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

Greetings Marines!

We just returned to Spokane after our annual Alaska vacation. This year we traveled to Dawson City, Yukon.  Look it up on the map.  It is way up in northern Canada. And yet, we had to go through customs at the border.

Even in Dawson City I got a Semper Fi and a firm handshake from another Marine!

Traveling by car I like to read bumper stickers.

Recent favorites:

“Pacifism is a luxury paid for by warriors”

“If you can’t stand behind the troops, feel free to stand in front of them”

“Marine, your best friend, your worst enemy” and

“Whether you are a, backpacker, angler, hunter, or hiker, you will benefit from learning more about bears” (Ok, that made more sense in Alaska.)

Summer is about over, and we look forward to a busy fall. See you all at the Detachment meeting.

Semper Fi!

Your Commandant,

Jim Bennett

448-2175

Senior Vice:  At my first meeting as senior vice I was standing in for Commandant Jim Bennett while he was on a fishing trip to Alaska, I enjoyed myself very much. I think that it was only because of all the support on the floor. I hope that are next meeting September 10 we will learn more about the upcoming Marine Corps Ball and the Toys for Tots search for a building to work out of. I also want to thank all who came out for the meeting and welcome aboard our new member, Greg Hausen.
                                               

                                    Semper Fi, Hank Melanson

Junior Vice:  Because of the great shortage of toys last year I have come up with a plan to give us a head start.  I challenge all marines to bring a new toy or stuffed animal to every league meeting.  The response was minimal in August but there is always hope it will increase every month.  Please consider bringing a toy to the September meeting.  There are children who will appreciate your doing so. 

SEMPER FI, Pat Rowand. 

Jr. Past's Comments...

I want to thank all who traveled to the rest areas for our 2 stops in August.  I missed out as we went East for our family time in Wisconsin.  I'm not sure about Mother Nature, but she followed us the whole way.  Up until we got to WI, July was the coldest month on record.  Not to mention the dang humidity.  All in all it was a great trip. 

I would like to apologize for my delays in getting things out to our members for renewals and such, but with school here this week, I have had a very full plate.  I will work out the deals to make sure I get back on track.  As for our schedules, I hope everyone is getting hungry for breakfast in October.  I need a few more food handlers so contact me so you can get your permits to serve breakfast. 

I can always be reached at my cell phone 998-9031.  I may be in class, but I will return your call. 

Semper Fi, Randy

COFFEE STOP

This will be the coffee stop report.  In the past month two coffee stop parties have been held, the first was a weekend 3 day the second was a mid-week 2 day.  The report on the first was given at the monthly meeting in August.  The financial report for the second will be given at the September monthly meeting.  Overall results were good and we still have one more to do this year.  Mark your calendars for the weekend of September 25, 26 & 27.  Randy should have the sign up sheet at the September meeting.  After the first coffee stop I called the scheduling lady in Davenport, no weekends were available for 2010 so we are scheduled for a three day on July 6, 7, & 8, 2010, at the Sprague Lake eastbound.  My thanks to all who signed up and showed up to cover their shifts on the last two.

Semper Fi,  Doug

Chaplain’s Report:  Ben Taylor is doing fine.  Val Ritter is feeling good.  Otis Dennis is staying out of the heat.  Dave and Carol Hamm are doing fine.  Carol went to her high school reunion and there were only two from the Class of 1939; their in-home caregiver traveled with them.  Bill Town is still waiting on his surgery for his shoulder which is getting worse; also, there are still more skin cancers to deal with.

Sunday (8/30) afternoon we received an email from Jenny Williams, Ann Whitney’s daughter.  Ann was taken to the VA Hospital on Wednesday, Aug. 26.  She is in room #543.  Tests are being run to determine whether it might have been a stroke or a seizure.  She can be reached through the main VA phone number 434-7000. 

