The Official Newsletter of the Department of Alabama

Volume III September 2016 www.alabamamcl.org

Dianna Grantham Editor 93rd National Convention in Tulsa, OK 1240 Palmetto Ct Mobile, AL 36695 251-377-9818 [email protected]

Commandant Jerry Cherne 251-554-7676 [email protected]

Sr Vice Commandant AB Grantham 251-680-0006 [email protected]

Jr Vice Commandant Mike Walton 344-712-6843 [email protected]

Judge Advocate Don Fisher 334-221-3175 [email protected]

Adjutant Ed Mason 256-90-6729

Summary of Highlights [email protected] August 7 – 13, 2016 Tulsa, OK Paymaster

Darrell Langford 334-805-7335 Department of Alabama was represented by 7 Detachments [email protected]

 Budget – Much discussion – and approved Chaplain  Reports to National are online – Use them John Burks, Jr. 205-587-8634 Microsoft users: Must use Internet Explorer; Edge does not work with reports [email protected] After filling in report. Save it and email it to National  No Transmittals may be sent via email but one copy must be mailed with payment Sergeant at Arms  Headquarters is moving to Quantico area about October 2016 John Reid 251– 404-492 About 4 miles from main gate of Quantico on Jefferson Davis Highway [email protected] Heavy Marine Corps traffic Current building “falling apart” and in “very bad area” Jr. Past Commandant  Some of the new office employees were introduced. Jack Hopping 205-983-3138 [email protected]  Semper Fi magazine Current Publisher has been fired! Continued on page 3 & 4

1 Commandant’s Corner

Another Department Convention is behind us. I thank Jesse Andrews Jr and P.L. Wilson Detachment’s for jointly hosting the convention. I heard nothing but com- pliments from attendees. From registration, auction room, hospitality room, meeting facility and finally to the banquet with our outstanding guest speaker SgtMaj Bryan Battaglia; your teams planned and executed as Marines do. Job well done to both Detachments! We all had a good time and I hope learned some things. Special recognition goes to Carl Jozaitis and A.B. Grantham for their hard work and diligence. See you all in Dothan next year.

I also want to thank the membership for re-electing me as your Department Com- mandant, an honor I do not deserve. I pledge to do my very best for the next year and to always keep in mind the good of the League, the Department and our members. If you would like me to attend a specific event or meeting at your De- tachment, let me know and I’ll make every effort to attend. The earlier the re- quest the better.

The National Convention is also behind us. Representation by the Detachments was very good. According to my informal tally, Alabama is 20th in the Nation as far as current election voting members, however like last year; we had the 5th most votes. Next year the National Convention is in Overland Park Kansas. If you are thinking about attending, make your reservations soon. Be aware that once you make reservations, your credit card will be immediately charges for one night’s stay. Should you cancel your reservation later, it will be refunded to your credit card if cancelled within the hotel’s cancellation policy.

National Headquarters will be moving from their current location in D.C. to about a mile from Quantico’s gate. They will have a much better facility and in the long run, save money. Our national staff is getting things on track. There have been quite a few necessary personnel changes. My personal opinion is that things are moving in the right direction. For example, transmittals are now processed within one work day. We have quality leadership and many are putting in many, many hours trying to make things better, but it takes time.

Some significant bylaw changes were approved at the convention. For the most part these changes were unanimously ap- proved by the membership. We’ll talk more about this at our quarterly meeting. One change is that we are transitioning to new membership due dates. Everyone will be due 31 Aug each year. The National website is more responsive in that staff can make changes as needed and when needed. Remember, all forms are available on the National website.

I recall Past Department Commandant Johnny Baker mentioning this several times when he was Department Commandant, Jack Hopping did the same and I have followed their example. If a member represents your Detachment at any convention, they should always submit a written report to the Detachment Staff Officers if not the whole Detachment. This is especially true if the Detachment is paying the expenses of the attendee. Get your money’s worth, learn something and pass it on. I rec- ommend including this in your admin procedures or bylaws, or at least vote on it so it is entered into the record.

As always, recruiting is important but recruit smart! Retention is even more important. We have several Detachments that should be embarrassed in regards to retention. You know who you are. If the shoe fits… get with it while you still have a De- tachment.

OORAH and Alabama Marines!

Jerry Cherne Commandant, Department of Alabama

"Marines don't know how to spell the word defeat" (General James Mattis)

2 93 rd National Convention .. Continued

New publisher (Las Vegas, NV) begins early next year. New publisher of family owned and operated business introduced, she took Conven- tion notes and asked that we “send her MCL sto- ries”  Working on an electronic magazine but use paper magazine to leave in barbershops and other areas for others to see.  Recruitment/Membership  New younger Marines: “Give me two hours a month” may include meeting. Must have fun activ- ities that younger Marines will be attracted to.  “New” Website pages  Making good progress and higher security level  Locator page now active – ensure National has Gen. Robert B Neller Commandant of the Marine Corps guest speaker at Nati;l Convention. Spoke about importance of “once a Marine, Always a Marine”.

Detachments’ current officers, email and physical ad- dress. Locator Page divided by annual hits, each De- tachment receives average of 100 hits so if infor- mation is incorrect you are shooting yourself in foot.  Descriptions of the proposed changes below can be found at: http://mclnational.org/Documents/ NationalByLaws/2016ProposedChanges/tabid/1017/ Default.aspx

 Bylaw Changes (proposed) see national website

At the meeting, Representing the great Department of Alabama Jerry Cherne, AB Grantham, Dianna Grantham, Don Fischer and of course Johnny Baker. Nat’l Judge Advocate for details of proposed changes  Change #1 – Rejected  Change #2 – Rejected  Change #3 – Adopted New Paragraph (5) passed  Change #4 – Adopted Johnny Baker’s Associate Member lan- guage passed  Change #5 – Tabled Discusses Active Duty Marine Honorary membership. Reserve personnel are not included in Honorary Membership classification. Proposal needs work; will be resub- Nat’l Commandant Richard Gore Presenting Johnny Baker mitted. with 1st for the McLaughlin Detachment Scrapbook 3 93 rd National Convention .. Continued

 Change #6 – Adopted with minor changes from that published.  VERY IMPORTANT! Common renewal date See article in this newsletter for details No renewal notices from National: Detachment must handle  Change #7 – Rejected Unused life member fees will remain at National  Change #8 (not on scheduled amendments) – Adopted Section 645 (c) New formula for distribution of PLM funds: Use 3-year average  Change #8 (not on scheduled amendments) – Adopted Suspension for this convention only requiring Colors to be physically present to receive streamer. Must have at least one Regular member present at Convention  Administrative Changes (proposed)  Change #1 – Adopted Concerning Section 805, Subsidiary Organizations  Change #2 Rejected (Section 912)  Enclosure changes proposed  Change #1 Rejected – Cover emblem for Navy Corpsmen  Change #2 Enclosure 3 – Rejected  Change #3 Enclosure 3 – Adopted (with amendment) Wearing American Flag pin on left side jacket lapels  Change #4 Enclosure 3 – Rejected  Change #1 Enclosure 4 – Rejected Associate of the Year medallion  Change #2 Enclosure 4 – Adopted with amendment Pennsylvania ribbon  Change #3 Enclosure 4 –Adopted Backdating to 1/1/2010 Ceremonial Guard ribbon i.e. Color Guard  Convention Committee  Approved 2017 Convention in Overland Park (Kansas City), Kansas August 13 – 18, 2017  Rejected 2018 Convention in Charleston, WV  No additional proposals  Service Dogs – Must notify Convention Director in advance of meeting (Serious dog bite occurred at this Conven- tion– was not a credentialed service dog)  PNC Council Report: As a cost savings measure, consider changing Life Membership metal card to plastics.  National Controller Bill Miller: Detachments must perform Life Member audits in order to get reimbursement from National or “you don’t get your money”  Alabama Awards – Some of the awards given out included:  Americanism (Category 1) – McLaughlin Detachment, 1st Place  Americanism (Category 3) – PL Wilson Detachment, 2nd Place  Department Newsletter, 3rd Place (thank you Dianna Grantham)

