The Chester County Marine · The Chester County Marine Volume X , Issue 1 Gene Gerard, editor...
Transcript of The Chester County Marine · The Chester County Marine Volume X , Issue 1 Gene Gerard, editor...
The Chester County Marine
Volume X , Issue 1 Gene Gerard, editor 610-256-6267 MobileJanuary 2014 [email protected]
Meetings: 4th Mondayof Every Month @1930
430 Acorn LaneEntrance on Chestnut St. Downingtown, Pa 19335
Next Regular Meeting Date:Monday, January 27, 2014 @1930
Continued on next page
Chester County Detachment #286P.O. Box 828
Downingtown, Pa 19335Commandant Jim Copeland (as of Jan1, 2014)
Board of TrusteesCommandant Jim Copeland
610-883-0283
Sr. Vice Gene Gerard
610-269-7498
Junior Vice Doug Forsythe
610-565-1389
Jr. Past Com Fred LeClair
610-518-3444
Judge Adv Tom Tanner
610 933 0957
Trustees Jim McIlhenney
484-459-0850
Lee C. Beyer610-696-9238
Pat Powell 610 952 5045
Appointed Officers
Adjutant Jack Meighan484 888 2972
Paymaster Larry Samples610-269-9067
Chaplain Bob Campagna610 363 7174
Sgt. of Arms Leo Burke610 913 6212
Standing CommitteesAudit Jim McIlhenney
484-459-0850Membership Jim Copeland
610-883-0283Nominating Dan Condron
610-458-0797Ways & Means Jim McIlhenney
484-459-0850District 1 Vice CommandantDan Condron 610-458-0797
A "THANK YOU" FROM THE JR. PAST COMMANDANT
The Detachment is in the process of installing a new Board of
Trustees to govern the affairs of the Detachment going forward,
and with your help, I am confident that those you choose to lead
the Detachment will do an excellent job.
At the November General Meeting, I was honored to present the
following awards to many people who helped the
Detachment achieve the vision and goals of the Marine Corps
League in the last year.
Distinguished Service Awards were presented to:
Lee Beyer, Dennis Brown, Leo Burke, Robert Campagna, James
Copeland, Doug Forsythe, Gene Gerard, Jim McIlhenney, Jack
Meighan, Larry Samples, Tom Tanner, and Dan Condron.
Meritorious Commendations were present to:
Phil Murray, Ken Schweitzer, Tom Logan, Kay Croll, Bill Shields,
Bill Simcox, and Patrick Vollmer.
Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to:
Detachment members - Bill Kennedy and Maddisen
Gerard. Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Auxiliary
Members - Barbara Logan, Rose Tanner, Joanne Brown, and
Susan Spearman. Also, Certificates were given to friends of the
Detachment - Madelyn Samples, Nancy LeClair, and Pam
Overkott who volunteered to help the Detachment during the past
year.
12/21/2013 2
Our Detachment received substantial help from many others including Jim Tuohy, MCL
National Commandant; Michael A. Blum, Executive Director; Ben Cero, National Judge
Advocate; National MCL Controller, Paul Hastings; Dennis Tobin, National Vice
Commandant for the Northeast Division; Dept. of PA Commandant, Neil Corley;
Department of PA Paymaster, Alan Ferguson; PA Dept. District 1 Vice Commandant, Earle
Drake; and, University of PA ROTC; Also, many PA, NJ, and MD Detachments pulled
together to help our Detachment reach its goals.
The Detachment received Letters of Commendation from the Commandant of the Marine
Corps, James F. Amos and State Senator Andrew Dinniman.
Many local businesses helped sponsor our Annual Golf Classic which is a large part of the
Detachment Fund Raising Program. Our Platinum Sponsors were Jeff D'Ambrosio Auto
Dealership, The Downingtown VFW Post 845, and Transamerica Insurance
Company. Gold Sponsors were Krapf Bus company and Fred Beans Ford of West
Chester with Silver Sponsors General Smedley D. Butler Detachment #741 along with
scores of other businesses and individuals.
The Fund Raising Committee under the Chairperson of Larry Samples and the Chair of
the Golf Classic Committee, Bob Campagna, have put in place a fund raising program
that can continue to support the Detachment's many good works for years to come.
