May 2008

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

COMMANDANTS CORNER

As Randy is finishing his first year in office, we gave him the month off from writing a Commandant’s Corner—however; he did pass along one piece of wisdom—

“Please put a note somewhere that if you actually read the newsletter, then wake the hell up and volunteer for an event...or make a donation to the coffee stop....geez people...”

We have plenty of stuff going on and we need people to make them happen.

ELECTIONS TO BE HELD THIS MONTH

May is the month that both the League and Auxiliary hold elections for the top four positions making May an important month to attend. This is your chance to have a say in who shall lead our respective organizations for the following year. Please attend and participate.

May 2008

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8 MCL/MCLA Meeting VFW51 7:00 p.m.	9	10 Devil Dog Growl, Old Country Buffett
11	12	13	14 Bingo VAMC 7:00 p.m.	15	16 Ride the West Horseshow 16-18	17 Operation Spokane Heroes Breakfast, Spo. Comm. College
18 Ride the West Horseshow 16-18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26 Memorial Day	27	28	29	30	31

From the desk of the Senior Junior Past----

SUPPORT YOUR CONVENTION----------- IF YOU CAN'T ATTEND, YOU CAN STILL HELP, PRIOR TO NOT ATTENDING

If you haven't guessed, this column will be devoted to the Department Convention being held in Spokane on Jun 5, 6, & 7, like next month. Headquarters hotel will be the Airport Ramada.

In order for everything to run smoothly we will be needing volunteers to help with the various tasks that are necessary for a successful convention. Some of the jobs available are "working" in the hospitality room (bartending) both at the booze bar and the ice cream sundae bar (with or without alcoholic topping) bar, helping with the silent auction, socializing and answering questions from the out of town visitors. Any contribution of snack food, fruit, vegetables, ice or beverages (alcoholic or non alcoholic) would be appreciated. Set up will begin on Wednesday afternoon and continue through Thursday morning. Registration begins at 1300 Thursday, June 5th.

There will be a silent auction; donations of merchandise will be accepted. If you or you know of a business that would furnish any item please contact them and make arrangements to pick up the donation and make sure it gets to the hotel. Be sure you let Colene or Sam know what was donated and who donated it. If you can't pick it up contact me and I will do the leg work. (328-5837) I do have a letter made up if a business asks for one prior to a donation. I have sent letters to: Sgt Grit, Paladin Press, Mcllhenny (Tabasco), Marine Corps Association, Wasserman Ent., eMarinePX, The Military Book Club and the Spokane Marine Corps Recruiters, do not contact any of these.

Small items are needed for the "welcome bags" i.e. pens, pencils notepads, key chains, salesman samples, business advertising etc. I have contacted the Visitor and Convention Bureau, Washington Lottery, Simple Green, Sierra Bullets, Slip 2000, and Inhibitor. Again do not contact these businesses. Items from local businesses would be great. Bags have to be done well before registration day, so don't wait until the last moment. I would be willing to pick these items up if need be. (328-5837)

We need ads for our convention book - if you or a friend would like to place an ad, see the registration form or contact Tim or Colene. Rates are very reasonable. Ads do not have to be from members, any business or Marine Corps League supporter can place an ad. The money from the ads helps to underwrite the cost incurred running the convention. Don't wait until the last moment to place ads, Colene and Sam need time to get the book printed.

Lunch on Saturday will be hosted by the Detachment & Auxiliary and is being held in the Hospitality Room, again donations of food or $$$ will be accepted. Help will also be needed for set up and to insure all get fed in a timely manner.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Now for Marine Corps League meeting business: As the Senior Junior Past, I was tasked at the last meeting to find a slate of officers for the coming year. This I have done, and we do have a slate. However, final nominations will be accepted at the May meeting and voting will take place. Attend, nominate, vote and find out who your officers will be for the 2008/2009 year. Installation of officers will take place at the convention in June.

Your thought for the month: "If everyone is thinking alike, then no one is thinking." General George Patton

Semper Fi, Doug

Abe Lincoln Quote

BINGO at the VA:

Another record turnout of volunteers; lets keep the momentum going! Among the volunteers that turned out to assist the patients in this monthly activity were Dick and Donna Jamieson, Doug Shurtleff, Pat Rowand, Dennis and Sam Dressler, Tera Neilson as well as Carolyn and Christine Neilson, Randy Ott as well as Taylor Ott.

The next Pound growl is scheduled for Saturday 10 May at Old Country Buffet.

SPOKANE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION recognizes one of our own: On May 1 the Spokane County Bar Association conducted its annual Law Day Ceremony at the Masonic Temple. Before Magistrate Judge Cynthia Imbrogno administered the Oath of Citizenship to 210 new Americans the Spokane County Bar President, Ed Carroll, presented the Liberty Bell Award to Sandra ‘Sam’ Dressler.

Each year the Bar Association recognizes one person (who must not be a lawyer) for their contributions to the community. Remarks were made by Chief Judge John Schultheis of Division III of the Court of Appeals. And, no, Dennis had nothing to do with the nomination or the selection of Sam as this year’s recipient.

Calendar of Coming Events

Date	Event
08 May	MCL & MCLA Regular Business Meeting @ VFW Post 51 @ 1900
10 May	Devil Dog Growl – Old Country Buffett (eat at 0830 and growl after)
14 May	Bingo @ VAMC NHCU @ 1900
26 May	Memorial Day Ceremony at Fairmont Memorial Cemetery
05 June	Early Registration Dept of WA Convention @ Airport Ramada Inn
06 June	Dept of WA Convention @ Airport Ramada Inn
07 June	Dept of WA Convention @ Airport Ramada Inn
08 June	Convention over – go home
11 June	Bingo @ VAMC NHCU Dining Hall @ 1900
12 June	MCL & MCLA Regular Business Meeting @ VFW Post 51 @ 1900
11-13 July	Coffee Stop, I-90, Sprague Lake Rest Areas, East and West Bound

AUXILIARY MEMBERS

Sure signs of Spring—the snow has finally melted, days are getting warmer, tulips and daffodils are sprouting and… it’s time for those pesky Activity Reports.

If you didn’t report your hours at the April meeting, please bring them to the May meeting, or contact Mary Lou or Sam. We will then pass them on to the Department.