 Nomination and voting on National Officers for 2016 – 2017 year All prior year officers were nominated and elected National Commandant: Richard Gore National Senior Vice Commandant: Wendell Webb National Junior Vice Commandant: Dennis Tobin National Judge Advocate: Johnny Baker Guest speaker at banquet was Commandant of the Marines Corps, General Robert Neller

4 2017 Southeast Division Conference Marine Corps League

30 March – 1 April, 2017 ***Convention, Casino and Banquet Registration Form***

Name (print): ______

Detachment or MCLA: ______Division or MCLA Office Currently Held: ______Department or MCLA Office Currently Held: ______

Det. Pack or Pound Office Currently Held: ______

Address: ______

City: ______State:____Zip______Telephone______

Email: ______Spouse/Guest Name______

MCL Members and Guest Fee ($10 per person): Qty:____ x $10 Total: $______MCLA Members ($10 per person): Qty_____ x $10 Total: $______

Saturday Banquet Dinner Roasted Beef Sirloin: Qty:____ x $50 Total: $______

Grilled Chicken Breast Qty:____ x $50 Total: $______Casino Trip see flyer on web site Qty_____ x $25 Total: $______

Total $______For Ghost Trip, call Bay City Tours at 800-338-5597 (see flyer on web site)

Check payable to: P.L. Wilson Det. #447 Mail to: Marine Corps League Committee Chair Contacts - questions: 1240 Palmetto Ct. A.B. Grantham, 251-680-0006, [email protected] Mobile, AL 36695 5 Department of Alabama 31st Annual Convention

The 2017 Department of Alabama Convention was held in Mobile, AL and jointly hosted by Jesse Andrews Jr. De- tachment and P.L. Wilson Detachment. Lots of new faces and some ole friends were in attendance. There were plenty of meetings but also plenty of fun and food for all.

Dept Judge Advocate Don Fisher receives performance award from Commandant Jerry Cherne

Dept Sr Vice & Convention Co-Chair AB Bulldog Pound #184 sponsored the hospitality room in a grand fash- Grantham receives performance award ion. Fried fish and sides started the party going with plenty of all kinds of from Commandant Jerry Cherne beverages. It was a packed house but I believe everyone was fed and had their thirst quenched.

Dept Jr Vice Mike Walton receives award from Dept Convention Co-Chair Carl Jozaitis receives award recogniz- Commandant Jerry Cherne ing his hard work preparing for and at the Dept Conven- tion from Commandant Jerry Cherne

Continued on page 7

6 Department of Alabama 31st Annual Convention continued A new addition to our normal conventions was add- ed by Commandant Cherne. Training classes were conducted for Paymasters, Judge Advocates and Commandants. This was a trial run to see if we can improve the performance of these positions and train upcoming members aspiring to become an Of- ficer. The classes were well attended and lots of val- uable information was imparted. Next year we may see these classes again and a few more may be add- ed to the list. Training current and upcoming offic- ers is paramount to a well-run Department. The combination of Jesse Andrews Jr. Detachment and P.L. Wilson Detachment made for a near perfect convention. Splitting the duties and responsibili- ties up made it easier on both Detachments. The hotel was very generous and accommodating with all requests. Registration went very smoothly as did the auctions and raffles. The guest speaker, Sgt. Maj. Brian Bataglia, did a fantastic job and was well received by all. Thanks to him and his lovely wife for attending on their anniversary. A great big Oooorah for all the hard working mem- bers of each of those two Detachments.

Marine of the year Jack Hoppings With past MOY’s Dan Long, Mike Walton Johnny Baker, Charlie Malone, Darrell Langford Jack Hoppings and Al Chancy

Associate of the Year Patti Finley

With past AOY’s Connie Stephens, Kenya Thomas, George Winslow, Patti Finley and Dianna Grantham

7 Membership Dues Changes

Member Dues Changes

Please note, 31 August was the agreed upon due date for all dues, however the current database defaults to 1 September as the renewal date. If payment and transmittal is not received by National by 31 August each year, your membership expires.

Renewal Dates for Current Members Now through Dec 2016 – No changes. Full dues required. Their new card will have an expiration of 1 Sept 2017.

Members with expiration dates from Jan 2017 through July 2017. National Dues reduced by half. ($10 for Na- tional, $3 for Department, plus Detachment portion determined by Detachment. This will keep them current through 31 August 2017.

After this transition year all renewals going forward will be due by 31 August. They need to be submitted in time to be received by National by 31 Aug each year. Dues can be submitted as received, don’t hold them. You are encouraged to begin your renewal drive well in advance.

New Joins: 1 Sept 2016 to 28 February 2017 – No changes: Full dues required. Their new card will have an expiration of 1 Sept 2017.

1 March to 31 July: National Dues reduced by half. ($10 for National, $5 for National new enrollee fee, $3 for Department, plus Detachment portion as determined by Detachment)

1 Aug to 31 Aug: Full annual required. They will actually get 13 months membership for the price of one year. Their expiration date will be 31 August of the following year.

Note: the rules for New Joins are permanent.

Detachment portion of dues: Many Detachments include in their dues a small amount which is kept by the Detachment. Each Detachment will need to decide how to handle this not only during the transition year for renewals, but for all new joins going for- ward.

8 Alabama Marines Helping Marines in action

From the Department Commandant: Five Reserve Marines assigned to 3rd Force Recon Company in Mobile suffered severe losses in the recent floods in Louisi- ana. Some lost everything in their home, vehicles and major damage to home interior. The TAG Fund provided emergency assistance with the maximum they could approve, $4,000. The Jesse Andrews Jr. Detachment kicked in another $1,000 so that each Marine received $1,000. We became aware of this Thursday morning. Saturday morning we presented the I&I 1st Sgt with the 5 checks for $1,000 each. THIS IS WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT!!!

Additionally, P.L. Wilson and Jesse Andrews Jr Detachments conducted drives to collect needed supplies for these Marines and others. PL Wilson held several drives and also took the lead in assuring delivery of these supplies.

In addition to the above , a big thank you to the L/Cpl Jonathan L Smith Detachment in Decatur. They mailed a check to Jesse Andrews Jr. Detachment for $1,000 to go to these Marines. Semper Fidelis Smitty Detachment!

