Laurence Alan Broze

Larry at Catalina Island

Eric Broze - Admin — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:46:04 +0000

Here are a few photos sent in by George and Julie from a trip to Catalina Island, which is off the coast of California.

Alex Bunko – Obituary and Details

Eric Broze - Admin — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:57:12 +0000

Alex Bunko (born Loiza Bunko) left us peacefully on May 24, 2008, with his family and friends by his side.

Alex is survived by his wife, Donna Morris, of Newbury Park; daughter, Patricia Hazard of North Carolina and her children, Andrew and Logan; Alex’s mother, Anna Cupa of Florida; daughter-in-law, Sheri O’Connor and her husband Steven and children, Matthew, Christopher, Tyler and Daniel; daughter-in-law, Teri Mortimer and fiance, Gary Olson and children, Ashlee, Justin and Gunner; and other family and friends far too many to name, but important to him all along.

Alex was born Jan. 25, 1946, in Grossenkneten, Germany, and moved to the United States of America on Oct. 29, 1949. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps who served honorably in the Vietnam War. As an adult, Alex lived and worked in different parts of the country, finally settling down in Ventura County, where he lived for the rest of his life. Alex enjoyed all things involving sports, but his true love was the sea. Whether diving with Donna or deep sea fishing with his buddies, Alex was happiest surrounded by friends and water. Alex will miss the sea, and the sea will miss him, but I am sure that the fish will welcome the break.

If you knew him you miss him. If you didn’t have the chance to meet him you would have liked him. We are all better for having him in our lives. We love you and miss you, Alex.

A memorial service is to be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 12, at Ventura County Pier.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in the name of Alex Bunko to VITAS Hospice Care or the City of Hope.

Published in the Ventura County Star from 5/30/2008 – 6/3/2008.

R.I.P. – Alex Bunko

Eric Broze - Admin — Thu, 29 May 2008 20:20:28 +0000

We are all saddened to hear of the passing of Alex Bunko. He bravely battled cancer for several years, and we all mourn his loss. Further details when available.

Charles Royer (deceased), Uno Rentmeister, Alex Bunko (deceased) and Larry Broze (Deceased)in the garden.

Larry with a Helium Balloon.

Eric Broze - Admin — Mon, 19 May 2008 18:48:08 +0000

Baby Larry on the Bed

Eric Broze - Admin — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:08:40 +0000

Baby Larry and Mother Eva 3

Eric Broze - Admin — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:06:57 +0000

Baby Larry and Mother Eva 2

Eric Broze - Admin — Fri, 16 May 2008 22:05:03 +0000

Larry, Betsey, Eric and Jill Willis overlooking Universal Studios.

Eric Broze - Admin — Thu, 15 May 2008 01:12:05 +0000

Baby Larry Broze And Mother Eva 1

Eric Broze - Admin — Tue, 13 May 2008 22:39:29 +0000

Larry’s Military Service

Eric Broze - Admin — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:08:01 +0000

Jill, Larry’s niece, mentioned in a recent comment -”I didn’t know anything about his military service and awards, other than that he served in Vietnam.”

Here is the official information:

CPL Laurence Alan Broze (U.S.M.C)

Served 1 year 6months and 3 days
From 02 may, 1968 – 04 Nov 1969
1 year and 15 days of which were spent in Vietnam.

Unit -
Company L
3rd Battalion
26th Marines

Mortar Man – 0341
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortar_(weapon)

Corporal (Cpl) is the fourth enlisted rank in the U.S. Marine Corps, ranking immediately above Lance Corporal and immediately below Sergeant. The Marine Corps, unlike the Army, has no other rank at the pay grade of E-4. Corporal is the lowest grade of non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, though promotion to Corporal traditionally confers a large jump in authority and responsibility compared to promotion from Private through Lance Corporal. It is also the first Marine rank requiring competition among peers rather than simple “time in grade” promotions and therefore sometimes difficult to attain. Marine Corporals generally serve as “fire-team leaders,” commanding a 4-man team or unit of similar size. In support units, they direct the activities of junior Marines and provide technical supervision. Because of its emphasis on small-unit tactics, the Marine Corps usually places Corporals in billets where other services would normally have an E-5 or E-6 in authority. Similarly, the term “Strategic Corporal” refers to the special responsibilities conferred upon a Marine Corporal.

National Defense Service Medal
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Defense_Service_Medal

Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Device
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_Campaign_Medal

RVN Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_Gallantry_Cross

Vietnam Service Medal w/2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_Service_Medal

Combat Action Ribbon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combat_Action_Ribbon

Rifle Sharp Shooter Badge
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marksman