mail call may 2012

MAY 2012 Vol. 04

Editor Joe Hughes

Meetings: 4th Wed. of the Month VFW Post 7397 9550 Pflumm in Lenexa, KS 66215 http://www.mclopks.org Officers: Commandant: Marcia Sands [email protected] Senior Vice: Jim Denton [email protected] Junior Vice: John Byrnes [email protected] J.A.G.: Rick Hinrichs [email protected] PAY./ADJ.: Bill Clinton [email protected] Chaplain: Joe Hughes [email protected] SGT. at Arms: Dave Wood [email protected]

This month has been a sad one for our detachment. We lost two of our members: Fred Miller and George Walker. I am glad to say that we had a good turnout for their Fallen Marine ceremonies. We had fifteen of our Marines participate in Fred’s ceremony, and thirteen Marines for George’s ceremony. Thank you to those who attended. I’m sure their families were appreciative of our presence. The streets of Heaven are guarded by some more good Marines. The May meeting is also our Installation (of officers) Dinner. There will be a short meeting with the installation, then we will have dinner. Your spouse or significant other is invited to join us, as usual. The cost is $12.00 per person. Contact Bill Clinton or John Byrnes by May 20th if you plan to attend. On May 19th, there will be a Veterans’ Appreciation program at 1100 at the Greenwood Terrace Retirement Living Center (11150 Greenwood Street, Lenexa) in Lenexa, KS. Veterans of all

Detachment Commandant’s Messageservices are invited to attend. There will be a free meal afterwards (at 1230) for veterans and their spouses. Call by Friday, May 18, to reserve your meal (913-345-9969). Please read about Platoons Forward (and the special effort being made from May 23 –May 29) in this Mail Call. We are hoping to send these boxes to Marine units, so we especially want our Marines to help collect items and box them up. Thanks to the following Marines for coming out and marching in the Spirit of Mission parade: Frank McGough, Porky Romero, Mike Davidson, and Don Marsolek. It would have been great if more Marines had participated. Our annual picnic will be in June. Be sure to check the calendar other upcoming events. Semper Fi , Marcia Sands Commandant

Mail Call Marine Corps League - Gen. Larry Oppenheimer Detachment #1025

Marine Corps League Mission Statement: Members of the Marine Corps League join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the interests of the United States Marine Corps, banding together those who are now serving in the United States Marine Corps and those who have been honorably discharged from that service that they may effectively promote the ideals of American freedom and democracy, voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to all Marines and former Marines and to their widows and orphans; and to perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines.

MAY 2012 Vol 04 Mail Call

Semper Fi of 12 Gen. Larry Oppenheimer Detachment #1025

KA-BAR Knife History

The original KA-BAR United States Marine Corps World War II Knife is "an American legend."

Ask World War II Marines what knife they depended on during the war and you will get only one answer - a KA-BAR! This is the story of one of the world's most famous military knives. On December 9, 1942, after the start of World War II, KA-BAR submitted a military/utility knife to the United States Marine Corps in hopes that it would become general issue to that branch of the military. At the first signs of offensive operation on Guadalcanal, Marines received a Marine Raider Stiletto, made by another company (after the shipment had first been delivered, in error, to San Francisco). The Marines weren't happy with this knife, and soon a new, improved military/utility knife - the KA-BAR - was under production. These knives soon became the prized possession of every fighting Marine. Marines depended on it for a combat weapon and for such everyday tasks as pounding tent stakes, driving nails, opening ration cans, digging foxholes, and of course, defending their lives. A KA-BAR was constantly at the side of a Marine. The dependability and quality of the wartime KA-BARS were the result of a stringent approach to their production. In addition to the contact on-premised quality control procedures of the U.S.M.C. and Navy Supply Depot inspectors, Dan Brown, then president of KA-BAR, and the entire KA-BAR company, were dedicated to making this knife their contribution to the war effort. As a result of this personal involvement, the KA-BAR knife met all types of tests without failing. Even tough Marine Corps and Navy tests were supplemented by additional trials: driving the knife deep into a 6" x 6" timber and straining the blade back and forth at extreme angles, constantly testing edge retention in cutting through all types of materials, and submitting the leather handles to severe atmospheric and corrosion tests to be sure they would hold up under cold, heat, or jungle rot without loosening or decomposing. The many thousands of KA-BARS produced during World War II performed well, and the people at KA-BAR were proud of the reports that came back from all areas of operations. As the war escalated, the demand for these knives was so great that the KA-BAR factory alone could not keep up. The government assigned several knife companies to create similar knives as supplemental pieces. Among these companies were Camillus, Robeson, and Pal. KA-BAR's wartime production totaled more than one million. The KA-BAR knives became so well recognized for their quality and so abundant in number that "Kabar" became the reference to the entire knife pattern, regardless of whether the knife was manufactured at the KA-BAR facility. During World War II, the KA-BAR Fighting Knife earned the greatest respect, not only from the Marines, but also from those who served in the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Underwater Demolition Teams, all of whom were eventually issued the U.S.M.C. KA-BARS.



