Greetings, Marine Corps Family and Friends:

My name is Ruben Botello. I served, as a Field Musician with the United States Marine Corps, 1965-69. (Join our new group/list, USMusiCians today!)

I dedicate this website to three very special Marine Musicians who were Killed In Action (KIA), 23 FEB 1969 while fighting for our country in Vietnam:

1. Corporal Paul J. Mitchell, french horn player pictured below; top left:  

2. Lance Corporal Vincent A. Rabel, clarinetist pictured below under director Jesse Sunderland's right hand:

3. Corporal John P. Ziegler, trumpet player pictured below wearing sunglasses:

Their names are engraved on The Wall at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC, as photographed above. Their smiling faces, hopes and dreams are engraved in the hearts and minds of all Marines who had the honor and privilege to serve with these three brave and talented Marine Musicians, including myself:

Yours truly at the Wall, 2003