The Chester County Marine Chester County Detachment #286 P.O. Box 828 Downingtown, Pa 19335 Commandant Jim Copeland (as of Jan 1, 2014) Volume X, Issue 2 February 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 610-565-1389 Fred LeClair 610-518-3444 Tom Tanner 610 933 0957 Jim McIlhenney 484-459-0850 Lee C. Beyer 610-696-9238 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 Dan Condron 610-458-0797 Ways & Means Jim McIlhenney 484-459-0850 District 1 Vice Commandant Dan Condron 610-458-0797 Next Regular Meeting Date: Monday February 24, 2014 @1930 Marines, Gene Gerard, editor 610-256-6267 Mobile CCMarines@Verizon.net I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday season with family and friends and may we all have a happy and healthy New Year! The first thing I want to do is to thank our outgoing Commandant Fred LeClair. Fred in the last two years got our detachment national attention with his successful effort to get a grave marker for our first Commandant Samuel Nicolas. With his direction we has instituted many fund raising events that have made it possible for this detachment to accomplish one of our primary missions, HELP VETERANS AND ACTIVE DUTY MARINES. We want to build on these accomplishments and with your help we will. I understand that many members are unable to help with some of our activities because of work or health reasons, but if you can assist at a fund raiser, casket watch, Color Guard, highway clean-up, Toys-for-Tots or any of our other programs it helps us accomplish our mission. Let s work for the good of the Corps, our veterans, our community and our detachment. Happy New Year! Semper Fi. Jim Copeland Marines Continued on next page
SPECIAL COMMITTEES Americanism Dan Condron 610-458-0797 Budget Finance Gene Gerard 610-256-6267 Building Maintenance Leo Burke 610-913-6212 Bylaws Tom Tanner 610-933-0957 Chicken BBQ Gene Gerard 610-256-6267 Color Guard Doug Forsythe 610-827-9281 Detachment Donations Jim McIlhenney 484-459-0850 Eagle Scouts Fred Leclair 610-518-3444 Fund Raising Larry Samples 484-433-0086 Golf Outing Bob Campagna 610-363-7174 Highway Cleanup Dennis Brown 610-692-4782 Locker Box Doug Forsythe 610-656-1389 Marine Corps Ball Fred LeClair 610-518-3444 Marine Of The Year Leo Burke 610-913-6212 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 610-269-7498 Gene Gerard 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 Ames610-269-1128 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. Winter Uniform Winter uniform went into effect October 16, 2013 as follows: Red Cover Long Sleeve White Shirt Black Trousers Black Shoes & Socks Red Satin Jacket and black tie when appropriate. Page 2
District One Dept. update, January 2014 New Presumptive diagnoses associated with T.B.I., for V.A. Disability claims. A Doctor s note is all that is needed as proof. See a Service Officer for further info. Persian Gulf Program: $ 75.00 per Month, approved for all Boots on the ground time, for up-to 48 mos. Check with your County Veterans Affairs Officer, for exact Dates. There are Beautiful Hard covered Books available for Korean War Veterans, who had boots on the ground, from The Dept. of Pa. MCL. ( limited amount ) They have lots of Photos & Stories. Hurry before they run out. INSURANCE: Please inform your new members: NO MEANS NO... YES MEANS YES...NOT NOW, OR MAYBE MEANS YES! League Members Family does not have to do ANYTHING to receive the Insurance payout, after the member dies. The only thing (INSURANCE cont d) necessary is for the Detachment, or Family to report the deceased s Name & Detachment, along with the Date of Death, to the Department Chaplain. The Estate will be taxed, however, IF no Beneficiary has been named, by the League Member, to the American Income Life, Insurance Rep. You do not have to have a face to face with a Rep., it can be done by filling out the Yellow Card that comes in the mail. NO phone numbers are given out by the Dept. If persistent calls keep coming in, just call the League or Co., and report them. You might remind the Family, at the Viewing, that they are entitled to this Benefit, as a courtesy. Scholarships: There is a re-vised Scholarship form that can be downloaded from the Dept. Web Site, www.pamcleague.org just click on : Dept. Programs Scholarship, and Download the Form. Every Detail MUST