mail call october 2011

Semper Fi

October 2011

Editor Joe Hughes

Meetings: 4th Wed. of the Month American Legion Post 327 6521 Nieman Road, Shawnee, KS 913-631-7710 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: Kevin Elmer [email protected]

Here it is, already October. Soon we will be getting into the holiday spirit and working on Toys for Tots. But before we do that, let’s get one last parade in before the weather gets cold: the Veterans’ Day parade in Ottawa, Kansas on Saturday, November 5th. See the calendar for info. If you haven’t participated in a parade lately, please consider joining us for this one. Thanks to those of you who participated in the Overland Park Fall Festival Parade on Sept 24: Steve Thomas, Joe Padilla, Bob McFadden, Frank McGough, Joyce Campbell, Larry Booker, Porky Romero, Chuck Cammack, plus Jim Welchert and the Young Marines. We couldn’t have done it without you! The weather was beautiful at the Maple Leaf Festival in Baldwin City, KS on October 15. Thanks go to Steve Thomas, Frank McGough, Joe Padilla, Kevin Elmer, Larry Booker, plus Jim Welchert and the Young Marines. Veterans may not feel appreciated much of the time, but it is different at this time of year. There are many opportunities for free meals for

Detachment Commandant’s Messageveterans on Veterans’ Day (be sure to bring proof of your service with you). HyVee usually provides a free breakfast. Applebee’s gives veterans a free entrée (you pay for drinks and extras). McCormick & Schmick does a free meal. The Golden Corral provides a free meal (it’s a great buffet!), usually the Monday after Veterans’ Day. If you know of any others, bring that information to the October meeting and share it with the rest of us. Our Marine Corps Birthday celebration/dinner is coming up on November 9th. Be sure to sign up (and pay for it) as soon as possible. More info in this Mail Call. We are keeping the price as low as possible to ensure maximum participation. Be sure to join us for this event. There will be a short (5 minute?) meeting, and then we’ll go right into the celebration, to include the cake cutting ceremony. This is a good chance to join together with fellow Marines and celebrate our long and illustrious history. Semper Fi , Marcia Sands

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.

Mail Call

Semper Fi of 10

October 2011

Gen. Larry Oppenheimer Detachment #1025

Marine Corps Birthday Ball - Prior to 1921, Marines celebrated the recreation of the Corps on 11 July with little pomp or pageantry. On October 21, 1921, Major Edwin North McClellan, in charge the Corps's fledgling historical section, sent a memorandum to Commandant John A. Lejeune, suggesting the Marines’ original birthday of November 10 be declared a Marine Corps holiday to be celebrated throughout the Corps. Lejeune so ordered in Marine Corps Order 47:

MARINE CORPS ORDERS No. 47 (Series 1921) HEADQUARTERS U.S. MARINE CORPS Washington, November 1, 1921

759. The following will be read to the command on the 10th of November, 1921, and hereafter on the 10th of November of every year. Should the order not be received by the 10th of November, 1921, it will be read upon receipt.

1. On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name "Marine". In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.

2. The record of our corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation's foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war, and in the long eras of tranquility at home, generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven seas, that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.

3. In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.

This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the corps. With it we have also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps.

JOHN A. LEJEUNE, Major General Commandant 75705--21

The first formal ball was celebrated in 1925, though no records exist that indicate the proceedings of that event. Birthday celebrations would take varied forms, most included dances, though some accounts include mock battles, musical performances, pageants, and sporting events.

The celebrations were formalized and standardized by Commandant Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr. in 1952, outlining the cake cutting ceremony, which would enter the Marine Drill Manual in 1956. By tradition, the first slice of cake is given to the oldest Marine present, who in turn hands it off to the youngest Marine present, symbolizing the old and experienced Marines passing their knowledge to the new generation of Marines. The celebration also includes a reading of Marine Corps Order 47, republished every year, as well as a message from the current Commandant, and often includes a banquet and dancing if possible. In many cases, the birthday celebration will also include a pageant of current and historical Marine Corps uniforms, as a reminder of the history of the Corps. Another modern tradition includes a unit run on the 10th. Marines are reputed to celebrate the birthday, regardless of where they may be in the world, even in austere environments or combat.