The Cpl Joseph Whitehead Detachment in Foley/Gulf Shores voted and approved up to $2,000 to assist Marines in need in Louisiana. As we went to press they are awaiting instructions on how to distribute the funds. Job Well Done Whitehead Detachment!!!

An additional $1,400 was raised from local community in Spanish Fort and Daphne. One resident contributed $1,000 to help these Marines.

Alabama Car Tags

MARINE LICENSE PLATE PROGRAM --- Help Alabama Marines Served in the Marine Corps? When its time to renew your vehicle license plate, take your DD-214 to the Alabama Tag Office & tell them you want a Marine License Plate! Tell the world you are Marine, Once a Marine Al- ways a Marine. Do this & the MCL receives approximately $21. This money is used to assist currently serving Marines, Marines who served in the past & their immediate families within the state of Alabama. MARINES HELPING MARINES Thank you Alabama

CONSIDER ADDING THIS OR SOMETHING SIMILAR TO THE FRONT PAGE OF YOUR DETACHMENT WEBITE AND FACEBOOK PAGE.

9 Department of Alabama’s Detachments and Commandants

1616 Sugar Creek Dr. W., Mobile, P. L. Wilson Det. #447 Brian Dewberry AL 36695-2937 Mobile, AL [email protected] 251-219-7600 Meets 2nd Tues - 1800 (meal) & 1900 (meeting) hrs at American Legion Post 88 - 2663 Halls Mill Road, Mobile, AL

Howlin' Mad Smith Det. #592 Danny Rooks 1515 Bent River Circle Birmingham, AL [email protected] 205-305-3928 Meets 3rd Sat. - 0900 Hrs at American Legion Post 171 - 8325 1st Ave. N., Birmingham, AL

Wiregrass Det. #752 Mike Garnett P.O. Box 523, Dothan, AL 36302 Dothan, AL [email protected] 334-691-5053 Meets 1st Thur. - 1800 hrs - Golden Corral - 3340 Ross Clark Circle, Dothan, AL

Brandon Wilborn Det. #820 Albert T. Mallory P.O. Box 4718, Huntsville, AL 35815 Huntsville, AL Not on report 256-379-2904 Meets 2nd Tues. - 1900 hrs. - 725 Franklin St. S. E., Huntsville, AL 35801

Townsend Det. #920 Don Fisher 8054 Lakeridge Drive, Montgomery, Montgomery, AL [email protected] H - 334-356-6261 C - 334-221-3175 Meets 3rd Sat. - 0830 hrs at American Legion Hdqtrs., 120 N. Jackson St., Montgomery, AL

Billy Stelpflug Det. #1064 Matthew Wilson 4315 Golf Club Drive #2706 Auburn, Auburn, AL [email protected] 334-821-6258 Meets 3rd Sat. - 0730 hrs. for B'fast (0830 Meeting) at Chappy's Deli- 754 E. Gleen Ave., Auburn, AL

2300 Sansom Avenue Gadsden, AL McLaughlin Det. #1091 Mitchell Chastain 35904 Gadsden, AL [email protected] H 256-543-7196 C 256-490-3960 Meets 3rd Sat.at 1000 Hrs at Elliot Community Center, 2829 W. Meighan Blvd. Gadsden, AL

Kenny E. Black Det. #1166 Bobby (Skip) Ferguson 26483 Children Lane, Athens, AL Athens, AL [email protected] 256-529-5907 Meets 2nd Tues - 1900 Hrs at Alabama Veterans Museum, 100 Pryor Street West, Athens, AL

10 Department of Alabama’s Detachments and Commandants

1655 McFarland Blvd. PMD #152 Johnny M. Spann Det. #1272 Harold Battles Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 Tuscaloosa, AL [email protected] 205-331-9361 Meets @ 1800 hrs @ location noted @ www. Tuscaloosamarines.com

1075 Harold Boozer Road, Jackson- Allen Ray Chaffin Det. #1329 Daniel Long ville, AL 36265 Anniston, AL [email protected] 256-435-4014 Meets 4th Tues. - 1900 hrs at Calhoun County Civil Defense Bldg. on Bynum-Leatherwood Road, Anniston, AL

31875 Hagendorfer Road, Lillian, AL Cpl. Joseph Whitehead Det. #1370 Mike Graham 36549 Gulf Shores, AL [email protected] 205-499-6628 Meets 4th Thurs. - 1800 hrs. -at American Legion Post 99 - 2101 S. McKenzie St. Foley, AL 36535

6845Hwy 98 E. Ste. 105-314, Daph- Jesse Andrews Jr.Det. #1378 Lew Thomas ne, AL 36526 Daphne, AL [email protected] 251-454-0004 Meets 3rd Tues. -1830 hrs- at Don Carlos Mexican Restaurant, 29669 State Hwy 181 in Daphne, AL 36526

N.E. Alabama Det. #1404 Robert Harrell P.O. Box 680053, Ft. Payne, AL Ft. Payne, AL [email protected] 704-575-2114 Meets 2nd Sat. - 1000 hrs -MCL Meeting Hall - 659 Wallace Avenue, Ft. Payne, AL

Lr. Gen. Victor "Brute" Krulak Det. #1415 Ed Smith, Jr. 314 Lake Street, Trussville, Al, H=205-661-9410 W-205-326-4389 Hoover, AL [email protected]. C=205-966-3185 Meets 2nd Sat. - 1000 hrs at Hoover Tactical Firearms- 1561 Montgomery Hwy. Hoover, AL 35216

LCpl Jonathan L Smith Det. #1427 Loyd Potter 26 Little Creek Xing, Decatur, AL Decatur, AL [email protected] 256-560-5162 Meets 3rd Thur - 1900 hrs at American Legion Post 15 (Back Door) - 2607 US-31, Decatur, AL 35603

11 Department of Alabama Retention Status as of 30 June 2016

Alabama Department and Detachment Retention Status as of 30 June 2016 National Roster Reg. Reg. Assoc Assoc % Un- Paid Unpaid Paid Unpaid paid Dept of Alabama (per roster) 811 191 180 42 19.00%

