The Scuttlebutt Newsletter Marine Corps League - Intracoastal Detachment 1058 P.O. Box 11248 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33339-1248 Scott Vulpis, Commandant www.mcleague1058.org James DuVall, Adjutant [email protected] [email protected]

APRIL 2011

Al·tru·ism [al-troo-iz-uhm] the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others (opposed to egoism).

To all Members:

Wow! How time flies as we find ourselves coming upon another election season with a new fiscal year just around the corner. Looking back over the past year, we would again like to thank those members and friends who volunteered their time and gave donations in support of the Detachment. It’s folks like this, that make us what we are and enable us to continue our primary mission of providing service and assistance to our fellow Marines, Veterans, and the local community. Also, we want express a mountain of gratitude to the American Legion Sterling McClellan Post 142, where over the years they have provided us with an excellent ‘home base’ to operate out of and have always treated us as one of their own. Oorah! Looking ahead, our friend Diane Schmidt over at ‘Casey’s Bar and Grill’, in Lauderdale by the Sea, is looking to hold another party at the end of this month for the Marines and Sailors coming in off the ships during Fort Lauderdale’s Fleet Week. Stay tuned for more details at the up coming members meeting and email announcements. Also, at this month’s meeting we will be looking into an invitation to set up a free recruiting exhibit and hold a fundraiser for wounded troops at the 1st Annual South Florida RV Show on May 20, 21st, & 22nd at the Isles Casino and Racing at Pompano Park. Anyone interested in volunteering or manning a time slot at the booth during the three day event, please contact Sr. Vice Commandant Scott Egan or myself. Take care and I look forward to seeing you all at the upcoming members meeting on Thursday April 21st.

Semper Fidelis,

Scott Vulpis, Commandant

Detachment Digest - Page 2 Election Announcement - Page 3 Sandy Nininger VA Nursing Home - Page 4 CLNC Drinking Water History - Page 5 VA News - Page 6 Upcoming Events and Meetings - Page 7 USMC History Quiz - page 8 MCL Uniform Regs., Casual Dress - Page 9 Advertisements - Page 11 PAGE 2 THE SCUTTLEBUTT NEWSLETTER APR 2011 Detachment Digest - March 2011 GENERAL MEETING MINUTES MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 1058 Tuesday, March 15th, 2011 HELD AT AMERICAN LEGION POST #142

Meeting was called to Order by Commandant Scott Vulpis at 19:30 hrs.

Opening Ceremony: Acting Sgt. at Arms Ed O’Donnell posted the colors and lead the Detachment in the Pledge of Allegiance. He then declared the meeting open for the official business. Acting Chaplain Ed Johnson read the Opening Prayer. Adjutants Report: Minutes of the previous meeting on 02/17/11 were handed out for the members review. PC Newt Schneider made motion to accept the minutes as presented and was seconded by PC Ed Johnson and carried to a unanimous vote, none opposed. Paymaster Report: Comdt. Scott Vulpis read the detachment financial report and copies were passed around for the members review. A motion to accept the report was made by Marine Gene Bredeck which was seconded by JVC Marty Winston and carried to a unanimous vote, none opposed. Report of Committees: Nominating Committee Chairman, John Jordan announced that we will be holding our election of officers for 2010-2011 at the next membership meeting on April 21, 2011. He also asked that anyone interested in running for an officer position to contact him or other committee members PC Ed Johnson or PC Newt Schneider for further information. Comdt. Vulpis then introduced our Awards Committee Chairman, Harry Delaney, and thanked him for his effort to help organize our end of the year awards. Awards: Comdt Vulpis presented to Executive Hardware owner, Marine Kevin Bolender, a Certificate of Appreciation for his companies effort and support of our Detachment Tag Sale in February 2011. Old Business: Tag Sale: Comdt Vulpis gave a follow up to the recent Tag Sale, reporting that we had received $557.00 in donations which was enough to reach our first year’s goal of giving a $500.00 scholarship donation. Wash DC/Quantico Trip - Status SVC Scott Egan reported that he had secured thirty (30) tickets to the 8th and I Sunset Parade on Friday June 24th and was currently working on hotel and transportation schedules and costs. Re-naming the Detachment:: Name Change Committee Chair John Jordan reminded the members that on the same evening of the upcoming officers election, we will also be voting by secret ballot on whether we want to change the name of the Detachment or not. Also, as to the question of the expense of the process, he collected from SVC Scott Egan that it would cost around $200.00. The question of time in administrative tasks were mentioned as well New Business: Camp LeJeune Historic Drinking Water: VSO Vito Rao updated the members on the Camp Lejeune Historic Drinking Water situation, reporting that the drinking water was contaminated by dry cleaning fluids seeping into the groundwater and exposure to this can cause serious health consequences and genetic defects. An estimated half a million Marines and their family members were exposed to toxic substances during the time of the contamination from the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s. He advised anyone that is interested in registering to receive notifications on the water history to please contact him. Detachment Officer’s Election: Nominating Committee chair John Jordan reminded everyone that we will be holding our officer’s election at the next members meeting on April 21st 2011. Detachment Gun Range Meet: Comdt. Vulpis announced that the next gun range meet would bee on Saturday April 2nd, 2011 at the National Armory Gun range in Pompano Beach, FL.

