MSG Detachment
American Embassy
Guatemala City, Guatemala




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COMMAND CHRONOLOGY
HQBn, HQMC / RMO Region ? (1948-1954)
Fox Co., HQMC / RMO Region ? (1954-1971)
MSGBn / Company D (1971-2007)
MCESG / Region 9 (2007-)

Detachment Within Guatemala




CIA Factbook: Guatemala
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Guatemala
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Dept of State: 
Country & Region Information
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Embassy World: Information 
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TRAVEL: World Travel Guide
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INFO: World History Archives
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INFO: Weather - Guatemala
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News:  Yahoo Country News and Media (change country)
News:  Yahoo World News
Guatemala City MSGs Roster         * = MEGA Member                               
A.
Abril, Freddy  03-04
Allie, Harold F.   54-56
Ashey, Warren 72-
B.
Barksdale, GySgt.   Class 1-66
Bastan, Mark J.    76-78
Beavers, Sgt.   Class 3-66
Beringer, Thomas Joseph   72-75
Burke, John   86-87
C,
Caldwell, Doug
Caldwell, Tom 71-
Caudill, Jeffrey L.   82-83 *
Charron, Richard M.  90-91
Clampitt, John G.     71-74  *
Coker, David, Sgt. 83-84
D.
Davis, Mark, Sgt. 83-84
Dickson, Bobby, Sgt. 83-84
Duff , Howard C.      69-69  *
Dumais, George, GySgt.  83-84 NCOIC
E.
Edwards, Calvin 72-
Edwards, Paul  05-06
F.
Fernandez, Kenneth Albert   83-84
French, Nick   94-96
G.
Green, Mike, Sgt. 83-84
Gutierrez, Ruben C. Jr.    76-77  *
H.
Hale, David M.     80-81  *
Hall, Jr.  Thomas F.   No specific dates given.
Hintz, Arlon Lyle   54-56
I.
J.
Jester, David 72-
Johnson, Ronald 72-
K.
King, W. E., Jr.   Class 2-61
Kinshasa, Kwando M.     61-63   *
Kuzmac, Mike, Sgt. 83-84



L.
Lavarreda, Luis R., Sgt.  81-82
M.
McTaggart, Timothy
Myers, Scott Sgt. 86-87
N.
Nolen, Dave   76
O.
P.
Parker, Cpl.   Class 5-62
Preece, James 'JC'   79-80
Q.
R.
Robertson, Sgt  Class 5-72
Robinson, Chris J.   92-93
Rodriguez, David   79-80   *
Rota, Bob, Sgt. 83-84
S.
Schotts, Carl 72-
Singleton, GySgt. 86-88  DetCmdr.
Sutliff, Ronald D.   87-89  *
T.
Tittle, Fred 72-
Tollison, Richard 72-
Torres, Jerry  83-84
U.
V.
Van Cleave, Rollie Monroe   74-75
W.
Wakefield, Daniel Stafford   74-75
Washington, Christopher Martin  86-88
Way, Robert 72-
Webster, Armin   68-69  *
Welch, John, Cpl. 83-84
X.
Y.
Z.








THE NAMES OF CURRENT DETACHMENT MEMBERS ARE NOT TO BE DISPLAYED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE DETACHMENT COMMANDER
2015
Ambassador: Arnold A. Chacón
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: 

2014
Ambassador: Arnold A. Chacón
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: 

2013
Ambassador: Arnold A. Chacón
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: 

2012
Ambassador: Arnold A. Chacón
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: 

2011
Ambassador: Stephan  G. McFarland / Arnold A. Chacón
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: 

2010
Ambassador: Stephan  G. McFarland
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: 

2009
Ambassador: Stephan  G. McFarland
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: 

2008
Ambassador: Stephan  G. McFarland
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: 

2007
Ambassador: James M. Derham
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: 

2006
Ambassador: James M. Derham
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: Paul Edwards

2005
Ambassador:  John Randle Hamilton / James M. Derham
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: Paul Edwards

2004
Ambassador:  John Randle Hamilton
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: Abril,Freddy,

2003

Ambassador: John Randle Hamilton
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: Abril,Freddy,

