NEWS FROM YOUR NEW LEAGUE OFFICERS

MARINES IN THE MOVIES! DALE DYE NEVER FORGOTTEN: BRINGING HOME OUR TARAWA MARINES, OVER 70 YEARS LATER

YOUR YOUTH FOUNDATION - GET INVOLVED!

ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURE ARTICLES

14 INTERVIEW WITH DALE DYE MILES VINING

22 INDIANTOWN GAP NATIONAL 6 CEMETERY MCL HONOR GUARD GAIL WISE

34 THE MARINES YOUTH FOUNDATION THOMAS W. HAZLETT

37 “NEVER FORGOTTEN:” BRINGING HOME OUR TARAWA MARINES, OVER 70 YEARS LATER PATRICK J. HUGHES FORMS & RAFFLES

32 TREE OF LIGHTS DONATION FORM 14 57 2018 BATTLEFIELD TOUR RAFFLE FORM

65 MARINE CORPS LEAGUE APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

A special thanks to Bill Artman of Bill Artman Photography (artmanphoto.com) for his excellent work photographing our officers at the Marine Corps League National 22 Convention 2017.

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34 37 59

COLUMNS

6 NATIONAL COMMANDANT’S LETTER 25 NATIONAL JUDGE ADVOCATE WENDELL W. WEBB WARREN C. GRIFFIN

8 CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER‘S LETTER 26 MCL FOUNDATION, PRESIDENT’S LETTER BOB BORKA GREGORY HUNT

9 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 27 DIVISION REPORTS

10 ATTENTION ON DECK 42 NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE REPORT R. BOB BECKER, JR., PNC 12 REUNIONS 43 JUNIOR PAST NATIONAL COMMANDANT 12 EVENTS IN MARINE HISTORY RICHARD D. GORE, SR., PNC DR. CHARLES NEIMEYER 44 ROLL CALL 19 CHIEF LEONARD SPICER 59 THE SEMPER FI STORE

20 MCL AUXILIARY LETTER 62 TAPS KAREN AUNE 64 MARINE CORPS LEAGUE EVENT 24 NATIONAL SR. VICE COMMANDANT CALENDAR DENNIS TOBIN

24 NATIONAL JR. VICE COMMANDANT JOHNNY B. BAKER

ABOUT THE COVER Founded August 18, 2017. The newly elected in 1923 by Marine Corps League officers pose Lieutenant for a photo before the MCL Nation- General al Convention Banquet in Overland John A. Park, Kansas. Left to Right: Dennis Lejeune, NEWS FROM YOUR NEW Tobin (National Sr. Vice Comman- the Marine LEAGUE OFFICERS dant), Wendell W. Webb (National Corps Commandant), Johnny B. Baker MARINES IN THE MOVIES! League is the only federally DALE DYE (National Jr. Vice Commandant) and chartered Marine Corps- NEVER FORGOTTEN: Warren C. Griffin (National Judge BRINGING HOME OUR related veterans organization TARAWA MARINES, Advocate). Photo by Bill Artman of OVER 70 YEARS LATER in the United States. Bill Artman Photography (artman- YOUR YOUTH FOUNDATION - GET INVOLVED! photo.com).

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NATIONAL COMMANDANT’S LETTER

WENDELL W. WEBB

THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE One of the goals is to proceed from The Marine Corps League Inc. is a Congressionally chartered, non-profit organization. Gold to Platinum National Commandant: Wendell W. Webb Chief Operating Officer: Bob Borka MARINES: First, I want to thank the membership for all CALL (703) 207-9588 the support and confidence at for any issues related to Marine Corps League the 94th National Convention membership, Semper Fi subscriptions or changes in Overland Park, Kansas. We of address. have challenges facing us, but as Marines we are up and willing Semper Fi is published quarterly for the to meet them head on. This is a Marine Corps League by: Chipotle Publishing, LLC continuation of the plan started 631 N. Stephanie St. #282 under my predecessor to estab- Henderson, NV 89014 lish and organize the League as Phone: (702) 565-0746 a Veterans Service Organization Website: www.chipotlepublishing.com and set the corporate struc- Executive Editor General Manager ture to operate and maintain Bob Borka Deborah L. Shea the fiduciary responsibility for Publisher Editors a non-profit organization. With Megan Shea Lisa Weder / Megan Shea our new Chief Operating Officer Art Director Editorial Coordinator on board, we have already estab- Adam Bucci Lisa Weder lished goals and assessments of Lead Designer Administration the everyday operations of Headquarters and divisions. When we opened the Ashley Powell Danielle Del’Arco 94th Convention the National Marine Corps League was a Gold Star Non-Profit organization. One of the goals is to proceed from Gold to Platinum. Advertising Representatives We will be creating quarterly reports to the membership so you know how we are Megan Shea, Jayne Wynes [email protected] doing on our metrics established by the Board of Trustees (BOT). We will be estab- Phone: (702) 565-0746 lishing a mentoring program for the BOT to begin training in order to manage the organization as officers move up through the chairs. As Commandant of the VSO, I am also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the corporation. The Senior Vice Com- Semper Fi, The Magazine of the Marine Corps League™ mandant is the second in command of the VSO and the Corporate Secretary. The (ISSN 1933-2327), copyright © 2017 by the Marine Corps League, is published quarterly (4 times per year) in January, April, July and October Junior Vice Commandant is the third in command of the VSO and the Corporate by Chipotle Publishing, LLC for the Marine Corps League. Marine Corps Treasurer. All Division Vices will have their VSO responsibility and also a corporate League Business Office: MCL National Headquarters, 3619 Jefferson equivalent position. Davis Highway, Suite 115, Stafford, VA 22554. Telephone: (703) 207-9588. Website: www.mclnational.org. Email: [email protected] New media and tools will be on board for “meet me calls” to manage the orga- nization, and we’re also looking at holding Townhall meetings across the divisions. Subscriptions: Members’ national dues include a free subscription to Semper Fi. For non-members, single-copy price is $10; yearly subscription Communication and responsibility are required from all members who serve in the is $30. Call (703) 207-9588 for any issues related to Marine Corps League League. Yes, I said SERVE ... We all have a job. membership, Semper Fi subscriptions or changes of address. Our subordinate organizations feed into our corporate structure. The Auxiliary Editorial Contributions: Letters, manuscripts, stories, materials or and Devil Dogs are similar to some wholly owned subsidiaries and will be required photographs are welcomed but cannot be returned unless sender provides SASE. Semper Fi, The Magazine of the Marine Corps League,™ will not be to maintain their records and report to the Corporate Office. We also have other responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and drawings. Submission societies within the League that will become fiduciarily responsible to corporate of articles and letters implies the right to edit and publish all or in part. oversight. We have totally independent organizations outside our fiduciary over- Feature articles must be approved before submission. High-resolution digital photos preferred. For complete editorial and photo guidelines, sight, but they carry the brand of the Marine Corps League. You will be seeing an contact Chipotle Publishing, LLC at [email protected] or organization chart of the Marine Corps League you have never seen before. (702) 565-0746. The new database contract was approved at the Convention and will be coming Postmaster: Send address changes to MCL National Headquarters, 3619 on board by the time you read this article. Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 115, Stafford, VA 22554. The bottom line ... it is time we former active duty warriors enlist those leaving Periodicals postage paid at Stafford, VA and additional mailing offices. active duty into new MCL membership and become a Marine Alumni Organization Opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and are not to be that runs at high efficiency for our mission and corporate responsibility. construed as those of the publisher nor as the official views of the Marine Corps League, the United States Marine Corps, the U.S. Department of Defense or any of its agencies, unless otherwise made manifest by Semper Fi, writers or spokespersons acting on behalf of the foregoing. Advertising of Wendell W. Webb products and services herein does not imply endorsement or approval by the Marine Corps League. No portion of the magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

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CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER’S LETTER BOB BORKA

Developing a Stronger Headquarters

MARINES: The Marine Corps League has such a strong leadership foundation, and the 94th National Convention brought together the best in Honorary National Commandant our leadership traditions. What Alfred M. Gray a remarkable group of people General, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps embracing our core values! The newly elected officers have Marine Corps League National Board of Trustees taken their posts, and we look forward to seeing what the next National Commandant year has in store. Wendell W. Webb [email protected] The local and National Con- vention committees spent National Sr. Vice Commandant months planning, and we are all Dennis Tobin deeply appreciative. There is a [email protected] great deal of work that occurs National Jr. Vice Commandant behind the scenes, and these vol- Johnny B. Baker unteers really delivered. I hope [email protected] each person enjoyed their stay. The Convention provided significant motivation for the coming year. As your National Judge Advocate Warren C. Griffin new Chief Operating Officer (formerly called Executive Director), I am honored [email protected] to have been selected by our Board of Trustees. I will focus on leading with ethi- cal leadership; to demonstrate conduct that is acceptable, moral and appropri- Jr. Past National Commandant ate. Not just to set the example, but to be the example. Additionally, values such Richard D. Gore, Sr. as servant leadership (Greenleaf, 1970) and failing forward (Maxwell, 2007) will [email protected] be developed among our team. We will foster individual productivity, team unity and organizational health. Professional best business practices will be developed in many dif- NVC, Central Division NVC, Northwest Division Raymond L. Dailey T.J. Morgan ferent areas. The membership will be affected (in a positive way) by changes: [email protected] [email protected] better telephone connectivity, improved ship’s store online, easier insur- ance form submission and other business developments. Our focus, in coor- NVC, Mideast Division NVC, Rocky Mountain dination with our new Commandant, Wendell Webb, is to develop a stron- Bruce R. Rakfeldt Division [email protected] Allen W. Brink ger Headquarters infrastructure, document and streamline processes and [email protected] develop tools that will aide local detachment growth. NVC, Midwest Division The detachments have showcased their volunteerism on social media. We Harvey L. Harris NVC, Southeast Division will provide more social media engagement with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram [email protected] Archie H. Sweet and LinkedIn. Additionally, we will update the website and enhance the data- [email protected] NVC, New England base. Apple and Android applications will be created for greater mobile tools. Division NVC, Southern Division While I am sure there are many other aspirations we could strive for, we must PNC Jim Laskey Johnny Gothard also consider our capabilities and adjust goals as we move forward. [email protected] [email protected] The Mid-Winter Conference in Fredericksburg, Virginia is developing into a NVC, Northeast Division NVC, Southwest Division great event, and we hope to see you there. Tim Forbes Richard Hoery [email protected] [email protected] Semper Fi, Bob Borka Chief Operating Officer Marine Corps League

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

With Our Sincerest Apologies To Bob Borka: Severance whose Platoon put up the Flag on of including your name in the Summer 2017 Thank you for writing this email in reference to Iwo Jima in WWII. He was Marine Air Group 46 issue TAPS section. Thank you for your amaz- this terrible event which has upset myself, my Commander, which my Helicopter Squadron ing service to our Corps and devotion to fam- family and Members of Sunrise Detachment was part of. ily. It was also an honor to speak with you. The MCL in Massapequa, New York. I was informed I am one proud MARINE AND ALWAYS headquarters will ensure future notifications of it by Past Commandant Joe Cope whom I WILL BE. are on the correct form and signed by the de- have known for 50 years. I am a 44-Year Life Please print this retraction in the Fall 2017 tachment chaplain prior to acceptance. Member of this MCL Detachment, and I served Issue in the “TAPS,” NEW YORK SECTION AT Bob Borka, in the USMCR from 7/8/66—7/7/72 in HMM- THE BEGINNING BEFORE THE 1ST NAME: Executive Editor / Chief Operating Officer 768, MAG-46, 4th MAW and was Honorably STEPHEN J. CHIARELLO is alive and well. Discharged as Sergeant (E-5). I served another Also, I would appreciate if you can print all CORRECTION: The photo on page 67 of 16 Years in the USAR and was a Platoon Ser- of the above information in the “LETTER TO the Summer 2017 issue incorrectly iden- geant SFC (E-7) and Retired with 22 Years of THE EDITOR” section of the Fall 2017 Semper Fi tified the whole group as members of the Service. I did an 8-Month tour in the Gulf War, issue. MCL Det. 1131. The picture is actually of Operation Desert Storm, from 11/90—6/91 in Semper Fi, the Honor Guard of American Legion the 766 Supply Company USAR. Stephen J. Chiarello Post 120 of Seneca, South Carolina. The My wife and I will be celebrating our 50th man on the left is Charlie Brickett, Sgt at Wedding Anniversary on 11/12/17 with my EXECUTIVE EDITOR’S RESPONSE Arms of Post 120, and the first rifleman Son Stephen and Daughter Traci and our four is Josh Herring. Both are Marines and Dear Mr. Chiarello, Grandchildren. They are sending my wife and members of the MCL Lewis G, Watkins On behalf of the Marine Corps League, I offer me on a vacation to Aruba. I love the Marine Detachment 1131, as well as Post 120. Corps, and I was happy to meet Colonel Dave sincerest apologies for the unfortunate error

S|F THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 9 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE ATTENTION ON DECK

DUES NOTICE This overview of the dues system supersedes the one previously published in the Summer issue of Semper Fi. Please use the most current information below moving forward. MEMBERSHIP PROCESS Please note: 31 August is not recognized by the Database, it defaults to 1 September as the renewal date. Your membership expires as of 1 September NOT 30 September. Renewals: Members with an expiration date of July 2016–December 2016 Pay $20.00 and new expiration date will be 1 September 2017 Members with an expiration date of January 2017–June 2017 Pay $10.00 and new expiration date will be 1 September 2017 ARMY DONATIONS Members who expire in July 2017 PROGRAM Pay $20.00 and new expiration date will be 1 September 2018 Going forward all members who expire 1 September 2017 will pay $20.00 each year. The Army Donations Program Office is con- New Members: ducting a record recon- Members who join between August 31–the last day of February ciliation and inventory Pay $25.00 and expiration date will be 1 September (of following year) review campaign. The Example: Member who joins August 31 (2017)–End of February Commanding General 2018 will expire in 1 September 2018 for the program has Members who join between March 1–August 30 Pay $15.00 and expiration date will be 1 September (of current year) directed a review of all Example: Member who joins March 1–August 30 program equipment (2018) will expire in 1 September 2018 to ensure appropriate Going forward all members will expire 1 September and pay $20.00 each year for renewal This will documentation is on file be the New Member guidelines going forward, this is not temporary. and up-to-date. Detach- ments assigned an Army Reinstatements: asset (Ceremonial Rifles Members who are reinstating (Reinstating members are members who have been delinquent and Static Displays) will more than a year and do not want to pay all back due and keep be contacted and may their length of membership—they will get a new enrollment date.) be sent paperwork to Members with a reinstatement date of July 2017–December 2017 update records. Please Pay $20.00 and new expiration date will be 1 September 2018 Members with a reinstatement date of January 2017–June 2017 ensure paperwork is Pay $10.00 and new expiration date will be 1 September 2017 completed and returned Going forward all members who expire 1 September will pay $20.00 each year for renewal. within 30 days of receipt. Army donations MAL: may be delayed while Members with an expiration date of July 2016–December 2016 the audit is being con- Pay $30.00 and new expiration date will be 1 September 2017 ducted and will resume Members with an expiration date of January 2017–June 2017 once completed. Pay $30.00 and new expiration date will be 1 September 2018 Going forward all members who expire 1 September will pay $30.00 each year.

CEREMONIAL RIFLE PROGRAM

Any detachment in good standing can request ceremonial rifles and blank ammunition through the Marine Corps League’s National Headquarters, for use with color guards, parades, burial details, etc. Go to www.mclnational.org/ceremonial-rifle-program.html. Instructions are listed here with links to the three required forms you will need in the next step. Information on requests for ammunition and clips are located here as well. The Army will check with the COO to verify if a detachment is in good standing.

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ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE REUNIONS & EVENTS IN HISTORY REUNIONS or 775-751-8076 and Vern and Janet Snodderly at [email protected] or 209-355-0966. On November 1–5, 2017, VMA – 225 (Chu Lai ‘65) is holding its annual Reunion in Tampa, FL. Contact Dave Shapleigh for details at [email protected] or 1-248-347-1082.