All of the Officers, elected and appointed, and all the Chairpersons and Liaisons working
together have made the Chester County Detachment a dynamic organization that
continues to grow and prosper to serve Marines, Veterans, and their families and the
Community while promoting camaraderie and patriotism. I cannot give enough praise and
thanks to this team for giving me their support and trust while giving freely of their time
and effort. Please volunteer your time and talent to help them continue their mission.
As always, keep the troops in harms way in your prayers, and be ready to help them when
they come home.
Semper Fidelis
Fred LeClair
Jr. Past Commandant
SPECIAL COMMITTEESAmericanism Dan Condron 610-458-0797Budget Finance Gene Gerard 610-256-6267Building Maintenance
Leo Burke 610-913-6212Bylaws Tom Tanner 610-933-0957Chicken BBQ Gene Gerard 610-256-6267Color Guard Doug Forsythe 610-827-9281Detachment Donations
Jim McIlhenney 484-459-0850Eagle Scouts Fred Leclair 610-518-3444Fund Raising Larry Samples 484-433-0086Golf Outing Bob Campagna 610-363-7174Highway Cleanup
Dennis Brown 610-692-4782Locker Box Doug Forsythe 610-656-1389
Marine Corps BallFred LeClair 610-518-3444Marine Of The Year
Leo Burke 610-913-6212Memorial Day Dan Condron 610-458-0797Lee Beyer 610-633-9311
Medal of Honor GroveDoug Forsythe 610-656-1389New Member Packets
Jim Copeland 610-883-0283Doug Forsythe 610-827-9281Kay Croll 610-696-7589
Scholarships Phil Murray 610-636-2204Flag Retirement
Leo Burke 610-913-6212Web Sergeant 610-269-7498Gene Gerard
SPECIAL EVENTSBingo Pat Vollmer 484-266-9018Medal of Honor Cemetery
Doug Forsythe 610-827-9281Toys For Tots Phil Murray 610-636-2204VAVS Dan Condron 610-458-0797
NEWSLETTER POLICY
Chester County Marine, the only publication paid for by Chester County Detachment MCL #286, is published monthly as a service to the membership and other interested organizations. We will reprint any article deemed to be newsworthy and not political. The editor reserves the right to modify any items selected for printing. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of National MCL, Inc., Pennsylvania MCL, Inc. or the Chester County Detachment. All members and other interested parties are invited to submit articles for publication.
Winter Uniform
Winter uniform went into effect October 16, 2013 as follows:
• Red Cover
• Long Sleeve White Shirt
• Black Trousers
• Black Shoes & Socks
• Red Satin Jacket and black tie when appropriate
.
Page 3
LiaisonsAmerican Legion #475
Tom Logan 610-696-3323
Auxiliary Jim Copeland 610-518-3444
DAV #90 Ken Schweitzer 610-489-2703
Marksmanship Dennis Brown 610-692-4782
Lee Beyer 610-696-9238
Military Order of the Purple Heart
Doug Forsythe 610-656-1389
Spring City Vets Home
Ken Schweitzer 610-489-2703
Viet Name Veterans of America Chapter 436
Ken Schweitzer 610-489-2703
VFW Tom Ames610-269-1128
VFW #845 Bill Stellfox 215-823-9856
W. Chester Veterans Council
Jim Copeland 610-883-0283
Fred Leclair 610-518-3444
W. Chester Chamber of Commerce
Fred LeClair 610-518-3444
12/21/2013 4
MINUTES - BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING - 11 DECEMBER 2013
- ROLL CALL - 1930
- OPENING PRAYER -
Bob Campagna, Chaplain, gave the opening prayer.
ITEMS TO BE COVERED
1. FRED LE CLAIR - STATUS OF 2011/2012/2013 TAX FILINGS.
Our CPA will again try to file 2011 and 2012 tax returns and also will try to file 2013 tax returns in the
next few days. This is delay is due to having to wait 30-45 days from the last attempt to file. At that time,
National MCL had not yet registered the Detachment as a subordinate organization.
2. TOM TANNER - STATUS OF BY-LAWS CHANGES.
Tom is awaiting a response from Leanna Dietrich. He will follow-up with the Department JA.
3. TOM TANNER - STATUS OF DETACHMENT AWARDS.
Nothing to report until after the next Department of PA meeting.
4. DAN CONDRON - STATUS OF FUNDS BEING RECOVERED FROM MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
2013 FROM DOWNINGTOWN AMERICAN LEGION POST 475.
Larry Samples reported that no funds had been received. Dan will follow-up.
