Marine Corps League 1426 East Fort Avenue (#17 Fire House) Baltimore, Maryland 21230-5247 Baltimore Detachment #565 Phone: 410-547-7699 http://www.mclbaltimore.org email: [email protected]

Earl Ruff, Jr.* Commandant November 2016 * Vol . 20, No. 11 * Stuart Blair, Editor In memory of Marine Michael Smerticha * 31 October 2016

When the stood up two battalions of Marines in 1775, a culture of discipline, vigilance, professionalism, and military excellence was born that has characterized our Corps for nearly two and a half centuries. As Marines, we have a profound respect for our traditions and heritage, and for taking care of each other. We know we're strongest when we're together as a team. Wherever you are celebrating our Corps' birthday

this year, look around at the Marines beside you and remember the bonds forged in training, in garrison, and in combat. Take this time to reconnect.

We are Marines for life. It's our responsibility, our duty, to maintain and build upon the legacy of those CMC 241st Birthday Message who have gone before us. What we do today, guided by what we've learned from past Each year on or around 10 November, Marines generations, will determine the future of our Corps. gather in groups large and small to celebrate our So as we celebrate this 241st anniversary of our history, honor the memory of those who have gone Corps, we also look ahead and prepare for our next before us, and rekindle the bond that unites all success. Take pride in carrying our legacy forward. generations of Marines. This year, we mark the 241st Happy Birthday, Marines! anniversary of our Corps - 241 years of uncommon valor, innovation, and combat excellence. ,

Marines, we are part of something bigger than any of us could imagine. Whether you fought in the battles of World War I, in the Pacific during World War II, in Korea Robert B. Neller or Vietnam, in Desert Shield or Desert Storm, or in the General, U.S. Marine Corps streets of and - or you are just starting Commandant of the Marine Corps out on your Marine Corps journey - we are all part of an elite family of warriors. For the rest of your life, the first term people use to describe you will be "Marine."

Commandant’s Message Sr. Vice Commandant’s Message

Greetings Marines, Greetings,

Condolences to our Detachment Sgt at Arms Harry Our Program is currently in full swing Hierstetter for the loss of his son. Our prayers are with and we hope that we can collect more toys this you during your period of grief. year than we did last year. Unfortunately, I broke We are still in need of attendees for the Marine Corps my ankle while picking up more Toys for Tots Ball. Talk to relatives and friends to interest them in cartons from the Marine Corps Reserve. However, attending our ball. It is a very enjoyable afternoon for with the help of Junior Vice Commandant Raymond everyone and there is a possibility this could be our Vaughn, we placed boxes in four new places and a last Ball. Let’s all try to make it a good one. few more are being considered. We are in the process of obtaining a date at the Shoppers in my On Oct 1st I attended the MCL Dept of Maryland area so that we can set-up a table where we can Quarterly meeting in Oakland MD., with Past recruit and hopefully collect toys or donations at the Commandant Milt Hazzard and Chief of Staff Jack same time. If anyone is interested in assisting, Colleran. One of the main subjects was the new please feel free to call me at 410-358-5727. schedule for paying annual dues. As of the year 2017 Anyone who has a Fire Station near their home everyone will be required to pay their annual dues by please let me know so that we can contact the Aug. 31st of each year. Please be prepared to handle engine company to see if we can place a box. this task accordingly. There is a box in Detachment so you can bring in your toys or if you are not going to attend the I also was able to attend the “Discover the Power of meeting and have toys, please call me and I will Age” Senior Expo, sponsored by Baltimore County pick them up. If you want to make a donation, Department of Aging at the Maryland State Fair please make your check payable to MCL, Grounds. In attendance over the two days were Stuart Detachment 565 and note Toys for Tots Donation & Bernadine Blair, Ray Vaughn, and Jack Colleran. in the memo section. We are going to have great Stuart registered for an exhibitor booth to promote the Toys for Tots year! MCL and the Detachment. Members of the Cpl Pete Arnold Detachment were also present. Members were The VA Medical Center is still looking for volunteers able to talk with many seniors visiting the expo and at the Greene Street and Loch Raven facilities. some who were found to be Life Members of the However, a major construction project on the detachment, hopefully we see some at future meetings. parking lot renovation at Greene Street will begin in In closing I want to thank Milt Hazzard, Bill Shea and November. The project will be done in three stages Jack Colleran for helping in the cleaning and flag and volunteers and persons who work the dayshift replacing at Latrobe Memorial Park on Sat. 29 Oct, in will be moved to the Metro Garage at 610 West preparation for the Veterans Day Memorial Service. Saratoga Street which is the former site of the Reminder, Friday 11 Nov. we will muster at 0830hr at Social Security Administration. Phase 1 will begin the Detachment Home, 0900hr Ceremony at Latrobe in mid-November and it will involve closing P3 of Memorial Park, Fort Ave. I am asking all who able the parking garage. Phase 2 will begin in January please attend. Let’s have a good showing to honor which means that P2 will be closed and the final those veterans who have gone before us. phase will begin in February which will close P1. So if you have appointments at the VA facility, S/F please remember about the construction project. Earl Ruff, Jr. Commandant Respectfully submitted,