In a more somber tradition, Samuel Nicholas's grave in the Arch Street Friends Meeting graveyard in Philadelphia is marked with a wreath at dawn by a group of Marines annually on November 10 to celebrate his role in the founding of the Corps.

Mail Call

Semper Fi of 10

October 2011


Marine Corps Birthday Celebration – November 9th Gen. Larry Oppenheimer Detachment Drinks 1800, Dinner 1900

Menu for the Marine Corps Birthday Dinner:

Baron of Beef

Seasoned Chicken Breasts

Au Gratin Potatoes

Green Beans and Corn

Caesar Salad

Rolls and Butter

Cost per person is $15.00 + preference of beef or chicken.

SIGN UP & MONEY DUE 26 OCTOBER MCL MEETING

Donations: Jim Denton : Soda

Bill Clinton : Cake

Caterer is Ralph Schneider who the league has used in the past and is currently the commander of the VFW post on Pflumm.

Mail Call

Semper Fi of 10

October 2011


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 David Yurkovich) Jan 22, 2011 - Sylvester Weitkamp (one of our new members in this last year)

Jan 25, 2011 - Paul R. Carpenter, MD

Feb 2, 2011 - Alva Byars (one of ours, of course)

Feb 7, 2011 - John M. Kissane

June 18, 2011 - John Steven Kearns

June 28, 2011 - Charles F. Walters

July 31, 2011 - Micheal R. Scherer 7-31-11

August 8, 2011 - William D. Kinsella 8-811

August 10, 2011 - David G Smith

August 31, 2011 - David M. Christy

September 9, 2011 - William R. Lyerla (certificate mailed)

September 13-11 Ivan J. Hurd

September 22-11 Charles O. Engelken

September 27-11 Charles Ross

September 27-11 Paul Soptic Sr.

Marine in Need Any member who is aware of a Marine or his family in need is asked to first submit a request in writing to Marine Pat O’Malley, of our Financial Assistance Review Committee, including a statement of the purpose, a cost estimate and the time period. Pat’s email is [email protected]; his address is 12412 Flint, Overland Park, KS 66213-2120. Phone (913) 451-1925 Marine Corps Scholarships & Funds Marine Corps League Foundation www.mclfoundation.org/scholarship_program.html Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation http://www.mcsf.org/ Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund http://semperfifund.org/

“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."

Mail Call

Semper Fi of 10

October 2011


Personal Plaque: Have you ever wished that along with the memories, photos and other items that you cherish of your Marine Corps career, you had a beautiful plaque of that special unit that you served in? Well, now you can! Marine Dennis Armstrong, one of our detachment members, is an expert at custom woodworking as you can see! He has graciously offered to make custom plaques (about 12" x 24") for any or all of our membership. Keeping in the Marine Corps brotherhood tradition, he is only going to charge our detachment for the actual materials; he is providing his talent at no charge! He can be reached at 913-244-7302. Cost $75.00. HyVee Gentlemen & Ladies, This fund raiser couldn't be easier and its beneficial to everyone you know including yourselves! The coupon book only costs you or a neighbor $5.00 and as you can see with the first coupon with a purchase of just $50.00 you or your neighbor gets their $5.00 back and has a whole book of valuable grocery coupons!Contact: Jim O'Connor - (913) 262-6661 - [email protected]

Detachment Fundraising

Saturday Oct 29 Neewollah Parade in Independence, Ks with Tornado Alley YM, and Salty Dawgs YM. Meet at 10am at Penn and Locus in Auto Zone Parking lot. Full uniform Red YM shirts. Wednesday November 9 Marine Corps birthday party. Happy Hour at 6pm, Dinner at 7pm. 63rd and Nieman in Shawnee. $15 per plate, parents welcome. RSVP as soon as possible to CO or XO. Saturday November 12 Marine Corps football game to kick off Toys for Tots. Location is the Blue Valley Sports Complex at 135th and Switzer. Football fields are on the North side of Switzer (next to bus lot). Time to report will be announced. Full uniform with red shirts. Upcoming Events We will be doing a Veterans Appreciation in Olathe in November. Be watching for communication on this event.