Member could use visits at the VAMC Spokane:  While several members of the Auxiliary and the Detachment were hosting the picnic for the patients at the Nursing Home Care Unit, their families and staff, we were contacted and advised there was a Marine Captain in Room 150 of the Hospice.  Several members went to visit and we found out the Marine is our very own Gaylord Thomson.  His daughter, who asked if anyone would visit, was unaware her father was a member of the Marine Corps League.  Marine Thomson will welcome any member of Melvin M. Smith who would care to visit. 

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Judge Advocate:  If you wonder what took place at the National Convention regarding by-laws, administrative procedures and various enclosures to those documents please review the recap posted on the unofficial Department of Washington website located at www.washingtonmarines.org .

PICNIC AT THE VA HOSPITAL:  Thanks to all those that turned out to help with this annual event.  A slightly smaller group of volunteers than normal, but we pulled it off.  Thanks go out to Norm Sanborn, Ted Siekerman, Mary Lou Nelson, Doug & Linda Shurtleff, Dennis & Sam Dressler, Hank Melanson, Tera, Carolyn & Christine Nielson, Jim & Judi Bennett, Jim, Mandi & Jacob Stailey and Jerry Hood (Jerry is with the Air Force Sgt’s Association and head of the VAVS Executive Board).  Special thanks to Colene Rubertt for underwriting the expenses.  Also, many thanks to the kitchen staff who prepped all the food for us.

We served approximately 70 patients, families of patients and staff members.  Heard many good comments from patients and their families; the patients really enjoy the break from the regular diet.

“We don’t promise you a rose garden”

 Did you ever wonder about the drill instructor in this iconic recruiting poster?  Like many of that era he did not remain on active duty until retirement.  Currently he has been working at the gift shop at Parris Island and has no insurance.  He is facing huge medical bills due to cancer treatments.  If you are interested in making a donation to assist him with expenses, please contact your editors for information.

Thanks to all of you who participated in the School Supply Project by giving us supplies for school age kids.   Thanks so much to Camp Fire USA for giving us a place to put our donations.  Melvin M. Smith Unit Past President, Coleen Rubertt, is the Director of Camp Fire USA, so she has set this program up like Toys For Tots.  Families called into Camp Fire and orders were made out; we filled the orders and placed them in alphabetical order on the floor; the families were called when the orders were ready, and the people came in and picked them up.  We filled orders for grades K to 12.  There were 135 families with 389 kids and 20 agencies that received school supplies.   WOO HOO!!   Next year let's try to make this campaign even bigger!!   A BIG thank you to Christine and Mackenzie Nielson, for joining me in a few fun hours of helping out with this worth while project.  Life was made much easier for those who couldn't afford school supplies for their kids.

Linda Shurtleff

Auxiliary members who have not gone “Life”, dues are due September 1.  Please bring to the September meeting, or send to Sam.  Renewal is $25.00

SEPTEMBER MARINE HISTORY

Calendar of Coming Events

MEDAL OF HONOR MOMENT:  Major Bruce P. Campbell

Rank: Major; Organization: U.S. Army; Company: Co A, 229th Assault Helicopter Bn; Division: 1st Cavalry Div

Born: Olympia, Washington, 1933

Date of Issue: 02/26/2007

Place / Date: Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam, 14 Nov 1965

Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Major Bruce P. Crandall distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism as a Flight Commander in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

On 14 November 1965, his flight of sixteen helicopters was lifting troops for a search and destroy mission from Plei Me, Vietnam, to Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley. On the fourth troop lift, the airlift began to take enemy fire, and by the time the aircraft had refueled and returned for the next troop lift, the enemy had Landing Zone X-Ray targeted. As Major Crandall and the first eight helicopters landed to discharge troops on his fifth troop lift, his unarmed helicopter came under such intense enemy fire that the ground commander ordered the second flight of eight aircraft to abort their mission.

As Major Crandall flew back to Plei Me, his base of operations, he determined that the ground commander of the besieged infantry battalion desperately needed more ammunition. Major Crandall then decided to adjust his base of operations to Artillery Firebase Falcon in order to shorten the flight distance to deliver ammunition and evacuate wounded soldiers. While medical evacuation was not his mission, he immediately sought volunteers and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, led the two aircraft to Landing Zone X-Ray. Despite the fact that the landing zone was still under relentless enemy fire, Major Crandall landed and proceeded to supervise the loading of seriously wounded soldiers aboard his aircraft.

