From the Leadership Team: 

Sick Call

Commandant Michael Whelan has recently had surgery to address a heart problem.  So far, the information on his condition is that he is progressing well.  The detachment continues to keep Mike in our thoughts and prayers and hope for a speedy recovery.

Marine Corps Birthday Observation

With fellow Marines from all generations and all over the world, the detachment will celebrate the 247th Marine Corps Birthday.  We will meet at the Framingham Elks Lodge at 450 Union Avenue in Framingham on 10 November at 1800 (6 PM).  We will have the readings of the Commandant's message and Marine Corps Order 47, Series 1921, issued by General Lejeune. The order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps, and directed that it be read to every command on 10 November each subsequent year in honor of the birthday of the Marine Corps. This order has been duly carried out since then.  The traditional cutting of the cake will be conducted.  This is an opportunity to join with your fellow Marines, Corpsmen, and Chaplains to observe the Marine Corps Birthday. We encourage all members to attend and to invite family, friends, and potential members.  We look forward to seeing you then.

The detachment is continuing to meet in person on the third Tuesday of each month at the Natick AMVETS on Superior Drive in Natick.  Increasing attendance at meetings is an ongoing objective.  The opportunity to bring your energy and ideas and to participate in planning future activities.  Making an active effort to attend scheduled meetings and to invite potential members will contribute to the future of the detachment.

 From the Detachment Leadership Team:

September 2022:

A core of members showed up for the September meeting but we did not meet the minimum number that allows us to conduct business.  As a detachment, we are financially sound and prepared to contribute.  The next meeting is set for October 18.  We encourage all to make an effort to attend and participate.

A lot of factors are coming together to bring us to an important juncture in the detachment’s history.  First and foremost, we continue to hope for optimal outcomes for our Commandant, Mike Whelan.  Mike has been facing some serious medical challenges and is awaiting surgery.  Please keep Mike and his family in your thoughts and prayers.  Mike is a mainstay in the Hopkinton veterans’ community, an American Legion Case Officer, a regional sports official, and an all-around good guy.  We wish him the best.

We have had several years of decreasing membership.  Our active members have accomplished a lot in organizing burger burns at Fort Devens, operating an active Toys for Tots program, providing a dignified presence at funerals, and assisting local communities as needed.  One thing that continues to be needed is “boots on the ground.”  As a detachment, we have strong interest in attracting new members, both regular members and associate members.  More importantly, we are hoping to retain and engage new members.   Each potential member may bring energy to accomplish something.  There are a lot of activities that we can consider and support if we can get some energy behind it.  Be aware as you interact and meet new people.  Anyone who has the motivation to be part of contributing to the veterans’ community could be a valuable asset and should be welcomed.

Veteran’s organizations throughout the country are facing the issue of an aging membership and the reluctance of younger potential members to step up.  Making membership an attractive option to the next wave of Marines is the challenge that we face.  The next generation may have different interests and ideas but it is their time to take over these organizations and to shape them to fit their needs.  We can contribute by being open to new ideas and ways of doing things.  At each Marine Corps Birthday, the youngest and oldest Marines serve the cake to each other as a symbol of the respect that each generation grants to the other.  We fought our battles and served in our times.  The next wave of members has had a different experience but the same root experience of the Marine Corps and its core values.  We can pass the torch knowing that we completed the mission and the turnover can be smooth.

 

 

The Detachment Leadership Team