Each year, past recipients of the prestigious Marine of the Year award vote a new member into this brotherhood. Many aspects of a candidate’s life are taken into account such as participation in League activities, community service and those who go above and beyond. This year the unanimous choice was Junior Vice Commandant, Calvin Reichhold and presented to him at the awards dinner held at Monte Cello’s Restaurant on Babcock Blvd., on June 5, 2019.
Calvin joined Detachment #310 in 2013 and hit the ground with both feet running. For the past three years he served as Junior Vice and attended all the state and local meetings with Commandant Karl Wilzer. Calvin has participated in various League functions such as Color Guard at numerous events, funeral services, League sponsored events for the community and volunteers whenever a Marine is needed.
Calvin joined the Marine Corps in October 1966; serving three and a half years on active duty and the remainder of his time on inactive reserve. Boot camp was Parris Island, NC. Stationed at Camp Pendleton for the first 11 months of 1967, he was then shipped to Vietnam where his MOS was 1371 Combat Engineer (TAD to the 101st Airborn) and his primary duty was detection and mine sweeping. His squad was nicknamed ‘Gypsy Bravo’ as they covered a vast area to enable roads and landing strips to be constructed for Camp Eagle, Headquarters of the 101st Air Cav and Seabees. They received an Army Unit Citation for their commendable work and performance during combat conditions. He was discharged out of Camp Lejeune, Charlie Company 2nd Engineers, October 1969.
Calvin returned to his native Pittsburgh and secured a job with the Eichleay Company (a local large construction company) as a heavy equipment mechanic and promoted to journeyman within four years. He married Carol Vigliotti (from Hampton) in 1972 and they currently live in Wexford. They have a son and daughter and four granddaughters. Calvin also is a member of the American Legion and West View VFW. In addition, he is the manager for the St Paul Lutheran Church cemetery (NorthPark).
Rick Barzen has been a member of the MCL #310 for five years and is a familiar face at all league functions. He and his wife, Karen, of 45 years have three children and seven grandchildren. A native of Pittsburgh Northside, Rick entered the USMC in 1967 and went to Parris Island for boot camp. Upon completion, he was transferred to Camp Pendleton, California, where he trained in recoilless rifles, flame throwers and rocket launchers. He spent a couple months in Okinawa training in jungle warfare and shipped to Viet Nam as a rifleman; he was honorably discharged in 1970.
