From the Commandant:

The detachment meeting was conducted as scheduled on 19 November.  The meeting was opened on time at 1900 HRS with all elected officers present with the exception of the Judge Advocate who was medically excused.

The 2024 Toys for Tots Campaign has commenced under the guidance of Chairman Rich Douglas.  Pods are in place at the Natick Elks and the Holliston Police Station.  The final pickup will be on 11 December.  This detachment has always made a big difference in this campaign and we hope that continues this year.

The MCL Department of Massachusetts Convention will be held in Burlington this year.  More details will follow as the event gets closer.

All ideas to help with recruitment of new members are welcome.  Although it is a current trend for membership in veterans' groups to move downward, we offer a strong record of programs and contributions to the community.  Please encourage all contacts to consider joining as regular or associate members.

Many of us served with Marines made the ultimate sacrifice or have suffered from wounds, both physical and mental.  At this time of year, we are thankful for the service of our fallen brethren and sisters and for the opportunity we have to continue serving the community and to know that we have completed honorable service to the nation.  On behalf of the Metrowest Detachment, we wish health and best wishes to you and your families.

The next meeting is scheduled for 17 December at 1900 HRS at the Natick AMVETS.  

Please plan to attend.

 From the Commandant: 

We will soon celebrate the 249th anniversary of the of the Marine Corps.  At one point in your life, you made the decision to become a part of something that is bigger than you.  Maybe you joined because you saw it as a challenge, maybe you joined to serve your country, maybe you just wanted a place to live and three meals a day. Nevertheless, you served and in doing so became a participant in a long tradition that is respected worldwide.  The Commandant of the Marine Corps has issued his annual message and it is included below.  Happy Birthday, Marines.

Semper Fi,

Mac

10 November 2024

A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS

             For 249 years, Marines have served as our Nation's sentinels of freedom. As we celebrate our Corps' birthday this year, I encourage all Marines to reflect on our legacy forged in blood on battlefields since 1775, and to rededicate ourselves to carrying that legacy untarnished into the future. Collectively, we who wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor have an obligation to uphold the ideals of self-discipline, warfighting proficiency, professionalism, and personal conduct that define what it means to be a Marine. I know you are all up to the task.

             Twenty years ago this month, Marines fought and won the Second Battle of Fallujah, a brutal, grinding house to house fight, whose victory ultimately paved the way for the stabilization of the Republic of Iraq. Often in Iraq there were no true front lines, and by necessity, Fallujah was a battle in which every Marine fought, demonstrating once again our cornerstone philosophy that Every Marine is a Rifleman.

             Our history bears witness to Marines of all stripes picking up their rifles and fighting for Corps and Country when the call came. From Wake Island to the Chosin Reservoir to Khe Sanh to Camp Bastion, every Marine fought. Our future battles will be no different. Our rear areas will be as vulnerable as our front lines and every Marine from our infantry battalions to our aviation squadrons to our headquarters and support elements will have to stand-to when called.

             Preparing for the threats of the future requires the same exceptional standards and ironclad discipline that are the hallmarks of our Corps. Twenty years ago in Fallujah, our predecessors staunchly adhered to these virtues, earned our Nation's trust, and ensured the U.S. Marine Corps would remain the most feared fighting force in the world. It is our sworn duty to uphold those standards and stay true to our Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Though technology and equipment change, the Marine Corps' culture of excellence must not. The road ahead is far from certain, but our ethos will never change — Every Marine a Rifleman and Everyone Fights.

             As I've said before, it is the honor of my lifetime to be a Marine and serve as your Commandant. I'm proud to stand alongside each of you, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for our Corps. When I travel to visit Marines here at home and deployed around the globe, I find absolute confidence that this generation of Marines has what it takes to uphold our Corps' legacy and prevail in any conflict we face. Happy Birthday, Marines!

  From the Commandant:

The October meeting was conducted as scheduled.  Although we are working with diminished numbers, a number of topics were addressed, and we are continuing to do business as best we can.

One key item to address is that we have changed the mailing address.  The prior Box M address has been terminated and all new mail should be sent to:

                           Mike Whalen
                           PO Box 19
                           Hopkinton, MA 01748

Please be sure to update your records as mail sent to the prior box may not be forwarded.

