1

Marines,

I have just returned from National Mid-Winter Conference. We had a full two days

of briefings, not only from League Leadership and Committees. Representatives

from the active duty Marine Corps were there to report on everything from the up-

coming plain to draw the active duty Marines from 202,000 to 182,000 also the

planes to redeploy to the Pacific.

The Commandant’s Council was a brief one hour and fifty eight minutes; while most

Departments have the same problems with retention, unpaid members and training. I

believe that the Department of Georgia has the right formula in place; we just have

to work the program. I will expand this report this weekend at the Staff Conference

in Peachtree City.

Lastly the Grits Bowl coins have arrived and will be for sale starting this weekend.

The price will be $7.50ea to the Detachment; the Detachment sale price should be

$10.00 per coin. This is an agreement with the Department of Alabama to insure we

are all on the same page and have an equal sales price.

Michael Clark

Commandant

Department of Georgia

Marine Corps League

From the Commandant’s Fox Hole– Michael Clark

Highlights VA NEWS

SE DIVISION NEWS

DEVIL DOG NEWS

DETACHMENT NEWS

MCL Detachments

Aubrey Gilbert Det..

Central Georgia Det.

Clyde Thomason Det.

Currahee Mountain Det.

Dalton Georgia Det.

Gen. Ray Davis (MOH) Det.

Devil Dog Det.

Glynco Det.

Greater Atlanta Det.

Jake Puryear Det.

Joseph Schmittou Det

Kings Bay Det

LtCol Jimmie Dyes

Maj Lawrence Desjardins Det

Maj. Stephen W. Pless Det

McDonough Det.

Middle Georgia Det

North Ga Mountain Det.

PC Geo Eland Det.

Savannah Det.

SgtMaj Louis Roundtree Det

Unicoi Det.

Upper Chattahoochee Det

Waycross Det.

West Chatham Det.

Warren Johnson Det.

Volume 1 Issue 10 February 2012

Volume 1, Issue 10

“ONCE A MARINE...ALWAYS A MARINE…”

MCL Dept of Georgia Detachment News

2

AUBREY GILBERT DETACHMENT #1312 CARROLLTON GA

new member may have.

Chuck Feaselman

Commandant

Aubrey Gilbert Detachment

#1312

Carrollton, Georgia

Roger Knowles, Chuck

Feaselman, Jim Pack, and

Ronnie Pate make up the

Trinka Davis Benevolence

Fund for our Detachment.

They meet the 1st & 3rd

Wednesday of each month to

process veterans for this fund,

if there are any applications

pending.. Our

Young Marines Detachment

started a new recruit unit this

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 2 .

Active-duty Marine Kraig

Knowles was recently pro-

moted to Gunnery Sergeant

by his grandfather, then-

Commandant Roger Knowles.

What a treat to witness a pro-

motion ceremony! The De-

tachment now has an Aubrey

Gilbert Devil Dog Pound. We

have received our Charter,

and we are Pound 355. Our

Pound Keeper is Herb Brad-

ley, who just happens to be

the Detachment’s first Com-

mandant. General Charles E.

Wilhelm was our Guest Of

Honor and Guest Speaker for

our Birthday Celebration on

09 November 2011, which

was held at Sunset Hills

Country Club in Carrollton,

Georgia.

The Detachment has started a

Veteran's Outreach Pro-

gram. This program is de-

signed to reach out to home-

bound and hospital-bound

veterans. It is to provide a

life for the veteran's family so

that they can take care of their

own needs, i.e. medical ap-

pointments, shopping, etc.

The Detachment has also

started a new member men-

toring program. The member

that has recruited the new

member will be assigned as

the mentor. He will make

himself or herself available

for any questions that the

MCL Dept of Georgia Detachment News

.The Detachment has recently

elected new officers to lead the

Detachment for 2012.

They are:

Charles (Chuck) Feaselman –

Commandant

David Parkman –

Senior Vice Commandant

Donald Chavez –

Junior Vice Commandant

Gary Mason –

udge Advocate

Jim Pack –

Paymaster/Treasurer

Bill White – Chaplain

Preston Davison – Sergeant At

Arms

A M1 rifle will soon be raffled

to raise money for the Detach-

ment. The previous raffle for

an M1911A1 pistol was very

successful in raising much-

needed funds for #1312, and it

is hoped that this raffle will be

just as successful.

The Detachment will be start-

ing a new Eagle Scout recog-

nition program in with the

Department Of Georgia’s pro-

gram. We will also begin a

new Mentoring Program,

which is aimed at retaining

new members by making sure

that they are mentored (shown

the ropes, so to speak) by the

current members.

The Detachment’s Toys For

Tots program was a rousing

success for 2011! Marines

Matt Careins, Carlis Baker,

and Curtis Eidson oversaw the

collection and purchase of

30,461 toys for distribution to

6,427 children in a 4-county

area, with no child being

(l-r Front Row) Gary Mason - Judge Advocate; Chuck Feaselman - Comman-dant; David Parkman - Senior Vice Commandant; (l-r Back Row) Donald Chavez - Junior Vice Commandant; Jim Pack - Paymaster; Bill White - Chap-

Commandant Roger Knowles promoting his grandson, Kraig Knowles, to Gunnery Sergeant Of Marines.

3

.artifacts including an exten-

sive collection of early Ma-

rine Corps uniforms, weap-

onry and artillery including

the first American armored

car and the first Marine

Corps' aircraft.

The Museum and Gift Center

is open every day from 0900

till 5:00pm with the excep-

tion of Christmas Day. Ad-

mission and parking are free.

National Museum of the

Marine Corps

18900 Jefferson Davis High-

way, Triangle, VA 22172

GREATER ATLANTA DETACHMENT #647

that!

Our membership stays strong

at 42 members with 29 of

those life members and 3

associates. We’d like to ac-

knowledge our newest mem-

bers to join our Detachment,

Lee Johnson, Charlotte

Wakefield, Bob Saxon ,Grady

Nappier, Pete Middleton ,Art

Dunlea and Robert Powell

Semper Fi,

Christian Roberts

Commandant

Greetings Marines We hope

that everyone had a joyous

and safe Christmas season

this year.

The Greater Atlanta Detach-

ments TOYS 4 TOTS cam-

paign went very well this

year. Working in conjunction

with the Marines Reserve

here at Dobbins MRB, we

collected over 3.500 toys

from multiple locations. Our

members went up and beyond

their normal duties with mem-

bers serving as many as 15

different locations. We collect

over $4,500. in cash dona-

tions as well.

January 13, 2012 members Al

Meade, General Denis Shortal

and Christian Roberts, once

again laid a birthday wreath at

the tomb of General Ray

Davis (MOH) who would

have been 97 this year. Upon

returning home ,a beer or two

were hosted in the Generals

honor..He would have liked

Volume 1, Issue 10

of Iwo Jima and beckons

visitors to this 120,000-

square-foot structure. World-

class interactive exhibits us-

ing the most innovative tech-

nology surround visitors with

irreplaceable artifacts and

immerse them in the sights

and sounds of Marines in

action. The National Museum

of the Marine Corps opened

the doors to three new, major

galleries on June 5th, 2010.

The opening of the new gal-

leries brings more than

12,000 sq.ft. of additional

exhibit space to the Museum,

with 250 new

The National Museum of the

Marine Corps is a lasting tribute

to U.S. Marines--past, present,

and future. Situated on a 135-

acre site adjacent to Marine

Corps Base Quantico, Virginia,

and under the command of Ma-

rine Corps University, the Mu-

seum's soaring design evokes the

image of the flag-raisers

Commandant Christian Rob-

erts accepts a donation of

$800.00 for Toys 4 Tots from

Woodsmen of the World.

Statement on the Nazi sym-

bols used on a Marines

unit flag from

GEN.JAMES AMOS

WASHINGTON — On Febru-

ary 9, I was made aware of

an internet photo depicting

Marines posing with a flag

containing a Nazi symbol. I

want to be clear that the

Marine Corps unequivocally

does not condone the use of

any such symbols to repre-

sent our units or Marines.

The local command to which

the Marines in the photo

were assigned investigated

this issue last November.

They determined that the

Marines in the photo were

ignorant of the connection of

this symbol to the Holocaust

and monumental atrocities

associated with Nazi Ger-

many. To ensure the Marines

involved fully understood the

historical use of the SS sym-

bology, a formal instructional

class was prepared and de-

livered by unit leadership.

The commanding general of

our training and education

command review the current

sniper school curriculum to

ensure it contains prohibi-

tions on the use of the SS

symbol and other inappropri-

ate symbols .On behalf of

the Marine Corps and all Ma-

rines, I apologize to all of-

fended by this regrettable

incident

4

But our Detachment de-

cided to have our own

celebration at one of our

local restaurant with

members and their

spouses/dinner guest.