2002

Ambassador:    Prudence Bushnell
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: 

2001

Ambassador:    Prudence Bushnell
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: 

2000

Ambassador:    Prudence Bushnell
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: 

1999

Ambassador:    Donald Planty             Prudence Bushnell
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:
Watchstanders: 

1998

Ambassador: Donald Planty
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: 

1997

Ambassador: Donald Planty
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: 

1996

Ambassador:  Marilyn McAfee / Donald Planty
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: Nick French

1995

Ambassador: Marilyn McAfee
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: Nick French

1994

Ambassador: Marilyn McAfee
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: Nick French

1993

Ambassador: Marilyn McAfee
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: Chris J. Robinson,
On May 25, President Serrano suspended the constitution and dissolved the Congress and the Supreme Court. Within days Pres. Serrano was ousted by a cooperative of military, business and political leaders, following which the Congress elected a former human rights ombudsman, Ramiro de Leon Carpio, as his successor.
 
On July 3, the President's cousin, Jorge Carpio Nicolle, was assassinated in an attempt to destabilize the new government while the new human rights ombudsman, Jorge Garcia Laguardia himself received death threats after questioning the police investigation.

On Aug. 26, Pres. de Leon in an attempt to rid the government of corruption through contsitutuional reforms requested the resignation of the Congress along with top Supreme Court justices.

A planned referendum to settle the issue planned for Nov. 28, was canceled by the
 Supreme Court, although it was later agreed to hold the reform referendum in Jan. 1994.

Also some 2,500 mostly displaced Maya refugees as a result the country's 32-year civil war returned to Guatemala from Mexico.

  Christian Democrats and the National Center Union withdrew their coalition support leaving the government without a ruling majority.
1992

Ambassador: Thomas F. Stroock
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: Chris J. Robinson,
In early 1992 Edmond Mulet Lessieur of the National Centrist Union was elected as President of the Congress and while nine justices were elected to the Supreme Court to serve six year terms.
During 1992 there was an insurgence from Human Rights Groups after they released their figures on abuses for 1991
while in Aug. the UN released a report that condemned Guatemala for the continuation of human rights violations.
Also during 1992 the government held talks with the URNG and although some accords were reached the guerrillas continued their military action.
1991

Ambassador: Thomas F. Stroock
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: Richard M. Charron,
In Jan. Jorge Serrano Elias was elected as the new civilian President while continuing violence escalated with right-wing, military backed, death squads and the guerrilla group of the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity (URNG) both increasing their activities.
In Aug. the National Police homicide division chief, Jose Miguel Merida Escobar, was murdered for helping to uncover and exposed high-level military officers in several murders.
Also during the year severe droughts seriously affected electricity production with rationing introduced on Sept. 1, .
1990

Ambassador: Thomas F. Stroock
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: Richard M. Charron,

1989

Ambassador:   James H. Michel        Thomas F. Stroock
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:

Watchstanders: Ronald D. Sutliff,
May unsuccessful military coups were attempted.
1988

Ambassador: James H. Michel
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:
GySgt. Singleton,
Watchstanders: Ronald D. Sutliff, Christopher Martin Washington,
In May and Dec. unsuccessful military coups were attempted.
May 1989 unsuccessful military coups were attempted.
1987

Ambassador: Alberto Martinez Piedra       James H. Michel
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:
GySgt. Singleton,
Watchstanders: John Burke, Sgt. Scott Myers, Ronald D. Sutliff, Christopher Martin Washington,

1986

Ambassador:  Alberto Martinez Piedra
Company Commander: 
Detachment Commander:
GySgt. Singleton,
Watchstanders: John Burke, Cpl. Scott Myers, Christopher Martin Washington,

1985

Ambassador:  Alberto Martinez Piedra
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 
In Nov. Vinicio Cerezo became President and the first civilian leader in 16 years. A new constitution was established and political parties legalized.
1984

