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Commandant: John S. Rutovich Chartered November 28, 1945 Editor: Marc S. Dunne Volume 73, Issue 8 Chartered May 23, 1949 August 2012
Message From The Commandant:
We did very well at Wal-Mart, Westfield flag pin sales in June. Peo-
ple like to see us uniformed up. Once again; I want to encourage our
newer and/or younger members to Uniform Up and participate in your
Marine Corps League Detachment events. Great job at Wal-Mart in
Chicopee flag pin sales in July. We could have used a few more bodies.
The Westfield Fair is coming up, August 17-19; volunteer for assign-
ments and give Dan plenty of help.
Marc & Dan should be returning from Mobile, AL. as pedigrees if
they survive the havoc. Good luck Devil Dogs. All M1’s now have
leather slings, thanks Mac,/and two rear sights are being replaced by ar-
morer Kana.
A wheelchair ramp for Frank Real is in the works and should be
complete for his return home. Jack Ramsey is in for a second surgery
and chemotherapy. Keep them in your prayers.
Note! Officer nominations are coming up at our September 10th
meeting. Final nominations are at the October 8th meeting. Think
about serving your detachment. Are you MCL Inactive Reserve, Active
Reserve, Active Duty or Retired?
“Participation is not a dirty word”
May God be with the Warriors of yesterday and today as they serve
the United States of America.
Semper Fi,
John S. Rutovich
Commandant
Scuttlebutt Newsletter of the Westfield River Valley Detachment 141
Serving the Greater Springfield Area
Hampden & Hampshire Counties
Commandant
John S Rutovich
2 About Us: The Westfield River Valley, Detachment 141 and Auxil-
iary are located in Westfield, Massachusetts. The De-
tachment’s Charter was signed on November 28, 1945.
The Auxiliary unit received it’s Charter on May 23,
1949, but was misplaced and on October 25, 1979 re-
ceived their new Charter.
Fundraisers: The Detachment and Auxiliary work close together in
support of the principles of the Marine Corps League.
We hold several annual fundraising events including: a
scholarship dinner, flag pin sales on Mother’s Day and
Father’s Day, July 4th pig roast, a baked potato and chili
booth at the Westfield Fair, a motorcycle run and a July
4th and Christmas calendar raffle. The Detachment
hands out 4 scholarships totaling ($1200.00) every year.
Our motorcycle run is entering its fifth year, and this
year we donated 100% of the proceeds ($5700.00) to the
Marines Helping Marines/Wounded Warriors Fund.
Financial Support: The Detachment provides and has provided financial
support to the following:
Captain John Maloney Fund
Sgt. Joshua Desforges Fund
The Chapel of Four Chaplains
Tree of Lights
Marines Helping Marines
Wounded Warriors
Holyoke Soldiers Home
Veterans Hospital—Leeds
Westover Young Marines
Marine Corps League Youth Fitness Program
Korean War Memorial
Local Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs
Westfield Veterans Council
Americanism Program
In December, we host a Children’s Christmas Party at
the barracks and a Kid’s Skate Party at Amelia Skate
Park during school vacation, along with serving break-
fast for all veterans every Saturday morning from 0600-
1200.
Meetings: Detachment meetings are held at 1900 on the 2nd Mon-
day of each month at the Marine Barracks located at 71
North Elm Street, Westfield, MA. Social hour is at
1800.
Community Involvement: Our members are actively involved in the Greater Spring-
field area. We provide:
Color Guards for Memorial Day and Veterans Day
services, parades and other patriotic occasions.
Honor Guards for funerals of military veterans.
Care packages to deployed Marines and FMF Corps-
men.
Speakers for local and area schools for patriotic occa-
sions.
Certificates of Appreciation to leaders of community
organizations and private citizens who demonstrate
patriotism.
Good Citizenship Awards to Boy Scouts who attain
the rank of Eagle Scout.
Flag Retirement Ceremonies.
Marine Corps Birthday Ceremonies.
Assistance to Marines, families and Marine Units.
The Detachment also sponsored the 2010 Department of
Massachusetts Convention at Westover Air Reserve Base.
Detachment Awards: Distinguished Detachment Award (2006)
National Jr. Vice Commandant’s Citation for 100%
Membership (2007, 2009)
Meritorious Unit Commendation (2009)
Honorable Mention for Americanism Book (2010,
2011)
Certificate of Participation, National Newsletter
(2011)
Detachment 141 Marines of the Year: The following members have been honored as Detach-
ment Marines of the Year:
1969, 77 Fred Scholpp
1998 Arthur Fisher
1999 Don Dorrington
2005 John S. Rutovich
2008 Thomas D. Pirnie
2009 Frederic R. Hoekstra
2010 Daniel J. Bishop
2011 Brian Dupee
Detachment 141 Associate of the Year:
2010 William Chandler
2012 Matt Knas
3 Detachment 141 would like to sincerely thank all our sponsors from the community and our membership
for their continued dedication and support of this monthly newsletter.
