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

Earl Ruff, Jr.* Commandant July 2016 * Vol . 20, No. 7 * Stuart Blair, Editor

MCL Mideast Division Conference 24-25 June * Hilton Wilmington/Christiana * Newark, Delaware

Most MCL members representing North Carolina, , West Virginia, Maryland and the host Department of Delaware arrived Friday 24 June to register. Then socialized in the hospitality room, while others made their way to the hotel restaurant.

Later that evening the Devil Dogs gathered for the MED Growl (report in MODD Article)

On Saturday at 0900 the annual MED Meeting was opened by host Dept of DE Commandant - Raymond Snyder presiding, with opening ceremony conducted by the New Castle County Young Marines, New Castle County, DE and Delaware State Police Pipe & Drum.

Mideast Div NVC Mike McLain gave welcome comments followed by Joint Memorial Service was conducted by Mideast Division Chaplain Lee Taylor. Dignitaries were recognized by the MVC McLain

Joint Opening Guest Speaker –Theresa Hancock - Director Dept of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Veterans and Gave a talk on veteran Health Information

Regular business followed with Staff Officers and Department officers’ reports

Department Commandant’s Reports

Awards were presented to MCL MED Leaders by NVC McLain, concluding with Good of the League and announcements.

In the afternoon of the 25th: Professional Development Training: Nat JA Johnny Baker and Div Adjutant Roger Ware held a discussion of the 2016 Proposed National Bylaws and AP. Adjutant spoke about new 990N filing site, Nonprofit status, Required reports for detachments, division roster and need for email address for all detachments and departments for more communications, need for all activities to be approved by membership for coverage under corporate status and insurance policy. Including all admin reports into monthly meeting minutes for continuity and reference.

Adjutant talked about voting by delegates for the bylaws and elections. All delegates must ensure they vote the wishes of their detachment. Ensure your National BL and AP are current with all changes.

*Proposed Bylaw Changes _ page 3

The Conference Banquet was held later Saturday evening with the presentation of Division Marine of the Year NVC Mike McLain.

Commandant’s Message Jr. Vice Commandant Message

Greetings Marines, Greeting Marines,

This past month has been somewhat of a quiet one, The Over the last weekend, I encountered a couple of former Mid East Conference was held in Delaware and was Marines and drew them into a conversation about the attended by some of our members. There will be info from Marine Corps League. That is something that happens that Conference in this issue of . There was a to most of us, weekly or more. I let them know about the monthly letter from the National Commandant stating some Detachment and meeting dates and times and of the changes in personal at National Hq and some new encouraged them to stop by. It happens often when you and improved services for the membership. Hopefully are least prepared, no pen, no paper, and no business everyone will get a chance to read this letter for more th card to pass out. It costs us in the way of membership details. In closing wish everyone a safe and enjoyable 4 of when we can’t make a solid connection. The July holiday. Detachment has blank applications available for the

S/F asking but rarely do we remember to grab a few. We all Earl Ruff Jr may have the good intentions but it slips the mind. Commandant It brought to mind the old Boy Scout motto, of “Be Prepared” and it occurred to me that there is something Sr. Vice Commandant’s Message we all could do and don’t. As members of the Marine Corps League, we all receive our regular copies of the Greetings, magazine, ‘Semper Fi’. In each issue, there is page of membership applications. We rarely do anything with I would like to congratulate all of the parents and those forms, they never get used. Just how difficult grandparents who had young adults or adults in their would it be to snip those forms from the magazine and families who graduated from high school or college this slip a few in our wallets, glove compartments, desk year. I am sure that there was much pride and happiness drawers or lockers at work? Having them on hand for expressed at the graduation ceremonies. Also, we are someone to fill out gives us contact info and at least a proud of the students from Fort McHenry Elementary/Middle tacit commitment for a prospective new member. It also School who graduated this year and we hope that they shows that we are a group of serious fellows, enjoy their summer break. participating in an organization that is actively recruiting

