Scuttlebutt 1037

From the Commandant:

As the summer winds down, I hope that everyone had a chance to relax and enjoy the season.  This is the time of year when scheduled activities resume and we look to getting back into routines.  I hope that you will include attending our detachment meetings.  These meetings typically occur on the third Tuesday of the month.  We meet at 7:00 PM at the Natick AMVETS Post at 1 Superior Drive in Natick.  On September 19, we will start discussing ideas for the upcoming year.  One activity will be the Marine Corps Birthday observation on November 10th.  This is an opportunity to participate in long established traditions that include a cake cutting and the messages from the current Commandant (if there is one in place at that time) and General Lejeune who established some of the traditions that we carry forward.  As Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and Chaplains, we share a connection that has continued for over 240 years.  Come and be part of putting together this year's celebration.

Although the detachment did meet during the summer, there was still activity.  Jim Hastings was central in organizing a burger burn that was conducted at Fort Devens during the 25th Marines drill weekend.  These are a great opportunity to see and interact with today's Marines.  The Marines enjoy the food and the funds received are used to defer the cost of the unit's Marine Corps Birthday Ball.  This is typical of the activities that we carry on as a detachment.  We thank Jim for his continued initiative and motivation is heading up this event.

Like many other veterans' organization, we are losing members to age, health, and other factors faster than we are bringing in new members.  This is not the first time that this cycle has come around and we anticipate that we will weather it this time.  This detachment has been active for 23 years and has a proud history of achievement and contributions to the community.  We will be happy to discuss membership with any interested parties.  New members can bring in ideas and energy to bring the detachment forward for a new phase of growth.  A good policy to consider is "Do ask, Do tell." When you meet a prospective member, do ask if they have considered joining, and do tell them that they are welcome to come to a meeting or to contact one of the detachment officers to discuss in more detail.  These are the initial points of contact:

Mac McEntegart: 1 508 877 5255; judy5mc@yahoo.com
Jim Hastings:  1 508 966 0364; snopymike@aol.com
Mike Whelan: whalen.michael@comcast.net; 1 508 435 2397
Steve Stefan; sixbits@gmail.com
Dave Barth: 1508 662 6578

We are saddened over the passing of Robert "Bo" Whalen, after lengthy medical issues.  Robert was the brother of Marine Mike Whalen to whom we extend our condolences.

Finally, we congratulate Marine Warren Griffin on his selection as National Commandant for the Marine Corps League.  Warren is long time Metrowest Detachment member who has previously held office at the detachment, state, and national level.  We are confident that Warren will be active in bringing the Marine Corps League forward in good shape.

Remember: Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 7:00PM at Natick AMVETS