Marian C. James, SVC Toys for Tots Chairperson

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Jr. Vice Commandant Message

Greeting Marines, Chaplain’s Report

In it’s that time of year again, a chill in the air, fall Please remember in your thoughts and prayers Marine colors paint the trees, lawns deep in leaves and Bill Reis who was called by the Supreme Commandant seemingly endless family gatherings everywhere. Step on 1/18/2016 outside your door and inhale a deep breath of that We all have memories, good and bad...... cool, clean morning air. The season has finally changed. We'll be gearing up to celebrate Veteran's The Way We Were Day, Thanksgiving and our pot luck Christmas dinner, surrounded by family and friends. For those who wore Memories the EGA, our last big "" of the year comes with Like the corners of my mind the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. I hope you all made Misty watercolor memories the RSVP deadline of November 5th and will be able Of the way we were to share the great tradition of a fine meal and good Scattered pictures company with us. We get all dolled up and share cake Of the smiles we left behind and good company with fellow Marines and Smiles we gave to one another For the way we were Corpsmen, kids and cousins and very special friends Can it be that it was all so simple then? and coworkers. Keep an eye on newspapers, internet Or has time rewritten every line? and TV for all the groups and companies that offer If we had the chance to do it all again special promotions for veterans, like lunch, brunch or Tell me, would we, would we, dinner. Don't forget to plan on remembering less Could we, could we? fortunate children and drop off a new, unwrapped toy Memories or two, for kids (of all ages), at the Detachment May be beautiful and yet meeting hall to support Toys For Tots. Store the image What's too painful to remember of how your kids would feel to have a Christmas with We simply choose to forget nothing to unwrap and determine that you will do what Can it be that it was all so simple then? Or has time rewritten every line? you can to prevent that happening to children less If we had the chance to do it all again fortunate than our own. We always want that to be Tell me, would we, would we, successful and then some. In short, it's a time to Could we, could we? reflect on how fortunate we are and consider what we can do to ease the pain and problems of so many of Reading the words, does it make you remember our neighbors. Marines traditionally have soft hearts someone or something that you have forgotten? and helping hands. I think every unit, in every combat zone and every war, adopted some kid, some Semper Fi Prayer puppy, some cause and helped when they could. Please remember in your thoughts and prayers Marine We're still a bunch of pushovers and old softies, at Michael Smerticha who was called by the Supreme heart, even decades later. Commandant on 31 October 2016.

