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V OLUME 73, ISSUE 1 MARINE CORPS LEAGUE OF PENNSYLVANIA, INC
2015 National Newsletter Competition—2nd PLACE WINNER FALL 2015 2014 National Newsletter Competition - 1st PLACE WINNER 2013 National Newsletter Competition - 3rd Place Winner KEYSTONE LEATHERNECK
Department Commandant James Powell ([email protected] or 215-801-0432) INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Department Newsletter Editor Liz McCleaster ([email protected] or 267-736-5066)
Fall Meeting: October 16 — 17, 2015 Headquarters Building National Commandant’s 1 Message Dept. of Pennsylvania 2 Marines, Commandant’s Message It is indeed a great pleasure to be able to address the Members of the Dept of PA Commandant’s 3-6 "Department of Pennsylvania", at this critical juncture in the rebirth of our MCL National Convention "Marine Corps League". You, the membership of PA has always been Full Report among the first to stand tall and be counted in good times as well as the Agent Orange Okinawa 8 bad, and this past year was no exception. Your support has always been Update one of my strengths and I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. 2015 MCL National Con- 10- vention Photos 12 As the events of the year unfold and our efforts to grow the League and List of 2015 Department of 14 make it strong again comes to fruition, a lot will be expected from all, and PA Officers there is no doubt that the contributions in this effort will be led by your great Chester County Detach- 22- Department, and the membership. The National Board of Trustees will con- ment Eagle Scouts Pro- 23 tinually listen to what you are telling us and please, be vocal, hold nothing gram back, and make us answerable to you for our conduct. Wreaths Across America 27
POW-MIA Reports - June, 34- This is , and will continue to be, a T.E.A.M. effort with honesty and integrity August, September 2015 36 prevailing. Our WEB page is almost completed and it will be a benefit to Marine Corps League once 42- everyone, National is delving into the complex problems they face and again takes care of it’s own 43 things are looking up. If you go on the web page you will see at the bottom Upcoming Meetings 46 of the page a column which will keep everyone updated as things change in our rebuilding. Read it , this is my way of staying in touch with everyone on (Back Cover) a mass scale. News Reports throughout from MGySgt John W. Zaengle, Patriot, Smedley D. Butler, Lewis B. Puller, Once again, "Thank You" for all you do everyday to make our League the Forbes Trail, Williamsport, First Capitol, and Chester County De- best veterans organization in the world. tachments More News Throughout this Newsletter "Semper Fi." There will be a brief meeting Richard D. Gore, Sr. of the Headquarters Detach- National Commandant ment immediately following Marine Corps League the end of the Department 774-239-6067 WE’RE ON THE WEB Staff Meeting on Saturday, WWW.PAMCLEAGUE.ORG October 17, 2015
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FROM DEPARTMENT OF PA COMMANDANT JAMES POWELL….
This year, I would like to start out by saying that the turnout at the Marine Corps League’s 92nd National Convention in Scottsdale, Arizona was much bigger than I thought it would be and again Pennsylvania had by far and away the most delegates on the floor. Another big THANK YOU is in order to all of our Detachments that sent delegates; it was truly another impressive showing.
The business session of the Convention started on Monday August 10th and ended on Friday August 14th and I was on floor through- out the week’s business sessions. I sent out a memo to the Department membership on all that went on at the Convention and I believe that is also posted in this newsletter. So, if somehow you missed it please read over it and if you have any question please feel free to contact me about them. Over all the convention went extremely well. There were several memorable quest speakers, lot reports and a large amount of information to digest. The National Budget that passed, but not before a lot consternation after it failed to pass on the first go round. There was a lot of back and forth from the floor but it finally passed and I think that the leadership is fully aware of how the membership feels about the financial stability of the League.
There were 23 Bylaw change submissions this year and the breakdown is as follows; Rejected – 9 Withdrawn – 2 Approved – 12. Of the approved changes, several involved Chapter 9 and one that may be of interest to Detachments was the passing of a new ribbon for Ceremonial Guard.
We have 1 new National Officer; the new Judge Advocate is Johnny Baker who hails from Alabama and your new National Com- mandant is Richard Gore from South Carolina. Of note, our own PDC Leanna Dietrich was elected as Northeast Division Commandant. Good Luck and Best Wishes to all of the National Officers during their terms of Office. I’d also like to congratulate PDC Leanna Dietrich on being chosen as National Marine of the Year.
Pennsylvania again showed well in the Awards categories. The following is a list of those awards:
Americanism: Third place Category III – Northampton County (plaque)
Membership: Fourth place (101 to 200 members) – R.M. Butterweck Detachment #465 (plaque)
Recruiting Certificates: Joel Sofranko (20 new members) Cam Kulick (15 new members) Don Baily (14 new members) James Mineo (6 new members) David White (6 new members) James McLain (8 new members)
Distinguished Service Award Certificates Linda Chamberlain Charles Chamberlain Tom Hazlett
Newsletter: Second place Overall – Department of Pennsylvania – Elizabeth McCleaster (plaque) Third place Battalion Level – Chester County Detachment #286 (plaque)
NATIONAL POSTAL MATCH RESULTS: I do not have the results of the Pennsylvania shooters at this time.
GOLD MEDALS: James Walters (Westmoreland County)
DEPARTMENT MEMBERS ELECTED TO OFFICE: PDC Leanna Dietrich- Northeast Division Vice Commandant Tom Hazlett- Kennel Junior Vice Chief Devil Dog Rod Hoffman - Kennel Police Dog Tom Minchin - Dog Trainer
DEPARTMENT MEMBERS APPOINTED TO OFFICE: Johnny Gill - National Chaplain
Semper Fi,
Jim Powell Commandant, MCL Dept. of Pa. Inc.
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National Exec Dir Awards Washington County Young Marine LCpl Ricky Howard…..
Lifesaving First Degree Certificate that LCpl. Ricky Howard was awarded by Michael Kessler, Na- tional Executive Director of the Young Marines, Washington, DC is shown below.
This is one of the highest personal awards awarded to a Young Marine for his heroic measure in saving another person without regard to the risk of one's own life for the benefit of another hu- man being.
This was awarded to LCpl. Ricky Howard by GySgt. Paul Griffenberg, Battalion Commander and MSgt. Donald Bailey, Executive Officer of Washington County Young Marines on behalf of the National Executive Director Michael Kessler.
Joyce Bailey Adjutant Washington County Young Marines
Larry Maggi, Washington County Commissioner, LCpl Ricky Howard, GySgt. Paul Griffenberg and MSgt. Donald L. Bailey
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Agent Orange Okinawa Update► U.S. Continues to Deny Presence
The U.S. government has awarded compensation to the ailing former marine at the center of allegations that Agent Orange was dumped on Futenma Air Base in Okinawa. On 10 AUG the Board of Veterans’ Appeals ruled that retired Lt. Col. Kris Roberts, chief of maintenance at the installation in the early 1980s, had developed prostate cancer due to “exposure to haz- ardous chemicals.” The presiding judge based the decision on evidence including medical reports, statements and “photographs of barrels being removed from the ground.” However, the carefully worded ruling avoids specific reference to Agent Orange, which the Pentagon denies was stored on its Okinawa bases.
Roberts is the first veteran known to have won compensation for exposure on Futenma, and now he is urging the military to come clean about what really happened at the air base. “The Marine Corps has a moral and ethical obligation to alert others who may have been exposed,” he said in a telephone interview.
