Picture at top of page

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

Friday, December 27, 2019

Meeting Notes:

Due to inclement weather, the December meeting was cancelled.  The Detachment leadership wishes all members and supporters the best of the season and a happy new year.  

Toys for Tots:

The Toys for Tots campaign was completed successfully.  The detachment has filled a number of  pods and was active in the Natick Christmas Tree lighting as a way to kick off the Toys for Tots Campaign.   This annual drive is a fine opportunity to give back to the community.  The Metrowest Detachment has been a leader in this effort for many years.

25th Marines Burger Burn:

A stalwart group traveled to Fort Devens to provide a cookout for the 25th Marines stationed at Fort Devens for their reserve duty.  Overcoming cold weather and a balky grill, the chefs provided food for over 150 Marines.   The detachments members and state officers who attended were appreciated for their efforts.

Boy Scout Support: 

Junior Vice Commandant Jim Hastings presented a certificate of achievement to a recently installed Eagle Scout.   The detachment awards a certificate and a check for $100 to local Eagle Scouts.  Member Al Schiff is the coordinator of this program and works closely with area Boy Scout Troops.




Meetings will resume in January on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM at the Natick AMVETS at 1 Superior Drive.  Members are encouraged to attend.  Upcoming meetings are January 21, February 18, and March 24.



Friday, November 22, 2019

November Meeting Notes:

The meeting was convened as scheduled at 1900 on 19 November with 11 Members in attendance.  Commandant Blanchette was excused due to a prior commitment.  Senior Vice Commandant Gentes brought the meeting to order.   Chaplain Whalen was excused .  All other officers were present.

Report of the Paymaster:

Paymaster Costello reported on the financial position of the detachment.  Finances continue to be positive was assets in excess of obligations.  

Correspondence:

Thank you notes was received from the Jamaica Plain VA to acknowledge the Bingo events that the detachment has conducted there for a number of years.  Another thank you note was received from a local senior care facility to acknowledge the visitation effort led by Tom Foley.

Standing Committees:

Toys for Tots is in full swing with pods to be delivered soon.  Members are encouraged to contact collection points to get started.  Official end date is 13 December.  Pods will be in place at Natick Elks and in Sudbury.  Other locations are not clear at this time.  The Natick Town Christmas Tree lighting will be held on 1December at 1430 Hrs.  This is a collection event for Toy for Tots and member are encouraged to attend in uniform.

Boy Scouts:

Al Schiff reports that local scouts will be receiving Eagle Scout awards.  The normal detachment recognition will be in place.

New Business:

A solicitation was received from the Semper Fi Injured Marine Fund.  Motion was made and seconded to contribute $1000.00.  Donation was approved by vote.

A cookout is scheduled for 7 December at Fort Devens for the 25th Marines  reserve weekend.  Members are encouraged to participate.

The Natick Veterans Council will hold a Pearl Harbor Day observance on 7 December at 1500 Hrs.  Participation is encouraged.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.  The next meeting is scheduled for 17 December.  This meeting will include a meal as part of holiday observations. 







Sunday, November 10, 2019

244th Marine Corps Birthday

Detachment Marines celebrated the 244th Birthday of the Marine Corps.  The event was held at the Framingham Elks was well attended by detachment members and guests.  Commandant Jerry Blanchette presided over the ceremonial opening prayer and viewing of the Commandant's  birthday video.  The Commandant turned over the podium to Sr. Vice Commandant Dave Gentes for the reading of the proclamation of General Lejeune.  The traditional cutting of the cake followed with detachment member Bill Costello representing the old corps and guest Kevin Allarie representing the new corps.  Following the cake, the attendees adjourned to the upstairs reception hall for a chicken and stuffing luncheon.  Members and guests socialized, shared war stories and conversed for the duration.  We congratulate Commandant Blanchette for a well planned and executed event.

Toys for Tots

The annual Toys for Tots campaign will commence shortly. Supplies are available and it is a good time to contact collection points and other contacts about the upcoming collection.  The Metrowest Detachment has a history of successful campaigns.