November is chock full of events that can become family Condolences John "Harry" Hierstetter on the passing of and community related efforts, emphasizing the caring his son Scott Hierstetter side of the U. S. Marine, in you and encourage a family Remember our sick in your thoughts and prayers for member, a neighbor, coworker or a friend to become a Dorothy (Dotty) White, Charles Luthardt, Roose Nippard, part of the Detachment as a member, an associate Jack Dickerson, Diamond Kiemos, Bill Wheeler, Dominic member or the Women's Auxiliary. Let your enthusiasm Naples, Irv Becker. Fran Miller, Ceil Handschuh and stir them and you during this holiday season. Kathy DeVage wife of Glen DeVage.

And a general prayer of intersession for those who have Semper Fi aches and pains but Marine on through the day.

Ray Vaughn, JVC God Bless Us, Our Nation and the Marine Corps

Howard Koontz Chaplain - 3 -

Maryland Veterans Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service Commission

Submitted by Stuart Blair, PDC My Fellow Marines- Commissioner Department of Veterans Affairs.

MVC Quarterly Meeting a. Retirement is considered the same as discharge On Tuesday 18 October, the Maryland Veterans or relief from active duty for purposes of eligibility Commission held their quarterly meeting hosted by for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. Maryland Veterans Museum, Newburg, MD. Twenty Commissioners, representing veteran organizations of b. VA has regional offices and centers throughout Maryland were in attendance. After the meeting, a luncheon the , the Commonwealth of Puerto and a tour was provided at nearby Charolette Hall Veterans Rico, and the Republic of the Philippines. For Home.Representing the Marine Corps League was information or assistance concerning VA benefits, Commissioner Stuart Blair, PDC and Bernadine Blair, MCLA DM PP contact the nearest VA office. Residents of foreign countries should contact the nearest American All veterans are invited to an Open House & Town Hall that Embassy or Consulate. Toll-free telephone service is being sponsored by the VA Maryland Health Care System (1-800-827-1000) is available in all 50 States. and the Baltimore VA Regional Office on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the 2nd c. Publications describing benefits administered by floor of the Baltimore VA Medical Center, located at 10 VA may be obtained at no cost from the nearest VA North Greene Street, Baltimore, Md. office or online at http://www.va.gov.

During the Open House, VA staff will be available to answer VA Disability Compensation questions and to assist Veterans in completing applications for VA health care and VA compensation benefits. VA staff will also be available to provide information about the a. Disability compensation received from the VA is services offered to Veterans by the VA Maryland Health tax-exempt, but mere entitlement to the payment Care System and the Baltimore VA Regional Office. will not result in any tax saving until a formal waiver of equivalent retired pay, if applicable, is executed. During the Town Hall, which will run from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the medical center Auditorium on the 2nd floor, Veterans b. If retired for length of service or age, it may be to will learn about specific programs and services offered by a Retired Soldiers advantage to waive a part of the VA Maryland Health Care System and the Baltimore VA taxable retired pay in favor of tax-free VA Regional Office, and they will have an opportunity to ask compensation. This is rue also for those who questions and make comments. entered a uniformed service on or after September

If you or any of your representatives are planning to attend 25, 1975, and retired for disability, since their the Open House & Town Hall on Wednesday, November disability retired pay taxed. On the other hand, the 16th, please RSVP to me by Wednesday, November 9th, disability portion of retired pay of a Retired Soldiers with the names and titles of each attendee so we can who entered uniformed service on or before provide this information to our parking attendants so they September 24, 1975 is untaxed. Therefore, there can access the parking garage at the Baltimore VA Medical would be no tax advantage gained by waiving Center, which is located off of Fayette Street. military retired pay unless VA compensation exceeded the portion of the retired pay that is Please let me know if you have any questions about our based on disability. For more information, go upcoming Open House & Town Hall by e-mail to:http://www.va.gov. ([email protected]) or phone (410-605-7101).