5. GENE GERARD - BUDGET REPORT.
Gene will schedule a budget meeting within the next 10 days.
6. FRED LE CLAIR - FIRST RESOURCE BANK REPRESENTATIVE TO ADDRESS THE
DETACHMENT BEFORE THE START OF THE 16 DEC. GENERAL MEETING.
Sandy Mattern, Market Development Officer of First Resource Bank, 101 Marchwood Rd., Exton, PA
will be guest speaker at our general meeting 16 Dec.
7. BOB CAMPAGNA - STATUS OF E-BAY ACCOUNT AND AUCTION OF ARTICLES FROM THE
GOLF OUTING.
Bob will work with Gene Gerard and Bill Stellfox to get the e-bay account up and running.
8. JIM COPELAND - STATUS OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY PARTY, 16 DEC.
Jim reports he expects all to go well.
9. TOM TANNER - PAT POWELL - DOUG FORSYTHE -- STATUS OF CAMPAIGN RIBBONS AND
MEDALS FOR SGT. NEAL JOHNSON'S UNIFORM.
Pat Powell will donate a World War II Expert Badge. Tom Tanner and Jim Copeland will order the
necessary ribbons to place on Sgt. Johnson's uniform.
10. PHIL MURRAY - GENE GERARD - REPORT ON MEMBER GARY FAY.
Gene Gerard visited with Gary Fay to get an update on his condition. He has Stage 2, Hairy Cell
Leukemia a rare, slow-growing cancer of the blood in which your bone marrow makes too many B cells
(lymphocytes), a type of white blood cell that fights infection. As a result if any of us visit him at his home
we need to make sure we have no illnesses of any kind, as Gary’s immune system is very weak. Gary
welcomes visits with an is a joy to listen to his Marine experiences. He is a two tour Viet Nam veteran.
12/21/2013 5
11. PHIL MURRAY - STATUS OF ROTC SCHOLARSHIP AT West Chester UNIVERSITY. MR. & MRS. HARDY
ARE OKAY WITH THE CHANGE.
Phil Murray will work with Gen. Richard Marian to work out the details of the ROTC Scholarship for West Chester
University. It will have a Marine connection.
The Board of Trustees voted to approve a $1,000 scholarship for the West Chester ROTC Scholarship, and Phil
Murray family will continue to donate $1,000 in memory of Brandon Hardy.
Phil will also work on the details of a second scholarship for $1,000 to go to a student veteran at West Chester
University in the name of MCL of Chester County. This scholarship will be funded by the Detachment and will require
a Marine connection.
12. DAN CONDRON - REPORT OF NOMINATING COMMITTEE.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED - ELECTED OFFICERS
COMMANDANT - COPELAND
SR. VICE - GERARD
JR. VICE - FORSYTHE
JA - TOM TANNER
TRUSTEES - Lee Beyer
Jim McIlhenney
Bill Stellfox
Pat Powell
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED - APPOINTED OFFICERS
ADJ - MEIGHAN
PAYMASTER - SAMPLES
CHAPLAIN - CAMPAGNA
SGT. AT ARMS - BURKE
FROM THE FLOOR - DENNIS BROWN NOMINATED TRUSTEE, PAT POWELL. SR. VICE COMMANDANT JIM
COPELAND SECONDED THE NOMINATION.
JUDGE ADVOCATE TOM TANNER WILL CONDUCT THE ELECTION AT THE 16 DECEMBER 2013 GENERAL
MEETING.
Dan Condron was absent, but it appears that we are prepared to go forward with the election at the 16 December
general meeting.
13. PAYMASTER SAMPLES - PLEASE SUPPLY DOLLAR AMOUNTS FOR THE FOLLOWING:
- DETACHMENT RESERVE ACCOUNT AT WELLS FARGO -
- DETACHMENT CHECKING ACCOUNT AT WELLS FARGO -
- DETACHMENT PETTY CASH -
- GOLF CHECKING ACCOUNT AT DNB -
- SCHOLARSHIP FUND -
SHOULD WE PLACE FUNDS IN THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND?
After discussion, the Paymaster was asked to reduce the DNB checking account to $2,000 and move the
remainder to the Wells Fargo Detachment checking account.