John Crisafulli Recognition

We congratulate John Crisafulli on the recent commemoration of a square in Natick in his name.  John is a long time Natick resident and retired educator in the Natick schools.  John is a decorated Korea war Marine Corps veteran and a respected pillar of the community.  We are proud to have John Crisafulli as a member of the Metrowest Detachment.

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Metrowest MCL Golf Tournament:

Players who wish to register for the 2019 Golf Tournament on 19 August can contact Dave Gentes at davegentes@comcast.net  or by phone at 339 223 7215.  We look forward to hearing from you.


June Meeting Notes:

The meeting was convened at 7:00 PM on June 18 by Commandant Blanchette with 13 members present.  Roll call of officers was called with all present except for the chaplain who was excused.   Motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes of the previous meeting as published. 

Report of the Paymaster

The report of the paymaster, Bill Costello, was read.  The detachment is in sound financial condition.  Motion was made to accept the report as read.  Motion was seconded and passed by vote.
No members were reported as being sick or in distress.  

Correspondence

Correspondence was received from the Mayflower Council of the Boy Scouts to acknowledge a contribution of $100.00 
Al Williamson of the Boy Scouts sent a letter of thanks for support of the Eagle Scout program.
The Marine Corps University sent a note of thanks for a contribution to their education programs.
A request was received from the MCL Auxiliary to purchase raffle ticket to support their programs.  Motion was made and seconded to purchase a book of tickets.  This was passed by vote.
A letter was received from the Clinton VFW to announce that an event was being held to rename the chapter for Walter O'Malley, a veteran of Iwo Jima.  The ceremony will be on June 23 at 2:00.

Reports of Standing Committees

Dave Gentes reported on status of the golf tournament.  Registration of teams is slow and member support in getting players is encouraged.  Continued effort in selling ads and getting raffle prizes is highly recommended.  The deposit for the course is not refundable and we will have to commit to player gifts and meal costs in the coming weeks.  Awareness of the expenses vs the potential payoff if limited teams play is required.  Meetings of the golf committee will continue.

Junior Vice Commandant Hastings reported that he has contacted members who in arrears on dues.  Members discussed that dues are payable in September.  A member can be in arrears for one year and is dropped after two years in arrears and must reapply after that.  

Al Schiff reported that there are a number of boy scouts who will be completing the Eagle Scout and will be receiving certificates and monetary awards.  Discussion was held to adapt the budget to cover the monetary payment for awards as needed vs setting a firm number.  Motion was made and seconded.  Passed byvote

New Business

Motion was made to donate $250 to the Marine Corps University to support their education programs.  This is a program that has been supported for a number of years.  Motion was made and seconded.  Passed by vote.

Motion was made and seconded to donate $100 to Fisher House.  This was approved by vote.

A commendation was presented to Chip Fagan to acknowledge his activity in the Toys for Tots Program.

Announcement was made that Mac McEntegart has been chosen as the Department Marine of the Year.  The detachment is proud of all of the contributions that Mac makes to the MCL.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50.  This is the last meeting until September.  








Saturday, May 25, 2019

May Meeting Notes:

The May meeting was convened at 7:00 PM with 10 members in attendance.  The roll call of officers was conducted with all officers present, except for the Chaplain.  The minutes of the previous meeting were raised.  Motion was made to accept the minutes as posted.  Motion was seconded and approved by vote.

Correspondence:

Correspondence was received from the Marine Corps University to express thanks for the donation that was made by the detachment.  A letter was also received from David Celatka who thanked the detachment for the scholarship that he received.  He will be going to UCONN.

Reports of Officers:

The Paymaster reported the current assets and expenses for the detachment.  The detachment continues to be in sound financial condition.   Motion was made to accept the report of the Paymaster as reported.  Motion was seconded and approved by vote.

The Senior Vice Commandant reported on progress of the Golf Tournament.  To date that are 6 foursomes registered.  The membership have received raffle tickets and have begun sales.  Ad sales are proceeding.  The golf committee met after the meeting to choose a gift for players.  Members are encouraged to continue raffle and ad sales.

The Junior Vice Commandant has begun the process of sending notifications to members who are delinquent in dues.  There was discussion about posting the names of delinquent members in the newsletter.  This was agreed to.