MCRD Platoon 2041, August 3, 1967, 50th Year Reunion in Las Vegas, NV, on November 9 to November 12, 2017. Contact Daniel Palacios (house mouse) at 951-541-8940 (Pacific) or email: [email protected]. Photo courtesy www.marcorengasn.org Alternate Contact: Enrique Ortiz at 949- Marine Corps Engineer Association (MCEA) Reunion and Awards Banquet, October 16 874-3636 (Pacific). to 18, 2017, Fredericksburg Hospitality House Hotel & Conference Center, 2801 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Contact Major Charlie Dismore USMC (Ret.) at 512-394-9333 or 1st , 27th Marines, 1st MarDiv email: www.marcorengasn.org. FMF—50th Year After Vietnam (1968–2018) Reunion. Held at the Hilton Alexandria Mark The Marine Corps Air Transport or call: 817-657-7768. Center Hotel, 5000 Seminary Rd, Alexandria, Association (MCATA) is having its annual FLC FLSG A/B Command and all sub units VA on July 18-22, 2018. All other 27th Marine VMR/VMGR Reunion and Membership are having a reunion on October 29 through ’ (13th Arty, 2nd and 3rd Battalions’) Meeting October 19 to 22, 2017, in Pensacola, November 1, 2017, at the Hotel Pacific, Monterey, and supporting units’ personnel are welcome. FL. For more information please go to: www. CA. For a discounted rate call 1-800-554-5542. Contact Felix Salmeron at 469-583-0191 or mcata.com. email: [email protected] Contact Frank Miller at [email protected] email him at [email protected].

EVENTS IN MARINE HISTORY BY DR. CHARLES NEIMEYER

October 11, 1951 November 10, 1775 A Marine battalion was flown by trans- An organization of Marines was autho- port helicopters to a frontline combat rized by the Continental Congress, thus position for the first time, when Marine creating the Continental Marines, the Transport Helicopter Squadron 161 lift- predecessor to today’s United States ed the 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, and its Marine Corps. equipment, during Operation BUMBLE- BEE, northeast of Yanggu, Korea. December 25–27, 1955 In close cooperation with the Los Ange- October 23, 1983 les Junior Chamber of Commerce, At 0622 an explosive-laden truck Marine Transport Squadrons 152 and slammed into the BLT headquarters 352 flew food, clothing and medical building in Beirut, Lebanon, where supplied to flood-stricken areas of more than 300 men were billeted. The northern California. massive explosion collapsed the build- ing in seconds and took the lives of 241 December 28, 1814 Americans—including 220 Marines. Marines participated as part of General This was the highest loss of life in a sin- Andrew Jackson’s force which repelled gle day for Marines since D-Day on Iwo the British attack on American defens- Jima in 1945. es before New Orleans.

November 7, 1921 President of the United States Warren G. Harding directed the Marine Corps to assist in the protection of the United States mails.

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ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE THE SEMPER FI INTERVIEW SEMPER FI SITS DOWN WITH DALE DYE, MILITARY ADVISOR TO HOLLYWOOD

Interview by Miles Vining

he following is an interview with Marine Corps League Member Dale Dye, a former Marine, turned Hollywood actor and technical military advisor who has worked with the likes of . TDale discusses how his military background prepared him for his future success and helped employ other military veterans in the movie industry.

Semper Fi: Can you tell us a little bit about your life before the some tests, I passed and I was able to get out of the Infantry MOS and Marines? get transferred to become a Combat Correspondent. I really got to Dale Dye: I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and grew up south of learn about the Marine Corps and see what it was, see who the peo- there in a very rural part of the country. I had always been sort of an ple were. I was loving it, and it wasn’t the same old thing every day. air-headed dreamer and loved listening to WWII tales from my dad Then in 1967, I got my orders to Vietnam with the 1st Marine Divi- and his buddies. I think I saw a great drama in military service, and sion based at Da Nang. There I ran with the craziest bunch of guys I that appealed to me. When the time was right and I thought I could have ever met in my life, probably my best friends in the world today, make it, I asked to be sent away to a military school. Probably to get the Combat Correspondents of the . It never had rid of me as much as anything else, they sent me away, and I was able more than a dozen guys, but we prided ourselves on our yearning to to go to a military school from the end of elementary school to the be with the Grunts and tell their stories. We only came back to the end of high school, graduating from Missouri Military Academy, as a rear to write a few stories, then we’d go right back out. I really loved cadet officer. I had great visions of attending the United States Naval it because it was a matter of shining a light on that little guy out Academy, trying to get a commission in the Navy or Marine Corps. there with a rusty rifle fighting in Vietnam. It was a tough job, and Unfortunately, I played more sports and didn’t try as hard academi- we often got labeled as POGs, but that wasn’t at all the case. We ran cally. I failed the entrance exam a couple of times. There wasn’t any to the sound of the guns or else we couldn’t complete our mission. money or grants otherwise. I was at a loss—my father had passed But it got tough at times, especially in Tet of 1968 when I got sent to away by then, so I couldn’t really go for a regular college education. Hue. We had all been trained to fight in the jungle, and we were good One dreary day in St. Louis I saw a recruiting sign. It showed a clas- at that, but here we were in the middle of this major urban sprawl, sic, rock-jawed Marine in Dress Blues, and he was looking at me with going house to house. The gangbangers in our outfit were the ones those steely eyeballs, and it just had one word: “Ready.” I thought to who really led the charge because they knew about fighting in the myself, “Yes I am!” I found the Marine recruiter, and the next thing streets. At that point, I began to really understand the nature of the I knew, I was on an airplane and headed to California for MCRD San Marine Corps, and that is the little guy out front with his rifle and Diego. That was in January 1964. bayonet who gets it done, often in the most horrible of situations. In SF: Could you walk us through your time in the service? addition to being at an absolute worst disadvantage, and that was DD: I went through Infantry training and became a Mortarman, Hue. a 0341. But to be honest, I became a little bored of it in the Fleet. I SF: After Hue, you were involved in an action for which you loved the gunnery solution, and I loved all the ballistics and math, received the Bronze Star with Combat “V” and your second Pur- became very good at it. But it was boring, humping around Pendle- ple Heart? ton with an 81mm base plate on my back. I really wasn’t seeing any- DD: Yes, that was with Echo 2/3, while we were conducting a thing except the pack of the guy in front of me. One day, though, a sweeping mission during a battalion-sized operation. Myself and Corporal walked in with a camera talking to everyone. I finally went a machine gunner were trapped in a field due to the nature of the up to him and said, “Listen, who are you and what do you do?” He fighting and had to defend ourselves in the open, surrounded by introduced himself as a Combat Correspondent, and that struck my dead and wounded. We consolidated the position as much as pos- attention because I had been an editor of my high school newspaper sible, firing back at the bunkers facing us, sort of making an Alamo and had an interest in journalism. After some talking, he told me, last-stand situation. The company was able to move because of the “Listen, this is the greatest dodge the Marine Corps has ever come fire we provided in support. It was one of those days that it really up with. There are just a few of us that are in it, but if you can get in was just luck we weren’t killed and did what we had to do to survive. it, the neat thing is you can do just [about] anything you want to do SF: Where did your service take you after Vietnam? inside the Marine Corps, as long as you can produce some pictures DD: I was transferred to a number of commands—Okinawa, and a story and make the Marine Corps look good. If I feel like walk- Europe, stateside duty. In 1975, I was stationed at K-Bay in Hawaii, ing with a Grunt battalion for a couple days I do that, if I want to and that was when the Commandant was bound and determined to fly in a helicopter, fire an artillery piece, whatever it is, they’ll send “Clean up the Marine Corps” from the Vietnam generations. They me.” I then got permission to talk to the local PAO, and they gave me needed SNCOs to become officers to help with this effort, and I was

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a Master Sergeant by then. I put in a package for the Warrant Officer don’t, I’ll turn into a bar fly at the nearest VFW. Being a cop or working Program and was accepted. I was sent to Okinawa to run the Armed in security was something I toyed with, but I didn’t really want to get Forces Radio Station there, managed to get myself a college degree shot again. The defense industry was beckoning, and I really didn’t in English Literature from the University of Maryland and was able want to be sitting in a cubicle, selling stuff back to the government. to commission as an officer. I was assigned to the 8th Marines and Something that I eventually came up with was that I had always was deployed to the peacekeeping forces in Lebanon from 1982 to been a military movie fan. I realized that although there were some 1983, leaving right before the Marine Barracks was bombed. I lost good ones, the vast majority just pissed me off because they didn’t an awful lot of friends there, leaving me very disappointed in the reflect how soldiers are, how we act, how we relate to each other. I said whole situation. that’s odd because if you look at the credits, there’s always a military SF: At this point, you retired—how did that play into entering technical advisor, but they still aren’t realistic. So I came out here to Hollywood? L.A. and started trying to find people in the movie business. I had this DD: So I retired and went to work for Soldier of Fortune magazine. I inkling that maybe I could be that technical advisor that would set thought that journalism experience would help with that and even- things right. I got a little job on a science fiction film called “Invad- tually went on a number of trips to South America where I ended up ers from Mars.” They hired me to train the actors playing Marines to as a trainer for anti-Sandinista forces in Honduras, Nicaragua and make them more realistic. I had no qualms about killing Martians, Costa Rica. That job terminated because here I was in the thick of and in the 3 months I had on that job, I learned an immense amount things again, taking all those chances, and it was good for my ego, about how movies are made. but I didn’t really know where it was going. I really began to think SF: This was how you cut your teeth in the industry? about what I wanted to do for a second career. Back in those days DD: I really learned how movies are made. Here I found out what there really wasn’t any sort of transitioning experience. It was you the problem was with Hollywood’s depiction of soldiers. The prob- got out and thanks for your service; let us know if you want to join the lem was that the main movers and shakers in Hollywood never had Reserves or the Marine Corps League. I sat around for a while and fig- military service. There was a feeling that no one from the military ured out that I have to do something that tickles my creative side. If I could possibly have a creative bone in their body, or if they did, they

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THE SEMPER FI INTERVIEW

On the set of ’s epic, “Platoon.” Photo courtesy of Hemdale Film Corporation

wouldn’t be in the military. I had to convince them that I had a bet- military films. ter idea. One of the issues was that these movie makers didn’t think SF: And this became a full-time occupation? anyone knew the difference between the reality of warfare and DD: Military films come and go so I knew that I had to keep myself what was seen in the movies. I knew that was wrong because we’re viable, I had to expand. So I began to look around, and we got into in a media-saturated society. People see images of actual warfare themed entertainment, video games and even music videos. I also on the TV, and if they don’t see that in Hollywood, they disconnect. decided to start my own publishing company, Warriors Publishing The other issue is that actors couldn’t accurately portray a military Group. It has been one success after another really. character on set if they didn’t have any military experience to begin SF: What do you find the most challenging about working in the with. How could they even come close to portraying us correctly? business? The light bulb came on, and I realized these actors needed to live DD: It is much easier now than it was in the past because I’ve been through some of what we’ve been through so that they understand established in the industry. The hard part is trying to convince the situations we’ve been in. Only then will their portrayal be hon- movie makers that there is a better way by going with a more real- est and real. Most of these Military Advisors were working on a very istic depiction. That scares some directors and scares some writers. superficial level. They corrected ribbon stacks, showed actors how But eventually, you are usually able to show them it works in the to load weapons, but they didn’t go further than that because they end. Building your credibility so that they will adopt you as a con- weren’t allowed to. I said to myself, “To hell with that.” They need to tributing and important member of the filmmaking team. walk a Klick in our boots so to speak. But it was very difficult to get SF: How did your new idea for a movie, “No Better Place to Die” that idea across to those in Hollywood. No one would listen to me start? because he or she had been so successful before. I was about to give DD: I took a story that I had been studying for a while since I was up when I saw a notice for Oliver Stone’s new movie based on his in uniform, and that is the story about the paratroopers and glider experiences as an Infantryman in Vietnam. So I called him up and Infantrymen who took and held a vital bridge at La Fière on D-Day. told him exactly what I wanted to do. If it had been anyone other They did it against all odds. It was one of those things of which than Oliver Stone, they probably would have hung up on me right the plans of the great generals and little hands on big maps, one there or called the cops. of those times that every combat veteran realizes and recognizes SF: This is what would later become “Platoon?” that the big plans have gone down the drain. Then it’s the Corpo- DD: Yes, in the end, he gave me 33 actors and let me take them into rals, the PFCs, the Second Lieutenants who just come together, and the mountainous jungles of the Philippines for three weeks. They they understand the Commander’s intent and find a way to get it dug fighting holes, they lived in them, they ate C Rations, and I had done. That to me is the absolute spirit of the American fighting them up for radio watch and go on patrols. They began to really men and women. This to me is a microcosm of what the American understand it from a number of angles. Low and behold, that helped military is all about. So that battle at La Fière actually saved the bring the film home, and it won numerous awards all over the indus- D-Day landings; I don’t think that is an overstatement. Had those try. That really catapulted my entry into the industry, establishing paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division not taken and held Warriors Incorporated. Now we’ve done upwards of 50 some films, that bridge, the Germans would have blown right through onto the “Band of Brothers,” “,” “.” I was able landing beaches and thrown the invasion right back into the sea. to work with a number of producers and directors in the business So it was really crucial. who really taught me a lot about how to be a filmmaker, specifically I wondered for a long time why nobody had made a movie like

16 S|F FALL2017 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE

THE SEMPER FI INTERVIEW this, and it’s a classic. Well, cut to 20 years later, and I decided well to hell with it, I’m going to do it. And so I wrote a script; everybody loved it, but I just couldn’t get it done because I insisted on directing it. It’s going to cost some money, and people weren’t willing to turn it over to this old retired fart who says he is a filmmaker. “Sure you wrote a great script, but let’s get some guy who is 26 years old and just out of film school.” SF: You weren’t going to allow that to happen. DD: Well, no I’m not going to do that. When I decided I wanted to do it my way, here was another benefit to this plan. If I can get it done, I can use it as a showcase for these young veterans who want to get into this business. I can use that to give them an opportunity to demon- strate great talent, showing Hollywood that these folks are talented. You just have to trust them and give them a shot. So I made a commit- ment to use as many real veterans in front of and behind the camera as possible. For instance, my producer is a veteran, from the 82nd Air- DreamWorks of courtesy Photo borne. My cinema photographer was a platoon leader in Vietnam. I’m With on the set of “Saving Private Ryan.” searching out these guys, and we’re trying to get it done. The strategy is kind of strange because this is completely out of the standard Hol- tude. Men and women who have worn the uniform know that. They lywood box. don’t care about how many hours they have to put in today; they are We’ve created a Crowdfunding page for “No Better Place to Die.” going to put in the hours until the mission is accomplished. They We’ve raised an extraordinary amount of money, but not enough understand the value of training. That is one of the things I’m look- because this film is going to cost around $30 million to get done. ing forward to in “No Better Place to Die.” I want to bring that kind of I am experiencing what I knew was out there, and that was there is spirit to the set. I really think those are the primary assets that men a huge ground swell for this kind of film. What I’m hoping is that and women in uniform bring. They also bring an enormous amount the big-bucks guys will see and feel all the contributions from the of talent. The creative talent pool out there in the veteran commu- buzz and enthusiasm from this film and that they will jump in and nity is deep. We just need to give them a shot at displaying it. They fund what we need. I started thinking about this just before and understand emotions—they get that. They’ve dealt with intense shortly after our national election, where a populist ground swell emotions in their experiences. put a person in the White House. That means that “Fly over Amer- SF: What was involved in some of the movie magic of “Saving ica” between L.A. and New York is tired of “Spiderman” and tired Private Ryan” that made it work so well as a military movie? of “Transformers” if they aren’t 12 years old. They want this kind of DD: I trained all the actors, and we trained 1,000 Irish National inspiring film like “Dunkirk;” that there is an appetite for this sort Guard folks to put on the beach. We trained all the boat crews of the of thing, it’ll put butts in seats if you do it right, and I intend to do it Higgins boats. When we were getting ready to do that film, Steven right. “No Better Place to Die” is a film about veterans, for veterans, Spielberg and I were walking around the Normandy cemetery over- by veterans. looking the beaches, and Steven said: “I need your perspective on SF: What advice would you give to veterans looking to get into this thing.” And I told him the perspective he needed is “Asses and the business today? Elbows.” That’s what a soldier in combat sees for the most part. All DD: One word, “focus.” Here is the problem. People say, “I want to be you see is asses and elbows because you are on your belly trying to in the movies.” Yes, but what do you want to do? Movies are a syner- crawl forward, lucky if you can [get] anything beyond the guy in gistic effort. There are thousands of things you can do in the indus- front of you. And that is part of the fear of combat and what makes it try, so what exactly is it you want to do? You cannot be a generalist to so difficult. Because you try to be situationally aware as the maxim start with, you have to know the end game. You have to know where goes, but there is so much crap flying that you can’t get your head you are going, and then you can identify the trail to get there. Young up and figure out what is going on. That is the nature of the combat men and women say, “I want to be in the movies, I want to...” and then beast. I think Steven certainly did that and took it to heart. it peters off. It’s a problem. One of the issues as an example is tattoos. SF: What is your involvement with the Marine Corps League? People have them all over their bodies. And they want to be an actor. DD: I’m a member, and I really wish I could be more active. I guess it Do you realize how much we have to go through to cover that up? is because I’m more high profile than I need to be, and I sometimes That’s an extra two to three hours in a makeup chair, every day. Who think I’m viewed as America’s duty veteran; I get invited to talk is going to hire you? Unless the role demands it, but then you are sell- everywhere. I guess it’s because it’s accessible, I believe I’m doing a ing your ink; you’re not selling talent. Just an example: Someone like service to veterans. The Marine Corps League to me is doing every Vin Diesel only got all those tattoos after he became famous. In “Sav- day what I’m trying to do with “No Better Place to Die.” I think it’s an ing Private Ryan” he had a couple, but they were easily covered up. example of what I always believed. I believed this as a Lance Corpo- SF: What specific traits do military veterans bring to the table in ral. Once you are a Marine, once you’ve gone through the crucible of filmmaking? service, you are never not a Marine. The Marine Corps League does DD: Self-discipline, work ethic, understanding of a system and that on a daily basis. a process. I think American veterans in particular and those who have been to combat. They understand that at war, you see the Executive Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Scott Levy, USMC veteran, entire gamut of human behavior. From the absolute worst to the actor and a producer for “No Better Place to Die,” for connecting us with absolute best. Men and women who serve recognize that. They Capt Dye. know what synergy is. They understand that it’s not about them, it’s about the unit and the mission. Anybody wants that kind of atti-

