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

First things first then…Test, test, does this thing actually work?  Test, test…If you can read this newsletter, then please call your Detachment Commandant and give him some advice or words to let him know that you actually care about the Marine Corps League.  Our turn outs have been pathetic at best.  I have 15 Marines that carry the load for 130 plus some.  To those 15 Marines you have my sincerest and humblest gratitude.  To the rest of you, get on the ball and do something.

Second up… Our coffee stops in July were incredible.  We had great turnout and Past Commandant Shurtleff will fill you in on the details.   

Last item up for bid…Your input is valued and desired.  How can we make things happen better?  Meetings better?  Ideas bigger?  What would you like us to do so that you feel at home amongst your fellow Marines?  We are open to suggestions.  One recent suggestion was to have a joint meeting between MCL & MCLA for a dinner/potluck.  Or even invite entertainment to the party.  Or have a meeting someplace else.  You tell us…Thank you for your continued support…

I will continue to be available for any suggestions or the need for help.  My phone is 998-9031 and my email is randyottjr@yahoo.com. 

OhhRahh!!!

Semper Fi,

Randy

CHAPLAINS REPORT:  Chaplain, Bill Town, reports that Ben Taylor is doing fine; Ann Taylor recently broke her wrist. Otis Dennis was having some problem with smoke in the Tri-Cities because of fires. Norm Sanborn is gaining his weight back and feeling better. Wayne Fish is just taking it easy because of the bad heart valve; Dora Fish is feeling better, Parkinson’s may be in remission.  Carol Hamm had a cataract removed—her vision is much improved; Dave Hamm is now going to have one removed from his eye. Bill reports trouble with his rebuilt right shoulder, surgeon to look at it.

                    From the desk of the Senior/Junior Past

   This will be a coffee stop information article.  First thanks to all who volunteered to work a shift or two.  An extra thanks to those who showed up to work the shifts.  We managed to get through the weekend without any BIG problems, a few little ones but nothing that couldn't be handled.  A very profitable weekend for the League, Auxiliary, and the Dogs.  Income after expenses was $1,700 (+).  The usual split will apply.  An extra BIG thanks to those who donated money and supplies which really helped hold the total as high as it turned out to be.  The income was almost equally divided between the eastbound and westbound, eastbound was a couple of hundred ahead at the final count.  Don't relax quite yet, two more to go, September 5, 6, and 7, signup sheets will be at the August meeting.  This one will be Sprague Lake westbound only.  There are enough supplies left that purchases should be minimal for September.  Your Commandant is having so much fun with these he requested another for October 6, 7, and 8, this is a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday affair also westbound. The only dates available when I called were for next year (2009) in October, haven't received the paper work from the DOT on this one.

An enticement for those of you who fish:  I took some time off and headed for the Sprague Lake Resort, just out of the town of Sprague about three miles.  Fished two days off the dock and caught limits (five fish) both days, ranging from 16 1/2" down to 11", picture available at the meeting.  "Pictured fish are smaller than those actually caught".  You might want to sign up for a shift, work, then head for the lake and fish to make the trip more worthwhile.  I used night crawlers and a slip sinker setup with a spinning rod and reel.

Your thought for the month (long):  "God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked, the good fortune to run into those that I do like, and the eyesight to tell the difference."

(author unknown)

Semper Fi, Doug

AUXILIARY MEMBERS DUES

      For those members who have not “gone life”, annual dues are $25.00/year.  Please either mail a check to Sam, or bring it to the September meeting.

LIFE MEMBERSHIP/LEAGUE:  Of late there have been several requests for the fee for becoming a life member in the League.  Often I have not been able to readily give the answer because the fee is based upon age at the time a member “goes” life.  For that reason I am listing the amount, as it currently stands, and what it will increase to as of 1 January 2009*.  Please refer to the chart below:

*  1 January 2009 is the date your request to become a life member must be received by National Headquarters which means you should make your request no later than early December to ensure it arrives in time.

LIFE MEMBERSHIP/AUXILIARY:  The current fee for life membership in the Auxiliary, both currently as well as the 2010 increase is listed in the table below:

Calendar of Coming Events

DETACHMENT OFFICERS 2008 – 2009

UNIT OFFICERS 2008 - 2009

Also, if there is anyone you know that is not receiving the newsletter, either hardcopy or electronic, please let us know.

Thanks, the Editors

Short newsletter this month—we are on our way to the National Convention.  See you all in September.

League Minutes of the Last Meeting--None available for July

Auxiliary Minutes of the Last Meeting--None available for July

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August 2008