Rota Summer 2008

Hi Raul,

We were in Rota this past summer and I am sending you some pics. Rota has changed a lot in many ways; in others it is still the same. Still the same sleepy little village but it seems there is a satellite dish on every roof, and people walking in the streets all have a cell phone attached to their ears. In the first photo you can see the base in the background, Tio Pepe figure at the bodegas, taking the catamaran from Rota to Cadiz, it now takes less than 20 minutes to get there. Rota beach. A callejon leading to the beach.

Take care,

Maria Burrows (formerly Jaros)

USMC Birthday Ball 1963 & 1964

The Marine Corps Birthday Ball is always a most memorable experience like no other. My first such experience was at Camp Leueune in 1959. I'd played the sax in a jazz combo in high school. My musical idol was Stan Kenton for the scores he provided us.

You can't imagine my excitement when I walked into the base auditorium and discovered that the musical entertainment was to be the Stan Kenton Orchestra. Wow! for me the thrill of a lifetime. I even chatted with him onstage during an intermission to add to the thrill.

Then along came Rota. Another unforgettable experience. This photomovie is dedicated to the 1963 and 1964 celebrations. I don't know why there are no pictures of the 1965 or 1966 ball available. If any of you have any please e-mail them to me for posting.

As always Semper Fidelis
Raul Botello

Hong Kong Bar Party

Rota Marines First Reunion 2008 - Part 2

Lou Onofrio, John Church, Connie Tartini, Ron Scrabis

Mike Foley, John Church, Bob Seldomridge, John Sudo (seated)

middle row - Mike Foley, Lou Onofrio, John Church, Tom Scanlon
back row - Bob Goddard, Pete Alvarez, Joe O'Brien
seated - John Sudo

Tom Scanlon, John & Joanne Church

Tom Scanlon, Mike Foley, John Church, Chico Rivera

standing -Kelley
seated - John Sudo, John Church

John Church, Col. & Mrs. Peterson Col. Hopkins

Ernest Gallegos, Col Peterson, David Hunt, Col. Hopkins

Lou Onofrio, Bob Goddard, Maria Sudo (foreground)

John Church, Bob Seldomridge

back row: Pete Alvarez, Bob Goddard, Jose Busto, Joe O'Brien, Ron Scrabis
middle row: Mike Foley, Lou Onofrio, John Church, Tom Scanlon
seated: John Sudo

rear: Kelley, Connie Tartini, Lou Onofrio
seated : John Sudo

Same old, same old...

John Church, Chico Rivera

Tom and Judy Scanlon

Tom Scanlon, John Curch, Col. Peterson, Col. Hopkins

Eugene Mertz, Robert and Pili Goddard

Bob and Pili Goddard

Connie Tartini

Joe and Mrs. O'Brien

Tom Scanlon and Ernie Gallegos

Chico and Mrs. Rivera

Reuben E. Lee

Maria and John Sudo

Joyce and Kelley

Jose Busto, John Church, Tom Scanlon

Tom Scanlon, Joe Busto, Chico Rivera, John Church

Submissions by Joanne Church

Rota Marines First Reunion 2008 - Part 1

Offerings by Louie Onofrio

Battle Scene Mural

A view of the Marine Barracks bell and sign in front of the Admin Office. The all-battles-in-one mural was under completion by Corporal Raul Botello. The mural was later place on a wall inside the barracks.

Alhambra Trio

Visiting the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, Sergeant John Sudo seated on the left, Corporal Raul Botello seated on the right, and standing is Corporal (name forgotten).

Road To Granada

Sergeant John Sudo looks on at Corporal Raul Botello's dinged auto. A large truck sideswiped the car on a winding mountain road above Malaga.

Rota Liberty

Pizza was not a common food at Rota but this bar on the beach made them upon request. This was the largest pizza he could prepare. It wasn't your Philadelphia pizza but was ok.