MINUTES OF FALL STAFF CONFERENCE March 25, 2017

MINUTES OF FALL STAFF CONFERENCE March 25, 2017 OPENED WITH PROPER CEREMONIES @ 0800 Welcome by Commandant Connell, Thunder Mountain Commandant Shaw, Mayor Mueller, Department Sgt-at-Arms and Chaplain. INTRODUCTION OF DIGNITARIES (Sgt-at-Arms) National Vice Commandant SW Division Hoery; Assistant SW Division Vice Commandant Ebright, PNC MacIntyre; PDC and Pack Leader Reese; PDC NH Mike Roy; SWD Adj Reese. Veteran s Hall of Fame Members recognized. ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS: On file with the Adjutant. SUMMARY OF MINUTES OF FALL STAFF CONFERENCE: Motion made by Marine Roy to accept summary of the minutes, seconded by Marine Carper and approved unanimously. CORRESPONDENCE: None Motion made by Marine Roy to dedicate conference to past Sgt-at-Arms Outman who passed away recently, seconded by Marine Brown and approved unanimously. USMC s LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (Gunnery Sgt. Abril): Up to five students are selected to attend camp at Quantico in July. Camp is paid for, but funds are needed for travel, which costs approximately $1,000 per student. The students go through physical and ethical challenges as part of the camp. The Department provided support for four students to attend last year. Marines in the area of Luke AFB are needed to help with the Leadership Academy and work with Marines on the base. Motion made by Marine Reese to donate $2,000 to support two student s travel expenses, seconded by Marine Lott and passed unanimously. REPORT OF PAYMASTER (AM Bellard): First is my financial report for the Department of Arizona. Copy on file with the Adjutant. Next is the Bank of America Account for the Concert Series and the money which was donated to the Department of Arizona. Since the last two concerts have been rescheduled several times, we are still waiting for a final report on the results of these concerts. Last year, changes were approved at the National Convention regarding the due date for annual membership dues, and we are entering the last phase of the transition to the one renewal date for all members (which is 8/31/2017). During the period from March 1, 2017 thru August 31, 2017 the Renewal Rate on the Transmittal is $10.00 per member and the New Member Rate on the Transmittal is $15.00 per new member. It is easy to understand these changes and complete the transmittal if you are using the revised and updated transmittal from the National Website that show the new rates. To assist you with these new rates and the updated transmittal, I have made copies available to each Detachment through Bill Sahno s PR Web Messages and the Commandants Council yesterday. I also have a stack of the new transmittal forms on the back table. Once again, it is time to start thinking about our delegates to both the Department Convention and to the National Convention. I will be mailing out reminders and forms to each Detachment to keep you up to date on how to make sure that your Detachment is properly represented and you have the ability to participate in the election of your Department and National Officers. March 25, 2017 Page 1 of 11 Thunder Mountain

And in closing, if there are any detachment paymasters who would like some training at the Department Convention in June, let me know so we can arrange to have a meeting room and what do you need help with so we can be sure to answer all of your questions. Remember, that I am here to assist you and if you have any questions, please let me know. Motion by Marine Brown, seconded by Marine Reese to accept the Paymaster s Report, subject to audit; approved unanimously. NATIONAL VICE COMMANDANT SW DIVISION Richard Hoery: 2018 National Convention will be in Buffalo, NY. The National Sr. Vice Cmndt. is requesting Detachments provide the following information by early April: o How many funeral honors were performed in 2016 to date? A. How many have certified with the State Veteran s Commissions as MCL units? B. How many work with other certified VSO s for funeral arrangements? o How many Detachments were certified with the Toys for Tots Foundation in 2016? o How many worked with Reserve Units on Toys for Tots? o How many Detachments attend coordination councils with reserve units monthly/quarterly? The League currently has 67,274 members; 13,032 are delinquent. Reminder: Detachment Commandants are required to submit quarterly recruiting reports through the chain of command Department to Division. New recruiting goal from National SVC - target is 50/50-50% over 50 and 50% under 50. Department of MD has a Paymaster guidebook that is on the website. Has very good information. National JA is working on a major revision to Natl Bylaws and Administrative Procedures. The current documents are not in compliance with IRS regulations. Bylaws and AP s should be separate documents. Bylaws can be