The Judge Advocate announced that he had conducted a rose distribution and had raised $460.00

The Adjutant reported that the VA is offering Women Veterans Health Week.  The VA will also be increasing its mental health offerings.

Old Business

Member Al Schiff reported that six Eagle Scouts were to be awarded certificates and $100 awards.  The budgeted amount for these awards was $500.  After discussion, a vote was held to allocate $100 per Eagle Scout , regardless of the number.  This was approved.

It was announced that the State Convention would be held from 5 June to 6 June.

The meeting was adjourned in the proper fashion at 7:45.




Wednesday, May 22, 2019

April Meeting Notes:

The April meeting was convened in the proper fashion at 7:00 PM.  Roll call of officers was conducted with all officers present, except for Senior Vice Commandant Gentes who was excused.  the normal order of business was suspended in order to conduct the swearing in of officers for next year.  The new slate of officers are:

Commandant:     Jerry Blanchette
Senior Vice Commandant:  Dave Gentes
Junior Vice Commandant:  Jim Hastings
Judge Advocate:  John McEntegart
Adjutant:  Warren Griffin
Chaplain:  Mike Whelan
Sgt at Arms:  Dave Barth

Following the swearing in, collation was served to attendees.  It is hoped that all members will assist and support the officers in conducting the business of the detachment and participating in activities.

Saturday, March 30, 2019

March Meeting Notes:

The March meeting was convened in the proper manner at 7:30 PM on 19 March with 11 members in attendance.  The roll call of officers was called with all officers present except for the Senior Vice Commandant who arrived while the meeting was in progress.  The minutes for the previous meeting were raised as a topic.  Motion was made to accept the minutes as previously posted.  Motion was seconded and passed by vote.  

Report of the Paymaster

The report of the Paymaster was read by Paymaster Bill Costello.  The detachment continues to be in sound financial condition.  Motion was made and seconded to accept the report of the Paymaster as read.  The motion was approved and passed by vote.

Officers' Reports

Junior Vice Commandant Jim Hastings reported on the progress in the Town of Bellingham for the arrival the Wall that Heals, a portable replica of the Viet Nam Memorial.  Jim thanked the detachment for a donation that was made to defer expenses.  Volunteers continue to come forward to staff the event.  General Droudie will be the keynote speaker and Aliyah Brown will sing the National Anthem.  
Jim also announced that the detachment has planned to celebrate the 100th birthday of Italia Sullivan, who served in the Marine Corps in WWII.  The observation will be on March 22 at her Westboro nursing home.  Members are encouraged to attend.

Chaplain Mike Whalen reported that John Crisafulli has asked for thoughts and prayers for the son of one of his friends.

Committee Reports

Dave Gentes reported for the Golf Committee.  The caterer is arranged with pricing to be determined.  Mailing for registration has been sent out to prior teams.   Teams are beginning to sign up.  Meetings of the committee will start soon.  Members are encouraged to begin signing up advertisers and raffle prizes.  

Good of the League

The Massachusetts State Convention will be in Hyannis 30 May – 1 June.  The guest speaker is Lt General William Faulkner Ret. Major General Mike Regner Ret.  The  League liaison will also be in attendance to listen to and tell many stories with.

New Business

Nominations for the slate of officers for the upcoming year were made during this meeting.  Nominations are as follows: Commandant -  Jerry Blanchette; Senior Vice Commandant - Dave Gentes:  Junior Vice Commandant - Jim Hastings; Judge Advocate -  John McEntegart; Adjutant Warren Griffin; Paymaster -  Bill Costello;  Sergeant at Arms -  Dave Barth.
Final nominations and election will be held at the 16 April meeting. A collation will precede this meeting beginning at 1900.


Thursday, February 21, 2019

February Meeting Notes:

The February meting was conducted as scheduled on 19 February with 12 members in attendance.  Commandant Jerry Blanchette convened the meeting at 7:30 PM in the prescribed format. Jude Advocate MacEntegart substituted for the Sergeant at Arms who is ill.  The roll call of officers was called.  The Sergeant at Arms was absent due to illness.  All other officers were present.

