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

First things first then…I wish I had something to pass this month, but I don’t.  The month of August wore me out.  My family and I were finishing the touches (some big, some small) on our house to put it on the market.  That and my getting ready for the upcoming school year had my stress levels peaked. 

Second up… Our coffee stop is set for September 5, 6 & 7 on Westbound 90.  Doug Shurtleff has the rosters and thanks again for your participation.  Another stop is scheduled for October 6 & 7 which is a Monday/Tuesday.  That will be it until 2009.

Last item up for bid…I received no input from last month on how we can do things better. L  I realize that everyone is busy with their lives.  I will graciously enjoy the time you allow the Marine Corps League functions to be in your life.  Thank you for your continued support…

I will continue to be available for any suggestions or the need for help.  My phone is 998-9031 and my email is randyottjr@yahoo.com. 

OhhRahh!!!

Semper Fi,

Randy

CHAPLAINS REPORT:  Chaplain, Bill Town, reports that Ben Taylor is feeling well, but needs to get up and walk more.  Ann Taylor’s broken wrist is healing up.  Val Ritter’s platelets are still low, but are coming up gradually.  Otis Dennis reported to Chaplain Town that it was way too hot in the Tri-Cities.  Norm Sanborn is getting around well but his triglycerides are low.  Chaplain Town tried to call Ray Moon, but there was no contact.  Dave and Carol Hamm are doing well, Carol’s cataract surgery was a success.  Wayne and Dora Fish are doing as best as can be expected.  Kay Morse is at home recovering from knee surgery.  Chaplain Town also reported on himself:  He had a root canal a couple of weeks ago and he needs to clear up an infection before he can have his shoulder surgery.

Devil Dog Growl, September 13, 2008, 0900, at VFW Post #51.  Paula will be there to let us in.

No breakfast charges due to the fact that there will be no breakfast served.  Eat before

you come or after - your choice. 

Woof Woof, Doug

From the desk of the Senior/Junior Past

A quiet month it has been.  Attended the Detachment picnic at the Bennett ranch.  Could have used a few more members in attendance to help dispose of the vittles.  Those that were there did their best to keep Jim and Judy from having to eat too many leftovers.  Next item up is the coffee stop scheduled for the weekend of September 5, 6, and 7, at Sprague Lake westbound, we are not asking for supplies as it looks like enough are on hand to get us through this one.  Do have a couple of openings if anyone would like to volunteer to work a shift.  Call me as I have the paperwork and will be opening, and closing and trying to do some fishing in between.  Remember we still have another this year, October 6 and 7, which is a Monday and Tuesday, sign up sheets will be available at the September meeting.  After this one it will be a long layoff as the only one on the schedule is for October 2009.  We will be eligible to apply for another upon completion of the one in September, but dates are not available for the summer months.

Devil Dog growl on September 13, since the turnout for the breakfast meetings has been down, another location is under consideration and notification will be by phone in a few days.

Your thought for the month:  "82.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot".  (Steven Wright)
Semper Fi,   Doug

Calendar of Coming Events

SENIOR VICE COMMANDANT’S REPORT

Greetings Marines!

Your Senior Vice is feeling well fed and satisfied. The annual Sr. Vice Barbeque went off without a hitch and if you missed it, you missed a good time. We had silver salmon from Alaska, Johnsonville Brauts, and hamburgers the way you like ‘em. This was complimented with lots of salads, pie and cake (and brownies, too!).

Among the attendees were: Dick and Donna, Doug and Linda, Dennis and Sam, George and Linda, George and Taz, Larry and Bobbie, Commandant Randy and Lorie and Morgan and Taylor, Rob and Tera, Caroline, Christina and Taylor, Gordon, and oh yeah, Jim and Judi.

We had a good competitive game going on the lawn and lots of conversation and good Marine camaraderie! I love to listen to two Marines get into a conversation. It may start with the weather, crops, or politics, but within minutes the brotherhood comes to the fore and we start sharing common experiences and values. I consider it an honor to be welcome in such an outstanding group. Semper Fidelis Marines, we’ll see you at the next meeting.