Continued on page 7 APR 2011 THE SCUTTLEBUTT NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 Annoucement of Elections for Detachment Officer’s

Elections will be held on Thursday, April 21st, 2011 at 7:30 p.m., at the American Legion Post 142 at 171 S.W. 2nd Street, Pompano Beach, FL 33060.

Nominees

For Commandant: Scott Vulpis

For Sr Vice Commandant: Scott Egan

For Jr Vice Commandant: Marty Winston

For Judge Advocate: John Jordan

• During this membership meeting, nominations for any elected office may also be freely made from the floor. Nominees must be in good standing and present at the meeting to accept nomination. • The Election shall be by closed ballot by the regular members unless there is only one (1) nomination for a given office in which case a voice vote will be permitted. • Only Regular Marine Corps League, Intracoastal Detachment 1058 members, in good standing, and present at the meeting shall be eligible to vote. For further information, please contact Election Committee Chairman John Jordan at (954) 772-8222 or email [email protected]

Ballot for Decision to Vote for Detachment Name Change

Pursuant to the By Laws of Intracoastal Detachment 1058 the following: Amendment is to be voted on by closed ballot by regular members at the meeting to be held Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 142 at 171 SW 2nd Street, Pompano Beach, Fl 33062.

Question to be voted on:

Should the name of Intracoastal Detachment 1058 be changed? _____ Yes is a vote to change the name to another name that will be voted on at a later date. ______No is a vote to keep the name of Intracoastal Detachment 1058.

Only Regular Marine Corps League, Intracoastal Detachment 1058 members, in good standing, and present at the meeting shall be eligible to vote. PAGE 4 THE SCUTTLEBUTT NEWSLETTER APR 2011 Visit to the Sandy Nininger State Veterans Home Last month a few of us from the Detachment made a visit to the Alexander” Sandy” Nininger State Veterans' Nursing Home in Pembroke Pines, thanks to the generosity and initiative of VSO Vito Rao, in coordinating a donation of ‘audio books’ for the visually impaired. We were all welcomed by a friendly and professional staff who gave us a tour of their exceptional facility of which they are very proud of. A great time was had while conversing with some of there Veteran patients who were a fun and happy bunch. A special thanks again to Vito Rao, Marine Harry Delaney, and my wife Amy Vulpis for taking the time to come out and meet all of these nice people. Anyone interested in signing up for some volunteer work at the Nininger, please contact Comdt. Scott Vulpis at 954-801-4366 or email [email protected]

2nd Lt. Alexander Ramsey "Sandy" Nininger

Born 1918 in Gainesville or Atlanta Georgia and died Jan. 12, 1942 in the Battle of Bataan, Philippines. He was a graduate of West Point in 1941 and served with the US Army, 57th Infantry in the Philippines, during WWII under command of General Douglas MacArthur. He lived in the Sail Boat Bend area of Fort Lauderdale and was chairman of the Key Club at Fort Lauderdale High School and graduate in 1937. Sandy Nininger was the first recipient of the Medal of Honor for WWII and was awarded posthu- mously to his father by General Mac Arthur. Finding that the Japanese had occupied Allied foxholes, he ran from foxhole to foxhole with grenades fighting the enemy and died valiantly. Numerous awards & buildings are named after him including the U.S. Army Reserve Center's 841st Engineering Battalion Center at the Ft. Lauderdale Exec- L to R: Administrator-Larry Millitello, VSO Vito Rao, Recreational utive Airport & the State Veterans Nursing Home in Pem- Super -Oscar Correale, Comdt. Scott Vulpis , Marine Harry Delaney broke Pines. Source - Ancestry.com

