The Chester County Marine Chester County Detachment #286 P.O. Box 828, Downingtown, Pa 19335-0828 Detachment HQ s: 610-518-5375 (leave message) Commandant Doug Forsythe Volume XVI, Issue 2 Dave Buckta, editor Feb 2019 CCMarineNews@Verizon.net Meetings: 4 th Monday of every month @1930 430 Acorn Lane Entrance on Chestnut St. Also park in rear of bldg Downingtown, Pa 19335 Board of Trustees (eff:2/1/2019) Commandant Sr. Vice Junior Vice Jr. Past Com Jerry Myers 610-721-2112 Bob Strehl 215-421-2465 Bob Campagna 610-613-7426 Doug Forsythe 610 656 1389 Judge Adv Bill Stellfox 215-823-9856 Trustees Pat Powell 610 952 5045 Lou Netta Tom Tanner Appointed Officers Adjutant Jack Meighan 484 888 2972 Service Officer Doug Forsythe Paymaster Larry Samples 610-269-9067 Chaplain Dan Condron 610-489-3756 Sgt. at Arms Leo Burke 610 913 6212 Standing Committees Audit Bill Stellfox Membership Nominating Ways & Means 215-823-9856 Bob Strehl 215-421-2465 Jim Copeland 610-883-0283 Jerry Myers 610-721-2112 www.chestercountymcl.com Next Regular Meeting-- Date: March 25, 2019 @ 1930 From the Commandant s Desk As we start a new year, I want to thank all the members for selecting me as your new commandant. We have a great detachment and I am honored to accept the position. I promise to continue our efforts to grow our membership and make our detachment even stronger. I also want to thank all of you for your service and all that you do for the Marine Corps League. We are the few and the proud and each of you are an important part in providing the help that many in our community need. A few of the programs that we support are: Toys for Tots, Scholarships, Eagle Scouts, Flag Retirement, Medal of Honor Grove, Color Guards, Veterans in need and many more. To support these programs we conduct several fundraising events. The following are some of the campaigns in which we are involved to raise these funds to support our efforts: Golf Outing, Bingo, WAWA donations, Chicken BBQ and more. We need your continued support in these and other areas to continue our good work. One way you can help is to VOLUNTEER for any one or more of these programs. We have great support from our Auxiliary for the Bingo events. Without their help this program would not exist! They are in need of additional help. If you can lend a hand, please contact JoAnne Brown, Leo Burke or Jim Copeland and VOLUNTEER to help in any way you can. We need more SPONSORS for our Golf Outing. If you work for or know a potential sponsor, please contact Doug Forsythe or Bob Campagna. This is our largest fundraiser. We are blessed to have Dave Buckta as our Newsletter editor. Dave has done an outstanding job! Please continue to send Dave all event reports along with pictures. Also, a special thanks to all Officers, Associates and Trustees for their continued work and support. Please continue to suggest guest speakers, and potential new members. Associates and Auxiliary. We need your support. I want to personally thank Doug Forsythe for his outstanding service. Doug has gone above and beyond! THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO DOUG! In closing, please keep all our Marines, Sailors, Chaplains, Soldiers, and Veterans, at home and overseas, in your prayers. Semper Fi Jerry Myers
SPECIAL COMMITTEES (2018) Americanism Dan Condron 610-458-0797 Budget Finance Bill Stellfox 610-823-9856 Building Maintenance Leo Burke 610-913-6212 Bylaws Bill Stellfox 215-823-9856 Chicken BBQ Doug Forsythe 610-827-9281 Color Guard Jedi Burns 610-517-1107 Detachment Donations Doug Forsythe 610-656-1389 Eagle Scouts Larry Samples 484-433-0086 Fund Raising Larry Samples 484-433-0086 Golf Outing Bob Campagna 610-613-7426 Locker Box Doug Forsythe 610-656-1389 Marine Corps Ball Gerard (Jed)Burns 610-517-1107 Marine Of The Year Doug Forsythe Memorial Day Jim Copeland 610-883-0283 Medal of Honor Grove Doug Forsythe 610-656-1389 New Member Packets Jim Copeland 610-883-0283 Bob Strehl 215-421-2465 Kay Croll 610-696-7589 Scholarships Phil Murray 610-636-2204 Flag Retirement Leo Burke 610-913-6212 IT Sergeant Dave Buckta 610-827-1928 SPECIAL EVENTS Bingo J. Copeland & L. Burke 610-913-6212 Medal of Honor Cemetery Doug Forsythe 610-827-9281 Toys For Tots Phil Murray 610-636-2204 VAVS Dan Condron 610-458-0797 NEWSLETTER POLICY Chester County Marine, the only publication paid for by Chester County Detachment MCL #286, is published monthly as a service to the membership and other interested organizations. We will reprint any article deemed to be newsworthy and not political. The editor reserves the right to modify any items selected for printing. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of National MCL, Inc., Pennsylvania MCL, Inc. or the Chester County Detachment. All members and other interested parties are invited to submit articles for publication. VA Welcome Kit Liaisons American Legion #475 Auxiliary Tom Logan 610-696-3323 Joanne Brown Jim Copeland 610-518-3444 DAV #90 Ken Schweitzer 610-489-2703 Marksmanship Dennis Brown 610-692-4782 Military Order of the Purple Heart Doug Forsythe 610-656-1389 Spring City Vets Home Ken Schweitzer 610-489-2703 Viet Nam Veterans of America Chapter 436 Ken Schweitzer 610-489-2703 VFW #845 Jim Copeland 610-883-0283 W. Chester Veterans Council Jim Copeland 610-883-0283 Doug Forsythe WCU SVG Scholarship Fund Winter Uniform Winter uniform is effective 04 Nov, 2018 as follows: Red Cover Long Sleeve White Shirt with tie Black Trousers Black Shoes & Socks Red Satin Jacket when appropriate Marine Corps League Uniforms available online: https://www.mclnational.org/store.html Dave Buckta is publishing the CC Marine Newsletter. Please send all of your newsworthy items, including photos and links to CCMarineNews@Verizon.net USMC Weapons Corner M60 Machine Gun 7.62mm (The Pig) The M60 is a belt-fed machine gun that fires the 7.62 51mm NATO cartridge (similar to.308 Winchester). It is generally used as a crew-served weapon and operated by a team of two or three individuals. The M60 was in service from 1957 through the early 1990s, being replaced by M240. Quite familiar to our Vietnam Vets. Newsletter editor Dave Buckta recently fired an M60E3 on the range. https://www.va.gov/va_welcomekit_color.pdf 2/25/2019 Page 2 CC MCL Newsletter
Minutes From Meeting on January 28, 2019 Meeting Opened: 7:35 PM Roll Call of Officers: Officer Member Present Commandant Doug Forsythe X Sr. Vice-Commandant Jerry Myers X Jr. Vice-Commandant Bob Strehl X Judge Advocate Bill Stellfox Jr. Past Commandant Jim Copeland X Adjutant Jack Meighan X Paymaster Larry Samples X Chaplain Dan Condron X Sergeant at Arms Leo Burke X Service Officer Doug Forsythe X Trustee Lou Netta X Trustee Pat Powell X Trustee Tom Tanner 10 officers present: Judge Advocate Stellfox, and Trustee Tom Tanner were excused. The Commandant recognized the presence of District One Senior Vice-Commandant George Souder and his wife. Standing Committees: Jim Copeland (Nominating): This is the third round of nominations. The following members have been nominated and have said they will serve: Commandant: Senior Vice-Commandant: Jerry Myers; Bob Strehl; 2/25/2019 CC MCL Newsletter 3
Dennis Brown said he had nominated Jed Burns for Senior Vice-Commandant at the December meeting. Jim Copeland explained that Jed had subsequently turned down the nomination because he is recovering from knee replacement surgery. Junior Vice-Commandant: Bob Campagna; Judge Advocate: Open; Doug Forsythe nominated Bill Stellfox for Judge Advocate, however, he has not committed to accepting the nomination at this time; Trustees: Tanner. Lou Netta, Pat Powell, and Tom There were no other nominations from the floor. Lee Beyer made a motion that the Adjutant cast one unanimous ballot for all unopposed candidates, Dan Condron seconded the motion which passed. Adjutant Jack Meighan cast one unanimous vote for all unopposed candidates: Jerry Myers for Commandant; Bob Strehl for Senior Vice-Commandant; and Bob Campagna for Junior Vice- Commandant. The appointed positions of Adjutant, Chaplain, Paymaster, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Service Officer will be held by Jack Meighan (Adjutant); Dan Condron (Chaplain); Larry Samples (Paymaster); and Leo Burke (Sergeant-at-Arms). The position of Service Officer is open. District One Senior Vice-Commandant George Souder presided over the installation of newly elected officers and appointed officers; Doug Forsythe served as the Sergeant-at-Arms and Jonathan Gilbert served as Chaplain for the installation. New Members: None. Minutes from Previous Meeting: The minutes from 12/17/2018 were provided to members. