Picture at top of page

Picture at top of page
In 1945, Marines persevered to victory in the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

 
Marine Douglas presented the Commandants message.

 2014 Marine Corps Birthday Cake Cutting

Members and families celebrated the Marine Corps Birthday on 10 November. Commandant Dave Gentes presented the first piece off cake to Bill Costello, the oldest Marine present.  Bill than served Dave Gentes, the youngest Marine present.  Mac MacEntagert provided expertise on the ceremony and the ceremonial sword.

 

Commandant's Message

As we  approach the Marine Corps Birthday, it is appropriate to contemplate our connections to the Marine Corps and the Marine Corps League.  We have individually served at different times in "every clime and place."  For each of us, the Marine Corps has been imprinted as part of our being.  Some bear scars, internal and external, as a price of their service.  All have answered the call and done what has been asked of them.  The Corps will observe its 239th Birthday with appropriate fanfare.  The new Commandant, General Joseph Dunsford,  a Bostonian, has issued his message encouraging Marines to "keep on marching".  In Iraq and Afghanistan,  Marines have been deployed and fighting for over ten years.  There is instability in other locales that could lead to further engagement.  Sequestration and budget cuts are ongoing challenges.  As in past generations, today's Marines will find a way to hold their own. Those of us who have preceded them in service will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.  Through our membership in the Marine Corps League we affirm our continued ties to the Corps and each other.   As a Marine Corps League detachment, we will continue to look for ways to maintain camaraderie and to be of service to the Corps and to the community of veterans when and where we can.  Individually and as a group we bring talent, resources, and commitment that is needed and valued.  We provide support and assistance to active Marines and to veterans as our individual circumstances permit.  We endeavor to send our deceased comrades to their final rewards with dignified recognition of their service.  With all of us participating, we can make a difference.  Happy Birthday and Semper Fi, Metrowest Marines, FMF Corpsmen,and Chaplains.


Marine Corps Birthday Observation

As a detachment, we will observe the Marine Corps Birthday with a cake cutting at the Natick Elks on Speen Street at 7:00 PM on 10 November.  We welcome members, family and supporters to join us in this observation.

October Meeting

The October meeting was held as scheduled on October 21.  The meeting convened at 7:30 PM with 14 Marines in attendance.  Warren Griffin was nominated to serve as Adjutant and has graciously accepted.  The items addressed during the meeting are discussed in more detail further in this posting.  We will meet next on November 17 at 7:30 PM at the Natick AMVETS on Superior Drive in Natick.  Members are encouraged to attend.  This is your opportunity to be heard.

Toys for Tots

Chairperson Richard Douglas reported that the Toys for Tots Program planning is well underway.  Richard had attended a planning meeting in Burlington.  Program kickoff is 10 November and the last date for collection is 12 December, to allow for time to distribute.  There is still ongoing discussion of logistics such as warehouse locations.  We have historically been one of the higher producing detachments in this effort and hope to contribute to another successful year.

Ed Jolley Remembrance

Chaplain Michael Whalen called for a moment of silence to remember Ed Jolley who passed away recently.  As Ed was a charter member, one of the early detachment leaders, and a consistent contributor to MCL activities as well as other veterans' activities, a motion was made to formally memorialize Ed.  There was discussion about naming a scholarship or a veteran's service fund for Ed.  Marine John Donahue raised the idea of a monument or plaque to be placed in a visible location.  After discussion, Warren Griffin volunteered to chair a committee to investigate and recommend appropriate recognition.  John Donahue and Jim Hastings agreed to participate.

Following Ed's funeral, donations in remembrance of Ed have been received.  These proceeds will be used to further the charitable outreach of the detachment.  Acknowledgement of these donations is in process.

Blackstone Valley Young Marines Support

A motion was made by Marine Jim Hastings to issue a check for $1000 to support the Blackstone Valley Young Marines.  The detachment has been active in supporting this organization for over 12 years.  Mike Whalen, Jim Hastings, and Mac MacEntegart, attended a Young Marines meeting on Thursday 23 October to present the check.  This was appreciated by the Young Marines.  They will be participating in upcoming detachment activities.  Chip Fagan is active in a leadership role with the Young Marines and they are one of the more successful groups in the state.  We look forward to continuing and enhancing our connections with the Young Marines.

Fort Devens Cookouts

Under the guidance of Jim Hastings, the detachment has been active in providing lunches for the Marines of 1/25 at the drill weekends at Fort Devens. The final event of the season was conducted on Saturday 18 October.  Jim Hastings and Marines from the Shutt and Van Gyzen detachments fed over 100 Marines.  With donated food and labor, the meal charge of $5.00 is used to defer the cost of the Marine Corps Ball. Family Services Representative Danielle Sabourin recounts that the monthly cookouts were a welcome and successful effort.