New Century Young Marines Toys for Tots

We will be working the weekends of Dec 3-4, 10-11, and 17-18 from 8-5. We will be scheduling workers at the 95th Street store and the Olathe Store. We will be moving YM and adult leaders around each weekend. 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

Mail Call

Semper Fi of 10

October 2011


SILENT AUCTION - October MCL Meeting Please bring an item(s) to be included in the selection of items to be auctioned. Proceeds go to our MCL Detachment.

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

SWEATSHIRTS AVAILABLE @ OCTOBER MEETING

Mail Call

Semper Fi of 10

October 2011


Saturday, November 5, 2011 – Veterans Day parade in Ottawa, KS – parade starts at 1045, and we will meet at 0945. 1st & Main, we will be at the front of the parade. Sunday, November 6, 2011 – Toys for Tots Bike Ride. Rawhide Harley Davidson Olathe – Volunteers Needed Wednesday, November 9, 2011 Marine Corps League Detachment USMC Birthday Party – Drinks 1800, Dinner 1900 Cost: $15.00 per person Thursday, November 10th - The Officers and Marines of The Lenexa Police Department request the pleasure of your company in celebrating the Two Hundred Thirty Sixth Marine Corps Birthday at 0645 hours. Lenexa Community Center, 13420 Oak, Lenexa, KS Please R.S.V.P. by email [email protected] Friday, November 11, 2011 - Veterans' Day Appreciation Event: Armour Oaks Senior Living Center, 8100 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Mo. Time: 1300-1600 Free refreshments Wear your M.C. League Uniform 5 Star Jazz Band will perform Saturday, November 12th, 2011 - The Toys for Tots Football game is all set to go. Show time is 0900. MCL Volunteers needed. Olathe Football Stadium. December, Toys for Tots @ Toys R Us – Dec 2, 3, 4 – Dec 9, 10, 11 – Dec 16, 17, 18 Volunteers needed Contact Bill Clinton ([email protected] / (913) 484-3078 for SHIFTS AM (0900 – 1300) or PM (1300 – 1800) available at both the Overland Park & Olathe stores MCL Seasonal Uniform Change Marine Corps League members are considered to be “in uniform” when wearing the red Marine Corps League cover. If we choose to wear the full uniform, then during the winter season (October 1 to April 1), we do not wear the short sleeved shirt. The winter uniform includes the long sleeved white shirt, black tie with tie clasp, and dress blue trousers with web belt, and red cover.

Detachment Calendar

Community Activities A volunteer is still needed for the Community Activities position if you are interested, please Contact Commandant Marcia Sands @ 913- 341-4339 [email protected]

Volunteers Needed

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)

Mail Call

Semper Fi of 10

October 2011


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

From the Desk of the Editor

Calling: Rick Hinrichs

Ceremonial: Marcia Sands (pro tem)

Community Affairs: OPEN – volunteer needed

Donations: Bill Clinton

Facilities: Billy Goodson

Fallen Marines: David Yurkovich

Fundraising: Jim O’Connor

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: Marcia Sands / Steve Thomas / Jim Welchert

Youth: Mike Swearingen

Standing Committees

Mail Call

Semper Fi of 10

October 2011


PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR LOYAL SUPPORTERS

Mail Call

Semper Fi of 10

October 2011


Available to Rent

Available to Rent

PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR LOYAL SUPPORTERS

mail call october 2011

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