changed by membership; AP s can only be modified by Board of Trustees. He suggests that if we plan on hosting the 2019 National Convention we contact Gregory Hunt for information. If any Detachments/Department have a MCL banner we could use at Expo, please bring to the Expos. Regarding the 2019 National Convention, Cmndt Connell has been informed that National is interested in bringing the convention back west. If not 2019, it won t be until 2023. They haven t found anyone in Washington or Denver that is interested. Idaho may have some interest. He has asked Marine Ebright to start writing a proposal. National Conventions are often the only vacation National officers have. Marine Ebright checked with Wild Horse Pass Casino and a Sheraton in that area. Room cost would be$104. What is the interest level for the idea? Discussion: Marine Reese expressed support for the idea, as did Marine Miller. Were other hotels considered? Yes. Not as good amenities or costs. Cost of meals at the casino is currently prohibitive. Can we check with previous businesses that have used the casino for conventions? Yes. Can check sites such as Trip Advisor. Motion made by Marine Brown to pursue hosting the 2019 convention, seconded by Marine Alger, Jr. and approved unanimously. The Commandant will select Marines to look at possible sites in their respective areas and report back before May 30th. REPORT OF ELECTED OFFICERS COMMANDANT CONNELL: Wow, it has been awhile since we all met together and I am sure that everyone in each Detachment was kept quite busy with the Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. We have embarked on a new year now and we will continue to plod forward fulfilling March 25, 2017 Page 2 of 11 Thunder Mountain

our mission and responsibilities to our League, our Corps and our fellow brother and sister Veterans. We had a remarkable last year with every Detachment in the state exceeding their expectations of what they could do to make their Detachments better. I feel that we are all on an even keel, functioning like we should with nothing popping up that would derail our commitments to each other and to our Veterans. Our Judge Advocate has been remarkably unemployed which is a great thing for this Department as it reinforces our belief that we are always faithful to each other and our mission. I am extremely proud of this Department and all the Detachments throughout the state that I have had a chance to visit since this past October. I travelled to Prescott and was with the Lake Havasu Detachment as they distributed Christmas gifts to all the Veterans in the domiciliary there. What great conversations we had with some of those older Veterans. I installed new Officers in the East Valley Detachment in January and saw firsthand the remarkable job they are doing over there in their community and the support they receive from outside the Detachment in all their endeavors. I again went back to Prescott, not on business but as part of a social gathering of Marines. We were joined by Detachment members from all over the state and had a great time for 2 days. A bit cold and snowy but the comradery was unmatched. Kudos to Marine Wallace for putting together a great time for us. Again in January, I had the honor to be here in Sierra Vista to install Commandant Shaw and his Officers. What a remarkable job he and his staff are doing. They have come a long way since I was part of the chartering ceremony way back when. They have a lone Devil Dog here and Marine Reese is going to have to get them to start a Pound. A new Pound was also chartered in Surprise and Marine Reese did a great job with that. Congrats to Surprise. The end of January and first week of February saw several of us attending the Marine Expo West at Camp Pendleton and the Division Meeting topped off with a graduation ceremony at MCRDSD. The MCL contingent was fortunate enough to sit in the reviewing stand with the Commanding General of MCRD and the Parade Reviewing Officer Sgt Maj (ret) Overstreet. Also in February, I was invited to Lake Havasu City to install their new Officers and was warmly received and treated well by the Officers and men of that Detachment. They have a very vibrant Detachment there and tremendous support from the local Officials as well. The Fire Chief is a member of the Detachment and a Councilwoman is an Associate Member. Great to have connections with the movers and shakers! Finally we had the Sacaton Parade in commemoration of the Flag Raising on Iwo Jima. The parade was very well attended by several Detachments from this Department and as far away as New Mexico, Oklahoma and Montana. Just before this conference, I will also install the new Officers in Casa Grande. On a sadder note, the Department has lost some great members since we last met but we will always remember them in our thoughts and prayers and keep their memories alive as we continue to go about our business in our communities. Please keep up the great work that you all do for this Department would not exist without each and every one of you out there stepping up and making a difference. SR. VICE RODRIGUEZ: Good morning Marines! I initially did not have anything to report as most of the Detachments are getting their monthly reports to me so for that I thank you. What I would discuss briefly is the most current membership of the League Department-wide. By a show of hands: How many members served from 1950-1960; 1960-1970; 1980-1990; since 1990? As you can see, the numbers really start to drop after 1970. This, I hope, concerns all of us as to March 25, 2017 Page 3 of 11 Thunder Mountain