S/F, VAVS Officer Stuart Blair, PDC Gary Roundtree Sr Commissioner

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Military Order of the Devil Dogs Auxiliary

The Fun and Honor Society Reaching Further . . . of the Marine Corps League . . . Touching More

Greetings, Woof woof, Our auxiliary met in October to make ornaments for The Maryland Pack had a very successful Growl on 1 a tree which we enter in the Festival of Trees held October, raising $480.00 in passport bones/freewill every year at the Timonium Fair Grounds for the donations for the children's hospital during next year's benefit of the Kennedy Kruger Institute. The festival th th National Convention in Overland Park, Kansas. That is will be held on November 25 thru 27 , Friday & a very good start as we want to maintain our standing Saturday 10 to 9 and Sunday 10 to 6. You could as the number one contributor. We are hearing talk have breakfast with Santa on Sunday morning. again that certain Pounds and Packs are going to out- Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $7 donate us this year. We’ve heard that before. for kids. There are over 700 trees and decorations for sale one of which will be ours decorated with We still have a few Dogs in the Pound who are in red and gold balls, white lights and pictures of arrears of their dues and therefore cannot attend a marine activities. This project was suggested by Growl or hold office. If you are one of the delinquents, Lucy Kelly and her husband Joe. Each year they get with the program and send 15 big bones to your use the items we make and decorate a 6 to 7 foot friendly Dog Robber (me) ASAP. A few extra bones, tree. Joe always makes the topper for the tree. All for the kids, from those of you who never attend a of the trees are auctioned off and the benefits go to growl would be greatly appreciated. the Kennedy Krieger Institute for disabled children. Our auxiliary is proud to take part in this project. Pound 204 will Growl on 11 December at the Pound Hoe all of you can visit this wonderland of Dog House about 0900 with bloody Marys and Christmas decorations and look for our Marine breakfast at 0800. Corps tree.

Next month we will continue our crochet lessons so we may become proficient enough to make items Woof woof, for a veteran’s hospital. PDD Paul Taylor rd Dog Robber Don’t forget our meeting in December is on the 3 Friday and will be a pot luck dinner. Bring along your favorite dish and the recipe for our cookbook.

God bless America, Remember: It is an honor to be a. . . Joan Hansen, President

“Teufelhunden”

Coming this month !

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Noteworthy

While we celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday. . . Let us remember our brothers and sisters who serve in harm’s way around the world

2016 USMC Birthday Ball

The 2016 USMC Birthday Ball is the last formal Pick Three Lottery Calendar * 2016 celebration of this event that will be sponsored by the This month you will see winners by name and Baltimore Detachment amount won. I hope this will gain more of you interested for next year. The first time you win, you get your money back plus more and you Income Tax Relief . . . could win again. End of Year Donation

Think about this, would you rather give money in taxes 2016 Pick 3 Lottery Calendar Monthly Winners: to the government or make a tax deductible donation to your Detachment. No matter what amount it will be September 2016: greatly appreciated. If you should make a large donation we have a form to give you to verify your 9/08 Jack McCloy #608 donation if needed. Thanks in advance. $25.00 9/10 Bob Alt #731 $25.00 9/12 Chuck & Kay LaHatte #354 $25.00 9/21 Patti Cortina #120 $25.00 Detachment Home Dispatch 9/24 Marian C. James #429 $25.00

Detachment Home Maintenance The fund had five (5) winners for September. All won $25.00 for a total payout of $125.00 leaving a Many thanks to Bill & Carol Shea, Milt Hazzard & Earl balance in the fund of $2,815.00 Ruff were the only ones to show to help clean the memorial. As for your Det. home things are about the same none of you seem to have an interest in it. October 2016

10/13 Joan Lefevre #506 $25.00 Baltimore Detachment Hall Rental 10/14 Mark Henry #213 $25.00 The hall rental is our main source of income for the 10/15 Jenn Ehrman #524 $25.00 Detachment Home. Keep promoting the hall rental. 10/18 Jake Wilson #727 $25.00 Information call Diamond Kimos @ 443-627-3487 or 10/20 Joseph Schvimmer #512 $25.00 Chuck Hilton @ 410-547-7699 10/23 Gloria Carroll #938 $25.00 10/25 Marian C. James #429 $25.00

The fund had seven (7) winners for October. All . . won $25.00 for a total payout of $175.00 leaving

A balance in the fund of $2,640.00.

