DEPARTMENT OF MA MARINE CORPS LEAGUE Third of four Quarterly assemblies of all detachments, January 15, 2016, hosted by Det. #1037, at the Amvets Post #79, One Superior Drive, Natick, MA 01760 ORDER OF BUSINESS Opening: Commandant Fran Curnow directed Sergeant-at-Arms Richard Broadnax to lead the Marines in the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Roger Hoffman delivered the opening blessing, followed by SaA being asked to declare the meeting opened for official business. Roll Call, Elected Offciers: There were a total of 24 members pre- sent Commandant Fran Curnow Present Sr. Vice Commandant John Murray Present Jr. Vice Commandant Dave Porter Present Judge Advocate Carlos Vieira Present Financial Chairman Joe Messina Present Financial Officer Don Rivette Excused Financial Officer Dan Bishop Excused Financial Officer Tony Garro Present Roll Call, Appointed and Committee Officers: All officers present or excused with the exceptions noted in the files of the Adjutant. District Vice Commandants: One (1)--Represented (Brad Hutchenrider) Cape Cod District; three (3)- -Excused (Tom Pirnie) North Central District; (Don Rivette) Western District; (TBA) South Central District; four (4)--Present (Richard Broadnax) North Middlesex District; (Tony Garro) North Shore District; (John McEntegart) South Middlesex District; (Marc Connolly) South Shore District. Detachments Roll Call: Eight (8)--Represented (Jim McGuire) Cape Cod; (Bruce Aldrich) LCpl Van Gyzen; (John McGrath) Metro South- 1stLt. Brian McPhillips ; (Richard West) Plymouth; (Dom Ricci) Pvt. Charles Shutt; (David LaVallie) Ware; (Dave Epps) Woburn Leathernecks; (Dan Dewey) William R. Caddy; One (1) Excused (Brian Brooks) Oak Ridge; Twelve (12) No Shows (BillAudette) Blackstone Valley; (Art Enos) Burlington; (TBA) Boston Police; (John Stinson) Capt. Jennifer Harris; (Steve Coddens) Essex County; (Robert Harrington) Kelly/Sullivan; (Jim Shannon) Norfolk County; (Mike Sabo) North Central; (Mark Ellis) Pequoig; (Louis Robesch) Pittsfield; (Jim
Sottile) South Central; (Frank Peepas) Worcester; Seven (7)--Present (Frank Serra)--Cape & Islands; (Richard Broadnax)--Capt. William Glynn; ( Doc Bureau) Fortier; (Rick Seguin) Greater New Bedford; (Bill Auld) Honorable Few; (Jim Hastings) Metro West; (John Rutovich) Westfield River Valley. Recognition of Dignitaries: Commandant Curnow recognized the VIP members present in attendance. They were: Division Vice Commandant Warren Griffin; himself, the Asst. Div. Vice Commandant; past National Commandant Jim Laskey; Division Funds tracker John Rutovich; Jr. Past Commandant Mike Chouinard; multi -tasker Tony Garro; past Marines-of-the Year, and special guest, 1 st Division, Young Marines Commander, Robert Dittrich. All were asked to stand and be recognized as the names were called. Minutes of Previous meeting: Commandant Curnow asked for a motion to accept the minutes of the meeting of 11/20/2016. Motion to accept by Jim Laskey, 2d by John Murray and unanimously approved. Circulation of the minutes are minimal and there are plans to place more importance on them. (The communication of messages, policies, changes, upcoming events, etc., have not been reaching membership. A survey of members present disclosed that, not only do the Department s-quarterly-meeting minutes lack the accessibility; but, they are also a hunt-and-search for those who do read them on the MCL Department s website. For any organization to succeed, it is paramount of importance to reach out and communicate with its membership. We, the Marine Corps League of Massachusetts, number just short of 2,000 Marines. We are addressing this critical priority and anticipate this to be resolved by the time of the June convention.) Correspondence: The commandant read two letters: (1.) Thank you letter from the United States Marine Youth Foundation for our Department s $1,000. donation for 2 Red Lights as part of their Annual Tree of Lights Program. And (2.), Invitation from the Jewish Veterans League about a breakfast offering at Randolph. I did not receive the letter at the meeting but if interested in more information, call the JWL (617-727- 2963). Paymaster: Paymaster Jim Laskey reviewed our bank statements saying that all bills have been paid and reported the balances from our banks, TD Bank and Citizens. And, as he usually does, Jim commented on the statement balances of the five accounts he is entrusted, reminding us of his plan to close out the Viet Nam 40 th Year Parade account and transfer the balance to the Special Operations account. He had mentioned this in an earlier quarterly meeting, but apparently now he will process this transfer. And, Jim didn t fail to mention that crook Mike Burke is continuing to meet the military court judgment of paying the monthly $400.-plus penalty. Sick Of/In Distress: There had been a lot of input for this category, e.g., Don Rivette (Westfield) is not feeling well; Josh Bouchard (Westfield) recently lost his house in a fire and is being looked after by his family and has plans on attending the February MCL meeting; Burt Russell (Essex) is in the hospital for observation for use of his medications; Bruce Aldrich (Van Gyzen) is suffering from CA; Chuck Fagan (MetroWest) is getting a new hip; Dave O Connell (Shutt) had a major stroke besides his other medical issues but, presently, is home re-