The 250th Anniversary of the Marine Corps will occur next year.  There are many events scheduled to observe this milestone.  When you took your oath, you became a part of this proud legacy.  We will post events as we become aware of them.  We encourage all to pay attention to this page and to other sources of information for guidance on observing this proud achievement.

Marine Rich Douglas informed the detachment that the 2024 Toys for Tots drive is gearing up for the coming season.  We have a strong record of contribution to this Marine Corps Reserve effort.  It is a good time to start contacting donors and collection points to prepare for this important mission.  You may have spent Christmas in assignments all over the world, but you can help to ensure that children who might otherwise not have presents have something this Christmas.  More information will follow as it is available.

This detachment has been active in providing support to the VA facility in Jamaica Plain.  Regularly scheduled Bingo Nights have been a valued event there.  We are working to resume these Bingo Nights and welcome the participation of all who interested.  This provides an interlude of interaction and entertainment for patients and is a small time commitment.  We will publish schedules and times when they are available.

This is the time of year for the annual Rose Drive.  By arranging with a local facility to offer roses to the public and accepting donations, a beneficial relationship is created.  Many people who would not otherwise be aware of the Marine Corps League gain understanding of who we are and what we do and their donations are used to fund our community support activities.  This is an opportunity to interact with the community, to share stories, and to add to our ability to provide support.  Please contact Warren Griffin for additional information.

Perhaps you have a family member who is or was a Marine.  Perhaps you are aware of the proud history of the Marine Corps and want to be part of preserving the legacy. Perhaps you want to be part of helping the local veteran community or the community as a whole and are looking for a place where you can contribute.  We welcome your participation as an Associate Member.  Honorably discharged Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and Chaplains are encouraged to join as voting members.  Please contact davegentes@comcast.net for further information.

    

 From the Commandant:

    After being on hiatus during the summer, Detachment #1037 will resume the normal meeting schedule on 17 September at 7:00 PM at the Natick Amvets.  For planning purposes, meetings will typically be held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 1900 at the Natick Amvets.

    Twenty-four years ago, this detachment was started in Natick via the effort of a number of local Marines.  Response to the founding of the detachment was strong with 170+ members joining in the early days.  At that time, word of the new detachment was spread via newspaper ads and word of mouth.  Some of the founding members still retain their membership.  At the start, the detachment had members who had served in WWII, Korea, the Cold War, Vietnam and Marine Corps actions that arose though out the world.  Member have been posted all over the world.

    In the intervening years, Detachment #1037 has been visible at many veterans' events throughout Metrowest.  We have participated in providing a dignified military presence at wakes and funerals for departed members and Marines who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country.  The detachment has been a primary force in preserving the recognition of the valor that was shown at Iwo Jima in State House ceremonies.   We have been a steady presence at Fort Devens, providing support to the 25th Marines at weekend drills and during deployments.  When requested, the detachment has provided funds and services to veterans and families in need.  Members have provided recreational events at VA Hospitals and the detachment has contributed to preserving Marine Corps Values through active support of the Young Marines.  Above all, we have maintained the camaraderie that brothers in arms share.

  Today, we are an aging detachment.  Many of the original members have moved or passed away.  The average age of members is in the 70's and about 20% of members are active in attending meetings and events.  What is in place is an established platform for new members to build upon.  The core is solid and ready to expand.  By attending the upcoming meeting, you will have opportunity to raise your ideas.  By actively reaching out to potential members, you will bring new energy to the detachment.  The commitment to continue Detachment #1037 is there and we look now for action to make it happen. 

If you have been part of our past, we thank you and hope that you will join in being part of our future.

     

 From The Commandant:

Hopefully the summer has been enjoyable for all.  As we approach Labor Day weekend and cooler weather, it will be time to resume our regular meetings on the Third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Natick Amvets.  It also important for members to prepare from timely payment of dues.  Late payment creates a number of difficulties in tracking and administering the roster and records.  Your assistance in making timely payment is very helpful.

Check for dues can be made out to Metrowest MCL #1037 and submitted by mail to:

Michael Whalen
262 Wood Street
Hopkinton, MA 01748

Please do not mail to the prior Post Office box as it will not reach us.

Members with questions can contact Mac McEntegart at 508 877 5255 or Mike Whelan at 508 435 2397.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.  We look forward to seeing you at future meetings.