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending my first new members. Mideast Division Conference in Newark, Delaware. It was very interesting and there were eighteen people from With that in mind, I present a small challenge to Maryland in attendance. Many different topics were Detachment members. From now on, as soon as we get discussed and awards were given to the Young Marines, our issue of ‘Semper Fi’, pick up a pair of scissors and hotel staff and various Marines in the Mideast Division for clip them right then and there. Stick a few in your wallet the work they performed during the year. The banquet was or clip them to the visor in your car. Look through the enjoyable, the food was good and I had an opportunity to piles of past issues sitting around the house and clip network with the wives and Marines at our table. To my those, to keep handy at work, in your desk or your surprise, there were only three female Marines at the lockers. People tend to take your invitation and offer conference and two were from Maryland. There was a 50- more serious when you actually have a document in 50 drawing at the banquet and a silent auction of statues of your hands that carries the weight of the Marine Corps Marines which you could purchase at the winning bid price. League. Let’s give it a try and see if it helps us in recruiting prospective new members and associate By now, I hope that everyone has received a copy of the members for the Detachment. It would also help if we flyer announcing our proposed trip for a crab feast and trip actually knew the address and phone number of the to a Delaware Casino. So if you are interested you may call Detachment home. Put that info on a slip of paper and me (410-358-5727) or any member of the Detachment store it in the wallet or desk also. Telling someone to regarding this trip. We look forward to you helping make look out for the firehouse with the US and Marine Corps this a successful event and the funds will be used to support flags on Fort Avenue is not enough. our special projects.

Before you know it, it will be time to start collecting toys for Semper Fi our Program. I have some new ideas which I Ray Vaughn, JVC hope will help us collect more toys this year and with your help, we will make this year more successful than our past years.

Respectfully Submitted Marian C. James, SVC - 2 -

2016 National Proposed Bylaws changes Chaplain’s Report Bylaws

1. Establishes terms where National staff can serve longer except NC - 2 years, NVC 2 and elected for 1 term, all others: SVC, JVC, JA and ANVC can be elected and then reelected without restriction. 2. Divisions that host the Nat Convention would purchase $1500 in challenge coins for the MCL Foundation for Quiet Time sole purpose of purchasing next set of coins. Our lives may be busy or hectic. Our days may seem 3. Would allow 1/3 of the Nat BOT to be a quorum for full of other people's needs and demands on us. But, we emergency or immediate meetings. can always find a few minutes to be quietly alone with 4. Such member shall not vote on any regular or associate ourselves. This time is important because it helps us membership applications; cannot participate in the maintain balance between our outer and inner worlds. It nomination process and/or elections of officers; or hold gives us a chance to remember our true beliefs, goals, an elective office. Would allow Associate members right and spirituality. It revives and refreshes us for the work to vote in internal affairs of detachment but not change we need to do. We can spend this time with our eyes what is current including BL and BL changes. closed, relaxing our bodies, and breathing deeply and 5. Listing for implementation of Honorary Active Duty slowly. Or we can just focus on watching the sun setting Member. Detachments may, issue free of charge or listening to birds singing. We can empty our minds of Honorary Membership. They do not count as delegates worry about the past and future, concentrating only on and cannot hold an elected office. Would not be issued a the present moment. Our Quiet Time is just for us. We printed publication but will be eligible to obtain free copy need and deserve it, and it's up to us to take it. of the official publication on line. 6. Would change to have all annual dues expire on Aug 31 Semper Fi Prayer and change membership fees for new members joining Please remember our sick in your thoughts and prayers between 1 Mar and Aug 30 to $10.00 plus $5.00 for George Adams (Hip Surgry), "Dapper"Dan Donnelly, initiation fees. Dorothy (Dotty) White, Charles Luthardt, Roose Nippard, 7. Upon death of life member, his detachment would Bill Wheeler, Dominic Naples and Herb Becker. continue to receive the PLM interest and not the Condolences to Darrell Trusdake on the loss of his son. department. Would not receive if member resigns or And a general prayer of intersession for those who have expelled. aches and pains but Marine on through the day. Administrative Procedures 1. Change would lists in the Chapter the subsidiary organizations and their relationship to the MCL as they God Bless Us, Our Nation and the Marine Corps are a separate entity with own Bylaws. 2. Would define what is criminal acts against the laws of the Howard Koontz US and where these acts would be reported to the civil Chaplain authorities and the MCL could still press charges and possible file for recovery of funds via Rust Insurance Company. Enclosure 3 changes - Uniform code Independence Day Prayer 1. Allow FMF corpsmen to wear black caduceus on MCL cover We are grateful to God for those who have 2. That only MCL ribbons can be worn vice DOD or provided the freedom. Our freedom as Americans MCL on specific uniforms came at a high price. We are grateful for all who 3. Authorizes American flag as lapel pin. have served to protect our freedom. For those of us 4. Authorizes wearing of MCL or C4C medallion to be worn born in relative peacetime, we can’t even grasp on all uniforms how significant this freedom is. Thank you men and Enclosure 4 women who have served us! Amen 1. Authorizes Associate Member of the Year medallion 2. 75th Anniversary Medal and Ribbon for

