Live Again (For Now)
With continuing awareness of COVID safety steps, the Metrowest Detachment returned to live meetings for the scheduled September Meeting. Commandant Jerry Blanchette brought the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with 12 members in attendance. Roll call off officers was conducted. Senior Vice Commandant Gentes was absent due to schedule conflict.
The Paymaster report was submitted by interim Paymaster Blanchette. Motion was made to accept the report as read and motion was seconded and approved by vote. No other reports from officers were submitted.
Rest in Peace : Detachment Deaths:
The detachment is saddened by the death of a number of stalwart members. In recent months we have lost George Vouros who served as a Corpsman during WWII, including service at Iwo Jima. Long time member and detachment mainstay John Crisafulli passed away during the summer. John returned from service in Korea where he earned the Bronze Star to complete an impressive career as a educator, academic administrator, and active Natick citizen. John held leadership roles in the detachment and was a steady presence at all events William Costello served in the period of WWII and returned to pursue a career as a technology developer and entrepreneur. Bill drew on his business skills as the detachment Paymaster for a number of years and was active in a number of detachment initiatives. Wally Walsh was a long time member who had been active while his health permitted. We continue to keep these members in our thought and prayers and acknowledge their service to their country.
Old Corps/New Corps:
Associate member Chip Fagan announced that his son has joined the Marine Corps and will soon report to Parris Island. A former award winning member of the Blackstone Valley Young Marines, Private Fagan will soon join the brotherhood of Marines. If conditions permit, the detachment will look forward to attending graduation at Parris Island.
2020 Toys for Tots:
Planning for the Toys for Tots Program for this year is ongoing. Detachment Coordinator Richard Douglas is attending meetings and he and Chip Fagan will again lead the detachment efforts. FOR a umber of years, the Metrowest Detachment has been a leading contributor to this holiday program that has it roots in Marine Corps Reserve activities in the 1940's.
The meeting was adjourned in the proper fashion and member are encouraged to attend the next scheduled meeting at 7:00PM on October 20 at the Natick AMVETS on Superior Drive. Current and former Marines, FMF Corpsmen and Chaplains are welcome to attend and encouraged to join.