Marine Corps League

Melvin M. Smith Detachment #586

Editors: Dennis and Sam Dressler (509) 953-6266 (Dennis), (509) 953-6267 (Sam) sam.djd@comcast.net

COMMANDANTS CORNER

First things first then…I graciously thank all Marines of this fine Detachment that joined to honor Tim at his Memorial service. 

Second up… Our coffee stops are almost upon us.  The countdown is at 22 days as of June 19, 2008.  There have been many donations for those that can’t make the drive to Sprague.  Thanks a bunch and we will put that money to good use.  We have plenty of cups so buy some cookies instead.  There are a few openings so please call and I will pen you in. 

Last item up for bid…The Department Convention went superbly!  Thanks for your support and contributions.  We had a lot of items for the Silent Auction.  I still haven’t scratched my tickets, so perhaps I’m a rich person and don’t even know it. 

I will continue to be available for any suggestions or the need for help.  My phone is 327-3259 and my email is randyottjr@yahoo.com. 

OhhRahh!!!

Semper Fi,

Randy

MEMORIAL SERVICES FOR TIM RUBERTT

I can’t even begin to list all the members of the League and Auxiliary who were in attendance at the Memorial Service for Tim.  As Colene had planned, a large number of League and Auxiliary members from the other side of the State came to the services, and a few even came to the reception afterward before leaving to return to the west side of the state.  The Marines from the Battery were there in force and provided the firing detail and Gunny A. from Toys For Tots presented the flag to Timmy. The Patriot Guard turned out in very large numbers and added a very appropriate touch to the services.  I am fairly certain that by the time taps were blown and the piper had played Amazing Grace that there weren’t many dry eyes in the crowd.  I also can’t help but think that Tim had a hand with the wind, and the sounds of the trains coming by at strategic times. 

Tim, my friend, you will be missed – always; and you will be with us – always.  When we ponder how to solve a situation, it will be done with a small grin and a “f___ ‘em if they can’t take a joke” attitude as we try to make you proud of us as we continue to “Marine Up” in your physical absence.  Dennis.

CHAPLAINS REPORT:  Chaplain, Bill Town, reports that Ben Taylor is doing fine and is now at North Central Care Center located at 1812 N. Wall.  Val Ritter still has a low platelets count.  Otis Dennis is feeling just like new.  Norm Sanborn is still weak but is slowly gaining his weight back.  Ray Moon had pneumonia in May but is now back home after two weeks in the hospital; he is still not feeling good, is on oxygen at night, and will be seeing his doctor as his kidneys are shutting down.  Wayne Fish has a leaking heart valve and is on oxygen at night.  Dora Fish has Parkinson’s disease. 

Calendar of Coming Events

From the desk of the Jr. Past Commandant:

Marines,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who were in attendance for Tim’s Memorial. The sea of red coats was nice to witness. With that said I am not as impressed with the show for our installation and awards meeting last Thursday. I was hoping to break bread with so many more of you. If Tim has taught us anything with his untimely passing, it is this; life is too short to miss an opportunity to spend time with friends and in our case, our brother and sister Marines.

With that said, I would like to encourage all of you who are able, to sign up for the coffee stops. Please contact our ever gracious Commandant for details and time slots left available. Let’s make the remainder of this year one to remember and take every opportunity to celebrate life and friendship. Until the next time we meet, Semper Fi, hope to see you all soon…..Jim Stailey

From the Sr. Vice Commandant:

Over the years I have wondered what is it about Marines and Positive Thinking, I have spent a good portion of my civilian life in Sales and motivating others to my way of thinking... recently a quote virtually leapt off of the page and shed light on the attitude of positive Marine thinking.  "I have only two men out of my company and 20 out of some other company. We need support, but it is almost suicide to try to get it here as we are swept by machine gun fire and a constant barrage is on us. I have no one on my left and only a few on my right. I will hold."

--1st. Lt. Clifton B. Cates, MOH, (later Commandant), USMC, July 19, 1918 commanding 96 Company, 6th Marines, near the French town of Soissons.  He said I will hold, not I might hold, or I will try to hold, but, I will hold.

Semper Fi Marines of Melvin M. Smith Detachment!      Jim Bennett

From the Judge Advocate:

I would like to thank the detachment and its members for the honor it bestowed on me. I promise to try to work harder and be more diligent to earn the title I have been given.  Semper Fi,

Your Judge Advocate, Pat Rowand.

PICNIC AT THE VA

Saturday, August 2, 2008

PICNIC?  DID I HEAR PICNIC?  And where there are picnics there are normally pic-a-nic baskets.  Down Yogi, this isn’t Jellystone Park and there ain’t any pic-a-nic baskets at the VAMC Spokane’s Nursing Home Care Unit Dining Hall; however, there will be members of the Auxiliary and League there on August 2^nd.  And yes, Boo-Boo, there will be hamburgers, hotdogs, beans, potato and macaroni salad, chips and watermelon. 