14. FRED LE CLAIR - DOES THE DETACHMENT WANT TO PARTICIPATE ON THE THIRD SATURDAY IN JULY
2014 IN THE BRANDY HARDY MOTOR CYCLE RUN WITH A COLOR GUARD, RECRUITING AND DONATIONS
TABLE? LEATHERNECKS MOTOR CYCLE CLUB, CHESTER COUNTY CHAPTER PARTICIPATING.
The event will be held on 19 July 2014. The Detachment will participate with a Color Guard and set-up a
recruiting table at the picnic site.
Continued from previous page
12/21/2013 6
15. MR. & MRS. HARDY - MRS. HARDY HAS AGREED TO BE GUEST OF HONOR AND SPEAKER
AT THE 2014 BIRTHDAY BALL. IS THERE ANY INTEREST? DO WE HAVE OTHER
CANDIDATES?
Not covered.
16. LARRY SAMPLES ADVISED THAT WHITFORD COUNTRY CLUB CONFIRMS 8/11/14 GOLF
OUTING AND 9/28/15 GOLF OUTING. THEY ALSO CONFIRMED 8 NOV. 2014 FOR THE MARINE
CORPS BIRTHDAY BALL. ALL DEPOSITS WERE PAID TO WHITFORD.
This was agreed to by all Board of Trustee members.
17. JIM MC ILHENNEY - THE DETACHMENT SHOULD HAVE A PLAN TO FOCUS OUR
CHARITABLE GIVING TO TARGET MARINES, VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN THE
CHESTER COUNTY AREA. WE HAVE LIAISONS TO COATESVILLE VA HOSPITAL, SPRING CITY
VETERANS HOME, AND A SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM THAT CAN BE IMPROVED. ALSO, WE
SUPPORT PATRIOTISM THROUGH THE EAGLE SCOUT AWARDS PROGRAM. CAN YOU
DEVELOP A STRATEGY TO INSURE THAT OUR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS ARE SERVING
THE NEEDS OF MARINES, VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
Jim McIlhenney is working on the Committee and will report at the next meeting.
18. WHO WILL BE CHARGE OF FUND RAISING IN 2014? CONTACTS AND PLANS SHOULD BE
ON PAPER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. HOW MUCH MORE DO WE NEED TO RAISE FOR WHAT
PURPOSE AND HOW WILL THIS BE ACCOMPLISHED?
Not covered.
19. FRED LE CLAIR - THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE OFFICERS, CHAIR PERSONS, AND
LIAISONS WHO HAVE HELPED ME AND THE DETACHMENT BY GIVING YOUR TIME, TALENT,
AND SUPPORT OVER THE PAST YEAR.
Not covered.
UNSCHEDULED ITEMS
A. Dan Condron, District I Vice Commandant sent in a request to have the Detachment sponsor
a District I meeting in February or March. Jim Copeland will respond to Dan.
B. Board approved $500 donation to the Chester County Eagle Scout dinner. Paymaster was
asked to send a check.
C. The Detachment received a $1200 donation from Downingtown VFW that was earmarked to
Jeff Tapper, Marine Wounded Warrior, at Bethesda Hospital for a motorized wheelchair.
Continued from previous page
12/21/2013 7
D. 2014 Detachment - Scheduled Events as follows:
3-4 Jan. 2014 - Dept. PA Winter Meeting
13-15 Feb. - National Mid-Winter Conference
14-15 March - National NE Conference
21-22 March - Dept. of PA Spring Meeting
10 May - MOY Roast
24 May - WAWA
28 May - Eagle Scout Dinner
19 May - General Meeting (NOT 26 May - Conflicts with Memorial Day)
26 May - Memorial Day Parade
25-29 June - MCL State Convention
19 July - Hardy MC Rally - Color Guard and Recruiting Table
3-9 Aug. - National Convention
11 Aug. - Golf Classic
27 Aug. - Samuel Nicholas Wreath Laying Ceremony - with alternate date of 30 Aug.
13 Sept. - VA Picnic
11 Oct. - Chicken BBQ
19 Oct. Beirut Memorial
8 Nov. - Birthday Ball
9 Nov. - Marine Memorial Sunday - West Chester Parade
20. CLOSING PRAYER
Chaplain, Bob Campagna, gave the closing prayer.