Detachments P.L. Wilson 447 Mobile 120 13 41 9 12.00%

Howlin'Mad Smith 592 Birmingham 162 20 39 5 11.10%

Wiregrass 752 Dothan 66 13 8 2 16.90%

Brandon-Wilbourn 820 Huntsville 40 10 3 1 20.40%

Townsend 920 Montgomery 73 19 9 1 19.60%

Billy Stepflug 1064 Auburn 39 5 1 0 11.10%

McLaughlin 1091 Gadsden 47 3 13 0 4.80%

Kenney E. Black 1166 Athens 14 4 0 0 22.20%

Johnny M. Spann 1272 Tuscaloosa 34 20 2 3 39.00%

Allen Ray Chaffin 1329 Anniston 18 7 10 2 24.30%

Cpl Joseph Whitehead 1370 Gulf Shores 47 2 13 0 3.20%

Jesse Andrews Jr. 1378 Daphne 34 4 16 0 7.40%

NE Alabama 1404 Fort Payne 31 5 10 1 12.80%

Lt.Gen. Victor Krulak 1415 Hoover 62 50 11 16 47.50%

L/Cpl Jonathan L. Smith 1427 Decatur 24 16 4 2 39.10%

Totals, All Detachment 811 191 180 42 19.00%

Total Paid Members 991 Total Unpaid Members 233

12 Senior Vice Commandant —AB Grantham

Sr. Vice-commandant Newsletter report

Members, I’m sure you will hear a lot about the National Convention during the upcoming months, but I wanted to touch on one specific is- sue that was discussed during the convention. We, as members of the Marine Corps League, are duty bound to keep a positive attitude about the League and our fellow members; especially all Marines. As Ma- rines, we need to have each other’s backs, no matter what. That does not mean we all have to agree on any issue that may arise. It DOES mean that we need to have respect for each other and appreciate the differences we have. Thank God we are not all alike. Growth means learning from mistakes and looking at problems and opportunities from a different perspective. The Marine Corps League needs all its mem- bers to have a single focus; the growth and forward movement of the Marine Corps League. We heard from many Generals and great speak- ers while at the Convention. We have one of the (if not the) best Na- tional Staff in Marine Corps League history. We now also have the support and enthusiasm of the Commandant of the Marine Corps. We have come a long long way these last two years, but the fight is not over. We must keep up the hard work, dedication and promotion of the Marine Corps League. This is a team effort. That means YOU must get involved in helping. There is something for us all to do whether it’s serving on a com- mittee, recruiting Marines or other members, accepting an appointed position or running for office. There are many opportunities for you to help grow the League. I encourage you to explore these opportunities, take in- ventory of yourself (abilities and resources) and put yourself in a position to be a positive influence for the Ma- rine Corps League. If not now, when? Will it be too late? The Marine Corps League has been literally in a fight for its life lately. Marines have never been known to run from a fight. I sincerely hope that you can help carry on that tradition. We need your help. We need more members. We need a few good men and women. Know any? Now is the time my friend to act and get back in the fight. Talk to your Commandant or Officers in your Detachment to see where you can be of help. Ask yourself this question; if not you, then who?

Sr. Vice Commandant A.B. Grantham 251-680-0006 [email protected]

13 Jr Vice Commandant— Mike Walton

Recruitment and Retention is the life blood of every organization. We talk about it at all meetings and still we don’t follow through. We all think it is our elective officer’s job and not ours but it really isn’t. Ask your Commandant for your own personal roster and look to see if there is someone on it in your area that you don’t know or do. Give them a call or bet- ter yet stop by and visit with them, introduce yourself as a Marine Corps League member. After your visit inform the Jr. Vice about them and if they have any comments or concerns as to why they don’t come to the meetings. Remember the old saying It takes a village to raise a child the same hold true with our league. The MCL has always had certificates for the Boy Scout that achieves the rank of Eagle Scout. There are a few detachments that are very active in passing out this certificate on a regular bases. The Commandant has asked me to be spearhead this and get all the detach- ments involved. I will need all detachment Commandants to appoint someone in their de- tachment to be their Scout Liaison and give me their name, e-mail and phone number. I will be talking more about this at our September quarterly meeting. Semper Fi, Mike Walton

Department Judge Advocate—Don Fisher

Along with other members of the Department of Alabama, I attended the National Convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma during August. I highly recommend this annual Convention to all of you especially detach- ment commandants and future commandants. A lot of important in- formation is shared at these meeting that detachments need. For in- stance, at this year’s Convention, a National Bylaw change was voted to have a common dues expiration date (I voted against the proposal); going forward all MCL memberships will expire on August 31st of each year. Being a leader means being informed. If you can’t attend the next Annual Convention in Overland Park, Kansas, August 13 – 19, 2017, encourage another in your detachment to attend. A responsibility of the Department Judge Advocate is to “approve” all detachment Bylaws and amendments to them. The intent is to ensure they comply with estab- lished Department and National bylaws. For this reason, I have asked all detachment judge advo- cates to forward to me copies of their most recent detachment bylaws for review. Ultimately, every detachment’s bylaws should be signed by the detachment’s officers and the Department Judge Advocate. I will be preparing a data base containing all these bylaw sets that future detach- ments may draw from should their own bylaws be misplaced. The data base will also give detach- ments an opportunity to see what others have included in their bylaws and may lead to a “best practices” type document. Continued on next page

14 Department Judge Advocate—Don Fisher continued

We had a Chapter Nine this past quarter. A Disciplinary Charge was made which led to a Hear- ing Board being convened. I can assure you that I and others learned more about Chapter Nine disciplinary charges than we wished. This is a very time consuming process especially for the Department Judge Advocate. No one truly wins and hard feelings develop. I don’t believe there would be a need for Chapter Nine if we all had respect for each other. We are Marines! Enough said.

Don Fisher Judge Advocate Department of Alabama 334-221-3175 [email protected]

Adjutant Report—Ed Mason

Semper Fi Marines;

It will soon be time for our September Department Quarterly meeting in Millbrook. It is my responsibility to inform the Detachments of the date and time of the meeting 30 days prior to the meeting. I realize this is a few days late but you should have time to make plans. I look forward to seeing each of you there. The meet- ing will be on the 24th of September and will begin promptly at 0930 hours. The Department Officer meeting will begin at 0830 hours. For all of you Detachment Commandants, remember to bring enough copies of your quarterly report so that each Department Officer and all the other Commandants may have a copy. I ask that you e-mail me a copy early if possible for my records. For all of our Detachment Adjutants I ask when you have an officer installation report to file that you type the information on the form provided by national and forward three copies to me keeping one for your records. Our Commandant and Sr. Vice Commandant have asked that full name, address, phone #s and e-mail ad- dresses be included on the report so they can contact the officers if necessary.

Sincerely,

Ed Mason, Adj.

15 WEB Master Dept of Alabama

Our web site is up to date as far as I know. I know there is a lot of information miss- ing and incorrect, but I need your input to get it correct. Please review the infor- mation listed in your Detachment areas of the web site and set me straight.

It would be very helpful if you would send me a copy of your installation reports when you send it to the Paymaster. If you have a scanner, you can e-mail it to me ([email protected]). Also, I need the information on your meeting times and places to update the site. Some of you have changed since the site was first put up and I don’t have the correct information.

If you have pictures, articles and/or awards you would like listed on your site, please forward to me and the Commandant. I will only post items approved for posting by the Commandant.

Comments and or suggestions can be sent to me at my e-mail address also.

A.B. Grantham 251-680-0006 [email protected] WWW. ALABAMAMCL.ORG

Sergeant at Arms—John Reid

From Department Sergeant at Arms:

While we don't have a Uniform of the Day requirement for our Quarterly Meetings, it is suggested that you wear an Official Marine Corps League Cover and, if you have one, a Golf/Polo Shirt With Your Detachment or Marine Corps League Logo.

Before our September meeting, please look for the Sign Up Sheets that will be lo- cated at Each Entrance to the Meeting Hall as there are multiple points of en- try. Please Register Your Attendance.

For the benefit of our Adjutant and his minutes, Anyone Wanting to Speak During the Meeting, Please Stand to Attention, If Properly Covered in an Official Marine Corps League Cover, Render a Hand Salute and State Your Name and Detachment Before Addressing the Commandant.