Ambassador:Frederic L. ChapinAlberto Martinez Piedra
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:
GySgt. George Dumais
Watchstanders: Sgt Mike Kuzmac, Cpl. Ken Fernandez, Sgt Bob Rota, Sgt Mark Davis, Sgt Jerry Torres, Sgt Mike Green, Sgt Bobby Dickson, Sgt David Coker,  Cpl John Welch

1983

Ambassador: Frederic L. Chapin
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:
GySgt George Dumais
Watchstanders: Sgt Mike Kuzmac, Cpl. Kenneth Albert Fernandez, Sgt Bob Rota,  Sgt Mark Davis, Sgt Jerry Torres, Sgt Mike Green, Sgt Bobby Dickson, Sgt David Coker, Cpl John Welch, Jeffrey L. Caudill,  
In Aug. 1983 military leaders led by Brig.Gen Oscar Mejia Victores overthrew Montt and organized fresh elections for 1985.
1982

Ambassador: Frederic L. Chapin
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: Jeffrey L. Caudill, Sgt. Luis R. Lavarreda
 April. Gen. Angel Anibal Guevara was elected President, but before he could take office a group of military leaders led by Gen. Efrain Rioos Montt took control of the government and established a three member military Junta. The Junta suspended the constitution, abolished the Congress and banned all political parties. Following which Montt removed the other Junta members from power and declared himself Guatemala's only leader.
1981

Ambassador: Frederic L. Chapin
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: David M. Hale, Sgt. Luis R. Lavarreda
From 1821 to 1983 Guatemala claimed ownership of Belize, however,
Great Britain ruled Belize and granted it independence in 1981 which Guatemala opposed 
1980

Ambassador: Frank V. Ortiz
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: David M. Hale, James "JC" Preese, David Rodriguez,

1979

Ambassador:  Davis E. Boster  Frank V. Ortiz
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: James "JC" Preese, David Rodriguez,

1978

Ambassador:Davis E. Boster
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: Bastan, Mark J., 
 In 1978 guerrilla activity became widespread and the four presidential elections between 1970 and 1982 were all won by military officers.
1977

Ambassador: Davis E. Boster
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: Bastan, Mark J., Sgt Ruben Gutierrez Jr.,

1976

Ambassador:Francis E. Meloy, Jr.       Davis E. Boster
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: Sgt Ruben Gutierrez Jr., Sgt Dave Nolen, Mark J. Bastan,  
A major earthquake struck Guatemala causing an estimated 23,000 deaths and around $700 million worth of property damage.
1975

Ambassador: Francis E. Meloy, Jr.
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: Thomas Joseph Beringer, Rollie Monroe Van Cleave, Daniel Stafford Wakefield,

1974

Ambassador: Francis E. Meloy, Jr.
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders:Thomas Joseph Beringer,   John G. Clampett, Rollie Monroe Van Cleave, Daniel Stafford Wakefield,

1973

Ambassador: William G. BowdlerFrancis E. Meloy, Jr.
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: Thomas Joseph Beringer,  John G. Clampett,

1972

Ambassador: William G. Bowdler
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:
 
Watchstanders: Warren Ashey, Thomas Joseph Beringer, John G. Clampett, Calvin Edwards, David Jester, Ronald Johnson, Sgt Robertson, Carl Schotts, Fred Tittle, Richard Tollison, Robert Way,

1971

Ambassador:  Nathaniel Davis / William G. Bowdler
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: John G. Clampett, Tom Caldwell

1970

Ambassador: Nathaniel Davis
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 

1969

Ambassador: Nathaniel Davis
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: Howard C. Duff, Armin Webster,

1968

Ambassador: John Gordon Mein / Nathaniel Davis
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: Armin Webster,
Ambassador Mein Assasinated
1967

Ambassador: John Gordon Mein
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 

1966

Ambassador: John Gordon Mein
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:
GySgt Barksdale
Watchstanders: Sgt Beavers,

1965

Ambassador:  John O. Bell  / John Gordon Mein
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 

1964

Ambassador: John O. Bell
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 

1963

Ambassador: John O. Bell
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: Kwando M. Kinshasa,
Military seized power again and a sixth constitution went into effect in 1966.
1962

