The Chester County Marine Chester County Detachment #286 P.O. Box 828 Downingtown, Pa 19335 Commandant Jim Copeland Volume X, Issue 9 September 2014 Meetings: 4 th Monday of Every Month @1930 430 Acorn Lane Entrance on Chestnut St. Downingtown, Pa 19335 Board of Trustees Commandant Sr. Vice Junior Vice Jr. Past Com Judge Adv Trustees Jim Copeland 610-883-0283 Gene Gerard 610-269-7498 Doug Forsythe 610 656 1389. Fred LeClair 610-518-3444 Tom Tanner 610 933 0957 Jim McIlhenney 484-459-0850 Lee C. Beyer 610-633-9311 Pat Powell 610 952 5045 Appointed Officers Adjutant Jack Meighan 484 888 2972 Paymaster Larry Samples 610-269-9067 Chaplain Bob Campagna 610 363 7174 Sgt. of Arms Leo Burke 610 913 6212 Standing Committees Audit Jim McIlhenney 484-459-0850 Membership Jim Copeland 610-883-0283 Nominating Fred LeClair 610-518-3444 Ways & Means Jim McIlhenney 484-459-0850 District 1 Vice Commandant Dan Condron 610-458-0797 Next Regular Meeting Date: Monday September 22, 2014 @1930 Gene Gerard, editor 610-256-6267 Mobile CCMarines@Verizon.net Message from the Commandant Marine, Corpsmen and Associates, I hope everyone is doing well. Third time turned out to be a charm, as we finally had excellent weather for our third golf outing at Whitford Country Club and with over one hundred golfers and many sponsors, it was a great success. We need to thank Bob Campagna (NCOIC) for a job well done along with Mike Whelan of Sporting the Stars and his crew. Also to the many people it took to support our golf outing, who worked to get sponsors, golfers, brochures, advertising and all the other minutia that is required to pull off a project like this. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! Now we have to gear-up for our Chicken BBQ coming up in October and our Marine Corps Birthday Ball in November. Contact Doug Forsythe for the Chicken BBQ or Fred LeClair for the Birthday Ball if you would like to help. I am sorry to report that one of our members, Bill Stellfox, lost his son Seth, who was a Philadelphia Police Officer, in a tragic accident. I wish to let Bill know that he and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. Remember our service men and women in harm s way. Semper Fi, Jim Copeland
SPECIAL COMMITTEES Americanism Dan Condron 610-458-0797 Budget Finance Bill Stellfox 610-823-9856 Building Maintenance Leo Burke 610-913-6212 Bylaws Tom Tanner 610-933-0957 Chicken BBQ Doug Forsythe 610-827-9281 Color Guard Doug Forsythe 610-827-9281 Detachment Donations Jim McIlhenney 484-459-0850 Eagle Scouts Larry Samples 484-433-0086 Fund Raising Larry Samples 484-433-0086 Golf Outing Bob Campagna 610-363-7174 Locker Box Doug Forsythe 610-656-1389 Marine Corps Ball Fred LeClair 610-518-3444 Marine Of The Year Fred LeClair 610-518-3444 Memorial Day Dan Condron 610-458-0797 Lee Beyer 610-633-9311 Medal of Honor Grove Doug Forsythe 610-656-1389 New Member Packets Jim Copeland 610-883-0283 Doug Forsythe 610-827-9281 Kay Croll 610-696-7589 Scholarships Phil Murray 610-636-2204 Flag Retirement Leo Burke 610-913-6212 Web Sergeant 215-823-9856 Bill Stellfox SPECIAL EVENTS Bingo Pat Vollmer 484-266-9018 Medal of Honor Cemetery Doug Forsythe 610-827-9281 Toys For Tots Phil Murray 610-636-2204 VAVS Dan Condron 610-458-0797 Liaisons American Legion #475 Tom Logan 610-696-3323 Auxiliary Jim Copeland 610-518-3444 DAV #90 Ken Schweitzer 610-489-2703 Marksmanship Dennis Brown 610-692-4782 Lee Beyer 610-696-9238 Military Order of the Purple Heart Doug Forsythe 610-656-1389 Spring City Vets Home Ken Schweitzer 610-489-2703 Viet Name Veterans of America Chapter 436 Ken Schweitzer 610-489-2703 VFW Tom Ames 610-269-1128 VFW #845 Bill Stellfox 215-823-9856 W. Chester Veterans Council Jim Copeland 610-883-0283 Fred Leclair 610-518-3444 W. Chester Chamber of Commerce Fred LeClair 610-518-3444 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. Summer Uniform Summer uniform went into effect April 30, 2014 as follows: Red Cover Short Sleeve White Shirt Black Trousers Black Shoes & Socks Red Satin Jacket and black tie when appropriate 4. Health Benefits for Families at Camp Lejeune 1957-87 VA will be able to reimburse Veterans family members for eligible out-of-pocket health care expenses for 15 health conditions after we publish regulations. Prepare in 3 steps: 1. Call 1-877-222-8387 to be added to VA s Camp Lejeune database. 2. Gather documents showing your relationship to a Veteran who served at Camp Lejeune and that you lived on base for 30 days or more between 1957-87. 3. Keep receipts for health care expenses you paid for a covered condition on or after March 26, 2013. Learn more. Visit www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures to learn about other military exposures and VA benefits. 8/20/2014 Page 2