According to Roberts, he was ordered in 1981 to investigate high chemical readings detected in waste water running from the installation into neighboring communities in and around Ginowan, the city that surrounds Futenma. After checking the area of concern near one of the base’s runways, Roberts and his team unearthed more than 100 chemical barrels, some marked with the tell-tale orange stripes used to label defoliants. On orders from Futenma’s top brass, Roberts says the bar- rels were moved by Okinawan base workers to an undisclosed location. After the discovery, Roberts developed a number of serious illnesses, including heart disease and prostate cancer.
Roberts, now a state representative in New Hampshire, told The Japan Times that the Marine Corps has a duty to track down the U.S. service members and Japanese base employees who handled the toxic barrels.
He also called on U.S. Forces Japan to inform local residents. “The base’s drainage pipes distributed the contaminated wa- ter all around the civilian communities near Futenma — not only in Ginowan city. USFJ needs to warn them of the dangers, and doctors need to look for clusters of diseases similar to the ones I have,” he said. Asked whether USFJ would notify oth- ers who may have been poisoned, Michael Ard, director of the MCIPAC (Marine Corps Installations Pacific) Public Affairs Office, referred comment to the Office of U.S. Marine Corps Communication, which had not replied by the time of publica- tion. Tiffany Carter, USFJ media relations chief, likewise declined immediate comment.
Such complacency does not surprise Manabu Sato, a professor in political science at Okinawa International University, which is situated adjacent to the Futenma base. “All available data regarding the contamination must be presented to Okina- wan communities — but the U.S. government will not do so, nor will the Japanese government demand such action. Both governments want to conceal any past transgressions committed by the U.S. military on Okinawa so as not to fire up anti- U.S. military sentiment,” he said. The tacit admission of toxic contamination at Futenma will be particularly troubling for the U.S. government. The air base has long been a thorn in the side of U.S.-Japan relations. Okinawans have long demanded the closure of Futenma Air Station, but these latest allegations of contamination on the base raise fears that even after its planned closure and the relocation of many of its facilities to Henoko in the northeast, the land at Futenma will be too con- taminated to use for years, if not decades.
According to publicly available Department of Veterans’ Affairs records, more than 200 U.S. vets believe they were poi- soned by Agent Orange while serving in Okinawa. Their sicknesses include multiple myeloma, Parkinson’s disease and peripheral neuropathy — illnesses for which the Department of Veterans’ Affairs compensates Americans exposed to defoli- ants in Vietnam, Thailand and the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas. Although photographs and military docu- ments corroborate claims that defoliants were present in Okinawa, Washington maintains that no such evidence exists. To date, only a handful of U.S. veterans have been awarded compensation for exposure to Agent Orange in Okinawa. Howev- er, many veterans hope this will change following the discovery of more than 100 buried barrels in Okinawa City on land that used to be part of Kadena Air Base, the Pentagon’s busiest Okinawa installation during the Vietnam War. Some of the bar- rels — the first of which were unearthed in June 2013 — contained traces of Agent Orange’s three ingredients: the herbi- cides 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D, and the TCDD dioxin. Japanese and international experts assert that the discovery proves military defoliants were present in Okinawa.
In June this year, the most recent tests revealed that some of the standing water near the barrels contained levels of dioxin thousands of times higher than environmental standards permit. Meanwhile, the Okinawan authorities’ handling of the clean- up has come under fire. Construction workers at the dump site wear little protective clothing and the plastic tarpaulins cover- ing the excavation allow water to accumulate.
In July a typhoon flooded the site, and residents claim the water was pumped into a nearby river without first being checked for contamination. The Okinawa City dioxin dump site highlights the shortcomings of the current U.S.-Japan Status of Forc- es Agreement, which prevents Japanese officials from conducting environmental tests on U.S. military bases and relieves the Pentagon of all responsibility to clean up Japanese land formerly under its control. As well as dioxin, high levels of other toxic substances — including lead, arsenic and PCBs — have been discovered in recent years on former military land in Okinawa.
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Marines Return to Cuba to Raise US Flag for First Time in 54 Years
• Semper Fidelis Leathernecks !
These Marines took down the US flag in Cuba in 1961. Today, they watched it rise again.
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PHOTOS FROM THE 2015 MARINE CORPS LEAGUE NATIONAL CONVENTION…..
YOUR DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVES AT WORK…..
########## NATIONAL NEWSLETTER COMPETITION AWARDS – MCL NATIONAL CONVENTION, SCOTTSDALE, AZ Category IV – Department Second Place Liz McCleaster/Keystone Leatherneck Accepted by Department of PA Commandant Jim Powell
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AND MORE PHOTOS …..
Of course you need some R&R time…..
PHILLIES VS DIAMONDBACKS
Dave Brady, Adjutant, Department of Pennsylvania HAD THE HONOR OF ESCOURTING SENATOR JOHN McCAIN TO THE CONVENTION FLOOR
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AND MORE PHOTOS …..
National Americanism Awards
Northampton County Category III, 3rd place
Washington County Don Bailey Honorable Mention Category III
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Marine Sniper Program Marine Snipers Losing Gunfight
During the summer of 2011 in southern Helmand province, Afghanistan, in mission a er mission, Sgt. Ben McCullar of Third Ba alion, Second Marines, would insert with his eight‐man sniper team into the berms and dunes north of the vola le town of Musa Qala. Some‐ mes they would fire at a group of enemy fighters, some mes the enemy would fire at them first, but almost immediately, McCullar ex‐ plained, their team would be pinned down by machine guns that outranged almost all of their sniper rifles. “They’d set up at the max range of their [machine guns] and start firing at us,” McCullar said. “We’d take it un l we could call in [close air support] or ar llery.” The story of McCullar and his snipers is not an isolated one. For 14 years, Marine snipers have suffered setbacks in combat that, they say, have been caused by outdated equipment and the inability of the Marine Corps to provide a sniper rifle that can perform at the needed range.
Marine Corps snipers from the Second Ba alion, 5th Marine Regiment, operate on a roo op in Ramadi, Iraq, in October 2004.
They trace the problem to the rela vely small Marine sniper community that doesn’t advocate effec vely for itself because it is made up of junior service members and has a high turnover rate. Addi onally, snipers say that the Marine Corps’ weapons procurement process is part of an entrenched bureaucracy resistant to change. The Marine Corps is known for fielding older equipment. In the 1991 Gulf War, when the Army was driving the brand‐new M1A1 Abrams ba le tanks, the Marines crossed into Kuwait with the aging Pa ons — tanks that rolled through the streets of Saigon in the ’60s. In 2003, when they entered Iraq again, Marine snipers carried the M40A1 sniper ri‐ fles, many of which began their careers shortly a er the end of the Vietnam War. Today, the Marines’ primary sniper rifle, a newer variant of the M40, s ll shoots roughly the same distance: 1,000 yards.
Current and former Marine Corps snipers say their hardware doesn’t match the capabili es of the other services, not to men on what is in the hands of enemies such as the Taliban and the Islamic State. “It doesn’t ma er if we have the best training,” said one reconnaissance sniper who spoke on the condi on of anonymity because he is not permi ed to talk to the media. “If we get picked off at a thousand yards before we can shoot, then what’s the point?” McCullar, who was also an instructor at the Marine Corps’ main sniper school in Quan‐ co, Va., un l this month, when he le the service, voiced similar sen ments. “With an average engagement of 800 yards, you’re already ruling out a lot of our weapons,” McCullar said. McCullar’s most recent deployment to Afghanistan, in 2011, was marked by controversy when other members of his sniper platoon were filmed urina ng on dead Taliban fighters.