S|F THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 17 MD HEARIG AID ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE CHIEF DEVIL DOG LEONARD SPICER PCDDS, PDDS, DDS AND PUPS:

e had an awesome National Con- 3. Keep our Growls interesting and fun. This will vention and Supreme Growl in help us keep the Dogs we already have. As my Overland Park! Thanks to all those Sr. Vice Chief says, Wwho worked so hard to be sure everything “If you keep it fun, they will come!” ran smoothly. There were 88 candidates who 4. Consider hosting a Christmas in July party. advanced to PDD. Congratulations to these This can take the form of a fundraiser, as well new PDDs and kudos to the initiation team as a social gathering for your Pound Dogs. for making it enjoyable and fun. Congrats also to PDD Jeffery Jones who was selected as the 5. Collect $51,000 Big Bones for our donation to 2017 Kennel Dog of the Year. the children in Buffalo, NY next year. We had a very interesting election during I will detail all of these goals in the next the Supreme Growl, with many nominations issue of the Woof-O-Gram. and lots of seconds. Thank you for choos- Finally, remember that each Pound must ing me to serve as your Chief for the coming hold one annual assembly to be held during year. I promise to work hard as we continue the three months following the month of the to improve the Order, have fun and do great Supreme Growl of the Kennel. At this annual things for the kids. Growl of the Pound, the full order of business “I am an American, A new benchmark was set this year in shall be called and acted upon, including the terms of our donation to a local children’s nomination, election and installation of offi- hospital. PCDD Smith presented a check for cers, and at which Growl, the outgoing offi- I was born in $50,000 Big Bones to Children’s Mercy Hospi- cers shall make full and proper reports and tal of Overland Park, Kansas. Thanks to all of accounting to the Pound. The Installation France. I hold the the Packs, Pounds and individuals who sent in Report for the new officers shall be submit- Passport bones and personal contributions. ted to the Honorable Kennel Dog Robber no title of United It will be a challenge for us to match that later than the end of the month immediately amount in the coming year, but I am going to following the Growl. The Installation Report set a new goal and challenge of $51,000–let’s must be submitted via the Worthy Pack Dog States Marine, and work together to reach that and more in 2018. Robber, if there is such, and a copy shall be Speaking of 2018, this will be a historic year sent to the respective Division Vice Chief understand the for the MODD as we celebrate the heroics of Devil Dog (Refer to MODD Bylaws, Article the Marines who fought at Belleau Wood in II- POUNDS, Section 205-GROWLS-Regular, 1918 and earned the title of “Teufel Hunden,” or Annual, Special and Staff). commitment of Devil Dogs. We are working on designing special In closing, I urge you to remember that anniversary items to commemorate the event. we are the FUN Honor Society of the Marine holding the title, There will be more information on the various Corps League and to embrace your commit- recognition activities as this year progresses. ment to holding the title of Devil Dog. When As I mentioned, I am honored to serve as MCL members observe us having fun and see Devil Dog.” your Chief for the 2017-2018 year. During our the motivation we have to do good things, staff Growl after the election, I presented a they will want to be a part of our team. Keep –Excerpt from the Devil Dog’s Creed few goals that I would like to see us accom- up the fine work! plish together. These are: I plan to visit as many Pounds and Packs as 1. Recognition of our hardworking Dogs. Each my schedule will allow. In the meantime, if Pound and Pack needs to submit candidates you have any concerns or questions, my con- for Pound/Pack/Kennel Dog of the Year, and tact information is on the Kennel website. Pack/Kennel Dog Robber of the Year. We had Semper Woof, no submissions for Kennel Dog Robber this CDD Leonard Spicer year, yet I know there are many, many worthy 58th Chief Devil Dog Dogs out there. 2. Increase membership. All we need to do is ask those motivated MCL members who are qualified.

S|F THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 19 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE

NATIONAL PRESIDENT, MCLA MARINE CORPS LEAGUE KAREN AUNE AUXILIARY 3619 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 115 This Year We Celebrate 80 Years Stafford, VA 22554-7771 Phone: (571) 477-2780 | Email: [email protected] of Support www.nationalmcla.org NATIONAL PRESIDENT MARINES: The National Convention in Overland Park, KS, Karen Aune was a huge success, as we knew it NATIONAL SR. VICE PRESIDENT would be. On behalf of the mem- Carol Smith bers of the Marine Corps League Auxiliary, we extend our thanks NATIONAL JR. VICE PRESIDENT and appreciation for all your hard Evelyn Joppa work, dedication and hospitality. NATIONAL JUDGE ADVOCATE Congratulations to all the newly Linda Chamberlain elected officers of both the MCL and MCLA. I was very honored JR. PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT to be re-elected to the office of Deborah Evans National President of the Marine Corps League Auxiliary. A huge DIVISION VICE PRESIDENTS: thank you to those who accepted the appointed positions that make CENTRAL DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT what we do possible. Your hard Judy Blackmer work is very appreciated by all! We extend our commitment to MIDEAST DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT Patricia Walker the Commandant and all MCL members, your programs and our Marines who the Auxiliary will continue to support. And for those detachments that have do MIDWEST DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT not currently have an Auxiliary, please consider doing so in the very near future. Darlene Mac Cubbin You will find that an Auxiliary increases participation in events, adds to your ability to do much more and pro- NEW ENGLAND DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT vides many other benefits. Please feel free to contact Susie Lee me or any other Auxiliary member for information on NORTHEAST DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT starting a unit. Sydney Minchin This year we celebrate 80 years of supporting the Ma- rine Corps League, the US Marine Corps, Marines and NORTHWEST DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT their families and our communities, and we could not be Susan Douglas prouder of these accomplishments. ROCKY MOUNTAIN DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT The number of hours spent volunteering, the miles driv- Debby Krueger en and the monetary contributions are tremendous, all for the benefit of our Veter- ans. No greater cause exists! Providing comfort, care and kindness to our Veterans SOUTHEAST DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT is the very least we can do to show our gratitude for the sacrifices they and their Joyce Brickett families have made for us and our families. They deserve this and so much more. SOUTHERN DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT I would like to wish our Marines a very Happy 242nd Birthday! Very soon we will Viola Trevino celebrate this occasion, and it is the perfect opportunity to connect with potential members. Be prepared! Have an application and information available and ready. SOUTHWEST DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT Good luck. No Division Vice In the coming months we will begin preparing to celebrate the holidays we each may participate in. Please take the time to reach out to those who are in need, re- KEY STAFF PERSONNEL & gardless of Veteran status, and do what you can to make life a little easier. Some- PROGRAM DIRECTORS: times the very smallest gesture can make all the difference to someone who is suffering. No Act of Kindness, No Matter How Small, Is Ever Wasted. NATIONAL CHAPLAIN NATIONAL REGENT I wish for you all a warm, loving and happy holiday season. Please say a prayer, Barb Nobile, PNP Colleen English daily, for the safety of those serving at home or abroad and their families as they work to ensure ours. VAVS REPRESENTATIVE NATIONAL BIG FLEA Semper Fi, Karen Bressler Donna Jean Peterson Karen Aune National President, MCLA

20 S|F FALL2017 MARINE CORPS LEAGUE AUXILIARY 3619 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 115 Stafford, VA 22554-7771 Phone: (571) 477-2780 | Email: [email protected] www.nationalmcla.org NATIONAL PRESIDENT Karen Aune NATIONAL SR. VICE PRESIDENT Carol Smith NATIONAL JR. VICE PRESIDENT Evelyn Joppa NATIONAL JUDGE ADVOCATE Linda Chamberlain JR. PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT Deborah Evans

DIVISION VICE PRESIDENTS: CENTRAL DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT Judy Blackmer MIDEAST DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT Patricia Walker MIDWEST DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT Darlene Mac Cubbin NEW ENGLAND DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT Susie Lee NORTHEAST DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT Sydney Minchin NORTHWEST DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT Susan Douglas ROCKY MOUNTAIN DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT Debby Krueger SOUTHEAST DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT Joyce Brickett SOUTHERN DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT Viola Trevino SOUTHWEST DIVISION VICE PRESIDENT No Division Vice

KEY STAFF PERSONNEL & PROGRAM DIRECTORS: ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE

Indiantown Gap National Cemetery MCL Honor Guard By Gail Wise members including: Robert Anderson, Rob- MIA, Army Cpl. Martin King, whose remains ert Carpenter, Gary Cassell, John Cialone, were finally identified, was laid to rest with he Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Jim Clouse, Richard Coleman, Brian Dor- full honors including our National Ceme- MCL Honor Guard was established in mer, Allen Ferguson, Anthony Flaynik, Bob tery MCL Honor Guard. We were part of the 2010 with 13 charter members: Lew Ford, Mike Gilberg, John “Doc” Gillespie, memorial of Marine Michael Horrocks, who TAlston, John Botchie, John Cialone, Allen Fer- Francis Junto, Fred Krom, Victoria McCoy, was the co-pilot on the jet that crashed into guson, Tony Flaynik, Mike Gilberg, Al Malhrey, Michael McDuffie, Michael Miller, Steven Tower 2 on 911. Our MCL Honor Guard also Tom Minchin, Bob Orendorf, Bill Schweigler, Miller, Tom Minchin, Gregg Myers, Curt takes part in the opening ceremonies of ath- Walt Sral, Fritz Whitman and Bill Woods. O’Brien, Bob Orendorf, Bill Schweigler, Bob letic events and parades. We provide the “final salute” to honorably dis- Shifflet, Leroy Summers, Ralph Tuckey, We served our country, and now we serve our charged veterans who served in the Army, Navy, John Vickinovac, Lester Whitman, Gail Wise community, with the final salute to our veter- Air Force, Marines Corps, Coast Guard and Mer- and Bill Woods, from five detachments— ans. Our team leaders, Allen Ferguson and Bill chant Marine. Included in the final salute is the Bob Smith, P.W. Milano, Lancaster, Lewis Woods, show their thanks each year with an rifle salute, playing of taps and the folding of the B. Puller Jr. and Lebanon. Some members Appreciation banquet to honor our MCL Honor flag. Our MCL Honor Guard is on voluntary duty travel 80 miles round trip per day to take Guard members who show their committed every third week, Monday through Friday from part in the honored duty. 0900 to 1500. We start each day of duty with service to our fallen comrades. We attend the When requested, we participate in other an opening prayer. We are there for one intern- Parade in Raritan, NJ, and we functions including the final salute for Marine ment or 12 internments per day, no matter what attend the Marine Expo in Quantico, VA. Frederick Shepperly in Berwick, PA. Shep- Mother Nature is offering up that day! As a member of the Indiantown Gap perly drew the blueprints for the “Stuart National Cemetery MCL Honor Guard, I am The Army National Guard folds the flag for Tank” that was used in WWII in the Pacific by honored and proud to be part of this spe- each interment. As of 2016, the duties were the Marine Corps—a memorial for Marine cial Marine family. Once a Marine, Always changed. Now each military service must pro- Adam Schoeler from Boiling Springs, PA, a Marine. God Bless each member of the vide their own flag folders. The MCL Honor whose 53-foot chopper crashed in Kaneohe National Cemetery MCL Honor Guard and Guard “stepped-up” by having the Army Bay, Hawaii. We also provide a rifle salute in God Bless America! National Guard teach us the proper procedure the Memorial Day and Veterans Day events for flag folding, in case we were called upon. held at the PA Veteran’s Memorial at Fort Semper Fi, Our MCL Honor Guard currently has 29 Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. POW Marine Gail Wise

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ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE

NATIONAL SR. VICE COMMANDANT DENNIS TOBIN Working Together We Can Move Our League Forward to Make It the Best

where the problem actually starts and stops. Another great convention. MARINES: I think one solution will be a mandatory I want to thank everyone for their support reply. If all information is sent with a receipt during the past two years and for your sup- requested then we will know who is getting port in this election. I’m honored to now serve the information and who isn’t and then we as your National Sr. Vice Commandant. I will can work to correct the problem right away. serve with honor and distinction. The Marine The entire Board of Trustees is committed Corps League and all our members are and to making sure that all information is sent always will be my main concern! and received in a timely manner. Our detach- I will continue to work with our new Jr. Vice ments are the eyes and ears of the Marine Commandant on increasing our membership Corps League. They are our boots on the and on any assignment given to me by our ground. National has to know that you are new Commandant. We all need to continue to receiving all necessary information, and if work together on moving our League forward you do not, you have to reach out to us imme- with the help of our new COO and the new to make us the best veterans organization in diately. Without proper communication we Board, and you of course, we will continue to the country. cannot function. move forward. Will we have problems? Yes, we will, but if I’m a firm believer in the chain of command, There’s not much else to report right now, but we communicate and send out suggestions but if you have a problem contact anyone in as the new database comes on line and we prog- on how to fix the problems it will get done. your chain of command; I will always be avail- ress forward we will get the information out to One big problem that still exists is commu- able to assist in any way possible. We had a you. Keep up the good work and ! nication. For some reason it seems to stop at great convention; the attendance at all the the departments. The majority of complaints meetings was fantastic. Let’s keep it up. Keep Semper Fi, come from the detachments not receiving the sending your ideas, and we will succeed. Our Dennis Tobin information that is sent out. We need to do a new Commandant has some great plans, and National Sr. Vice Commandant better job at tracking all information to see NATIONAL JR. VICE COMMANDANT JOHNNY B. BAKER Our GOAL is GROWTH! MARINES: This is my first article as our League cannot grow without our personal YOUR National Junior Vice Commandant. involvement and without our utmost dedica- First, please allow me to “Thank” each of you tion and motivation. All Marine Corps League for allowing me to be your National Judge members are RECRUITERS. It is extremely Advocate for the past two years. It was an edu- important that OUR League continues to cational experience that I will always treasure. grow and prosper for us to remain relevant. It sincerely was humbling to be elected as This mission is our FUTURE! your National Junior Vice Commandant at the Marines, I am here for you to assist in all National Convention in Overland Park, KS. membership issues. As many of you know, by As your National Junior Vice Commandant, the end of the year, we are purchasing a new the National Bylaws state that the “National database. This new database will be more in- Junior Vice Commandant shall create and tuitive, as the detachment and department promulgate such membership incentives paymasters will have more responsibilities, and programs as well produce enthusiastic and all will have the need of a computer. response resulting in continuous member- I want to end my tour of duty on a positive detachment meeting or just representing the ship growth.” This same guidance applies to note. We have many, many great Marines in League at any function, the world holds us to a ALL Junior Vice Commandants at the detach- our League who are doing the “right thing.” You higher standard. You have the moral obligation ment and department levels. Our GOAL is have heard me use that phrase many times in of upholding that higher standard. It is who we GROWTH! reminding everyone that as Marines, we always are, United States Marines. It is my intent to accomplish this mission by should strive to do “the right thing, it is who we are, United States Marines.” So, Marines, I ask ensuring that the detachments are provided Semper Fi, the tools and resources to assist them in ac- that each of you re-dedicate yourself to always doing the “right thing.” Regardless if we are at a Johnny B. Baker complishing the goals of GROWTH. Marines, National Jr. Vice Commandant

24 S|F FALL2017 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE

NATIONAL JUDGE ADVOCATE WARREN C. GRIFFIN The Future of our League is Looking Very Bright Randy Rigg and Ray Daily ran honorable Corpsmen, Chaplains and MARINES: campaigns, and I know they will be great assets Associates: Thank you to everyone who took to our League in the future. We are all working the time to attend our National Convention in in concert for a common goal. Overland Park, Kansas. Our National Conven- The transfer of office from Johnny Baker to tion is now in the record books. We will begin me will be flawless as Johnny has been a me- a new season with our new leadership. Com- ticulous Judge Advocate. Those awaiting deci- mandant Webb is well prepared to lead us sions will be presented within the proper time- forward. We need to listen and when asked, line. If we can all act like good Marines, we will follow through with what is required of us have few cases to determine. Time will tell. on every level. The Marine expression “Gung I am excited to be a part of your elected Na- Ho”—working together in harmony—is what tional leadership joining Wendell, Dennis To- has best worked for us throughout our his- bin, Johnny Baker and our Board of Trustees. tory. Continuing on with our spirit, I respect our League and hope this will come the future of our League is very bright. cessful effort. across to you as we move forward. All of our I want to sincerely express my gratitude to Thank you all again—let’s enjoy our fu- staff is very competent, and hopefully we will our members, who voted to allow me to serve serve you well; you deserve nothing but the ture together. as your National Judge Advocate. In my opinion, best. the position of National Judge Advocate acts as Semper Fi, Junior Past National Commandant Gore, the moral compass of our League. It should help Warren “Griff” Griffin thank you for charging into the battlefield to guide us in the proper direction and refocus National Judge Advocate with all of your spirit and heart; it was a suc- us when we are traveling on a different path.