From the Commandant:

As the summer progresses, please remember that meetings will resume in September at 7:00 PM on the Third Tuesday of each month at the Natick Amvets building at 1 Superior Drive.  Meetings provide the opportunity to voice your ideas and to hear about upcoming events.

We all share the common experience and interest of the Marine Corps, and we look to maintain the camaraderie that we experienced while serving and to continue to contribute to community through detachment activities.  Your energy and ideas will add to the experience for all.  If you are a current member, we encourage you to attend and participate.

If you are an honorably discharged Marine, FMF Corpsman, or Chaplain with FMF service, we invite you to consider joining and will welcome your questions.

If you have interest in the Marine Corps via the service of family members or other connections, or you are looking for a place where you can contribute to the military and veteran communities, the option of Associate Membership is open to you.  While this is a non-voting membership, Associate Members are active and valued contributors.  

In whatever capacity you choose to participate, the Marine Corps League is an organization where you be active in the community, share in a common interest in the Marine Corps, and carry on a proud tradition of service.  Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

 Update:

Details on services for Cheryl Griffin;

Funeral arrangements for Cheryl Griffin are as follows: 

There will be no wake in keeping with Cheryl's choice.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday July 5th at 11AM at St Mary's Church in Holliston, located at 8 Church Street, Holliston MA 01746.  Following the service, collation will be held at the 45 Restaurant, located at 45 Milford Street in Medway, MA 02053.

The following is the MCL uniform guidance for this service:

Uniform of the Day per the NE Division Commandant is Red Blazer, white shirt, tie, black trousers, black dress shoes with cover; if you do not own the red blazer than suit and tie with cover. 

Maximum participation of MCL members is requested

From the Commandant:

With regret, we must report that Cheryl Griffin, nee Souza, spouse of MCL National Commandant Warren Griffin, has passed away after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.   Cheryl has been active in many Marine Corps League events over a number of years.  She was a notable supporter of efforts to assist women who were in unstable housing situations and gave her time freely.

Cheryl was a proud mother of 5 and grandmother of 3 who has been a supportive contributor to community efforts, particularly those providing outreach to women and veterans.  She will be missed by many.  Further information on services will be posted when it is available.

 Special Notice

Funeral Service for Alfred "Al" Schiff

As previously posted, our comrade in arms, Al Schiff passed away in early May.  Al was a stalwart detachment member and a proud Marine Corps veteran with service in the Korean Conflict, including the battle at the Chosin Reservoir.  

Local services, with military honors, for Al Schiff will be held on Monday, 10 June at the Dell Park Cemetery in Natick, MA.  The cemetery can be contacted at 1-508-655-1271 and is located at 163 Pond Street in Natick. 

Following the services, a collation will be held at Owen O'Leary's at 50 Turnpike Rd, Southborough, MA 01772.  In order to prepare a headcount, please contact Jim Hastings at 1 508 369 6227 to let the family know that you will attend.

The following is the published obituary for Al:

  

Alfred Joseph “Al” Schiff

November 6, 1928 - May 10, 2024

Alfred Joseph “Al” Schiff, of Newark, DE, peacefully entered the Lord’s house on Friday, May 10, 2024, at the age of 95.

Born on November 6, 1928 in New York, NY, he was the son of the late Alfred A. and Anna (Fallet) Schiff. Al graduated from Harram High School and enlisted the United States Marine Corp during World War II. He served his country with honor and distinction, earning the WW II Victory Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Service Medal and, National Service Defense Medal. Al served his country as a US Embassy Guard in Buenos, Aires, Argentina, protecting American interests. Additionally, he was an active member of the Metrowest Detachment #1037 of the Marine Corps League in his later years.

Al was a devout Christian and longtime member of Fisk United Methodist Church, Natick, MA, running multiple Advent Workshops and other Men’s Club activities. He was an active leader in the Boy Scouts of America receiving the Silver Beaver award for his exceptional service and commitment to the Scouting program. In 2023, Al was awarded the Boy Scouts 70-year pin for his years of contribution to Scouts. Al was past president of the New England Water Works Association dedicated to professionalism in ensuring public confidence in tap water and water resource stewardship.

In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara; and sister, Dorothy Moser. He is survived by five children, James (Paula) of NC, Alfred (Mary Ann) of MI, Gary (Regina) of DE, Janet (Gregg Thebner) of NY, and David (Trish) of NC. Al is also survived by twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren whom he dearly cherished.