Years later, during the Korean, Vietnam, and Desert Storm conflicts, many KA-BARS were informally re-activated into military service, as World War II veterans remembered how well the knife served them and passed their personal KA-BARS onto their children. The Commemorative KA-BAR World War II ended and KA-BAR Military Knives went out of production for 32 years. At that time, the original KA-BAR factory in Olean, New York, and some of the craftsmen who worked on the original knife began production again to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. KA-BAR wanted to recognize this great milestone in U.S.M.C. history by issuing a "full dress" model of the original KA-BAR, a limited edition that would be meaningful to the Marines. Throughout the production of the commemorative knife, a few KA-BAR senior employees proudly performed the same tasks they had worked on during the war effort, 1942-1945. The completed knives were a true work of art and spirit, retaining the look, feel, and performance of a battle-ready combat knife. KA-BAR was proud to present Serial No. 1 to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. This knife is now on display in the U.S.M.C. Museum at Quantico. KA-BAR comes back The U.S.M.C. Commemorative was so enthusiastically received that it became obvious that the old KA-BAR Military/Utility Knife had retained its reputation throughout the years. The limited production Commemorative was quickly taken up by Marines, knife enthusiasts, and collectors, and KA-BAR knew that it should now be returned to production, in its standard issue form, with all of the original specifications. Fortunately, the original blueprints were in the company archives. So the "fighting KA-BAR" got back into its original gear and today it continues to be a favorite among Marines who adopt it as their own personal option knife and carry it into active service. The KA-BAR is also a favorite of adventurers, survivalists, outdoor sportsmen, and knife collectors who know that this knife is an "American legend." How KA-BAR became KA-BAR Soon after its introduction, the KA-BAR trademark became widely known and respected. There have been many versions of how the KA-BAR name was adopted, but all evidence points to a letter received from a fur trapper. This particular fur trapper's testimonial turned out to be one of the most significant ever received by the Company. He wrote, in very rough English, that his gun had jammed and that he had therefore relied on his knife to kill a wounded bear that was attacking him. In thanking the company for their quality product, the trapper described using his knife to "kill a bar." The way his writing was scrawled across the paper it looked like "ka bar." The company adapted his writing and adopted it as their trademark, KA-BAR. Read the complete company history at: http://www.kabar.com/history



This Month in Marine Corps History 2 May 1946: Marines from Treasure Island Marine Barracks, under the command of Warrant Officer Charles L. Buckner, aided in suppressing the three-day prison riot at Alcatraz Penitentiary in San Francisco Bay. WO Buckner, a veteran of the Bougainville and Guam campaigns, ably led his force of Marines without suffering a single casualty. 5 May 1983: In Beirut, Lebanon, a UH-1N helicopter carrying the commander of the American peace-keeping force, Colonel James Mead, was hit by machine gun fire. The six Marines aboard escaped injury. Colonel Mead and his crew had taken off in the helicopter to investigate artillery and rocket duels between rival Syrian-backed Druze Moslem militiamen and Christian Phalangists that endangered French members of the multinational force. 8 May 1995: In the wake of the most devastating storm to hit the New Orleans area in more than 200 years, a group of Marines and sailors from Marine Forces Reserve demonstrated the quick response synonymous with the Navy/Marine Corps team. Within 24 hours of being called, Marines assisted in the evacuation of 2,500 civilians, and Navy corpsmen treated scores of flood victims. 10 May 1945: The 22d Marines, 6th Marine Division, executed a pre-dawn attack south across the Asa River Estuary and seized a bridgehead from which to continue the attack toward Naha, the capital of Okinawa. 15 May 1862: Corporal John Mackie, the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor, was commended for service in the USS GALENA during action against Confederate shore batteries at Drewry's Bluff which blocked the James River approaches to Richmond. 16 May 1945: The 22d and 29th Marines continued the attack against Half Moon Hill, a day characterized by the 6th Marine Division as the "bitterest" of the Okinawa campaign. By the 18th, the famed "Shuri line" had been broached.

