Scuttlebutt 1037

 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