A graveside service to honor Al’s life will be held at 12 pm on Monday, June 10, 2024, in Dell Park Cemetery, 163 Pond Street, Natick, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Al’s memory to the Mayflower Council, Friends of Scouting Campaign, 83 Cedar Street, Milford, MA 01757 or online by clicking here and noting Al Schiff in the form.

As we say goodbye to Al, we hold onto the love and memories that will never fade.

 From the Commandant: 

The May meeting was convened as scheduled at 1900 Hrs.  The normal order of business was suspended in order to conduct the swearing in of the new slate of officers.  National Commandant Warren Griffin conducted the swearing in.  The slate of officers is as follows:

Commandant- John McEntegart
Junior Vice Commandant:  Jim Hastings
Paymaster: Mike Whalen
Judge Advocate:  Steve Stephan
Sergeant at Arms:  David Barth

The following are items of information that may be of interest to members and others.

The Detachment is in compliance with the Department and National Marine Corps League recordkeeping standards.   Jim Hastings and Mike Whalen put of lot of effort into getting this into shape and we appreciate their taking the initiative.

The MCL Department of Massachusetts convention will be held on Saturday, June 1 in Sturbridge, MA.  Members of the Detachment are slated to attend.  

Members of the Detachment will be celebrating Memorial Day in different towns in the Metrowest area.  The detachment has a long history of participation in events that acknowledge the sacrifice of those who have passed before us, especially those who have died in the service of our country.

5.  This will be the last detachment meeting until August 20th at which time we will again start the Detachment regular order of business.

We regret to inform the Detachment of the passing of Marine Al Schiff.  Al was a long-time detachment member who participated actively and regularly attended meetings until he relocated to the Carolinas to reside with family.  As a long-term Natick resident, Al was active in veterans' events.  Al served as the detachment liaison to the Boy Scouts and coordinated the recognition of area Eagle Scouts on behalf of the Marine Corps League.  Al served in the Korean Conflict and endured the battle for the Chosin Reservoir.  Further information on services for Al will be posted when they become available.  We extend our condolences to the Schiff family.  Al served well and proudly.

     

 From the Commandant:

Scuttlebutt March 2024

The March meeting was held as scheduled on 19 March.  All officers were present.

In keeping with the detachment by-laws, nominations for the roster of 2024 officers were held at the meeting.  All officers were re-elected for another year.  They will be sworn in at the April meeting by National Commandant Warren Griffin.

The detachment can offer two in house scholarships for 2024.  Any member can apply for consideration. One scholarship is left for this year.  Application information has been posted previously and can be viewed at this site.

A request for donation to the Assabet Valley High School Marine Junior ROTC program was received.  After discussion, the request was put to vote and approval to donate $1000.00 was passed.

Natick Boy Scout Troop #1775 will promote two Eagle Scouts in April.  As part of detachment support to the Boy Scouts, each new Eagle Scout will receive $100 and a certificate of recognition.  

The Department of Massachusetts state meeting will be held on 28 April at 11:30 A.M. at the Worcester Detachment.  Members and prospective members are encouraged to attend.

The next detachment meeting will be held on 16 April at 7:00 PM.  All members are welcome as are persons who have interest in participating in supporting the Marine Corps and the community through Associate Membership.

In-House Scholarship Application

From the Commandant:

The following is a link the application form for the detachment scholarship program. The text of the application is posted here also.  Relatives of members in good standing can be considered for scholarship awards.

In-House Scholarship Application

In-house Scholarship Application for Members
MCL Metrowest Detachment #1037

Student Information:  (Please print or type information)

 

__________________        ________________          ___________

Last Name                                      First Name                    Middle Initial

____________________________________________________

Street Address                          City                     State             Zip Code

Educational Background:

High School Name: ______________________Telephone Number:__________

High School Address:

 

Street Address                           City                              State                             Zip Code

Graduation Date: _________                         Grade Point Average: _________       

Class Ranking:  __________                                    Class Size: ____________

List Honors and Distinctions: (attach separate sheet if necessary)

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

College/University Name:_____________________  Telephone Number:________

 

Mail completed application to:

John McEntegart, Commandant

22 Potter Road Framingham, MA 01701

 

 From the Commandant:

The next scheduled meeting will be on 20 February at 7:00 PM at the Natick AMVETS.  We hope to increase attendance at meetings as this is where we can get ideas and insights from members and prospective members.  Please attend as you are able and invite any potential members to join you.  As a reminder, voting membership is open to honorably discharged Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and Chaplains.  Associate membership is open to all interested parties with the limitation that they cannot vote. Associate members often bring energy and contributions that are valued.