Upcoming Detachment 141 Events
Come see us every Saturday for breakfast, hours are from 0600-1200. (depending on food) Our menu in-
cludes eggs, sausage, toast, SOS, home fries, hash, juice, milk, coffee, (regular and decaf), donuts, pastry,
and breakfast bars. Enjoy the company of your fellow members, watch the news on the big screen TV or
mingle with the vets from the Soldiers Home or Leeds. Why watch history on TV when you can sit right
next to it at the barracks.
Sun. Aug. 12: MCL National Convention, Mobile, AL
Mon. Aug. 13: Detachment 141 meeting
Fri. Aug. 17: 85th Westfield Fair (Fri. Sat. Sun.)
Mon. Sept. 10: Detachment 141 meeting, Nominations of Officers
Sun. Sept. 16: 5th Annual Wounded Warriors Motorcycle Run
Mon. Oct. 8: Detachment 141 meeting, Election of Officers
Sun. Oct. 21: Pack Growl, Worcester Detachment
***Saturday Breakfast ***
Come on down
4
Scuttlebutt Scuttlebutt is the official newsletter of the Westfield River Valley, Detachment 141, Dept. of Mass. Ma-
rine Corps League, and is intended only for the information of its members. Articles and photos do not
necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Marine Corps or the Marine Corps League. Detachment
Headquarters is located at 71 North Elm Street, Westfield, MA. 01085. Items for publication should be
dropped off at headquarters or by contacting the editor. For current events and up to date calendar items,
go to our Web Site at www.mclwrv141.com. The Detachment phone number is 413-562-4850
Detachment 141 Officers:
Commandant: John Rutovich sakejack61@comcast.net 413-222-2684
Senior Vice: Marc Dunne MarcDunne@comcast.net 413-250-5515
Jr. Vice: Roger Beer rbeer4@comcast.net 413-437-7542
Adjutant: Geoff Croteau geoffcroteau@gmail.com 413-222-4883
Judge Advocate: Don “Doc” Rivette devildoc734@hotmail.com 413-583-8931
Paymaster: Marc Dunne/John Rutovich/Sophie Bartosik 413-250-5515
Sgt. at Arms Aldo Mancini manscruffy@comcast.net 413-789-0830
Jr. Past Commandant: Brian Dupee bdupee6281@charter.net 413-527-6281
Chaplain: J.B. Stern jarhead2squid@hotmail.com 413-530-2391
Asst. Chaplain: James Bouchard jamesbouchard@comcast.net 413-687-9262
Photos: Matt Knas tatra@charter.net 413-525-6270
PAO: Frank Real fgreal@aol.com 413-348-7885
5
Membership—184 Marines/Corpsmen—91
Associates—31
Paid Life Members—60
Honorary—2
Upcoming Dues:
August Dues Michael Burke, David McCulloh, Warner Robinson, Joseph Wise, Don Wielgus, James Berrelli,
Earl Brick
September Dues David Benway, Joe DeLeo, Mitchell Kuzdzal, T. Johnson, Patricia Matthieu
Happy Birthday to our following members: (2nd) Richard Greene, (3rd) Donald Rivette PLM, (4th) Jacques Racine PLM, (5th) Lisa Smith,
(8th) Richard Tyrell, Donald Whitehead, (11th) Lawrence Barrett, Wayne Cartwright, (17th) Joe
Willis PLM, Bob Dittrich, (19th) Tom Pirnie PLM, (21st) JB Stern PLM, (22nd) Roger Butler PLM,
Javish Garcia, (25th) Wilbur Greene, Ron Hamel PLM, Jason Laverty, (27th) Bruce Rogers PLM,
(29th) Donald Withee PLM
And may you have many more….
Congratulations to our 2012 New Life Members: J.B. Stern, William Federman, John Johnson
Welcome Aboard to our New Members: Robert Wargo, Karl Rexer, Fred King
Marine Spotlight
Ret. SSgt. Santiago Bustos, Jr.
Where were you born? Texas
Graduated from? (High School) Cuero High School, Class of “66”
Married? Children? Yes, 2 boys, 2 girls
Graduated from? (Boot Camp) MCRD, San Diego, CA, Platoon 132
MOS 6024, 6314
First Duty Station? Beaufort, South Carolina
Last Duty Station? El Toro, California
What did you do after leaving the Corps? Worked for McDonnell Douglas
Favorite meal? Surf & Turf
Current occupation? Work on fuel tanks on C17’s for Boeing
Where were you on 7 December 1941? Not born yet
Favorite President?
