Picture at top of page

Picture at top of page
In 1945, Marines persevered to victory in the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Thursday, April 17, 2014



The detachment conducted the April meeting at the Natick  Amvets with 17 members in attendance. 
Election of Officers:
Elections for officers were conducted with the entire slate of nominees being voted in.  To be sworn in at the May meeting will be:  Commandant; Dave Gentes:  Senior Vice Commandant; Jim Hastings:  Junior Vice Commandant: Vacant:  Paymaster; Bill Costello: Adjutant; Ed Jolley:  Judge Advocate; John MacEntagert:  Sergeant at Arms; Dave Barth: Chaplain; Mike Whelan.  Uniform for the swearing in ceremony will be the short sleeve shirt with devices and ribbons, dress blue trousers, black shoes, and red cover.  Members are encouraged to attend whether in uniform or not.  Food and refreshments will be available.    
The incoming Commandant is confident that there is a strong leadership team in place and the direction of the detachment is going to be positive.  There is a strong combination of experience and energy.
Golf Tournament Planning:  Please plan to help
The Golf Committee has been planning and taking action to initiate the 13th annual tournament, now named for Tom Potenza who put so much energy into this event.  Brochures have been prepared and logistics are in place for August 18th at Juniper Hill Golf Course in Northborough.  The committee stressed that it is important that all members participate by selling advertising and arranging raffle prizes.  A prepared letter and order form is available for all members.  On the day of the tournament, help will be needed in a number of roles.   Please plan to be available if at all possible.  This is our major fundraiser and vital to all of our programs.
Bellingham Parade
All members are invited to march with the detachment in the Bellingham Memorial Day Parade on May 18.  Jim Hastings is one of the organizers and will lead this effort.  The town is very appreciative of the Marine Corps League presence and puts on a fine parade and accompanying ceremonies.
Rose Program
Roses are available for members to distribute in return for donations.  Local merchants and other high traffic areas are prime places to conduct this effort.  If each member puts in two hours, we will have a robust amount of funds to support outreach.   This is a great way to meet people and help the detachment at the same time.  Please feel free to contact Dave Gentes at 781 235 8085 with questions.
25th Marines “Burger Burn” at Fort Devens
Jim Hastings, Dave Gentes, Mac MacEntagert,and Eli from the Shutt Detachment at Fort Devens.

Detachment #1037 was well represented at Fort Devens where lunch was prepared for the Marines on drill weekend.  The Marine Corps League donated the food and prepared over 250 hamburgers and 150 hot dogs, in addition to the highly rated Kielbasa.  Marines paid $5.00 for lunch with the proceeds going to defer the cost of the Marine Corps Ball.  All members are encouraged to plan on participating in the next event at Fort Devens on May 17.  This only takes a few hours and is a great opportunity to interact with the Marines and help a good cause. 
Paymaster Report
Paymaster Bill Costello reported on the state of detachment finances.   We are currently in the black but will be dependent on continued success in fundraising.
The May meeting will be held at the AMVETS in Natick on May 20.  Officers will be sworn in.  Short Sleeved uniform is encouraged.