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.