Favorite movie? The D.I., The Naked & the Dead
Favorite actor? Lee Marvin
Favorite comedian? Andy Griffin
Favorite book?
Favorite vacation place? Coming Home
Favorite subject to talk about? General conversation, the future
Favorite quote? Oorah!
What do you think of today’s Marines? A lot more technical
Most memorable lifetime event? Graduating from High School
Did you make the Corps your career? Yes
Would you do it all over again? Yes
Should politics be kept out of the military? Yes
All time favorite Marine? Chesty Puller
6
VMFA-314 is a United States Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet squadron based at Miramar, California and falls
under the command of MAG-11 and the 3rd MAW. Their tail code is VW, and the squadron is known as
the “Black Knights”. VMFP-3 is a Marine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron based at El Toro, California
and falls under the command of the 3rd MAW. RF-4B Phantoms of VMFP-3 were deployed aboard the
USS Midway from 1975-1984. Their tail code was RF, and the squadron was known as the “Eyes of the
Corps”. VMFP-3 was deactivated in 1990.
7
Aug. 1 The first Olympic games opened in Berlin, Germany in 1936. Colorado was admitted to the Union
in 1876.
Aug. 2 “Wild Bill” Hickok was shot and killed in Deadwood, South Dakota in 1876. The naval ship PT-
109, commanded by Lt. John F. Kennedy was sunk off the Solomon Islands in 1943.
Aug. 3 Congress designated June 14 as Flag Day in 1949.
Aug. 4 Anne Frank and her family were captured by the Gestapo in Holland in 1944.
Aug. 5 Actress Marilyn Monroe was found dead in her home in 1962.
Aug. 6 The United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan in 1945.
Aug. 7 The United States entered the Vietnam War, authorized by the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution in 1964.
George Washington created the “Purple Heart” decoration medal in 1782.
Aug. 8 Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to St. Helena in 1815. United States forces invaded Guadalcanal in
1942.
Aug. 9 After dropping a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan surrendered to the United States ending
the war in the Pacific, in 1945.
Aug. 10 Missouri was admitted to the Union in 1841. Franklin D. Roosevelt was stricken with polio at his
summer home in 1921.
Aug. 11 The Watts Riots in Los Angeles began resulting in 35 people killed in 1965.
Aug. 12 United States ground forces were withdrawn from Vietnam in 1972. Isaac Merrit Singer was grant
ed a patent for his sewing machine in 1851.
Aug. 13 Florence Nightingale died in London in 1910. Al Capp’s comic strip Li’l Abner debuts in 1934.
Aug. 14 The Social Security Act was passed by Congress in 1935. Admiral David Farragut dies at Ports
mouth, N.H. at age 69 in 1870.
Aug. 15 The Berlin Wall was created in 1961.
Aug. 16 Babe Ruth died in 1948. Elvis Presley died at age 42 in his Graceland home in 1977. Sports Illus
trated was published in 1954.
Aug. 17 The music festival “Woodstock” ended on this day in 1969. Davy Crockett was born in 1786.
Aug. 18 Virginia Dare, the first child born in America was born in Virginia in 1587. President Abraham
Lincoln test fires the new Spencer Carbine rifle in 1863.
Aug. 19 Actor Groucho Marx dies in Los Angeles at age 86 in 1977. Adolph Hitler becomes Fuhrer in
1934.
Aug. 20 The United States Marines landed in Beirut in 1982. The first licensed radio broadcast occurs in
1920.
Aug. 21 Hawaii was admitted to the Union in 1959. The Lincoln-Douglas debates begin in 1831.
Aug. 22 The record player was patented in 1906. The world’s first nuclear-powered ship the “Savannah”
makes its maiden voyage from Yorktown, Virginia to Savannah, Georgia in 1962
Aug. 23 Actor Rudolph Valentino dies at age 31 in 1936. President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna warns the
United States that any attempt to annex Texas would be considered an act of war against Mexico in
1843.
Aug. 24 Amelia Earhart becomes the first woman to fly across the United States in 1932.
Aug. 25 The National Park Service was established in 1916.
Aug. 26 The N.Y. Giants (NFL) announced they were moving to New Jersey in 1971. Charles Lindbergh
dies at his home in Hawaii at age 72 in 1974.
Aug. 27 President Lyndon B. Johnson was born in Stonewall, Texas in 1908.
