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Scuttlebutt Newsletter of the Westfield River Valley Detachment 141
Serving the Greater Springfield Area
Hampden & Hampshire Counties
Detachment 141 meets monthly on the second Monday
at 1900 hours. Social hour at 1800 hours.
Commandant: John S. Rutovich Chartered November 28, 1945 Editor: Marc S. Dunne Volume 74, Issue 1 Chartered May 23, 1949 January 2013
Message From The Commandant:
Happy New Year!! Nostradamus says that 2013 is going to be a fantastic year for the
141. Maybe! All we have to do is keep up the esprit de corps.
Most members don’t get to see the membership roster and really don’t
know the stats. So here we go:
Dates of birth: No. of members: Age bracket:
1920’s 32 83-92
1930’s 30 73-82
1940’s 47 63-72
1950’s 31 53-62
1960’s 11 43-52
1970’s 13 33-42
1980’s 7 23-32
The question of the month is; how many members qualify as spring
chickens?
Need a white uniform shirt? Get them at Sentry Uniform, 413-536-
1236. Need USMC blue trousers? Call Navy & Marine Corps Uniform
Supply Center at 1-800-368-4088 (7am-4pm) ask for Sheila Sharp.
Trousers are $33.00/red stripes are $1.18, then take them to Sentry for
hemming and sewing. Our color guard needs a few warm bodies.
May God continue to bless our Great Nation, the USMC, the Marine
Corps League and Detachment 141.
Semper Fi!
JR
Commandant
John S. Rutovich
2 About Us: The Westfield River Valley, Detachment 141 and Aux-
iliary are located in Westfield, Massachusetts. The
Detachment’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
received 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 Detach-
ment hands out 3 scholarships totaling ($1500.00) eve-
ry year. Our motorcycle run is entering its fifth year,
and last year we donated 100% of the proceeds
($1700.00) to the Marines Helping Marines/Wounded
Warriors Fund., and all toys collected went to the
Shriners Children’s Hospital in Springfield.
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 0700
-1100.
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, 2012)
Certificate of Participation, National Newsletter
(2011)
3rd Place, National Newsletter (2012)
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
2007 Francis Curnow
2008 Thomas D. Pirnie
2009 Frederic R. Hoekstra
2010 Daniel J. Bishop
2011 Brian P. Dupee
2012 Marc S. Dunne
Detachment 141 Associate of the Year:
2010 William Chandler
2011 Matt Knas
2012 Lynn Dupee
Sun. Jan. 13: MA Pack Growl at Worcester Detachment, 1 p.m.
Mon. Jan. 14: Detachment 141 meeting
Sun. Feb. 3: Pound 276 Growl at the barracks, 12 p.m.
Mon. Feb. 11: Detachment 141 meeting
Mon. March 11: Detachment 141 meeting
Sat. March 30: Scholarship Dinner at Sons of Erin, 6-11 p.m.
3
The Marine Corps has just been called by the New York Times, “The elite of this
country”. I say “They are the elite of the world.” Adm. William “Bull” Halsey, U.S.
Navy
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 S. Rutovich [email protected] 413-222-2684
Senior Vice: Marc S. Dunne [email protected] 413-250-5515
Junior Vice: Dan Bishop [email protected] 413-237-5360
Adjutant: Geoff Croteau [email protected] 413-222-4883
Judge Advocate: Don “Doc” Rivette [email protected] 413-583-8931
Paymaster: Roger Beer [email protected] 413-437-7542
Sgt. at Arms: Aldo Mancini [email protected] 413-789-0830
Chaplain: To be announced by Commandant Rutovich
Web Sgt: Carrieann Dymon [email protected] 860-658-6239
Jr. Past Commandant: Brian P. Dupee [email protected] 413-527-6281
Photos: Matt Knas [email protected] 413-525-6270
PAO: Frank Real [email protected] 413-348-7885
Come see us every Saturday for breakfast, hours are from 0600-1200. (depending on food). Our menu in-
cludes eggs, sausage, toast, SOS, hash, juices, milk, coffee, (regular and decaf) and donuts. 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.