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The Origin of the . . . the site of Tun Tavern. The tablet was a gift from the Marine Corps Birthday Celebration Thomas Roberts Reath Post, American Legion, whose membership was composed exclusively of Marines. The Formal commemoration of the birthday of the Marine Corps celebration was held in conjunction with the annual began on 10 November 1921. That particular date was convention of the Marine Corps League. The evening chosen because on that day the Second Continental banquet was held at the Hotel and a Congress resolved in 1775 to raise two battalions of ball followed at the Bellevue-Stratford. . It is not possible to determine precisely when the first cake Until 1921 the birthday of the Corps had been celebrated on ceremony was held, but there is evidence of a ceremony another date. An unidentified newspaper clipping from 1918 being held at Quantico, Virginia, in 1935. refers to the celebration of the 120th birthday of the Marine Corps on 11 July "as usual with no fuss." It is doubtful that Also on record was one held at Marine Barracks, there was any real celebration at all. Further inspection of Washington, D.C., in 1937 where Major General documents and publications prior to 1921 shows no evidence Commandant Thomas Holcomb presided at an open house of ceremonies, pageants, or parties. The July date was for Marine Corps officers. Ceremonies included the cutting commemorated between 1798 and 1921 as the birthday of of a huge cake designed after the famous Tun Tavern in the Corps. During the Revolution, Marines had fought on land . and sea, but at the close of the Revolution the Marine Corps and the Navy were all but disbanded. On 11 July 1798, From 1937, observances of the Marine Corps Birthday President approved a bill that recreated the appeared to develop spontaneously throughout the Corps Corps, thereby providing the rationale for this day being as if they had a life of their own. The celebrations were commemorated as the birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. publicized through every media. Newsreels, motion pictures, and displays were prepared to summarize the On 21 October 1921, Maj Edwin McClellan, Officer-in- history of the Corps. In 1943, standard blank Marine Corps Charge, Historical Section, Headquarters Marine Corps, sent scrap books were forwarded to all districts to be filled with a memorandum to Major General Commandant John A. 168th anniversary clippings, scripts, pictures, programs, and Lejeune, suggesting that the original birthday on 10 other memorabilia; returned to Headquarters. Unfortunately November 1775 be declared a Marine Corps holiday to be none of these scrapbooks remain in official files. celebrated throughout the Corps. Maj McClellan further suggested that a dinner be held in Washington D.C., to In 1951, a formal Birthday Ball Pageant was held at commemorate the event. Guests would include prominent Headquarters Marine Corps. Similar to the pageant today, men from the Marine Corps, Army, and Navy, and the script described the Marines' period uniforms and the descendants of the Revolution. cake ceremony. Although this is the first substantive record Accordingly, on 1 November 1921, MajGen Lejeune of a pageant, Leatherneckmagazine of 10 November 1925 issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921. The order pictures Marines at a pageant in Salt Lake City, Utah, which summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Corps, had taken place "several years ago." and directed that it be read to every command on 10 November each subsequent year in honor of the birthday of On 28 October 1952, the Commandant of the Marine the Marine Corps. This order has been duly carried out. Corps, Gen Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr., directed that the celebration of the Marine Corps Birthday be formalized Some commands expanded the celebration during the next throughout the Corps, and provided an outline for the cake few years. In 1923 at Fort Mifflin, , the ceremony, as well as other formal observances. This outline celebration of the Marine Corps' 148th birthday took the form was included in the Marine Corps Drill Manual, approved 26 of a dance in the barracks that evening. Marines at the Navy January 1956. Yard, Norfolk, Virginia, staged a sham battle on the parade ground in commemoration of the birthday. The battle lasted Traditionally, the first piece of Birthday cake is presented to about twenty minutes, and was witnessed by Portsmouth and the oldest Marine present and the second piece to the Norfolk citizens. At Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, youngest Marine present. When and where this tradition the birthday was celebrated on the 12th, since a special began remains unknown. Some records indicate this liberty to Santiago had been arranged on the 10th. The practice, and others vary it depending on the dignitaries morning activities included field and water sports, and a present at the ball. First pieces of cake have been shooting match. In the afternoon the Marines won a baseball presented to newlyweds, the Secretary of the Navy, game, 9-8, over a Cuban team. In the evening, members of governors, and others, but generally speaking, the first the unit put on a variety show followed by four boxing bouts. pieces of cake go to the oldest and youngest Marines.