We invited the local Re-

cruiting Station Marines

and their wives. We

had a total of 55 people

attend this event. We

sang the Marine Hymn

and had a cake cutting

ceremony. But the big-

gest surprise came when

the serving staff told us

that three gentlemen

picked up the entire tab,

including tip, for all Ma-

rines and guest.

Veterans Day: This was

a big day for our Detach-

ment. We were invited

to participate in a Veter-

ans Day Ceremony at

one of our largest ceme-

teries. We had our

Color Guard as part of

the opening ceremony

and our Honor Guard

furnished the 21 gun sa-

lute. Plus two of our

Marines were active dur-

ing the wreath placement

ceremony

MARINE JROTC:

We have been notified

by the local MJROTC

Unit of their upcoming

Awards night for their

Cadets.

Middle Georgia Det. 970, Macon Ga.

MCL Dept of Georgia Detachment News

We have had no changes in

the number of our member-

ship during this last Quarter.

Things are picking up as we

added 3 new members dur-

ing our last Detachment

meeting with several pros-

pects visiting. The efforts

in the area of recruitment are

starting to benefit us. As

for the unpaid, 2 Marines

have moved away and one

has transferred.

FALLEN MARINE PRO-

GRAM : Our Detachment

continues performing this

service for our Marines have

past and either requested us

or the Active Duty Marines

were unavailable for the

services. Our Honor Guard

and Color Guard are always

on stand-by.

TOYS – FOR – TOTS:

This program was very suc-

cessful again in the Middle

Georgia area. Many children

had Christmas due to the ef-

forts of our Detachment. We

work in conjunction with the

local Marine Reserves and

have programs we handle on

our own and donate to the

Toys-For-Tots. These ef-

forts include toys and

monies collected for this

program .

MARINE CORPS

BIRTHDAY: The local

Marine Corps Reserve

Unit put on a huge gath-

ering for all the local

Marines and guest. It

was done on a large

scale and several of our

members attended this

gracious affair.

We furnish three awards to

the cadets including the

award for their Honor Cadet.

More will be in next quarters

report..As a Detachment we

had several smaller activities

going on during this last

quarter. We are always try-

ing to recruit new members

and get seen by the general

public.

We visited several shut-in

Marines including the VA

Hospital and in local homes.

We set up at a small Fair in

Jones County and that

worked out well for us.

We performed a Flag Cere-

mony at a local Hospice.

This Flag Pole was installed

and dedicated to one of our

Deceased members and we

maintain the Flags them-

selves. But mainly we are

just “Marines Helping Ma-

rines” !

Sincerely,

Joe W. Barbee

Commandant

Middle Ga. Det. - 970

SEMPER FIDELIS

Gen. John Lejeune

5

Unicoi Detachment meets

during the winter months on

the third Sunday of each

month at 1400 hours at the

VFW Post 7807, Sunnyside

Road (GA Hwy 288), Hia-

wassee, GA.

In December, we collected

toys for children, resulting in

enough to provide toys for

kids from over 200 families in

Towns and Union Counties.

We’re now making plans for

our events of 2012. Our first

event will be our 2nd Sporting

Clay Shoot, scheduled for

April. Also in April or May

we plan to co-sponsor an

adult spelling bee with the

Union County Friends of the

Library. Further details on

both events will be forthcom-

ing.

On February 16th Towns

County, represented by Com-

missioner Bill Kendall, pre-

sented one of our members,

retired Navy QMC Bud John-

son with a proclamation de-

claring March 7, 2012 as

QMC C. E. (Bud) Johnson

Day. March 7th is Bud’s 90th

birthday. Bud is a WW2 vet

and had participated in the

invasion of Iwo Jima. Unicoi

Detachment Commandant

Wayne Roshaven took part in

the ceremonies, and the de-

tachment was represented by

8 additional members, in ad-

dition to members of the local

VFW. The ceremony was

covered by local television

and newspaper media.

Respectfully submitted,

Wayne Roshaven,

Commandant

Unicoi Detachment 783

Unicoi Detachment #783 Unicoi GA.

Savannah Det. #564, Savannah Ga.

color guard in the second

largest St. Paddy’s Day pa-

rade in the country.

Election and installation of

officers are on tap for April

and May respectively.

Enthusiasm and interest

among the membership is

high.

We have strengthened the

bond between us. We look

forward to another successful

year.

Semper Fi

Ben Stewart Jr.

We began 2012 with a great

deal of optimism. Last year

we established three goals for

the Detachment, all three

were met. Several good things

have set the tone for this year:

Two members joined our

ranks at the January meeting.

At that same meeting, the

Inspector Instructor staff pre-

sented the Detachment

a Certificate of Appreciation

for the support we rendered

throughout the year.

By popular demand, we initi-

ated another Garand M1 Rifle

raffle.

We are working out the de-

tails to host a Meet & Greet

this summer for a Marine

Medal Of Honor recipient.

St Patrick’s Day is March

17th . We will proudly enter

our Higgins Boat, Iwo Jima

Silhouette , WWII Jeep and a

Volume 1, Issue 10

West Chatham Det.1326, Pooler GA

Our detachment has 42

regular members and 13

associate members.

We didn`t have a meeting in

Dec.

Jan. meeting we had a cov-

ered dish supper,

It was also the last meeting

for Commandant B J Frank-

lin and his wife Kitty Ann,

as they moved to Alabama.

.He past the gavel to Sr.

Vice Commandant Bobby

Edwards.

The detachment is still

working on a scholarship

program and we are still

recruiting new members.

.We meet the 3rd.Monday of

the month at Randy Wood

Guitars.1304 Hwy.80

Blooming Ga.

Semper Fi

Bobby Edwards

Commandant of Detachment

1326

Unicoi Lake

6

November 5th The Detach-

ment celebrated its fourth

annual Marine Birthday

Celebration at The Lodge at

Bridgemill. It was a re-

sounding success as attested

to by the 80 plus members

in attendance. Bgen Shortal,

USMC (Retired), was the

guest of honor and speaker.

Prior to the beginning of the

ceremony, Commandant

Newport and BGen Shortal

presented individual Marine

Corps League awards to

Detachment Members: Roy

Stubbs, outgoing paymas-

ter: Meritorious Commen-

dation, Individual; Chris

Shaw, Sergeant at Arms,

Distinguished Service

Award and Joe Kraft, Sen-

ior Vice Commandant, Dis-

tinguished Service Award

and The Detachment Ma-

rine of the Year Award.

November 12th Detachment

members participated as

Pall Bearers at the funeral

services of Jo Beauchamp,

beloved wife of Detachment

member Rodney

Beauchamp.

November 20th The Detach-

ment presented a League

Certificate to the family of

Marine Veteran John F.

Lawter at Services at the

National Cemetery in Can-

ton.

December 4th Detachment

members marched in the

City of Woodstock, Annual

Christmas Parade of Lights.

December 10th The Detach-

ment donated $150.00 to the

Wreath Across America

Organization and partici-

pated in the Wreath Laying

Ceremony at the National

Cemetery in Canton.

December 16th Warrior

Watch Riders (WWR)

Georgia Coordinator and

Detachment member Al

Manella organized a very

successful

HUMOR IN UNIFORM!

MAJ GEN WARREN R JOHNSON DET. 1311

MCL Dept of Georgia Detachment News

Gary Sullivan cartoons

spaghetti dinner fund

raiser at the Woodstock

Community Center for the

City of Woodstock, Shop

With a Cop program. Also

attendees were asked to

bring a Toy for the De-

tachment Toys-For-Tots

campaign. February 6th

The Detachment Members

presented Marine Corps

League Certificates to the

family of Marine Veteran

Terry Cash, during his

funeral services at the Na-

tional Cemetery. Later in

the evening, League Mem-

bers presented a Certifi-

cate to the family of de-

ceased Marine Veteran

Ricky Whitmire at the

Soesebee Funeral Home in

Canton. The Detachment

proudly has achieved its

highest membership thus

far with 51 current mem-

bers and two memberships

pending. Semper Fi

7

COMMEMORATIVE MARINE CORPS MONUMENTS

Volume 1, Issue 10

POW/ MIA FLAG

The POW/MIA flag is an

American flag designed as a

symbol of citizen concern

about United States military

personnel taken as prisoners

of war (POWs) or listed as

missing in action (MIA).

The POW/MIA flag was cre-

ated by the National League

of Families and officially rec-

ognized by the Congress in

conjunction with the Vietnam

War POW/MIA issue, "as the

symbol of our Nation's con-

cern and commitment to re-

solving as fully as possible

the fates of Americans still

prisoner, missing and unac-

counted for in Southeast Asia,

Honor an organization, an individual or group of individuals with a memorial monument along the paved trails of the Semper

Fidelis Memorial Park. With over a mile of winding paths, there are many opportunities for organizations with an affinity with

the Marine Corps to sponsor monuments. Sponsors take full responsibility for the cost of the monument and its installation, to

include a one-time fee placed in escrow for the long-term maintenance of the monument. The precise location of any monument

is dependent on the shape and size of the piece itself and the availability of installation sites. Download the Marine Corps Heri-

tage Foundation Monument Guidelines below for more information.