Major Crandall's voluntary decision to land under the most extreme fire instilled in the other pilots the will and spirit to continue to land their own aircraft, and in the ground forces the realization that they would be resupplied and that friendly wounded would be promptly evacuated. This greatly enhanced morale and the will to fight at a critical time. After his first medical evacuation, Major Crandall continued to fly into and out of the landing zone throughout the day and into the evening. That day he completed a total of 22 flights, most under intense enemy fire, retiring from the battlefield only after all possible service had been rendered to the Infantry battalion. His actions provided critical resupply of ammunition and evacuation of the wounded.

Major Crandall's daring acts of bravery and courage in the face of an overwhelming and determined enemy are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Department of Washington Staff Meeting will be held on Saturday 3 October in Yakima at the Oxford Suites.  There usually is a hospitality time set aside the evening before for Marines and their spouses to gather and enjoy the camaraderie that is unique to Marines.  Following the Staff Meeting on Saturday there is a Growl of the Washington Pack, Military Order of Devil Dogs.  The Staff Meeting, while officially for the elected leadership and the appointed officers, is where you have an opportunity to see what is going on in the rest of Washington and you are invited to add your input on the subjects that come to the floor.  The location is 1701 E Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98901. The rooms are fairly good sized, have a microwave, refrigerator and cable TV. There is a complimentary breakfast each morning; the property has both an indoor pool and a hot tub and there is internet available in the rooms.  Please call 1-509-457-9000; make sure you tell them you are coming for the Marine Corps League meeting in order to get the negotiated price.  An added bonus is that all the rooms face the Yakima River.

Men from Magpie 91 returned home at last.  JONATHAN DART.  Sept 1, 2009

Honour guard... the bodies of Pilot Officer Robert Carver and Flying Officer Michael Herbert, who were missing in Vietnam, were repatriated yesterday morning. Photo: Nick Moir

FLYING Officer Michael Herbert had less than 80 days' service left in Vietnam when he left the Phan Rang Air Base on November 3, 1970, for a bombing mission on the Laotian border.  He did not return until yesterday, when his body and that of his navigator, Pilot Officer Robert Carver, both 24, were repatriated. They were welcomed with family tears and an honour guard from their former comrades. The two men are the last Australian soldiers of the Vietnam War to have been found and repatriated - an event, said the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Personnel, Greg Combet, that marks the end of an era.

About 300 veterans, members of the airmen's families, current servicemen and dignitaries - including Mr. Combet, the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin, and the Opposition Leader, Malcolm Turnbull - attended the ceremony at Richmond air base where the bodies were flown from Hanoi.  An air force recovery mission found the bodies on July 31, in the wreck of their Canberra bomber on a remote hillside in Quang Nam province in Vietnam. Their RAAF Canberra aircraft, call-sign Magpie 91, crashed in dense jungle on a hillside near the border with Laos.  Shane Herbert said yesterday dealing with his brother's death had been difficult for his family.  ''He loved flying; he was doing what he loved to do. I always had a sense that this day could occur and the finding of the wreckage was the first significant step and from then after, the steps just kept falling into place.''  For Adrian Slootjes and Des Hyde, who served in 2 Squadron alongside Flying Officer Herbert and Pilot Officer Carver, yesterday marked the end of a mission they started 29 years ago.

For four days they tried to find their missing mates. ''It was full-on flying and we got grounded in the end because the boss said, 'You blokes are too tired, you're going to have to stop all this','' Mr. Slootjes said.  Susanna Carver, Pilot Officer Carver's sister-in-law, said the repatriation should be seen as a token of goodwill to Vietnam veterans. ''Many of the veterans, when they came back to Australia, did not get the recognition they deserved and … it really added to the heartbreak to feel that his comrades hadn't been treated the way they should have been,'' she said.  Private funerals will be held this week for both men in their home towns of Glenelg, South Australia, and Toowoomba, Queensland.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald

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