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications)

1. Publication Title Semper Fi - The Magazine of the Marine Contact Bob Borka - 703-207-9588 VA 22554 Corps League 8. Complete Mailing Address of General Business Office of 10. Owner The Marine Corps League, Inc., 3619 Jefferson 2. Publication Number 712050 ISSN 1933-2327 Publisher Chipotle Publishing, LLC, 631 N. Stephanie St., Davis Hwy, STE 115, Stafford, VA 22554 3. Filing Date 8/23/2017 Box 282, Henderson, NV 89014 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security 4. Issue Frequency Quarterly: Jan., Apr., Jul., Oct. 9. Publisher Megan Shea, c/o Chipotle Publishing, LLC, Holders None 5. Number of Issues Published Annually 4 631 N. Stephanie St., Box 282, Henderson, NV 89014 12. Tax Status Has not changed during preceding 12 months 6. Annual Subscription Price $30.00 Editor Megan Shea, c/o Chipotle Publishing, LLC, 631 N. 13. Publication Title Semper Fi/Marine Corps League 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Stephanie St., Box 282, Henderson, NV 89014 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below 07/01/2017 Publication Marine Corps League National Headquarters, Managing Editor Bob Borka, c/o The Marine Corps 3619 Jefferson Davis Hwy, STE 115, Stafford, VA 22554 League, Inc. 3619 Jefferson Davis Hwy, STE 115, Stafford,

Average No. Copies Each Issue No. Copies of Single Issue 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation During Preceding 12 Months Published Nearest To Filing date a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run) 61,469 61,527 b. Paid Circulation Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies) 58,884 60,828

Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above 0 0 nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street 0 0 Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail) 0 0 c. Total Paid Distribution 58,884 60,828 d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541 0 0 Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541 0 0 Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail) 0 0 Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means) 2,493 620 e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution 2,493 620 f. Total Distribution 61,377 61,448 g. Copies not Distributed 92 79 h. Total 61,469 61,527 i. Percent Paid 95.92% 98.99%

16. Electronic Copy Circulation a. Paid Electronic Copies 0 0 b. Total Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a) 58,884 60,828 c. Total Print Distribution (Line 15f) + Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a) 61,377 61,448 d. Percent Paid (Both Print & Electronic Copies) (16b divided by 16c x 100) 95.92% 98.99% oX I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are paid above a nominal price. 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership oX If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed in the FALL 2017 issue of this publication. o Publication not required. 18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner and Date 08/23/2017 S|F THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 25 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE

PRESIDENT, MCL FOUNDATION INC. GREGORY HUNT I Give a Heartfelt Thanks to Those Who Donated at the National Convention

to continue enlightening our members about MARINES: As you read this article, the Foundation’s mission, how they can get we have survived the 2017 Marine Corps involved and discover those in their com- League National Convention, and I can say munities who are either in need or on the in advance that it was a huge success. Since verge of being in need of assistance. I also ask the last edition of Semper Fi, the Marine detachments and departments to please vet Corps League Foundation has been there any and all requests for assistance; having for a Mother of Marines to assist her in get- to wait for documents or information once it ting to her son’s funeral services at Arling- reaches my desk can sometimes slow down ton National Cemetery. Her son was among the process. If Marines in need have already 16 killed in a recent crash. We’ve received been vetted by the detachment and depart- requests for several Marines in need, and by ment to be truly in need of assistance, we the time you read this article, their request generally have a turn around on the request will have been processed. The MCL Foun- within 48 to 72 hours. dation also presented the annual award of The MCL Foundation continues to be $2,000 to the Young Marine of the Year at listed among the best military, family and “Just a the National Convention. I give a heartfelt veteran’s service charities in the Combined thanks to those who donated at the Nation- Federal Campaign. Our CFC number is al Convention with passing of the hat and 10145, so make sure your friends and fam- purchasing of coins, patches, pill holders reminder: ilies who participate in the CFC campaign and sponsor shirts. We also thank those of know to donate to the Foundation. We are you who purchased raffle tickets to help still listed under Amazon Smiles as a char- our mission. Online donations have slowed, itable organization. So, if you shop on Ama- All assistance and donations and memorial certificates zon, please list the MCL Foundation as your purchases have slowed as well. Without Charitable Organization. Doing so, brings in continued support by donations, the MCL funds donated by Amazon to assist in our from the MCL Foundation will be hard pressed to main- mission of helping those in need. You do not tain funds to assist those in need. We con- pay extra for the donations; Amazon cal- tinue to appreciate and are thankful for the culates a percentage of your payment, and donations and gifts from across the country Foundation they donate that percentage. from not only the MCL membership, but our The Foundation Board members continue brothers and sisters of other associations. to work for you, so please remember to thank No matter the amount or sizes of donations them for their dedication and to donate gen- is a One Time the MCL Foundation receives, we still need erously to the Humanitarian & Disaster your support to continue our mission. Just Relief Fund, Scholarship Fund, the Corrig- a reminder: All assistance from the MCL an Fund (for Mothers of Marines) and to the Foundation is a “One Time Life Time grant Life Time Youth Funds so that we can continue our of assistance.” valuable and needed mission on your behalf. The Memorial Certificate program con- See everyone in Fredericksburg, VA, for the tinues to be the most honorable way to say 2018 Mid-Winter Conference, March 1-3. When grant of “Thanks” to those who have received PCS you pass an MCL Foundation member, remem- orders to stand guard at the Pearly Gate. ber to say a simple thank you for the work Remember for the low price of $25 per certif- they’re doing; it means a lot and is the only assistance.” icate, you can have the certificates on-hand compensation the Board members receive. to provide immediate thanks and honoring. I’ll repeat this next statement from the Semper Fi, previous issue: I implore the National, divi- Gregory Hunt sion, department and detachment officers President, MCL Foundation Inc.

26 S|F FALL2017 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE

DIVISION REPORTS

We must all work on membership to Communication is the key to any grow the League successful organization

MARINES: As we return MARINES: Greetings to all to work after attending the members of the Mideast Division! I National Convention, I want to would like to take this opportunity welcome the newly elected Offi- to thank all of you for electing me as cers of the League. In addition, I your new National Vice Comman- want to say a big “thank you” to dant at the 94th National Conven- all of the membership who sup- tion in Overland Park, Kansas. It is ported me with my campaign for an honor to serve all of you in this National J.A. Even though I was position as well as represent you not elected, we never know what wherever I travel. I want to also take the future will bring. I will still be this opportunity to recognize Past a member of the Board of Trust- NVC Mike McLain for his four years ees for 12 more months, looking of service and dedication to our divi- after your best interests every day. sion. He is an outstanding Marine and a great friend. We look forward to We have changes coming in the next year; nevertheless, they are seeing him at future division conferences and national events. not problems but opportunities. I, along with your newly elected Assistant Division Vice Comman- We are installing a new database dant, Roger Ware (DoWV), look forward with features the memberships have to continuing the positive momentum been asking for. We will have the abil- our division has created in performing ity to pay by credit card online and the mission of the League. One of my instantly print your new membership goals is to combine the strengths of all card. The option of paying your pay- our departments and to cross train and master with a check for him to send in learn each other’s techniques for our to National will still be there. In addi- collective success. In addition, I will be CENTRAL tion, paymasters will have the ability to MIDEAST working with every department and DIVISION check the rosters at National with the DIVISION off-shore detachment to ensure we are Department roster. collectively in “good standing” with all In 2017-2018, we must all work on the requirements expected of us per our membership to grow the League. We must all remember to repre- National Bylaws as well as achieve our objectives set to improve our sent the League in the best way we can. You represent the Marine division. Communication is the key to any successful organization, Corps League every day. How we present ourselves with our appear- and I plan on communicating with all of our Department Comman- ance, our actions and respect matters toward not just the public but dants to ensure they have all the information and tools they need also to our membership. to perform their jobs as well as keep them informed with updates pertaining to our national organization. Semper Fi, Our outgoing National Commandant, Richard Gore, along with Ray Dailey the assistance of his National Board of Trustees and National Exec- NVC, Central Division utive Director Tom Hazlett, did an outstanding job over the last two years in strengthening our national organization. They all deserve our gratitude and thanks for all of the hard work they put in and the dedication they have for our beloved Marine Corps League. Looking ahead, the Modern Day Marine Expo will be held in Sep- tember in Quantico. Volunteers are needed to help with this event. As in past years, let’s continue to provide all of the assistance we can to make this event successful as well as enjoy the camaraderie of each other’s company. Again, thank you for this opportunity to serve as your National Vice Commandant for the next two years. As I visit your departments and detachments, I look forward to meeting old friends and always making new ones. Take care of yourselves and each other and let’s always keep our overseas Marines and Corpsmen in our thoughts and prayers.

Semper Fi, Bruce R. Rakfeldt NVC, Mideast Division

S|F THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 27 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE

DIVISION REPORTS

I do not remember having anything We cannot help our Marines if we like it 52 years ago in Chu Lai don’t understand their concerns

MARINES: The Midwest MARINES: The vision of Division was proud to be the host your new National Commandant Division for the 94th National Wendell Webb is to professionalize Convention. We hope everyone the Marine Corps League. enjoyed their stay in Overland I wish to thank all the members Park. I would like to thank the of the New England Division for Convention Committee, General their support. As we move forward, Larry Oppenheimer Detachment professionalism, transparency and and the Department of Kansas, strategic planning will continue for all their work in getting the to be the hallmark of our National Convention ready to welcome the Commandant. The time has arrived MCL and MCLA members. A job for the New England Division to well done! update our strategic plan—a proj- The Midwest Division would like to thank Executive Director ect I will be working on over the next year. One of the essential elements Thomas Hazlett for the past two years of service as the Executive that must be improved is our ability to communicate with all our depart- Director and look forward to seeing him around the League in the ments and membership. I asked for your assistance in holding steadfast future on his endeavors with the Devil Dogs. We also would like to wel- our motto, “Once a Marine Always a Marine.” With that in mind, I chal- come to the League our new Chief Oper- lenge each New England Division depart- ating Officer (COO) Mr. Robert J. Borka ment to increase its membership. The and his wife Patricia. We look forward National Commandant has instructed to working with Mr. Borka to ensure the all vice commandants to share with their League continues to grow and improve. departments that it’s important to strive One additional item that will have a for a 50/50 membership—50% of the significant impact on the League is the membership is to be under 50 years old. implementation of the new database. Marines we need younger members to When it is up and running, the Detach- assist us in generating new ideas and to MIDWEST ment and Department Paymasters will NEWENGLAND help those of us who are of the older gen- DIVISION have the ability to enter and maintain DIVISION eration understand the daily problems all member information. Having the they encounter. Our active duty Marines ability to change or correct member have endured many overseas deploy- information at the local level should make it easier for all concerned. ments and combat tours. We cannot help our Marines if we don’t under- On September 19-21, 2017, we will have enjoyed Modern Day stand their concerns. It’s up to us to reach out to these Marines who have Marine at Quantico, VA. I am amazed to see the quality of equip- raised the Corps’ image and prestige. I urge you to reach out to your local ment available for the Marines in the field today; I do not remem- Marine Corps recruiting staff and offer any assistance they may need. ber having anything like it 52 years ago in Chu Lai. Invite them to detachment functions, such as cookouts. Be available to introduce them to your community leaders. Remember our Marines on Semper Fi, active duty may join the MCL free of charge. Harvey L. Harris If you haven’t seen our new web page, please take a minute to go NVC, Midwest Division online and enjoy a web page you can be proud of, compliments of Marine Tom Hazlett. I cannot impress on you enough to practice the statement located on our new web page—this is who we are and what we’re about: “Members of the Marine Corps League join in camaraderie and fel- lowship for the purpose of preserving traditions, promoting the inter- ests of the United States Marine Corps, banding together those who are now serving in the United States Marine Corps and those who have been honorably discharged from that service. Effectively promote the ideals of American freedom and democracy. Voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to all Marines, FMF Corpsmen and former Marines and FMF Corpsmen and their widows and orphans; and to perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anni- versaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines.”

Semper Fi, James “Jim” Laskey NVC, New England Division, PNC

28 S|F FALL2017 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE

The best is yet to be; together we can Can you believe is just do almost anything around the corner?

MARINES: First, I would MARINES: It is a Pleasure like to thank the Departments of to Serve the Northwest Division. New Jersey, New York and Pennsyl- The Northwest Division is hard vania for their confidence and sup- at work for its MCL Membership. port in my bid to be National Vice One of the great things we are Commandant. We are the biggest working on, and by the time you and best division because of all they read this we will have voted on, is do collectively. We were a major the new membership database, force at the National Convention which I think in time will change in Overland Park, Kansas. We had the efficiency of the League. My around 225 delegates representing hat goes off to Wendell Webb, the over 3,000 votes in the elections. design team and all the members Our members exchanged infor- who took the time to attend the mation and ideas at the convention and each Commandant has vowed many webinars we had on the database. It will take time to merge to communicate and help each other when possible. everyone and correct some of the data in the merger, but in the end Upcoming events include a Department of NJ Staff Meeting at the we all will be in a better place. Reserve Center in Red Bank, NJ, on September 17, 2017. A Staff/Mem- Modern Day Marine will be in the books by the time you read this. bership meeting for the Department of If you ever get a chance to go to an Expo, NY on October 13-14 at Ronkonkoma, please do so. It will make you see that Long Island and a staff meeting for the we are still Marines young and old. Department of at their Can you believe Toys for Tots is just Headquarters building located in Fort around the corner? It seems like we just Indiantown Gap on October 21, 2017. Each finished working on the last one. I can of our departments has their own web- tell you the NWDIV does an outstand- site with all the information on the meet- ing job in the T4T’s drive, from working ings posted. I would also like to take this warehouses and collecting toys to hold- NORTHEAST opportunity to thank Past Commandant NORTHWEST ing fundraisers. Seems like every year DIVISION Richard Gore and the outgoing Board of DIVISION there is more demand, and we answer Trustees for all they accomplished during the call with our MCL membership. It is the last three years. They were charged our goal to fill every request that we get. with righting a sinking ship, and they performed admirably. Financially, I also would like to thank our Jr. Past Commandant Richard Gore. we’re debt-free and in the black for the first time in years with a great You, my brother, took the League out of a hole and made it better new building near our Marine Corps Museum and MCB Quantico. We for all of us. We in the Northwest Division thank you for that. There are aligning with other Marine organizations to support one another is lots of work remaining, but we are in a better place because of and the Marine Corps in many ways. The best is yet to be. Together we your great leadership. Salute! can do almost anything. Remember our troops throughout the world In closing I would like to say I have really enjoyed my first year and thank a fellow Veteran when possible. as the NWDIV NVC. Thank you to all of the members in the divi- sion for your trust in me to represent you. It is an honor and a privi- Semper Fi, lege to do that. I will keep up the fight for the next year and, as you Tim Forbes know, keep you all up-to-date with ZERO delays! NVC, Northeast Division Semper Fi, T.J. Morgan NVC, Northwest Division

S|F THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 29 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE

DIVISION REPORTS

I believe that if we don’t grow, we will We are, by necessity, going to become a die on the vine more professional organization

MARINES: This is my first MARINES: Our Marine article for the Semper Fi maga- Corps League is changing, and zine, and I’d like to thank the Divi- we need better participation. sion for electing me to be your First, a quick “Thank you!” to the National Vice Commandant for members of the Southeast Division the Division. I’ll do my best to rep- for their support of me as their new resent you to the best of my abil- Southeast Division National Vice ity. While in office, I will strive to Commandant. I am very excited to keep you informed of everything begin my tour as a member of the I can as soon as possible, and I National Board of Trustees. ask that you keep me informed As those of you who have as well about what is happening attended the past two National in your Departments. My main Conventions know, a lot of great focus will be on recruiting and retention. I believe that if we don’t things have happened in our Marine Corps League on the National grow, we will die on the vine. level over the past 2 years, but it appears that those improvements I know that many of you have floats and are attending parades may be eclipsed by the necessary changes that will be happening in all summer. Right now is a busy time for parades because of all the the next few years. Many of the things that the members of the Marine county fairs; we are busy in many of the small towns around the Divi- Corps League were promised years ago are either now in place or com- sion. This is a great opportunity to recruit and to get our members ing online in just a few months, thanks to the hard work of our National involved. Many of us have booths at officers and staff. these events, and I know you’re doing We are, by necessity, going to become your best to find new members this way. a more professional organization. For We have to remember that we are those on the detachment and depart- a pretty large Division geographically, ment levels to take advantage of the but our population is not so much. current and coming improvements at Because of this and the natural attri- National, our members and officers will tion rate, it really hurts to lose anyone. also have to become more professional. ROCKY Let’s try to get everyone involved and SOUTHEAST Officers of detachments and depart- MOUNTAIN let members know about all of our pro- DIVISION ments will need to own computers and grams. You might have some sleeper be computer-literate, especially those DIVISION members who just need to find some- elected to the offices of Commandant, thing right for them. Paymaster and/or Adjutants, in order to reduce the use of paper forms Right now I’m getting packed for the Marine Corps League 2017 and speed up our communications. National Convention in Overland Park, KS. I hope to see many mem- With the changes being made, and the potential to grow our orga- bers from the Rocky Mountain Division in attendance and am look- nization, each MCL member should rededicate him/herself to par- ing forward to meeting members from all around the nation as well ticipating as much as possible at the detachment, department, divi- as renewing old acquaintances. I have attended several National sion and National levels. If you are an elected or appointed officer of Conventions in the past and have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. a detachment or department, commit yourself to attending all meet- I’m sure this one will not be the exception although I’ll be very busy ings and conventions. All members, even the newest, are encouraged learning my new job. Glad to have seen you in Kansas! to attend meetings and conventions as often as possible. I can assure you that the more you participate, the more you will enjoy being a Semper Fi, member. Allen W. Brink I am looking forward to visiting with each of the Southeast Division NVC, Rocky Mountain Division departments over the coming months and hopefully to attending some neighboring division conferences. You could also plan to visit another department or division convention. Of course, we have the Southeast Division Conference coming in March 2018, which by the time you’re reading this, is only a few months away. Please plan to join us in Pigeon Forge, TN, and make your reservations now.