That year was also a period of improvised tac cs on the ba lefield, as McCullar and his fellow snipers o en found themselves in situa ons where be er rifles were needed. “Some mes we could see the [Taliban] machine gunners, and we really couldn’t engage them,” McCullar said. He added that if Marines had different weapons, such as a .300 Winchester Magnum or a .338, their accuracy would be much im‐ proved. The Army, for instance, adopted the .300 Win Mag as its primary sniper rifle cartridge in 2011, and it fires 300 yards farther than the Marines’ M40, which uses a lighter .308‐caliber bullet. In a statement, the Marine Corps Systems Command said it has “evaluated several op ons for replacing the M40 series sniper rifle; however, the weapon con nues to meet our opera onal requirements.”
The M40 is built by Precision Weapons Sec on (PWS), a component of the Marine Corps that is contracted by Marine Corps Systems Com‐ mand and is primarily staffed by Marine armorers. It exists solely to build and repair the Marines’ precision weapons. Chris Sharon, a for‐ mer chief sniper school instructor at Quan co, says there has been a reluctance to cut the M40 program because it could make Precision Weapons Sec on redundant. “Nobody wants to be the one who kills PWS,” said Sharon, who is also a former contractor for Marine Corps Systems Command, no ng that killing the rifle would significantly downsize one element of the Marine Corps. Sharon says the solu on to the Marines’ problems lies in a system called the Precision Sniper Rifle, or PSR, which other services solicit directly from a private arms manufacturer. It’s not that expensive,” Sharon said. “You could buy and maintain two PSRs for one M40 … All of our NATO allies have a .338 rifle, and we’re the only ones s ll shoo ng .308.”
Sgt. J.D. Montefusco, a former Marine Special Opera ons Training Group instructor, recounted a mountain sniper course in which he par‐ cipated with a number of Bri sh Royal Marines during training in the rugged terrain of Bridgeport, Calif. Montefusco said the Marine snipers in the course were technically more proficient than their Bri sh counterparts, but since the weather was terrible and the Bri sh had rifles that fired a heavier bullet, the Marines paid the price. “Pre y much all the Marines failed,” Montefusco said. “And the Brits just had a heavier round, they didn’t have to worry nearly as much as we did when it came to factoring in the weather.” Montefusco added: “A .338 [rifle] should have been adopted while we were figh ng in Afghanistan.” The Marine Corps recently decided to upgrade from the M40A5 to the M40A6, a new variant that s ll shoots the same distance. “You have to look at those programs and ask who’s driving the bus on this?” Sharon said.
McCullar, Sharon and other snipers all voiced their concern about the next conflict and how Marine snipers will stack up against their ad‐ versaries on the ba lefield. “We make the best snipers in the world. We are employed by the best officers in the military. And we are the most feared hunters in any terrain,” said a Marine sniper instructor, who spoke on the condi on of anonymity because he was not author‐ ized to speak to the media. “But the next me we see combat, the Marines Corps is going to learn the hard way what happens when you bring a knife to a gunfight.”
[Source: Washington Post | Thomas Gibbons‐Neff | June 13, 2015 ++]
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List of Department Officers as of June 2015:
Commandant: Adjutant: James Powell [email protected] Dave Brady [email protected] Sr. Vice Commandant: Paymaster: Tom Hazlett [email protected] Bob Ziltz [email protected] Jr. Vice Commandant: Chaplain: Brian Natali [email protected] Johnny Gill [email protected] Judge Advocate: Jr. Past Department Commandant: I.J. “Duffy” Hines [email protected] Gordy Sheriff [email protected] District 1 District 6 Dan Murray [email protected] Bill Foster [email protected] District 2 District 7 Joe Kier [email protected] Ed Forster [email protected] District 3 District 8 Joseph Pokojni, Sr. [email protected] Dave Radaker [email protected] District 4 District 9 O. Robert Neira [email protected] Ben Witt [email protected] District 5 District 10 Robert Mosley [email protected] James Walters [email protected] Chief of Staff Aide-de-Camp Bill Miller [email protected] Hank Fiola [email protected] PNC Paul Hastings [email protected] Sgt-At -Arms Bob Sundling [email protected] E-Mail Addresses are Hyperlinked for your Convenience
All Detachment Newsletter Editors should take note of Department of Pennsylvania M.C.L. By-Laws (Enclosure Two), which spell out the criteria for newsletter recognition at the state level. Especially note that copies of Detachment Newsletters are to be sent to the Department Commandant, the Department Senior Vice Commandant, and the Department Public Affairs Officer.
Also send newsletters to the Keystone Leatherneck Editor via e-mail or snail mail. Keystone Leatherneck Keystone Leatherneck Keystone Leatherneck Jim Powell /Commandant Eric Fussenegger/Sr. Vice Commandant Liz McCleaster/ Public Affairs Officer 210 Leeds Court 316 Martingale Circle 36 Hillcrest Avenue, 1st Floor New Hope, PA 18938-1087 Coatesville, PA 19320-4663 Erdenheim, PA 19038 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: 215.801.0432 Phone: 717.877.7965 Phone: Phone: 267.736.5066
Keystone Leatherneck Dave Brady/Adjutant 993 Marbrook Lane York, PA 17404 E-Mail: [email protected]
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Blue Water Claims Update► Veterans Advocacy Hits VA "Betrayal"
The Department of Veterans Affairs recently issued a revision to its manual defining what areas can be considered for the presumption of Agent Orange exposure. This revision specifically excludes the crews of ships that entered the major bays and harbors of Vietnam, including Navy personnel who were exposed to Agent Orange in Da Nang, Nha Trang, Vung Tau and Cam Ranh Bay. The provision was issued in re- sponse to a court order from the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims decision entitled Gray v. McDonald, which found the old regulation to be improper and ordering the VA to re-write it. Military-Veterans Advocacy Executive Director Commander John B. Wells, USN (Retired), described the new regulation as a "betrayal."
"It does not change their old rule," Wells said. "It merely restates it with language that is just as irrational." The new regulation comes on the heels of a meeting between Wells and VA Deputy Secretary Sloan
Gibson, which occurred last month. The meeting was arranged as a result of Congressional pressure open a dialogue on Gray and the entire Blue Water Navy issue. During that meeting, Wells showed evidence of the Agent Orange infiltration into the bays, harbors and territorial seas of the Republic of Vietnam. The meeting also included the discussion of a report confirming the presence of the Agent Orange dioxin in the bottom sediment of Nha Trang Harbor.
Several scientific studies have shown that the process used to distill potable water from salt water, for crew use, did not remove the dioxin, and actually enriched it. "These folks got a straight shot into their drinking water." Wells said. "Studies conducted for the Australian Department of Veterans Affairs and confirmed by the United States' Institute of Medicine have proven that. Yet the bureaucrats at the VA refuse to accept the fact that they were wrong."
Australia has granted the presumption of exposure to their shipboard veterans since 2003. "Sloan Gibson promised me that the VA would keep in contact with us and consult with us," Wells continued. "That never happened." Wells noted that a similar promise of contribution made in January of 2012 by then VA Chief of Staff John Gingrich never materialized either. "We tried to give the VA the benefit of the doubt but, as usu- al, they disappointed us." In an e-mail to Gibson, Wells wrote: "While I had hoped that our meeting would result in a partnership, the fact that it did not was not completely unexpected. Like most veterans, I am used to being disappointed by the VA. Working with you, I believe we could have resolved this matter. In- stead, we now have to pursue other avenues. But our mission is to work for the veterans and we will contin- ue to do that."