A selection committee chaired by the President, Marine Corps University, considers all proposals for monuments. Anyone inter-

ested in proposing a monument should submit a concept, including dimensions, a materials list, any text to be included, name of

sculptor or manufacturer, and a sketch of the finished piece.

Examples of installed monuments are shown to the right. Once a monument is approved, proposers will be directed to the Heri-

tage Center for additional information

Contact The National Museum of the Ma-

rine Corps for additional information and

details.

WAYCROSS DETACHMENT #1333, WAYCROSS GA.

Waycross Detachment

#1333 meets every

third Thursday at

Shoney’s restaurant in

Waycross, GA. Social

time is from 1800 –

1900. Meeting starts

at 1900 hours.

The Detachment par-

ticipated in two Christ-

mas parades during the

month of December

and had new officers

installed during the

December meeting.

Officers elected for

2012 were as follow-

ing:

Commandant

Kevin Metts:

Sr. Vice

Paul Guyer:

Jr. Vice

Larry Baker:

Judge Adv

Joe Robertson:

Paymaster:

Jean Guyer

Adjutant:

Mary Odum

Chaplain:

Bobby Bryant

Sgt. At arms:

Jim Craig

Semper Fi

8

The Georgia Devil Dog Detachment has been busy at work since September 2011 when the first toys were moved into the Toys For Tots Warehouse in Suwannee, GA. The Detachment part-nered with the Atlanta Toys For Tots Cam-paign for the third year. Our members facilitated the move-ment of toys from the donors to the agencies who ultimately distrib-uted the toys to the children in the 17 Counties served by the campaign. This year demand skyrock-eted with 1512 Agen-cies requesting toys and donations were down. Members of the detachment put hun-dreds of hours into the campaign and were successful in deliver-ing 724,000 toys to the children in the Atlanta area, a feat un-matched by any other campaign. We closed the doors on Dec 22 for a well-deserved rest and are now wind-ing down the ware-house operations. Planning for the 2012 Campaign in already underway. Our detachment has

many fun and exciting events planned this year. March 17, 2012 marks the first ever Big Band Dance, to be held at the American Legion Post in Duluth, GA. Further information can be found at http://www.danielturnerbuilders.com/devildogs952.htm. The Detachment is also planning The Capt. “TR Rees” Me-morial Golf Tourna-ment at Lanier Islands for June 4, 2012 more to come. The Devil Dogs will be heading to Washing-ton, DC again this year to participate in Na-tional 4th of July Pa-rade. The parade has been a fun detach-ment outing for the past 6 years. We cara-van to DC pulling the trailer, staying at Quantico and visit the Marine Corps Museum and the cannot forget then dinner with The Mickey Finn Detach-ment. Detachment Officers were elected in Janu-ary. Our 2012 Officers are: Commandant. Tony Tijerina

Sr. Vice Commandant. Joe Nix Jr. Vice Commandant. Lori Dashiell Judge Advocate: Jeff Covert To find more about our detachment go to www.gamarine.org

Georgia Devil Dog Detachment 952

Sr. Vice Frank

Corrick Reporting

Marines, the last few News-

letters we have focused on

initiatives from the National

MCL. In this letter we can

apply those closer to home,

namely our Dept. A recent

report from the Dept Jr. Vice

concerning the Burkhardt

award gives us enough meat

for immediate attention

needed. The following ten

Detachments: Unicoi, Aubrey

Gilbert, Middle Georgia,

North GA Mountain, Way-

cross, West Chatham, Georgia

Devil Dog, “Jake” Puryear,

Glynco, and Dalton showed

no growth or negative growth

for the nine month period

ending 31 December 2011.

That is almost 40% of our

Department not only, not

helping us grow, but acting as

an anchor to our growth. The

challenge is there for all De-

tachment’s but for the above

ten it is critical. Let’s RE-

CRUIT, RETAIN, and RE-

CAPTURE (from the delin-

quent list) and keep our De-

partment moving in the right

direction.

MCL Dept of Georgia Detachment News

9

Happy New Year to all

Marines in the Depart-

ment of Georgia from

the Central Georgia

MCL Detachment 1373!

In November, we cele-

brated our 236th Marine

Corps birthday and

opened our homes for

Thanksgiving to the Ma-

rine Aircraft Group 49

(Det. A) based at Robins

AFB.

At our November staff

meeting we set three

goals for 2012, since

public awareness of the

Marine Corps League’s

purpose is minimal in the

Warner Robins area. Our

numbered goals are as

follows:

We will reach out to ac-

tive duty and reserve

Marines/families at-

tached to the Marine Air-

craft Group 49 (Det. A)

stationed at Robins AFB.

The MAG 49 (Det. A)

consists of about 100

active duty and 150 re-

serve Marines and their

families. The MAG may

deploy sometime in 2012

and we want to be avail-

able to assist their fami-

lies. While a strong

relationships have been

forged between Detach-

ment 1373 and other lo-

cal veteran service or-

ganizations, such as the

Patriot Guard Riders and

Rolling Thunder, 2012

will be dedicated to

building a strong rela-

tionship with MAG 49

and their families by

conducting the following

activities:

Sponsor a spouse appre-

ciation tea/coffee w/

babysitting (women or-

ganize) Sponsor a Ma-

rine family get-together/

BBQ at a park or recrea-

tion area Invite Marines

to your home for special

occasions or out for

lunch. Be a part of the

Family Readiness Offi-

cer (FRO) contact list for

deployments.

Detachment 1373 will

positively engage, sup-

port and mentor elemen-

tary and high school stu-

dents by promoting

physical fitness, a

healthy lifestyle, strong

character and family val-

ues to further MCL

youth program goals.

The Detachment will

invest its efforts into lo-

cal youth to provide an

immediate benefit to in-

dividual children. By

doing so, we help to

plant and nurture the

seeds of character and

attitude needed to pre-

pare future generations

of Marines. Here are a

few of the organizations

we will positively en-

gage: Salvation Army -

Partner with the Salva-

tion Army of Warner

Robins. The SA owns

approximately 4 brush-

covered acres adjacent to

the Thrift Shop on Green

Street in Warner Robins.

The SA wants to develop

the space for sports and

recreational programs, as

well as a community gar-

den for economically

marginalized youth and

families. Once devel-

oped, support is needed

to sponsor and equip

youth sports teams. The

land and SA Canteen

would be available free

of charge for use by the

Central Georgia MCL

Detachment 1373 and

other vet organizations

for a local Operation

Stand Down.

MAG 49 (Det. A) sta-

tioned at Robins AFB

Central Georgia Det. 1373, Warner Robins GA.

Volume 1, Issue 10

Boys and Girls involved

with the Warner Robins

Recreation Department

(Ruby Holmes)

Houston County Public

School System/HODAC/

James Dobson/Olan

Brooks

Finally, being a new de-

tachment, all our mem-

bers haven’t found a use-

ful niche in which to par-

ticipate and contribute

due to differing ages, in-

terests and experience.

We realize that failure to

encourage a sense of pur-

pose beyond group cama-

raderie may lead to back-

door losses. Therefore,

we have undertaken the

following based on the

realization that we have

to turn over a lot of rocks

in order to find the home-

less veterans in the War-

ner Robins area:

The Central Georgia De-

tachment 1373 sponsored

a homeless family for

Christmas by donating

$100. There are more

than 300-plus marginal

families in the Houston

County School System

that are considered home-

less: “doubled up” or liv-

ing in shelter, motels or

on the street, while the

children attend school.

Seven social workers

identify and work with

the most-needy families.

CONT PG 10

10

\ members. Many gave

of their time as well.

A young man named

Brennan (age 9), who

told his Mom he always

wanted to grow up and

be a Marine, was wel-

comed by our Detach-

ment members which

showered him with Ma-

rine memorabilia. (see

picture at right)

In February, retired

Chief Chuck Horton

(USAF) spoke to the De-

tachment with regard to

Veterans Benefits and

the best way to navigate

the VA system. All

Robins civilian Marines

and MAG 49 were in-

vited to attend this very

informational presenta-

tion.

An auction to raise De-

tachment funds will be

held after the February

23rd. meeting.

The Central Georgia

MCL Detachment 1373

meetings are held the

fourth Thursday of every

month (except for holi-

days) at the Flint Ener-

gies Building, on Hwy

96 in Warner Robins,

GA at 1900.

Central Georgia Det. 1373, Warner Robins GA .(Cont. from pg.9)

.