Thanks & Semper Fi, John A Reid, Sgt @ Arms Dept of AL

16 Department Chaplain—John Burks Jr.

One of the most important things we can do for a person is en- courage them. All of us go through times when we get discour- aged going through the trials of life, and having an encouraging word spoken at a tough time can bring joy to someone going through. Let’s take the opportunity to speak an uplifting word both in good and bad times. As always, pray for our department officers and all of our detachments.

“The Lord God has given me the tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary… Isaiah 50:4

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11.

From your Editor—Dianna S Grantham First of all I’d like to thank each of you that took the time to submit an article and or a Picture. And forgive me if I had to call you to resend an article. With that said, I’d like to see more input. Let everyone know about your upcoming big events. Maybe you’ll get some participation from other detachments. Secondly, give me some feedback. Tell me what you like and what you don’t like. What else you’d like to see included. Let me know that you have read the newsletter. Feedback is what motivates me. To keep my life a little simpler I created a new email address just for this news- letter. Share it with everyone and maybe we can get some more input and feed- back. Please include your name and detachment name in your communications with me, as I’m still trying to learn everyone’s name and League affiliation. It keeps me from getting too confused and making mistakes.

Hope each of you enjoy this edition. And hope to meet many more of you at our next Department meeting.

Dianna S. Grantham [email protected] Phone: 251-377-9818

17 Worthy Alabama Pack Leader of the Devil Dogs — PDD Jack Hopping

. Woof Woof Another quarter has passed since last we met. Much has gone on since the June convention and growl. Our Nat'l Convention and the Supreme Growl were an outstanding suc- cess. We had 97 DD's promoted to PDD. Three were from Ryan Winslow pound 301, namely Brian Gierlatowicz, Mike Ryan, and Seymore Hopper. Congratulations are in order! Additionally, 27,000 big bones were donated to the Tulsa Childrens Hospital facility. All dogs should rare back and howl! We have been mandated by national to incorporate our Pounds and Pack. Go ahead and get this done; it's like getting wormed. I will ask for a report at the Mtgy. Growl. Yes, there will be a growl!!

We will continue to monitor the situation in the flooded coastal areas and respond as needed. Meantime, be good dogs, avoid the company of gam- blers and loose women ,recruit wisely and stay out of the street.

PDD Jack Hopping Worthy Pack Leader--Ala Pack

Marines I see as two breeds, Rottweilers or Dobermans, because Marines come in two varieties, big and mean, or skinny and mean. They're aggressive on the attack and tenacious on defense. They've got really short hair and they always go for the throat. RAdm. "Jay" R. Stark, USN; 10 November 1995

18 Around the Marine Corps League National

2016 Marine Corps League National Convention Web site: mclNational.org The 2016 National Convention was held August 7th - thru August 13th, 2016 in the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was hosted by the Albert E. Schwab, Detachment #857 (see article on page 1 and 3)

The 2017 Convention will be held: August 13 - August 18, 2017, Overland Park, Kansas

The next national convention will be held August 13 - August 18, 2017, Overland Park, Kansas See Website for more information

Southeast Division

2017 Conference will be held in Mobile, AL March 30-April 1, 2017th. March 30 thru April 1, 2017 will be hosted by PL Wilson Detachment (Chairman Dianna Grantham) with Jesse Andrews Detachment assisting at the Mobile Marriott, 3101 Airport Blvd., Mobile, Alabama 36606 Phone (251) 476-6400. Ask for Marine Corps League Conference rate. REGISTER NOW!!! See page 5 for registration form Room Rates: Regular Room $109+ tax, includes hot breakfast and free parking.

Department of Alabama

The Department of Alabama State Convention 2016 The State convention was held in Mobile, June 10-12, 2016. Jointly Hosted by the Jessie An- drews Jr. detachment and the P.L. Wilson detachment. See Page 6 For article

Next regular meeting will be held: Sept. 24, 2016 @ Millbrook The Department of Alabama State Convention 2017 2017 Convention to be held at Dothan, Alabama

Go to Mobilemarines.org under the convention tab to make your reservations.

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Detachment Reports—P.L. Wilson Detachment #447 Report

The last quarter since the Department Convention has provided a bit of a respite for the P.L. Wilson Detachment. While we are not as busy in the summer it doesn’t mean things don’t get done. We have participated with 3rd Force Recon Co. by attending their Warrior Dinner upon completion of their 2 week summer training. We have also been planning for our birthday ball with 3rd force, which is turning out to look like a good time. The first option for gifts at the tables for attendees is tomahawks! The Sgt.Major has voiced his opinion about 250 drunk Marines walking around downtown Mobile wielding tomahawks, so that might turn out not to happen (what to do).

On a more serious note we have also been able to help several Marines with assistance from the unit. Whether it is new brakes for a Marine that desperately needs the help while transi- tioning jobs, or another who was laid off and has a pregnant wife and need to pay basic bills and get a little debt counseling. We have been there.

During the recent flooding in Louisiana, we have also been presented the opportunity to assist 3rd Force Marines and their families living in the affected areas. P.L. Wilson’s Sr. Vice Commandant and Paymaster liaised with the department and the Jesse Andrews Jr. and Cpl. Joseph Whitehead Detachments to gather aid to be delivered directly to where it would be needed most. I cannot brag enough about the members, from all three detach- ments, who made this happen.

The P.L. Wilson Detachment was represented by A.B. and Dianna Grantham at the recent National Convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Our detachment newsletter won a 3rd place award and our detachment scrapbook won 2nd place in our division! A.B. and Dianna should be especially proud to have received these awards as they are the primary reason for the submissions and the awards. Great Job Guys!

We also have been making and impact in the community. We have made a few donations to charities on the recent months to the tune of $500 to MCL Foundation, $500 to Anchor Cross Cancer Research Center (Local to South Alabama) in honor of detachment member Larry Kent, and $500 to local chapter of Epilepsy Foundation in honor of detachment member Tommy Cox.

But wait, thats not all. We are also proud to be a supporter of the Gulf Coast Silkies Ruck. Spon- soring this event has given us an avenue into new and younger membership. This group has al- ready conducted and is again planning a Ruck to provide a face to face network for veterans in the community. This network is in- tended to give another option to veterans when they hit a rough patch. We would rather them pick up a phone than drugs, alcohol, or a loaded weapon. So far the Silk- Team from PL Wilson & Jesse Andrews collect, sort donations for Marines of the Louisiana flood ies Ruck has actively worked to stop at least 3 veteran suicides that we can account for, and hope fully more that we cannot.

We also have our challenges, these challenges are not unique to the detachment or the league and are being addressed. Overall, we are in good shape, and looking forward to ending the year on a successful note.

Semper Fi, Bryan Dewberry Commandant P.L. Wilson Detachment #447

20 Detachment Reports—Howlin’ Mad Smith #592

Pictured left to right are: Jim Davis, Jack Hop- ping, Danny Rooks, Bill Stafford, Mrs. Jeanne Sledge, President Dr. John Stewart, John Hilmer, and Joe Findley

The “Howlin’ Mad” Smith VA Visitation Squad

For over 25 years EVERY Marine patient in the Birmingham, Alabama Veterans Administration hospital gets a visit each week from Marines of the Birmingham Marine Corps League General "Howlin' Mad" Smith Detachment #592.