18 May 1967: Operation Hickory was an operation conducted by the United States Marine Corps in the area around Con Thien, South Vietnam known as Leatherneck Square from May 18, 1967 until May 28, 1967. During the course of the fighting Marine casualties were 142 killed 896 wounded while the NVA suffered 304 killed, unknown number wounded and 30 taken as prisoner of war.

22 May 1912: First Lieutenant Alfred A. Cunningham, the first Marine officer to be assigned to "duty in connection with aviation" by Major General Commandant William P. Biddle, reported for aviation training at the Naval Aviation Camp at Annapolis, Maryland, and Marine aviation had its official beginning. 23 May 1988: The V-22 Osprey, the world's first production tilt-rotor aircraft, made its debut during rollout ceremonies at Bell Helicopter Textron's Arlington, Texas, facility. More than 1,000 representatives from the military, industry, and media, gathered to hear various speakers, including Gen Alfred Gray, Commandant of the Marine Corps, praise the versatile rotor craft designed to meet the needs of 21st Century battlefields. 26 May 1969: Operation Pipestone Canyon began when the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines and 3d Battalion, 5th Marines began sweeps in the Dodge City/Go Noi areas southwest of Da Nang. It terminated at the end of June with 610 enemy killed in action at a cost of 34 Marines killed. 29 May 1991: Elements of a joint task force that included the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade departed the Bay of Bengal off the coast of Bangladesh after nearly two weeks of disaster relief operations following a devastating cyclone. The joint task force delivered tons of relief supplies using helicopters, C-130s, and landing craft in Operation Sea Angel.



Please convey information on sick and distressed to Chaplain Joe Hughes at 913/ 894-2006 or email: [email protected]

Sick & Distressed

Fallen Marine (Reported by Ken Fain)

January 06, 2012 - Richard Karl Davis

January 20, 2012 - Maurice L. Gilchrist

February 12, 2012 - Chancey V. Meeks

February 27, 2012 - Dwayne L. Boice

February 29, 2012 - Orson R. Rau

March 01, 2012 - William T. Moore Jr.

March 03, 2012 - William E. Studyvin April 25,2012 - Fred E. Miller (a member of our detachment) May 1, 2012 - Robert R. Friedman May 3, 2012 - James S. Pipe May 6, 2012 - George Walker (a member of our detachment)

“There's no such thing as a former Marine. You're a Marine, just in a different uniform and you're in a different phase of your life. But you'll always be a Marine because you went to Parris Island, San Diego, or the hills of Quantico. So there's no such thing as a former Marine."

Veterans Affairs – KC VA Hospital Per Voluntary Services, the VA now needs women's hair products, disposable men's razors, and coffee along with the usual men's underwear & socks needs. Note, this is an ongoing need. PLEASE BRING SOME ITEMS TO OUR MCL MEETING. Thank you, Contact: Gonzalo Reyes THE BATHTUB TEST During a visit to my doctor, I asked him, “How do you determine whether or not an older person should be put in an old age home?” “Well,” he said, “we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket and ask that person to empty the bathtub.” “Oh, I understand,” I said. “A normal person would use the bucket because it is bigger than the spoon or the teacup.” “No” he said. “A normal person would pull the plug.