MCL Dept of Georgia Detachment News

Detachment 1373 will

help support the only

homeless shelter in War-

ner Robins. The Commu-

nity Outreach Service

Center meets short-term

crisis needs by providing

safe lodging, clean bed-

ding, nutritious meals,

showers and local tele-

phone access for men

(including vets), women,

and children. They need

help with building new space,

supplies and monetary dona-

tions.

7 Bridges-To-Recovery is a

volunteer, non-profit ministry,

founded in 2001, to rescue

homeless men, women and chil-

dren from the streets and under

the bridges of Atlanta. Pastor 7

spoke to our leadership in De-

cember. We will work with

Richard Barnes, the director

responsible for helping home-

less veterans, through the Vet-

erans Administration in Atlanta.

Pastor 7 speaks to our leader-

ship in December

Detachment 1373 will help sup-

port the homeless vets domicili-

ary at VA Hospital in Dublin,

headed by Frank Brooks.

On 4 December, MAG 49

invited our Detachment

officers to their family

Christmas party on base.

We attended and provided

a SANTA (Cody Smith,

Jr-Vice) for the kids and

made a relationship con-

nection with the young

Marines and their families

We also supported the

Toys-for-Tots program for

the MAG 49 NCOIC, and

hauled excess toys (1200)

to Atlanta (Stockbridge)

from the Salvation Army

in Warner Robins.

In January we held our

elections and the same of-

ficers and appointed posi-

tions were re-elected for

2012.

On January 28th, volun-

teers from Detachment

1373, in the finest tradi-

tion of the Marine Corps,

reached out to homeless

and homeless vets in At-

lanta, by supporting 7

Bridges To-Recovery

(Website:

www.7bridgesrecovery.or

g). We supported Pastor

7 and his organization

with 50 fleece jackets, 50

army blankets, 50 pair of

wool socks, 50 sets of toi-

letries, water and snack

food. All the clothing

items were donated to our

Detachment by the Carl

Vinson Medical Center in

Dublin, GA. Private

monetary donations and

clothing, not include De-

tachment monies, were

donated by private busi-

nesses and Detachment

11

We continue to be very suc-

cessful with our Patriotism

Program headed by Marine

Dave Aldrich with a total of

33 flags being replaced in

2011 and 3 more in the first 2

weeks in January. With less

enthusiasm, since November

2011, the Detachment’s

Fallen Marine Program has

made presentations to the next

of kin of the following Fallen

Marines: Maj. Daniel Dick-

son; Joe Wayne Harrell; MSgt

Eugene Quinn, Sr., USMC

(ret.); Virgil F. Halte; Edgar

Willis Pritchett; and Donald

Holt..

As of February we have a

total Membership of 94.

Since November we’ve joined

6 new members, had 4 mem-

berships lapse and 4 member-

ships transition to life mem-

bers. We have 6 members on

the delinquent list that will

garner some special attention

to bring back in.

Major Lawrence DesJardines Detachment #1260

Volume 1, Issue 10

Currahee Mountain Det. 1303 Recent doings:

• Marine Corps Birthday celebra-

tion

• Toccoa Christmas Parade

• Memorial service for

MGYSGT Charles Denson III

• Toys For Tots across 6 counties

The following are the Detach-

ment officers for 2012:

• Commandant - Rich Crumley

• Senior Vice Commandant - Ed

Payne

• Junior Vice Commandant -

Duane Goding

• Judge Advocate General -

James Davis

• Paymaster - Richard Hack

• Adjutant - Dan Angel

• Sergeant at Arms - General

Crumley

• Web Sergeant - Bill Graham

Our Annual Awards

Banquet in December

was attended by over 60

members and guests. Af-

ter a short business ses-

sion several awards were

presented to members and

businesses that have sup-

ported all of our activities

throughout the year.

Elections in January re-

sulted in the following

Marines elected in uncon-

tested races: Ron Kirstat-

ter – Commandant; Bob-

bie Elmore – Sr. Vice

Commandant; Roger Pau-

lin – Jr. Vice Comman-

dant; and Bill Hammack –

Judge Advocate. All

newly elected Detachment

officers were administered

the oath of office, along

with the following ap-

pointed officers: Alex

Hart (newly appointed) –

Adjutant; Bob Adams (re-

appointed) – Pay Master;

Ernie Elmore (re-

appointed) – Chaplain;

Jim Rodgers (re-

appointed) – Sgt at Arms.

The Detachment has be-

come a founding member

of the Southwest Georgia

Veterans Coalition

formed to provide a cen-

tral focus point for en-

deavors that affect all the

Veterans Organizations in

the area

On February 11th mem-

bers took part in the

Broad Avenue Bridge

Decommissioning Service

honoring WWI veterans

for whom the bridge was

dedicated in 1920. The

bridge will be rebuilt, at

which time it will be re-

dedicated to those veter-

ans and those that have

served since.

The Albany Marine

Band has fallen victim to

the most recent cuts in

Marine Corps end

strength. After 22 years of

faithful service the band’s

final performance was

given at the Albany Mu-

nicipal Auditorium on

February 14th. The band

will be officially deacti-

vated February 24th.

Submitted by

Ron Kirstatter

Commandant

12

Our Detachment had a very

successful Toys For Tots

drive this year. We had tre-

mendous help for Georgia

Highway Patrol Trooper

George Cotton. He and his

fellow Trooper at the local

Post organized and manned

six toy drives that were very

successful. We hope they can

do the same next year. We

collected $6742.52 and 5751

toys that we donated to The

Empty Stocking funds in

Hogansville and LaGrange

and to the Salvation Army in

Troup County.

We also had a request from

the LaGrange Personal Aid

for help for a Marine in

Franklin, Ga. in Heard

County. His name is Bryant

Sprayberry. He has two

young children his trying to

raise by himself. We got in

touch with him and found that

he was being evicted from his

apartment at the end of De-

cember and he is disabled and

cannot work. We assisted in

getting him moved into a

rental mobile home and began

inquiring about his DD-214.

He could not produce one so

we helped him apply for a

replacement. Marine Randy

was able to raise money to

assist Bryan as well as to pro-

cure several pieces of furni-

ture and bought groceries for

the family on more than one

occasion. When the DD-214

arrived it showed that Bryan

had received a less than Hon-

orable discharge. He has also

been refused Social Security

Disability assistance. At the

present time we have no fur-

ther plans to continue assist-

ing him monetarily.

At our February meeting we

elected the officers for the

coming year. They are:

Commandant – Jim Hethcox

150 Leathea Dr.LaGrange,

Ga. 30241 – 4690

706-882-4690 H

706-298-9851 C

hisservant7@yahoo.com

Sr. Vice Commandant –

Al Yates

203 Lincoln Lane

LaGrange, Ga. 30240 – 8710

706-884-0503 H

706-402-2080 C

alsphoto@mindspring.com

Jr. Vice Commandant –

Joe Cameron

66 Swanson Dr.

LaGrange, Ga. 30240-4030

706-882-1362 H

cameron81@charter.net

Judge Advocate –

George Stefenelli

303 Medical Drive, Suite 405

LaGrange, Ga. 30240-9023

706-242-9023

706-882-9940

drstef@bellsouth.net

Appointed Officers

Adjutant/Paymaster –

Bernard Bledsoe

Chaplain – Johnny Griggs

Sgt. at Arm – Randy Dollar

Detachment Marine of the

Year: Randy Dollar

All of these officers will be

sworn into their office at our

March meeting

We support the CSRA Young

Marines with monetary and

manpower.

Glenn Sewell

Commandant

LtCol. Jimmie Dyess De-

tachment 921

Our detachment participated

in the Columbia County

Christmas parade. This was

the detachment first entry

into a parade.

We supported the Toys for

Tots program with the Ma-

rine Corps Reserve. We

served over three hundred

man hours.

Pfc. George Eiland Det. 1040 , LaGrange Ga.

LtCol Jimmie Dyess Detachment #921

MCL Dept of Georgia Detachment News

13

Greetings Department of

Georgia Marines;

We’ve moved our meeting

sight to a temporary location!

For the next few months, you

are welcome join us at the

Golden Corral in Buford GA

on the second Saturday of

each month at 1000 hrs. We

are trying to move back into

Gainesville as this location is

too small for us. Please call if

you plan to visit.

Like most of you, our Toys

for Tots Campaign is finished

and it was the best coordi-

nated and most successful T

for T in our history. In spite

of a deteriorating economy,

people opened their hearts,

wallets, and purses like never

before. Non-member volun-

teers as well as members

came out of the woodwork

and made life a little easier

for Wally and Sandy

Calderon.

Perhaps it’s our aging popula-

tion but our Chaplain seems

to be consuming more and

more time at each meeting.

Thankfully, we are offering

prayers for recovery from

sickness or surgical proce-

dures rather than bidding fare-

well.