Jim Bennett

AUXILIARY MEMBERS DUES

      For those members who have not “gone life”, annual dues are $25.00/year.  Please either mail a check to Sam, or bring it to the September meeting.

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:

LIFE MEMBERSHIP/LEAGUE:  There was a change to one of the tiers for payment of Life Member Fees made at the national convention in Orlando.  Where the age 41 to 50 indicates the fee goes up in January 2009 to $400 it has been reduced to $350.  Don’t ask me why; half of what happens at the convention doesn’t always make sense to me.  I am running the current charge and the amended chart for Jan 2009^$ again so every one is aware of the increase of the fees.

^$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.

Food for thought (yeah, I know, a bad pun)

In lieu of a Regular Business meeting October 9^th at 1900, I would like to encourage a Potluck dinner at 1800, brief meeting after…Any takers???  Bring a dish, side or dessert.  Please send suggestions to Randy.  If this doesn’t sound good, then let me know that as well.

Birthday Ball Reminder:  USMC Birthday Ball on November 8^th hosted by “P” Battery, 5/14 at the Spokane Convention Center.  USMC Birthday November 10^th.  We are going to be 233 years old this year.  I don’t think we look a day over 200.  I believe that Commandant Ott has Emailed the I&I Staff and invited them to come to our meeting this month to give us an update on the ball.

Vincent Dicerto

10620 West 12^th Avenue

Spokane, WA  99224

Stewart Eggers

401 East 12^th

Spokane, WA  99202-1107

Dale R. Hall

340 West 32^nd Street

Yuma, AZ  85364

Edward Bell

PO Box 847

Priest River, ID 83856

William Jobb

15219 East 36^th Avenue

Veradale, WA  99037

NEW NATIONAL OFFICERS:  Well, sort of.  At the National Convention officers were installed for the coming year.  Jim Laskey, the Senior Vice Commandant, from Rhode Island, ran unopposed for, and was elected to, the position of National Commandant.  Junior Vice Commandant Vic Voltaggio, from Florida, ran unopposed for, and was elected to National Senior Vice Commandant.  Judge Advocate Jim Tuohy, of Michigan, ran unopposed for, and was elected to, the position of Nation Junior Vice Commandant. 

There was a three way race for National Judge Advocate.  John Kovalcik of South Carolina, Glen Barry Evans of Tennessee and Dennis Dressler from Spokane, Washington campaigned for the NJA position.  Half way through the roll call vote Glen Barry Evans withdrew from the race.  John Kovalcik was elected the National Judge Advocate.

DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, MCL FALL STAFF MEETING:  On the Calendar of Coming Events this is listed as being on the 3^rd and 4^th of October.  The 3^rd of October is normally a social gathering in the evening for camaraderie and decompressing from the day (for those from Yakima) or from traveling for the rest of us.  The actual staff meeting is conducted on Saturday morning, with a joint opening of the League and Auxiliary at 1000.  By mid-afternoon the Staff Meeting is usually completed and there is generally a Growl of the Washington Pack, Military Order of Devil Dogs that follows.  Some folks go home after that, and others stay the evening for more camaraderie, and perhaps dinner, with old friends and then make the trip home the following morning.

The Staff Meeting is held at the Oxford Inns and Suites and there is a good room rate if you remember to tell the hotel that you are there with the Marine Corps League.  The hotel has an indoor pool and a hot tub so remember to bring your swimming suits with you.  Contact information for the hotel is: Oxford Suites Yakima Hotel 1701 E. Yakima Ave • Yakima, Washington 98901 Phone: (509) 457-9000 • Fax: (509) 576-9757 Toll Free: (800) 404-SUITE.  The website for the hotel is: http:// www.oxfordsuitesyakima.com/ 

DETACHMENT OFFICERS 2008 – 2009

UNIT OFFICERS 2008 - 2009

League Minutes of the Last Meeting

Auxiliary Minutes of the Last Meeting--None available for August

Return Home