covering; and Joe Bereault (Ware) had a knee replacement and now has an infection from that operation. We ask that we all remember these Marines in prayer. Report of Officers: Commandant Fran Curnow commented that he had a light quarter but he did do an installation at the Worcester Detachment. Sr. Vice Commandant John Murray commented that he, as the Toys4Tots coordinator, is pleased that we, again, had a successful collection for 2016. He does not have the figures in yet to offer us the totals. Jr. Vice Commandant Dave Porter also had a more leisured quarter having only attended the installation at the Worcester Detachment. Judge Advocate Carlos Vieira had nothing to report this quarter. Commandant Curnow commented that s a good thing (meaning: no violations!) OTHER: Financial Chairman Joe Messina: Joe told the membership that the convention will be held on the 2d week of June, June 9-11/2017 (Friday-Sunday). Registrations will be available the first week of February. It was also decided that we should have a computer and printer dedicated exclusively for the input of ongoing convention interests. This administrative equipment is to be passed on; and, in the possession of the convention chairman for all succeeding years. A motion was made by Jim Laskey, 2d by Dave Porter and unanimously approved. Adjutant Frank Serra: Prior to this meeting, Frank had emailed the current 12/31/2016 roster to all 28 detachments. He explained step-by-step as how to extract their individual-detachment roster and how to download it for printing without having to download the entire 90-page publishing. He also encouraged that he be contacted if there were any questions that he might be able to answer. Commandant Curnow follow-up: From the twenty-four members present, Fran asked for a show of hands asking how many members read the Department minutes under our online website, deptofmassmcleague.com. Four members only raised their hands. No question that this is a disappointing figure. There is no possible way that anything that takes place within the Department has any value to the 1,800-plus membership we carry on our rolls. It s a wake-up call. Not even a 1,000% improvement is significant, but it would help. This cannot be ignored and has become a priority. Chaplain Roger Hoffman: Five pages of activities for the Quarter 11/20/2016-01/15/2017. Installations, Department meeting, funerals, wakes, escort service, interments, Certificates of Remembrances, Deceased MCL Members Report, and over 100 hours of VAVS help. I totaled Roger s hours for the Quarter which amounted to 247. To do justice by simply recording Roger s activities to our League would fill two pages-plus. His report is available on file and I welcome anyone to contact me for a copy, 508-534-9692, leave message. (Thank you Roger! It s a privilege to know you. You make me proud to be called a Marine. PS: Do you wear a cape, too?) Legislative Chairman/N.E. Vice Commandant Warren C. Griffin: The 2017 legal counsel is now convening. On the agenda there was a vote to correct the engraving on the Memorial Bridge (Hyde Park) for the bill that originally omitted that PFC Albert Gayle is a Marine (important because the Army s rank also has PFC,) and also that the change will include his having been the recipient of the Navy Cross (2d highest award for
valor in combat.) Another ruling is that a vet declared as being 100% blind will be exempt from property taxes. A couple of other changes is that the wording Combat wounded will be displayed on all Purple Heart license plates and is now available to all vets that they can have the word VETERAN recorded on their driving license for a fee of $25. A vet need only to take a copy of his DD214 to the MV department for this change. Commander Robert Dittrich, 1 st Young Marine Division: A special guest and known to many members, Bob was offered an opportunity to speak of his responsibility as the 1 st Young Marine Division commander who covers all of New England, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. His territory covers 35 Units and commands over 1,000 Young Marines. He had commented that, this year, a young Marine representing his Division for 2017-2018 is YM, MGySgt Jordan James from Pennsylvania. He will be competing for Young Marine of the Year at Las Vegas. Bragging rights for Bob in that his 1 st Division command did win the National Young Marine of the Year award for 2016-2017. That outstanding winning Marine was 17-yr. old Joseph Bacon from Ludlow, MA. We, who attended the banquet at last-year s convention, had met this young Marine and were very impressed. FYI: Bob Dittrich resides at Westmoreland County, Connecticut. His email: Robert.dittrich@youngmarines.com (cell phone: 413-427-6701) District Representative Richard Broadnax: Richard had spoken up to tell of an upcoming event in his district, North Middlesex County. On June 6, the mobile Wall That Heels will be on display. This is a half-scale replica of the Viet Nam Memorial in Washington that is transported throughout the country spreading that healing legacy to millions. For information as to where - how long - window of time, etc., contact Richard at 978-372-9441. District Representative Tony Garro: Reported that his district had collected some 88,000 toys for Toys4Tots with an estimated value of $133,000. And, also that they collected $1,787. in funds which they forward on to Quantico Headquarters, Toys4Tots. On another subject, Tony had brought up that the Woburn detachment is making plans to combine with another detachment. District Representative John McEntegart: Mac commented that the Kelly/Sullivan detachment doesn t meet up and that he has made futile follow-ups to no avail. Two others Shutt and Metro West are active with Veterans Bingo and the Burger Burn, etc. CHARITABLE PROGRAMS : A number of Members comments listed below: 1. Shutt Detachment: Collected $1,184. for Toys4Tots and sent $ to Quantico. They did distribute toys to 280 families and a couple of Catholic charities. They have plans on awarding three-$1,000. scholarships this year. They have also provided the lower level of their Detachment Home to the organization Operation American Soldier for that organization to put together their care boxes to be sent over to Iraq. It was reported that this organization had sent as many as 2,400 boxes abroad at the height of the Iraq war. Thanks to this worthy and active organization which deserves our support. And, thanks to the Shutt detachment for recognizing that need and their welcoming offer.