We seem to have hit a plateau

in member recruitment during

November and December but

January, February and March

should show substantial

growth. One of my shortcom-

ings as Commandant was not

initiating a formal program

for recruiting new members.

Thankfully, several of our

members are very diligent in

inviting friends and acquaint-

ances to our meetings and

projects and most attendees

are joining as regular or asso-

ciate members. Half a dozen

transfers will soon show up

on our roster along with an-

other half a dozen new mem-

bers. Seven members have

recently opted for Life Mem-

berships.

Our fundraising is progressing

better than expected and we

are prepared to meet the chal-

lenges of assisting Marines

who will be separated from

active duty as the Middle East

wars wind down. As always,

unless returning Marines are

featured in a newspaper arti-

cle, we are having difficulty

establishing contact before

they end up in crisis mode. It

is difficult to convey the ca-

thartic value of relationships

with other Marines to a young

separating Marine trying to

get and maintain a job and/or

raise a family. The transition-

ing process might be a good

program for the National

MCL to undertake and study.

No, I am not volunteering.

The District Vice Comman-

dant program is one of the

best ideas from Department

Staff that we have encoun-

tered. The experience and

knowledge that District Vice

Commandant Hal Gosnell

brings to the table has been a

tremendous resource on many

occasions. He or an equally

qualified successor will serve

our new officers well in the

coming months.

Speaking of successors, as

Detachment #665 prepares to

elect its new officers in April;

this will be my last quarterly

report. I will take this oppor-

tunity to congratulate my fel-

low Commandants in the De-

partment of Georgia for the

job you do. You are the glue

that holds the MCL together.

Whether you command 20 or

200, making or guiding deci-

sions that will serve all mem-

bers for the better is no easy

task. You have probably been

criticized, second guessed and

called worse names that even

your drill instructor yelled at

you. The personal time you

gave up to serve your detach-

ment can only be appreciated

by one who has held your

position. Gentlemen, I salute

you.

The state of Upper Chattahoo-

chee Detachment #665 is

strong.

On behalf of my members, Be

Well, Be Safe, and

Semper Fidelis

Cookie Salinas,

Commandant

Upper Chattahoochee Det. 665, Gainesville Ga.

Volume 1, Issue 10

14

The Marine Corps Birthday

Ball was held in Rome with

Guest of Honor T. Fred Har-

vey from Kerrville, Texas.

He was a Para marine in the

1st Parachute Battalion in WW

II and later served with the 5th

Marine Division at Iwo Jima

where he was awarded the

Silver Star. Mr. Harvey has

also been a participant in the

Pacific Reunion held in

March, 2011 on the Berry

College campus.

In December a successful

Toys for Tots campaign took

place under the leadership of

Marine Ken Futch for Floyd

County. A highlight was the

auction held on December 8th

at the Rome Civic Center

which raised over $23,000 in

net proceeds. The auction

was attended by Sgt Major

Ron Whittington and Marines

from the I & I staff in Mari-

etta. On December 17th well

over 1,000 young people were

assisted. Other Detachment

1020 members including

Commandant Vern Miller

assisted in Polk County and

Royce Coker in Bartow

County. These Marines were

instrumental to the success of

the Toys for Tots programs.

the importance of honor and respect to the de-

ceased Marine's widow/

widower and family mem-bers, and sending out Get-

Well and Sympathy cards. My briefing will include

giving pastoral care for those who are sick, in-

firmed and possibly in hos-

pitals and nursing homes. I will pass out coins that you

can give to those you min-ister to. This time of fellow-

I would like all Department Chaplain's (or their repre-

sentatives) to be at the

Staff Meeting for a Chap-lain's briefing. I will be

covering the roll the Chap-lain plays in the Detach-

ment and the Detachment members responsibility to

keep the Chaplain informed

of situations and issues of spiritual needs. Also I will

cover the timeliness of Death Notices and

ship should help us all do a better job of seeing to the

spiritual needs of our Ma-

rine Corps League breth-ren. This will be informa-

tive in nature and will not be a sermon nor will I pass

the plate. God bless all of you.

Rev. Ernie Elmore

Department Chaplain 229-435-2283

ernieelmore@att.net

Jake Puryear Detachment #1020, Rome Ga

Chaplain Ernie Elmore

MCL Dept of Georgia Detachment News

In January Jim Burns was

named the Marine of the

Year for 2011. Jim was a

6th Division Marine rifle-

man on Okinawa. He has a

continuing commitment to

assist in all aspects of

League programs. Mr.

Burns has made a tremen-

dous difference in the com-

munity and we congratulate

him.

In January 2012 a new slate

of officers for the Jake

Puryear Detachment was

installed. The Comman-

dant is Bruce Behner;

James Rassier as

Senior Vice-Commandant;

Piker Penn as

Junior Vice-Commandant;

Adrian Fanjoy as Judge

Advocate;

Cathy Herrera as Adjutant

and Hoke Kidney as Pay-

master were sworn in.

All Department of Georgia

members will miss the

presence of USN Corps-

man William Morgan from

Rome. He has been a regu-

lar at many events involv-

ing the Marine Corps

League for years until he

All Department of Georgia

members will miss the pres-

ence of USN Corpsman

William Morgan from

Rome. He has been a regu-

lar at many events involving

the Marine Corps League

for years until he passed

away December 8,2011 at

the age of 88 Mr. Morgan

was a WW II veteran of

Point du Hoc and Omaha

Beach on June 6, 1944 and

was later reassigned to the

5th Marine Division and was

in the first wave that landed

on Iwo Jima.

Semper Fi

Bruce Behner,

Commandant

Jake Puryear Det.

15

The NGMD increased its col-

lection and distribution to

local children for Toys for

Tots from 4,000 in each of the

past 4 years to over 11,000

this year. Our area of respon-

sibility has increased from

Pickens County to include

Gilmer and Fannin coun-

ties. After a meeting with the

Woodstock Detachment, it

was decided that the NGMD

will provide administrative

assistance to them in future

Toys for Tots campaigns.

The number of care packages

to front line Marines is ap-

proaching 900.

We have added 4 more Ma-

rines to our roster in the past 3

months.

We had 65 participants at our

Marine Corps Birthday Ball

which was viewed by all as a

success.

Gary Hammond

Commandant

North Georgia Mountain Detachment #1280

Marine Corps League History

Corps. Today the League

boasts a membership of

90,000 men and women,

officers and enlisted, active

duty, Reserve Marines,

honorably discharged

Marine Veterans, and quali-

fied Navy FMF Corpsmen

and is one of the few Veter-

ans Service Organizations

that experience growth in

membership each year.

Today, the League sponsors

many programs that benefit:

Our Veteran Marines and

families,

-Our serving Marines and

families, and The youth of

our communities.

Programs we are involved

in are:

Toys for Tots,

Support of VA benefits

and our veterans

entitled to receive

them,

Recognition of signifi-

cant dates in Ma-

rine Corps his-

tory,

Care packages to

deployed Marines,

Visiting shut-in

Marines,

Support of Boy

Scouts and

JROTC units,

Americanism

programs,

Flag etiquette pres-

entations, Fallen Marine Pro-

gram,

Programs to keep

members abreast of

current Marine Corps

equipment, tactics,

and policies,

Young Marines

Program,

State and National

Conventions and

Programs,

Many other loca-

tion-specific pro-

grams

The Marine Corps League

perpetuates the traditions

and spirits of ALL Marines

and Navy FMF Corpsmen

who proudly wear or have

worn the eagle, globe, and

anchor of the Corps.

It takes great pride in cred-

iting its founding in 1923 to

World War I hero, then

Major General Comman-

dant John A. LeJeune. It

takes equal pride in its Fed-

eral Charter, approved by

an Act of the Seventy-Fifth

Congress of the United

States of America and

signed and approved by

President Franklin D. Roo-

sevelt on August 4, 1937.

The League is the only Fed-

erally Chartered Marine

Corps-related veterans or-

ganization in the country.

Since its earliest days, the

Marine Corps League has

enjoyed the support and

encouragement of the active

duty and Reserve establish-

ments of the U. S. Marine

Volume 1, Issue 10

. Friday Night Agenda:

1500 - Hotel Check-in

1500 Preview of the facility for the

upcoming Department Convention

1700- Meet and Greet: Location

TBA

Saturday’s Agenda:

7:00- 10:00 Breakfast on your on

1100 – Hotel Checkout

10:00- 11:45 Staff Meeting

11:45- 13:00 Lunch

13:00- 13:50 Judge Advocate

13:50- 14:00 Break

14:00- 14:20 Chaplains Training

14:20- 14:45 Fallen Marine Pres-

entation

STAFF MEETING AGENDA

16

DETACHMENT MEETING INFORMATION

DETACHMENT NEWS: - DALTON GA DET. #1309

3rd. Saturday of each month 10:00am

Dalton College, Brown Building Rm.202 or 203

550 College Drive, Dalton Ga 30720

Meets: Contact Kelly Johnson 706-272-2355

DETACHMENT NEWS: MIDDLE GA DET. # 970

Meets: 1st Tuesday of month at 1900 hrs

American legion Post #3, 5530 Thomaston Rd., Macon Ga.

