Historically, Company "B" San Diego began when the S.D. Mission President asked (now Ltc.) George Bascom to raise a company of the Mormon Battalion to publicize the MB Visitor's Center. With the help of JoAnn Autenreib, Ltc. Keith Sears, CPT Robert Wilkinson, and CPT Joel Stoddard, and others, four companies were organized, 1976-83. Then, Mission calls and deaths took away much of the leadership, and the creation of a rival group tore away the loyalty of others. A core few remained loyal under the direction of Ltcs. Virgil Crum and Keith Sears--UNTIL NOW!
With the calling of CPT Brad York and 1LT Chuck Hackley, a new vision opens for Co. "B" On Friday, 30 Jan., a Temple session began Mormon Battalion Day, followed by a supper date to get acquainted with the visiting National Staff. Saturday began with a mustering of the troops in Old Town State Park, complete with Ladies Auxiliary and Company "M." The colors were posted; James Edwards portrayed Wm. Coray in "I am a MB Soldier;" and the National Anthem was sung by Erin Jordon, age 14, 4th ggd of John Brimhall, Co. "C" . The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Eagle Scout Brad Fowers, 4th ggs of CPT. James Brown, Co. "C". Invocation by MBVC Director, Grant Furse. Then CPT York gave a stirring welcome; Councilman Byron Wear read the Mormon Battalion Day Proclamation for Mayor Susan Golding; and remarks were made by Col. Fairbourn and DUP rep, Joleen Hansen. A trio from the musical, "Company B" sang "It Will be Heaven" and "San Diego," before CPT York, 2nd ggs of Richard Carter, Co."B," gave his vision of the new Battalion (see below for a resume), and Elder Robert E. Wells (emeritus 70), 2nd ggs of Edward Bunker, Co. "E" was the guest speaker. Pres. Chris Allred, Santee Stake, ggs of Reuben Allred, Co."A", gave the benediction. As rain began to fall, the group retired to the MBVC lot where a 28-gun salute was fired in honor of the 28-star flag first raised over San Diego. In a subsequent catered lunch and business meeting, CPT York gave plaques to LTC. Crum, who was retired, and LTC. Sears; and President Margie Siebenthal presented plaques to Glenys Sears and Candida Cange of the Ladies Auxiliary--all for meritorious past service and support given to the Mormon Battalion. (This report by Candida Cange.) CPT York's remarks are here summarized: "It is our vision to re-do much of what the MB did--and more. *I need 500 men--and the women and children, too, to make this vision come tree. Let me outline some of the things on our agenda: On July 4, we will place memorials on or near the resting places of the five who died here.* On Mar.7, we will clean up Mission San Luis Rey.* On Mar. 14, we will build an adobe wall in Old Town.* On 21 Mar., we will place a time capsule at the base of the MB monument at San Luis Rey.* This summer we will sponsor the musical, "Company B," with the help of BYU alumni and the LDSBPA.* We will re-build Ft. Stockton.* They built a brick kiln; we will build one like it, as near as we can; and they made 40,000 bricks.* They dug some wells; we want to find them and mark their spots.* To all: If anything you have heard this day has touched your soul and makes you want to participate, then join with us! I need 500 men!"
* Repeated after each objective. (For a copy of this entire talk, write to Ltc. Bascom, editor.)