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Hank Detering and seconded by Lou Netta. The motion passed. Correspondence: The detachment received a thank you note from Jonathan Gilbert and his family. The Freedoms Foundation is having its Local Heroes Awards Dinner; our detachment has reserved ten seats at the dinner. Paymaster Report: Paymaster Samples presented the paymaster s report. A $6,000 contribution has been received from the Applecross Country Club. A motion to receive the paymaster s report subject to audit was made by Ken Schweitzer and seconded by Dan Condron. The motion passed. Members or Family Members Sick or in Distress: Jed Burns is recovering from a knee replacement. Kathy Van Gorder is suffering from vertigo and is 2/25/2019 home resting. CC MCL Newsletter 4
Report of Officers: Bob Strehl (Membership): At present, our membership stands at 134 and we only lost one member last year who chose not to renew his membership. Special Committees: Dennis Brown (Marksmanship): The first marksmanship meeting for 2019 was held yesterday. The February meeting will also be at the detachment on 2/24/19. A live fire practice will be held at Kimberton on 3/3/2019. Lee Beyer (Toys 4 Tots): Final numbers for the 2018 campaign were 46,000 toys distributed to more than 16,000 kids. Lee Beyer (Marine of the Year): The banquet will be held on 3/30/2019 honoring Doug Forsythe. A work party on 2/4/2019 will put together invitations to be sent out. Bob Campagna (Golf Tournament): A deposit has been given to the Applecross Country Club and the menu has been selected. Unfinished Business: None. New Business: None. Good of the League: Doug Forsythe presented the following awards and certificates of appreciatioin: Meritorious Commendations: Joanne Brown, Bob Campagna, Hank Detering, Mike Rapp and Ken Schweitzer. Kay Croll, Bill Kennedy, and Lisa Sundin were not present and will receive their commendations at a subsequent date. Distinguished Citizen Awards: Dan Condron, Lee Beyer and Dennis Brown. Certificates of Appreciation (Appointed Officers): Leo Burke, Dan Condron, Jack Meighan and Larry Samples. Joanne Brown of the Ladies Auxiliary also received a Certificate of Appreciation. Certificates of Appreciation (Elected Officers): Jim Copeland, Jerry Myers, Lou Netta, Pat Powell and Bob Strehl. Distinguished Citizen Awards: Dave Buckta, Leo Burke, Jim Copeland, Jack Meighan, Jerry Myers, Lou Netta, Pat Powell, Larry Samples, and Bob Strehl. Jim Copeland presented Doug Forsythe a Distinguished Citizen Award. 2/25/2019 CC MCL Newsletter 5
The Commandant s Trophy was awarded to Dave Buckta by Doug Forsythe. Doug said he hopes the trophy will be presented annually to a deserving detachment member. Dennis Brown said he heard that someone tripped on the broken sidewalk in front of the detachment entrance. Doug Forsythe said a report on the condition of the sidewalk has been prepared and submitted to Jaylo Property Management. Doug said the report also noted the cracks in the parking lot adjacent to the entrance. Dennis asked who would take over the responsibility of updating the plaques with the names of deceased members since Kay Croll is moving. Dan Condron said Jed Burns has assumed this responsibility. Dennis also asked if anyone knew what happened to the red cloth with a Marine Corps emblem, which covered the table where the bible is placed. No one knew; Commandant Myers said another cloth would be procured. Announcements: Invitations to the ceremony honoring the first Commandant of the Marine Corps Samuel Nicholas have been sent out to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps League, Department Commandant and other detachments. The Military Order of the Purple Heart will have a banquet in February honoring the best male and female high school athletes in Chester County. The detachment has purchased ten seats for the Freedoms Foundation dinner honoring Local Heroes on 2/23/2019. Joe Crescenz will be honored. Closing: 8:47 PM EVENT: Freedoms Foundation Local Heroes Gala DATE: Feb 23, 2019 LOCATION: Valley Forge Freedoms Foundation, Valley Forge, PA SUMMARY: Detachment personnel attended the annual Freedom Foundations Local Heroes Gala where 3 individual and groups were recognized for their civic achievements. Doug Forsythe assisted with Master of Ceremony duties on the stage. MEMBERS: Jerry Myers (Martha), Doug Forsythe (Guest), Dan Fitzpatrick, Leo Burke and Dave Buckta (Beverly). SUBMITTED BY: Bev Buckta 2/25/2019 CC MCL Newsletter 6