3. Ceremonial Guard Ribbon authorized only after 13 Aug 2015 4. Ceremonial Guard Ribbon retroactive to 1 Jan 2010 - 3 -

Detachment Programs Noteworthy

Marine Family Assistance Filing Claims for Cause of Death The Baltimore Detachment’s “Marine Family Assistance Widows of Veterans Program emphasis is providing assistance to Marine There are many conditions that veterans die from. What families in our area, specifically the Marines of the 4th CEB. makes a difference is whether they pass away from a service connected or non service connected condition. If The canned food, dry goods, and monetary donations are a veteran never filed a VA claim for any service contributed by our members and local community connected condition but dies from one of the organizations presumptive conditions listed for herbicides from Agent Orange or from the pending presumptive conditions from Scholarships the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, the surviving spouse can file a VA claim listing the presumptive Pocket Calendar 2016 condition as cause of death. In addition, the VA will pay Last reminder and hopefully you will respond. If you haven’t a burial allowance up to $2000 if the veteran’s death was sent in your donation for the Pocket Calendars please do due to service-connected. The Camp Lejeune your best to do so now. Contribute at least the minimum of conditions have not been approved yet but are pending. $6.00. All monies go to the SCHOLARSHIP FUND except Please pass on this information to the widow of any for expenses... veteran you know who may not know this information. The VA will not contact these widows to inform them that they can file. Service connected is while you are alive Detachment Member Assist / VA Hosp Bingo and cause of death is afterwards. Pick Three Lottery Calendar * 2016 This month you will see February’s winners by name and Detachment Home Maintenance amount won. I hope this will gain more of you interested for To everyone who comes in the side door, Chuck Hilton next year, when you see your friends winning. The first time has installed a new screen to help keep the bugs out. you win, you get your money back plus more and you could When you enter the screen separates in the middle and win again. will automatically close by itself because of magnets. Just be sure the magnets don’t catch on the doorframe 2016 Pick 3 Lottery Calendar Monthly Winners: or the door. Again if any of you able body members could see your way clear to give 2 to 3 hours a MONTH, May 2016: on Wed. or Saturday, 9 till 12 noon it would make a big difference in the condition of the building & grounds. 5/03 Carl D. Pedersen #532 $25.00 While you are there and you see something that needs 5/06 Nathanial Savage #260 $25.00 fixing please let one of us know. (Chuck, Dick, Diamond 5/09 James Littelton Jr #770 $25.00 or me). Please do your best if you drop or spill 5/11 Joe Clawson #650 $25.00 something clean it up or let one of the above know 5/17 Grecia Hilton #186 $25.0 to help you. 5/22 Charles Hoover #476 $25.00 July 21 2008 Pool table installed. Very little use! 5/23 T. S. Lynch #296 $25.00 5/24 Marie Thompson #928 $25.00 2016 Marine Corps Birthday Ball 5/25` Leota Parsosns #647 $25.00 12 November 2016 5/28 Charles Baker Jr #637 $25.00 Mark your calendars and do your best to attend and 5/31 Michael J. Ratajczak, Jr #128 $25.00 bring friends. Cost will remain the same $40 per person

The fund had eleven (11) for May. All won $25.00 for a total payout of $275.00 leaving a balance in the fund of $3,415.00.

Those members who have not sent in their Pick 3 We need your Email Address Marines, we need your Email Address to notify you of Calendar fundraiser ticket are encouraged to do so. “Important Events” within the Detachment in

between the monthly Gung Ho newsletter. We will only use your email address to notify you of “Official Detachment Business”. Please send a “Brief Email” stating your Name & Email Address to [email protected].

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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,

The Devil Dogs of Pound 204 and the Maryland Pack are Three of our members, Bernadine Blair, Rosemary continuing to enjoy the Dog days of summer. We did crawl Koontz and Joan Hansen will be attending the National out of our comfy doghouses to make the trek to the Mid- Convention of the Marine Corps League in Tulsa east Growl in Newark, Delaware last month where that Oklahoma in August. We hope to come back with some Growl raised 527 bones for the kids. new ideas about how to increase our membership.

This will be our last month to relax as next month we will go Several of our members attended the Mid East Division from neutral to high gear with the Supreme Growl on 10 Conference on June 24th thru 26th in Wilmington, DE. August and Pound 204 Growl on the 28th. The conference was held at the Hilton Wilmington hotel.

