corps League to make our members welcome, providing registration packages and welcome gifts. This central location became a focal point as old friends came together once again. The lobby became busy with old friends seeing each other for the first time in many years as they spent the time just "catching up."

Later in the evening, a Welcome Buffet gave everyone the opportunity to enjoy Mexican cuisine and spend a few hours with friends to continue with their reminiscing. The Brakenridge High School Mariachi Aguila Band provided mariachi music and traditional songs of "old Mexico." This group of young people was delightful in their traditional mariachi outfits and their music set a wonderful atmosphere for the remainder of the week.

Thursday found most members boarding the bus for a ride to Fredericksburg and a day at the National Museum of the Pacific War. This proved to be a highlight of the week as members toured the Admiral Nimitz Foundation facility to learn of our history during the Pacific Campaign of World War II.

A few of the "die-hards" went to Fort Sam Houston for a round of golf. There was not sufficient numbers to hold a tournament; however, those who did play had a great time with old friends.

The Social Hour in the Hospitality Suite included a presentation on Vietnam by Retired LtCol Stitler of Military Historical Tours, Inc. This was part of a promotional pitch for a future tour to the battlefields of our youth. The pictures and discussion brought back many memories for us all.

Friday schedule included the afternoon Parade of the Flowers. This was a spectacular parade. We enjoyed reserved seating along the main parade route with excellent views of all the floats and bands. A highlight was the presence of the 4^th MAW Marine Corps Band from New Orleans. Seeing our young Marines marching and hearing their music filled us with pride and a longing to be back in formation again.

In the evening we dined on a riverboat while cruising along the San Antonio River and enjoying the sights of the Riverwalk. This was a most enjoyable evening event followed by walking the same area and listening to jazz music in the various bars and bistros along the water.

Saturday began by assembling for our most solemn Memorial Service to remember our Marine Interrogators who have fallen in combat. The service was held outdoors at the San Antonio Vietnam Memorial Plaza at the base of a striking monument to the Vietnam Battle of Hill 881S depicting a Marine caring for a wounded buddy while looking skyward for a MedEvac, and to all the fallen sons of Texas during the Vietnam War. The morning was bright and sunny with a cooling breeze— a perfect day in a perfect setting.

With the assistance of the 4^th Reconnaissance Battalion Marines who provided a color guard, and with the I&I staff present as guests, a fitting memorial service was conducted following the protocol established by Timothy Corrigan and Mitchell Paradis and officiated by Chaplain CDR David Kirk, CHC, USNR. A bugler from the 4^th MAW band played taps at the conclusion of our tribute to our fallen brothers.

Special guests were Mrs. Eva (Caudillo) Franklin and her son Charles Caudillo, the widow and son of CWO Pedro Caudillo who was killed in action at Khe Sanh on May 19, 1968 while a member of the 3^rd ITT. Former members of the 3^rd Team embraced them: James Haskins, Mitchell Paradis, Soat Viryapunt and Vince Burdelski, who was the G-2 for Task Force X-Ray in 1968, made them feel welcome. Charles Caudillo, who was only three years old when his father was killed, had many questions for all of us who knew CWO Caudillo. We were deeply touched and most pleased that they would join us in this celebration. We thoroughly enjoyed their company and participation throughout the week.

At the conclusion of the Memorial Service ceremony, the Mayor ProTem of San Antonio, the Honorable Ron Segovia, a former Marine, read a Proclamation signed by His Honor the Mayor of San Antonio Edward D. Garza declaring the week as "MCITTA Gathering Week." Then, the Honorable Carlos Uresti a member of the State of Texas House of Representatives, himself a former Marine, read a Resolution to honor the Marine Corps Interrogator Translator Teams for "…the distinguished service they rendered in the defense of our nation…." We are grateful to these two gentlemen for the honors they bestowed upon our Association and it was fitting as part of this Memorial Service to our fallen comrades.

In the afternoon we settled down to hold the Annual General Assembly to discuss the business of the Association. You may read a full report in the Minutes taken during the meeting.

An important issue of the meeting was to discuss next year’s Gathering in Halifax, Nova Scotia and to establish a venue for the year 2006. Mitch Paradis presented an update on progress for the Halifax Gathering.

In that no one stepped forth to host a Gathering venue for 2006, it was determined to return to Las Vegas. Howard Young and Timothy Corrigan offered to coordinate the activities for that venue, once again.

Saturday evening found the Gathering at the Fiesta Flambeau Night Parade. Again, this was a spectacular event with bands, marching units and floats— Very colorful and very fun!

Sunday we embarked on a tour of the old Spanish missions, followed by an afternoon with the San Antonio Charro Association watching a spectacular charreada, the 400 year old traditional Mexican style rodeo. A truly memorable afternoon enjoying some unique Mexican culture.

Sunday evening found everyone in their finery ready for the Gathering Banquet and Dance. As the evening progressed, everyone enjoyed the closeness of the group engendered by several days of revived and renewed friendships formed many years ago and tempered by time and distance. Everyone was still dancing and engaging in close conversation well up to the midnight hour when the evening ended. No one departed early and we were all saddened that the night was over. What a grand event it was, all week long!

Monday morning was checkout day, but not before most got together in the hotel restaurant for a final farewell breakfast. It seemed like no one wanted to leave and the laughter and friendship carried on for a while longer. Finally, after a round of hugs and fond farewells, a resolve was reached to meet again next year in Halifax so that these tried and true friendships shall not wane nor wait.

This was a most memorable Gathering. It is certainly a harbinger of the success that the MCITTA will continue to realize as we continue to grow and we increase our roster of members. Frank Expinoza and Felix Conde are to be congratulated on a job most well done. Their efforts to ensure a gratifying event are most appreciated.

We especially wish to recognize and thank the Alamo Chapter of the Marine Corps League, the Marines of the San Antonio Marine Corps Recruiting Station, the I&I Staff and Reserve Marines of the 4^th Reconnaissance Battalion, the 1st Marine Division Association of San Antonio, the 4^th Marine Air Wing Band, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of San Antonio for assisting Frank and making the effort to welcome us with their hand of friendship and camaraderie. The generous support of these organizations is most appreciated. We were certainly made to feel welcome, and our Gathering was a huge success in no small part due to their collaboration. Semper Fi!

Who was there

Minutes of the General Assembly

City of San Antonio Proclamation

State of Texas Resolution

Updated:10/15/08

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