be completed per the Instructions, by the Student, the Sponsor, and the Commandant. Applications that have any mistakes will not be considered. There are no exceptions. State Scholarships are separate from National Scholarships make sure to apply for BOTH. Apply each year, with completed Application, for 4 yrs. Sponsor should review Application, before sending it in Allow for EXTRA time, if the Student is out of State After a member dies, Eligibility is only good for the following year. Re-enrollers: A fee of $20.00 is required, for re-enrollees to your detachment, no matter how far back they are delinquent. This is in addition to the current year s Dues. If the Member wishes to keep their Time intact, then they must pay ALL delinquent dues. Suggestions from the Dept. Staff Mtg. Non- Taxable Organizations no longer have to dump money in order to comply with Tax Codes for certain levels of Profit. This means that it could become more difficult to acquire donations from them. They now can put money into their Home Associations. Ask for donations early.. Fundraising efforts that have proven successful; Highway Rest stop, Hot Dog sales or serve coffee, hand out Flags. Pictures needed; Submit Detachment Pictures to, Dept. Web Master, Eric Fussenegger, at 1.shortfuse@verizon.net for inclusion into next year s calendars. 1/27/2014 3 Cont d on next page
Continued from previous page Detachment Programs, that might be considered: Member of the Year, for Associate member. Recognize local; Policeman-Fireman-Community, Person of the year. Our Spring Dept. meeting will be held at our Headquarters Building, at Indian Town Gap, on March 21-22, 2014.. Sleeping Arrangements are available at the Days Inn, Lickdale. Located at 3 Everest Lane, Jonestown/Lebanon, PA Phone: 717-865-4064 Room Rates: $55.00 double / $60.00 king The deadline for reduced rate is March 1, 2014 Why not come out and join us, the Hospitality Room Is always open, and filled with good Snacks, DRINKS, and great Scuttlebutt. Thank you for taking the time to read these notes from the Winter Meeting. Please send me ANY news,events, or things you would like me to update the Dept. on. Dan Condron, Dist. One Vice Commandant, Dept./Pa. dcond@verizon.net (484)631-6619 Cell Phone Semper Fidelis 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. 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 1/27/2014 4
EVENT REPORT DATE: Jan 3, 2014 EVENT: Coffin Watch and Funeral Services for Adam Szafas, Jr. LOCATION: D Anjolell Memorial Home, Fraser, Pa PERSON IN CHARGE: Jim Copeland MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Jim Copeland, Doug Forsythe & Gene Gerard SUMMARY Marine Adam Szafas, Jr. passed on Dec 24, 2014 after a long illness. His wife Kathy contacted the CC MCL Color Guard OIC Doug Forsythe. Copeland, Forsythe & Gerard provided coffin watch duty and took part in the closing services at the funeral home after Father Donnelly from St. Joseph s in Kenneth Square provided services and a homily. Copeland and team performed the Globe and Anchor ceremony, saluted and solemnly departed. DATE COMPLETED: Jan 6, 2014 by Gene Gerard DATE: Jan 8, 2014 EVENT: Funeral for Anne Marie Spina LOCATION: Alleva Funeral Home, Paoli, Pa PERSON IN CHARGE: Al Harper MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Rudy Spina, Deb Mundy, Al & Lillian Harper, Dennis & Joann Brown, Dan Condron, Leo Burke, Jim Copeland and Ed Dymek SUMMARY Anne Marie Spina, the daughter of CC MCL Life Member and WWII Veteran Rudy Spina, lost her long and heroic battle with multiple sclerosis. Family and friends gathered to honor her life. DATE COMPLETED: Jan 20, 2014 by Jim Copeland DATE: Jan 18, 2014 EVENT: Bingo LOCATION: MCL Home PERSON IN CHARGE: Pat Vollmer MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: L. Burke, J. Copeland, Ed Dymek, Dave & Debbie Mundy, Dennis and Joanne Brown, Mario & Della Scherl, P. Powell and Pl Vollmer SUMMARY 24 players. DATE COMPLETED: Jan 20, 2014 by Jim Copeland Jeff D Ambrosio Dodge Chrysler Jeep 1221 E. Lancaster Ave Downingtown 610 269 9500 Lanc Frazer 610 644 0545 1/27/2014 Page 5
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 Honor Flight 2014 (Date:TBA) If you haven t yet been on an Honor Flight and are a WWII veteran, please call Gene Gerard 610-269-7498 or email: ccmarines@verizon.net and leave a message. 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. 1/26/2014 6