Upcoming Detachment 141 Events
***Come join us every Saturday for Breakfast***
Christmas Calendar Drawing——16 December 2012
1 Hector Rodriguez $75.00 Marc
2 Barb Bartosk $25.00 Sophie
3 Hope Torrone $75.00 Marc
4 Pudge Phillips $50.00 Marc
5 Fred Wilkens $75.00 Link
6 Dan Gordner $25.00 Johnson
7 John Oulette $200.00 JR
8 Mayor Cohen $25.00 JR
9 Dan Bishop, Jr $75.00 Bishop
10 Mark Monska $75.00 Brian
11 Det. 140 $75.00 Rivette
12 Kevin O’Neil $50.00 Johnson
13 Curnow’s Dogs $50.00 Curnow
14 Det. 137 $25.00 Rivette
15 Dan Sieniatlwski $50.00 JR
16 Tom Gadja $50.00 Marc
17 Tony Bishop, Jr $75.00 Bishop
18 Joe Knapik $100.00 Knapik
19 Dan Bishop $100.00 Bishop
20 Leonard Ferst $50.00 Johnson
21 Fred Shannon $25.00 Bishop
22 Harry Scarborough $75.00 Brian
23 Madeline Werner $50.00 Johnson
24 Peter Pitoniak $75.00 JR
25 Dan Burak $500.00 Brian
26 Matthew Sabat $50.00 Brian
27 Carter Buxton $75.00 Bishop
28 Terry Goodrich $75.00 Johnson
29 Ben Walton $25.00 Johnson
30 Bill Taylor $75.00 JR
31 Ken Lynds $50.00 Brian
Chip picker Dan Bishop
Recorder Lori Kaiser
Barrel roller JR
Caller Marc Dunne
Witness Vin Sulewski
Top Jarheads (Calendars Sold)
JR (95), Marc (85), Dan (65), T. Johnson (65), Brian (50), Barbara (40), F. Wohlers (23), Doc (20),
Roger (15), J. Knapik (10), Fran (10), D. Link (6), J. Hibert (6), Vinnie (5) and Sophie (5)
Thank you all for your help in another successful calendar raffle.
Next up is our annual Scholarship Dinner on Saturday, March 30.
Kid’s Christmas Party at Detachment 141
Santa arriving for the Kid’s
Christmas Party at Detachment
141 barracks. Thanks to Tom
Johnson and the Westfield Fire
Department for helping out every
year.
Santa greets the kids at the
door, and poses for pictures
with all the children, including
our Commandant, JR.
My wife Lori and I
would like to say thanks
for the last 6 years as
Chairmen of the Kid’s
Christmas Party, next
year Jeff Pickett and his
wife Nicole will be tak-
ing over and I’m sure
everything will run as
smooth as ever. It’s been
a blast.
Where were you born? Dallas, Texas
Graduated from? (High School) Agawam, High School
Married? Children? Yes, wife Nicole & 2 girls Emma & Mia
Graduated from? (Boot Camp) Parris Island, (2000) 1st Battalion, Platoon 1014
MOS 0351
First Duty Station? Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
Last Duty Station? Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
What did you do after leaving the Corps? Worked for Dept. Homeland Security
Current occupation? Carpenter
Favorite meal? Steak with potato & broccoli
Where were you on 7 December 1941? Not born yet
Favorite President? Abraham Lincoln
Favorite movie? It’s a Wonderful Life
Favorite actor? Jimmy Stewart
Favorite comedian? Eddie Murphy
Favorite book? Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Favorite vacation place? Dallas, Texas
Favorite subject to talk about? History
Favorite quote? “He who knows, does not speak; He who speaks,
does not know”
What do you think of today’s Marines? Outstanding hard chargers
Most memorable lifetime event? Earning my Eagle, Globe & Anchor
Did you make the Corps your career? Wanted to, but couldn’t because of injury
Would you do it all over again? In a heart beat
Should politics be kept out of the military? No, they decide what we do and where we go
All time favorite Marine? Dan Daly
4 Marine Spotlight
Jeff Pickett
The 3/7 is an Infantry Battalion based at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms,
California and consist of approximately 800 Marines. The battalion falls under the command of the 7th
Marine Regiment and the 1st Marine Division. The battalion has seen combat in World War II, The Kore-
an War, Vietnam and the Gulf War and recently has deployed five times in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom as well as twice in support of Enduring Freedom. Their nickname is “The Cutting Edge”. Six-
teen Marines from 3/7 have been awarded the Medal of Honor during their history. The Commanding
Officer is Lt. Col Edward Greeley.