Notes Reminder, we will be having meetings every Wednesday from 6-8:30 pm EXCEPT the 4th Wednesday of the month. Unit: www.ncymks.com/ National: www.youngmarines.com MCL Contacts: Marcia Sands Steve Thomas Jim Welchert

New Century Young Marines

VA Volunteer Services Help in Clinics, Escort Patients, Bingo & Activities, Shuttle Drivers, etc…. Volunteer Orientation: Every Wed 9a.m-11a.m. RM M1-271 816-922-2025 ext 135 [email protected] Or: Mr. Art Peter at 816- 331-4622 (MCL Deputy VS at KC VA Med)

Detachment Calendar May 23, 2012 – MCL Meeting @ 07:00PM @ VFW Lenexa (Officers Installation Dinner) May 23 – May 28, 2012 – Platoons Forward Afghanistan – See details on Page 8 May 28, 2012 – Memorial Day Ceremony ( 21 gun salute & Taps )

@ VFW – 01:00PM – to pay homage to our fallen comrades. June 9, 2012 – Marine Corps Picnic – See page 7 for details June 13, 2012 – MCL Officers Meeting @ 07:00PM @ VFW Lenexa June 22, 2012 – ‘Charlie’ Company 1/4

National Memorial Reunion Steak Dinner @ VFW 06:00PM – 08:00PM ($12.00 / person)

June 27, 2012 – MCL Yearly Picnic @ VFW – 06:00PM @5.00 /person, children under 12 free Need head count by June 20th – Contact Bill Clinton Bring a covered dish or desert



Saturday, June 9, 2012 1100—1700 (Chow to be served at 1230)

Richards-Gebaur AFB Picnic Area (71 Hwy @ 155th Street Exit West on 155th)

(1st left after light)

Marine Reunion

Make Checks Payable to: Kansas City Marine Reunion Additional Contact:: C/O Tom Mitchell Al Seroka 13816 State Rt 7 [email protected] Greenwood, MO 64034 Phone: (816) 809-8605 Phone: (816) 215-4853

Cost: Adults (17 & Up) $7.00 Children (7-16) $3.00 Children (Under 7) Free

Family Rate: $25.00 One-Time Charge (per invitation): $5.00

For planning purposes, please return this invitation with payment NO LATER THAN 31 May 2012

I plan to attend: (Yes / No): ________________________ Email Address: _________________________________ Name:________________________________________ One-Time Initiation Fee $5.00 (First year only): _________ Number of Adults @ $7.00: ________________________ Number of Children (7-16)@ $3.00: __________________ Number of Children (under age 7): ___________________ Family Rate $25.00 (list # adults/# children): _________________ Total Amount forwarded: $____________

Price Includes: Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Brisket, Chicken, Baked Beans, Corn-on-the-cob, fixins Beer, soda, water provided To Dos: Please bring one side dish or dessert of your choice Bring lawn chairs and / or picnic blankets as seating at the shelter may be limited

Help Make the Reunion a Success Please Volunteer for one of these areas: Set Up: ____________________ Cook: _____________________ Clean-Up: __________________

I am unable to attend this year, but keep me on the list: _______________________________________________________ I am not interested in attending the KC Marine Reunion, please delete my name from your mailing list: _______________

Activities: • Kids Games

• Playground

• Volleyball

• Horseshoes

• Bring your own balls, gloves, games, etc



THE “PLATOONS FORWARD” INITIATIVE – Afghanistan VFW Post 7397 “Special Project” Packers Needed @ VFW Lenexa: MCL members, spouses, and friends volunteer for a time slot Dates: May 24 – 28 Time: 01:00PM - 02:00PM Shifts: 2 hours ( or longer if you can stay ) @ Lenexa VFW Post Collection / Greeters Needed: MCL members, spouses, and friends volunteer for a time slot Dates: May 23 – 28 Time: 11:00AM - 07:00PM Shifts: 2 hours ( or longer if you can stay ) Select a store from the list of Walmart’s below. Walmart: 13600 S Alden St, Olathe, KS Walmart: 11701 Metcalf Ave., Shawnee Mission, KS Walmart: 1701 W. 133rd St., Kansas City, MO Walmart: 15700 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS Walmart: 1200 W. Santa Fe St., Olathe, KS Walmart: 13600 S Alden St, Olathe, KS Walmart: 1555 E. Santa Fe St, Gardner, KS Walmart: 10303 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS CONTACT: Joe Hughes to sign-up for a time(s) to help.