Marine Corps League Mission Statement Members of the Marine Corps League join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the interests of the United Sates Marine Corps. We band together those who are now serving in the United Sates Marine Corps and those who have been honorably discharged from that service that they may effectively promote the ideals of American freedom and democracy, voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to all Marines, FMF Corpsmen and former Marines and FMF Corpsmen and to the widows and orphans. We also perpetuate the history of the United States Marines Corps by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines. PASS IT ON! New address for DD-214 online. Sign up for copy of your DD-214. You and your family need a copy for VA Health and/or memorial considerations: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/ Chester County Detachment Home 610 518 5375 Board of Trustees meeting: 2 nd Wednesday of each month at 1930. Items for the agenda should be submitted to the Commandant one week prior to the meeting. All Officers, Committee Chairs and persons with business matters for the meeting are requested to attend General Membership meeting: 4 th Monday monthly @ 7:30 PM. (Exceptions for Holidays) Directions: From Boot Rd. go north on Chestnut St in Downingtown first building on the right after the bridge; From Rt 30 turn South on Chestnut St; The last Building on the left just before the railroad bridge. Parking on side or back. Entrance is on Chestnut St. Life Membership Rates 2014 Up to 35 years of age $500 Age 36 to 40 $400 Age 41 to 50 $400 Age 51 to 64 $300 Over Age 65 $200 Rates changed for 2014 Sign up with Paymaster Larry Samples DD214s or certificates of discharge are required to ensure honorable service. http://honorflightphiladelphia.org/ If you haven t yet been on an Honor Flight and are a WWII veteran This is a grand tour to D.C. to see the WWII Memorial, Marine Corps Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Transportation and Food are provided free of charge to Vet, there is a charge for the person escorting you however it is nominal. 8/20/2014 Page 3
EVENT REPORT EVENT: CC MCL Bingo DATE: August 2, 2014 LOCATION: MCL Detachment Home PERSON IN CHARGE: Jim Copeland MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE Pat Powell, Ed Dymek, Doug Forsythe, Pam Overkott, Joann Brown, Leo Burke, Dave Mundy and Jim Copeland GUESTS: 33 players EVENT SUMMARY: Good attendance. SUBMITTED BY: Jim Copeland DATE COMPLETED: August 4, 2014 VFW Post 8840 Parkesburg Honoring Jesse Thomas WWII veteran after receiving his long awaited Presidential Unit Citation for his action on Okinawa. Jesse was part of flag raising standing guard with the M-1. Members: Dave Mundy, Jerry Myers, Doug Forsythe Jess Thomas, Jim Copeland From an Anonymous Canadian "Marines are about the most peculiar breed of human beings I have ever witnessed. They treat their service as if it was some kind of cult, plastering their emblem on almost everything they own, making themselves up to look like insane fanatics with haircuts to ungentlemanly lengths, worshipping their Commandant almost as if he was a god, and making weird animal noises like a band of savages. They'll fight like rabid dogs at the drop of a hat just for the sake of a little action, and are the cockiest SOBs I have ever known. Most have the foulest mouths and drink well beyond man's normal limits, but their high spirits and sense of brotherhood set them apart and, generally speaking, of the United States Marines I've come in contact with, are the most professional soldiers and the finest men I have had the pleasure to meet." 8/20/2014 Page 4
EVENT REPORT DATE: August 11, 2014 EVENT: LOCATION: PERSON IN CHARGE: CC MCL Brandon Hardy Golf Tournament Whitford Country Club, Exton, Pa Jr. Vice Commandant, Doug Forsythe MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Leo Burke Detachment Colors Dave Mundy Rifleman Jed Burns Rifleman Doug Forsythe National Colors EVENT SUMMARY: Color Guard presented colors at 0950 National Anthem LESSONS LEARNED/SUGGESTED CHANGES: Continue to work on precision SUBMITTED BY Doug Forsythe DATE COMPLETED: August 13, 2014 DATE: August 16, 2014 EVENT REPORT EVENT: LOCATION: PERSON IN CHARGE: Viewing of Seth M. Stellfox, son of detachment member Bill Stellfox Fluehr Funeral Home, 3301 Cottman Ave., Phil, Pa Commandant Jim Copeland MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Dan Condron, Lee Beyer, Fred LeClair, Jim Copeland EVENT SUMMARY: SUBMITTED BY Attended viewing for Seth M. Stellfox, son of detachment member Bill Stellfox. Seth was a Philadelphia Police Officer, Fred LeClair DATE COMPLETED: August 20, 2014 8/20/2014 Page 5