VA Visitation and Bingo

Bingo and visitation at the Jamaica Plain Va is scheduled for Wednesday, 5 November at 7:00 PM.  This is an activity that is appreciated by the VA and the participants and takes a little more than an hour.  All are welcome and encouraged to participate.

New Business

Marine Christie Rembesty initiated discussion of a Marine who has been imprisoned in Mexico.  He requested that a statement be issued to the appropriate officials to take action.  This is something that will be raised for consideration by the state and national organization as it goes beyond the scope of the detachment's authority to take a position on this type of event on its own.


Sick and Distress

Please remember to contact Chaplain Mike Whalen when you are aware of members or family who are experiencing sickness or distress.  Mike can be reached at whalen.michael@comcast.net.  This will enable Mike to send out appropriate cards and to initiate necessary support.

Email Updates

In order to build and maintain a current distribution list, please send an email to davegentes@comcast.net.  This will enable more efficient contact of members and supporters.  Recognizing that some members do not use email, we will provide contact by phone or mail as needed.  As you read this posting, note that you can enter your email address in the box on this to receive automated notice every time an update is posted.



















































Monday, October 13, 2014

Commandant's Message

We have been saddened by the death of Ed Jolley, one of the detachment's original members and a former Commandant.  Ed held numerous elected and appointed offices in the detachment.  With Tom Potenza, he was one of the mainstays behind the golf tournament that is still our primary fundraiser.  After Tom's passing, Ed continued to lead the effort.  This year he maintained a high level of involvement despite his sickness.  The tournament was played a few short weeks before Ed's death
Throughout his membership in the detachment, Ed was a dependable resource.   He saw what needed to be done and he did it.  He was a primary contributor to our VA visitation and Bingo.   His involvement was not limited to MCL activities.  Ed was a respected member of the Natick Veterans Council where he was instrumental in planning and arranging the visit of the moving Viet Nam Memorial to Natick.  He was also an active member of the Natick Elks, contributing to their outreach.  We will miss Ed's steady presence and we extend our condolences to his family.
Ed's passing gives us an opportunity to consider our individual vision for the Metrowest Detachment.  Ed and others have built a solid past leaving us to develop the future.  The MCL charter states:


Members of the Marine Corps League join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the interests of the United States Marine Corps, banding together those who are now serving in the United States Marine Corps and those who have been honorably discharged from that service that they may effectively promote the ideals of American freedom and democracy, voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to all Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and FMF Navy Chaplains and former Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and FMF Navy Chaplains and to their widows and orphans; and to perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines.
 
 Going forward, we can consider how we, as individuals, can be part of that mission.  We welcome your attendance at meetings to raise your ideas or concerns.  We encourage you to participate or contribute to the activities that the detachment conducts.  We are blessed to have a number of active and engaged members who, like Ed Jolley,give of their time and energy to make the detachment successful.  There is always room for more.  My own involvement has bee fairly recent and I have found that it is rewarding.  With fewer Americans choosing to serve in uniform, those of who have can have a role in insuring that the interests of veterans, especially Marines and FMF Corpsmen and Chaplains, are met.  Please feel free to contact me at any time with ideas, questions, or concerns.

Bellingham Veterans Monument Rededication

Under the leadership of Sr. Vice Commandant Jim Hastings, the detachment provided a firing detail and bugler for the re-dedication  of two veterans monuments in Bellingham.  Recognizing the service of a Viet Nam veteran and a WWII veteran with roots in Bellingham, the firing detail executed honors for the attending family members and the public.  Members who are able to participate in firing details are encouraged to come forward.  Family members were appreciative of the attendance of the detail.  Mac MacEntegart, Mike Whalen, and Warren Griffin assisted Jim Hastings in this effort.

Toys for Tots Planning  


The time for the Toys for Tots Campaign is approaching.  Richard Douglas has attended the initial planning meeting.  While detailed plans are still ongoing, it is a good idea to contact collection points and to begin arrangements.  The detachment is usually one of the leading participating units in this worthwhile venture.  This is a good opportunity to expand your involvement

Framingham Farm Pond Festival

Marine Ed Carr was able to arrange for the detachment to have a table at the Farm Pond Festival on October 5th.  Marines provided Marine Corps Band CD's and roses in exchange for donations.  There was opportunity for discussion with youth considering the Corps.  Overall the opportunity to publicize the detachment and to hear good, live music was fruitful.

VA Visitation and Bingo

Visitation and Bingo at the VA in Jamaica Plain has resumed after a hiatus.  Warren Griffin led the activities, calling the numbers ably.  Jim Delaney and Paul Carew were on hand to assist with questions and payouts.  This is an activity that is truly appreciated by the VA clients.  On the first Wednesday of the month, this a good opportunity to participate in a detachment activity that only takes about two hours and is fun to attend.  The winner  October donated his winnings back to the detachment charitable outreach. Next scheduled date is 5 November.