- Provide your date, volunteer time(s), name & phone number, activity, include store if greeter. -

Email: [email protected] Phone: 913-894-2006 “Platoons Forward” needs collection items in two areas: I. Product Donations such as:

Hygiene Items: wipes, soap, razors, shaving cream Prepared Food: microwave popcorn, cup of soup, ramen noodles, jerky, canned fruit, soup and chili with

pop top lids Candy: gum, hard candy, gummy bears, Skittles Snacks: mixed nuts, dried fruit, trail mix, power, fruit and granola bars Boot Socks: sizes 8-12, especially preferred is the Under Armor brand Hand Warmers: used by gunners sitting in open turrets, holding the cold metal of their weapons all night

Books and Magazines: paperback books are preferred as are sports/auto/outdoor magazines II. Direct Cash Donations to be utilized for our shipping costs (estimated to be $12.98 per box or $15,000 total for 2012)



LITTLE KNOWN BUT TRUE TIDBIT OF NAVAL HISTORY

The U. S. S. Constitution (Old Iron-sides), as a combat vessel, carried 48,600 gallons of fresh water

for her crew of 475 officers and men. This was sufficient to last six months of sustained operations at sea. She carried no evaporators (i.e. fresh water distillers). However, let it be noted that according to her ship's log, "On July 27, 1798, the U.S. S. Constitution sailed from Boston with a full complement of 475 officers and men, 48,600 gallons of fresh water, 7,400 cannon shot, 11,600 pounds of black powder and 79,400 gallons of rum." Her mission: "To destroy and harass English shipping." Making Jamaica on 6 October, she took on 826 pounds of flour and 68,300 gallons of rum. Then she headed for the Azores, arriving there 12 November. She provisioned with 550 pounds of beef and 64,300 gallons of Portuguese wine. On 18 November, she set sail for England. In the ensuing days she defeated five British men-of-war and captured and scuttled 12 English merchant ships, salvaging only the rum aboard each. By 26 January, her powder and shot were exhausted. Nevertheless, although unarmed she made a night raid up the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. Her landing party captured a whisky distillery and transferred 40,000 gallons of single malt Scotch aboard by dawn. Then she headed home. The U. S. S. Constitution arrived in Boston on 20 February 1799, with no cannon shot, no food, no powder, no rum, no wine, no whisky, and 38,600 gallons of water. “Thank God” Marines were onboard to prioritize the loading of necessary supplies.



I encourage submissions of any announcements, pictures, stories, to the editor from detachment members. Deadline for all submissions by the 10th of every month. Remember, if you are involved in any community service work on behalf of our beloved Marine Corps, please send me a photo and some information for the Mail Call. Email: Joe Hughes – [email protected], Phone: 913-894-2006 Please welcome & support our new advertisers

From the Desk of the Editor

Calling: Rick Hinrichs

Ceremonial: Marcia Sands (pro tem)

Community Affairs: OPEN – volunteer needed

Donations: Bill Clinton

Facilities: Jim Denton

Fallen Marines: Ken Fain

Fundraising: John Winter

Historian: Lee Reynolds

Marines In Need: Bill Clinton

Mail Call: Joe Hughes

Supply: John Byrnes

Toy’s for Tot’s Bill Clinton

Veteran’s Affairs (VA): Gonzalo Reyes

Young Marines: Jim Welchert / Steve Thomas / Marcia Sands

Youth: Mike Swearingen

Standing Committees – Volunteers Needed



PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR LOYAL SUPPORTERS



Bob Allen Ford 9239 Metcalf Ave.

Overland Park, KS 66212 (913) 381-3000

“Toys for Tot’s Sponsor”

PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR LOYAL SUPPORTERS

mail call may 2012

Documents

marine corps league

good marines

following marines

marine units

fallen marine ceremonies

larry oppenheimer detachment

kabar knife history

john byrnes