2. Westfield Detachment: J.R. commented on his experience with a Toys4Tots outlet at the Chicopee docks whereat distribution takes place. He met up with a guy named Angel who was telling JR that the negative attitudes of some people are a challenge. JR walked away thinking that the recipients are less-than appreciative and having a negative feeling about the program. John Murray, chairman of Toys4Tots, commented that the people that JR had heard about are the people who inter-face with the T4T coordinator, and, they are not the actual recipients. The recipients, the families and the kids, are most appreciative and we should not harbor a negative impression that occasionally will happen. It is a sign of the times. Jim Laskey suggested that it would be a good idea to contact the local police departments who know of the needy families within their communities. 3. Commandant Fran: Mentioned that in Western MA that the Toys-4 Joy program doesn t collect toys but only solicits funds. He said that they usually catch up to their goal of $100,000.-plus, but that they always seem to be far behind during the collection period until the final solicitation day (skeptical???) 4. Chairman Brian Dupee, Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service: Brian coordinates six sites of volunteers helping veterans. He also does a lot by involving himself with breakfasts for vets, 4-5 bingos per week, etc. He is a dedicated and valuable Marine who is always committing his time to helping vets. Brian spoke with pride for better than 10 minutes about his activities in VAVS. It was obvious that he is a truly compassionate Marine and an asset to the MCL. 5. Calendars: Thanks to the Enigma Bike Shop, Fall River, who has provided us with calendars taking in $375. These funds will all be given to the Fisher House Boston, West Roxbury. 6. Paymaster Jim Laskey: Known to Jim, Warren Wienhelm, chairman of an Iwo Jima visit program, has requested donations to send an old-timer an opportunity to visit the island. Iwo Jima, that historical Sulphur island whereat we won control of that critical parcel of land for our air support, WWII. Jim made a motion to finance one vet, Peter King 2d, and it was unanimously approved. The expense is approximately $3,000. GOOD OF THE LEAGUE 1. There is to be a game supper, February 11, 17, at the East Mountain Country Club, Westfield, MA. For tickets, see Fran Curnow. Tickets are at $20. All moneys are to go to a veterans program for PTSD. 2. The Mid-Winter conference is scheduled for March 2-4, 17. Rooms @ $89. which includes a continental breakfast. FYI: Jim Laskey, Dave Porter, and Warren Griffin will be going. It will be there that Griff will be announcing his candidacy for the position of National Judge Advocate. We wish him well and expect that he will prevail. 3. There will be Department nominations for two open seats, e.g., Senior Vice Commandant and Jr. Vice Commandant. Presently, at the time of this meeting, Dave Porter is the only man offering to be Commandant. Frank is not interested in any chair move and prefers to stay as the Adjutant, other than his having
suggested to Jim to be an Asst. Paymaster. Jim agreed, saying he needs for someone to step in and take over if need be. CLOSING CEREMONY There being nothing further at this time, Commandant Curnow asked the Sergeant-at-Arms to retire the colors, followed by the Chaplain leading us in the closing prayers. Sr. Vice Commandant John Murray performed the last duties of his Post. SaA was asked to declare the meeting closed and we adjourned at 1347. Next meeting will be at the Pvt. Charles J. Shutt Detachment hosted by Commandant Dom Ricci, Detachment Home, 215 Uburn St., Watertown, MA on March 19, 2017, 1200. SemperFi, Frank Serra, Department Adjutant Note: In the interest of getting back on the road earlier, we will be having lunch prior to our meetings. At this meeting we were served an excellent cold- cuts lunch, etc., followed up with an even better graphicphoto d patriotic chocolate cake. Thanks to the committee of the Metro West Detachment #1037, Commandant Jim Hastings.