Scuttlebutt 1037

A Message from the Commandant 

I was recently fortunate enough to attend the Wounded Warrior Trials at Camp Pendleton as part of my employment.  Having been stationed at Pendleton with 7th Marines from 1975 to 1977, it was nice to return and see for myself the many changes that have taken place.  My old barracks is now a training area.  The replacement barracks are multi-story buildings that look very much like apartment buildings.  MacDonald's and Subway are on base with other vendors.  Overall, it looks very similar, but there have clearly been changes.  Prior to going to Okinawa in 1974, I stayed for a few weeks at Pendleton in a wooden barracks with squad bays on either side and heads in the middle.  These were built early in WWII as temporary units but were still used 30 years later.  When I showed my father a picture, he very clearly remembered the buildings from when he was there before shipping out for the Pacific.  Living quarters are a big area of change.
More than the trip down memory lane, it was inspiring to see the determination of the Wounded Warrriors who were on base to compete in track, cycling, archery, pistol and rifle shooting, and other events.  Despite their injuries, these athletes pushed hard and showed exceptional motivation and awareness.  Wounded Warriors from allied nations were in attendance and I had occasion to talk with British, Australian, New Zealand, and Dutch athletes.  The Dutch Marines were very impressed with the level of support that veterans and Wounded Warriors receive here.  We need to be mindful that it has not always been that way and keep in mind that the Marine Corps League is active in attending to this need. 

Special Note
 We are at the time of year when nominations are solicited for the Detachment Marine of the Year Award.  Nomination forms and instruction were sent out with the hard copy Scuttlebutt.  If you did not receive this and would like to get forms, please contact me at 781 235 8085 or at davegentes@comcast.net and I will get them to you.  This annual award recognizes the member who is felt by peers to most demonstrate the core values of the MCL and the Marine Corps through participation in the detachment activities and with community service.  Past recipients have shown us the way with their activities and commitment.  Your submission will be reviewed by a committee with the recipient being announced later in the year.  We welcome all input.

The detachment meeting for March was conducted as scheduled with eleven members in attendance.  The meeting was convened on time in accordance with procedure.  The Paymaster provided an update on detachment finances and expenditures.  We continue to be in good fiscal shape.  The Chaplain discussed those members and family members who are sick or in distress.  Member are encouraged to notify Chaplain Mike Whelan if they are aware of situations requiring his attention.

Business items that were discussed include:

Golf Committee

The golf tournament will be held on Monday, August 17. While that may seem to be a long way off, it is not too early to begin selling ads and obtaining raffle prizes.  You might even have a good prize in the house already.  A letter to assist with solicitation will be sent out in the coming weeks.  Please consider helping with planning, ad sales, and activities on the day of the tournament.

Charitable Outreach

We have received acknowledgment from the Semp Fi Fund for our donation of $5,000.  This highly rated charity provides services and support for injured veterans and their families.  We are pleased to help them and encourage all to consider individual contributions.

Toys for Tots

An additional pod has been placed at the State Police facility on route 9 in Framingham.  This will provide storage for excess toys that need to kept for next year.  There is continued discussion of changing the approach for next year to make the campaign run more smoothly.

Fort Devens Cookouts

Cookouts to raise funds for the 25th Marines Marine Corps Birthday Ball resumed on March 14.  Six MCL members from assorted detachments  joined Metrowest members in preparing and serving food for over 200 Marines.  The date of the April Cookout will be announced soon.  More help is always desired.

VA Bingo

Bingo at the VA in Jamaica Plain is held on the first Wednesday of the month.  This event is always appreciated by the patients and the staff.  Additional help is always welcome.  The event takes about an hour and a half.