From the (Past) Commandant:
On 17 May, the detachment met as scheduled. The normal order of business was conducted. The report of the Paymaster was read and accepted. We continue to be in decent financial shape. There were no further reports from officers. A special aspect of the meeting was the presentation of awards. A number of Marines were recognized for their contributions. This is a summary:John Clarke was presented with an Individual Merit Citation. John has been a constant presence and strong contributor to the Fort Devens Cookouts that defray the cost of the Marine Corps Ball. John is always dependable and contributes to the detachment in many ways.
Tom Foley was presented with an Individual Merit Citation. Tom has been the prime mover behind the program of visitation at local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This program has been well received and appreciated by confined veterans who welcome the external contact
Recognition was presented to those Marines who regularly participate in the Detachment Honor Detail. Jim Hastings, John MacEntegart, Warren Griffin, John Crisafulli, Michael Whalen, and Tom Foley have all been generous with their time to provide the appropriate honors at funerals, memorial dedications and other ceremonies. Their dignified presence is appreciated by the families of the deceased.
MARINE of THE YEAR:
Paymaster Bill Costello was announced as the Detachment Marine of the Year. Recommended by the membership and voted upon by a committee of former Marines of the Year, this is a distinguished award that is well deserved by Bill Costello. As Paymaster, Bill has worked diligently to get our records into shape and to maintain effective record-keeping and reporting. Bill has been instrumental in resolving our tax status and positioning us for future financial success. In a role that requires attention to detail and often does not get the recognition it deserves, it is a privilege to congratulate the committee on an excellent choice and to thank Bill for all that he does.
Installation of Officers:
John Murray, the Senior Vice Commandant and Chaplain Roger Hoffman from the Mass Marine Corps League Department were present to properly install the detachment officers for the upcoming year. The officers are as follows:Commandant: Jim Hastings
Sr. Vice Commandant: Dave Gentes
Jr. Vice Commandant: Tom Foley
Adjutant: Warren Griffiin
Judge Advocate: John MacEntegart
Paymaster: Bill Costello (interim)
Chaplain: Michael Whalen
Sergeant at Arms: Dave Barth
This is a highly capable leadership team with depth of knowledge and experience in Marine Corps League objectives and operations. A successful year can be anticipated.
As I depart my tenure as Commandant, I want to thank the members of the leadership team who were always helpful and cooperative in accomplishing what needed to be done. Throughout my time as Commandant, I know that I was not alone and the support was appreciated. I also am grateful to the detachment membership for the high level of participation in our initiatives and events. I appreciate the commitment of those of you who regularly attend meetings and bring your ideas and energy. As a detachment, we accomplish a lot. We have a proud record of contribution to the local community, to national charities, and to the Marine Corps as a whole. Each of you that added something to that record should take pride in your contribution. I am proud to have been entrusted with the helm of the detachment for the past two years. My successor is one the most accomplished and motivated Marines and MCL members around and I know that the detachment is in good hands.
NOTE NOTE NOTE 16th ANNUAL METROWEST MCL GOLF TOURNAMENT 15 AUGUST
The Golf Tournament will be played on 15 August in Southboro. Success in this event depends on all hands being involved in sales of advertising and raffle tickets, donating or obtaining prizes, and participating in the events during the tournament and the banquet. The proceeds from this event enable the major portion of our outreach and contributions. Please reach deep in your motivation to do your part to move this tournament to new heights.