DETACHMENT NEWS: SAVANNAH DET.#564

Meets: 3rd. Thursday of month at 1900 hrs.

Marine Reserve Bld, Hunter Field, Savannah Ga.

Contact: benstwrt@yahoo.com

DETACHMENT NEWS: SGTMAJ LOUIS ROUNDTREE DET, 1048

Meets: 4th. Saturday of month at 1600 hrs

American Legion Post #51, 1641 Washington St., East Point Ga.

Contact: Moon Mullins at Moonman37x1@att.net

DETACHMENT NEWS: CLYDE THOMASON DET. #1325

Meets: 2nd.Tuesday of each month

Christ The King Church, 4881 Highway 34E, Sharpsburg GA. 30277

websergeant@mcl1325.net

DETACHMENT NEWS:MAJ.GEN WARREN R. JOHNSON DET.

Meets: 3rd. Sat of month at 0930

Right Wing Tavern, 251 East Main St., Woodstock GA

DETACHMENT NEWS: CURRAHEE DETACHMENT #1303

Meets 1st Thursday of each month at 1800 hrs

Toccoa Police Training Center, Alewine Drive, Toccoa Ga. 30577

Alexander.don21@gmail.com

DETACHMENT NEWS: GLYNCO DETACHMENT #716

Meets last Monday of each month at 1900 hrs

Strike Zone, 380 Millennium Blvd., Brunswick GA 31521

tito6@comcast.net

DETACHMENT NEWS: N. GEORGIA MTN. DET. # 1280

Meets 3rd. Sat of the month at 0800 hrs

Annie’s, 1995 Talking Rock Highway, Jasper GA

Contact: usmc1280@gmail.com

WAYCROSS DETACHMENT #1333

Meets 3rd. Thursday of every month

Shoney’s on Memorial Drive, Waycross GA 31503

Contact:

HENRY COUNTY LEATHERNECKS DETACHMENT # 1339

Meets 3rd. Monday of every month at 1830 hrs

Heritage Park Recreation Center, 99 Lake Dow Rd. McDonough GA 30253

Contact: mcdonoughmarines@gmail.com

CENTRAL GEORGIA DETACHMENT #1373

Meets 1st Monday of each month at Flint Energy Building

900 Hwy 96, Warner Robins Ga. 31088

Contact John Harmon at jjharmonusmc@gmail.com

17

MCL Dept of Georgia Detachment News

DETACHMENT NEWS: LT.COL JIMMIE DYESS DET.#921 Meets: Last Tuesday of month at 1900 hrs American Legion Post # 205,2102 Highland Ave. Augusta Ga. 30904 DETACHMENT NEWS: GREATER ATLANTA #647 Meets: 1st. Saturday of month at 1100 hrs Delkwood Grill, 2769 Delk Road, Marietta GA marine64@comcast.net DETACHMENT NEWS: UPPER CHATTAHOOCHEE DET #665 Meets: 2nd. Sat. of month 10:30 hrs Ryan’s Buffet, 2415 Brown’s Bridge Road, Gainesville Ga 30504 DETACHMENT NEWS: AUBREY GILBERT DET.1312

Meets 3rd Sat. of month 1000 hrs Old Oak Mountain Academy, 1790 Stripling-Chapel Rd. Carrollton, GA 30116 DETACHMENT NEWS: JAKE PURYEAR DET.1020 Meets: 2nd Sat of month at 0900 Location: Rome-Floyd Library DETACHMENT NEWS:JOSEPH SCHMITTOU DET.1083 Meets: 3rd Monday of month at 1900 hrs Buffalo’s Café, Alps Road & Baxter Street, Athens GA. 30606 DETACHMENT NEWS: WEST CHATHAM DET. #1326 Meets: 3rd. Mon of month Randy Woods Guitars,1304 East Hwy.80, Bloomingdale Ga. 31302 DETACHMENT NEWS:PFC GEORGE EILAND DET. # 1040 Meets: 2nd. Mon of month at 1900 hrs Troop City Senior Center,140 Ragland St., LaGrange Ga. 30241 Contact: DETACHMENT NEWS: KINGS BAY DET. #1229 Meets: 2nd.Tues of month at 1900 hrs VFW POST 8385, 150 N.Camden Woods Pkwy., Kingsland Ga. 31548 DETACHMENT NEWS: MAJ, DESJARDINES DET.1260 Meets:3rd.Tues of month at 1830 hrs River Pointe Golf Course, 801 River Pointe Dr., Albany GA 31701 DETACHMENT NEWS: MAJ STEPHEN PLESS DET. #1196 Meets: 3rd. Tuesday of month at 1900 hrs 1st. Assembly of God, 2000 W Macintosh Rd., Griffin Gab DETACHMENT NEWS: GEN. RAYMOND DAVIS (MOH) DET. #1188 Meets 2nd Sat of the month at 0900 hrs Lil Red Schoolhouse, 3130 Newton Drive, Covington GA 30014 DETACHMENT NEWS: UNICOI DET.#783 Meets:3rd.Monday of month American Legion Post 7807,Hwy. 288, Hiwassee Ga. 30506 DETACHMENT NEWS: GEORGIA DEVIL DOG DET.952 Meets: 2ND. Monday of each month 1900 hrs. American Legion Post 127, 1367 Sawnee Ave. Buford Ga.

18

DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA

Burkhardt Award Standings ( as of Feb. 2011)

Beginning

Detachment Members Members Percent Members Percent Members

Paid Mem-

ber Percent Percent Net

Burkhard

t

Name 03/31/2011

06/30/201

1

Gain/

(Loss) 09/30/2011

Gain/

(Loss)

12/31/20

11 Gain/(Loss)

Gain/

(Loss)

Gain/

(Loss) Change Standing

Clyde Thomason 34 44 29.41% 51 50.00% 54 20 58.82% -100.00% -34 1

Central Georgia 41 41 0.00% 56 36.59% 60 19 46.34% -100.00% -41 2

Kings Bay 11 7 -36.36% 12 9.09% 15 4 36.36% -100.00% -11 3

LtCol Jimmie Dyess 33 34 3.03% 34 3.03% 43 10 30.30% -100.00% -33 4

MGen W R Johnson 34 37 8.82% 40 17.65% 44 10 29.41% -100.00% -34 5

McDonough 48 54 12.50% 58 20.83% 58 10 20.83% -100.00% -48 6

Currahee Mountain 25 26 4.00% 25 0.00% 30 5 20.00% -100.00% -25 7

Maj. L DesJardines 71 72 1.41% 82 15.49% 85 14 19.72% -100.00% -71 8

Gen Ray Davis MOH 22 25 13.64% 24 9.09% 26 4 18.18% -100.00% -22 9

Upper Chattahoochee 53 52 -1.89% 57 7.55% 59 6 11.32% -100.00% -53 10

Pfc George Eiland 31 32 3.23% 33 6.45% 34 3 9.68% -100.00% -31 11

Joseph Schmittou 104 99 -4.81% 111 6.73% 113 9 8.65% -100.00% -104 12

Greater Atlanta 35 36 2.86% 38 8.57% 38 3 8.57% -100.00% -35 13

Maj Stephen Pless 60 61 1.67% 62 3.33% 65 5 8.33% -100.00% -60 14

Savannah 57 59 3.51% 60 5.26% 61 4 7.02% -100.00% -57 15

SgtMaj Louis Round-

tree 18 20 11.11% 19 5.56% 19 1 5.56% -100.00% -18 16

Unicoi 56 55 -1.79% 57 1.79% 56 0 0.00% -100.00% -56 17

Aubrey Gilbert 55 50 -9.09% 57 3.64% 55 0 0.00% -100.00% -55 18

Middle Georgia 79 85 7.59% 83 5.06% 78 -1 -1.27% -100.00% -79 19

North GA Mountain 36 37 2.78% 36 0.00% 35 -1 -2.78% -100.00% -36 20

Waycross 29 34 17.24% 28 -3.45% 28 -1 -3.45% -100.00% -29 21

West Chatham 57 49 -14.04% 54 -5.26% 55 -2 -3.51% -100.00% -57 22

Georgia Devil Dog 35 32 -8.57% 35 0.00% 33 -2 -5.71% -100.00% -35 23

"Jake" Puryear 127 122 -3.94% 117 -7.87% 119 -8 -6.30% -100.00% -127 24

Glynco 48 41 -14.58% 41 -14.58% 41 -7 -14.58% -100.00% -48 25

Dalton 30 29 -3.33% 28 -6.67% 24 -6 -20.00% -100.00% -30 26

TOTALS 1229 1233 0.33% 1298 5.61% 1328 99 8.06% -100.00% -1229

19

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need for all types of fishing conditions, and a click start drag offers audible click adjustment to help you

perfectly tune your drag every time. Loaded with features and delivering tournament-level perform-

ance, Evercast US Military Casting Reels are available with Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine logos.

