Scuttlebutt 1037

 

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.