Wells, who served as a Chief Engineer on several Navy ships, is a retired surface warfare officer. He is now an attorney practicing military and veterans law. He is recognized nationally as the subject matter ex- pert on the Blue Water Navy matter. In contrast, Wells noted that at the meeting with Gibson the Deputy Secretary conceded that the people he had working the issue had no surface ship experience.
"The lack of nautical experience is evident in the new regulation and as well as previous VA statements on the matter," Wells said. Wells promised continued pressure in Congress and the courts. HR 969, which would expand the presumption of exposure to the territorial seas, is pending in the House Veterans Affairs Committee with 264 co-sponsors.
The Companion Senate bill, S 681, has 20 co-sponsors.
The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee has held one hearing on May 13, and is expected to hold another when Congress reconvenes. Currently litigation is pending before the United States Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Wells, an attorney whose practice focuses on military matters, is based in Slidell, Louisiana, near New Orleans.
For more information about MVA, refer to www.MilitaryVeteransAdvocacy.org or https://www.facebook.com/ pages/Military-Veterans-Advocacy- Inc/1379899502270588?fref=ts. [Source:
MVA Press Release | John B. Wells | August 13, 2015 ++]
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. Department of PA participates in Marine ROTC Awards & Promotion Ceremony
On Friday evening May 29, 2015, the Sun Valley High School Jr. Marine ROTC, Aston, PA, held its annual Awards and Promotion Ceremony. Representing the Marine Corps League, Department of Pennsylvania, was Earle Drake of the General Smedley D. Butler Detachment. He was present to award the Distinguished Citizen Medal, Bronze, to two of the cadets, Stephanie Farnsworth and Anastasia MacAndrews. Ms. MacAndrews was not present due to a family obligation but Ms. Farnsworth accepted her medal. The Distinguished Citizen Medal Bronze is the highest medal a Marine Corps League detachment can award and the third highest medal the League awards.
The Sun Valley Jr. Marine ROTC Woman’s Team took First Place in the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ PT completion held at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. Leading that team was Ms. Farns- worth, who later that evening was promoted to second Lieutenant by Colonel Tom Reimann, the Senior instructor of the Jr. ROTC.
The mission of the Marine Corps JROTC is to develop character and citizenship in the youth of America. Shown in the attach photo is cadet Farnsworth on right and cadet Carlucci on the left. In the second photo is Ma- rine Drake with cadets Wachman and Shelby Jackson.
Is a Veteran You Know at Risk
Is a Veteran You Know at Risk of Losing Housing? Call VA Now. VA has comprehensive programs to prevent and eliminate Veteran homeless- ness. Contact VA’s National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877- 4AID-VET. You will reach a trained VA responder who can connect you with the resources VA offers through these and many other programs.
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Attention to orders!
The 240th Marine Corps birthday will be celebrated at 1730 hours on 7 November 2015 at the Park Inn, 5401 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA. Hosted by the Lewis B. Puller, Jr., Leatherneck Square and P. W. Milano detachments of the Marine Corps League. The MCL National Commandant Richard Gore will be n attend- ance!!! Guest Speaker: Congressman Scott Perry (Brigadier General – select, PA National Guard) This is a formal event and a uniform or jacket and tie are required.
______RESERVATION FORM: Please detach and return with payment to your detachment paymaster. Meal selections: Enter number of each London broil with peppercorns ______Salmon with sesame ginger sauce ______Tuscan style chicken breast ______
Please remit $35.00 by October 28th!
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Toxic Exposure Research ► Biological Children | H.R.1769 & S.901
The Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015, (S. 901) sponsored by Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and the bill is (H.R.1769) sponsored by Rep. Dan Benishek (R- MI). needs your support. Each bill is in the Veterans Affairs Committee of its respective body but we need to generate more support for a vote in each commit- tee so they can go to the floor of the House and Senate for a final vote. The legislation directs the Depart- ment of Veterans Affairs (VA) to select a VA medical center to serve as the national center for research on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of the biological children, grandchildren, or great- grandchildren of individuals exposed to toxic substances while serving as members of the Armed Forces that are related to such exposure.
Among the so-called invisible wounds of war are those brought home by troops that may not manifest for a decade or more. Tragically, they may pass on genetically to the offspring of our nation’s warriors. If enacted into law, this bipartisan legislation would establish within the Department of Veterans Affairs a national center for the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of the descendants of veterans ex- posed to toxic substances during service in the Armed Forces. Toxins, such as Agent Orange, have been shown to cause birth defects in the children of military personnel who came into contact with them, either during the Vietnam War, in the storage and transportation of those toxins, or by riding in aircraft that had been previously used to transport the toxins. For Gulf War veterans, the exposure was to chemical weap- ons that were in an Iraqi ammo dump that was blown up by U.S. Forces at the end of the Gulf War, to oil fires, and possibly to tainted vaccines. Veterans are asked contact the offices of their Senators and Rep- resentative and urge them to support this important legislation.
[Source: TREA | News for the Enlisted | August 10, 2015
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OLD BREED: Dave Brady of First Capitol meets Gerry Schaller of Old Breed Detachment at the National Convention. Dave was the winner of Old Breed's raffle for 5 nights at the Convention hotel. A similar raf- fle is being offered for the 2016 Convention in Tulsa, OK by Albert Schwab Det.
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The attached photo is of Jim Mulhern
who is being awarded an Individual Meritorious Commendation
Certificate for his participation in the General Smedley D. Butler Detach- ment's Americanism/Flag History pro- gram.
Also shown is Earle Drake, presenter and Dan Fitzpatrick, Detachment Cer- emonial bugler. Jim is celebrating his sixth year as a program presenter.
Lewis B Puller, Jr.
Detachment #524
The Color Guard from Lewis B. Puller, Jr. Marine Corps League Detachment #524 performed the opening ceremony to kick off the 38th annual Carlisle, PA Summerfair, Friday, June 26, 2015 at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA.
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General Smedley D. Butler Detachment
The attached photo shows the Loomis Elementary School's fifth grade clas- ses along with Marine Corps Leaguers, center, left to right, Earle Drake, Dan Fitzpatrick (shown presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to Loomis School principal Christine White) and Jim Mulhern. The adults shown at each end of the front row are the teachers of the fifth grade classes.
The team of Dan Fitzpatrick, ceremonial bugler, Earle Drake and Jim Mulhern regularly make Flag history presentations in the elementary schools of Dela- ware County.
Earle Drake
The Keystone Leatherneck VOLUME 70, ISSUE 1 Page 21
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CHESTER COUNTY DETACHMENT
AND THE EAGLE SCOUT PROGRAM…..
In 2011, I was appointed Chairman of the Detachment's Eagle Scout Program. Our mission was to properly recognize all Chester County Boy Scouts who achieved the Eagle Scout rank. I met
with various leaders of the Chester County Council of the Boy Scouts of America. We determined that the best way to achieve our goal was for Detachment representatives to attend and support their annual Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner held in the Spring of the year following the attainment of Eagle Scout rank.
We decided on a plan that would allow the Scout Director of Support Services to provide the Detachment with the names of all eligible Eagle Scouts. Good Citizenship Award Certificates were ordered and prepared by the Detachment Eagle Scout Committee. The Committee attended the Ea- gle Scout Award Dinner and presented the Certificates to the Eagle Scouts.