5
Girls just want to have fun…..
In pictures above, Jeff Pickett & wife Nicole
with daughter Emma.
Group shot of the Detachment 141 Skate Party at Amelia
Skate Park in Westfield, 40 kids skated free with refresh-
ments after.
Jim Bouchard has his hands full with the grand-
kids.
6
Upcoming Dues:
January Dues Karl Rexer, Robert Dittrich
February Dues Steve Christenson, Leila Connolly, Bennie Forester, Jr., Jim Laverty, Peter Pitoniak
Membership—171 Marines/Corpsmen—78
Associates—27
Paid Life Members—63
Honorary—3
Happy Birthday to the following members: (1st) Stephen Donaghue PLM, (2nd) Richard Croteau PLM, (3rd) John Johnson PLM, (9th) Joseph
Knapik PLM, (12th) Jeff Johnson, (16th) Richard Hardie PLM, (17th) Barbara Dymon, John Torro-
ne, (21st) Morris Cave, (24th) Donald Liptak, (26th) Terrance Russell, (28th) John Ramsey PLM,
Manny Marrero, (29th) Wayne Fisher
And may you have many more….
Congratulations to our 2013 New Life Members:
Welcome Aboard to our New Members: Carter Buxton, Brian Tierney, Phillip Paradis, Robert Peloquin
7
Detachment 141 had its annual Christmas Party for the
veterans at the Holyoke Soldiers Home on December
17th. Sixty-five gift bags were handed out by the De-
tachment 141 elves. Attending were Doc Rivette & wife
Barbara, Fran Curnow, Marc Dunne, Roger Beer, Brian
Dupee & wife Lynn, Mary Sankolewicz, Commandant
John Rutovich, Geoff Croteau and Bob Peloquin. Brenda
Jones of Semper Pie Bakery supplied the cupcakes and
the carols.
Great job by VAVS Rep.
Donald “Doc” Rivette &
wife Barbara. Another great
turnout this year.
WHAT IT IS The Military Order of Devil Dogs is the Fun and Honor Society of the Marine Corps League.
WHAT IT DOES It promotes good fellowship amongst the members of different Marine Corps League Detachments. The Order provides
amusement and entertainment at all gatherings of the League, when and where advisable. It assists in the accomplish-
ment 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 Amer-
ican 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 membership.
The applicant must be active in his or her Detachment in the League, and must request membership in the Order. 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 Or-
der. The lowest degree is that of Pup. The next degree is that of Devil Dog. The highest degree is that of Pedigreed Dev-
il Dog. The Pup wears a black ribbon, the Devil Dog wears a red ribbon, and the Pedigreed Devil Dog wears a gold rib-
bon. 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.
Military Order of the Devil Dogs
Pound 276, MA Pack Pound Keeper: PDD Dan “Honor Platoon” Bishop
Next Pound 276 Growl
Tentative for February 3
Detachment 141 Barracks @ 1200
Woof! Woof!!
Detachment 141 would like to thank all our sponsors from the community and our membership
for their continued dedication and support of this monthly newsletter.
You can place your ad
HERE, find out how, call
413-250-5515 or
413-562-4850
Westfield River Valley Detachment 141
Marine Corps League, Inc.
71 North Elm Street
Westfield, MA 01085
Visit our website at
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