where the Department will be ten years from now. I intend to stay involved as long as possible and as I am committed to this organization. JR. VICE BROWN: MEMBERSHIP -J.V.C. of a Detachment holds a very crucial role in each detachment and every Department. He / She is responsible primarily for the recruiting and retention of members. The job goes beyond the Detachment level in that the JVC has the opportunity to find the appropriate Detachment for Marines outside of his/her Detachment area, and/or identifying areas where new detachments should be developed. The JVC should be familiar with the operations and projects of the Detachment, be-able to influence programs, and be a spokesman to the Board of Trustees on what members and prospective members are looking for from the organization. Of all the specific Officer assignments, recruiting, and retaining membership ranks as the top of the list for his office. SUMMARY: The JVC develops and maintains records on membership and participation. He / She is also responsible for reporting on membership status and issues to the Board of Trustees and the General membership. Accountable for developing budget projections and goals for membership, and programs reaching those goals. The JVC is also accountable to communicate on ideas and suggestions relating to membership. What is your Why? Why did you join the League? Why do you serve? Why do you stay? Our nation is home to about 2.3 million Marine veterans, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, but the approximately 70,000 plus members of the Marine Corps League represent just 3% of that total. Again, Why? Why isn t that percentage higher? It s a good question, and the answer to it maybe as elusive as the answer to; why? Why do men and women who join the Marine Corps retain such a high level of esprit de corps? In fact, the why could be the key to successful recruitment and retention in the Marine Corps League. There are many reasons as to why we join the Marine Corps in the first place. And why we come to the Marine Corps League. Marines are instilled with the Core of Values, they need a mission, they want a drive, they want to keep the spirit inside them burning like a flame, and they want to keep their legacy going, the real thing that can be handed down to their future families and Marines We all have our own legacy and we all want it to be special. This is my drive, now reach inside of yourself and find your drive. Semper Fi. SHORT BRIEFS: 1. Attended White Tank Mountain Detachment 1246, first ever Marine Corps Ball on 11-12-2016. It was a real honor for me being this year s Guest of Honor. Thanks to all the Detachment members present for the special recognition. 2. 01-03-2017: Attended the Detachment -1439 in Fountain Hills monthly meeting. I was very inspired with the warmth I had received and the enthusiasm generated from the Detachment. I wish them well as they grow with the leadership they have in Commandant Phil and Debbie Yin they are going to be going a long way in this Department. 3. I am writing a resolution to amend the by-laws at National and MODD to change our Cover to recognize all dual Life Members on the covers. It will go to National Convention 2017 if approved by the uniform committee, wish me will, it professionalizes the cover. 4. Congratulations on the new Surprise Devil Dogs Pound 375 in Surprise AZ. They got chartered on November 4, 2016 had their first Growl in December and their fiscal year will commence January 2017 thru December 2017. White Tank Mountain Detachment 1246, shows another sign of growing into a very strong and exciting Detachment with this new addition of the Pound. March 25, 2017 Page 4 of 11 Thunder Mountain