The same process has continued as follows:
Class of 2011 - 167 Certificates in May 2012
Class of 2012 - 196 Certificates in May 2013
Class of 2013 - 191 Certificates in May 2014 Class of 2014 - 210 Certificates in May 2015
In 2014, Larry Samples, our Detachment Paymaster, who is also a former Scout Leader, was appointed as the Chairman of the Detachment Eagle Scout Committee, and Gene Gerard and I
stayed on the Committee to assist. All three of us attended the Class of 2014, Eagle Scout Dinner and presented 210 Eagle Scouts with Good Citizenship Certificates. Larry Samples spoke to the group of about 800 attendees on the relationship between scouting and the Marine Corps League.
Working closely with the Boy Scout Leadership since 2011, the Detachment has been able to award a total of 769 Good Citizenship Awards to Chester County Eagle Scouts while enhancing our relationship with the scouting program. We have had several requests to include the new "Silver Award" recipients to members of the co-ed "Scouting Venture Program" that serves those between the ages of 15 and 21. We have referred Chester County Boy Scout Executives to the Na- tional Boy Scout Committee to determine how best to meet this request between the scouts and the Marine Corps League.
I believe the Detachment has a successful program that recognizes Eagle Scouts in Chester County PA.
Gene Gerard has stored appropriate photos of the scouts, scout leadership, and the 2014 awards dinner that I'm sure he will send to you if you don't already have these photos.
Semper Fidelis, Fred LeClair
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VA Medical Centers in PA:
Altoona - James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center Altoona, PA 16602-4377 p: 814-943-8164 Or 814-943-8164 www.altoona.va.gov Lebanon VA Medical Center VA Butler Healthcare Lebanon, PA 17042 Butler, PA 16001-2480 p: 717-272-6621 Or 717-272-6621 p: 800-362-8262 www.lebanon.va.gov www.butler.va.gov VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, H.J. Heinz Coatesville VA Medical Center Campus Coatesville, PA 19320-2096 Pittsburgh, PA 15215 p: 610-384-7711 Or 610-384-7711 p: 412-822-2222 Or 412-822-2222 www.coatesville.va.gov www.pittsburgh.va.gov
Erie VA Medical Center VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Erie, PA 16504 Drive Campus p: 814-868-8661 Or 814-868-8661 Pittsburgh, PA 15240 www.erie.va.gov p: 412-688-6000 Or 412-688-6000 www.pittsburgh.va.gov
Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center
Elder Abuse Hotline - Aging
The hotline regularly receives calls regarding financial abuse. Anyone c an call the number below. Depending on the location of the caller, the c all is routed to the closest Area Agency on Aging. More information can be found here: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/abuse_or_crime/17992
Statewide elder abuse hotline: 1-800-490-8505
Any person who believes that an older adult is being abused, neglected, exploited or abandoned may call the elder abuse hotline. The hotline is open 24 hours a day.
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VA Outpatient Clinics
Allentown VA Outpatient Clinic (693B4) Westmoreland County Community Based p: 610-208-4717 Allentown, PA 18103 Outpatient Clinic Sayre VA Outpatient Clinic (693GA) p: 610-776-4304 Greensburg, PA 15601 Sayre, PA 18840 p: 724-216-0317 p: 570-888-6803 Northampton County Outpatient Clinic www.pittsburgh.va.gov Bangor, PA 18013-9341 Spring City VA Outpatient Clinic (542GE) Mercer County VA Outpatient Clinic p: 610-599-0127 Spring City, PA 19475 Hermitage, PA 16148 p: 610-948-0981 p: 724-346-1569 Columbia County Outpatient Clinic Springfield VA Outpatient Clinic (542GA) Berwick, PA 18603 Horsham (Willow Grove) VA Outpatient Springfield, PA 19064 p: 570-759-0351 Clinic (642GC) p: 610-543-3246 Horsham, PA 19044
McKean County Primary Care Clinic p: 215-823-6050 State College (Centre County) VA Outpa- Bradford, PA 16701 tient Clinic (503GC) Victor J. Saracini VA Outpatient Clinic State College, PA 16801 p: 814-368-3019 (Montgomery County) p: 814-867-5415 Horsham, PA 19044 www.altoona.va.gov Camp Hill VA Outpatient Clinic (595GA) p: 215-823-6050 Tobyhanna Army Depot (693GC) Camp Hill, PA 17011 p: 717-730-9782 Johnstown VA Outpatient Clinic (Cambria Tobyhanna, PA 18466 County) (503GA) p: 570-615-8341 Johnstown, PA 15904 Cranberry Township VA Outpatient Clinic p: 814-266-8696 Fayette County Community Based Outpa- Cranberry Township, PA 16066 tient Clinic www.altoona.va.gov p: 724-741-3131 Uniontown, PA 15401
Lancaster VA Outpatient Clinic (595GC) p: 724-439-4990 DuBois (Clearfield County) VA Outpatient Lancaster, PA 17605 www.pittsburgh.va.gov Clinic (503GB) p: 717-290-6900 DuBois, PA 15801 Warren CBOC p: 814-375-6817 Crawford County Primary Care Clinic Warren, PA 16365 www.altoona.va.gov Meadville, PA 16335 p: 866-682-3250 p: 866-962-3210 Armstrong County VA Outpatient Clinic Washington County Community Based Outpatient Clinic Ford City, PA 16226 Beaver County Community Based Outpa- Washington, PA 15301 p: 724-763-4090 tient Clinic p: 724-250-7790 Monaca, PA 15061 www.pittsburgh.va.gov Clarion County VA Outpatient Clinic p: 724-709-6005 Or 724-709-6005
Foxburg, PA 16036 www.pittsburgh.va.gov Northeastern PA Mobile Health Clinic p: 724-659-5601 (693HK) Lawrence County VA Outpatent Clinic Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 New Castle, PA 16101 Frackville VA Outpatient Clinic (595GB) p: 570-824-3521 p: 724-598-6080 Frackville, PA 17931 p: 570-874-4289 Williamsport OPC, Campus of Divine Pottsville VA Outpatient Clinic (595GF) Providence Hospital (693GB)
Pottsville, PA 17901 Williamsport, PA 17701 Venango County VA Clinic p: 570-621-4115 p: 570-322-4791 Franklin, PA 16323 p: 866-962-3260 Reading VA Outpatient Clinic (595GD) York VA Outpatient Clinic (595GE) Reading, PA 19610 York, PA 17402
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Last year the SGT. MAC FOUNDATION and the NATIONAL WREATH PROJECT placed 9,000 wreaths on graves at Quan co and Ge ysburg Na onal Cemeteries.
This year we have commi ed to placing 10,000 Wreaths between the two Cemeteries. We are commi ed to plac‐ ing 8,400 Wreaths at Quan co Na onal Cemetery, where Sergeant Eric McColley is interred. We have also again commi ed to placing wreaths on every headstone in the Ge ysburg Na onal Cemetery (also known as Soldiers Na onal Cemetery). This will enable us to place a wreath on EVERY headstone in the original sec on of the Ceme‐ tery at Ge ysburg. We would To accomplish this project, we need to raise just approximately $ 80,000.00.
We would sincerely appreciate any assistance that you could provide in funding this endeavor. The wreaths and bows cost $ 8.00 each and are provided at cost by GIANT FOOD of Carlisle, PA. Transporta on of the wreaths from Ge ysburg to Quan co, VA is provided generously by ABF FREIGHT SYSTEMS. Everything else is provided by vol‐ unteers. 100% of every dollar donated will go to the purchase of wreaths.