DATE: August 11, 2014 EVENT: LOCATION: Chester County MCL 3 rd Annual Golf Tournament Whitford CC, Exton Pa PERSON IN CHARGE OF DETAIL: Bob Campagna MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Bob Campagna, Janet Hatcher of Sporting the Stars, Kathleen Scalia of the VFW, Pam Overkott, Bill Stellfox, Bill Kennedy, Ed Dymek, Fred and Nancy LeClair, Dave Mundy, Jed Burns, Dave Mundy, Doug Forsythe, Bob Handschuh of Sporting the Stars, Leo Burke, Jim Copeland, Dan Condron, Larry Samples, Madeline Samples, Gene Gerard, Jack Meighan, Buddy Rhodes (Purple Heart Association) GUESTS: 105 Golfers, family and friends. Too many to count EVENT SUMMARY This is the premier event of year for the Detachment. As you can see by the volunteers Bob Campagna raised up a whole platoon of volunteers and they were smiling and having fun all day long. Whitford CC folks from beginning to end of the event could not have been more formidable and helpful. They even let us drive the carts of the seven amputee golfers right up to the green and let them off. Between sponsor and private donations, Sporting the Stars with the silent auction items and the White bag ticket sales we cleared almost $26,000 and still counting. The weather was great, the scores were low on the cards; but the remarks from everyone put us on a high. It was just a great day all around. Special thanks to Janet Hatcher and Bob Handschuh of Sporting the Stars and their boss Mike Whelan (who off at his Marine son s wedding at MCRD San Diego. Where he is a Senior Drill Instructor.) SUBMITTED BY: Gene Gerard DATE COMPLETED: August 19, 2013 More Pictures on following pages 8/20/2014 Page 6
Amputee Golfers Look at these smiling faces 3 rd Annual Chester County Marine Corps League Golf Tournament Whitford Country Club Downingtown, Pa August 11, 2014 It was a most comfortable warm summer Monday August 11, 2014 morning when 105 golfers took to the beautiful and challenging Whitford CC course (Slope 139). Seven of them were Amputee Golfers from the Eastern Amputee Golf Association. The CC MCL honored Brandon Hardy again this year. His mother Jill Hardy gave the keynote presentation after the rounds were completed.
More 2014 Golfers
Some of the Golf Tournament 2014 prize winners Presentation to Jill Hardy Eastern Amputee Golfer s Assoc Guest Speaker
http://sportingthestars.com/military.htm Janet Hatcher Mike Whelan CEO of Sporting the Stars in Exton, Pa,, Janet Hatcher and Bob Handschuh were key players in making the 2014 CC MCL Golf Tournament a success. Almost $4,000 of the more than $25,000 the detachment rec d from the event came as a result of Mike s donation of the auction items. Janet was constantly organizing, greeting, selling and keeping the silent auction running smooth. We salute both Mike (who was attending his Marine Sr. Drill Instructor's son s wedding at MCRD San Diego that Day. Janet and Bob who were with us from morning until late in the afternoon. Janet is modeling our newest detachment alternate summer shirt that is available in the #286 Detachment Locker Box for $35. Each golfer and volunteer rec d a shirt that was said by all to be a fine piece of merchandise made from the newest material for summer wear. Mike acquired the shirts for the MCL at a reduced price with the embroidered logo thrown in at no cost. Sporting Stars Proud Commitment to the CC MCL Detachment (directly from their website) As part of our commitment to support the military, we have chosen to work closely with the Chester County Marine Corps League Detachment #286 based in Downingtown, PA. For several years, Sporting the Stars has helped the #286 with their annual golf outing, volunteering time and donating prizes. The event is one of their biggest fundraisers and the money raised is put to very good use in our area. We will continue to support the golf outing in an effort to maximize its profits. We want to do more, so we will be offering select sports autographed memorabilia items, with Marine inscriptions, making the items special to the Marine Corps, with 100% of the profits going to the #286 Marines. Furthermore, we have chosen the #286 Marines as a featured charity on our new website, SportingtheStars.com. If the buyer selects the Marines charity we will donate 5% of any internet sale to Detachment #286. This outstanding group of fine Marines lives up to their reputation of being the few and the proud. They have served our great country and now continue to serve our community by supporting families of individuals who have worked with veterans and their families for many years.