The first so-called "Birthday Ball," such as suggested by Maj Like the Corps itself, the Birthday Ball developed from McClellan, was probably held in 1925 in Philadelphia. No simple origins to become the polished, professional records have been located of one prior to 1925. Guests function that all Marines commemorate on 10 November included the Secretaries of War and Navy, Major General around the world. Commandant Lejeune, famous statesmen, soldiers, and sailors. The principle event was the unveiling of a tablet on - 7 -

Marine Corps History Dates of Interest

Question of the Month  November 2,1931 VS-14M on USS Saratoga and VS-15M on USS In each month’s “” we will feature a question Lexington were the first Marine carrier-based about U.S. Marine Corps history. The question will test squadrons. your knowledge of well known facts of Marine Corps existence.  November 3, 1943 A detachment of the 3d Raider Battalion occupied The answer to each question will be published in Torokina Island, Solomon Islands, in support of the following month’s issue. operations at Bougainville.

Answer to October’s Question  November 5, 1915 In March 1966 most of 1st Tank Battalion were Marines under Major S.D. Butler captured the deployed to the Republic of Vietnam. The battalion stronghold at Fort Capois, Haiti. was ordered to support units  November 9, 1968 operating in combat operations against theViet Cong, Marine Major Walter Cunningham received Apollo 7 and the North Vietnamese Army. The 1st Tank astronaut wings. Battalion remained an active combat force in Vietnam until March 1970. What was the name of the tank the  , 1775 1st Battalion used ? The Continental Congress authorized the creation of the Marine Corps. M48A3 Patton  November 21, 1836 November’s Question Marines and Soldiers took action against the Seminole Indians at Wahoo Swamp, Florida. In celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday, we are reminded of our beginning. The location was Tun  November 23, 1950 Tavern in Philadelphia, PA. Marines in Korea celebrated Thanksgiving in subzero temperatures. 1686 the Tun was erected on the caraway that led to Carpenter's Wharf. Tun Tavern was named for . . . ?  November 26, 1944 Marines participated in Marshall Island operations, a) The first owner “Joshua Tun” WW II. b) A well known meeting place in England c) "tun," meaning a barrel or keg of beer *SPECIAL NOTE: d) Name of nearby street “Tun Alley” 27 October 1994 we occupied the ____ “Firehouse #17” , our detachment home

GOOD LUCK Members Birthdays

NOVEMBER – BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

We would like to wish the following Marines a “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” and many more:

John H. Acton, John G. Dickerson, Leroy M. Wroten, Joseph J. Kelly, Carroll F. Dixon, Jr., Raymond A. Chatary, Sr., Joseph Schvimmer, Judith A. Hoffman,

Robert W. McKinney, Tony N. Boston, Michael J. Piechocki, William L. Priest, Darrel L. Oxyer and Christopher D. Esposito.

Marines, if you had a birthday this month and your name did not appear, please let me know.

Stuart Blair, 410-665-6440, Email: [email protected] - 8 -

Detachment Activities The District Commandants along with the detachment commandants presented their reports. Commandant Reeling presented the National Junior Vice Commandants Citation for exceeding MCL Dept. of Maryland the membership to the following detachments: Quarterly Meeting Baltimore, Garrett County, Cpl Arnold, Choptank, 1 October 2016 Free State, Carroll County, Patuxent River, Sgt (American Legion Post 71, Oakland) Hettchen and LCpl Deane. Congratulations!

