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

Hello Marine Family :)

First things first...For those of you who missed the Pot Luck Dinner in lieu of our regular business meetings, you sadly missed a whopper of a feast. I hope this can become a tradition because it was an incredibly delightful time.  We did conduct some business informally, so if you feel left out, come to the November meeting and talk about it then...

Veterans' Day is 11 November again this year...The Veterans' Arena is the place to be if you can make it out.  Or try another place of your choice...just check the paper for times and locations...

Next item up for bid...Some of the business discussed was the ordering of our wind-breakers for those that have been waiting a "long" time.  The list was updated and if you would like to order a Detachment Red or Auxiliary Blue wind-breaker, please contact Randy or Doug, and the order will be finalized.  Cost is approximately $30.00 per breaker.  We are also going to order a few extras for our future members...

Last item...The Toys for Tots Spaghetti Feed Tickets are available.  Our tickets have lost their battle with inflation, therefore, adults are $6.00 and kids 10 and under are $5.  Still a heck of a deal considering you won't go away hungry. :) So grab those tickets and spread the word for December 12, 2008 at VFW 51, when dinner will be served at 4:30 pm (1630) until 7:30 (1930)... 

Until our paths cross again,

Semper Fi!

Your Commandant,

Randy

998-9031

FROM THE SENIOR VICE COMMANDANT:

Marines of Melvin M. Smith: While sitting in the fall State MCL meeting, in Yakima, I was moved to make some personal observations. What an honor to be in such distinguished company. The Detachment reports included stories of selfless giving, patriotism, and caring for our veterans and their families

Our brother and sister Marines are generously donating to active Duty Marines and their loved ones at home. Not once did I hear anyone ask for anything for himself. This is patriotism at its finest. Veterans’ benefits, VA Voluntary Services, Parades, funeral details, Recruiting efforts, Honor Guards, scholarships, picnics, health and comfort items, and stand downs were just some of the topics discussed.  I am humbled to be included in such fine company.

I will now take my leave for my winter sojourn in Tucson. Leaving you is a wrenching thing to do. I will miss the camaraderie and friendship.  I look forward to my return in the spring and wish you all a wonderful holiday season.

Semper Fidelis!

Jim Bennett, Senior Vice Commandant

Calendar of Coming Events

From the Senior Junior Past Commandant


The Spaghetti Dinner is rapidly approaching, some extra help will be needed as our chief cook (Doug Jones) has had health problems and will be limited in what he can do.
The list of things that need to be done includes shopping on Thursday morning December 11, the kitchen is available after the VFW lunch clean-up on Thursday.  Will need someone or two to assist cooking the spaghetti and making sauce on Thursday afternoon.  In addition we will need kitchen help on Friday afternoon to prepare the meal prior to serving.  Will need servers, dishwasher(s), and clean up help once the food is being served.  Notify Randy of your availability.  Safeway again is providing a gift card to help defray some of the purchase price of the food.

My thanks to Randy and crew for the excellent potluck dinner held in lieu of the November meeting.  All who attended must have gone home stuffed, much of the food on the tables managed to disappear.

The new wall at the VFW is looking good, be sure to attend the meeting and check it out.

I will be residing in Arizona for the next few months, my cell phone and e-mail remain the same.  Land line number is (928) 344-6869, mailing address 1480 Michelle Lane, Yuma, AZ 85365

Your thought for the month:  "The budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands curtailed lest Rome become bankrupt.  People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance."   Cicero,  55 BC

Semper Fi,   Doug

TO ALL YOU JIM CHAMBERLAIN POUND DEVIL DOGS

The dogs of Jim Chamberlain Pound No. 185 met 8 November at VFW Post 51.  With Pound Keeper PDF Shurtleff on hiatus to Arizona the meeting was conducted by Senior Vice Pound Keeper DD Randy Ott.  Attendance was reasonably good and business was conducted.  After discussion a decision was made to donate to Shriners' Hospital, Spokane Guild School and Ronald McDonald House.  A separate contribution was made to VFW Post 51 for being gracious in letting have use of the facilities early on Saturday mornings for our growls.  Elections were held and our new Pound Keeper is DD Randy Ott.

CARE PACKAGES

 The Auxiliary is preparing packages to send to Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Items needed are hand sanitizer, foot powder, chapstick and other personal care items; paperback books (new or used), playing cards, crossword puzzle books, Sudoku puzzles; soccer balls and footballs (deflated); non-perishable snacks (beef jerky, chewing gum, etc).  Wal-Mart and Costco are both good sources for inexpensive and travel size items.

DETACHMENT OFFICERS 2008 – 2009

UNIT OFFICERS 2008 - 2009

League Minutes of the Last Meeting--None available for October--Social Event

Auxiliary Minutes of the Last Meeting--None available for October--Social Event

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