Marine Corps League

Melvin M. Smith Detachment #586

Editors: Dennis and Sam Dressler

(509) 953-6266 (Dennis) or (509) 953-6267 (Sam)

sam.djd@comcast.net

COMMANDANTS CORNER

Warm August greetings to the Marines of M. M. Smith!

I hope you are enjoying your summer as much as we are. We’ve had lots of picnics, baseball, reunions and veteran service activities. We had a good turnout to assist the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. It is an honor to associate with people that go the extra mile to serve and assist our veterans, whatever their needs.

Once a Marine, Always a Marine means we take care of our own. We extend that to all veterans that have served with honor this great nation of ours.

Coming up we have the VA Hospital picnic for Veteran patients to get away from their bland hospital food diet for one day. If you haven’t volunteered for this picnic/barbeque you’ve really missed a great day. You see some great smiles and get lots of thanks. We’ll never miss it.

I constantly get asked what is it that is so different about you Marines? Here is a humorous answer to that question.

The reason the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marines bicker amongst themselves is that they don't speak the same language. For instance, take the simple phrase "secure the building".

The Army will post guards around the place.
The Navy will turn out the lights and lock the doors.
The Marines will kill everybody inside and set up a headquarters.
The Air Force will take out a 5 year lease with an option to buy

Semper Fi Marines!

Jim Bennett

Commandant, M.M. Smith Det. #586

       From the Junior Vice Commandant 

TO ALL LEAGUE MEMBERS:  Because of the great shortage of toys last year I have come up with a plan to give us a head start.  I challenge all Marines to bring a new toy or stuffed animal to every league meeting starting in August through December. 

This should insure 20 to 25 kids a merry Christmas this year.  See you all August 13.

                                        SEMPER FI, Pat Rowand, Jr. Vice

Chaplain’s Report:  Bill Taylor is “doing fine”.  Val and Sandy Ritter are selling Amway products full time and Val’s platelet count is “up high” (for Val).  Otis Dennis is staying inside but other wise doing well (see Editor’s correction after this column).  Wayne Fish has a tumor on his brain and he is paralyzed on his left side and is on oxygen 100% of the time; he and Dora are at the State Veteran’s Home (part of the old St. Luke’s hospital) in Room 252.  Ray Moon, also 24/7 on oxygen, is getting an auxiliary oxygen tank – he will have one at home, on the boat, in the lake cabin and a small one to take on planes; he is spending all of his time at the lake or on the boat.  Dave and Carol Hamm are “doing fine” and now have a housekeeper to help around the home.  Bill Town is also “doing good” and is checking with UW to get an update on when he can get surgery; in the meantime he is out picking huckleberries and enjoying being a great-grandfather of 11.

Editor’s correction to July’s sick report:  It was reported last month that Marine Otis Dennis was now in a nursing home.  Your editor got that information during the Department Convention in Tacoma in June when a report was given by the Tri-Cities Detachment.  Either the information was wrong or your editor got the information incorrect.  When Chaplain Town contacted Otis to ask how he was feeling Otis told him that he “was not in a nursing home.  You tell them I’m healthy as hell”.  Otis, I am sorry about the error in the report but I am very glad that you are not in a nursing home.  --Dennis--

Auxiliary members who have not gone “Life”, dues are due September 1.  Please bring to the August meeting, or send to Sam.  Renewal is $25.00

School Supply Project: Each year we try to gather school supplies to give to students that are in low income areas of Spokane.  We would like to continue helping the schools, so when you are out shopping, if you would pick up a few inexpensive school supplies, it would be appreciated.  Bring them to the meetings or contact Linda Shurtleff, chairperson.

Operation Little Angels:  For those who love to go to Yard/Garage Sales, I have a challenge for you!!  Sallie's House will accept used children's clothing.  When you are out, ask if the person having the yard sale will donate or charge a minimal amount per piece of clothing, used shoes, back packs and toys, but please no stuffed animals (Sallies' House can no longer pass these out to their children).  Sallie's house gives each child clothes, a quilt or blanket, and, personal care items to keep.  They run out of stuff pretty fast.  Sizes 2 to 14 for both boys and girls are always welcome.  Bring them to the meeting or call me, I'll come and get them.  Thank you for the support.   Linda Shurtleff, chairperson 328-5837 or 951-3143. 

The annual VA patient picnic is Saturday, August 29 at the VAMC Nursing Home.

All volunteers report at 11:30.  We will serve lunch at 12:00.  This is a great time for the patients to get a break from normal hospital fare.

Calendar of Coming Events

AUGUST MARINE HISTORY

DETACHMENT OFFICERS 2009 – 2010

UNIT OFFICERS 2009 - 2010

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