Aug. 28 The Bureau of Engraving and Printing was created to design and print financial papers in 1862.
Aug. 29 The Second Battle of Bull Run (Manassas) began in 1862.
Aug. 30 Cleopatra, the seventh and most famous queen of ancient Egypt commits suicide in 30 B.C.
Aug. 31 Rocky Marciano dies in a plane crash in Iowa at age 45 in 1969.
Did you Know…….
8 Flag Pin sales at Wal Mart
Detachment 141 color guard at Hampton Ponds 4th of July Parade. From left are Fred Shannon, Marc
Dunne, Vinnie Sulewski and Roger Beer. Photos by Matt Knas.
JR and Brian Dupee at Wal Mart. Many thanks to the following members who helped this year, John
Torrone, Roger Beer, Ed Orwat, JB Stern, Bill Garen and Vinnie Sulewski. For those who stood
double/triple shifts, Fran Curnow, Matt Knas, JR and Dr. Thomas Pirnie, I owe you guys. Thank
you!
9
1910’s
Decade began with 9,696 Marines (9,368 enlisted, 328 officers)
Decade ended with 48,834 Marines (46,564 enlisted, 2,270 officers)
10th Commandant: MajGen George F. Elliott (1903-1910)
11th Commandant: MajGen William Biddle (1911-1914)
12th Commandant: MajGen George Barnett (1914-1920)
1912, The Birth of Marine Corps Aviation. When the Navy opened the nation’s first aviation camp in An-
napolis, Maryland, First Lieutenant Alfred A. Cunningham was the first Marine to receive training. With
this action, the rich legacy of Marine Corps aviation began. 1st Lt. Cunningham, after only 2 hours and 40
minutes of training, embarked on the Marine Corps’ first solo training flight. After this, Marine Corps avi-
ation operations grew to successfully support ground and amphibious assaults during World War I and be-
yond. The date of Cunningham’s solo flight and the original date of his assignment are both recognized as
“birthdays” of Marine Corps aviation.
1915, MajGen Smedley Butler. Not only did Major General Smedley Butler distinguish himself as one of
two Marines to earn two Medals of Honor, he earned the prestigious medals in back-to-back campaigns.
MajGen Butler earned his first Medal in 1914, commanding Marine forces during the United States’ occu-
pation of Vera Cruz. A year later, he earned his second Medal for “bravery and forceful leadership” as a
Commanding Officer during the Haitian Occupation. Butler served for 34 years before retiring from duty,
earning 16 medals, five of which were for heroism. Marine Corps Base Camp Butler in Okinawa, Japan is
named in his honor.
1915, SgtMaj Dan Daly. During the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, SgtMaj. Dan Daly fought off Chinese snip-
ers and single-handedly defended the Marines’ position until reinforcements arrived. This bravery earned
him a Medal of Honor. In 1915, SgtMaj Daly earned the prestigious medal a second time during the Hai-
tian Occupation. He gallantly fended off Haitian bandits all through the night to ultimately defeat them in
the morning. A courageous leader, Daly is well known for his fearlessness in battle. He was highly re-
spected by his fellow Marines; MajGen Smedley Butler described him as “the “fightinest” Marine I ever
knew.” Daly and Butler are the only Marines who have been awarded two Medals of Honor.
1915, Parris Island established. Marine Corps training is legendary, but the recruit training that exists to-
day didn’t begin until 1911. MajGen William Biddle, the 11th Commandant of the Marine Corps, formal-
ized and intensified the training, raising the bar for what it takes to become a United States Marine. In
1915, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, became the first base dedicated to the sole purpose of
training. It has been in use since then and is now one of only two bases where Marines are made. As
WWII broke out, 41,000 recruits trained at Parris Island, and the base has accommodated as many as
250,000 recruits during the Vietnam War. Parris Island began training female recruits in 1949. All Ma-
rine Corps recruits east of the Mississippi are still trained and transformed at Parris Island today.
Highlights from July 9 meeting
The toppings at the Pig Roast for the baked potatoes this year were a big hit and will be included in all
future Pig Roasts. A big thank you to Lynn Dupee, Mary Sankolewicz and Sandy Rutovich for working
the Chinese raffle and 50/50 raffle. Great job!
The By-Laws Committee is moving right along, The Committee consists of Fran Curnow, Dan Bishop,
Doc Rivette, Roger Beer and Sophie Bartosik. If anyone would like to see something added, changed or
deleted call any one of the Committee members.
The Detachment color guard took home a third place trophy for Best Marching Unit in the Hampton
Ponds 4th of July parade this year.
