We wish the joy of the season to all members and
families and especially to the Marines, FMF Corpsman, and Clergy who are
serving far away. You are in our prayers.
A group of hearty detachment members and families braved the latest snow storm to get together for food and fellowship at the December meeting. After dining, a brief business meeting was held to discuss final Toys for Tots actions and the Marine Corps League support for Valor Act II, soon to be before the Massachusetts Senate. The detachment heard and voted on requests for support from outreach activities. It was approved to provide support to the Marine Corps University Foundation to provide educational opportunities for USMC Captains. Approval was also made to assist with funding gift cards to be distributed to veterans in need via the Natick Veterans Services Officer. Finally, approval was granted to continue financial support to the Blackstone Valley Young Marines. With business completed, motion was entered and seconded to adjourn and go home before the snow got worse. We look forward to the continued active participation of member at our first 2014 meeting on 21 January.
WWII MARINE
CHEERED UP BY VISIT FROM MCL MEMBERS
WWII Marine John Russo is a proud 2nd Divison veteran who
participated in landings at Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, and others. Now confined to an assisted care facility, Marine
Russo has been alone without visitors for quite some time. New Hampshire Marine Doug Crooker brought
this to the attention of MA MCL State Chaplain Roger Hoffman, who initiated a
call for help from area Marines. On 9
December a group of MCL members from a number of local detachments visited and
led a holiday sing-a-long with Russo and as many other residents as could fit
into the room. A high point of the day
was when Metrowest Detachment #1037 member and current MA State Commandant
Warren Griffin presented Russo with a certificate honoring his service. This is another example of the good things
that the MCL continues to do to support Marines and FMF Corpsmen, current and
future.
Toys for Tots Update
The 2013 Toys For Tots
Drive is in the final stages. The Natick Elks Pod will be collected on 20 December. All donations after that will need to be brought to the State Police Barracks on Route 9 in Framingham. We greatly appreciate the support of Dunkin Donuts in
Natick who donated the coffee, hot chocolate, and doughnuts for the Natick
Holiday Kickoff. On a damp December Day, it was much appreciated
Rose
Drive Successful
Detachment members Warren Griffin, John McEntagert, Jim Hastings and Dave
Gentes participated in the Marine Corps Rose program in the days approaching
Veteran’s Day. As some background on this progam, in 1778, during the War of Independence, the Marine Corps
Rose was dedicated to those Marines who made the Ultimate Sacrifice for their
country. This tradition was continued by the French during World War One when
the Marines attacked the Germans in the trenches at Belleau Wood. Roses
were planted by the grateful French people at the graves of the Fallen
Marines. The Marine Corps League Rose Program was started by Marine Eddie
Gallagher from New York, designed to parallel the VFW "Poppy" program
to provide funds for detachments to assist veterans and youth and provide other
services to the community. By maintaining a visible presence during the
program, the Marine Corps League raises awareness of veterans programs, raises
funds to support outreach activities, and make the public more aware of the
Marine Corps League. Over $1300 was raised and will be applied to the
Semper Fi Injured Marine Fund and other veteran’s outreach activities.
We are
grateful to Walmart in Bellingham, Roche Brothers in Wellesley, Roche Brothers
in Millis, and Robinsons Hardware in Framingham for their support in providing
space for this activity.
METROWEST MARINE CORPS LEAGUE DETACHMENT #1037 Natick,Massachusetts
Picture at top of page
On 1 April 1945, Marines and Army troops landed on Okinawa in one of the final steps to an attack on Mainland Japan