The March 18 Detachment meeting was held as scheduled after repeated cancellations due to snow.  A lot of detachment business was addressed with active participation.  New member Dave Baldini was sworn in and introduced to the detachment.  Ed Jolley sponsored Dave. We encourage all members to continue to solicit new members.

The budget and finances were discussed in detail.  Paymaster Bill Costello and the finance team have done an excellent job at managing and outlining the budget.   We are currently in good shape will need to be cautious going forward.

Senior Vice Commandant Jim Hastings announced that the Tom Potenza Memorial Golf Tournament has been scheduled for 18 August.  This is the major fundraiser for the detachment.  Its success depends greatly on the participation of all members in selling advertising and arranging for raffle prizes.  Approximately 80 prizes are needed.  If each member arranged for or donated one, we would be in good shape.  The revenue from advertising is a critical component of the budget.  Without a successful tournament, we will be unable to sustain our outreach and activities.  Members should take all opportunities to approach potential advertisers.  More details on ad pricing and tools will be sent out.

As spring approaches, it is time to conduct the Rose Campaign.  This is another strong fund raiser that requires relatively little time.   Roses are available through Warren Griffin.  By arranging with a local merchant to have a presence and collect funds, you will help to solidify funding for our programs.

The detachment will again participate in cooking and serving lunch during the 25th Marines Drill weekends at Fort Devens.  The first date is April 12.  All members are encourage to participate for some time between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM This is a way to reduce the price of Marine Corps Ball tickets for the Marines, many of whom are younger and might otherwise not be able to afford it.  Extra hands are always helpful.  This is a fun ecvent and a good way to see today's Marines.  The MCL donates food and labor and the Marines pay $5.00 for lunch.  The money is retained to fund the ball.

On May 18, the detachment will participate in the Bellingham Memorial Day Parade.  Jim Hastings is one the parade organizers.  Last year Mac MacEntagert provided a WWII era Jeep that was a focal point of the parade.  It is a rewarding experience to see the crowd react to the Marine Corps League.  All are invited to march or ride.

Nominations for detachment officers were conducted.  The slate of officers nominated to date are:
Commandant: Dave Gentes; Sr Vice: Jim Hastings; Paymaster; Bill Costello; Adjutant; Ed Jolley; Judge Advocate:  Mac MacEntagert; Sgt at Arms; Dave Barth; Chaplain; Mike Whelan.  Candidates for Junior Vice are still being sought.  Elections will be held at the April meeting on April 15.  This is your time to make yourself heard.

We look forward to strong attendance at future meetings.

The meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 18 will be held at the Natick Elks on Speen Street rather than the AMVETS.  The meeting will be at the normal 1930 time.

Metro-west Detachment #1037 was well represented at the 2014 observation of Iwo Jima day at the Massachusetts State House on February 19.  Mandated by proclamation of the Governor, Iwo Jima Day commemorated the 69th anniversary of the epic WWII battle that has gained legendary status in Marine Cops history.  Assaulting a well protected island in strategic position relative to the Japanese mail land, Marine landing forces fought inch by inch to take this small island from a heavily dug in enemy.  With thousands of deaths and injuries on both sides, the battle of Iwo Jima is regarded as a benchmark of amphibious warfare and one of the proudest moments in Marine Corps history.  Metro-west Detachment #1037 is proud to be the lead detachment in the official Massachusetts observation of this epic battle.
Participating units formed at Fanueil Hall at 11:30 to parade to the State House. At noon, the ceremonies commenced in the Hall of Flags in the State House.  With presentations from political and military leaders, the observations continued.  Awards for civic action that exemplified Marine Corps values were presented.  A number of Iwo Jima veterans, including our own Jim Delaney were in attendance.  Plans are underway to commemorate the 70th anniversary next year.

Golf Tournament Planning

Planning for the 2014 detachment golf tournament have begun.  This year the tournament will be held in the third week of August.   All members are encouraged to participate in selling advertising, assisting with planning, and helping out on the day of the tournament.  This is a major fund raiser to support detachment outreach.   Your efforts and support are appreciated.

Officer Elections

Selection of the detachment leadership team will be upcoming.  This is your opportunity to contribute to the detachment future.  Candidates for leadership positions are encouraged to attend meetings on a regular basis.

Veterans Outreach

The detachment has a long history of running regular visits to the VA Hospital in Jamaica Plain.  Patients participate in bingo and enjoy snacks that are provided by the detachment.  On the first Wednesday of the month, this committed team can always use extra hands.  Contact Ed Jolley or Paul Carew for more details.