Our rifles need an upgrade, some are missing rear sights and the slings are falling apart. A price of
$195.00 was given to the membership to have these weapons fixed. Thanks to Robert McRobbie for do-
nating a leather sling for the weapons.
We had 156 people show up for our annual Pig Roast this year on the 1st of July at the Westfield Fair
Grounds. Some members said they weren’t notified this year along with the Auxiliary, so we will be cor-
recting that problem in the future.
Dan Bishop is looking for some people to work the Westfield Fair this year, if interested call Dan and
give him the date/times that you can work.
Our annual motorcycle ride for Wounded Warriors is coming up quick, (Sept. 16) and if you haven’t been
to this event, you don’t know what you’re missing. Again, if interested call the barracks and leave your
name and number.
A third Flag Pin Sales was approved by the members to stand outside the Wal-Mart in Chicopee this year.
All monies collected will be going to our Scholarship Fund.
July is hot and a lot of members are on vacation but 27 members showed up for the meeting with Vin
Sulewski winning the 50/50. Hot dogs and chili was the main course.
A big thank you to Carrieann Dymon-Bailey for upgrading our Detachment Officers photo at the bar-
racks.
Welcome aboard to our new sponsors, Dan Puza of North Elm Butcher Block, and Lori Kaiser (my wife)
who can do just about anything for a computer. Just ask Fran and Doc. She is also a Reiki Master which
is a touch therapy/relaxation technique used to treat people and pets.
Our PAO Frank Real will be going home in the near future and a handicapped ramp will be needed to as-
sist Frank. Detachment 141, Dept. of Mass. and the New England Division will be making donations to
this worthy cause, anybody wishing to contribute to help Frank will be greatly appreciated.
Jack Ramsey is home but will have more surgery next month. James Ross and Fred Scholpp are home
and doing well.
If you are not receiving the Scuttlebutt via e-mail or regular mail, call so we can get the newsletter to you.
See you next month!
Military Order of the Devil Dogs
Pound #276, MA Pack Pound Keeper: Mike “Speedy” Burke
WHAT IT IS
The Military Order of Devil Dogs is the Fun and Honor Society of the Marine Corps League.
1. WHAT IT DOES
It promotes good fellowship amongst the members of different Marine Corps League Detachments. The Order pro-
vides amusement and entertainment at all gatherings of the League, when and where advisable. It assists in the ac-
complishment of all programs and objectives of the League, preserves and strengthens the principles and ideals of
the League, and maintains true allegiance to the United States of America and its Constitution and laws. It fosters
and extends American institutions of freedom and defends America against all enemies whatsoever. The Order is
also VERY active in raising funds for different charities.
WHO BELONGS
The Military Order of the Devil Dogs is made up of only members of the Marine Corps League. The Order accepts
only the most worthy of League members.
HOW TO JOIN
You must be a paid-up member and in good standing in the Marine Corps League with at least one year's member-
ship. The applicant must be active in his or her Detachment in the League, and must request membership in the Or-
der. He or she must be recommended by his or her Detachment Commandant and be sponsored by two Devil Dogs
or Pedigreed Devil Dogs. The applicant is then interviewed by the members of the Pound at the Pound Growl. (A
meeting is called a Growl.) If accepted, the applicant must undergo an initiation and swearing-in ceremony. Then
he or she becomes a Pup in the Order.
ORGANIZATION
The Pound is on a local level and is usually made up of members of different Marine Corps League Detachments.
On the State level there is the Pack, and on the National level there is a Kennel. There are three different degrees in
the Order. The lowest degree is that of Pup. The next degree is that of Devil Dog. The highest degree is that of Ped-
igreed Devil Dog. The Pup wears a black ribbon, the Devil Dog wears a red ribbon, and the Pedigreed Devil Dog
wears a gold ribbon. The ribbon is worn around the neck and a Dog Tag is attached to it.
The head of the Pound is called the Pound Keeper. The head of the pack is the Pack Leader. The head of the Kennel
is also the head of all Devil Dogs and is called Chief Devil Dog.
The Order's many charitable donations not only help people in need, but also build good public relations for the
Order, the League, and the United States Marine Corps.
Next growl tentative for 21 October @ 1300
Worcester Detachment
Show up and support your pounds!!
Woof! Woof!
Westfield River Valley Detachment 141
MCL
71 North Elm Street
Westfield, MA 01085
www.mclwrv141.com
From the East, take Exit 3 off the Mass
Pike, thru toll booth and stay right on Rt.
202, N. Elm Street. Go down the hill thru
the lights and straight ahead. Stay right,
1st building on left after parking lot.
Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aetern, Often Tested, Always
Faithful, Brothers Forever
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