“ I love the Corps for those intangible possessions that cannot be issued: pride, honor, integrity, and being able to carry on the traditions for generations of warriors past.” Cpl. Jeff Sornig, USMC; in Navy Times, November 1994 APR 2011 THE SCUTTLEBUTT NEWSLETTER PAGE 5 Status on Camp Lejeune Historic Drinking Water

VA REPORT CONSOLIDATION & PROCESSING OF DISABILITY CLAIMS BASED ON EXPOSURE TO CONTAMINATED DRINKING WATER AT CAMP LEJEUNE NORTH CAROLINA

The Department of Veterans Affairs will begin training a specialized cadre of workers to handle disability claims related to historic water contamination at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune North Carolina. The agency will consolidate claims at one office in Louisville, Kentucky where eight employees there will focus on culling, researching and adjudicating disability claims related to the contaminated water. They are now committed to training a staff dedicated to claims who will know for certain that chemicals like benzene is most often associated with leukemia, acute myelocytic leukemia, and others. Kidney cancer as well, with TCE and PCE, and liver cancer is associated with vinyl chloride.” It is estamated that a half a million people – civilian workers, Marines and their family members – are thought to have been exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, and more than 160,000 have registered with the Marine Corps to learn more about the case. From the mid – 1950’s to the mid – 1980’s, water wells at Lejeune were poisoned with trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloro- ethylene (PCE), benzene, vinyl chloride, and other volatile organic chemicals. The VA found about 195 adjudicated disability claims that listed Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water as the cause. Of those, just 32 have been approved. In September 2010, Thomas J. Pamperin, now the VA’s deputy undersecretary for disability assistance, testified to the House of Representatives that the VA hadn’t found conclusive evidence to link the water to a host of cancers and other diseases. Instead, the VA reviewed claims on a case-by-case basis, which resulted in scattershot decisions. Now the agency has decided to have one office review all incoming Lejeune claims. So far, about 100 new ones await adjudication.

For further information on the subject please contact Veterans Service Officer Vito Rao at [email protected] or phone (561) 451-8772.

The Marine Corps encourages all those who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune before 1987 to register to receive notifications regarding Camp Lejeune Historic Drinking Water.

Former residents and employees of Camp LeJeune can now register at the official Marine Corps water study website for notification and information regarding past drinking water contamination. The address is https://clnr.hqi.usmc.mil/

For more information, call the Department of Navy toll-free at (877) 261-9782. The Call Center staff can be reached Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., or by email at [email protected]. PAGE 6 THE SCUTTLEBUTT NEWSLETTER APR 2011

Veterans News

From: VA Media Relations Subject: VA Changes Billing Process for Third Party Pharmacy Prescriptions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 7, 2011

VA Changes Billing Process for Third Party Pharmacy Prescriptions Change Will Not Affect Co-pay Status of Veterans

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is implementing a new billing process for charging third party insurers for outpatient prescription medications provided to Veterans for conditions unrelated to their military service. This change will not affect Veterans’ co-payments for prescriptions. “This is a simple change that makes sense for delivering Veterans’ health care,” said Gary Baker, chief business officer of VA’s Veterans Health Administration. “VA should recoup from insurers the actual costs for prescriptions provided to Veterans rather than a flat fee that is the average of all medication costs.” Starting March 18, VA began charging third party insurers of Veterans for the full costs of prescription medications plus an administrative fee of $11.40, rather than the flat fee of $51 that is currently billed. The rule change, published in the Federal Register on Oct. 6, 2010, will contribute to VA’s mission of providing exceptional health care that improves health and well-being. The new billing process will be similar to how the private sector bills for prescription medications. Veterans who receive prescriptions through VA for illnesses that are not related to their disabili- ties resulting from military service, currently pay a maximum of $9 in co-pay per 30-day prescription, with many Veterans paying no co-pay at all. Veterans with questions about their health care benefits can call the VHA Health Resource Center at 1-877-222-VETS (8387) or visit http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/. Ship’s Store

Scott Egan @ 1.866.304.7868 www.grunt-gear.com APR 2011 THE SCUTTLEBUTT NEWSLETTER PAGE 7

Detachment Digest Continued from Page 2...