You are invited to visit the Sgt. Mac Founda on web site at WWW.SGTMAC.ORG for details and photos of how THE NATIONAL WREATH PROJECT began as well as photos of last year’s program.
Please consider assis ng us in this most worthy tribute to our Veterans. We are looking for contribu ons and sponsors by individuals, businesses, Veterans organiza ons and anyone else interested in helping us to honor our deceased and fallen Veterans.
You are also invited to join us in person for this program. This year we will meet at the Giant Food Store on Route 30 in Ge ysburg, PA at 0800 on Friday December 4th to e the bows on the Wreaths. We will then take a break and meet at 1:00 PM at the Ge ysburg Na onal Cemetery at the Taneytown Road entrance. A er a short cere‐ mony we will place the Wreaths.
The following day, Saturday December 5th we will meet at 10:00 AM at the Quan co Na onal Cemetery and place the Wreaths there.
Please e‐mail or call me if you have any ques ons or would like to discuss your par cipa on. Thank you, in ad‐ vance, for your considera on and support. If you would like more informa on ‐ please feel free Best regards to call me or go to WWW.SGTMAC.ORG
Stan Clark Please make your tax deduc ble contribu on paya‐ Board of Directors ble to: "SGT. MAC FOUNDATION" and mail to the Sgt. Mac Founda on address at the bo om of this page. Thank you very 717‐337‐1728 much for your support. SGT. MAC FOUNDATION A n: Stan Clark 915 Fairview Avenue Ge ysburg, PA 17325 [email protected]
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9 year old Sophia Papayannis of Red Lion donated 30 gifts she re- ceived for her birthday to the Toys for Tots campaign in York. This is the second time she has done so. She donated gifts from her 6th
At h ps://beta.congress.gov you can review a copy of each bill’s content, determine its current status, the commi ee it has been assigned to, and if your legislator is a sponsor or cosponsor of it by entering the bill num‐ ber in the site’s search engine. To determine what bills, amendments your representa ve/senator has spon‐ sored, cosponsored, or dropped sponsorship on go to:
h ps://beta.congress.gov/search?q=%7B%22source%22%3A%5B%22legisla on%22%5D%7D Select the ‘Sponsor’ tab, and click on your congress person’s name. You can also go to h p://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.php
Grassroots lobbying is the most effec ve way to let your Congressional representa ves know your wants and dislikes. If you are not sure who is your Congressman go to h ps://beta.congress.gov/members. Members of Congress are recep ve and open to sugges ons from their cons tuents. The key to increasing co‐sponsorship support on veteran related bills and subsequent passage into law is le ng legislators know of veteran’s feelings on issues. You can reach their Washington office via the Capital Operator direct at (866) 272‐6622, (800) 828‐ 0498, or (866) 340‐9281 to express your views. Otherwise, you can locate their phone number, mailing address, or email/website to communicate with a message or le er of your own making at either:
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm http://www.house.gov/representatives
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Burn Pit Toxic Exposure Update ► SIGAR Final Report
The Defense Department's failure to follow regulations on solid waste disposal, along with its practice of burning prohibited items in burn pits in Afghanistan put U.S. troops' health at risk, says the chief watchdog for Afghanistan reconstruction. In his final report on the use of burn pits and incinerators in Afghanistan, John Sopko, special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction, accused the Pentagon of being unprepared for waste disposal at the start of Operation Enduring Freedom and said continued use of burn pits put troops at unnecessary risk from potentially harmful emissions. According to Sopko, DoD "had been aware for years" of the health risks posed by burn pits and called their use — even after policies were adopt- ed to restrict it — "disturbing." "It is indefensible that U.S. military personnel, who are already at risk of seri- ous injury and death when fighting the enemy, were put at further risk from the potentially harmful emissions from the use of open air burn pits," Sopko wrote in the "Final Assessment: What We Have Learned from Our Inspections of Incinerators and Use of Burn Pits in Afghanistan," released Thursday.
U.S. Marines dispose of trash in a burn pit in Khan Neshing District, Afghanistan, in 2012
The Office of the SIGAR (Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction) was established to ferret out waste and fraudulent use of U.S. taxpayer money in rebuilding Afghanistan. The U.S. has spent more than $104 billion for reconstruction, with Sopko's office recovering more than $570 million from criminal fines, restitution, forfeitures, civil settlements and cost-savings, according to SIGAR reports. SIGAR previously had released four reports on burn pits and incinerators in Afghanistan, and the final study 38 summarized them, noting that the Defense Department spent more than $20 million on eight never-used incinerators and ignored its own policies. "[U.S. Central Command] officials told us that no U.S. installation in Afghanistan has ever been in compliance with Regulation 100-2.21," noted Sopko, referring to the regulation that required bases accommodating more than 100 troops for longer than 90 days to install advanced waste disposal technologies.
Saying DoD was unprepared for effective waste management at the start of combat operations, burn pits "provided an easy answer" for getting rid of trash but this did not excuse DoD's continued use of the pits af- ter building incinerators, according to the report. The U.S. built a total of 23 incinerators in Afghanistan at a cost of nearly $82 million. Sopko urged the Pentagon to develop waste disposal plans prior to the next con- tingency operation and said the department should hold contractors accountable for projects.
The Defense Department maintains that the SIGAR reports do not account for the "difficult and complex op- erational environment that led commanders to make some very difficult decisions" about burn pits. In a re- sponse to the most recent report, Army Maj. Gen. John Murray, deputy commander for support for U.S. Forces Afghanistan said for lessons to be applied in future operations "the reader must have a full under- standing and appreciate the difficult conditions that heavily influence commanders."
Burn pits were used in Iraq and Afghanistan to dispose of everything from paper trash and food waste to plastic bottles and human and medical waste, according to personnel who lived and worked near the sites. The pits produce large amounts of smoke and gas that may pose a health hazard, although scientific data has not proven any long-term health consequences related to breathing the pollution. The VA established a burn pit registry in October to track the health of individuals who believe they were exposed to pollutants from burn pits or other airborne hazards in Iraq and Afghanistan, such as dust and sand. As of January 26, 30,711 people have enrolled in the registry, according to VA. Hundreds of troops have reported medical problems they believe are related to living and working near the pits, from rare pulmonary diseases and un- explained rashes to cancer.
[Source: MilitaryTimes | Patricia Kime | Feb 12, 2015 ++]
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For those Marine Corps League members that wish to "Go Life" with their membership, sav- ing money over the years, eliminating having to remember to renew each year, and saving
From January 1, 2014 and thereafter
Up to Age 35 $500.00 36-40 $400.00 41-50 $400.00 51-64 $300.00 65-over $200.00
To become a Life Member, you must already be a "Member in Good Standing". That means be- coming a member and paying your initial dues first. Yes, according to the Bylaws, you could join the League, pay your dues and then pay your Life Membership Dues all in the same day.
As a footnote please be aware that some Detachments have set up an "installment payment" plan to allow members to make payments in smaller increments. Please check with your Detachment Ad- jutant/Paymaster to see if such a plan is in place.
Legal Help for Veterans
Here are some sites to bookmark for legal assistance:
The National listing of Pro Bono Legal Resources for Veterans is a legal directory of offices that will advise and assist veterans and their dependents in legal matters.
Center for Veterans Advancement helps secure government benefits such as VA and Social Security; providing effective legal representation before select state & federal courts, the VA and the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and more.
The Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program connects law students with attorneys who provide free legal assistance on behalf of veterans and their qualifying family members who have an appeal pending at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
On-Base Assistance Military Legal Assistance providers are available on bases worldwide for the active duty, but will also help those who are retired from Active Duty, Guard and Reserve who are in receipt of retired pay, the medically retired, as well as their immediate families and/or survivors. Wills and powers of attorney are the most common forms of assistance given, but feel free to make inquiries at your local military installation to learn what assistance they may give. It's a money-saving benefit, and every bit helps! Please note that this benefit is not available for those retired from the National Guard or Reserves who are in the "Gray Area" and are not yet receiving their retirement payments. Find Base Legal Offices Near You.
Spouses, Please Note: If you are a surviving spouse of a military retiree or 100% T&P veteran, in most cases you are entitled to use all the same services offered the retiree/veteran. Call ahead to ensure these services are available.
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FIRST CAPITOL DETACHMENT #521………. Members of the First Capitol Detachment, Marine Corps League of York County
were joined by representatives of the City, County and Commonwealth on Satur- day, August 1 to dedicate York City’s North Beaver Street Bridge in memory of Sgt. John Henry Denig, a Marine who was awarded the Medal of Honor for action during the Battle of Mobile Bay in August of 1864. Denig is one of two Medal of Honor recipients buried at York’s Prospect Hill Cemetery. Joining in the ceremo- ny were York City Council Vice President Henry Nixon, York County Veterans Af- fairs Director Phil Palandro and Sully Pinos on behalf of State Representative Kevin Schreiber. Members of the Lancaster Fencibles, 79th PVI, provided the Col- or Guard in Civil War attire.
First Capitol Detachment #521 Marine Corps League York County, PA
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The following is my June 2015 POW-MIA report:
POW-MIA'S: Summary Statistics of US personnel unaccounted for by (DPMO) April 6, 2015 June 2, 2015
WWII 73,515 WWII 73,515 Korean War 7,852 Korean War 7,846 Cold War 126 Cold War 126 Vietnam War 1,627 Vietnam War 1,627 OEF, OIF, Gulf 6 OEF, OIF, Gulf 6 Total MIA 83,126 Total MIA 83,120
The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) recently announced that the following U.S. serviceman, missing from World War II, have been identified and is being returned to his family for burial with full military honors. Army Air Force 2nd Lt. Jimmie D. Collins III, 22, of Sylacauga, Ala., will be buried June 29, in his hometown. On June 21, 1944, Collins was the co-pilot of a B-24H Liberator that crashed near Hoofddorp, Netherlands, while returning from a bombing mission against German forces near Berlin U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. John W. Herb, 22, of Cleveland, will be buried June 18, in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington D.C. On April 13, 1945, Herb was assigned to the 368th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group, 1st Air Division, as the pilot of an P-51D Mustang. His aircraft sustained damage while strafing German aircraft on the ground. During Herb’s attempted landing in an open field southeast of Ham- burg, Germany, his aircraft crashed. Herb’s wingman reported seeing the wreckage burning in the field. Herb was reported killed in action. His remains were not recovered during the war Army Chief Warrant Officers 3 James L. Phipps, 24, of Mattoon, Ill., and Rainer S. Ramos, 20, of Wiesbaden, Germany, were the pilots of a UH-1C Iroquois (Huey) helicopter gunship that was shot down in Quang Tin Province, South Vietnam. Also aboard the aircraft were door gunners Staff Sgt. Warren Newton, 18, of Eu- gene, Ore., and Spc. Fred J. Secrist, 19, of Eugene, Ore. The crew was assigned to Troop C, 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 14th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. The crew will be buried, as a group, on June 17, at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. Marine Corps Sgt. John McLaughlin, 19, of Pittsburgh, will be buried June 6, in his hometown. In early De- cember 1950, McLaughlin and elements of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Divi- sion, occupied positions in Hagaru-ri, North Korea, on the southern end of the Chosin Reservoir. As elements of the 1st Marine Division began to withdraw from Hagaru-ri, Company D engaged a large Chinese force east of Hagaru-ri, that hindered the company’s withdrawal south to a more defensible position. During this battle, McLaughlin was reported killed in action ______
“One Empty Seat” ~ POW-MIA National Chair of Honor Dedications Details to follow: August at Pocono Raceway September at St. Joseph's University nov. - Dec. Monsignor bonner High School
Respectfully submitted, Patrick J. Hughes U.S.M.C. | ChuLai 67-68 | 610-529-6440 Cell Marine Corps League Upper Darby Detachment #884 www.patrickjhughes.org | YouTube: mag12chulai God Bless America
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The following is my August 2015 POW-MIA report:
POW-MIA'S: Summary Statistics of US personnel unaccounted for by (DPMO) June 2, 2015 August 12, 2015 WWII 73,515 WWII 73,515 Korean War 7,846 Korean War 7,842 Cold War 126 Cold War 126 Vietnam War 1,627 Vietnam War 1,627 OEF, OIF, Gulf 6 OEF, OIF, Gulf 6 Total MIA 83,120 Total MIA 83,116
The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) recently announced that the following U.S. serviceman, missing have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors. Army Cpl. Nehemiah E. Butler, 19, of Pocomoke City, Md., was buried Aug. 10, in Arlington National Ceme- tery, near Washington D.C. In late December 1950, Butler and elements of Company C, 19th Infantry Regi- ment (IR), 24th Infantry Division (ID), were deployed near Seoul, South Korea, when their unit was attacked by enemy forces. During the attempt to delay the enemy forces from advancing, Butler was separated from his unit while moving towards a more defensible position. Butler was reported missing Jan. 1, 1951. U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Stephen V. Biezis, 23, of Chicago, was buried Aug. 14, in Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C. His co-pilot, 1st Lt. James F. Gatlin, 25, of Jacksonville, Fla., was buried Jan. 30, in Bushnell, Fla. On Dec. 23, 1944, Biezis and his crew of five were assigned to the 575th Bombard- ment Squadron, 391st Bombardment Group, 9th Air Force and were deployed to Germany. Biezis was the co -pilot of a B-26C Marauder that crashed after being struck by enemy fire while on a bombing mission against enemy forces near Ahrweiler, Germany. Biezis, Gatlin and three other crew members were reported killed in action. His remains were not recovered during the war. Army Air Forces 1st Lt. William P. Cook, 27, of Alameda, Calif., Flight Officer Arthur J. LeFavre, 22, of Red Bank, N.J., Staff Sgts. Maurice J. Fevold, 21, of Chicago, Frank G. Lane Jr., 21, of Cleveland, and Ward C. Swalwell Jr., 21, of Chicago, and Sgt. Eric M. Honeyman, 21, of Alameda, Calif., have been accounted for and will be buried with full military honors. ______“One Empty Seat” ~ POW-MIA National Chair of Honor Dedications St Joseph’s University, in conjunction with the Office of Veterans Services, will be commemo- rating National POW/MIA Recognition Day by installing the POW/MIA “One Empty Seat” on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 10am in the Hagan Arena Lobby.
Dover DE In Legislative hall On Friday, september 18, 2015, National POW-MIA Recognition Day will Dedicate “One Empty Seat”, The National POW-MIA Chair Of Honor.