Garrett County Detachment Commandant Rob Heilig Active duty Marines can now be brought into the hosted the MCL Dept. of Maryland Fall Meeting with detachment and treated as honorary members Dept. Commandant introducing National and which means no voting, no holding an office and department officers. they will not receive the Semper Fi magazine. After the Paymaster's report, Chaplain Begenwald reported receiving 10 death notices since the last A donation of $1,000.00 for a Gold Star Memorial meeting. Monument being erected in Havre de Grace was approved. Department Officers Reports. Commandant Reeling reported the following: Announcements: The old Executive Director Blum case is closed along Marine Corps Birthday celebrations were with one of his son’s. Other son, Richard Blum, case is announced taking place at several detachments. still open. Non-disclosure agreement prevents MCL from discussing the details of the cases. 21 January: Winter Department meeting hosted by Cpl Mileo Detachment. Paymaster reports will be going paperless. How to 1-4 March: Mid-Winter Conference, forward the payment hasn’t been decided. Fredericksburg, VA National Hq building has been sold (for a profit) and 25 March: Spring Department meeting hosted by Hq has moved south of Quantico. the Antietam Detachment. The Semper Fi store is on line.

Annual dues-paying members’ dues will run from 1 September to 31 August. VA Medical Center Bingo Membership Transmittals process were discussed. Tuesday 3 October 2016 Patients at the Center greatly appreciated the The 2018 National Convention location is still games, prizes and refreshments provided by the undecided, but probably PA or NY. Detachment. Auxiliary members Bernadine Blair and Carol Shea helped serve the refreshments and Discusion of Marine of the Year nominations ensured that none of the playing patients missed IAW Admin Procedures. . their winning numbers.

The Department Committee Reports. Toys for Tots is starting. Report what your detachment Marine Corps Museum does to Chairperson Marian James. Quntico, VA The Marines Helping Marines (MHM) program is 8 October shifting from Bethesda to Camp Lejeune and Camp MCL members of the Baltimore Detachment visited Pendleton. Only two combat wounded last month, but and toured the USMC Museum, leaving at 0800 nearly 40 outpatients. MHM received $22,000.00 and returning 1800. All enjoyed our history, during the National Convention. memories, and comradery of the day with a luncheon at Tun Tavern. Eagle Scour Chairperson Rossi reported awarding 25 Good Citizenship Awards from June through August. On this memorable trip were Marines Earl Ruff, Jr., A reminder that these same type awards can also be Harry Hierstetter, Howard Koontz, Mike Smerticha, given to Girl Scouts. Milt Hazzard, Par Davis, Will Priest, and Stuart Blair

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Fleet Week Spectators Baltimore County is committed to gathering all Visit Baltimore Detachment Museum appropriate programs and benefits to aid veterans and their families. The weekend of October 8th and 9th (Fleet

Week) was outstanding for the museum. It was also a On 26 October John Henkel,AARP Advocacy Portal long weekend for Chuck Hilton and Will Priest.(10: Administrator, Department of Maryland honored the AM-7:PM Saturday and 10:AM- 5:50 pm Sunday). Vietnam Era Veterans by presenting a special

“Commemorative Pin” to Veteran Stuart Blair, Chuck and Will welcomed between 80 and 95 visitors Commissioner, Maryland Department of Veteran into the hall and the museum. A great many museum Affairs. and hall rental flyers were given out. Photographers for the Locust Point and Sparrows Point news letters In the Veterans’ Resource Muster volunteers from took photos for upcoming issues. All the written AARP Maryland, in cooperation with the U.S. comments concerning the museum were very positive. Department of Defense, were on hand to present And many visitors said they would like to come back to Vietnam Era Veterans with an official Welcome the museum and/or rent the hall. Home lapel pin and Presidential Proclamation