In January, a number of detachment activities were addressed.

Mike Whelan represented the detachment at a Hopkinton Eagle Scout award ceremony.  A certificate of recognition and a check for $100 was presented.  Natick Troop 1775 will recognize two Eagle Scouts in March.  The detachment plans to participate in presenting MCL recognition.  We thank Mike Whelan for his effort in this program.

Scholarship checks were sent to three student recipients.  Scholarships are awarded to relatives of detachment members.  For criteria and application, please contact Mike Whelan or Mac McEntegart.  The amount for detachment scholarships is currently $1000.00.

The detachment maintains a number of rifles that are used for ceremonial purposes such as parades and funeral firing detachments.  The proper inventory and reporting have been completed for the current period.

The Massachusetts State Legislature will commemorate the Battle of Iwo Jima with a ceremony on 26 February at noon in the Massachusetts State House.   This battle was one of the turning points of WWII and Massachusetts has enacted legislation to annually recognize what was achieved on Iwo Jima is 1945, All are invited to attend.   

We hope to see you on 20 February at the next scheduled meeting.  For nearly 250 years, Marines have served when called.  Your Marine Corps League participation is a way to continue your service and comradery.

Semper Fi,

Mac McEntegart

 

 From the Commandant:

The December meeting was conducted as scheduled.  All officers were present and accounted for.

The Chaplain reported the passing of George MacGillivray.  George had emigrated to Australia.  He and his two brothers were all Marines.  
Past Detachment Commandant Davis Berry passed away after a long illness.  Dave was a strong contributor to Toys for Tots.  
We send the condolences of the detachment to the MacGillivray and Berry families.  

Chip Fagan reported that the Blackstone Valley Young Marines is seeing a notable decline in participation that is impacting the future of the unit.  This is a circumstance that is being seen among many organizations.

There was discussion of the continued decline in detachment membership. At one point, there were over 150 active members.  Today there are 77 registered members of which very few are active.  Current members are generally from the Korea and Vietnam era.  Time is marching on and that era of Marines are aging.   Vietnam veterans sometimes felt that veterans of prior eras were not receptive to their ideas and objectives.  If that is the case today, we want to invite all current veterans to come and discuss their ideas for the future state of the detachment.  We are open to all ideas that can lead to more members.  Since its creation, this detachment has achieved and contributed a lot.  We are open to all ideas that will bring that record into the future.  Today's Marines have continued the proud record of the Corps.  We invite them to continue the proud record of the MCL We are open to all ideas that can lead to more members.  Two Masschusetts Detachments have ceased to operate this year.  We want to avoid that fate.

  The Toys for Tots Program recap was discussed.  Two Pods were filled during this drive.  Program Coordinator Rich Douglas will provide a full report on the program at the next meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM. The next meeting will be on 16 January at 7:00PM at the Natick AMVETS at 1 Superior Drive in Natick.  All are encouraged to attend.

Semper FI  

 From the Commandant:

On behalf of the Metrowest Detachment, I hope that everyone had a peaceful holiday season and we wish a happy new year to all.  One good resolution is to increase participation in Marine Corps League events during this year.  We will welcome your ideas and energy.

We start the new year on a sad note with notice of the death of Dave Berry.  Dave was a long-time member and was very active in collecting toys for the Toys for Tots Drive.  He put a lot of effort into supporting Toys for Tots in the Sudbury area and was instrumental in obtaining donations of bicycles and other items for children in need.   Dave attended Boston University after serving in the Corps and worked a long career with Ford Motor Company.  The schedule for services is as follows:

Dave Berry's wake will be at The Duckett Funeral Home on Thursday 4 January 2024 from 4-7pm, 
Funeral will be held on Friday 5 January 2024 at 10am followed immediately by burial at the Wadsworth Cemetery in Sudbury.

Duckett  Funeral: 656 Boston Post Rd, Sudbury, MA 01776: Tel  978-443-5777

Cemetery: Wadsworth 74 Concord Road  Sudbury, MA.

Semper Fi, Marine.  We extend our condolence to the Berry family.