A Message From the Commandant:
In keeping with the stipulations of our by-laws, nominations for officers were conducted at the March 15th meeting. We have a strong slate of candidates, most of whom have held office previously. The candidates are as follows:Judge Advocate: John "Mac" MacEntegart
Adjutant: Warren Griffin
Sergeant at Arms: Dave Barth
Chaplain: Mike Whalen
Paymaster: Bill Costello
Junior Vice Commandant: Tom Foley
Senior Vice Commandant: Dave Gentes
Commandant: Jim Hastings
Note: Bill Costello has agreed to continue as Paymaster until a replacement can be found. Bill has been a stalwart and dedicated contributor. The role of Paymaster is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the detachment. We will be happy to discuss the duties and details of the role with anyone who may have interest.
If there is not anyone who indicates desire to contend for one these offices, this slate will be voted in at the April meeting and installed in May. Members in good standing who wish to be considered for elected office should be prepared to come forward in April. Regardless of whether you choose to pursue office, I hope that you will attend the meeting in April and future meetings. We accomplish a lot and it all depends on the effort and commitment of members.
During the March meeting we hosted a presentation by Jeff Sisto from the Natick Soldier Systems Center, better known as Natick Army Labs. The only active Army facility in New England, this laboratory investigates and develops solutions for the individual soldier. Jeff discussed the capabilities of the facility and described some of the projects that have been developed and fielded. From food to uniforms and equipment, there was discussion of the detail that goes into assessing what can improve the conditions of the warfighter for all of the services. Meeting attendees were able to sample MRE's, try on the body armor and helmet that is now in use, and hear how they were developed. As there was a wealth of information to be shared and time was constrained, our speaker has agreed to return at another time. We appreciate the time that Jeff Sisto spent with us and thank Jim Hastings for arranging this presentation.
As a detachment, we accomplish a lot to the benefit of the community. Each of these activities requires some time and effort. It is an old adage that many hands make light work. Since getting involved in the Marine Corps League, I have been impressed with the commitment and dedication that I see from many members. We all have varying degrees of talent, time and energy. The one thing that we all took away from boot camp is that we thrive as a unit,when we all work together. As we go forward, I hope that each of us will consider how we as individuals can make the Marine Corps League more vital and visible. You are connected to Marines going back over two hundred years. Isn't that worth some time and effort?
March Meeting Notes:
The March meeting was conducted on March 15 as scheduled. Ten members were in attendance. Visiting members from the Shutt Detachment were present to see the presentation from the Soldier System Center. The Paymaster's report was submitted and accepted. The detachment financial condition continues to be good. The normal order of business was conducted until it was time for a guest presentation from the Army Soldier Systems Center. Upon the completion of the presentation, the meeting was reconvened to conduct nominations of officers. The following nominations were submitted: Judge Advocate: John "Mac" MacEntegart
Adjutant: Warren Griffin
Sergeant at Arms: Dave Barth
Chaplain: Mike Whelan
Paymaster: Bill Costello
Junior Vice Commandant: Tom Foley
Senior Vice Commandant: Dave Gentes
Commandant: Jim Hastings
New Member:
We welcome new member George Jones of Worcester to the detachment. George served in the air wing and was trained in aircraft mechanics and repair. He separated as a Corporal. We look forward to sharing sea stories with GeorgeMembers and family sick or in distress:
Chaplain Mike Whalen is in contact with the family of Jim Delaney who continues to have health issues. Members are encouraged to contact the Chaplain when they are aware of members or family who have sickness or are in distress.Nursing Home Visitation:
We have received letters of gratitude from the Serenity Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Wrentham and the Ells Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Norwood acknowledging the visits with confined veterans that were recently conducted. This outreach program has been started by Tom Foley and has been well received. The Next visit is on April 18 at the Blaire House in Milford, 30 Claflin Street. The visit will take place at 2:00 PM. This is an excellent opportunity to bring some joy into the lives of confined veterans. All available members are encouraged to attend.Golf Committee:
The golf tournament is scheduled for August and planning in underway. The Golf Committee will meet at the Natick Community Center on April 13 at 7:00. This is our primary fundraiser and can only succeed with full participation.Marine of the Year Nominations:
Nominations for Detachment Marine of the Year are now being solicited. A nominee must be a detachment member in good standing who has worked diligently for this detachment. This Marine will be aperson who works within the community using the Marine Corps values of duty commitment and loyalty. Nominations will be sent to Commandant Dave Gentes, PO Box M, Natick, MA 01160 no later than 11 April 2016. A nomination form and letter of recommendation should be included. The selection committee will meet after the April meeting to finalize selection.Correspondence:
In addition to the letters from the nursing home visitation program, we have received a letter of thanks from the Freedom Waters Foundation for a donation that was made memory of James Kidd. This is a therapeutic program that Jim was involved with and we are pleased to be able to help.Shepherds Run:
On 25 March, a group of veterans and active duty troops will arrive from Atlanta. They will be running back to Atlanta, departing from the Old North Church on 26 March. These men will run 22 miles a day, while carrying a 22 pound pack to bring attention to the efforts on the Shepherd Center on treating PTSD and TBI. The Shutt Detachment in Watertown will host a dinner on 25 March at 7:00 PM. Interested members are encouraged to attend and to go Boston to give these troops a worthy sendoff.Upcoming Meetings:
Please plan to attend meetings to make your voice heard. Unless otherwise specified, meetings are held on the the 3rd Tuesday of the the month at the Natick AMVETS on Superior Dive at 7:30 PM. Meetings are scheduled for 19 April, (election of officers), 17 May (installation of officers), and21 June. Per our by-laws, we do not meet during the summer.