honoring their service and sacrifice on behalf of a For Will Priest, personally, the experiences of the grateful nation. Living United States veterans who weekend validated the educational importance of the served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at museum and provided Will with a boost of inspirational any time during the period of November 1, 1955 to creativity. Two visitors on Sunday really proved the May 15, 1975, regardless of location, are eligible value of our museum. A father and son stayed four for pinning. hours in the museum. The boy's father told me that his . son has never been so interested or enthralled with a A presentation booth was offered by the MCL museum before. The 9 year old son, Johnny is a Baltimore Detachment with information and fantastic artist. In the space of 20 minutes he drew discussion on the Marine Corps League. four WWII tanks in detail with their correct technical Representing the Baltimore Detachment were statistics. Furthermore, he asked very intelligent Cmdt. Earl Ruff, Jr., JVC ray Vaughn, CoS Jack questions and his knowledge of WWII armor was Collern, PDC Stuart Blair, amd MCLA PDP unbelievable! Bernadine Blair

As a result of this encounter Will was motivated to expand the exhibits in the museum. Over the past week I have installed exhibits that cover Marine/Naval history from 1775-1865. The addition of these exhibits has boosted the number of artifacts in the museum to over 5,000. Many thanks to Chuck for the loan of several vital items for the new displays.

Maryland Veterans Commission Veterans Museun, Newburg, MD 18 October *Report on page 4

Veterans Muster Power of Age Senior Expo-Timonium Fairgrounds 26-27 October

Power of Age Senior Expo partnered with Secretary George Owings III of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs and the Baltimore County HomeFront Committee offered a Veterans’ Muster for all ages within North Hall of the Cow Palace both days of Expo: October 26 and 27. - 10 -

Coming Events

Christmas Party Veterans Day Ceremony Baltimore Detachment Friday 11 November 2016 Latrobe Memorial Park “Firehouse” 0830 Muster at Detachment Home 9 December 0900 Ceremony – Latrobe Park 1930 hrs – ‘til Bring your favorite “COVERED DISH” Memorial * Boston St., Canton or dessert to share with us 11th Engineer Battalion 1100 Ceremony COST; A new unwrapped toy * “TOYS FOR TOTS”

Nothing like being with your family USMC Birthday Ball Saturday 12 November . . . . during the Christmas Season. 1PM - 5PM Come and enjoy some of it Columbus Gardens, Nottingham . . . . with your Marine family. $40 per place * PAY @ DOOR

Festival of Trees Marine Humor MCLA Baltimore Unit decorates for fundraiser of Kennedy Krieger Institute Marines do God’s work too !

An atheist professor was teaching a college class and he told the class that he was going

to prove that there is no God. He said, "God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you 15 minutes!" Ten minutes went by. He kept taunting God, saying,"Here I am, God. I'm still waiting." He got down to the last couple of minutes and a Marine just released from active duty and

newly registered in the class walked up to the professor, hit him full force in the face, and sent him flying from his platform. The professor struggled up, obviously shaken and yelled, "What's the matter with you? Why did you do that?"

The Marine replied, "God was busy; He sent me."

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NON PROFIT BALTIMORE ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID BALTIMORE MD MARINE CORPS LEAGUE PERMIT NO. 5964 BALTIMORE DETACHMENT 1426 East Fort Avenue (#17 Fire House) Baltimore, Maryland 21230-5247

“To observe a Marine is inspirational, to be a Marine is exceptional."

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

1 NOV TUES - VA Medical Center – Bingo 0900 Veterans Day Ceremonies 11 NOV FRI & Latrobe Memorial Park – Locust Point 1100 Korean War Memorial - Canton 1300 USMC Birthday Ball 12 NOV SAT - Columbus Gardens 1700 Nottingham, MD 16 NOV WED 1830 Trustees, Staff and Officers Meeting 18 NOV FRI 1930 Baltimore Detachment and Auxiliary Meeting 6 DEC TUES 1830 VA Medical Center – Bingo 7 DEC WED 1830 Trustees, Staff and Officers Meeting Baltimore Detachment 9 DEC FRI 1930 Christmas Party

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