Details to follow: Philadelphia Flyers, Immaculata University, Monsignor bonner H.S, St. Joe's Prep, Georgetown DE, Philadelphia City Hall, The Chapel Of Four Chaplains, Philadelphia Vi- etnam Veterans Memorial
Respectfully submitted, Patrick J. Hughes U.S.M.C. | ChuLai 67-68 | 610-529-6440 Cell Marine Corps League Upper Darby Detachment #884 www.patrickjhughes.org | YouTube: mag12chulai God Bless America
The Keystone Leatherneck VOLUME 73, ISSUE 1 Page 36
The following is my September 2015 POW-MIA report:
POW-MIA'S: Summary Statistics of US personnel unaccounted for by (DPMO) August 12, 2015 September 3, 2015 WWII 73,515 WWII 73,515 Korean War 7,842 Korean War 7,841 Cold War 126 Cold War 126 Vietnam War 1,627 Vietnam War 1,626 OEF, OIF, Gulf 6 OEF, OIF, Gulf 6 Total MIA 83,116 Total MIA 83,114
The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) recently announced that the following U.S. serviceman, missing have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.
Company F, 2nd Battalion, 18th 1st Alexander U.S. Marine Marines Regiment, 2nd Marine 11/22/1943 Tawara 8/27/2015 Lt. Bonnyman Corps Division
Christopher Y. U.S. Company E, 9th Infantry Regiment, North Sgt. 11/29/1950 8/13/2015 Vars Army 2nd Infantry Division Korea Wilson Meckley, U.S. Company A, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infan- North Sgt. 12/2/1950 08/09/15 Jr. Army try Regiment, 7th Infantry Division Korea
U.S. Marines Corps, Marine Medium 1st Stanley G. U.S. Marine Helicopter Squadron 364, Marine Air- 12/3/1965 Vietnam 8/5/2015 Lt. Johnson Corps craft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
______“One Empty Seat” ~ POW-MIA National Chair of Honor Dedications St Joseph’s University, in conjunction with the Office of Veterans Services, will be commemorating Na- tional POW/MIA Recognition Day by installing the POW/MIA “One Empty Seat” on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 10am in the Hagan Arena Lobby.
Dover DE In Legislative hall On Friday, September 18, 2015, National POW-MIA Recognition Day will Dedicate “One Empty Seat”, The National POW-MIA Chair Of Honor.
Details to follow: Philadelphia Flyers, Immaculata University, Monsignor Bonner H.S, St. Joe's Prep, Georgetown DE, Philadelphia City Hall, The Chapel Of Four Chaplains, Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Respectfully submitted, Patrick J. Hughes U.S.M.C. | ChuLai 67-68 | 610-529-6440 Cell Marine Corps League Upper Darby Detachment #884 www.patrickjhughes.org | YouTube: mag12chulai God Bless America
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st 1 Capitol Detachment…..
A Flag Day ceremony is held at Veterans Memorial Gold Star Healing and Peace Garden, Veterans Memorial Park in York, Pa. on Sunday, June 14, 2015.
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WHAT DOCUMENTS GO TO WHOM AT THE DEPARTMENT
MAIL TRANSMITTALS & IRS 990 to: Robert C. Ziltz, Jr Paymaster, Dept. of PA, MCL 7306 Jonestown Road Harrisburg, PA 17112-3653
MAIL DEATH NOTICES TO: Johnny B. Gill Chaplain, Dept. of PA, MCL 118 S. 13th St. Allentown, PA 18102-4663
MAIL INSTALLATION REPORTS TO: Dave Brady Adjutant, Dept. of PA, MCL 993 Marbrook Lane York, PA 17404-2212
For the occasional prescription that the VA wont pay for, try your Pennsylvania Drug Card that you re- ceived when you registered your DD-214 at the Recorder of Deeds office and got your Veterans ID card. I picked up a Pennsylvania Drug Card while there and stuck it in my wallet. I never used it since most of the time these things for some reason or other are not accepted. While picking up a prescrip- tion I thought, what the heck I will try the drug card to see if they would accept it and I might get a buck or two off my prescription. Surprisingly when they totaled my bill, I saved $13 off my prescription.
All the pharmacies that accept the card are listed on the reverse side and they also provide additional sav- ings for eyeglasses, diabetic supplies, Lasik Surgery and Hearing Aids.
Thank You, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 25
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Marine Corps League of Pennsylvania Founda on, Inc.
The Marine Corps League of Pennsylvania Foundation, Inc. was established by action of the Board of Trustees of the Marine Corps League of Pennsylvania at its board meeting in June 2008. The Foundation was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and an application has been submitted to the IRS to designate the Foundation as a not- for-profit 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) entity for the purpose of supporting educational, literary and other charitable purposes, including the making of distributions to organizations that qualify for such distributions under the Code.
In furtherance of the stated purposes, the Foundation shall seek to preserve the historical traditions of the United
States Marine Corps and to aid and assist Marines and FMF Corpsman, former Marines and FMF Corpsman, their widows, orphans and families, through financial contributions as needed.
The Foundation serves as a bridge between donors and those in need throughout the Marine Corps League of
Pennsylvania, their members and families. The Foundation can make a difference in the lives of those in our communities and neighborhoods that are in need. Your support of the Foundation through a contribution is not only welcomed and appreciated, but is a vital investment in the welfare of our members and families.
Semper Fidelis, and Thanks for your Support.
______$______Name Amount Pledged ______Address ______Email address Phone Number: I have enclosed my dona on ___Please Bill Me I wish to designate my gi for the following programs/ac vi es: Unrestricted General Fund……………...…………….. $______Scholarship Fund………………………………………. $______Veterans Programs…………………………………….. $______Youth Programs……………………………………… . $______Family Support Programs…………………………...… $______I am interested in planned giving. Please contact me. Please remember to enclose your check payable to MCL of PA Founda on, Inc. and mail to: Marine Corps League of PA Founda on, Inc. 1631 Bridge Street New Cumberland, PA 17070‐0652
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The Keystone Leatherneck is an official publication of the Department of Pennsylvania Marine Corps We want your photos and narratives of De- League. Newsletter articles, suggestions, and tachment Eagle Scout Courts of Honor. comments and/or Public Affairs/Relations correspondence may be sent to : Send us your photos of Veterans & Youth Keystone Leatherneck and/or Department of Ticket sales events. Pennsylvania Public Affairs Correspondence Send us your photos and narratives of C/O Liz McCleaster Public Relations Officer community events sponsored by or partici- 36 Hillcrest Avenue, 1st Floor pated in by your Detachment. Erdenheim, PA 19038
We want your participation in putting out E-Mail: [email protected] or [email protected] news of your Detachment’s work with the Young Marines. Phone: 267-736-5066 (C) / 215-233-2728 (H) ESM
2015 Fall Department Staff Meeting New Address for DD-214’s Online: 16-17 October 2015 http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-
Meetings at Headquarters Building service-records/
Sleeping Arrangements Days Inn, Lickdale 3 Everest Lane, Jonestown/Lebanon, PA 717-865-4064
Rates: $55.00 double / $60.00 king Deadline: 26 September 2015
National Mid-Winter Conference March 3-5, 2016 2016 Winter Staff Meeting Fairview Park Marriott
8-9 January 2016 311 Fairview Park Drive Red Lion Inn Harrisburg/Hershey Falls Church, VA (Formerly Holiday Inn) 604 Station Road 1-800-228-9290—Use Group Code MCRMCRA
Grantville, PA $99/night 888-465-4329 or 717-469-0661 Deadline: 11 January, 2016 Room Rate is $87.00/night Look for more information at: Book online using Group Code MCL www.mclnational.org Deadline: 5 December 2015