From the Leadership Team: 

Attendance at the November meeting was insufficient to meet the quorum requirement for conducting business. As such, informal discussion was held on topics that need to be addressed in the near term. At this time of year, the Toys for Tots campaign is the primary item of business. Information as of now is that a pod has been placed at the Natick Elks and that boxes are available in that pod. It is appropriate to be in touch with contacts at collection points so that arrangements can be made for pickups. This campaign is a large, national undertaking and will operate within a tight timeframe with completion of collections approximately two weeks before Christmas. This is necessary to enable the steps of sorting and packing for delivery. This detachment has typically been a strong contributor to this program, and we hope to continue.

Detachment membership and participation has been dwindling over the past few years. We have tried to take steps to attract and retain members, especially younger members. As our older members move on or face health problems, it becomes a challenge to effectively provide the services and activities that have been characteristic of this detachment. There is a proud record of service to the community and the Marine Corps over the past 22 years. It is our sincere desire to continue but there are a number of realities that determine our ability to do so. If you are a member, a prior member, or a supporter of the Marine Corps League, we would welcome your coming to a meeting to give us your input on what you would like to see. If coming to a meeting is difficult, we would welcome your contacting us with ideas. Initial contact can be made at davegentes @comcast.net.  We will see that your input is directed to the full leadership team.

Our next meeting will be on December 20th at 7:00 PM at the Natick Amvets at 79 Superior Drive in Natick.  This is an opportunity to be heard.  We look forward to seeing you there.

247th Marine Corps Birthday Celebration
10 November 2022

On 10 November, 25 Marines and supporters of the Corps assembled to observe the 247th birthday of the Marine Corps.  Paymaster Gerry Blanchette officiated at the event and guided attendees through the traditional activities of this event.  After the posting of the colors, Gerry read the birthday message of General Berger, the current Commandant.  Following the reading, a video of current Marine Corps activities around the world was shown.  

At the completion of the video, Warren Griffin, detachment Judge Advocate and National Senior Vice Commandant, read the orders of General John Lejeune that summarizes the history of the Marine Corps and is mandated to be read at all Marine Corps Commands on the birthday of the Corps.

This picture shows Gerry Blanchette watching as Warren Griffin reads the order of General Lejeune.

Following this reading.  The traditional cake cutting ceremony was conducted.  The oldest Marine present was Al Schiff of Natick.  Al is a long- time detachment member and a Korean War veteran with combat service at Chosin Reservoir.  AL used the provided NCO sword to cut the cake.  After cutting the cake, Al served the first piece to Ethan Padone who at 22 was the youngest attending Marine.

At the conclusion of the cake cutting, Gerry Blanchette called for the retirement of the colors and a social period was enjoyed by attendees.  The detachment appreciates the effort made by Gerry to secure the hall for this event and his leadership in conducting the ceremony, as well as those who were part of making this traditional event a success.