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

Greetings to you in this New Year of 2009

First things first...By this time the Toys for Tots Campaign will be packaged, completed and successful for another year.  I thank all of you who have given of yourselves to make this happen.  I only wish I could have helped more.  I do not have any numbers as of yet, but by our meeting in January, I'm hoping Gunny Aissaoui will be recuperated and available to give us a rundown on the 2008 Toys Campaign. 

Second item up for bid...Speaking of January's meeting, we had lots of leftover sauce and noodles.  We are going to serve you a free dinner if you come to the meeting.  Yes, you read that right,

We will have an abbreviated meeting to conduct the nuts & bolts for the New Year AFTER DINNER.

For those of you who have been waiting, we received the Red MCL and Blue MCLA Wind breakers; they have arrived and look sharp as all get up. Cost is $35.  We have L, XL, XXL, XXXL sizes available.  All of the Mediums we have are donated; therefore they are only $20. Contact Dennis or Randy to get yours today.

Last item up for bid...Nothing, let's have a great year and build on our successes and learn from our failures.

Semper Fi!

Your Commandant,

Randy

998-9031

SPAGHETTI FEED!  147 tickets were received in exchange for meals served.  Of course we all know that is not the total number of meals served as we had many requests for seconds, as usual.  Ticket sales were not quite what was hoped for but with a sluggish economy could have been worse.  If you have not yet turned in the money for the tickets you sold, please do so at the January meeting. 

The “Chinese Auction” generated about 800 tickets, which added nicely to the total collected for the night.

It was too bad that we did not have the I&I staff at the Spaghetti Feed but, as is normally the case, they were all at functions collecting money and toys for the program.  It would have been nice to see them relax and enjoy a great plate of spaghetti but their time was better spent making sure the children of the community were being taken care of at Christmas time.  When you see them please remember to thank them for all that they have done for this program.

MELVIN M. SMITH DETACHMENT AND UNIT made a very nice donation to the Toys for Tots campaign.  After the Spaghetti Feed costs were taken care of a check for $2,138 was presented to the I& I First Sergeant.  This is in addition to donations that Sam and Dennis got from lawyers at Superior Court and staff at the Court of Appeals that were in the vicinity of $450.  When those two contributions are combined MCL & MCLA had a combined contribution of almost $2,600 to the Spokane Toys for Tots campaign.  This of course does not account for all the toys, time and money that our individual members have given to the cause.

UNDER THE WEATHER (SICK REPORT)

Chaplain Bill Town reports Ben Taylor is doing fine.  Val Ritter has missed some radiation appointments because of the snow; dr. will also be checking platelet level.  Otis Dennis is not too bad; also staying in because of the snow.  Ray Moon is taking some time in the sun, will be in Florida for a couple more months—may want to stay until the snow is gone.  Wayne and Dora Fish are doing okay.  Dick Jamieson has been released by dr. and is now off the list.  Kay Morse reported some trouble with the knee, but was able to hunt before the snow started.  Dave & Carol Hamm are doing well.  Bill Town, some trouble with his wrist healing up, was to see dr. again on the 26^th.

Calendar of Coming Events

SENIOR VICE COMMANDANT’S MESSAGE: 

Happy New Years Marines! I can’t believe it’s 2009.

I look back on the past years since I stood in the yellow footprints and it seems like yesterday. 1962 was a long time ago. I flew to San Diego in a Propeller driven DC 7. We were issued a bucket issue that included boondockers and battle Jackets. (Not Ike jackets) our shoes were Brown, We had serial numbers, mine was 1997715. We were issued M-1 Garands and trained on the Browning 30 Cal machineguns. (I never saw an M-60 until we mounted out for the Cuban Crisis. How time has changed! The uniforms have changed, the 782 gear has changed but the spirit has remained the same. Esprit De Corps remains the same. Marines still take care of Marines. You know that another Marine, active, reserve, or No-load (No longer on Active Duty.) still has your 6. No other service in the world can claim this spirit. It makes me extremely proud to be a part of the Marine Corps League. Even though I am 1700 miles away for the next 2 months, I am ready to respond, just call or e-mail me. Have a great January. Semper Fidelis!

Jim Bennett

Senior Vice Commandant

From the Arizona desk of the Senior Junior Past

Not much to report, the league here in Yuma does not assist with T4T.  Active duty Marines and their families do it all.  Did attend the last Territorial Detachment meeting.  It was member appreciation night, which I wasn't aware of until I got there.  Tables set with plates and silver for the Texas size T-Bone steak, baked potato and salad feast. The league provided the vittles and the culinary class from one of the high schools did the cooking.  Business meeting was held while we ate, not much said by those in attendance as it's tough to talk with your mouth full of steak.

With the Expo and Quin conference coming up the first week in February, Linda and I are planning a trip into the Golden state.  Something we attempt to avoid except for rifle matches and MCL meetings.  Weather here is cooler than usual, thanks to all of you up there for sending the cold front south.  Been wearing my hoody and looking like a native of the area, however not wearing a stocking cap under the hood.  Still not having to shovel the walks though.  Cold wind from the north nearly every day and lots of rain, over double the normal so far.

Did manage to find a part-time job. Now flagging truck traffic on the night shift on the new truck highway coming out of Mexico (can you say NAFTA?).  Standing out in the desert at night is interesting; the Border Patrol is active with searchlights and flashers going, chasing illegals in the distance.  The highway (195 north connecting to 95 north just east of Yuma) is about 25 miles long and is a divided 4-lane and has to be completed by November 2009.  I only work 2 nights a week as a relief so it's not too bad. The contractor is working the crews 24/6 with equipment maintenance on the 7th.

Your thought for the month:  "Borrow money from pessimists--they don't expect it back." (Steven Wright)
Semper Fi, Doug

Senior Junior Past Commandant

CARE PACKAGES

The Auxiliary shipped 5 boxes, approximately 45 lbs., of goodies to MSgt John Page in Afghanistan.  Page was previously with the I & I Staff here in Spokane, and I believe a former T4T coordinator.

MARINE HISTORY

DETACHMENT OFFICERS 2008 – 2009

UNIT OFFICERS 2008 - 2009

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