At the 28 August Growl we will hold nominations, election The mid east marine of the year Mike McLain, Mid east and installation of new officers. Unfortunately, our illustrious commandant division was announced at the banquet. Pound Keeper has suffered a debilitating stroke and will Retired marine and league member, Col. David H Cahn reluctantly have to step down. If interested in leading your was the guest speaker. He reviewed the current status Pound you must be present at the Growl as there is no of the Marine Corps and plans for the future. proxy vote. However, a letter or email to your Dog Robber stating you will accept a position, if nominated, will allow Because of business issues we needed to discuss we you to be nominated. did not have time to begin our crochet lessons at our meeting in June. But with these matters out of the way The dues of all annual dues-paying Dogs expire on 31 we will begin learning at our July meeting. We hope our August. They remain a paltry $15.00. You can forward them new members from Anne Arundel County will join us. to your friendly Pound Dog Robber (me) at any time. Reminder: Our dues are due again at the end of August. The next Pack Growl will be sometime in September hosted Please forward them to Julie Silverstein at the by the Free State Detachment in Bowie. Members who detachment: 1426 E Fort Ave. Baltimore, MD 21230. have not paid their 2017 dues by then will not be allowed to $20.00 per year. attend this Growl.

Remember: It is an honor to be a Devil Dog! We still need more recipes for our cookbook. Keep the recipes coming! Woof woof, PDD Paul Taylor, Dog Robber God bless America,

Marine Corps Humor Joan Hansen, President

When you invite someone you know to join the Marine Corps League Auxiliary, you do more than increase our ability to help America's Veterans and their families; you could be helping that new member live a longer, more fulfilling life.

“Hey, most grunts climb over, . . .

. . . but whatever works for you.”

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Dates of Interest Marine Corps History Question of the Month  July 6, 1905 Marines escorted the body of John Paul Jones In each month’s “GUNG HO” we will feature a question about from France to Annapolis, MD. U.S. Marine Corps history. The question will test your knowledge of well known facts of Marine Corps existence.  July 11, 1798 The U.S. Marine Corps was re-established by The answer to each question will be published in the an Act of Congress, succeeding the Continental following month’s issue. Marines.

Congratulations Ray Vaughn who was the first member to answer June’s question  July 14, 1853 correctly and is the recipient of a bottle of Commodore Matthew C. Perry, escorted by JARHEAD RED Marines and Sailors, landed at Uraga, Japan. Marine Jacob Zeilin was the second man Answer to June’s Question to go ashore. On 10 June 1898, the First Marine Battalion, commanded by LtCol Robert W. Huntington, landed on the eastern side  July 17, 1990 of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The next day, the American flag Two hundred members of Marine Barracks, was hoisted on a flag pole at Camp McCalla where it flew Subic Bay, Philippines, helped rescue survivors during the next eleven days. Who hoisted that flag? in Cabanatuan after the island was hit by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake. Lt. Herbet L. Draper  July 18, 1918 The 4th Marine Brigade sustained 1,972 casualties July’s Question in an attack at Soissons, France. In June 1896, this Marine went to sea aboard the USS Vermont. He was transferred to the USS San  July 21, 1944 Francisco in December 1897 and to the USS New The 3rd Marine Division, 1st Provisional Marine Orleans during the following April. While serving on that Brigade, and Marine Aircraft Group 21 landed to vessel during the Spanish–American War, he participated in recapture Guam. several bombardments of the forts at Santiago, Cuba. He was advanced to captain on 11 August 1898.  July 23, 1972 33dMAU participated in relief operations in the After commanding the U.S. Marine Barracks in Washington Philippines following Typhoon Rita. for a period of one year, Hewas transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps Headquarters and was shortly afterwards  July 28, 1918 ordered to command the Marine Detachment, American BGen John A. Lejeune assumed command of the Legation, Peking, China. Upon completing his tour of duty in 2d U.S. Division in France. the Far East he returned to the United States during the summer of 1910 and assumed command of the Marine  July 29, 1919 Barracks, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was promoted to A detachment of Marines from USS New Orleans the rank of on 11 October of that year. prepared to land at Tyutuke Bay ( near Vladivostok),Russia, to protect American interests This Marine eventually became Commandant of the Marine during a period of political disturbances. Corps. Who is he ?

a) George F. Elliott, Maj Gen b) Wendell C. Neville, Maj Gen c) Ben H. Fuller, Maj Gen d) , Maj Gen

Answer to this question in August’s Gung Ho.