Volunteers should show up at 11:30 so that we can start serving the patients, their families and the staff at Noon. 

                                        From the Senior Junior Past
1.  Sorry to have missed the last monthly meeting, I hear through the grapevine that Commandant Randy ran another good meeting and even gave awards for those in attendance who have been active and donating time for the good of the community.  For those of you who have not been attending you might want to stop in and say hello.  After saying hello, you might as well stay for the hour or so that the meeting lasts.  Elections are over so the train won't stop in front of you.

In reference to para (1) above, I missed the meeting due to my being in attendance at my boot camp 50 year reunion, Platoon 349, MCRD, San Diego.  Did the Friday morning colors, graduation, toured the museum and recruit area, also ate in the award winning mess hall (best in the Corps).  Even stood on the yellow footprints without a Drill Instructor yelling at me.  Check out the pictures at our Platoon web-site.  www.screenmagic.com/349  A couple of our platoon members took a sight seeing trip to Point Loma on Tuesday and met another former Marine (Wyatt Earp) Hugh O'Brian who enlisted in 1943, and was sight seeing with his wife.

The Department Convention went well and those who did not attend missed a good time.  Had many really nice Marine Corps related items at the silent auction and they sold at very reasonable prices.  Saturday dinner was outstanding and the hotel (Airport Ramada) did an outstanding job of keeping all who attended happy.  A little too cool to use the outdoor swimming pool and I don't think anyone took Sam and Dennis up when they were informed the Jacuzzi in their room was open to all.  Some of the younger generation did make use of the indoor pool and water slide.

Your thought for the month: "A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory."    Steven Wright

Semper Fi,   Doug

SALLY’S HOUSE

The Salvation Army’s Sally’s House, as most of us know, is our Unit’s way of supporting Operation Little Angel.  Right now what is needed most seems to be pajamas, boys & girls, sizes 8 – 10. 

Also needed are socks and underclothes in all sizes.  Please bring items to the July meeting.  Donna Jamieson and Linda Shurtleff will ensure they are delivered.

RECOGNITION OF LEAGUE AND AUXILIARY MEMBERS:

The Bailey Reynolds Award (instituted in 2001 to recognize the member of the Board of Directors who was most valuable to the commandant during the previous year) was presented to Pat Rowand.  Detachment Marine of the Year was also presented to Marine Rowand. 

Past Commandant’s Medal – Randy Ott.  Staff Elected:  George Barnett, Jim Bennett, Pat Rowand.  Staff Appointed: Tim Rubertt, Bill Town, Larry Marks, Kay Morse, Doug Shurtleff.  Meritorious Commendation (Individual):  Bill Town, Dennis Dressler, Tim Rubertt, Pat Rowand.  Certificate of Appreciation:  Morgan Ott, Taylor Ott, Christine Nielson, Caroline Nielson, Taylor Nielson.  Community Service Award:  George Barnett, Jim Bennett, Judi Bennett, Dennis Dressler, Sam Dressler, Sue Douglas, Dick Jamieson, Donna Jamieson, Larry Marks, Wayne Mauer, Walt McKee, Hank Melanson, Carolyn Nielson, Christine Nielson, Tera Nielson, Lori Ott, Randy Ott, Dianne Rowand, Tim O’Hare, Sue O’Hare, Pat Rowand, Bill Town, James Stailey.

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:

AUXILIARY MEMBERS

DON’T FORGET—BRING YOUR QUILT SQUARES TO THE JULY MEETING, OR DROP THEM OFF WITH LINDA OR JUDI

COFFEE STOP INFORMATION

 

COFFEE STOP            COFFEE STOP            COFFEE STOP            COFFEE STOP
The trailer has been inventoried and the following items are still needed for the coffee stop
Coffee Mate creamer - individual packages preferred
Napkins
Sweet & Low   -  individual packages preferred
Coffee  -  4 cans
Sugar  -  individual packages preferred
Juice - lemonade powder (if the weather is hot, cold lemonade will go fast)
Cookies - good prices at various Dollar Stores (if you are not baking)

Sign up sheets will be at the meeting on Thursday, July 10th, for those who still wish to participate.  Bill Town, myself and Linda will be heading down to set up on Thursday night after the meeting.

Upon successful completion of the above coffee stops we are eligible to sign up for next year.  Suggestions may be made at the July meeting for dates that might be available to us for 2009.

Semper Fi, Doug

West Bound – Friday 11 July                             East Bound – Friday 11 July

West Bound – Saturday 12 July                        East Bound – Saturday 12 July

West Bound – Sunday 13 July                                      East Bound – Sunday 13 July

DETACHMENT OFFICERS 2008 – 2009

UNIT OFFICERS 2008 - 2009

League Minutes of the Last Meeting

Auxiliary Minutes of the Last Meeting

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July 2008