21. MEETING ADJOURNED.
1902
Continued from previous page
Jeff D’AmbrosioDodge Chrysler –
Jeep1221 E. Lancaster
AveDowningtown610 269 9500
LancFrazer
610 644 0545
12/21/2013 Page 8
DATE: Dec 3, 2013
EVENT: CCD MCL Flag Retirement Ceremony
LOCATION: W. Chester Fire Training Grounds
PERSON IN CHARGE: Jim Copeland, with permission from Dale McClure
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Leo Burke, Bugler; Fred LeClair, Chaplain; Gene Gerard,
Fireman; Bill Kennedy, Fireman; Jim Copeland OIC
SUMMARY This detail retired over 600 flags of all sizes, some bigger than
the burning pit. We all went to lunch afterward at Victory
Brewing and had our drinks purchased by an anonymous
person sitting near us. We didn’t learn this until after he left
the restaurant. He told the waitress it was in honor of our service
DATE COMPLETED: Dec 11, 2013 by Leo Burke
EVENT REPORT
12/21/2013 9
Chester County Detachment Home610 518 5375
Board of Trustees meeting: • 2nd Wednesday of each month at 1930.• Items for the agenda should be submitted to the Commandant one week prior to the meeting.•All Officers, Committee Chairs and persons with business matters for the meeting are requested to attend
General Membership meeting: 4th Monday monthly @ 7:30 PM. (Exceptions for
Holidays)Directions: From Boot Rd. go north on Chestnut St in Downingtown first building on the right after the bridge; •From Rt 30 turn South on Chestnut St;•The last Building on the left just before the railroad bridge. •Parking on side or back.•Entrance is on Chestnut St.
Life Membership Rates 2014Up to 35 years of age $500Age 36 to 40 $400Age 41 to 50 $400Age 51 to 64 $300Over Age 65 $200
•Rates changed for 2014•Sign up with Paymaster Larry Samples
•DD214s or certificates of discharge are required to ensure honorable service
Marine Corps League Mission StatementMembers of the Marine Corps League join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the
purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the interests of the United Sates Marine
Corps. We band together those who are now serving in the United Sates Marine Corps and those
who have been honorably discharged from that service that they may effectively promote the
ideals of American freedom and democracy, voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to all
Marines, FMF Corpsmen and former Marines and FMF Corpsmen and to the widows and
orphans. We also perpetuate the history of the United States Marines Corps by fitting acts to
observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines.
PASS IT ON!
New address for DD-214 online. Sign up for copy of your DD-214. You and your family need a
copy for VA Health and/or memorial considerations:
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/
Honor Flight 2014 (Date:TBA)If you haven’t yet been on an Honor Flight and are a WWII veteran, please call Gene Gerard 610-269-7498 or email: [email protected] and leave a message. This is a grand tour to D.C. to see the WWII Memorial, Marine Corps Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Transportation and Food are provided free of charge to Vet, there is a charge for the person escorting you however it is nominal.
12/21/2013 Page 10
Many MCL Members now eligible for Commendation Award (see qualifications
below)
At the National Marine Corps League Convention July 2013, all Pennsylvania
Detachment members in good standing (dues paid) for the fiscal year 2012-
2013 were awarded the "National Meritorious Unit of Commendation Award"
and are authorized to wear that ribbon.
National Merit Unit Commendation Award
CC MCL Life Membership effective 12/15/2013
Ashdale, Thomas G. Donovan, Robert F. Kay, Joseph Pinter, Julius
Barger, James M. Dormer, Robert L. Keers, William G. Powell, Patrick B.
Barton, Charles R. Dulin Jr., Joseph E. Kutz, Walter Ribble, Jack
Beilman, Donald S. Dymek, Edward J. Lauser Jr. , James, C Scarfo, Roy
Brown, Dennis Engman Jr. , Ulrick F. LeClair, Fred Scherl, Mario
Bullock III, Daniel W. Fisher, Joseph T. Logan, Thomas M. Sheldon, Raymond
Burke, Leo J. Flanigan, Rogers, C. Lowrey, Wesley Shields, William F.
Byer, Lee Forsythe, Douglas R. McCarthy, James F. Spina, Rudolph Jr.
Bradford Sr., James Gerard, Eugene McIlhenney, James D. Stone, Robert G.
Ceshan Jr. John J. Goncharoff, Jamie, W. Messinger, David B. Supplee, Peter R.