Semper Fi, Archie H. Sweet NVC, Southeast Division

30 S|F FALL2017 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE

I’m looking forward to the Southern There are no problems that need to be Division Conference addressed by the division

MARINES: As your new MARINES: I hope this Southern Division Vice Com- article finds all Marine Corps mandant, I would like to intro- League members of the South- duce myself—I am currently a ern Division in high spirits and member of the Department of excellent health. Oklahoma, Cpl Joshua J. Ware I have just returned from the Detachment 1403. I joined 2017 National Convention held the League in 2006 with the at Overland Park, Kansas. It was Department of Arkansas River a very informative convention. Valley Detachment 1248. I Many plans were discussed on served as their Commandant the direction the Marine Corps for 3 years; was elected Depart- League will take under the super- ment of Arkansas Commandant vision of Commandant Webb. I am in 2008-2010; was Department Paymaster in 2010-2012; was sure all members will see some changes in the way things are accom- past Pound Keeper for Pound 346 from 2012-2015; am currently plished. I am also certain everyone is eagerly awaiting the new revi- a member of Pound 308 in Tulsa; elected Assistant National Vice sion of the Bylaws and Administrative Procedures to be approved. Commandant 2015-2017; and now elected National Vice Com- Since my last article, I have visited and had discussions with each of mandant for Southern Division at the 94th National Convention the department Commandants of Arizona, California and Nevada. Each in Overland Park, Kansas, August 18th 2017. of the Commandants has assisted the I would like to welcome aboard the division in any way they can. At the pres- new Assistant National Vice Com- ent tine there are no problems that need mandant David Niemann, a member to be addressed by the division. of the Department of Arkansas North- Since the last article I have attended west Arkansas Detachment 854 and the Department of Arizona Convention Lonnie Young, the new National Aide which was held on June 2-5, 2017, at DE Camp for the division and a mem- the Desert Diamond Resort in Tucson. ber of the Department of Arkansas The Department of California Conven- SOUTHERN Northwest Arkansas Detachment SOUTHWEST tion was held on June 16-17, 2017, at the DIVISION 854; all other division staff will remain DIVISION Grand Vista Hotel in Simi Valley. Both on board. I would like to personally conventions were very informative, and thank the past National Aide DE Camp a great time was had by all attendees. George Simpson for his outstanding service to the division over the The Department of California voted and approved they would no years—he has decided to stand down for now. longer hold a Fall meeting. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at the Southern Division On a personal note I haven’t been doing very much on my com- Conference in Northwest Arkansas March 23-24, 2018, at the Four puter lately as I had eye surgery on June 28 and July 5. I now have Points Sheraton, Bentonville, AR, as well as at your department meet- very limited eyesight and will have additional surgery on October 9 ings over the next year. and November 13, 2017, at which time I hope I will be able to see well We are looking forward to working with our 62nd National Com- again. I hope to be able to have a much more informative article in mandant Wendell Webb. From my first meeting with him and the the next issue of Semper Fi. Leadership team of line officers I know there will be a lot of positive changes yet to come in the next 2 years for the League. Semper Fi, The Southern Division website should be updated by the time this Richard Hoery report is published, thanks to Nick Weinkopf; we thank him for stay- NVC, Southwest Division ing on board for this term. If you have any events or announcements you would like to place on the website, please feel free to contact Nick or myself, and we will see that they are published. Nick is hungry for input from the departments and detachments, so give it to him. I would also like to thank the past Division Vice Randy Rigg for his leadership and his friendship for the past 5 years—he will be a tough act to follow. The division is much better because of him, and I hope the same can be said when I leave the post.

Semper Fi, Johnny Gothard NVC, Southern Division S|F THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 31 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE

32 S|F FALL2017 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE

S|F THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 33 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE The United States Marines Youth Foundation

The Solution to a Drug-Free America™

By Thomas W. Hazlett

he United States Marines Youth Foundation was incor- (Ret.), the 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps. porated in 1967 to endow the Youth Physical Fitness From a one-high school test program in 1958, the Marine (YPF) Program and others like it benefiting American Corps’ Youth Physical Fitness Program has grown into a TYouth. Major General Walter Churchill, USMC (Ret.) saw major national athletic event. Recruiting Station New York the need to help guide America’s youth down the right path. City conducted the first program and patterned it after the His vision was to give every child in this country a chance Marine Corps’ physical fitness test administered at recruit to succeed in life and have an opportunity to live a healthy depots. School administrators enthusiastically received the lifestyle—free of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Though Gen- program and the late Lieutenant Colonel John A. Dowd, offi- eral Churchill is no longer with us, his will to help America’s cer in charge of Recruiting Station , began plans youth lives on through the Youth Foundation under the pres- to encourage more high schools to participate. These plans ent guidance and direction of General Alfred M. Gray, USMC, were immediately successful and the Marine Corps’ Youth

34 S|F FALL2017

ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE The United States Marines Youth Foundation

Physical Fitness (YPF) Program was born. ical Fitness Program and the National High School Physical What started out as primarily a high school program, the Fitness Championships, the Foundation has been able to YPF today encompasses students from elementary school help thousands of kids turn their lives around. Many of the through high school. Students can earn up to 8 certificates, young men and women who participate in these programs one for each school year they participate. Additionally, the are exposed to positive role models for the first time in their Foundation mails several thousand participation certificates lives. Many have never had to meet a challenge, attain a goal, (designed for those students who don’t attain a minimum or have an opportunity to dream a dream. The United States score within the program). The Foundation also began offer- Marines Youth Founda- ing the Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence to male tion, a 501(c)(3) Not for and female band students in recognition of their outstanding Profit Organization, is achievements in their high school band. It is the policy of the keeping those dreams Foundation to ensure that every child who participates in the alive…one school and programs receives the appropriate recognition. The Founda- one child at a time. tion also supports the schools with Program Books as well as The Solution to a Drug- individual and team awards for high school competitions at Free America™ is the reg- state, regional and national meets. istered trademark of the The United States Marines Youth Foundation’s major fund- United States Marines raiser is the annually held Tree of Lights program; this pro- Youth foundation and it’s gram is a donation-based fundraiser which allows donors to no secret ... the future of recognize family and friends in one of three ways; In Mem- this country rests solely ory of, In Honor of or as a Year-End Gift. The event is held the in the hands of today’s first Tuesday in the Month of December and the funds raised youth and what we do help support the Youth Physical Fitness program; a program as a society to provide conducted by the Marine Corps League. The United States direction, instill disci- Marines Youth Foundation’s Executive Director Thomas W. pline and offer hope to Hazlett, a retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant, encourages our young citizens will all Marine Corps League members to donate to this most have a direct reflection on the future course of this country. worthy program. Hazlett states, “To be able to assist our Hazlett encourages every Marine Corps League Detachment youth of this great country is both an honor and a privilege; and Department to establish a YPF Program and to continue our youth need a program which encourages participation to take part in directing and guiding today’s youth. and steers our youth towards a drug- and alcohol-free life.” Please visit our website, usmarinesyouthfoundation.org The program provides a mental, moral and physical chal- to see how you too can help support our program and help lenge and establishes reachable goals. The fitness program shape the future of our youth. The US Marines Youth Founda- also provides important recognition, which leads to pride tion holds a Platinum Rating through GuideStar (the world’s in one’s self and is in many cases a building block for future largest source of information on nonprofit organizations), self-improvement; it is being offered to every school and which is the highest rating a nonprofit organization can youth organization free of charge. receive. You can check us out on GuideStar at guidestar.org/ Many of the youth in this country are not physically able profile/23-7022480. to meet the challenges of everyday life. Poor eating habits, You can also go to page 32 and support the United States lack of physical exercise and low self-esteem contribute to Marines Youth Foundation by sending in the Tree of Lights this desperate condition. Through the National Youth Phys- donation form.

36 S|F FALL2017 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE “Never Forgotten:” tion I gave Noah my card, mentioned I would send some images of this funeral and would gladly volunteer my professional services should he ever need them.

Battle of Tarawa In November 1943, Bud Allen was assigned to the , 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division which landed on the small island of Betio in the Tarawa Atoll, in an attempt to secure the island against stiff Jap- anese resistance. Tarawa is a coral reef atoll and the capital of the Republic of Kiribati, in the central Pacific Ocean. It comprises North Tarawa, which has much in common with other, more remote islands of the Gilberts group with a population of about 29,000. It is about halfway between Hawaii and the Phil- ippines sitting just above the equator. Their sunrise, sunsets always came around 6:30, with very hot tropical weather. November 20, 1943, was the start of this naval amphibious assault and three-day battle for Tarawa’s Red Beach 1, 2 and 3. By the end of the first day of battle the 2nd Bat- talion Marines held 70 to 200 yards of beach with about 1,500 dead or wounded. Approxi- mately 1,000 Marines were killed, and more than 2,000 were wounded. As a result of these attacks, Allen was reported killed in action on the first day of the battle. United States Marine Corps for his unyielding There were 2,600 Japanese Imperial Bringing Home Our support and devotion to Corps and Country. Marines along with 4,100 Korean con- This award was formerly presented to Mr. scripted slaves on Tarawa at that time pro- Tarawa Marines, Noah at the National Museum of the Marine tecting the 4,000-ft airstrip. The Japanese Corps on July 24, 2015. built massive fortification with 10 8-inch Over 70 Years Later While speaking with Mark Noah, I learned guns and numerous anti-aircraft guns. Rear he was making a life mission of repatriating all Admiral Keiji Shibazaki was the 49-year-old By Patrick J. Hughes Marines who are still resting on Betio, Tarawa. Japanese officer in charge of the island. He Almost 500! Noah’s objective is to research was an experienced combat officer from n July 29, 2014, at Arlington National and help locate the remains of American the campaigns in China. While continu- Cemetery in Section #60, I attended service members still missing in action (MIA) ing the defensive preparations right up to the burial of Tarawa repatriated from World War II. At the end of our conversa- the day of the invasion he encouraged his OMarine PFC Randolph “Bud” Allen. Why did I go to this funeral? First he was a fallen Marine from a famous World War II battle, and I never had the privilege to attend a “full honors” burial. As a photographer it was a great opportunity for me. On that same warm July day I met Mark Noah of “History Flight” and learned of his NGO (non-governmental organization). Noah is the man responsible for bringing Home “Bud” Allen. On December 15, 2014, Comman- dant General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., appointed Mr. Mark Noah the title of Honorary Marine, KSSL Shipyard, site of Tarawa Marine Cemetery #27 Betio, Tarawa. © Patrick J. Hughes

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another chance later that same year. I sent Mark Noah a Christmas e-mail greeting, and he immediately replied saying they have located some additional Marines’ remains to recover, but they were buried under a two- story building. What an undertaking this journey would be and one of my best Christ- mas presents ever!! From January 26 through March 1, 2016, I was part of a “History Flight” recovery team in Betio, Tarawa. Much prep work was required prior to going on this recovery mis- sion. A structural engineer had to be sent to the burial site to determine how to support the building while safely digging beneath it. He remained with us for the entire five- week recovery mission. Incredibly the build- troops, saying, “It would take one million Bonnyman was a combat engineer. He ing structure never moved an inch! When men 100 years” to conquer Tarawa. It took received the , , finished we had to restore the grounds and just three days and 18,000 Marines to con- Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pacific property by hand, pouring new cement to quer the island. That first night of the battle, Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars replace what we had previously broken up, the Rear Admiral Keiji Shibazaki was killed and the World War II Victory Medal post- painting and making repairs to the deplor- when a 5-inch shell landed near his position. humously for his actions during the stra- able bathrooms we worked under. At 13:12 on November 23, 1943, the tegically important assault on a Japanese Our engineer Kevin Jordan from Escondido, Marines secured the island of Tarawa bombproof shelter during the Battle of CA, visited the site in 2015 to examine the at a cost of 1,113 Marines KIA and 2,290 Tarawa. There were four MOHs awarded building and determine how to excavate our wounded. The total dead were over 5,500. during this three-day bloody battle, with Marines while keeping our archaeologists Only one Japanese officer, two enlisted and only one surviving the battle. Besides 1st safe in lifting the building. Because the water 14 Korean laborers survived. Lt. Alexander Bonnyman, Jr., there were table was only about 4 to 5 feet, an artisan There are 43 cemeteries on Tarawa. The 1st. Lt William Dean Hawkins and SSgt well was put in to remove most of the water 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Divi- William James Bordelon. Only Col. David from under the building during the recovery. sion grave site #27 (now the KSSL shipyard) Monroe Shoup came home alive. Upon landing in Kiribati, traveling on three MOH Lt. Alexander J. Bonnyman, Jr., led the Missing this recovery mission was a big different airlines that covered over 6,800 attack against a bunker with 150 Japanese disappointment for me, but I would be given miles, the trip felt much like going back to soldiers. His remains were recovered in May 2015 by Mark E. Noah and “History Flight.”

Locating Battle of Tarawa Marines The Army Corps of Engineers recovered only 392 sets of remains brought back to the U.S., leaving almost 500 bodies still unac- counted for on Tarawa. For “History Flight” this was a very long drawn out process, going through old burial maps, bringing in cadaver dogs to these sites along with special equipment to detect bur- ied human remains and then getting needed supplies half way around the world. In May 2015 the call came from Mark Noah stating that they were close to a big discovery and were in need of my profes- sional services. Unfortunately, at that time, I was not able to go due to prior Memorial Day weekend commitments—Rolling Thunder® Inc. demonstration, “Ride for Freedom” to bring a full accounting for our “still missing” POW/MIAs. On this mission “History Flight” recov- ered over 30 sets of Marine remains along with MOH 1st Lt. Alexander “Sandy” Bonny- man, Jr. (May 2, 1910–November 22, 1943).