These Marines and Sailors are registered VA volunteer workers in support of the doctors, nurses, and staff providing medical care to Veteran patients. This squad exhibits the Marine Corps motto "Semper Fidelis" meaning always faithful, always loyal and able to count on your fellow Marines while in the Marine Corps and for a lifetime. We also visit with nearby Soldiers, Sail- ors, Airmen, and Coast Guard Veterans. When available, active duty Marines in full dress blues from the Bessemer Navy Re- serve Operations Center serve with the squad.

This volunteer work is valued by the patients because nothing is better than a visit from your service buddies making sure that our Marines, Veterans, and family members are not alone during recovery at the Birmingham VA hospital.

Scholarship Presented to University of Montevallo

On July 15, 2016 "Howlin' Mad " Smith Detachment #592 from Birmingham, Alabama, in honor of Dr. Eugene Sledge present- ed a scholarship in his name to the University of Montevallo. The scholarship will be awarded yearly to a Marine attending the school. Dr. Sledge taught Biology at the school for over 30 years. Dr. Sledge served in the Marine Corps in WW2. Writing of his experiences during his service, he authored his famous book "With The Old Breed". His book is on the commandant's re- quired reading list for all Marines and on the reading list for all future Marine officers going through OCS. Accepting the scholar- ship are Dr. Sledge’s widow Mrs. Jeanne Sledge and the University of Montevallo president Dr. John Stewart.

Pictured left to right: John Hilmer, Wayne Odell, Brian Gierlatowicz, Gene Hopper, John Birmingham, Russell Casterlin, Henry Williams, Douglas Dunn, Roger Ledbetter, Wayne Jones, and John Whitmire

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Detachment Reports—Wiregrass Det #752

.

st On July 1 Wiregrass members Mike Walton (L) and Congratulations to Mike Walton on his selection as Region Commandant Mike Garnett (R) attended the promo- 3 Coordinator of the Year award for Toys-for-Tots. tion ceremony for Wiregrass area recruiter, SSgt Hoyal to Gysgt. Gysgt Hoyal is NCOIC of the Wiregrass Re- Mike has been the Toys-for-Tots Coordinator of the Wire- grass campaign for the past 9 years, and has done an excep- cruiting area and a good friend to the Wiregrass De- tional job each year. In addition to being Wiregrass Coordi- nator he is also the Department of Alabama Junior Vice

On July 9th Wiregrass Detachment 752 had our annual Marine Family picnic at Lake Tholloco on Fort Rucker. Marines their friends and families are all invited. In attendance this year was 30 people and 2 recruiters from the Wiregrass area

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Detachment Reports—Townsend Det #920

Townsend Detachment of the Marine Corps League honored their namesake, Corporal Henry ‘Ben’ Townsend, on Saturday, May 28, 2016. HISTORY: On May 23, 1995, 31 Marines, banded together in the Montgomery River Region to charter a local detachment of the Marine Corps League. These Marines debated the options for naming their new Detachment. Precedence dictated names commonly chosen from the History of the Marine Corps or USMC HERO’s. Chesty Puller – Dan Daly – Carlos Hathcock – Bellow Woods –Montezuma – Tripoli or local geographical designations. Greater Montgomery area Marines sought to find a name that was unique to the river region, a name that was unique to Montgomery area Marines. Henry ‘Ben’ Townsend, Junior was a Mont- gomery area resident, he joined the Marine Corps with other local area friends and trained as a “GRUNT” following his graduation from basic Train-

ing at Parris Island, South Carolina. Corporal Townsend was assigned to 1st Battalion 8th Marines on the morning of October 23, 1983 and sta- tioned in Beirut Lebanon. Corporal Townsend was injured as a result of the suicide terrorist bombing of the Beirut Barracks and died December 2, 1983 as a result of his injuries. Members of the new Montgomery area detachment chose to name their Detachment after Corporal Henry ‘Ben’ Townsend Junior, USMC. Memorial Service: Townsend Detachment commissioned a Foot Stone to be made to indicate Corporal Townsend as the Marine, the Detachment was named in honor of. Brooks Barrow a local stone mason accepted the challenge to design and construct the memorial foot- stone. Brooks, also a Marine, donated his time, talents and resources in this endeavor. Brooks crafted a simple stone of Alabama Marble with an inscription “Marine Corps League, Townsend Detachment 920 named in honor of Henry Townsend, USMC” on the face of the stone are the raised letters “Semper Fidelis” and a raised granite Continued on page 23

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Detachment Reports—Townsend Det #920

Eagle, Globe and Anchor. Dan Newcomer and Nancy Burtron, Townsend Detachment’s Commandant and Senior Vice Commandant respec- tively, worked together to structure the memorial event. Corporal Townsend’s family and friends were invited; me- dia was notified; supports were solicited throughout the Greater Montgomery area community. Danny Lliteras – a Townsend Detachment Member and published author, researched Corporal Townsend’s military career and wrote the Tribute to ‘Henry Townsend, Junior’. Todd Kemper – Townsend Detachments’ Judge Advocate presented the tribute to Corporal Townsend during the Memorial Service. Don Fisher –Department of Alabama, Judge Advocate and Townsend Detachment Past Commandant emceed the memorial program at the Gilmer Cemetery in Pike Road Alabama. Brooks Barrow and his wife, Jennifer, presented the Foot Stone during the Memorial Ceremony at the Gilmer Cem- etery in Pike Road Alabama. Major Timothy Tormey, USMC and Marynell Winslow, Gold Star Families of Alabama presented members of the Townsend family with Gold Star Lapel Pins. Mike Jeffries of the Krulak Detachment, Hoover Alabama pipped ‘Flowers of the Forest’ & ‘Amazing Grace’ during the ceremony. Michael Wutzke sang “Eternal Father” at the Memorial Service and led the attendees in the Marine Corps Verse. Keith Mayo of the McLaughlin Detachment, Gadsden Alabama played ‘Taps’ at the end of the Memorial Service. The Townsend Family and friends of the Family were Guests of Honor, Mr. & Mrs. (Lillian) Henry Townsend Sen- ior. Corporal Townsend’s sister Valerie Tatum, and his wife Marcia and step daughter. Members of the Alabama Patriot Guard stood vigil with the Townsend Family. Colonel Duane Opperman, his wife, Linda, and their daughter attended to Honor the Townsend Family. Colonel Op- perman is the Senior Marine at the Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Montgomery Alabama. More than 85 members of the Townsend family, their friends, members of the general public and members of the Townsend Detachment of the Marine Corps League attended the Memorial Service. During the ceremonies, Townsend Detachment mem- bers passed in review with a hand salute to honor Cor- poral Townsend. Commandant Dan Newcomer shared theBrotherhood of MARINES – forged during basic training and remaining throughout time. Senior Vice Commandant Nancy Burtron presented, Lillian Town- send with an arrangement of flowers, and Henry Townsend Senior with a Townsend Detachment Chal- lenge Coin. Detachment Chaplain Victor Tubbs opened the ceremony with prayer.