Condron, Daniel J. Goodwin, Donald Meyer, Donald W. Tanner, Tom R.
Copeland, James Grigson, D Roger Miller, James J. Van Gorder, Elmer S. Assoc
Croll, Kay Harper, Albert B. Morrow, Richard J. Van Gorder, Katherine A.
Corcoran, Willi J. Hinckley, John E. Mundy, David J. Wahn, Mark
Curtis, Allen Irons, Jr., Ernest E Murray, Philip Wertz, Albert R.
Cummings, Thomas M. Jacobsen, Leif O’Brien, John F. Wertz, Charles
D'Ambrosio, Joseph A Jefferis. Steven G. Patton, Jay F. Woodward, William E.
Detering, Hank Kane II, John K. Peterson, Mark A. Yocum, James
12/21/2013 Page 11
EVENT REPORT
DATE: Dec 14, 2013
EVENT: Distribute Holiday gifts to Coatesville VA Hospital patients
LOCATION: Coatesville VA Hospital
OIC: Dan Condron, VA Representative
MEMBER IN ATTENDANCE: Fred LeClair
GUESTS: Many local organizations & a Smedley Butler detachment member
COMMENTS: Distributed several hundred holiday gifts
LESSONS LEARNED: A rewarding experience to see the joy on patient face & observe how the
staff provide care giving.
DATE COMPLETED: Oct 28, 2013, by Leo Burke
VAVS Events
• We will be selling fresh Popcorn and Pretzels in Bldg. 9 ( "Times Square" ) down the hall from the
Canteen. This will benefit the VAVS Committee for funds needed to organize events. We are
responsible for the 4th Tuesday of every Month, selling from 9:00 a.m. until Noon. The duties include;
setting up the Machines, heating the Pretzels and Popping the Popcorn, and clean-up after. The
Employees and residents really seem to enjoy this service, and it is definitely a 2 person job, 3 would
be better.
• Second Thursday Bingo every month @ 2pm is now back in the Shut In area. Renovations are
completed.
Dan Condron 6104580797
VA Benefits booklet
& Information http://www.vw.gov
VA Benefits 800 827 1000
VA Health Benefits 877 222 8387
VA Education Benefits 888 442 4551
VA Life Insurance 800 669 8477
VA Debt Management 800 827 0648
Health Eligibility Center
1644 Tullie Circle
Atlanta, GA 30329‐2303
404 235 1257 or 800 929 8387
CHAMPVA 800 733 8387
Gulf War / Agent Orange Help Line 800 749 8387
Headstones & Markers 800 697 6947
Mammography Hotline 888 492 7844
MCL Headquarters Indiantown Gap 717 861 9629
Military Medical records, DD214
http://vetrecs.archive.gov
Parkinson’s PADRECC 888 959 2323
Parkinson Support Group 610 431 1852
Telecommunication Device
(Hearing Impaired/TTD) 800 829 4833
VA Veterans Service Information
Support for Veterans in Crisis
The Veterans Crisis Line offers free, confidential support to veterans in crisis, as well
as their family and friends 24.7/365. Cal 8002738255 or chat on line or ext 838255
For more links to support resources visit the http://www.military.com/
12/21/2013 Page 12
DATE: Dec 12, 2013
EVENT: Funeral Mass & Memorial for Louis DiNunzio, brother of Gerry
DiNunzio who moved south a few years a ago.
LOCATION: Saint Monica’s Parish, Berwyn, Pa
PERSON IN CHARGE: Al Harper & Gene Gerard shared responsibilities
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Gene Gerard, Chaplain; Al Harper, Jim Copeland, Leo Burke,
Doug Forsythe and Dave Mundy made up the detail that honored a long time CCD member Gerry DiNunzio
and his family. Their brother Louis who was a local resident passed on recently and his surviving brother who
lives in North Carolina asked our detachment to honor him on his behalf. Al Harper coordinated the event.
SUMMARY This detail attended the funeral mass conducted by the parish
priest and afterward stood in front of the urn of Louis DiNunzio (an Army Viet Nam Veteran) containing the
remains. Chaplain Gerard offered a prayer from the altar. After the prayer we all provided a solemn military
salute and formed a receiving line outside the church while two U,S. Army officers provided the flag folding
ceremony and bugled taps in front of approximately 150 family and friends mourning. The DiNunzio family was
very appreciative of our honoring this fallen “brother in arms”
DATE COMPLETED: Dec 17, 2013 by Gene Gerard
EVENT REPORT
Veterans at Coatesville VA hospital are
counting on your help!