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“History Flight” Recovery Team (left to right):Kneeling holding POW flag Maddeline Voas, Connor Dixon (USMC), (standing) Steven Wang, Kristen Baker, Clay Swanson (Army EOD), Meredith Tise, Glenn Prentice (USMC Vietnam), Doc Josh Jacobs (Navy Corpsman), Top row: Alexandra McDungle, Ian Magee, Patrick J. Hughes (UCMC Vietnam) and Yvette Osborne.February 19, 2016, Betio, Tarawa at the KSSL Shipyard, site of Tarawa Marine Cemetery #27. © Patrick J. Hughes

Vietnam. The airstrip was small, only two but also found many Japanese and Korean generator was working, or just try to relax. flights in and out each week. We took a conscript remains which were eventually There were numerous setbacks along the 30-minute, slow bumpy ride along unpaved, turned over to their governments. We had way. The ship was late in arriving in Tarawa, puddle-filled dirt roads to our lodging. The a six-day work week with Sundays off until then we had trouble accessing our container heat, humidity, heavy rains, very little elec- we found our first Marine, Individual #36, at and finally on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, we tric adding in little or no internet became the KSSL shipyard aka Cemetery #27. We had to unload everything by hand from the inconveniences that we managed, but at worked long hours every day until our last on-board container to a rented truck making least it appeared to be clean. Marine, Individual #43, was safely removed three trips to get everything needed to start Every morning after breakfast around from under the building and into the lab. excavating in Cemetery #27. Then the rains 7:30a.m. we would have a meeting discuss- Medically we were well taken care of by came, and it was two days later before we ing the agenda for that day. Our group was Doc Jacobs, a medically retired Navy Corps- could really start our recovery mission. divided into teams working at various pos- man, and Dr. Lu. They would purchase ice NO remains were found in the hallway. sible grave sites. We had to drive in rented and bottled water every morning and deliver To the right of the hallway were bathrooms SUVs to our dig sites, along the way seeing them to our sites and cared for cuts, bruises that were not very sanitary. So a number of interesting sites. Young children walking to and my bout with food poisoning. They were Marine remains were desecrated when this school, individuals bathing at a well outside life savers. During our lunch hour, I would building was built. Why? of their homes (shacks) and many on bikes sometimes go off on little adventures to see About 10a.m. on Friday, February 12, 2016, and mopeds trying to avoid the huge puddles what interesting images I could capture along Individual #36 was discovered. Remains recov- on the mud-covered roads were common the way. Or I would go back to our lodge to ery is a long and delicate process. Each bucket sites. We were looking for Marines’ remains look at images or charge batteries when the of sand has to be hand sifted looking for bone fragments, teeth and camo burial coverings. Once these remains are uncovered the archae- ologists then use fine brushes to remove the sand from the skeletal parts, also looking for personal items that may have survived over 70 years underground. This was a long but very rewarding day. Then on Saturday, a set of par- tially readable dog tags were found containing the name and serial number of this Marine. After DPAA (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) positive identification of each individ- ual all found personal items would be turned over to the immediate family survivors. Glenn Prentice (USMC Vietnam) “History Flight” team leader in closing photo. © Patrick J. Hughes

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Major General James W. Lukeman presenting Mr. Mark Noah “Honorary Marine.” © Patrick J. Hughes

On Thursday, February 18, 2016, around What an honor it was being a part of this 1:45p.m., Tarawa Marine #41 was carried “If you “History Flight” recovery team.Everyone was out of the building on a 2x5-ft sheet of ply - so helpful and committed to the mission of wood. Later that day our Doc Jacobs helped should bringing home our fellow Marines. The dedi- carry out Individual #42.On Friday morning forget my cation they have is unmistakable and working February 19, 2016, our last Marine #43 was with a large number of former military per- recovered from under the building in the death, sonnel made it even easier for me to fit in with KSSL shipyard (Cemetery #27). He was pos- this young group of professionals. itively identified by DPAA on April 21, 2017, then I died as 2nd Lt. George S. Bussa who died some- time on the first day of battle, November 20, in vain.” FOR MORE INFORMATION 1943. Bussa was awarded the Silver Star for “History Flight”; historyflight.com/nw. actions on Guadalcanal. taken to the lab for preliminary ID, the After the final recovery, I interviewed Patrick J. Hughes U.S.M.C. ChuLai I-beam was removed and struts were care- Dr. Meredith Tise, one of the lead forensic 67-68 fully placed along with sand filling the area. archaeologists for “History Flight.” I asked Rolling Thunder® Inc. National Photog- Part of the agreement with the owner of why she was digging in that horrible trench rapher this property was to restore everything as under filthy bathrooms in a broken down it was originally, including plumbing and Upper Darby Detachment #884 Marine building. Meredith said that these men were painting. Our finished product was quite an Corps League Never Forgotten. Having a brother serving improvement over the original structure. www.patrickjhughes.org in the Air Force she now realized if anything Most of the concrete had to be mixed by happened to him people would search day YouTube: mag12chulai hand in wheelbarrows. There were only a few and night for his safe return. So being able to Twitter: @Patrickmag12chu of us left to finish this work. Vietnam Marine find these Marines and bring them home to Glenn Prentice kept our generator-powered their families is her reward for being here. mixer going while Kevin and our local helpers God Bless America Once all remains had been removed and spread and smoothed out concrete. 40 S|F FALL2017

ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE REPORT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, R. BOB BECKER, JR., PNC

hat’s going on in Washington, DC (Congress)? With all the fighting amongst the leadership, Congress still continues to put some Wgood legislation bills out. We all need to support our leadership to make America greater than ever. Your voices will be heard so the correct decisions can be made for the people.

ISSUES WE SUPPORT military readiness, buying more ships and increase, effective as of December 1, 2017, equipment. We support this budget. the rate of compensation for veterans Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act with service-connected disabilities and Honor Guardsmen and Reservists Act (H.R. (H.R 333) and Retired Pay Restoration the rates of dependency and indemnity 3195). The House Veterans Affairs commit- Act (H.R. 303; S. 66–S. 170) (Concurrent compensation for the survivors of certain tee has introduced H.R. 3195. This bill directs Receipt). We support these legislative disabled veterans. bills. For more than a decade the Marine the Department of Veterans Affairs to make available for purchase a memorial headstone Corps League and MILITARY COMMISSARY CELEBRATING other veterans’ orga- or marker for the marked or unmarked graves. nizations have worked 150 YEARS OF SERVICES to win relief from NATIONAL LEGISLATION PENDING The strength of the voice of organizations the 19th-century law Women Veterans and Families Health Ser- like the Marine Corps League depends on that reduces military vices Act of 2017 (S. 700). This bill serves the size of the membership and concern retired pay by amount to improve the reproductive assistance pro- for issues. What is lacking is your coopera- of disability compensa- vided by the Department of Defense and the tion as a member to stress your opinions on tion received from the Department of Veterans Affairs to severely veterans and our military issues. The above Department of Vet- wounded, ill or injured members of the information notes just a few things taking erans Affairs (VA). We Armed Forces, veterans and their spouses or place in Congress. Only you can make a dif- believe that retired pay partners. ference. If we don’t let our Congressional and veterans’ disability leaders know of our concerns, we have let Housing Our Heroes Act (H.R. 2733). This compensation are two ENTIRELY different ourselves down. Please take the time to bill directs the Department of Veterans things: Retired pay is earned by a career of contact, visit, write or email your Congres- Affairs to begin a 3-year pilot grant program uniformed service; VA disability compen- sional representatives to ask them to sup- to assess the feasibility of awarding grants sation is for pain and suffering, due to ser- port our issues. Remember today’s soldiers to eligible entities to purchase and renovate vice-connected disabilities. are tomorrow’s veterans, and they will con- abandoned homes for homeless veterans. Defense. U.S. House Representatives tinue to need our support and help. passed a $696 billion defense authorization Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Semper Fi, bill July 2017. This is for targeting improved Adjustment Act of 2017 (H.R. 1329). To R. Bob Becker, Jr., PNC

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JUNIOR PAST NATIONAL COMMANDANT

RICHARD D. GORE, SR.

Watch us as we grow and overcome the past in order to move into the future

MARINES: I don’t know if everyone way in a short time and will continue to move enjoyed our National Convention as much as steadily forward and organize our future to I did, but I can say: “Job Well Done!” The host- guarantee we remain prosperous. ing Detachments put in an awful lot of work, With the guidance of the new C.O.O. Rob- and it was obvious from the get-go that things ert Borka and newly elected Commandant would run as they should. Wendell Webb and the new Board of Trust- The introduction of the new website was ees, I urge every member to be patient and impressive, even though it was long in the watch us as we grow and overcome the past in making and implementation, and was very order to move into the future. successfully presented to the body. Semper The only words of advice that I have to of- Fi Store items are all on pages which are easy fer are: “Let’s work together as a T.E.A.M. and to surf and make selections from. All subor- successfully bring our ship into port in fantas- dinate organizations are on-site and readily tic shape and ready for fair waters.” accessible to any who wish to contact them. Semper Fi, We have a detachment site where any de- Richard D. Gore, Sr. tachment we have can be located quickly and Junior Past National Commandant easily. In other words, we have come a long

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Winner of Mitchell Redcloud Jr. Detachment’s fundraising raffle for a Remington Model 1911 R1 Commander was John Schleifer from La Cross, WI. After completing the background and registration paperwork, he is pictured holding his prize 45 pistol with congratulations from Commandant Dennis Beattie May 21, 2017.

On May 21, 2017, Utah Dixie Myriam Charriez, Commandant of John Basilone Detachment 1270 joined with Detachment 190, Milltown, NJ, presents a flag to 100-year- American Legion Post 90 old WWII Army veteran, Carmela “Millie” Epifanio on May in a presentation of Service 18, 2017. Sgt. Mascaro (maiden name) served from 1943- Flags for Armed Forces Day 1946 in the 3rd Service Command as foreman of the base recognition. warehouse in Camp Pickett, VA.

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Newest member of the Captain Jack Holland Detachment, Mike Bryant. His membership is a direct result of our detachment’s very active Facebook page.

In May 2017 the new “Chosin Few” Memorial near the National Museum of the Marine Corps, not far from MCB Quantico, was dedicated to all Korean combat Veterans during the Changjin Lake Campaign.

Richard Gore participated in the ribbon cutting at the Young Marines new headquarters in Dumfries, VA. Left to right: Bob Borka, COO of the MCL, William P. Davis, National Executive Director and CEO of the Young Marines; Richard Gore, former National Commandant of the MCL; and William L. Smith, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Young Jim Maevers, Jake Castleman and Past Department Marines. of Missouri Commandant Richard Bollwerk.

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On May 20, 2017, members of the All Divisions Detachment and Unit, United Young Marines Unit, family members and friends placed 1,000 flags on the graves of our Veterans at Sunset Memorial Park in Feasterville, PA.

On May 24, 2017, scholarships were presented to area students in the amount of $4,000 at a recent E.T. Brisson Detachment 063, MCL of Naples, meeting. The selected students all have a 4+/5 GPA and will begin their Rifle detail for the Memorial Day Ceremony at New college career in Fall 2017. Beginnings School in Naples, FL. Left to right: Jack Fulmer, Asst. Quartermaster; Joe Bellanti, Sgt- At-Arms; Jim Buchholz, Commandant; and Nick Marsit, Past Commandant.

The JC Paul Detachment 1448 commemorated the 50th Good Citizenship Certificate and E.T. Brisson Detachment 063 Challenge Coin Anniversary of the Vietnam War Flag. presented to Andrew Mizell, Troop 2001, on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout at his Court of Honor. 46 S|F FALL2017 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE ROLL CALL AROUND THE LEAGUE

Commandant Jim Maevers of Detachment 1081 presenting the Marine Corps Officer sword to Jake Castleman.

The Utah Dixie Detachment 1270 provided the color guard to lead St. George, UT’s Fourth of July Parade on July 4, 2017.

The Women Marines Association had the honor of being selected to participate in the Taste of The Jets event in New York City on May 18, 2017. The Taste of The Jets is a fundraising event that the NY Jets have held the Round Rock High School Jr. ROTC MCL Scholarship April last 13 years to support the New York Jets Foundation to tackle hunger. 21, 2017. Left to right: Cadet Elijah Green, Major Jackie Schiller and Jr. Vice Commandant Al McClymonds.

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Marines from Camp Lejeune in New York for visit with the Marines of Staten Island Detachment 1. They marched in the annual Memorial Day Parade and participated in the detachment’s annual ceremony.

Members of the Shawn Knisley Detachment presented on behalf of late Hendrickson HS Awards were held April 20, 2017. Left Past Commandant Larry Ashton’s family a food donation to the Person to right: Past Commandant Joe Pondrum, Cadet Michael Street United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, NC. Left to right: Toys Maxwell and Commandant William Hoch. for Tots Coordinator Don Bennett, Commandant Thurman Smith, UMC member Prudence Inderbitzen and Sgt-At-Arms Robert Jenkins. Photo by Spencer R. Sikder Jr., PDC/PDD. On May 27, 2017, members of the MGySgt John W. Zaengle Detachment 1023 family members, guests, and joined together with members of the United Young Marines Unit, Boy Scout Troups #72 and #437, the DAR for the detachment’s annual American flag placement at the graves of our deceased military branches at the George Washington Memorial Cemetery in Whitemarsh, PA.

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Major General Warren R. Johnson Detachment 1311 of Woodstock, GA, Vietnam War Silver Star recipient and Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame inductee John David Blair is the keynote speaker at the Woodstock, GA, 2007 Memorial Day ceremony.

Bill Howrilla, past Sr. Vice Commandant of MCL 310 3 Rivers Leathernecks, Pittsburgh, PA, is a nationally acclaimed wood carver and cartoonist who has been involved with the Marine Corps since his service back in the mid-1950s. Bill is shown here with 22 hand- The LCpl Robert W. Deane Detachment members attended the carved “Semper Fi Walking Dept. of Maryland MCL Convention in Ocean City, MD. The Sticks,” which were presented detachment received the 2016 Detachment of the Year Award. to the original members of the Left to right: Ed Sullivan, Jerome Bujanowski, Joe Clemente, Paul Wounded Warrior Battalion. Gunther, Craig Reeling (Commandant Dept. of MD), Clark Beall (Commandant LCpl Deane Detachment 2016), Jack Severn, Billy Wagner, Al Jahnigen, Harry Wolfe and Breeze Reed.

Roy Wood (fifth from left), Paymaster of Leland D. “Crow” Crawford Detachment 956 and Sergeant-At-Arms for the Department of WV, receives the 2017 Department Marine of the Year Award during the Department Convention Banquet in Charleston, WV, on May 6, 2017. Past Department MOY recipients include, from left: Rick Shank, Mike McLain, Ben Fetty, Steven Swenton, John Nanny, Chuck Cooper, Hershel “Woody” Williams and George Gill.

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The Five Star Veterans Center recently worked with the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the University of North Florida to secure funding for and begin delivering on-site mental health counseling to its residents. Front row (left to right): Mike Brynildsen, PAO; Col. Loving, CEO Five Star Veterans Center; Dayton Warfle, Adj/Paymaster. Back row (left to right): James Thomas, Chaplin; Charlie Myers, SVC; Jerry Jesonek, Commandant; and John Leisman, JVC.

The MCL Burbank Detachment 072 members participated at the Marie Sklodowska Curie Metro High School MCJROTC Awards Day Ceremony on May 25, 2017. Burbank Officers presented a Community Service Certificate and Ribbon to Cadets Sgt. Icela Bueno and Sgt. Raul Rabadan for their Academic and Athletic Excellence. Pictured: Ed Modla, Col. John Buckley, Curie MCJROTC Instructor 1st Sgt. Stan Westbrook, Cadet Sgt. Raul Rabadan and MCL Bruce Blackmer.

Veteran Marines and MCL members Lamar Scott (left) and Buddy Simpson stand in the midst of their militaria collection that covered 28 tables and dressed 55 mannequins at the MCL’s SgtMaj Paul Siverson USMC (Ret) hosted his annual cookout to Southeast Conference held March 30 and April 1 at the Mobile welcome the Marines from MCL Staten Island Detachment 246. Marriott in Mobile, AL. The two militaria collectors, both The event was supported by members from the MCL Swansboro members of Detachment 1339 in McDonough, GA, combined their Detachment 1407. collections several years ago and started taking it on the road.

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2nd Lt. John Paul Bobo Detachment 1118 Chaplain John Attanasio 2nd Lt. John Paul Bobo Detachment 1118 Chaplain John hands a snack bag that was prepared by detachment members to Attanasio and Service Officer Ted Zawada, deliver a snack bag 102-year-old, WWII pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps Sydney D. Cole, a prepared by detachment members to U.S. Army Veteran Debra patient at the Buffalo, NY, Veterans Hospital. His mission was to give L. Payne, a patient at the Buffalo, NY, Veterans Hospital. air support for the Battle of the Bulge.

Salem County Detachment 523 MCL’s 2nd Annual Golf HCDD Jack Severn was first the recipient of the Jimmie Lee Howard Lifetime Tournament on April 23, 2017, was held at the Town Achievement Award. This award is for a member who has exhibited a lifetime of and Country Golf Links, Woodstown, NJ. Over $8,000 meritorious service at every level of the MCL and the Military Order of the Devil was raised by the detachment. Right to left: Jose Aldana, Dogs. Left to right: Craig Reeling, Commandant Department of Maryland MCL, Charles Beatty, Tom Lynn and Pam Garrison greeting a Jack Severn. registering golfer. Photo by Bob Hill.