5. I have had some health issues since the last quarter, and appear to be in much better shape. I am hoping to stay on the executive board for the coming year and either in my present position or moving up. Solely depends on my fellow officers if they wish to stay and do a second year, I will as well. Thank you and hoping to continue to serve you another year. I also would like to see more Junior Vice Commandants of the Detachments attend the conferences so we may best put out thoughts together for what we can accomplish to help in our Department and Detachment s retention of membership and goals. REPORT OF APPOINTED OFFICERS VAVS (Marine Crawford): As of Mar 23, 2017, Prescott has reported 0 hours through the end of Feb. Phoenix has reported 2,757 hours through the end of Jan. Tucson has reported 313 hours for Jan and Feb. for a total of 3,070 hours for the Department of Arizona. We are all working through the problems associated with the new VA upgraded computer system. This is causing delays in VAVS hours and Annual Joint Review reporting. Each Detachment needs to continue reporting their occasional hours their respective VAVS Representative. The VA computer should be fully updated within the next few months. As usual the Marines will improvise adapt and overcome. Good work Marines, FMF Corpsmen and Associates. Our numbers are forwarded to the National Rep who determines what awards each State and Detachment might be eligible for. Let us keep up the good work that we do and remember that we exist as an organization to further the ideals of the Corps that we help our fellow Marines and all veterans. Have a great conference! MARINES HELPING MARINES/AZ MARINES ASSISTING MARINES (Marine Dellacort): Our fiscal year started on July 1, 2016. We have income for Marines Helping Marines of $2435. This comes from Copper State $85, and Sedona donating $2350. Arizona Marines Assisting Marines has had donations of $3300. San Francisco Peaks $1,000, Sedona $2250 and Fountain Hills $50. Donations for both programs total $5735. We have helped 12 Marines or other Veterans that we have helped for a number of reasons, Rent, Aps, auto and flood damage. We have donated a total of $9602.78. The average donation is $800. We started the year with $20,452.94 and now have a balance of $14,120.16. Requests for help have been unusually light. I hope this is because Veterans do not need help. Instructions and the vetting form are on the Department Website. When you get a request for help, please go to the website. We need the vetting form completed before we can render aid. We just had a request that was bogus. The vetting form helped to prevent payment that was not needed. HOMELESS VETERANS (Marine Roy): STANDDOWN TOTAL = 2109 1855 (88%) Men 254 (12%) Women BREAKDOWN: Army = 53% USMC = 15% Navy = 18% Air Force = 11% Coast Guard = 1% March 25, 2017 Page 5 of 11 Thunder Mountain

National Guard =1% N/A = 1% AGES: 18-30 = 4% 31-40= 13% 41-50 = 16% 51-60 = 33% 61-70= 27% 71-80 = 5% COURTS: Total = 1,204 MOTOR VEHICLE: 750 Seen Written Test = 12 Driving Test = 16 SOCIAL SECURITY: Total 309 SSN Card Application = 138 New Claims = 38 Misc. Status = 133 FOOD SERVICES: Total meals served from Thursday AM to Saturday Noon = 5,250 VA BENEFITS: Served 436 230 New Claims 141 Homeless Claims 100+ New Registered Veterans into System. HOUSING: Total = 296 Seen 84 Veterans placed into some form of Housing VISION: Total = 622 Put in Readers = 428 Prescription Exam = 194 WOMEN VETERANS: Total = 169 Children left in Child Care = 17 325 Women Vets & Family, received clothing, toys, child care, hygiene etc. VETERNIARIAN: Total = 589 Pets Breakdown; Dogs = 476 Cats = 113 Ferret = 1 Guinea Pig = 1 Boarded = 165 Groomed = 55 HYGIENE: Total = 1,640Kits ULTRASOUND: Total = 67 2 sent to Hospital 4 to Urgent Care HAIRCUTS: Total = 462 ACUPUNCTURE: Total = 382 SLEEPOVER: TOTAL = 131 Men = 106 Women = 23 Children = 2 He still needs coordinators for each Detachment. Guidelines he uses have been considered favorably by National. We need to support our homeless veterans. It s not a glory job, but it is so very important. It impacts the entire family. YOUNG MARINES (Marine Alger, Jr.): The Young Marines of the Grand Canyon Regiment are doing extremely well. Remember that you should visit your local Young Marine Unit to see firsthand what these dedicated Young Marines and Registered Adults are doing and support them in their efforts. The Young Marines love to see you and hear your stories. These Young Marines are the future of our country and we need to recognize the efforts of your Young Marines who are making a real difference in their local communities and in the State of Arizona. Your Young Marines are working hard and have not only logged over 9,020.25 hours of community service since the Fall Staff meeting but they are also earning local, state, division, and National awards. Your Young Marines and Registered Adults have also spent over 1,670.75 hours developing their DDR presentations and have made over 50 public DDR presentations since the Fall Staff Meeting. Along with the following events they assisted over 17 Veterans with various activities and March 25, 2017 Page 6 of 11 Thunder Mountain