Additional Features:-Machined Aluminum Spool, -Septon Grips, -Titanium Line Insert

Through a special arrangement with the manufacture’s rep. I am able to pur-chase these reels in quantity at a special price of:

$79.99 plus shipping

These make a great money maker for your Detachment or as a gift to that well deserving member. Interested MCL members contact Christian Roberts at marine64@comcast.net for more information.

20

MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA

MARCH 1ST – MARCH 4TH 2012

“CLARION HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER”

101 FANTASY HARBOUR BLVD

MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA 29579

CALL HOTEL FOR ALL RESERVATIONS

HOTEL RATES $72.00 PER NIGHT TAX INCLUDED

STUDIO SUITE … $72.00 TAX INCLUDED

ONE BEDROOM SUITE … $82.00 TAX INCLUDED

TWO BEDROOM SUITE … $99.00 TAX INCLUDED

DELUXE BREAKFAST INCLUDED WITH STAY. “LUNCH ON YOUR OWN”

THIS HOTEL IS PET FRIENDLY THIS IS THE MAIN ACTIVITY HOTEL

HOTEL - 843 - 236 - 1000 RESERVATIONS

TOLL FREE - 800 - 847 – 2707 RESERVATIONS

SECONDARY HOTEL .2 OF A MILE FROM THE

“STAYBRIDG E SUITES”

303 FANTASY HARBOUR BLVD

MYRTLE BEACH, SC 29579 CALL 843-903-4000

BREAKFAST INCLUDED WITH STAY. THIS HOTEL IS PET FRIENDLY.

HOSPITALITY ROOM WILL BE AT POOL SIDE THURSDAY EVENING

AND FRIDAY EVENING. “CLARION HOTEL”

THURSDAY WILL BE A PIG ROAST WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS.

FRIDAY WILL BE A BIG PIZZA PARTY WITH VARIOUS SALADS.

AND OF COURSE THE LIBATIONS THAT GO WITH A GOOD TIME.

66TH. SOUTHEAST DIVISION CONFERENCE

21

DEPARTMENT OF GEORGIA 2012 CONVENTION INFORMATION

May 18-20

WYNDAM PEACHTREE CONVENTION CENTER 2443 HIGHWAY 54-W, PEACHTREE CITY GA 30269 A BLOCK OF 70 ROOMS HAVE BEEN RESERVED UNTIL APRIL 15, 2012 MAKE ROOM RESERVATIONS DIRECTLY WITH THE HOTEL AT 800-996-3426 MENTION MARINE CORPS LEAGUE CONFERENCE FOR SPE-CIAL RATE. RATES ARE SINGLE OCCUPANCY $84.00 + TAX DOUBLE OCCUPANCY $91.00 + TAX INCLUDES BREAKFAST DAILY FOR ALL GUESTS Go to the following web site for convention registration forms and addi-tional information. http://mcl1325.net/convention.php Contact Jim Daughtry, Convention Committee Co-Chair 770-309-0141or 2012stateconvention@mcl1325.net

22

Opening by Ritual:

Meeting called to order by Department Commandant Michael Clark. Mission Statement was read by

Frank Goalen

Roll Call of Officers: Absent with excuse were, Sr. Vice Frank Corrick. Additional absences were Jr. Past Commandant Bo

Stollenwerck, District 2 Commandant John Newport and Bobby Edwards. Roll call of Special Officers holding positions that

were absent: Young Marines, MST Sgt. Lowman, News letter editor Chris Roberts and Historian Bernard Bledsoe was ex-

cused. Marines Salinas and Daughtry were sworn in as Special Officers to hold the position of the Ways and Means committee.

Roll Call of Detachments: Detachments not represented were Savannah, Georgia Devil Dogs, Roundtree (1048), West Chat-

ham, Kings Bay, Glynco, Dyess, Schmittou and Waycross. (9 absent of 26 detachments)

Meeting Minutes: Motion was made by Rus Vermillion (1196) to accept the August minutes as published and seconded by

Guy Mitchell (13250). Motion carried.

Correspondence: Commandant Clark made notice of the recent “Simper Fi” magazine under the articles in the “Roll

Call” (around the League). The Middle Georgia Detachment #970 was highlighted with 2 different articles, a rare happening.

One was the presentation of a Boy Scout Citizenship Certificate and the other was a Certificate of Appreciation to a Marine

that turned 100 years of age and a survivor of Iwo Jima. Russ Vermillion of the S.W. Pless Detachment 1196 reported that their

Detachment was noted in the Griffin Daily News paper with a picture and article showing some of the members folding the

American flag at the Veterans Day Celebration. Commandant Detachment Randy Barnes also stated that from this their De-

tachment got 6 new applications for membership from this article.

Commandant Michael Clark reported that he and Detachment 970 Commandant Joe Barbee attended a presentation about

the upcoming History Channel presentation on the Vietnam War (Vietnam HD). During this showing the organization will be

asking for any pictures of the fallen veterans who you know are listed on the Memorial Wall. These photos are for a pictorial

memorial showing the faces of all the veterans on this wall. If you have a picture you can go to the History Channel’s web site

and get the information as to where to send the photo.

Jim Daughtry of Detachment 1325 and another member of his Detachment participated in a Vietnam Memorial event put

on by the History Channel at the “Wall” In D.C. with a bunch of Vietnam Veterans and Family members of Veterans that were

lost in that war. They Visited the Iwo Jima Memorial statue and the Vietnam Memorial Wall where they had reserve seating. It

was a very moving and humble experience. Michael stated that donations can be made to the Vietnam Memorial Fund in care

of Dan Scruggs. All information can be gotten off the Web.

Paymasters Report: Amount brought forward from August was $14,649.67. Balance on hand after deposits and debits is now

$15,555.35. A detailed report may be gotten from the Paymaster or Adjutant if required.

A motion made by Cookie Salinas (665) to accept the Paymasters report. The second came from Jim Sexton (1040) Motion

carried.

Members sick or in distress: Tom Newton Commandant, Detachment 1260 reported that one of their members became sick

at the hotel this am(Richard Chaffin) , He will be checking on him at lunch time and taking him home this afternoon. Chaplin

Elmore led us in prayer for all members that are sick and in distress and especially for Richard Chaffin.

Commandant Michael Clark wanted to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers when he lost his sister last month.

Report of Elected Officers: Judge Advocate Bonita Johnson thanked the Detachments for sending in

their By-Laws or letting her know they were going to adopt the National By-Laws. As of now 73% of our

Detachments have their own By-Laws or have adopted the National’s. Bonita also reminded our Detach-

ments that they need to renew their 990 non-profit status with the I.R.S. Detachments will not be able to

do any fund raising if you are not a non-profit intensity. Bonita also reminded everyone that when they

are doing a fund raising event that what you have on your sign or banner that you are raising money for is

exactly what that money goes toward. A Detachment cannot us any of the funds for something else or to

just put in their common fund used for various charities.

Junior Vice Chad Long will be in later for his report.

MARINE CORPS LEAGUE Department of Georgia November 2011 Meeting Minutes

23

MARINE CORPS LEAGUE Department of Georgia November 2011 Meeting Minutes (Cont. from page 22)

Committee and other Officers Reports: Tom Newton, District Commandant (5) reported that in the Tif-

ton area he has had 2 meeting with a group of Marines, (about 20) that are interested in getting a charter to

start a Detachment. Commandant Clark reminded Tom that they will need to have elections and not just as-

sume the roles of the officers of a Detachment. Michael took this time to report that we have 1298 paid

members which is not bad since we have not chartered any new Detachments. We do however have a lot of

members that have not paid their dues (158 non-paid). We need to get these members to pay their dues. It is

also up to the Paymaster of each Detachment to get the names of non-paid members to their Commandants

and Senior Vice so they can follow up with the delinquent members. Commandant Clark also went over the

Mentoring Program for the Detachments. This program needs to be implemented and be active in the De-

tachments to be able to keep new members to stay and be involved in the League. The Marine Corps League

Foundation was mentioned. This foundation helps to establish and give Scholarships to any child or grand-

child of a Marine Corps League member. Fill out the application. Bonita Johnson also spoke to re-enforce

this issue. This foundation also has Certificates for the Fallen Marine Program that the Detachments can or-

der to present to the family of the deceased Marine. There is also a Grant that can be applied for a Marine

that is sick or in distress. It is a onetime grant and the Commandant of the members Detachment must fill out

the paper work and send to the Foundation.

