MM SMITH DETACHMENT MARINE CORPS LEAGUE

Minutes, May 14, 2009

 
THE MEETING WAS BROUGHT TO ORDER AT 1912 HRS. The roll call of officers showed that all the officers were present.  The Recognition of the past Commandants was short as only Art Stelting and Dennis Dressler were present.  Doug Shurtleff was representing us at the Montana Department Convention and Dick Jamieson was traveling to California.

 APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP:  Pete Gilbertz, a retired Master GySgt, presented himself as ready to work, as did Todd LaValley and Rodney Shields, all of whom were eagerly accepted into membership.  Tom Balderree joined us as a prospect who will, hopefully, complete his application and join us. 

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:  Approved as published. 

OFFICER CORRESPONDENCE:  Dennis Dressler reported having received $181.50 from National as payment for our Life Members.  There were no other changes to our balance since last month.

CHAPLAINS REPORT:  The following Marines have passed away since our last meeting: Carl Garber 83, James M. Towey 67 a retired First Sergeant, Wayne Jack Luders 86, Neil L. Lindsey 70 and Leon Bergam 67. 

 REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEES: VAVS, Our representative, Bill Town reported the April groundbreaking for a new Health Building and that a new Audiology building is in the design phase.  Randy outlined the Memorial Day plans for the Fairmont Cemetery asking us to be at the Iwo Jima Memorial by 10:00 for setup and 11:00 for the program also noting that if it is rainy we will hold the ceremony inside the Chapel. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  Volunteers are still needed for the July 12 - 18 Wheelchair games.  You can still sign up by calling 434-7510, Kathleen Kovalesky at the VA Medical Center.  You can also get to her at Kathleen Kovalesky2@va.gov. Tell her you are signing as part of the MCL.

RIDE THE WEST, Pat Rowand and Randy are spearheading the Toys for Tots event in the Mead area.  Safeway is backing only $200 of the costs for the Pancake feed so Pat is asking how we can put on the feed without digging too deep.  Dennis moved that we spend as much as $400 with the anticipation that we will be reimbursed from the proceeds of the auction/breakfast.  Approved. The event will be held May 22-24.  Call Pat or Randy for details. 

DEPARTMENT CONVENTION  Any members planning to attend are asked to make reservations ASAP because the host Detachment says they are quite short on the minimum occupancy requirement to get the meeting rooms needed. Call Randy.

NEW BUSINESS:  Dennis Dressler conducted the Officer elections ceremony.  The nominees for office are:  Commandant Jim Bennett, Sr. Vice Commandant Hank Melanson, Jr. Vice Commandant Pat Rowand.  They were approved.  The office of the JAG is still open.  Dennis and Randy each say they would accept and Doug Shurtleff is also a prospect who was not there to accept nomination

FOR THE GOOD OF THE LEAGUE:  Kay Morse noted that the son of Marine Jack Hannum, [deceased] is his yard maintenance man and would like Marines to know they can depend on him. He is John Hannum of Glory Tree Lawn Care, 688-3382.

ADJOURNMENT:  2045 Hrs    Attendance 17

Respectfully Submitted,  Kay Morse. Secretary