projects and participated in over 40 color Guards during this time frame. One Unit was awarded the DOD Fulcrum Shield Award at the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon, Six Units were awarded DDR streamers from YM National HQ s, three units were awarded the National Organized Unit Trip award, one unit earned the distinguished Unit Citation, one unit earned the Marine Corps League Commendation and two units and the East Valley Young Marines earned the Patriot BN, Grand Canyon Regiment, and the YM Division Six Unit of the Year and will be competing for the National Unit of the Year in May at the National Registered Adult Conference in Las Vegas NV. Two units traveled to Honolulu Hawaii to participate in the 75 Pearl Harbor Parade and Ceremonies. One Unit traveled to Maryland to participate in the Young Marine Division Two Frozen Chosen Encampment. They also received local awards and recognition by participating in many events a crossed the State (see below). In October units a crossed the Stata participated in various Red Ribbon Week activities and assisted various organizations with their Halloween events and color guards. They received 12 Red Ribbon Week Proclamations from cities from a crossed the State and from the Governor of AZ. In November units a crossed the State participated in various Veterans Day activities and assisted MCL Detachments with their Marine Corps Balls. They also assisted several local organizations with Thanksgiving events and helps. In December units a crossed the State participated in various Toys for Tots events and color guards with MCL Detachments. VFW and American Legion Posts. One unit assisted their MCL Detachment with the Marine Rose Program. They also participated in Pearl Harbor Day events both in AZ and in Hawaii. They also participated in various Christmas events. One unit was called on to do the Color Guard for the ASU College of Health Services 2016 Fall Convocation. One unit Marched in the Fiesta Bowl Parade. One unit assisted their local Police department and collected and delivers Christmas Baskets to needed families. In January units a crossed the State participated in Martin Luther King Day events and Color Guards. One unit assisted their MCL detachment with the Marine Rose Program. In February units across the State participated in Chapel of the Four Chaplains Ceremonies and assisted local Elks Lodges with events. One unit participated in the Buffalo Soldiers Festival. One unit participated in the Ira Hayes Parade in Sacaton, AZ. In March units across the State participated in St. Patrick s Day events with local MCL detachments, VFW, and American legion Posts and assisted with local Elks Lodge Charity Balls. As you can see YOUR Young Marines are very busy and are making a difference in our communities. Also besides the list of events above they have participated in they have also worked with many other organizations and veterans groups and I am sure that I have missed some events that they have done but this gives you an idea of how busy your Young Marines are making a difference in the community. Visit your local Young Marine Unit and support these youth as they are the future of our country. CHAPLAIN (Marine Alger, Jr.): We have all but two detachments (Southwest Valley, and Territorial) that have Chaplains assigned. Every detachment Commandant should be looking for a member to serve as chaplain. Detachment Chaplains that do not have a Chaplain assigned please let me know how I can assist in helping you find a member to serve in this position. Only two Detachments do not have a Chaplain now. Remember that I have sent all the Chaplains and Detachment Commandants a Dropbox link with all the material that I use for my turnover folder. I recommend that each detachment have a March 25, 2017 Page 7 of 11 Thunder Mountain

turnover folder made for their Chaplain as this will ensure that as Chaplains come and go each will have all the tools necessary to do their job effectively. The Death Notices are an issue that has gotten better but I am still receiving late notices and notices that are filled out incompletely. Please, make sure that all notices have all the required information and please add a note if the Marine was a DEVIL DOG. I would appreciate it if each notice would include a note like this: Molly Marine was a DD or Jody Jarhead was not a DD This will help me as I assist MODD (Military Order of the Devil Dogs) Pack (Department) Dog Trainer (Chaplain) with his job and take care of our members and their families as they should be. I have uploaded a digital Death Notice that can be filled out and saved and sent to me via E-mail (Thanks to Josie Delsi). This should help in getting the death notices to me in a timely manner. Remember that I will be scheduling Chaplain Training for the State Convention in June and I am always willing to travel to your Detachment to assist if needed. Just make sure that you give me so notice as I do have to schedule it into my calendar. Remember