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On June 11, 2017, the Burbank Detachment 072 Color Guard members participated at a Flag Day Ceremony hosted by the Elks Lodge. Representatives from more than a dozen Military/Veteran Groups were in attendance, along with several local Boy/Cub Scout Organizations.

On July 9, 2017, members of the Northampton William Ober, Past Chairman of the National Newsletter Committee, County Detachment 298 Easton, PA, witnessed the presents Midshipman Justin Lindstrom his Mameluke Officer’s sword reenactment of the reading of the “Declaration of during commencement exercises at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Independence” by the town Cryer for the third official Kings Point, NY. The sword was a gift from the MCL. reading at Easton, PA.

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Al Frater and Shelly Levy from the Gooney Bird Detachment of New Milford, NJ, at Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Troop 2295 in River Edge, NJ, for new Eagle Scouts Jacob Campbell, Mark Edelstein, Robert Garcia, Kenneth Mason, Christopher Pasinski and Timothy Tchou.

Color Guard members of the Cpl. Pete Arnold Detachment 1198 lead off the 4th of July Parade in Bel Air, MD, followed by the detachment’s Toys for Tots Train. Last year the detachment collected over 55,000 toys and serviced 11,000 deserving children in the community. Left to right: Dave Narango, Evie Remines, Mike Gnall, Tim Shepard and Lou Cassard.

On July 4, 2017, Central Wisconsin Detachment 350 provided Color Guard. Marines preparing for Stevens Point Independence Day Parade included (left to right) Stan Olejniczak, Ron Borski, Archie Kluck, Dan Johnson, Rollie Johnson, Bob Wnuk, Julian Sonnentag and Jim Olejniczak.

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On June 10, 2017, Colorado Department Commandant Garry Gibson, Pikes Peak Detachment Commandant Paul Hinojosa and Jr. Past Commandant Russ Miller presented a plaque and a 2017 Texas State Convention State Commandant Charles Ynman check for $100.00 from the MCL Department of Colorado to the and Host detachment Commandant Jim Beck present an engraved National Young Marine of the Year, SgtMaj Angel Luiz Orozco of K-Bar to Guest Speaker, Congressman Randy K. Weber in the Pikes Peak Unit in Colorado Springs. Beaumont, TX.

Commandant Gerald D. Hardig and the warriors of MCL Detachment 017, MCAS El Toro, CA, planning their “Summer Assault” on Omaha Beach.

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Members of Smoky Mountain Detachment 973 receive a Certificate of Appreciation from Louise Womack, President of the American Legion Post 907 Auxiliary, for their assistance All Divisions Detachment 281 leads the July 4, 2017 Parade, with the annual Christmas Card program. Last year Louise Southampton, PA. Back row: Charles Robinson, John Luff, Fran Womack and the ladies auxiliary sent over 10,000 cards to active O’Connor, Ed Horan. Color Guard Bill Kelly, Joe Rawson, Otto Davis, Jim duty members deployed. Hittle and Tom Groak.

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First Capitol Detachment 521 of York, PA, was invited to celebrate WWII Marine John Peyser (seated right) on his 101st Birthday. His roommate, Navy vet Wayne Fair (seated left) contacted Commandant Phil Frigm (standing center) to arrange the visit. Marine Peyser was presented with an Honorary Membership and an MCL cap. Also attending were SVC Dave Brady, Adjutant John McQuain, Associate Member Carol McIntosh and JVC Jimmy Fissel.

On May 27, 2017, the Herbert A. Littleton Detachment 1261 in Mena, AR, hosted a veterans “Troop Train” ride in downtown historic Van Buren, AR. This Fox Valley Marines Detachment 1233 in Aurora, IL, station was made famous in scenes filmed for the movie “Biloxi Blues.” This takes part in Aurora’s July 4th Parade. Hope yours was ride was started to promote a sense of “espirit de corps” among veterans, their great, Marines. families and civilians alike.

Join Roll Call! All Marine Corps League members may submit Roll Call entries. Our new Roll Call Upload System is now live! • Go to semperfi.chipotlepublishing.com • Create an account using your email address, first name, last name and a password. • Verify your account by clicking the link in the email our system sends to you. • Log in, click on the “Upload Your Files” box and then follow instructions. Captions—Photo captions should briefly describe the event and list persons present in the photo(s). Captions should be no longer than 60 words. Please do not include information about persons not present in the photo(s). Photos—We cannot use photos that are inserted into an email, PDF or MS Word document. Please make sure each photo is a separate file in the highest resolution possible (specific crite- ria are in the instruction on the upload site). Sorry—There are no guarantees of publication. The most common reasons for Roll Call rejec- tion are: 1) the photo was blurry or too small in size, and 2) the uniforms in the photo did not meet regulations.

56 S|F FALL2017 2018 BATTLEFIELD MARINE CORPS LEAGUE $5 per entry or 94TH ANNIVERSARY 5 entries for $20 TOUR RAFFLE TOUR RAFFLE You need not be present to win. Two Grand Prizes: Individual Free Drawing will occur at the 2018 Mid-Winter Conference Banquet. THE MCL GEARS UP FOR THE MARCH DRAWING! Tour to anywhere MCL’s tour partner Mail completed tickets and a check (Military Historical Tours) travels. In 2018, the Marine Corps League and Military Historical for the full amount to: Marine Corps League, 3619 Jefferson Davis Tours (www.miltours.com) will again offer the battlefield Highway, Suite 115, Stafford, VA tour of a lifetime to two lucky League members as the 22554. grand prizes in the League’s 94th Anniversary Tour Raffle. These trips span the globe and military history. See the list below for a complete lineup. MARINE CORPS LEAGUE Everyone who enters lends their support to League $5 per entry or programs including Marines Helping Marines, Legislative 94TH ANNIVERSARY 5 entries for $20 Programs, Toys for Tots and more. TOUR RAFFLE Raffle tickets cost $5 per single entry or five tickets for You need not be present to win. Drawing will occur at the 2018 just $20! That’s right, the more you buy, the more you save Two Grand Prizes: Individual Free Mid-Winter Conference Banquet. Tour to anywhere MCL’s tour partner and the more you help the League. The drawing will be held Mail completed tickets and a check (Military Historical Tours) travels. at our annual Mid-Winter Conference Banquet in 2018. for the full amount to: Marine Corps You do not need to be present to win. Winners will be League, 3619 Jefferson Davis notified within three days of drawing if they are not Highway, Suite 115, Stafford, VA 22554. present, and arrangements will be made with Military Historical Tours for selection of their tour prize. Mail completed tickets and a check for the full amount to Marine Corps League, 3619 Jefferson Davis Highway, MARINE CORPS LEAGUE $5 per entry or Suite 115, Stafford, VA 22554. You may buy as many 94TH ANNIVERSARY 5 entries for $20 tickets as you like. Please feel free to make additional TOUR RAFFLE copies of these raffle tickets if you wish to purchase You need not be present to win. additional chances! Two Grand Prizes: Individual Free Drawing will occur at the 2018 Mid-Winter Conference Banquet. Tour to anywhere MCL’s tour partner Mail completed tickets and a check (Military Historical Tours) travels. Continued From Previous Page for the full amount to: Marine Corps League, 3619 Jefferson Davis 27 May – 9 Jun ‘18 74th Anniversary of Highway, Suite 115, Stafford, VA D-Day, WWI Overview & 22554. Battle of the Bulge plus Paris 2 – 9 Jun ’18 74th Anniversary of D-Day: Normandy to MARINE CORPS LEAGUE $5 per entry or Paris 94TH ANNIVERSARY 5 entries for $20 23 Jun – 2 Jul ‘18 70th Anniversary of the TOUR RAFFLE Berlin Airlift 1948-49/ You need not be present to win. WWII Stalags Two Grand Prizes: Individual Free Drawing will occur at the 2018 Mid-Winter Conference Banquet. Tour to anywhere MCL’s tour partner 30 Jun – 12 Jul ‘18 50th Anniversary of Mail completed tickets and a check (Military Historical Tours) travels. OpScotland II/Robin–I- for the full amount to: Marine Corps Corps 1968 League, 3619 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 115, Stafford, VA TBD Jul ‘18 Russia “EasternFront” 22554. 75th Anniversary Battle of Kursk, Moscow & Stalingrad TBD Jul ‘18 Imperial China–Beijing MARINE CORPS LEAGUE $5 per entry or (Peking Marines), Xian 94TH ANNIVERSARY 5 entries for $20 (Terra Cotta Soldiers) & TOUR RAFFLE Shanghai You need not be present to win. 5 Jul – 17 Jul ‘18 Poland & CzechRepublic Two Grand Prizes: Individual Free Drawing will occur at the 2018 Mid-Winter Conference Banquet. WWII Concentration Tour to anywhere MCL’s tour partner Mail completed tickets and a check Camps (Military Historical Tours) travels. for the full amount to: Marine Corps 7 – 16 Jul ‘18 WWII Italy–75th League, 3619 Jefferson Davis Anniversary of Op Husky Highway, Suite 115, Stafford, VA Invasion of Sicily 22554. MARINE CORPS LEAGUE Continued From Previous Page 94TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR RAFFLE Name Clip coupon and return along with your 27 May – 9 Jun ‘18 74th Anniversary of check made payable to: Address D-Day, WWI Overview & Marine Corps League, Inc. Battle of the Bulge plus 3619 Jefferson Davis Highway City Paris Suite 115 Stafford, VA 22554 State Zip Code 2 – 9 Jun ’18 74th Anniversary of D-Day: Normandy to You need not be present to win. Winner will Paris be notified within three days of drawing Phone if not present, and arrangements will 23 Jun – 2 Jul ‘18 70th Anniversary of the be made for coordination with Military Email Berlin Airlift 1948-49/ Historical Tours for selection of tour prize. WWII Stalags 30 Jun – 12 Jul ‘18 50th Anniversary of MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 94TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR RAFFLE OpScotland II/Robin–I- Clip coupon and return along with your Name Corps 1968 check made payable to: TBD Jul ‘18 Russia “EasternFront” Address Marine Corps League, Inc. 75th Anniversary Battle 3619 Jefferson Davis Highway of Kursk, Moscow & Suite 115 City Stafford, VA 22554 Stalingrad State Zip Code TBD Jul ‘18 Imperial China–Beijing You need not be present to win. Winner will be notified within three days of drawing (Peking Marines), Xian if not present, and arrangements will Phone (Terra Cotta Soldiers) & be made for coordination with Military Shanghai Historical Tours for selection of tour prize. Email 5 Jul – 17 Jul ‘18 Poland & CzechRepublic WWII Concentration MARINE CORPS LEAGUE Camps 94TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR RAFFLE Name 7 – 16 Jul ‘18 WWII Italy–75th Clip coupon and return along with your Anniversary of Op Husky check made payable to: Address Invasion of Sicily Marine Corps League, Inc. 7 – 16 Jul ‘18 Spain–Military & Cultural 3619 Jefferson Davis Highway City Suite 115 History Exploration Stafford, VA 22554 Madrid & Post Tour: State Zip Code You need not be present to win. Winner will Barcelona be notified within three days of drawing 14 – 27 Jul ‘18 50th Anniversaryof the if not present, and arrangements will Phone Vietnam War“Delta to be made for coordination with Military Historical Tours for selection of tour prize. Email the DMZ” I-II-III-IV Corps 2 – 11 Aug ‘18 Guadalcanal 76th MARINE CORPS LEAGUE Anniversary Op 94TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR RAFFLE Name Watchtower Pre-tour Clip coupon and return along with your Tarawa check made payable to: Address 18 – 31 Aug ‘18 50th Anniversary Op Marine Corps League, Inc. Nevada Eagle “Delta to 3619 Jefferson Davis Highway City Suite 115 the DMZ” Stafford, VA 22554 State Zip Code 1 – 13 Sep ‘18 50th Anniversary of Op You need not be present to win. Winner will Mameluke Thrust/Maui be notified within three days of drawing Peak I-Corps if not present, and arrangements will Phone be made for coordination with Military 7 – 18 Sep ‘18 WWII Italy–75th Historical Tours for selection of tour prize. Email Anniversary of Op Avalanche MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 12 – 26 Sep ‘18 Ireland–Complete 94TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR RAFFLE Name Clip coupon and return along with your Emerald check made payable to: Isle plus WWII U.S. Address Marine Corps League, Inc. Marines, Soldiers & Sailors Sites 3619 Jefferson Davis Highway City Suite 115 Stafford, VA 22554 30 Sep – 8 Oct ‘18 Korean War Tour–Seoul, State Zip Code Pusan & Battlefields You need not be present to win. Winner will 21 – 27 Oct ‘18 35th Anniversary of be notified within three days of drawing if not present, and arrangements will Phone Beirut Peace Keeping be made for coordination with Military Mission Historical Tours for selection of tour prize. Email ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE THE SEMPER FI STORE (703) 207-9588 http://semperfistore.org

1. 2017 ORNAMENT RED CHRISTMAS BALL 1 Item Code: ORN1 Price: $8.00 Description: 2017 Red MCL Christmas Ornament

2. MCL SEALS MCL GUM BACK SEALS Item Code: G30 Price: $ 0.10 2 Description: Seals, MCL gum back, sold individually

3. BUMPER STICKER PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN QUOTE Item Code: A51 Price: $0.50 Description: Reagan Quote Bumper Sticker, 3 11.5” x 3” white with black IWO JIMA holding a red, white and blue flag and red and black lettering “SOME PEOPLE SPEND AN ENTIRE LIFETIME WONDERING IF THEY’VE MADE A DIFFERENCE TO THIS WORLD ... THE MARINES DON’T HAVE THAT PROBLEM - PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN”

4. SEMPER FI PATCH SEMPER FI

Item Code: WA21 Price: $8.00 Description: Patch, round 10” MCL log, print- 4 ed in gold and white on red background

5. RED GOLF SHIRT MARINE CORPS LEAGUE WITH EGA Item Code: WA121 Price: Small–Xlarge $23.00 / 2XL–3XL $26.00 / 4XL $28.00 Description: MCL Polo Golf Shirt, red without pocket, Marine Corps League with EGA 5

S|F THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 59 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE

Close Out – Limited 6 7 Stock – While Supplies Last: 6. YETI CUP 20 oz MCL 20 oz SILVER OR GOLD Item Code: YETI Price: $23.00 Description: MCL 20 oz Small Cup Silver or Gold

7. YETI CUP 30 oz MCL 30 oz SILVER OR GOLD Item Code: YETI Price: $25.00 Description: MCL 30 oz Large Cup Silver or Gold

8 8. ANTIQUE SILVER COIN 2-SIDED, MARINE CORPS LEAGUE AND UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS LOGOS Item Code: CC27 Price: $7.00 Description: Pewter MCL Coin Challenge Coin, Antique Silver (zinc alloy), 2-sided, Marine Corps League and United States Marine Corps logos

9. USMC BASEBALL CAP BLACK USMC BASEBALL CAP WITH RED AND WHITE SHOOTING STAR 9 Item Code: BB20 10 Price: $15.00 Description: US Marines Baseball Cap, Black with UNITED STATES MARINES in red and white, shooting star, made in the USA

10. DECALS AND BANNER “PROUD MARINE FAMILY” VINYL STICKER PACK Item Code: A118 Price: $5.00 Description: Decals, “Proud Marine Family” vinyl sticker Pack, 13 pieces include parents, 6 kids, 2 dogs and 2 cats and “PROUD Marine Family” banner.

11 11. EGA GRILLE ORNAMENT EAGLE, GLOBE AND ANCHOR GOLD AUTOMOBILE ORNAMENT Item Code: A12 Price: $18.00 Description: EGA Grille Ornament, 4”, 3-D Eagle, Globe and Anchor, Gold. Includes the hardware to attach to automobile grille.