EVENT: Color Guard Honoring Richard Hevner DATE: February 12, 2019 MEMBERS: Jerry Myers, Doug Forsyth, Jim Copeland and Bob Strehl SUMMARY: Detachment personnel represented the marines Corps league and provided color guard support at an event honoring Rick Hevner. Rick is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Thomas Jefferson University. He served as Trustee of Methodist Hospital since 1990. Becoming a trustee of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in 1996, and Trustee of Jefferson University in 2013. He served as Chairman of Methodist Hospital Foundation, Trustee of Moore College of Art and Design since 1984.Trustee and Treasurer of Droposie College, Annenberg Research Institute, Board of Overseers for the Center for Judaic Studies at Penn, and Chairman of the Methodist Home for Children Foundation. Rick sponsors a therapeutic equestrian therapy program for neurologically impaired children at his family farm in Chester County. He is a Partner in Elkins & Company, and managing Director of Rajant Corporation. Rick Served in the United States Marine Corps as 1st Lieutenant from 1966-1972 and in Vietnam from 1969-1970. LOCATION: Rajant Corporation, Malvern, PA SUBMITTED BY: Jerry Myers EVENT: Monthly Bingo - Shut Ins DATE: Feb 13, 2019 LOCATION: VA Coatesville, Bldg 59A MEMBERS: Bill Kennedy, Jim Copeland, Leo Burke, Tom Tanner, and Dan Condron PURPOSE: Presented $175 in Canteen Books and Ice Cream & Tasty Cakes to 15 vets. SUBMITTED BY: Leo Burke EVENT: Detachment Bingo DATE: Feb 02 and 16, 2019 LOCATION: CC MCL Chestnut Street MEMBERS: Leo Burke, Jim Copeland, Dave Mundy, Mike Rapp, Joanne Brown, Dennis Brown, Mario Scherl, Pat Powell, Deb Allen Mundy, Doug Forsythe, and Della Scherl. PURPOSE: Regularly scheduled Bingo operations were conducted in the CC MCL headquarters area. Feb 02 had 48 participants and Feb 16 had 38 participants. SUBMITTED BY: Leo Burke 2/25/2019 CC MCL Newsletter 7
EVENT: 2019 Installation of Officer and 2018 Awards DATE: Jan28, 2019 LOCATION: CC MCL HQ MEMBERS: Detachment Personnel PURPOSE: District One Senior Vice-Commandant George Souder presided over the installation of newly elected officers and appointed officers; Doug Forsythe served as the Sergeant-at-Arms and Jonathan Gilbert served as Chaplain for the installation. CC MCL Detachment members and friends were recognized for 2018 achievements.. SUBMITTED BY: Bev Buckta 2/25/2019 CC MCL Newsletter 8
USMC Fun Fact The first American to orbit the Earth was a Marine In 1962, aboard NASA s Mercury capsule Friendship 7, a Marine named John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth. Glenn quickly shattered his own record and circled the Earth twice more. After the first orbit, there was a mechanical problem with the automatic control system. In true Marine fashion, Glenn assumed manual control of the craft for the final 2 revolutions of the mission. During his orbit he was travelling at speeds greater than 17,000 miles per hour. CC MCL Life Membership as of February 2019 Lee C. Beyer Daniel V. Fitzpatrick Jr. James J. Miller Walter W. Simcox, Jr. James C. Bradford, Sr. Rogers C. Flanigan Richard J. Morrow James G. Snyder Dennis Brown Douglas R. Forsythe Dave Mundy Bob Spano Daniel W. Bullock III Jamie W. Goncharoff Phillip Murray William E Stellfox Leo Burke Donald Goodwin Jerry D. Myers Robert G. Stone Gerard F. Burns Bob Gross Louis Stephen "Lou" Netta Robert L. "Bob" Strehl John J. Ceschan Jr. Michael Guyer John F. O'Brien Peter R. Supplee Daniel J. Condron Albert B. Harper Sr. Jay F. Patton Tom Tanner James Copeland John E. Hinckley Mark