that I still work full time, I am still in school, and have a family that I need to spend time with, but I will make the time to help your detachment if you ask for the help. Cmndt. Connell stated there is no excuse not to get the death notices to Marine Alger, Jr. in a timely manner now that it is on the website. SCHOLARSHIP (Marine Smith): She has the applications and they are on the website. If you have any questions, contact her. Cmndt. Connell thanked Marine Smith for taking on the responsibility of chairing the committee. Each Detachment should have a committee in place to award a scholarship to a high school senior. The applications should then be forwarded to Marine Smith. From then, the Department Scholarship winner will be selected. Marine Corps Foundation also has a scholarship. The Department will forward the scholarship applications to them. Donations are still needed for the fund. WEBMASTER (Marine Miller): Website needs information from Detachments. Fourteen emails have been sent requesting information. Detachments have been asked for a list of their officers, photos, upcoming events, fundraising successes, etc. Email the information and Marine Miller will add it to your page. RECESS OLD BUSINESS OSPREY MEMORIAL UPDATE (Marine Sinner): Packet of information distributed detailing plans for the memorial, sponsorship levels and form. The Town of Marana is going to move the present memorial in front due to safety concerns into a memorial park. Donations have been made by SW Valley, Military Order of Purple Heart, Devil Dogs and other agencies. Next memorial service is set for April 8 th, the actual date of the crash. All invited to attend. Josie Delsi read a list of upcoming seminars; handouts provided. Contact her for more information. She also read a paper on something called Moral Injury that she found on Facebook. It deals with possible psychological problems veterans can experience in combat. March 25, 2017 Page 8 of 11 Thunder Mountain

NEW BUSINESS BYLAWS UPDATES (Marine Wallace): Revision under consideration to move spring conference back to February. It will be published prior to and vote will be taken at the State Convention. If moved back to February, it would be best to have it the latter part of February. CONCERT FUND GRANTS (Committee): $60,000 available. We want to use the funds in the most efficient way possible. The committee met and decided each year for the next four years we will disburse up to $15,000 to a maximum of 10 Detachments. Detachments will submit applications to Adjutant by Feb 10 each year for up to $1,500. Ideas for grants include: An event to further the goals of the League, assist a veteran or their family, activities for patients at a VA hospital, Young Marines, Osprey Memorial, etc. Detachments will still continue their own fundraising activities. Challenge your members to come up with ideas. Committee will meet at spring conference and award the checks at State Convention. Detachment will be required to submit an after action report within 6 months. This is an opportunity to do something above and beyond from border to border in Arizona. Commandant Connell suggested giving high school seniors under delayed enlistment a proper farewell as an idea for a grant. NOTE: For this year only, an expedited grant process is being used. Detachments can submit the application to the Adjutant by May 10. Grants will be awarded at the state convention. TAX ID NUMBERS FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS (Marine Roy): Lawsuit filed that could impact the League concerning Tax ID Numbers. We are not a Veteran s Organization, we are a social welfare organization, a C4 organization. SS4 form is where you get your Tax ID number. Group Exemption Number (GEN) is 0955. Non-Profit Organization is what you are to be listed as on this form. All detachments need to be tax exempt so go through all your records to find your original SS4 as well as a tax determination letter stating you are a C4 organization. Send copies to Department Paymaster. Marine Roy will be going to the state IRS to see if it is possible to get a listing of what our Detachments, MODD s and other subsidiaries are listed as. National very aware of the problem and trying to get all Departments and Detachments to correct their filing status. Tax on Unrelated Income a Detachment can be charged this tax if you do something outside of what is covered under a C4 organization. If a corporation makes a donation to your Detachment, it is not tax deductible under a C4. Additionally, if you are not registered as a C4, you may not be covered under the League s blanket insurance policy. Study the information in the packet provided carefully and take action immediately. Find your original SS4 and tax determination letter to verify your status. NOMINATING COMMITTEE (Marine Ebright): Three letters received from existing officers, Commandant, JVC and JA. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor at the convention. NATIONAL DUES CHANGE (AM BELLARD): The Department of Arizona understands your concerns as expressed recently regarding the changes in National Dues leading up to August 31, 2017 when ALL dues will be renewed yearly. In response, we want to help you by proposing to drop the Department fee of $5 per member that renews or joins from April 1 through August 31, 2017 on the transmittal as verified by the National Roster. Does someone want to make a motion to allow the Department to proceed? Motion made Marine Brown to drop the Department fee of $5 per member that renews or joins from April 1 through August 31 on the transmittal as verified by the National Roster, seconded by Marine Lott and approved. March 25, 2017 Page 9 of 11 Thunder Mountain

GOOD OF THE LEAGUE Marine Ebright asked who has attended a National Convention or Expo. National officers attend these meetings. You have an opportunity to meet them and find out what is going on. They are excellent opportunities to make your voice heard. Go to these meetings whenever you can. Guidebook is very successful. California and Nevada is using them. Available for $1.00 a piece in sets of 25. See Marine Ebright or the Paymaster to purchase. Arizona Veteran s Specialty Plate can now be obtained online, unless you need the disabled designation. Department of Texas started a special lottery ticket with funds going to veterans services. They cleared $70M in one year. A bill has been introduced in Arizona to introduce one here. Legislature just passed a bill to build a Gold Star families memorial at Wesley Bolin Plaza, but no funding will be provided. Hopefully will break ground this summer. Marines Assisting Marines Program is excellent, however there was an incident where assistance was delayed for an unacceptable reason. If you get a call from a veteran in need, please make sure the request is processed immediately. Vetting form can be tailored to your Detachment. Medals and Ribbons on Red Blazer Miniature medals can only be worn with the red blazer when wearing the gold cummerbund or vest and black bowtie. The large medals may be worn with the normal red blazer. MOY ribbon and medallion can only be worn on the red blazer. Your cover must have Department or Detachment on the right side. Lettering must be small enough to put a strip over it with a new title. Directions are in the bylaws. Marine MacIntyre would like to submit a bylaws change to be able to wear the Veteran s Hall of Fame Medallion with the formal uniform. Because it is not a national honor, it cannot be added to the uniform code. Right now, no bylaws changes can be submitted because Bylaws and AP s are being revised and no changes are being accepted. Facebook You cannot post minutes on Facebook. Information about events and points of contact is okay. Marine Dellacort showed a beautiful pen and case that will be auctioned at the state convention. He is accepting bids. Current bid is at $120. Pre-need burial eligibility requirements Marine Roy has information on the back table. VA allows you to pre-register. Regarding the Leadership Conference that Marine Alger, Jr. spoke about. Marine Roy made a motion to donate $1,350 total so that three Young Marines can go to the Leadership Conference in Las Vegas, seconded by Marine Van de Langeryt and approved unanimously. AM Bellard pointed out that the box we carry the Department supplies in was made by Marine Outman. A plaque was made by Old Breed to put on the box in memory of him. Marine Ebright said that his widow still needs help. He and the Commandant went to the VA to find out what she was entitled to. This information has been provided to all Detachment Chaplains through email and on the website by Marine Alger, Jr. March 25, 2017 Page 10 of 11 Thunder Mountain

ANNOUNCEMENTS 2017 STATE CONVENTION (Marine Sabori): Convention will be held June 2-3 rd in Tucson at Desert Diamond Casino on Nogales Highway (information provided). Reservations due May 12. Banquet on June 3rd; cost is $40 pp. Convention ads are due by May 15 th. Marine Alger, Jr. made a motion to purchase an ad for the state convention book, seconded by Marine MacIntyre and approved unanimously. Commandant Connell presented Meritorious Commendation certificate to Commandant Yin as well the Arizona Commandant s Award to the members of his Detachment. This Detachment is doing exceptional work in their community. It took three years to get the Detachment going, but in seven months, they have achieved great things! Traveling Trophy is with Thunder Mountain. They will return it to Commandant Connell so it can be made ready for June. Meeting adjourned at 1141 Respectfully submitted, Kathy L Reese, Adjutant Department of Arizona / SW Division Marine Corps League March 25, 2017 Page 11 of 11 Thunder Mountain