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Detachment Reports—Townsend Det. #920

Montgomery areas’ Townsend Detachment of the De- partment of Alabama’s Marine Corps League – hosted a “Welcome Aboard Picnic” for the Marine Corps students and staff at Maxwell AFB Air War College and Air Com- mand and Staff College on Saturday August 20, 2016. Twenty six active duty Marines and their families were the guests of honor. Townsend Detachment mem- bers and their families provided information packets about the greater Montgomery area, a picnic lunch, games and activities for children, and door prizes that totaled over a $1,000 in give a-ways. Townsend Detach- ment Judge Advocate Todd Kemper served as Master of

Ceremonies, Colonel Duane Opperman, senior Marine at the Air War College introduced his staff and stu- dents. Nancy Burtron Senior Vice Commandant intro- duced Townsend Detachment Members. Ken Duan, Townsend Detachment’s Sergent at Arms, served as Food management supervisor. Townsend members so- licited gifts and gift cards from local area business- es. Detachment members, Ron & Evaughn Balkcom; Patsy Brookshire; Phillip Callahan; Ken Duan; Joe Daw- kins; Richard Davis; Todd Kemper; Dick McClain; Paul & Janet Williamson were recognized with ‘Certificates of Appreciation’ for services and supports above and be- yond the call of duty for their work to host this annual event. All Townsend members and their guests en- joyed their time together and new friendships were made.

The WEEKEND DEER HUNT provided by and hosted by Townsend Member Joe Dawkins was won by LtCol. Amro Mo- hammed. Two bicycles provided by Townsend Member Joe Dawkins were won by Patrick Tormey age 9 and Huntley Burtron age 11. Special guests Paula Branch and Sandra Robertson, Gold Star Wives joined the Townsend Detachment in welcoming the Marines to the Montgomery area.

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Detachment Reports—Billy Stelpflug Det #1064

CAMP GOOD GRIEF

Members of the Billy Stelpflug Detachment 1069 attended Camp Good Grief in April at the Opelika Sports Plex, Opelika, Alabama.

Members grilled hot dogs and served more than one hundred children. The purpose of the camp is to allow children of vari- ous ages to share their grief with each other. These children have experienced a variety of grief sit- uations such as the death of a parent, cancer, separa- tion of parents, incarceration of a parent, etc.

BOY SCOUT PROMOTED TO EAGLE SCOUT

On June 5, 2016 Billy Stelpflug Detachment 1069 members Perry Caldwell and John Reichmann presented William David Crowder the Marine Corps League Certificate of Appreciation.

Thank you, Semper Fidelis,

Perry Caldwell Jr Vice Commandant Billy Stelpflug Detachment 1069

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Detachment Reports—McLaughlin Det #1091

The last week of May was a very busy time for McLaughlin De- tachment as we participated in several events. On May 24th, approximately 15 of our members traveled to Ash- ville, AL to greet bikers and riders who were participating in the Ride for the Wall traveling to Washing- ton D.C. for Memorial Day. We sat up our tent and provided water, sodas and snacks to the riders and spent time meeting many of them. Thanks to N.E. Alabama MCL for donating funds to help buy the water and snacks given to the bikers. There were 350 bikers who stopped in Ashville to refuel and rest before continuing to Chattanooga where they spent the night. On May 28th, McLaughlin members Keith Mayo and Steve Stephens represented our detachment in Montgomery at the remembrance ceremony held by Townsend Detachment to honor CPL Henry Townsend. Keith had the honor of sounding Taps at the ceremony. On May 30th, our detachment members sat up our tent at the Colo- nel Ola Lee Mize Patriot Park in Gadsden to participate in the Me- morial Day Service. We gave out water and snacks and made many new friends. Keith Mayo sound Taps at this ceremony also. After the ceremony, we had our annual Memorial Day picnic at Noccalula Falls. Following the picnic, Mitch Chastain was awarded the honor of being named our Detachment Marine of the Year and Connie Ste- phens was awarded the Associate Member of the Year. In June, we had 10 members who traveled to Mobile and enjoyed attending the State Convention. Our detachment adju- tant Ed Mason was sworn in as the Department Adjutant. Our detachment was very successful at the National Convention . Our own Johnny Baker was elected as National Judge Advocate for the 2nd year in a row. We also won First Place in the Marine Corps League Americanism Award in Category II for the 2nd year in a row.

We are gearing up to start our collections soon and on August 5th we met in East Gadsden where we were presented with a check for $2,500 by Walmart for our Toys for Tots program.

We continue to host bingo games on the 2nd Monday of each month at the COL Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home in Pell City and each month the number of veterans participating in the games grows. SUBMITTED BY: Connie Stephens

27

Detachment Reports—Cpl Joseph Whitehead Det # 1370

Greetings from the Joseph Whitehead Detachment of Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Seven of our members attended the state convention in Mobile. This convention was the first one any of us had ever attended, and we were extremely impressed. To be awarded The Meritorious Unit Commendation was a thrilling and humbling experience. The Marines from P.L. Wilson and Jesse Andrews Detachment are to be com- mended for hosting this great event.

Our newest member, Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia, proudly served as Master of Ceremonies for a Gulf Shores community salute honoring all troops on July 4th.

As the Fall rolls in, we will be manning our recruiting tent and ship store at the following events:

· Lillian Mullet Festival Sept. 5, 2016 · Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival Oct. 13-16, 2016 · Elberta Sausage Festival Oct. 29, 2016

If you happen to be at any of these events, please stop by and say hello. We’d love to see you.

In addition, we are excited to have Jenniene Heath joining Scooter Fredrickson as Associate Toys for Tots Coordinator. Jenniene will be attending the Toys for Tots annual coordinator training session in Quantico, Virginia on Sept. 14-18, 2016. We tremendously thank Jenniene for taking this on.

Lastly, our annual Birthday Ball will be held at the Elberta V.F.W on Nov. 12, 2016. We look forward to a great turn out filled with celebration and fellowship.

Just For Fun

28 Detachment Reports—Gen. Victor “Brute” Krulak Det #1415 Edward Smith, Commandant, of the Lt. General Victor “Brute” detachment, Marine Corps League, Hoover, AL presents keys to fellow Marine Trent Winstead, in Cullman, AL. Trent, a combat Veteran and Purple Heart recipient was in need of transportation, as Marines Helping Ma- rines is an unwritten creed, the membership of the Krulak detachment presented him with a vehicle, thus empowering him to pursue his education at Wallace Community College and working for Saving Forgotten Warriors foundation. The Krulak detachment also paid for Trent’s insurance for one year. A special thank you to Roy Drinkard, A War World II Marine and Mitch Smith Chevrolet in Cullman for their support.