50/50: Marine Kevin Bolender won the 50/50 drawing for $60.00 and graciously returned all winnings back to the Detachment. Closing Ceremony: The closing prayer was given by acting Chaplain Ed Johnson and the Colors were Retired by Acting Sgt at Arms Ed O’Donnell. Commandant Vulpis adjourned the meeting at 2040 hrs.

Submitted by Scott Egan

Sr. Vice Commandant Carry on ! Intracoastal Detachment 1058 Marine Corps League

Gun Range Meet Saturday May 7th, 2011, 0945 hrs., National Armory Gun Range, 1315 S.W. 1st Court, Pompano Beach, FL 33069, (954)-915-8226. Located at the the Southwest Corner of Atlantic Blvd and Andrews Ave Range Fees: $16 with ammo purchase, $20 if you bring your own ammo. For Further info. contact Comdt. ScottVulpis at 954-801-4366 or email: [email protected]

POUND 192, MILITARY ORDER OF THE DEVIL DOGS MEETING

Thursday April 28th, 2011 American Legion Post #142 171 S.W. 2nd St Pompano Beach, FL Meeting Starts at 19:30 hrs. Contact: Pound Ldr. Ed Johnson at 954-786- Intracoastal 8253 or Email: Detachment 1058 [email protected] JOIN TODAY www.mcleague1058.org PAGE 8 THE SCUTTLEBUTT NEWSLETTER APR 2011 USMC History Quiz

WHO AM I [Believe it or not]

I was born in 1939, the year the smoldering embers of the Second World War burst into flames. Perhaps, that was the incentive for me to enlist in the Marine Corps at the age of 17.

Fortunately or unfortunately from your own point of view, a year later I was appointed to the United States Naval Academy where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering receiving my commission as a second lieutenant 1962.

After completing Basic School I joined the Marine Detachment aboard the USS Independence (CV-62). The Independence was a Forrestal-class aircraft carrier launched 6 June 1958 - fourteen years to the day of the Normandy Invasion in 1944 and commissioned 10, January 1959 - 1900 years to the day Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon, starting the Civil War of the Roman Empire.

After completing my sea duty I joined 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, then in May 1965, 100 years following the first observation in the United States on Decoration Day, now known and Memorial Day I joined 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines in South Vietnam where I was wounded in action, then returned to combat duty.

I served in Vietnam for two years participating in 26 major operation where I was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism where I eventually became the subject of a book that has become required reading at the Naval Academy. My action while under intense enemy fire (NVA) is considered one of the greatest examples of concentration under fire in the annals of U.S. military history.

Following my tours in Vietnam I served with Marine Force Reconnaissance, and was an exchange officer with the British Royal Marines. I was the commanding officer of 1st battalion, 2nd Marines, and the 2nd Marine Regiment. I rounded out my Tour of Duty in charge of the NROTC detachments at Oregon State University and VMI and as senior Marine at the United States Naval Academy teaching English and history.

I also earned the "Quad Body" distinction of making it through four of the toughest military training programs in the world and the only Marine officer to be inducted in the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame. I retired from the Marine Corps in 1992 after 35 years of active duty service.

The Commandant of the Marine Corps James L. Jones visited me with Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps Sgt and the Battle Colors. The Colors did not leave my room until I passed away.

I am ____.