They are in need of phone cards, gift cards,
cosmetics, hair dryers, new women’s
clothing, writing paper, envelopes, and
stamps. Bring these items to the regular
meeting every month to
12/21/2013 Page 13
DATE: Dec 13 & 14, 2013
EVENT: Coffin Watch, Funeral Procession and Internment Prayer-
Memorial CCD Member Frank T. Halter, former Marine of
the Year and a WWII Marine Veteran
LOCATIONS: DellaVecchia Funeral Home, West Chester and burial
Philadelphia Memorial Park in Frazer, Pa
PERSON IN CHARGE: Gene Gerard
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Jim Copeland, Al Harper, Leo Burke Fred LeClair, Leo Burke,
Doug Forsythe, Kay Croll, Dennis & Joanne Brown, Tom Tanner,
Gene Gerard and Jim McIlhenney
SUMMARY Provided Coffin watch on Friday Evening and Saturday morning.
Followed in the procession over to the internment site and stood
at attention while a local USMC Reserve detail provide flag
folding and presentation to Marine Halter’s family. Chaplain
Gerard offered prayer over the internment site.
DATE COMPLETED: Dec 17, 2013 by Gene Gerard
EVENT REPORT
Health Benefits for Families at Camp Lejeune 1957-87VA will be able to reimburse Veterans’ family members for eligible out-of-pocket health care
expenses for 15 health conditions after we publish regulations.
Prepare in 3 steps:
1. Call 1-877-222-8387 to be added to VA’s Camp Lejeune database.
2. Gather documents showing your relationship to a Veteran who served at Camp Lejeune
and that you lived on base for 30 days or more between 1957-87.
3. Keep receipts for health care expenses you paid for a covered condition on or after
March 26, 2013.
Learn more. Visit www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures to learn about other military
exposures and VA benefits.
Request for Viet Nam Era Boot Camp Graduation Books
Jim McIlhenney is asking you to bring in your boot camp graduation book for a special
project involving the location of those that served in Viet Nam. Jim will copy the pictures
and return it.
Jim’s email is [email protected] phone: 484-459-0850
12/21/2013 14
Entemann’s Outlet Store
690 East Lincoln Highway
Exton, PA 19341
Chester County Marine
January 2014 Event Calendar
◄ December ~ January 2014 ~ February ►
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
a 1
2
3 Dept-Pa. Winter
Staff Mtg: Holiday Inn
Harrisburg/Hershey
Dan Condron 484-631-6619
4 Bingo 5:30pm
Pat Vollmer
Dept-Pa. Winter Staff
Mtg:
5 Dept-Pa. Winter
Staff Mtg: Holiday Inn
Harrisburg/Hershey
Dan Condron 484-631-6619
6
7
8 MCL Staff Meeting 7:30pm
Jim Copeland 610-883-0283
9 Coatesville
VA Bingo 2pm
Dan Condron 484-631-6619
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18 Bingo 5:30pm
Pat Vollmer
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26 Marksmanship Meeting 2pm
Pistols Dennis Brown 610-692-4782
27 General
Membership Mtg 7:30pm
Jim Copeland 610-883-0283
28
29
30
31
More Calendars: February, March, April
12/21/2013 15
•Bakery• Business hours 24/7• Catering Department• Delicatessen• Grocery Store• Market• Pharmacy• Pizza Shop• Restaurant• Support for the MCL
1056 E. Lancaster AveDowningtown610 518 7890
Chester County Marine
February 2014 Event Calendar
◄ January ~ February 2014 ~ March ►
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 Bingo 5:30pm
Pat Vollmer
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12 MCL Staff Meeting 7:30pm
Jim Copeland 610-883-0283
13 Coatesville VA
Bingo 2pm ___________
Nat’l Conf
14 National Mid-Winter Conf
Falls Church, VA
15 Bingo 5:30pm
Pat Vollmer __________ National Mid-Winter Conf
Falls Church, VA
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23 Marksmanship Meeting 2pm
Pistols Dennis Brown 610-692-4782
24 General
Membership Mtg 7:30pm
Jim Copeland 610-883-0283
25
26
27
28