It s Chicken BBQ Time Again. Born in Lancaster BBQ d in our Detachment s backyard MCL Chicken BBQ Dinners Marine Corps League, Chester County Detachment Name: Phone #: Saturday October 11, 2013 Pick up: Noon 5:00PM Meals @ $11.00 = $ Total [Check or Credit/Debit Voucher enclosed] Complete Chicken BBQ Meal for only $10.00 Eat in or Take Out
Mark your calendars Nov 8, 2014 Marine Corps Ball Inviations will be mailed on Sept 11, 2014 You can mail it in or go to our website and make your reservations Please detach and return by October 19, 2014 R.S.V.P. NAME Please reserve seats in my name ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP PHONE EMAIL Please check appropriate blocks Enclosed is $55 per person Will not be able to attend Enclosed is a donation to the Chester Cty MCL The Chester County Detachment Marine Corps League Requests the honor of your presence at the 239 th Birthday Ball of the United States Marine Corps to be held on Saturday November 8 th 2014 at 5:00pm at the Whitford Country Club 600 Whitford Hills Road Exton, Pennsylvania, 19341 610-269-2150 Your family and friends are welcome to join in this gala celebration of our 239 th Birthday Must R.S.V.P. Ceremony and dinner will be begin at 5:30pm Before Menu will be a Surf and Turf Entrée with 6 oz. Filet Mignon October 19, 2014 and Lobster Tail stuffed with Crab Meat The Chester County Detachment of the Marine Corps League takes great pleasure in inviting you to our Marine Corps Ball at 5pm Saturday November 8, 2014 at the Whitford Country Club. The club is located at 600 Whitford Hills Road, Exton, Pa 19341. Telephone 610-610-2150. We Marines will continue the tradition by hosting a local remembrance and celebration. The festivities will begin at 5:00pm with a cash bar followed by a traditional ceremony, dinner and our honored guest speaker, Gold Star Parent Mrs. Jill Hardy. Mr. and Mrs. Warren Hardy parents of Marine Corporal Brandon Hardy who was killed in action in Al Anbar Province Iraq in 2006 will be our honored guests. http://www.chestercountymcl.org/ Afterwards dance music will be provided by the fabulous Bulldogs, a combo who play requests for your dancing pleasure after dinner. Let us know who you want to be seated with and we will attempt to accommodate you.
National Merit Unit Commendation Award Many MCL Members now eligible for Commendation Award (see qualifications below) At the National Marine Corps League Convention July 2013, all Pennsylvania Detachment members in good standing (dues paid) for the fiscal year 2012-2013 were awarded the "National Meritorious Unit of Commendation Award" and are authorized to wear that ribbon. CC MCL Life Membership effective July 27, 2014 Ashdale, Thomas G. Dulin Jr., Joseph E. Lauser Jr., James, C Samples, Larry L. Barger, James M. Dymek, Edward J. LeClair, Fred Scarfo, Roy Brown, Dennis Engman Jr., Ulrick F. Logan, Thomas M. Scherl, Mario Bullock III, Daniel W. Fisher, Joseph T. Lowrey, Wesley Schweitzer, Kenneth Burke, Leo J. Flanigan, Rogers, C. McCarthy, James F. Sheldon, Raymond Beyer, Lee Forsythe, Douglas R. McIlhenney, James D. Shields, William F. Bradford Sr., James Gerard, Eugene Messinger, David B. Simcox Jr., Walter W. Ceshan Jr. John J. Goncharoff, Jamie, W. Meyer, Donald W. Spano, Robert Condron, Daniel J. Goodwin, Donald Miller, James J. Spina, Rudolph Jr. Copeland, James Grigson, D Roger Morrow, Richard J. Stellfox, William E. Croll, Kay Harper, Albert B. Mundy, David J. Stone, Robert G. Corcoran, Willi J. Hinckley, John E. Murray, Philip Supplee, Peter R. Curtis, Allen Irons, Jr., Ernest E O Brien, John F. Tanner, Tom R. Cummings, Thomas M. Jacobsen, Leif Patton, Jay F. Van Gorder, Elmer S. Assoc D'Ambrosio, Joseph A Jefferis. Steven G. Peterson, Mark A. Van Gorder, Katherine A. Detering, Hank Kane II, John K. Pinter, Julius Wahn, Mark DiSciullo, Dominic Kay, Joseph Pitt, Jr. Thomas A. Wertz, Albert R. Donovan, Robert F. Keers, William G. Powell, Patrick B. Wertz, Charles Dormer, Robert L. Kutz, Walter Ribble, Jack Woodward, William E. Yocum, James Request for Viet Nam Era Boot Camp Graduation Books Jim McIlhenney is asking you to bring in your boot camp graduation book for a special project involving the location of those that served in Viet Nam. Jim will copy the pictures and return it. Jim s email is Recover1@comcast.net phone: 484-459-0850 8/20/2014 Page 13