Commandants remarks: Commandant Clark reminded the Detachment Commandants that when their

Detachments have events that they need to look at getting an Insurance Rider to cover 3rd party people par-

ticipating I events by the Marine Corps League that may get hurt or injured. This information is in the Pay-

masters Package that comes from National. Hal Gosnell spoke to re-enforce this issue to get an insurance

rider to cover any accidents to people that participate in these events.

Commandant Clark reminded the Detachments that were represented at this Staff Meeting that they can

send information about their Detachment to our Newsletter department and have it printed quarterly when

the Newsletter comes out for the members. Also concerning this Staff Meeting there were 9 Detachment

representatives absent. Commandant Clark reminded us that it takes only one member to come and represent

a Detachment. He would like to see 100% participation.

Good of the League: Toys for Tots, Michael wanted to relate a problem in the Greater Atlanta area. The

Georgia Devildog Detachment is trying to handle all 18 counties in this area. They need some help. Judge

Advocate, Bonita Johnson then spoke to remind everyone that under the Toys for Tots Foundation rules you

are required to let them know what you are doing to raise funds or collect toys in your area and be registered

under this foundation. Not just anyone can put a box out and say they are collecting for Toys for Tots. De-

tachments, please contact Bonita if you need TFT boxes. We were also informed by Jim Sexton that the

Georgia State Patrol is also a participating in the Toys for Tot program.

Jim Daughtry spoke about the upcoming State Convention in May the 18th-20th in Peachtree City. Go to

their website (MCL1325.net) and you are able to download all information. All the information is also on

the State’s Department website for the State and the Southeastern Convention.

Judge Advocate, Bonita Johnson stated that her committee (By-Laws) will be getting together after the

Holidays.

Boy Scouts, Cookie Salinas & David Godfrey Jr. Vice stated Detachment (665) awarded 7 Certificates

for Eagle Scout in their area. Michael reminded everyone that these Certificates can be purchased from the

National ship stores and that this was an excellent program to be involved in. He reminded the members that

if you contact your USMC Recruiters in the area they will be glad to participate in the presentation.

24

MARINE CORPS LEAGUE Department of Georgia November 2011 Meeting Minutes (Cont. from page 23)

Hal Gosnell stated that he is in the process of getting a printed packet together with all the information new

Members would need about the Marine Corps League and the Detachment they are becoming members. This

template would be available on their Web-site for future reference.

The next Staff Department meeting will be February 24th and 25th. Tom Newton, Commandant for De-

tachment (1260) spoke on the changes for the 2013 Southeastern Convention they have proposed for Albany

Georgia. Tom stated that the Marry Acers Inn have dropped the price by 5 more dollars (90 dollars a night)

The Office area and convention center has been revamped and are working on the rooms. The Marine Base

will be open for lunch and will allow us to have PX privileges if you wear your red cover. Toms Detachment

is planning on hosting the Department Staff Meeting in August so the renovations and new rooms can be

previewed for the Southeastern Convention bid. The Albany Detachment (1260) will be presenting their bid

for the 2013 Southeastern Convention at Myrtle Beach this year.

The Department meeting members now stood for a minute silence for those Georgia Detachment mem-

bers who have passed since our last meeting in November. As per ritual their names were called and the fi-

nal bell rang for their memory.

There being no further business the Staff Conference was closed by ritual.

Minutes submitted by Department Adjutant

Jeff Amerson.

DETACHMENT 1373 USMC BIRTHDAY CAKE MAG 49 MARINES

PHOTOS FROM AROUND THE LEAGUE

25

Presidential Memorial Certificates

A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved pa-

per certificate, signed by the current President, to honor the

memory of honorably discharged deceased Veterans.

History

This program was initiated in March 1962 by President John F.

Kennedy and has been continued by all subsequent Presidents.

Statutory authority for the program is Section 112, Title 38, of

the United States Code.

Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers the

PMC program by preparing the certificates which bear the cur-

rent President’s signature expressing the country’s grateful

recognition of the Veteran’s service in the United States Armed

Forces.

Eligibility

Eligible recipients include the next of kin and loved ones of

honorably discharged deceased Veterans. More than one cer-

tificate may be provided.

Application

Eligible recipients, or someone acting on their behalf, may ap-

ply for a PMC in person at any VA regional office or by U.S.

mail or toll-free fax. Requests cannot be sent via email. Please be sure to enclose a copy of the Veteran's discharge and death

certificate to verify eligibility, as we cannot process any request without proof of honorable military service. Please submit

copies only, as we will not return original documents.

If you would like to apply for a Presidential Memorial Certificate, or if you have already requested one more than sixteen (16)

weeks ago and have not received it yet, please call 1-202-565-4964 to find out the status of your request. Please do not send a

second application unless we request you to do so.

PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL CERTIFICATE REQUEST FORM

RESPONDENT BURDEN: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average two minutes per response. Statutory authority

for the Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) Program is 38 U.S.C. 112. The information requested is approved under OMB Control Number 2900-0567,

and is necessary to allow eligible recipients (next of kin, other relatives or friends) to request additional certificates and/or replacement or correct certificates on

receipt of the original PMC. The National Cemetery Administration does not give, sell or transfer any personal information outside of the agency. VA may not

conduct or sponsor, and you are not required to respond to this collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB Control Number. Responding to this

collection is voluntary. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspects of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing

this burden, to VA Clearance Officer (005G2), 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420. SEND COMMENTS ONLY. Please do not send applica-

tions for benefits to this address.

Include name of veteran, Name and mailing address of person requesting the certificate

Number of Certificates requested and your signature. Return completed form and discharge and death certificate to

Presidential Memorial Certificates (41A1C) National Cemetery Administration 5109 Russell Road Quantico, VA 22134-3903

Fax To: 1 (800) 455-7143

26

HERE AT GUSTON'S NEIGHBORHOOD GRILLE, OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE QUALITY FOOD FOR LESS

AND EXCELLENT SERVICE SO YOU ALWAYS LEAVE WITH A SMILE!

OWNERS DONNIE GWALTNEY AND BILL TARWATER ARE STRIVING TO BRING A FAMILY FUN AT-

MOSPHERE BACK TO KENNESAW.

STOP IN AT GUSTON'S FOR "GOOD FRIENDS, GOOD FOOD, AND GOOD TIMES!" REMEMBER WHAT

HAPPENS AT GUSTON'S STAYS AT GUSTON'S!!!

IS LOCATED OFF WADE GREEN EXIT IN THE PUBLIX SHOPPING CENTER

4430 WADE GREEN RD. SUITE 90 KENNESAW GA, 30144 OR CALL FOR DIRECTIONS (770)429-1969 Donniegwaltney@gustons.com Billtarwater@gustons.com

27

The Greater Atlanta Detachment and the Department of Georgia

would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the

DELKWOOD GRILL

Marietta’s Georgia’s Oldest Family Owned Sports

Bar and Grill

2769 Delk Road, Marietta Ga 30067

For their continued support of the Marine Corps League, over the years.

If your in the area, relax, while you dine on their outside deck or inside the res-

taurant, which is packed with large TV’s, vintage bicycles, rocking horses, NAS-

CAR items and old Hollywood photos. Whether your hungry is for a New York

steak or a pizza, Lunch or late night..Delkwood Grill is the place to be.

28

The Blue Ribbon Grill, located in the Tucker Northlake area of Atlanta, looks forward to celebrating our 25th

year in business in 2010. The Blue Ribbon Grill has always had local Atlanta ownership initially including

well-known Atlanta radio personality, Ludlow Porch and today is owned by longtime Blue Ribbon employee

and former chef Eddie Smyke along with his business partner, Artie Brown – another longtime bar and restau-

rant owner. Some of our featured menu items include hand-cut steaks, crab cakes, chicken pot pie in a puff

pastry bowl, homemade soups and salads, 10 oz. burgers, handmade potato chips served with bleu cheese and

our own world famous meatloaf. The Blue Ribbon Grill has recently expanded our kitchen hours to include a

limited late night menu and also installed 10 new flat screen TVs on which we broadcast the NFL ticket every

Sunday. We feature weekly food and drink specials during all the games and invite you to come cheer on your

favorite team with us.

Eddie, Artie and Beth are honored to carry on many long standing traditions that were started by the former

owners including our infamous St. Patrick’s Day party and the Annual Marine Corp Birthday party in addition

to our yearly Ball Hanging Holiday Party that benefits the Marine Toys for Toys Foundation.

The casual, laid-back atmosphere of the Blue Ribbon Grill offers comfort food in a true neighborhood bar and

restaurant environment. We invite you to come in and meet some new friends, run into some old friends and be

sure to say hi to Eddie and Artie too... because “Ya gotta Eat Somewhere and We Need The Money”