A. Peterson Steven W. Talley William J. Corcoran Leif Jacobsen Julius Pinter Kathy A. Van Gorder Kay M. Croll Steven G. Jefferis Patrick B. Powell Elmer S. "Van" Van Gorder Henry A. "Hank" Detering Joseph J. Kay Jack Ribble Mark A. Wahn John DiMatteo William G. Keers Les Rouse Dennis P. Walsh Dominic DiSciullo Walter Kutz Patrick Rundle Albert R. Wertz James Donegan Fred LeClair Larry L Samples Charles T. Wertz Jr. Robert F. Donovan Thomas M. Logan Jeff Sanders William E. Woodward Robert L. Dormer Bill Mackey Mario M. Scherl James Yocum Joseph E. Dulin Jr. Jim McIlhenney Kenneth Schweitzer Craig S. Evans John "Jack" Meighan Raymond E. Sheldon Gary N. Fay Donald W. Meyer William F. Shields Any members in good standing desiring a Life membership refer to aged based rates are as follows: Over 65 $200 51-65 $300 36-50 $400 35 and below $500 Please contact Larry Samples, Paymaster or Bob Campagna, Jr. Vice Commandant for more information. 2/25/2019 Page 9 CC MCL Newsletter
Membership Scoop Member Contact Information Confirmation: By now you should have received either an email or for members without an active email address a letter to confirm your individual personal contact information. If you haven t done so already, please respond so you don t miss any future Detachment Scoop. New Life Members: The Detachment would like to recognize the following new Marine Corps League Life Members: Bob Gross Bill Mackey Patrick Rundle James Snyder Steve Talley Dennis Walsh Anyone who may be interesting in becoming a Life Member, please contact Larry Samples or Bob Strehl. New Members: Our Detachment is always looking for new members. If you know of a veteran Marine, FMF Corpsman, Chaplin or individual who wants to help veterans and their communities. Maybe a distant relative, friend, neighbor or church contact. Please invite them to one of our events or meetings. Volunteer s Needed: Members and friends of our Detachment are involved with numerous projects and programs which support our fellow veterans & communities and an extra hand is always appreciated. If you are interested in getting involved in any of the following initiatives, please reach out to the team lead. Also, if you have any recommendation for program s which may not be listed. Please contact any of the Detachment officers. VA Hospital: Dan Condron Community Bingo: Leo Burke or Jim Copland Scholarship Program: Larry Samples Parades & Color Guards: Jed Burns Annual Golf Outing: Bob Campagna Birthday Ball: Jed Burns Advertising: Jeanne Rapp League Auxiliary: Joanne Brown Flag Retirements: Leo Burke Eagle Scouts: Larry Samples Toys for Tots: Lee Beyer School Visits: Doug Forsythe Funeral Services: Dan Condron Competitive Marksmanship: Dennis Brown Fund Raising: Jerry Myers HQ Improvements: Leo Burke Newsletter or Websites: Dave Buckta Membership: Bob Strehl 2/25/2019 CC MCL Newsletter 10
Chester County Marine March 2019 EVENT Calendar March 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 Bingo 5:30pm Jim Copeland 3 Pistol Team Practice Kimberton 0900 4 5 6 7 8 9 VA Bingo St. Patrick s Day Dan Condron Dennis Brown 10 MODD Growl 1430 11 12 13 VA Bingo Dan Condron 14 15 16 Bingo 5:30pm Jim Copeland Larry Samples CC MCL Staff Meeting 7:30pm Jerry Myers 17 18 19 20 21 22 Flag Folding and Colors Brandywine Hall 23 24 Pistol Team Practice Uncle Bobby Tentative 0900 Dennis Brown 31 25 General Membership Mtg 7:30pm Jerry Myers 26 V.A.V.S Popcorn & Pretzels Sale 0900-1200 VA BDLG 9 Dan Condron Doug Forsythe 27 28 29 30 MOY Banquet 4:00pm Lee Beyer 2/25/2019 CC MCL Newsletter 11
Chester County Marine April 2019 EVENT Calendar April 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 Pistol Team Delaware County 0800 Dennis Brown Bingo 5:30pm Jim Copeland 7 Pistol Team Practice Kimberton 0900 Dennis Brown 8 9 10 VA Bingo Dan Condron CC MCL Staff Meeting 7:30pm Jerry Myers 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Bingo 5:30pm Jim Copeland 21 22 General Membership Mtg 7:30pm Jerry Myers 23 V.A.V.S Popcorn & Pretzels Sale 0900-1200 VA BDLG 9 24 25 26 27 28 Pistol Team Practice Uncle Bobby Tentative 0900 Dennis Brown Dan Condron 29 30 End of Newsletter 2/25/2019 CC MCL Newsletter 12