State of Idaho

Office of the Governor, Dirk Kempthorne

To The Honorable Governor Dirk Kempthorne

Sir:

On August 3, 1968 a group of 80 young men marched onto the Capital steps in Boise, Idaho. This was not unusual for the time. Many capitals, city parks and public places became forums for young people to protest and voice their opposition to the government and an unpopular war. However, this group raised their hands on that day, nearly thirty-five years ago, not in protest, but rather in allegiance to their country and recited the Oath of Military Service, thus sealing their fate to become United States Marines and the first and only All-Idaho State Platoon in the history of the state.

I am writing to find out if there is anything that could be done to acknowledge this group of Idahoans that enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1968. As a member of that proud group of young men, I can speak for others and attest to the pride and honor we felt that day so many years ago and still carry with us today in the many communities where we live.

We trained at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California where we were referred to as “the boys from the Potato State”, “potato mashers” and “spud pickers” . We honored the State of Idaho by earning the title of Honor Platoon. The then Secretary of State, Mr. Pete Cenarrusa and Miss Idaho, Karen Ryder attended our graduation from “boot camp”. From there, the Platoon separated and we served in various duty stations around the world, including that “unpopular war”, Viet Nam. Eventually, most all of us came back home, to Idaho.

I am enclosing some pictures and articles from the Idaho State Journal that my dad had saved for my return home. When I did arrive home, I expected little more than a wave, a smile and a hug. The jeers and the taunts that I received, instead, were unsettling. The mental and physical impact that we experienced as young servicemen, from Idaho, will remain as guarded emotions with us forever, however, the pride of service, from and for, the Great State of Idaho is something that we would like to share with the current and future veterans that may choose to serve this State and this nation.

We have a simple story to tell and the State of Idaho plays a significant role in that story. It is a story about 80 young people, raising their hands to serve their state and their country with pride and respect, when so many others raised their hands in protest and condemnation. Our departure from the State of Idaho, nearly 35 years ago, to become members of Platoon 3056, the All Idaho Platoon, was an important event in the State and the Capital City of Boise. Our welcome home, has yet to be chronicled.

We would like to encourage the State of Idaho to recognize our return home on August 3^rd 2003. This date will mark 35 years since that day, which most of us will never forget. Is their some way that you can assist us in recognizing this group of Idahoans and our goal to realize that long awaited, “Welcome Home”?

Respectfully yours,

If there is any information that you could send me or direction to point me in, please feel free to e-mail. Thank you

John S. Doyle doyljs@inel.gov

Perry E McCormack pgmacinc@earthlink.net

Michael D Bernard mikebernard@cableone.net