History of the Association
It is always worthwhile to reflect on our history. There was a period when the Leland D. “Crow” Crawford Chapter of the National Drill Instructor Association was no longer recognized aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego. It was a challenging chapter for the Association.
At the urging of Charter Life Member MGySgt Bobby Biers (Ret), the Depot Sergeant Major, SgtMaj Bobby Woods, organized a meeting to explore the revival of the chapter. Despite initial resistance and concerns about moving forward, SgtMaj Woods remained confident and committed to the effort. The first meeting was held at the Bay View Restaurant to begin planning the chapter’s reestablishment.
Present at that meeting were SgtMaj Bobby Woods, MGySgt Bobby Biers (Ret), SgtMaj Dave Francisco (Ret), MSgt Ed Conradt (Ret), GySgt Deveraux Haynesworth (Ret), Gregg Stoner (Veteran), and Captain Bill Steffan (Ret), who had previously served closely with the former association leadership.
The meeting was energetic and collaborative. SgtMaj Woods had the full support of those present to move forward. A follow-up meeting was held in the Drill Instructor School conference room, where a new Board of Directors was formed. SgtMaj Dave Francisco was selected as President, and Gregg Stoner was appointed Secretary/Treasurer. Additional Board members included CWO3 Chip Dykes (Ret), SgtMaj Ron Hoffman (Ret), MSgt Ed Conradt (Ret), SgtMaj Lonnie Long (Ret), and SgtMaj John Clampitt (Ret).
The revitalized chapter began with no funding and no formal support from the National organization which had relocated operations to Parris Island, South Carolina.
Despite limited resources, the chapter hosted its first reunion at the Town and Country Hotel in Mission Valley. Although planning occurred late in the season and the available space was modest, members came together and made it a success. A last-minute change required moving the scheduled Friday breakfast from Duncan Hall to the Bay View Restaurant due to the absence of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Depot. Thanks to word-of-mouth communication, the transition was smooth, and the breakfast was well-received. The barbecue at the boathouse was a highlight, with funds raised through an auction led by President Dave Francisco, who infused humor and enthusiasm by pitching items as “once owned by SgtMaj Leland D. ‘Crow’ Crawford.”
On Saturday morning, an all-member meeting was held in the duty hut, followed by a golf tournament and an evening banquet. Although there were unexpected funding issues SgtMaj Woods generously covered the costs personally, exemplifying the leadership and selflessness that has guided the chapter.
The National Association having relocated prompted the newly elected Board to reassess its affiliation. After a unanimous vote, the Board chose to formally separate from the National DI Association and immediately reestablished itself as the West Coast Drill Instructor Association, SgtMaj Leland D. “Crow” Crawford Chapter. The new chapter adopted a unique model: instead of collecting annual dues, it would operate entirely on member donations, effectively making all members “lifetime members.” This ensured that no one would be removed from the rolls due to an inability to pay.
SgtMaj Frank Pulley (Ret), a former Depot Sergeant Major, had previously safeguarded $5,000 from the chapter’s original account. Once the integrity of the reorganized chapter was evident, he returned the funds to support its renewed mission. The Board also obtained formal, written permission from Fay Crawford, the widow of SgtMaj Leland D. “Crow” Crawford, to use his name in the chapter’s title—a gesture she graciously supported.
SgtMaj Lonnie Long (Ret) led the successful effort to obtain 501(c)(3) nonprofit status with the IRS. The chapter also registered with the California Department of Corporations and entered into a formal Memorandum of Understanding with MCRD San Diego, signed by then-Commanding General BGen Bailey, officially recognizing the chapter on base.
Since then, the West Coast DI Association has grown and thrived. Its story continues—rooted in pride, resilience, and unwavering dedication to preserving the legacy and brotherhood of United States Marine Corps Drill Instructors.