Ambassador: John O. Bell
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: Kwando M. Kinshasa, Cpl Parker

1961

Ambassador:  John J. Muccio    John O. Bell
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:
GySgt Shurring
Watchstanders: Sgts. Roger Darymple, Larry Hansen, Ed May, Riveria, W.E. King, Kwando M. Kinshasa,
From Former MSG Kwando M. Kinshasa:
Fellow Marines: This is a very brief note to say that back in 1961 to 1963 I was a young Sgt. E-5 with the MSG in Guatemala. At that time the Embassy was located in downtown Guatemala City off of 6th Ave. I understand it is now located near the airport on Reforma Ave. That's good becaue the old buidling was a security nightmare and gave us a lot of concerns and interesting moments. I remember that on my first day in Guatemala, arriving on a flight from Panama where college students were attempting to attack the Panama Canal and anything that looked American, the Guatemala Air Force was revolting against the government, the Airport was taken over by the Guatemalan Army and as I got off the plane the only words in spanish I knew as I tried to get to the U.S. Embassy iwas; "Yo soy Infanteria Marina Americano, which was, "I am American Marine Infantry." It was then that I quickly realizing that these words brought an immediate respect and caution from Guatemalans. I remember Ambassador Bell very well and the folks on the "4th floor" and of course our detachment Gunny Sgt. Shurring and his family. In fact my wife and I visited him a few years ago in California and learned that he became a Mustang, and retired after Nam as a Captain.  Over the years I have often thought about my close buddies who I served with at that time, some of whom are now on the wall, and how our experiences and service as U. S. Marines was something that has stayed with me to this very moment. Friends such Sgts. Roger Darymple, Larry Hansen, Ed May, Riveria, and I shared life molding experiences that not only helped to protect our country, but further deepen our understanding of who we were as young men and what it meant to be a U.S. Marine. I can still picture the Marine House on 8th and 2nd Ave with its traditional Spanish architecture and the three Marine Corps Balls that were celebrated there. I can also remember watching a number of military actions by the Guatemalan Army and Air Force and the influence we Marines had on maintaining a strong presence in protecting American interest and lives. In any case, hopefully next year I can revisit Guatemala to see how or if things have changed in the last forty of so years. I could go on with this very personal feeling, but will stop right here. Yes, I am a proud member of the MSG Association and the Montford Point Marine Association and as much as possible try to keep up with all of the new changes in the Corps. That will become easier when by grandson joins the Corps in 2006.
God Bless the Corps
1960

Ambassador: John J. Muccio
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 

1959

Ambassador:   Lester D. Mallory      John J. Muccio
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 

1958

Ambassador: Edward J. Sparks     Lester D. Mallory 
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 

1957

Ambassador:   Edward J. Sparks
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 

1956

Ambassador:   Edward J. Sparks
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders:Harold F. Allie, Arlon Lyle Hintz,

1955

Ambassador: Norman Armour    Edward J. Sparks
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: Harold F. Allie, Arlon Lyle Hintz,

1954

Ambassador:   John E. Peurifoy    Norman Armour
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: Harold F. Allie,  Arlon Lyle Hintz,
The US government, which had begun to fear communist influences in the Arbenz administration, June supported a coup which replaced him with Col. Castillo Armas and resulted in the country's
fifth constitution in 1956.
1953

Ambassador:  Rudolf E. Schoenfeld   John E. Peurifoy
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 

1952

Ambassador: Rudolf E. Schoenfeld
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 
Guatemala embarked on a controversial land reform program which saw the nationalization of 387,000 acres owned by the American United Fruit Company.
1951

Ambassador: Rudolf E. Schoenfeld
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 

1950

Ambassador: Richard C. Patterson, Jr.
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 
In 1950 Col. Jacobo Arbenz Guzman was elected President and in
1949

Ambassador: Richard C. Patterson, Jr.
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 

1948
Ambassador: Richard C. Patterson, Jr.
Company Commander: 
NCOIC:

Watchstanders: 


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Historical Archives Detachment Template V3.0 - 11/2008


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