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

Fourth of July greetings from your new Commandant. We just got back from the Department of Washington State Convention and it was an honor to represent the Melvin M. Smith Detachment.  As a new commandant, I was very impressed with the functions of the office and the requirements of the detachments reporting to the department.

In the next month I would like to talk to those of you that are willing Volunteers about Americanism, Homeless Veterans and Boy Scout Eagle Certificates. None of these are all that demanding time wise. If you have a particular interest, please feel free to let me know.

 When you see Bill Town, be sure to congratulate him on being selected Marine of the Year for the Department of Washington!  We’re real proud of Bill.

Have a wonderful Independence Day. You earned it.

“Marines I see as two breeds, Rottweilers and Dobermans, because Marines come in two varieties, big and mean, and skinny and mean. They’re aggressive on the attack and tenacious on the defense. They’ve got really short hair and always go for the throat.”   RAdm “Jay” R. Stark, USN, 10 Nov. 1995

Semper Fi!

Your Commandant,

Jim Bennett, 448-2175

Quartermaster (Dennis Dressler):  Are there certain items that we should be keeping on hand for members, new and existing, to buy from the detachment?  If we do, what do we charge?  In the old days (I joined in ’94) we would mark things up by 10% to cover shipping and handling and another 10% so the detachment made a modest profit.  If I purchase items to bring back for sale it will also require that there be a motion passed that the purchases be subject to reimbursement by the detachment; the new Judge Advocate and the old Adjutant-Paymaster are pretty strict about that.

            I don’t recommend we invest in clothing items as the expenditure would be large and there would be a need to carry too many different sizes.  Items such as covers are also too expensive to have our funds tied up in as an investment; however, things such as League patches, cover strips, cover and collar devices are possible items for inventory, and perhaps additional ribbons and such to replace those that get dirty from time to time. 

FROM YOUR JR. PAST COMMANDANT

WOW!!!  Who ordered this heat?  Thank You!  I know I’m thawed out from this past incredible winter.  I will keep this short and sweet so that our incredible webmasters can get the newsletter out in a timely manner.  I’ve attached the upcoming events for the rest of the year so that we can plan some fun around our hard work. 

My intention is to start doing our Pancake Breakfasts in October.  Please mark your calendars and spread the word.  

Speaking of hard work, I’d like to announce the recipient of the Washington Department Marine of the Year is our very own, Paul W. (Bill) Town.  You know him as our Chaplain and incredible volunteer.  I believe he was the most shocked by the announcement and pat on the back by Dennis of anyone in the room.  Those of you who know Bill know how much he means to this Detachment and its members.  He puts in a lot of hours keeping tabs on our sick and distressed, as well as honoring our fallen with his presence at their funerals.  Anyone that can volunteer for a pancake breakfast while having a heart attack is a winner in my book.  Thanks again Bill and congratulations.

With a respectful Semper Fi!

Junior Past,  Randy

From the Junior Vice Commandant: 

I would appreciate any ideas on two different matters:

1. Recruiting new marines

2. Ideas on fund raisers for toys for tots.

Don't be afraid to sound off. 

        SEMPER  FI  Jr. Vice Commandant Pat Rowand

CEMETERY UPDATE:  As reported last month, bids submitted for the cemetery construction project were opened on June 16. Bid information has been sent to the Federal VA State Cemetery Grants Program and is currently under review.  On July 1, a public hearing was held in Spokane County that resulted in the award of a Conditional Use Permit. The cemetery property is zoned for rural traditional or conservation purposes and this permit is required to allow the property to be used as a cemetery. In addition to the Conditional Use Permit, we recently completed the environmental assessment and historic preservation documents and we are working on obtaining the final building permit.   My thanks go to Spokane County for the outstanding support they are providing as this project moves forward.  John E. Lee, Director, WA State Department of Veterans Affairs

From the Desk of Doug

Made it to the last meeting, first in many months or moons depending on how you count the passing of time.  It was my privilege to have been asked by your new Commandant to be his installing officer.  Your new officers have been officially installed for the coming year.  Even better was the cake and ice cream served after the meeting.

Linda and I attended the Department of Washington Convention in Tacoma on the 26th and 27th.  Friday and Saturday weather was great, warm and sunny.  This is a big change for me as when I show up west of the Cascades it usually rains.  The Melvin M. Smith Detachment & Unit were represented by Dennis and Sam, Jim and Judy, Sue Douglas along with Jr. Past Commandant Randy and Chaplain Bill Town, who was voted Department Marine of the Year.

Also attended the Jon Dunne Award recognition ceremony at Finch and Whitman elementary schools.  Two very nice and deserving young ladies were the recipients this year.  The Finch ceremony was very well attended with standing room only by the time it started. No pictures this year as my camera person was ill and could not attend.

