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