Dave Brooks, a current member of the Shutt Detachment was sworn in as a member of the Detachment.  We welcome Dave and look forward to getting to know him better.

Report of the Paymaster

The report of the paymaster was read.  The detachment continues to be in good financial order.  Motion to accept the report as read was made and seconded.  Acceptance was approved by vote.

Report of Members Sick or in Distress

Sergeant at Arms Dave Barth continues to have health issues.   A motion was made and seconded to send a fruit basket.  Chaplain Whalen will arrange to visit.
Dave Berry and Chip Fagan expressed gratitude for cards received on the death of their loved ones.  
Jim Hastings requested that member keep a former platoon member in mind as he faces serious medical issues.

Correspondence

The Lynn,MA JROTC detachment sent a request for financial support for student travel to national drill competitions.  Motion was made and seconded to donate $100.00
The Town of Bellingham will host the Wall that Heals in August and have requested financial support.  Motion was made and seconded to donate $1000.00.

Report of Committees

The gold committee continues to plan. Deposit has been made to secure the course and members are encouraged to begin soliciting ads and prizes.  Committee meetings will commence soon.

Al Schiff reported on ongoing contact with Boy Scouts.  He has obtained copies of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence to present as part of the recognition of Eagle Scouts.

Iwo Jima Day was observed at the State House.  This was well attended.  Additional sponsorship to defer expenses of this event has been secured.

New Business

Jim Hastings raised the point that next year will be the twentieth anniversary of the founding of the detachment.  There will be future discussion on activities to recognize this milestone.

Dave Gentes raised the question that the web site needs to updated.  This can be done on a new platform that will entail some cost.  Motion was made and accepted to approve $200 to fund this.

WWII Marine Italia Sullivan will turn 100 in March.  Jim Hastings will investigate arranging a visit and party for her.

John MacEntegart discussed his attendance at services for James McCue, a WWII veteran who passed away.  He had no family and was alone.  Over 1000 people attended the services.

The MA State MCL Department meeting will be held on 10 March.  

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30.  Members are encouraged to attend the March meeting on the third Tuesday of March when nominations for officers will be conducted.

















Thursday, January 17, 2019

January Meeting Notes:

The January meeting was conducted as scheduled on 15 January.  As the Commandant was excused, Senior Vice Commandant Gentes convened the meeting at 7:30 PM with 10 members in attendance.  The roll call of officers was conducted.  Commandant Blanchette and Junior Vice Commandant Hastings were excused. Sergeant at Arms Barth is ill.   All other officers were present.

Report of the Paymaster:
Paymaster Costello reported the details of detachment assets and liabilities with current account balances.  Motion was made and seconded to accept the report as presented.  The motion was approved by vote.

Members Sick or in Distress:
It was announced that Dave Berry's spouse has passed away.  It was also announced that Associate member Chip Fagan's father passed away.  Cards were prepared and signed for delivery.  The detachment expresses condolences for these losses.

Correspondence:
Thank you notes were received and read.  Paige Mega thanked the detachment for the scholarship that she received.  The VA Hospital in Jamaica Plain sent the detachment a thank you for continually offering monthly Bingo.  The Marine Corps Youth Foundation thanked the detachment for a recent donation.

New Business:
Member Murphy announced that the Natick American Legion Post is hosting a luncheon to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the American Legion.  Local veterans are invited to attend at the Crown Plaza on 23 March from 12-4.

The commemoration of the battle of Iwo Jima will be conducted at the State House Memorial Hall at 11:00 on 19 February, followed by a collation at 12:30 in the Hall of Flags.  This is the 20th year that the detachment has funded this event.  Members are encouraged to attend.

Standing Committees:
The Golf Committee has started planning for the upcoming tournament in August.

Toys for Tots has been finalized for the year and reports have been submitted.

Good of the League:
Member McEntegart reported that he, Jim Hastings, and John Crisafulli visited a Marine in a nursing home who will soon be 100 years old.  First Sergeant Italia Sullivan was stationed in Washington DC during WWII.  The detachment is proud to have met her and the hear her rousing rendition of the Marine's Hymn.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15.  The February meeting will convene on 19 February.