Fort Devens Cookouts

On October 18, the final cookout at Fort Devens will be held.  These have been well received by the Marines of 1/25 and have been a good source of funds to defer the cost of the Marine Corps Ball.  Jim Hastings and Mac MacEntagert have led this effort and have put in extra duty to purchase, store,and transport the food.  This event will go from 10:00 to about 2:00.  This is a good chance to meet the Marines and to see the latest equipment.


As a final tribute to Ed Jolley, I am including an article that was written about him when he was awarded the Marine of the Year for the Detachment.




We Salute You, Marine of the Year
Each year, Marine Corps League detachments elect one of their members as the detachment Marine of the Year.   This is often a difficult decision as many members go far beyond expectations on a regular basis.  The following article is to recognize one of these Marine Corps League members who have been chosen by their peers as having truly exhibited the commitment and values of the Marine Corps League. We are honored to salute these members
Ed Jolley, Metro-west Detachment #1037

Ed Jolley receives the Marine of the Year Award from Commandant Mike Whalen

When Ed Jolley saw the newspaper announcement in 1999 that a group of Marine Corps veterans was interested in starting a Marine Corps League detachment in the metro-west area of Boston, he decided to take a look.  Although he did not know anyone at the meeting and had been out the Marine Corps since 1957, Ed was curious and attended the meeting.  That meeting led to the charter of Metro-west Detachment #1037 with Ed Jolley as a charter member and first Senior Vice Commandant.  Since then, there has been a record of commitment and accomplishment that is not rivaled by many.
Since his initial stint as the inaugural Senior Vice Commandant, Ed has held a number of elected and appointed roles, including Commandant.  Currently serving as the detachment Adjutant, Ed is best known in the detachment for his quiet but effective presence in everything he does.   Early on,  when someone was needed to start up and manage the detachment Toys for Tots effort, Ed stepped up and stayed involved for a number of years.   When discussion began about running a golf tournament to raise funds, Ed was there to get the effort off the ground.  When Tom Potenza, the longtime leader of the golf tournament passed away two years ago, Ed quietly assumed the lead and kept the tournament operating smoothly without interruption.   One of his early initiatives in the beginning days of the detachment was to get involved with visitation at VA facilities in Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury.  Fourteen years later, Ed is still a weekly presence at the VA, coordinating Bingo games and sharing conversation with patients.  He has been active in arranging field trips and cookouts for patients and is known by VA staff as a dependable resource who can be contacted when help is needed.  Jim Hastings, another charter member of Detachment #1037 recalls, “ Ed is always there to help and do what needs to be done. This honor is long overdue”.
Ed Jolley’s contributions and involvement go beyond his participation the MCL Detachment.   As the President of the Natick Veterans Council, Ed leads coordination of the activities of the local veterans’ organizations.  In this role, which Ed has held for 8 years, he has been instrumental in working with the town’s Veterans Services Officer to plan and execute observations for Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day.  Ed has been a prime mover in organizing a veterans’ luncheon to observe Armed Forces Day.  A high point of his service in the Veterans Council was his leadership role in bringing the Viet Nam Memorial Moving Wall to Natick for a recent Memorial Day weekend.  Taking oversight of a team of 25 volunteers, Ed engineered all of the scheduling, logistics, facilities, installation, and removal of this portable display that was open to the public for 24 hours a day from Friday to Tuesday of the holiday weekend.  This was a large effort that created a sensitive and worthy observation of the sacrifice made by veterans of the Viet Nam War.  Harry Seaholm, longtime leader of the Natick VFW states, “Ed is a quiet, steady hand who can always be counted on.”  Ed is also active in the local chapter of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.  In that organization he is also known as a leader and a person who gets things done.
Ed Jolley’s military service started in the Navy Reserve in 1951.  Although his initial desire was to be in the Marine Corps, staffing limitations and the relocation of the local reserve unit prevented Ed from going in at that time.  After two years in the Navy Reserve, Ed transitioned to active duty in the Marine Corps.  He served in the motor transportation field before separating in 1957.
Returning to the local area, Ed settled into working and starting life as a civilian. In 1960, he began a career at Boston Edison working as a cable splicer and system troubleshooter.  His Edison career lasted 35 years, when he finally retired.  His spouse, Mary Jolley, is very familiar with Ed’s unassuming approach to everything he does.  As she puts it, “ If you are there for a pat on the back, someone will knock you out of the way.  Ed just tries to help”
It is truly good fortune for the Marine Corps League that Ed Jolley saw the newspaper article that led to the start of Metro-west Detachment #1037.  The League is better off for having Marines like Ed Jolley in the ranks and we are pleased to salute him.