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.