(a) Martin Brandtner (b Wayne Rollings (c) John W. Ripley (d) Willis Wilson Submitted: J.W. Du Vall, Marine Corps League Detachment 1058

SEE ANSWER PAGE 10 APR 2011 THE SCUTTLEBUTT NEWSLETTER PAGE 9

MCL Uniform Regulations

CAUSAL UNIFORM MALE / FEMALE

westgamarines.com greenvillemcl.com

Standard cover Marine of the Year Medallion or Devil Dog collar, if authorized. White shirt (No button down collars and no sunburst insignias). Black tie, with MC or MCL gold tie bar. Blazer, red, with two (2) MCL buttons on front and three (3) MCL buttons on each sleeve cuff. MCL Crest. Lapel pins (Max of two) Optional. Trousers, black, dress. Black belt leather, with MC emblem on square gold buckle. Shoes, black, plain toe (Military style, highly glossed) Socks, black. Optional: A black leather dress belt may be worn as a substitute to the black leather belt with MC emblem on square gold buckle. (The black leather belt with a ratcheting gold MC emblem buckle is an approved optional dress belt). One, two or three large (Standard) MCL medals or DOD medals may be worn centered over the left breast pocket of the MCL red blazer uniform. Sunburst insignias are not worn on the shirt collar and the MC dress blue trousers are not worn with the casual uniform. PAGE 10 THE SCUTTLEBUTT NEWSLETTER APR 2011 Detachment Officers Commandant Scott Vulpis 954-801-4366 [email protected] Sr. Vice Commandant Scott Egan 561-504-4703 [email protected] Jr. Vice Commandant Marty Winston 305-792-7089 [email protected] Judge Advocate John Jordan 954-772-8222 [email protected] Jr. Past Commandant Eddie Cruz 954-781-0116 [email protected] Adjutant Jim DuVall 954-564-1520 [email protected] Paymaster Kyle Austin 954-783-5953 [email protected] Chaplain Bob Powers 954-465-3016 N/A Newsletter Editor Scott Vulpis 954-801-4366 [email protected] Sergeant at Arms Bob Coleman 954-783-8891 [email protected] Color Guard Sgt. Jesse Bell 954-772-9030 [email protected] Service Officer Vito Rao 561-451-8772 [email protected] VACANCY Ship’s Store Scott Egan 561-504-4703 [email protected]

History Quiz Answer

c. John W. Ripely In addition to numerous decorations for extensive combat experience at the rifle company and battalion levels, Ripley was awarded the Navy Cross for extraor- dinary heroism in destroying the Dong Ha bridge dur- ing the April 1972 North Vietnamese Easter Offensive

(also known as the Nguyen Hue Offensive). That action Detail of a diorama at the U.S. Naval Academy showing is memorialized at the Naval Academy with a large Capt Ripley hanging from bridge at Dong-Ha. diorama titled "Ripley at the Bridge."

Source - Wikipedia

Scuttlebutt Editor encourages submissions of any announcements, pictures, stories, editorials & letters to the editor from detachment members. Please limit letters & editorials to 500 words or less. Deadline for all submissions by the 15th of every month. Email: [email protected] or Call: Scott Vulpis @ 954.801.4366. Mail Address: PO Box 11248, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33339.

NEXT MEETING: THURSDAY, APRIL 21ST, 2011 American Legion Post #142, 171 S.W. 2nd Street Pompano Beach, FL 33060 Membership Meeting 7:30 P.M. Newsletter Advertisements PAGE 11

“Farewell Fellow Marines” The Townley’s are relocating back to New Jersey. Semper Fi!

John- Gloria-

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02-11

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Richard V. Davis 04-11 Past Commandant

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The Colonial Building Telephone: (954) 772-8222 Suite 101 Fax: (954) 772-8759 4367 N. Federal Highway E-mail: [email protected] Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 Website: johnjordanpa.com 05-11

Not a day goes by that we don’t miss 08-11 John F. McAnulty you Dean. We will always cherish all our beautiful memories

PFC. – U.S. Army With all our love. Mirtha T. Hackley and Family 1945 02-11

06-11 12-1112-10 “In Loving Memory K-M-A Of Judy Campbell & Jason Walsh Truck & Auto Repair You Are Deeply Missed By Your Family & Friends Who Kyle Austin Loved You.” 12-11 954-632-7108

www.mcleague1058.org

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33339-1248 FL Lauderdale, Fort

P.O. Box 11248 Box P.O.

INTRACOASTAL DETACHMENT #1058 DETACHMENT INTRACOASTAL MARINE CORPS LEAGUE CORPS MARINE

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