Received my phone call from the VA in regards to volunteering at the Wheelchair Games.  I will be in the warehouse at a so far undisclosed top secret location for the start and finish.  In between will be the air gun matches for two days and track and field for one day. Hope to see some of you there at some point during the events.

Your thought for the month: "Never tell the Gunny you have nothing to do".

Semper Fi,  Doug

School Supply Project: Each year we try to gather school supplies to give to students that are in low income areas of Spokane.  Some of the recipients have been Holmes Elementary, Audubon Elementary, Brown Elementary, Finch Elementary, and North Central High School.  We would like to continue helping these schools, so when you are out shopping, if you would pick up a few inexpensive school supplies, it would be great 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. 

 

CHAPLAIN’S REPORT:  Chaplain Bill Town reports that Ben Taylor remains in good condition and is ready to leave the facility when Ann can care for him; Ben celebrated his 85^th birthday in June.  Val Ritter is feeling better; although he is having trouble with his back, which requires therapy that seems to be helping.  Otis Dennis says the Tri-Cities are too hot (and it was reported at the Department Convention that he is now in a nursing home).  Ray Moon is still on oxygen and his VA doctor has prescribed portable oxygen for plane trips; Ray is staying at the lake.  Dora Fish had to enter a nursing home; Wayne doesn’t want to enter it yet but the trips to visit Dora are “tough”.    Chaplain Town, who turned 82 on 19 June, had skin cancers removed from his scalp and is now waiting to hear when the VA will schedule his shoulder surgery.  Dave and Carol Hamm are doing okay; they have ‘in-home’ care to help out; they are going to go to Carol’s 70^th High School reunion this summer.  They are also looking for a smaller place.

                              CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS

Also to plan for this summer—the annual Patient BBQ at the VA Hospital--Will be a Saturday or Sunday in

August after Sam and Dennis return from National.

NATIONAL CONVENTION INVITE:  I would like to extend an invitation to all members who are attending the National Convention in Rochester, Minnesota to come by the Hospitality Room being sponsored by the Treasure Valley Detachment in Boise, Idaho.  The room will be open on Wednesday, 5 August at 1800.  Finger foods and drink (soda, juice and beer) will be available.

While there take a look at what Boise has to offer in hosting the National Convention in 2011. If you have any questions, please feel free to get back to me via email or phone.  

John Walker, Legislative Officer, Department of Idaho, Jr. Vice Commandant,

Treasure Valley Detachment, Boise, Idaho (208) 954-9021

If you are a “Hollywood” Marine this will be of interest: 

San Diego Get's New Mascot

An 11-week-old English bulldog from South Texas has joined the few, the proud- the Marines.  The unnamed champion-bred pup from Castroville will be flown next week in a carry-on airline kennel to California, where she'll be the new mascot at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, one of three official bulldog mascots throughout the Marine Corps. After obedience training, she'll go to boot camp.  We'll have her, when she's ready, attached to one of the training companies, said Janice Hagar, depot spokeswoman.

            The young dog will don a tiny uniform and rise in rank as she attends graduation events and visits schools as a furry ambassador. She'll replace Cpl. Molly Marine, who will retire after being mascot for most of her seven years. With luck, she'll learn, like Molly, to salute with her paw and sit, bow, crawl and sing on command.  Duties of the mascot include taking a first taste of beef at officers' dinners and being lavished with attention at San Diego Padres and Chargers games.

            But it's not all a doggie paradise. A mascot can get busted down in rank. Some officers wanted to write up Molly for digging food out of the troops' backpacks. A mascot from 1994-2001, Sgt. Smokin' Joe, got demoted for taking a No. 2 break on the general's carpet, Hagar said.

The corps' tradition of canine mascots dates to World War I. According to Marine lore, the Germans called the Marines Teufelshunde, or Devil Dogs, for their tenacity in battle in France.  The Marines still think of their mascot as a fellow devil dog but they want one that's sociable. Sgt. Heidi Loredo, public affairs spokeswoman at Marine Corps Recruiting Station San Antonio, said she and five others at the station have bulldogs as pets.  They look mean, but they're lovable. They're loyal, and they'll follow you everywhere, she said.

Michelle Rodriguez, who bred the puppy, has owned champion show dogs, including the pup's father, Merlin. But she said it was a greater honor to have bred a Marine Corps mascot. She said she sold the pup for $1,800, below the $3,500 she usually charges for potential show dogs.  Several Marines visited her home Wednesday to meet the dog. The corps had chosen Rodriguez to breed their mascot about four months before its 48-pound mother, Dora, had a litter of three offspring.  Molly, San Diego's first female mascot, has become a beloved figure there, but has had surgery for hip dysplasia, Hagar said. She'll live out her senior years as a normal pet.  The new pup could be a washout, if she's too shy or skittish for mascot duty. But coming from good stock and from Castroville, a historic Alsatian town 10 miles west of San Antonio, most say she has the makings of a career Marine.  We're anxious to meet her, Hagar said.

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