GOOD LUCK

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Detachment Activities Coming Events

VA Medical Center Bingo 2016 MCL National Convention Tuesday 7 June 2016 7-13 August Winners inside and Winners outside! While the Orioles Tulsa Oklahoma were soundly beating the opposition, patients at the Center The 93rd National Convention will begin Sunday 7 were also winning at the bingo games. All patients August, 2016 with council forums, business meetings, appreciated the prizes and refreshments provided and social events, and conclude with a grand banquet Friday served by members of the Detachment and Auxiliary. evening 12 August, 2016.

Francis Scott Key School Graduation Awards 4th Combat Engineer Battalion 16 June * 8th Grade Outstanding Academic Graduate Courtney Dennis, Kim Doan, Amberly Newell Family Day 17 June * 5th Grade Outstanding Academic Graduates Sunday 11 September Donald Smith, Armanie Rivera, Adrene Blockinger Mark your calendars! It's time again for 4th CEB's annual Family Day to be held on Sunday, 5 June 2016! Last year, Baltimore Det. Marines presenting the awards were Mother Nature forced us to cancel our Family Day in Cmdt. Earl Euff, Jr., Sr. Vice Cmdt.Marian James, Jr. Vice Cmdt. Ray Vaughn, Jack Colleran, and Dick Lantz October 2015. This year we've chosen June and we're hoping you can join us.

MPT Salutes Vietnam Veterans We will have an EXPO of resources once again, LZ Maryland * Expo combined with "Employers Seeking Vets". Our event will June 18-19, 2016 take place aboard our Reserve Training Center in Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, MD Baltimore, MD. Please take a moment to save the date Saturday – 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Sunday – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on your calendars and/or let me know if you are not able LZ Maryland, a two-day public event took place at the to participate this year. Maryland State Fairgrounds over Father's Day weekend, honored Vietnam-era military veterans as they gathered MC Nat Museum / Iwo Jima Memorial together with family and friends, and viewed exhibits in two A trip is being planned to the Marine Corps Museum buildings and displays on the grounds of aircraft and in Quantico on a Saturday and another to the memorials, along with entertainment of that era by military twilight parade at the Iwo Jima Memorial. The bands and the USO. van carries 14 paxs. Cost will be $20.00/person. Pick up at the fire house. Date to be determined. If interested let me know @ 410.366.5142 or [email protected].

Howard Koontz

Members Birthdays

JULY – BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS We would like to wish the following Marines a “Happy Birthday” and many more: William P. Ethridge, William H. Wells, George P. Adams, Jack C. Colleran, Don B. Memorial / Chairs representing 1017Maryland military killed Reier, Robert R. Scott, Sr., George J. Hoyt, Alfonso V. in the Vietnam War * Timonium Fairgrounds 19 June Cahill, Charles O. Lahatte, Eric N. Hawkins, Walter S. Cwik, William J. Berger, Jr., Jason A. Danker, Frederick

M. Kellner, III, Michael Gordon, Jr., Edward C. Mattson, 2016 MCL Mid-East Division Conference Jr., Norman M. Pepersack, Jr., Gerald D. Wilson, Jr., 24-26 June, 2016, William P. Marsich, Louis B. Frock, James F. Hosted by Dept. of Delaware Levendusky, Ronald Smith, Joseph E. Humberson, Jr. Hilton Wilmington/Chrisitiana, DE and Robert R. Staab.

Representing the Baltimore Detachment were Jack Marines, if you had a birthday this month and your name Colleran, Joan Hansen, Stuart & Bernadine Blair, Paul did not appear, please let me know. Taylor, and Marian James. Stuart Blair, 410-665-6440, *Report on page one (1) Email: [email protected] - 7 -

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

Independence Day Parades 4 JULY MON - Towson * Dundalk * Catonsville 5 JULY TUES - VA Medical Center – Bingo 20 JULY WED 1830 Trustees, Staff and Officers Meeting 22 JULY FRI 1930 Baltimore Detachment and Auxiliary Meeting 2 AUG TUES - VA Medical Center – Bingo Mon MCL National Convention 7-13 AUG - - Tulsa, Oklahoma SAT 24 AUG WED 1830 Trustees, Staff and Officers Meeting 26 AUG FRI 1930 Baltimore Detachment and Auxiliary Meeting

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