60 S|F FALL2017 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE

VIRGINIA RESIDENTS ONLY

S|F THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 61 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE TAPS Photo: Lance Cpl Caitlin Bevel, USMC Bevel, Lance Cpl Caitlin Photo:

ALABAMA HENRY W. OTTE THOMAS J. WILKINSON INDIANA KENTUCKY JOHN R. JORDAN CHESTER S. PIETRAS ANDREW T. ATELSKI MARION PYLE ALLEN JAMES L. RAGAN GEORGIA PAUL E. CHAPELL TOM L. BODNER SAMUEL B. VAUGHN DELAWARE ROBERT KITCHEN THOMAS M. COOMES TROY BOWLING PAUL A. HANLEY WALTER H. MAY FRANK E. COUNTS MORRIS E. FUTRELL ALASKA GEORGE F. KRAUSS ROBERT G. MCEWEN FRANCIS R. EBENKAMP JERRY HAYES SALLY DEFRANCESCO WILLIAM S. NEWMAN ANTONE FILEFF RICHARD HEAD ROXIE SCHADE FLORIDA MICHAEL A. PRESLEY CHARLES J. HAYES JAMES L. MADDIX ROGER M. ANDERSON JACK RUNNINGER STEVE J. HIGGINS LEWIS E. MUTTERS ARIZONA KENNETH J. AUNE SADIE P. SIMPSON JOSEPH J. KOCH JERRY V. STAHL DAVID A. ARTHUR WILLIAM C. BLEDSOE CHARLES F. WALLER BERNARD R. LOECHEL JOE RICHARD AYCOCK LEE BOYER GARY L. WHEELER TERRY MAHALEK LOUISIANA JEFF BOGGS JOSEPH C. BRADDOCK CLARENCE W. CECIL J. JARREAU JERRY W. FITCH GALE E. BRUCE IDAHO MITSDARFFER FRANK J. KERN ROBERT L. GALLOWAY CHARLES E. CANNON PAUL A. CLARK BYRON O. PARVIS JOHN P. REILMAN MIKE J. KRAVEC PETER D’AVNANZO DELLAS G. EATON BERNARD S. PERRETTE ROBERT L. SMITH VICTORIA RIVAS JOHN C. DEAN ARTHUR J. JACKSON PAUL L. SOWDERS NORMAN M. SUTTON ENRIQUE C. TRUJILLO FREDERICK J. DOMINI RICHARD R. MORRIS LARRY THIEL SHARI M. WALKER DONALD GILLIS ALBERT P. PAGOAGA MARYLAND TED GROSE IOWA MARY K. CHAPLINE CALIFORNIA GEORGE HARTIGAN ILLINOIS DONALD L. CHARLES E. DARLINGTON JACK H. BEAL ALBERT LACOSSE SHERWOOD T. HILDEBRAND GLENN A. DEVAGE CHARLES E. COMPTON JOHN F. MCMAHON ANDRYSIAK DAVID R. OLSON W. HEARTHWAY EDWARD LESLIE HARROLD CHARLES H. MEYERS MICHAEL T. DECKER DAN L. PAYNE SAMUEL F. GARDNER III VINCENT N. LOMBARDI S. OLSZEWSKI JAMES A. EBBESEN RICHARD RATTRAY CALVIN M. HOWES PATRICIA MOHR HARRY I. PARSELL ROBERT GAGNON ROBERT J. VOSDINGH RICHARD C. KNOEBEL RICHARD B. POWERS JOSEPH A. SCHLOSSER JESSE W. HINKLE WAYNE G. LAWSON LELAND SMALLWOOD PETER SHANKS RICHARD A. JOHNSON KANSAS GERALD L. MACKENZIE RONALD STARK FRANK S. KISH MYRLE J. MCCULLOUGH MILDRED S. ROBY WALTER W. SULLIVAN WESLEY M. RUSH ROBERT UNREIN THOMAS C. TALBOTT JOSEPH F. CAPORALE VERNON O. WEAND DONALD R. TYER ANDREW V. ZACHARY EDNA J. JUAN-WELLS EDWARD J. WEBER JOHN C. WALTRIP JOHN J. NIEWINSKI BILL WHITE GERALD W. WISEMAN

62 S|F FALL2017 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE

MASSACHUSETTS NEBRASKA FRANCIS J. WILLIAM E. GIBSON LAWRENCE DEFREITAS ORVILLE R. ANTTILA ROBERT BAEHR NARDOLILLO TRUMAN F. GILL ELWIN BACON THOMAS D. NERNEY OREGON CECIL M. HAMM MATTHEW C. NEVADA PAUL E. O’LEARY RICHARD W. GROULX KENNETH M. HENRY BENVENUTI GLENNIS W. MCCRARY JOHN H. PEER JOHN F. WHALEN WILLIAM C. HENSON RAYMOND GAGNE DONALD A. NADEAU HOMAN L. RAIRIE MILTON E. KIZER JOHN M. GILLIS JOHN RICCIO PENNSYLVANIA DONNA M. KLUCKMAN LAWRENCE A. GOOD NEW JERSEY THOMAS G. RODGERS TONY ANTONIOLI MICHAEL LERP JAMES E. HIBERT FRED BILLAND LEE W. SHANKS MICHAEL J. ARNOLD LOUIS R. MACHALA RAYMOND M. KARY EDWARD COUGHLIN WILLIAM D. VITA JAMES BARTZER GERALD O. MALLETTE WALTER E. LANDGREN SALVATORE P. CURCIO JAMES F. BEAN CHARLES PATTILLO SALVATORE LAROSA ALFRED CZARNECKI NORTH CAROLINA SAMUEL DAY DALE C. PROCTOR PHILIP A. LAVIGNE ROBERT J. DOHERTY RONALD COOPER JOHN FERENCHICK BASIL LEON SMITH ROBERT F. PERKINS WILLIAM F. GALVIN EDWARD M. COWAN DON H. GEE DICK R. THOMPSON WILLIAM TOWLSON KENNETH C. WILLIAM D. CROSBY FLOYD P. GREEN JAMES W. TRIBBLE LEONARD J. VILLANDRY HAGEMANN SANDRA SUE BERNARD W. KIBLER ROBERT J. WELCH PAUL J. VINCIGUERRA JAMES E. HOWARD DILLINGER PAUL F. KISER ROBERT A. WOOD SEBASTIAN J. MESSINA WALTER C. FAISON RICHARD P. KRAUSE VIRGINIA JOSEPH J. MULLIGAN DAVID C. FREDERICK JAMES D. MCMAHON RYLAND Y. BAILEY MICHIGAN HARRY SHAW DANIEL J. JEZEWSKI MICHAEL J. MIKSOVSKY JOHN C. BONNELL THOMAS J. GRAHAM JAMES SMITH LE ROY LOCKLEAR CHARLES R. MILLER WILLIAM F. CASTLE ARCHIE HOVSEPIAN HARRY J. TWEED GERARD G. LYONS KENNETH L. MOOK EDWARD H. COWAN GENE KUSOWSKI JAMES F. WARD J. P. NORMANDEAU JOHN R. PATTERSON EDWARD DALY JODY R. MCMULLEN MILLER POPE DAVID N. ROSS DAVID C. FREYER CHARLES R. SPRING NEW MEXICO MICHAEL J. SLANE PHILIP SAAR GUNNAR GUDJONSSON

Photo: Lance Cpl Caitlin Bevel, USMC Bevel, Lance Cpl Caitlin Photo: JOHN R. TINNEY SIMON H. DE LA GARZA JAMES A. STATON, JR. ROGER SHERMAN ROBERT L. HARTLEY MARY M. SHERRON JERRY D. WALLACE JOHN R.M. SMITH THOMAS M. LYONS, SR. MINNESOTA ROBERT W. TINNEY ROBERT EDWARD HANK A. HENDERSON NEW YORK OHIO JAMES R. PERKINS RONALD D. ACKLEY WASHINGTON MACON SUMNER MISSISSIPPI In the Volume 73, Number DAVID B. AKERS VERNON CHARLES TANNER RICHARD M. WILLS 3 (Summer 2017) issue, JAMES R. AMLUNG WOJCIECHOWSKI JOHN D. TOMLINSON, SR. STEPHEN J. CHIARELLO KENNETH E. ARTHUR CHARLES B. MISSOURI was mistakenly included JOSEPH L. BERNARDI RHODE ISLAND WHITEHURST DUANE E. CRAWFORD in TAPS. The Marine Corps HOWARD J. BROCKMAN SALLY SKUCE KENNETH A. CRUIT League apologizes to Mr. DALE CAMPBELL WASHINGTON ALFRED S. DIXON Chiarello and his family LYNN A. CLEMONS SOUTH CAROLINA TED L. DRAVIS ALBERT FRAIZER for this incorrect inclusion. HERMAN P. GERO RICHARD N. BOZZONE BILL MCCOWAN DAVID W. MCDONALD STEPHEN J. CHIARELLO is KENNETH C. GULLING CHARLES V. GLUCK ROBERT B. O’NEIL WAYNE MCMEINS alive and well. Please see JAMES LANTZ E. LEE GRIGGS EARL RIGGS DAVID W. PEASE Page 9 for a letter from Mr. EUGENE F. MACK CARL E. LANGLEY PATRICK C. ROWAND CHARLES E. PENN Chiarello to the Executive DANIEL J. MANNIX DAVID F. OWENS DAVID A. TUTWILER WILLIAM J. Editor. ROBERT J. O’BRIEN CAMERON S. RATKOVIC WILLIAM H. WATKINS PROMBERGER ARTHUR E. SNIDER DONALD B. SCOTT WILLIAM G. STOWER VINCENT J. GEORGE A. SNYDER JOHN G. THRASHER WEST VIRGINIA NEIL J. SVETANICS CAMPANELLA ROBERT F. STEWART DANA E. HAMNER ROBERT VANDERGRIFF JOHN J. COLLINS ENOS L. STOCKUM TENNESSEE BROOKIE B. HENRY MERVIN E. DOUGLAS ANGELO GROTTICELLI ROBERT M. WARE JAMES FLEMING MONTANA OKLAHOMA ROBERT N. ATKINS CORNELIUS ISAIAH W. BANDY TEXAS EDWARD J. GAVAGHAN HARRINGTON JOHN L. BLAIR ROBERTO T. CASTILLO ROBERT J. GERBER ROBERT HOUSE ALVIE N. CARNEY MATHEW C. RONALD G. MCLAMB FREDDIE F. DUNN CONSTANTINO

Death Notification Policy

Headquarters Marine Corps League receives frequent calls form to headquarters’ membership department. This policy has regarding the passing away of members. Calls vary from loved not changed but will be better adhered-to in the future. It is the ones who wish to stop the magazine delivery to detachment only way a person’s name will appear in the TAPS section of the members looking to help. The policy has been that a detach- Semper Fi magazine. ment chaplain fills out, signs, and submits a death notification

S|F THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 63 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE

MARINE CORPS LEAGUE

EVENT CALENDAR

August 18, 2017. Marine Corps League National Convention, Overland Park, KS. Newly elected National Commandant of the Marine Corps League, Wendell W. Webb, signs a truck made for a wounded combat veteran by the nonprofit organization, Wounded Warriors Family Support, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for families of our combat wounded. Visit wwfs.org for more information about their veteran programs.

Northwest Division Conference Marine South Exhibition 2018 MID-WINTER CONFERENCE (NEW DATES!) April 11-12, 2018 (tentative) September 29-30, 2017 Camp Lejeune, NC The Mid-Winter host hotel is the Spokane Valley, WA www.marinemilitaryexpos.com same as in 2017: the Fredericksburg www.mclnwdivision.org Hospitality House Hotel & 2018—95th National Convention Conference Center. Guests may US Marines Youth Foundation August 12-17, 2018 call (540) 786-8321 to book their Tree of Lights Ceremony Buffalo, NY reservations. Be sure to mention December 5, 2017 www.2018mclnationalconvention.com the Marine Corps League to get the Stafford, VA group rate of $94 per night plus tax. Modern Day Marine www.USMarinesYouthFoundation.org Reservations can be made now. Please September 25-27, 2018 (tentative) use this link if you prefer to book Marine West Exhibition MCB Quantico, VA online: reservations.travelclick. February 7-8, 2018 www.marinemilitaryexpos.com com/15003?groupID=1650125 Camp Pendleton, CA www.marinemilitaryexpos.com 2019—96th National Convention* August 4-9, 2019 2018 Mid-Winter Conference Billings, MT March 1-3, 2018 www.mclnational.org Fredericksburg, VA *Please note that hotel reservations for the www.mclnational.org 2019 National Convention cannot be made until the 2018 National Convention closes.

64 S|F FALL2017 ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE � APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP - MARINE CORPS LEAGUE

Full Name ______Phone ( __ ) ______

Street Address ______City , ______State __Z lp____. +__ _

Date of Birth __/_ _/ __ Email Address ______

Date of EnlistmenVCommissloning, ______Date of Discharge/RetiremenVSeparation______, Service# or SS#, ______

Type of Application- New ( ) Renewal ( Membership Type - Regular ( ) Associate( Dual ( ) g:i_ ,.... C. Have you ever been convicted of a felony? ( ) YES ) NO If yes Is checked, I agree to waive my rights under the Privacy Act and disclose the -·g; nature of the felony convictionfor consideration of membership In theMarine Corps League. ::: al ., 1., w gj er � ) I hereby apply for membership in the.______Detachment,Marine Corps League and =0 -0 Cl enclose $ _____ for one year's membership.* g <(g,-g C f < "'- -OR- w �"E� 'ii ... ..ICDtU- a 0 rn c,O� .; -0 ) I hereby apply for membership In the Marine Corps League as a Member-at-Large (MAL), and enclose $30 for one year's membership.* tll.§C.t'. -0 ·as 'Includes freesubscription to Semper Fi,The Magazine of the Marine Corps League a:o:c� 0)8 al o .... l!!- .5 C I hereby certifythat I am currently serving or have served honorably In theUnited States Marine Corps, "ON ACTIVE DUTY," for not less thanninety (90) days o�.2l1 ii; .2' �-!I! ] (/) and earned the Eagle, Globe and Anchor;'or have served or am currently serving in the United States Marine Corps Reserveand have earned no less than �� 0 - >-�I= i Cl ninety (90) Reserve RetirementCredit Points; or thatI have servedor am currentlyserving as aU.S. Navy Corpsmen who has trainedwith Marine FMF Units a:..c .!!l la al ·; in excess of ninety (90) days and earnedthe Marine Corps Device (clasp) or theWarfare Device wornon the Service Ribbon, authorizedfor FMF Corpsmen; �� .!!l ] or have served or are currently servingas a U. S. NavyChaplain and have earned theFMF Badge serving with Marines; If discharged, I am in receipt of a 1!!8. .. 8.E ., DD Form 214 or a Certificate of Discharge Indicating "Honorable Service". ("Honorable Service" will be defined by the last DD Form 214 or Certificate of � Discharge that the applicant received). General Discharge under Honorable Conditions Is acceptable. By signature on this application,I hereby agree to 0ls� .E provide proof of honorable service/discharge upon request. I hereby authorizethe NationalExecutive Director , Marine Corps League to obtainan un-redacted copy of my latest DD Form 214 from theMarine Corps custodian of OfficialMilitary Personnel Files(OMPF), and/or verificationof honorable serviceif deemed necessary to verjfymy ellgiblllty for regular membership In theMarine Corps League. I understandthe DD Form 214 may containInformation such as military awards, training,and character of service. •. ('Korean War Era Marines See National Bylaws, Article6, Section600) (Sponsor where applicable) Applicant's Signature (see reverse side) ©2017o 2016 MARINE MorineCorps CORPS League. LEAGUE,Inc. INC. Upon completion,tum into your Detachmentsp onsor withrequired payment. Appl/cantsfor ; For Official Morine CorpsLeague useonly. MALMembership, remit this form with check or money order In theamount of $30 to: : All other useis prohibited. Marine Corps League, NationalHeadquarters, 3619 JeffersonDavis Highway,Suite 115, Stafford, VA 22554. : I 8�I 8�------�------�: ;: 8i APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP - MARINE CORPS LEAGUE Full Name ______Phone ( __ ) ______

StreetAddress ______C .ity______,S tate __ Zlp____. +__ _

Date of Birth__ ! __ !__ Email Address

Date of Enllstment/Commlssionlng______Date of Dlscharge/RetiremenVSeparation______,Servlce# or SS#______

Type of Application- New ( ) Renewal ( Membership Type- Regular ( Associate ( Dual ( ) g:i_ ,.... C. E Have you ever been convicted of a felony? ( ) YES ) NO If yes Is checked, I agree to waive my rights under the Privacy Act and disclose the ..;·� _g nature of the felony conviction for considerationof membership in the Marine Corps League. ., � w�� -0 ) I hereby apply for membership in the,______Detachment,Marine Corps League and ::> e>u 0= enclose $ _ for one year's membership.• C,<( :::, C: Cl f ____ < "'- .5 'ill -OR- w �"E� -0 0 ...I Cl) tU... a rn g,U� .; -0 ) I hereby apply for membership In the Marine Corps League as a Member-at-Large(MAL), andenclose $30 tor oneyear's membership.' ll. o -0 � 'Includes free subscriptionto Semper Fi,The Magazine of the Marine Corps League -9-'aJ 8 oa:u.co .... f_ Cl �al .5 .l2 I hereby certify thatI am currently servingor have served honorably in theUnited States Marine Corps, "ON ACTIVE DUTY," for not less thanninety (90) days o�.2l1 ii; w o Ea, ·!I! .n and earnedthe Eagle, Globe and Anchor;' or have served or am currently serving In theUnited States Marine Corps Reserve and have earned no less than z-�I= i Cl ninety (90) ReserveRetirement Credit Points; or thatI have servedor am currently serving as a U.S. Navy Corpsmen who has trainedwith Marine FMF Units a: E .!!l

66 S|F FALL2017