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. National Merit Unit Commendation Award CC MCL Life Membership effective 12/15/2013 Ashdale, Thomas G. Donovan, Robert F. Kay, Joseph Pinter, Julius Barger, James M. Dormer, Robert L. Keers, William G. Powell, Patrick B. Barton, Charles R. Dulin Jr., Joseph E. Kutz, Walter Ribble, Jack Beilman, Donald S. Dymek, Edward J. Lauser Jr., James, C Scarfo, Roy Brown, Dennis Engman Jr., Ulrick F. LeClair, Fred Scherl, Mario Bullock III, Daniel W. Fisher, Joseph T. Logan, Thomas M. Sheldon, Raymond Burke, Leo J. Flanigan, Rogers, C. Lowrey, Wesley Shields, William F. Byer, Lee Forsythe, Douglas R. McCarthy, James F. Spina, Rudolph Jr. Bradford Sr., James Gerard, Eugene McIlhenney, James D. Stone, Robert G. Ceshan Jr. John J. Goncharoff, Jamie, W. Messinger, David B. Supplee, Peter R. Condron, Daniel J. Goodwin, Donald Meyer, Donald W. Tanner, Tom R. Copeland, James Grigson, D Roger Miller, James J. Van Gorder, Elmer S. Assoc Croll, Kay Harper, Albert B. Morrow, Richard J. Van Gorder, Katherine A. Corcoran, Willi J. Hinckley, John E. Mundy, David J. Wahn, Mark Curtis, Allen Irons, Jr., Ernest E Murray, Philip Wertz, Albert R. Cummings, Thomas M. Jacobsen, Leif O Brien, John F. Wertz, Charles D'Ambrosio, Joseph A Jefferis. Steven G. Patton, Jay F. Woodward, William E. Detering, Hank Kane II, John K. Peterson, Mark A. 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 1/26/2014 Page 7
CCD MCL 2014 VAVS Events at Coatesville VA Hospital Day Date Time Event Location Thursday January 9, 2014 2:00 PM Bingo Party CLC Tuesday January 28, 2014 9am-12p Popcorn & Pretzel Sales Bldg 9, Hallway Wednesday February 12, 2014 6:30 PM Valentine s Day Super Bingo Great Hall Thursday February 13, 2014 2pm Bingo Party CLC Tuesday February 25, 2014 9am-12p Popcorn & Pretzel Sales Bldg 9, Hallway Tuesday March 4, 2014 1:00 PM Annual Winter Carnival Great Hall Wednesday March 12, 2014 6:30pm St. Patrick s Day Super Bingo Great Hall Thursday March 13, 2014 2pm Bingo Party CLC Tuesday March 25, 2014 9am-12p Popcorn & Pretzel Sales Bldg 9, Hallway Thursday April 10, 2014 2pm Bingo Party CLC Tuesday April 22, 2014 9am-12p Popcorn & Pretzel Sales Bldg 9, Hallway Thursday May 8, 2014 2pm Bingo Party CLC Tuesday May 27, 2014 9am-12p Popcorn & Pretzel Sales Bldg 9, Hallway Thursday June 12, 2014 2pm Bingo Party CLC Tuesday June 24, 2014 9am-12p Popcorn & Pretzel Sales Bldg 9, Hallway Thursday July 10, 2014 2pm Bingo Party CLC Tuesday July 22, 2014 9am-12p Popcorn & Pretzel Sales Bldg 9, Hallway Thursday August 14, 2014 2pm Bingo Party CLC Tuesday August 26, 2014 9am-12p Popcorn & Pretzel Sales Bldg 9, Hallway 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 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 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 1/26/2014 Page 8
Chester County Marine February 2014 Event Calendar January ~ February 2014 ~ March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Bingo 5:30pm Pat Vollmer 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 MCL Staff MTG 7:30pm VA Coatesville 6:30pm Valentine s Super Bingo 13 14 Coatesville VA National Mid- Winter Conf Bingo 2pm Falls Church, VA Shut In s Nat l Conf 15 Bingo 5:30pm Pat Vollmer National Mid- Winter Conf Falls Church, VA 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Marksmanship Meeting 2pm Pistols Dennis Brown 610-692-4782 24 General Membership Mtg 7:30pm Jim Copeland 610-883-0283 25 VA Popcorn Sales 9am-12pm Coatesville 26 27 28 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 1/26/2014 9
Chester County Marine March 2014 Event Calendar February ~ March 2014 ~ April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Bingo 5:30pm Pat Vollmer 2 3 4 VA Coatesville Annual Winter Carnival 1pm Dan Condron 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 MCL Staff MTG 7:30pm St. Patrick s Day Super Bingo VA Coatesville 13 14 15 Bingo 5:30pm Pat Vollmer 16 17 18 19 20 Frist Day of Spring 21 22 23 Marksmanship Meeting 2pm Pistols Dennis Brown 610-692-4782 24 General Membership Mtg 7:30pm Jim Copeland 610-883-0283 25 VA Popcorn Sales 9am-12pm Coatesville 26 27 28 29 30 31 Notes: Entemann s Outlet Store 690 East Lincoln Highway Exton, PA 19341 1/26/2014 10