Day Date Time Event Location Thursday September 11, 2014 2pm Bingo Party CLC Saturday September 13, 2014 11am MCL Annual Picnic 57 Great Hall Tuesday September 23, 2014 9am-12p Popcorn & Pretzel Sales Bldg 9, Hallway Thursday October 9, 2014 2pm Bingo Party CLC Tuesday October 28, 2014 9am-12p Popcorn & Pretzel Sales Bldg 9, Hallway Thursday November 13, 2014 2pm Bingo Party CLC Tuesday November 25, 2014 9am-12p Popcorn & Pretzel Sales Bldg 9, Hallway Thursday December 11, 2014 2pm Bingo Party CLC We are looking for help with our Annual V.A. Picnic, at the Coatesville, V.A. Hospital. I need 4 Vehicles, to help pick up the Food and Drink Order from the Wegmans Store on Lancaster Ave, Downingtown, at 9:00 a.m. Also as many as possible to help with the actual Picnic, at 10:00 a.m. We can never have too many. The patients always look forward to these Events, especially the camaraderie. Please mark your Calendars, and let me know if you can attend. we usually finish by 2:00 p.m., but stay as long as you can any time is appreciated. Semper Fidelis, dcond@verizon.net (484) 631-6619c (610) 458-0797h A Request from Dan Condron Veterans at Coatesville VA hospital are counting on your help! They are in need of phone cards, gift cards, cosmetics, hair dryers, new women s clothing, writing paper, envelopes, and stamps. Bring these items to the regular meeting every month to VA Veterans Service Information Dan Condron 6104580797 VA Benefits booklet & Information http://www.vw.gov VA Benefits 800 827 1000 VA Health Benefits 877 222 8387 VA Education Benefits 888 442 4551 VA Life Insurance 800 669 8477 VA Debt Management 800 827 0648 Health Eligibility Center 1644 Tullie Circle Atlanta, GA 30329 2303 404 235 1257 or 800 929 8387 8/20/2014 CHAMPVA 800 733 8387 Gulf War / Agent Orange Help Line 800 749 8387 Headstones & Markers 800 697 6947 Mammography Hotline 888 492 7844 MCL Headquarters Indiantown Gap 717 861 9629 Military Medical records, DD214 http://vetrecs.archive.gov Parkinson s PADRECC 888 959 2323 Parkinson Support Group 610 431 1852 Telecommunication Device (Hearing Impaired/TTD) 800 829 4833 Page 14
Chester County Marine September 2014 Event Calendar August ~ September 2014 ~ October 7 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 Rifle Range Reed s Range Dennis Brown Bingo Special Nite 5:30pm Pat Vollmer 6 Rifle Range Competition Reed s Range Near Altoona, Pa Dennis Brown 8 9 10 MCL Staff MTG 7:30pm 11 VA Bingo 2pm Dan Condron Rifle Range Competition Reed s Range Near Altoona, Pa Dennis Brown 12 13 Annual VA Picnic Coatesville VA Dan Condron 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Bingo 5:30pm Pat Vollmer 21 22 General Membership Mtg 7:30pm Jim Copeland 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Notes: More Calendars: October, November, December Entemann s Outlet Store 690 East Lincoln Highway Exton, PA 19341 8/20/2014 Page 15
Chester County Marine October 2014 Event Calendar September ~ October 2014 ~ November Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 Bingo 5:30pm Pat Vollmer 5 6 7 8 MCL Staff MTG 7:30pm 9 VA Bingo 2pm Dan Condron 10 11 Chicken BBQ Doug Forsythe 12p-5pm $11 Dinner 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Bingo 5:30pm Pat Vollmer 19 20 General Membership Mtg 7:30pm Jim Copeland 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Notes: 8/20/2014 1056 E. Lancaster Ave Downingtown 610 518 7890 Bakery Business hours 24/7 Catering Department Delicatessen Grocery Store Market Pharmacy Pizza Shop Restaurant Support for the MCL Page 16