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Detachment Reports—Jesse Andrews Jr Det. #1378

Saturday, 20 August 2016, the Jesse Andrews Jr. Detachment and the P.L. Wilson Detachment joined forces to help Ma- rines in need. Five Marines from Mobile’s 3rd Force Recon Company were greatly impacted by the historic flooding in Loui- siana. The Jesse Andrews Jr. Detachment collected monetary donations, water, clothing, cleaning supplies etc. to aid the flooded Marines. After collecting the needed items, Commandant Lew Thomas, Adjutant Kenya Thomas and Senior Vice Commandant Herb Cole convoyed over the bay to American Legion Post 88. The two detachments sorted all donations at Post 88. The P.L. Wilson Detachment delivered all items to the Recon Marines on Tuesday, 23 August 2016. A true team effort that exemplifies the motto “Marines Helping Marines!”

The photos show the Jesse Andrews Jr Detachment presenting a check to the Recon Company’s 1stSgt Jonathan Ivy. (Pictured from L-R: SVC Herb Cole, State Commandant Jerry Cherne, Adjutant Kenya Thomas, Commandant Lew Thomas, 1stSgt Ivy, Judge Advocate Bob Mace and Diane Mace)

This photo shows Jesse Andrews Detachment Paymaster John Cutright and Judge Advocate Bob Mace unloading donated items from a local Coast Guard family.

Finally, this photo shows the items getting sorted at Post 88.

Herb Cole Sr. Vice Marine Corps League 251-377-4047

30 Young Marines of North Alabama

Young Marines of Alabama helping with Ceremony at Centennial Memorial Park in Anniston AL. The other Unit is 1st AL BTN do the same thing all year long. The top picture is YMs showing other kids in the community about the flag.

This is the Top three 13 and under shooters from the TN regimental Marksmanship Comp on Aug 13, 2016 They are all AL YM.

31 Young Marines of North Alabama

Part of the fun there was at the encampment this year in GA. We had three of the four units attend this Divi- sion event. The YM had a great time.

This was the YMs help at a Fly in Huntsville AL. There worked all day help people get in and out of the aircraft so at the end there all get a ride in the on the aircraft. We had three of the four Units working this event.

This is some of what we work on with the kids within communities. If you would like to get a unit up and run- ning in your area please let me know. All I can say is that it is one of the best thing that the MCL supports. Dan Long, 256-310-6481 or [email protected]. You can all go to www.yougmarines.com for more information

32 Marine Corps History highlights June

This Month in History Selected September Dates of Marine Corps Historical Significance 2 September 1945: The Japanese officially surrendered to the Allies on board the battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay. With General transferred home in July 1945, the senior Marine Corps representative at the historic ceremony was LtGen Roy S. Geiger, who had succeeded Smith as Commanding General, , Pacific.

5 September 1956: Eleven Marines from the 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division, stationed near Naha, Okinawa, drowned while swimming, from an undercurrent caused by Typhoon Emma. The violent storm, with 140 mph winds, struck the Philippine Islands, Okinawa, Korea, and Japan, causing some 55 deaths and millions of dollars in property damage.

6 September 1983: Two Marines were killed and two were wounded when rockets hit their compound in Beirut, Lebanon. Heavy fighting continued for the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit peacekeeping force in the area near their positions around the Beirut Inter- national Airport.

8 September 1942: On Guadalcanal, the 1st Raider Battalion and the 1st Parachute Battalion, supported by planes of MAG-23 and two destroyer transports, landed east of Tasimboko, advanced west into the rear of Japanese positions, and carried out a successful raid on a Japanese supply base.

11 September 1992: Hurricane Iniki devastated the island of Kauai in Hawaii in one of the worst storms the islands had seen in over a century. Marines of the 1st Marine Brigade based at Kaneohe Bay, spearheaded Operation Garden Sweep, the massive cleanup effort.

11 September 2001: At 9:38a.m. a commercial airliner, piloted by terrorists, slammed into the Pentagon, the headquarters of the Department of Defense, located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The Marines Corps was fortunate in that no Marines were killed or seriously injured in this attack. The weekend before, most of the Department of Marine Aviation, located directly above the site of impact, had been relocated to another area of the Pentagon, during building renovation. Immediately fol- lowing the attack, Marines set up a “command center” under an overpass of Interstate 395, which runs beside the Pentagon. Working alongside fellow servicemen and civilians for hours, days, and weeks after the tragedy, Marines played a large role in the rescue and recovery effort. Including those aboard the hijacked Boeing 757, 189 men, women, and children were killed in the ter- rorist attack on the Pentagon.

15 September 1950: The 3d Battalion, 5th Marines landed on Wolmi-do Island in Inchon Harbor and secured it prior to the main landing. The under the command of Major General Oliver P. Smith landed at Inchon and began the Inchon- Seoul campaign.

16 September 1814: A detachment of Marines under Major Daniel Carmick from the Naval Station at New Orleans, together with an Army detachment, destroyed a pirate stronghold at Barataria, on the Island of Grande Terre, near New Orleans.

18 September 1990: A new 40-acre training facility for Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) was dedicated at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, by General Alfred M. Gray, Commandant of the Marine Corps.

20 September 1950: Marines of the 1st Marine Division crossed the Han River along a six-mile beachhead, eight miles northwest of Seoul, Korea. Five days later, the 1st and 5th Marines would attack Seoul and the city would be captured by 27 September.

24 September 1873: One hundred and ninety Marines and seamen from the USS Pensacola and Benicia landed at the Bay of Panama, Columbia, to protect the railroad and American lives and property during the revolution.

27 September 1944: The American flag was raised over Peleliu, Palau Islands, at the 1st Marine Division Command Post. Alt- hough the flag raising symbolized that the island was secured, pockets of determined Japanese defenders continued to fight on. As late as 21 April 1947, 27 Japanese holdouts finally surrendered to the American naval commander on the scene.

30 September 1945: Marines of III Amphibious Corps, commanded by Major General Keller E. Rockey, began landing in North China to assist the Chinese Nationalist government in accepting the surrender of Japanese forces and repatriating Japanese sol- diers and civilians.

33 Chaplain’s —Final Farwell

Let us remember in our prayers the families of the following members who have answered our heavenly Father’s call this year:

Laeman J. Butcher, -Billy Stelpflug Detachment, 30 June, 2015 Sidney C. Phillips, -P.L. Wilson Detachment, 26 September, 2015 Donald Maxwell Beabout, -McLaughlin Detachment, 3 October, 2015 Deborah A. Lewis, -Allan Ray Chaffin Detachment, 14 October, 2015 Terry D. Harrison, -Howlin Mad Smith Detachment, 17 October, 2015 Willie Searcy, -Wiregrass Detachment, 7 November, 2015 Christopher Edwin Hand -N.E. AL Detachment 12 November 2015. Robert M. Gilleland -Jesse Andrews Det., 11 December 2015. Sara Hann -Jesse Andrews, Jr. Detachment 18 December 2015. William B. Carpenter -P.L. Wilson Detachment 20 December 2015. Norman S. Gerald -P.L. Wilson Detachment 26 December 2015 Frank Bell —Howlin Mad Smith Detachment 18 January 2016. Carl Murdock - Townsend Detachment 12 February 2016 George Hermansen - Wiregrass detachment Phillip E. Gabilhe- Krulak Detachment 19 March 2016 Ezel Walker - P.L. Wilson Detachment May 2016 Carl Jones - Krulak Detachment 3 June 2016

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Ephesians 6:10-13

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