NJ 206OFFICERS

2019 ~ 2020

Eddie Neas* Commandant

Norman Nutt*Senior Vice

Commandant

Paul Brown* Junior Vice

Commandant

Mike Dougherty* Judge Advocate

James Loizides Adjutant/Paymaster

Dan DanziChaplain

AnthonyOszmianski

Sergeant at Arms

Artie WilliamsQuartermaster

* = DetachmentTrustees

Welcome To Your OnLine Newsletter - Feb 2020 Volume #8 Issue 2

Links: Slattery Detachment 206 ~ Marines Care Foundation ~ Legacy of a Hero ~ Dept NJ MCL ~ MCL National This newsletter is interactive while online, highlighted links work & sometimes open a new screen. You can print each page separatelyor all, the page number is at top right of page. Officers & members wishing to post in the newsletter, please send info to Don Patterson

or Tom Miller. Feel free to forward this newsletter & web site. Editor: Don Patterson

www.marinescare.org

L/CPL Robert J. Slattery Marine Corps League, Detachment #206

Marines Care Foundation, Inc.,In Memory of L/CPL Chris Cosgrove, III

Whippany, New Jersey P.O. Box 566, West Caldwell, NJ 07007-0566 www.mclslatterydet.org

L/CPL Robert J. Slattery, Marine Corps League Det #206, NEWSLETTER, Feb 2020 - #2

Pillows

Liz Hackett and Janice Jamison started making “dog bone like” pillows eleven years ago just to somehow satisfy their desire to help themen and women who stand up for the USA and are injured in the line of duty. To date, over 6,000 of these comfort pillows have been cutout, stuffed and sewn by females of all ages who primarily live in New Jersey. They are distributed by Gunny Monaco and Don Patterson,both retired Marines, as well as other patriotic Americans to our wounded military personnel at Walter Reed Hospital as well as placed onincoming planes at Andrews Airforce Base. Other pillows have gone into care packages, to Veterans’ homes and any place a Veteran isencountered. Liz states that as long as there is a need for them, we will continue to make them.

Commandant's Corner

We are now two months into 2020. Time flies when you're having fun.

The Detachment Social was a success and there were approximately 66 members, familiesand guests at this event. Hopefully next year some more members will be able to attend. Wehave received a few nice donations to our Detachment, and this will allow us to help somemilitary veterans and their families who could use a hand. We can also help other Veteran'sorganizations that we partner with.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday February 5th. I hope you all will be able to attend. The March meetingis on the 4th and the April meeting is on the 1st. Mark your calendar and hopefully we will see you at ourmonthly meetings.

We are looking for new ideas and participation from allofour members. We need to be a "Gung Ho"Detachment that does all it can do for the men and women who wear the uniformof our U.S. Militaryservice past and present, not just the Marine Corps and Navy. We need to be there for the families andhelp support the other Veteran's Organization we partner with.

Semper Fi, Neas Out

Monthly Leadership Quote: Respect

You've got toset a good example, too. You can't just talk a good line. You can fool your seniors and peers sometimes, but you can't fool thesubordinates. There are a thousand little things that only the men are going to see. After six months, they know you---they either respectyou and do anything for you, or they will just tolerate you.

Lieutenant General James H Merryman

L/CPL Robert J. Slattery, Marine Corps League Det #206, NEWSLETTER, Feb 2020 - #3

This Month in USMC History

FEBRUARY

1 February 1967: Operation Prairie II was begun in Quang Tri province byelements of the 3d Marine Division. During the 46-day search-and-destroyoperation which terminated 18 March, 93 Marines and 693 of the enemy werekilled.2 February 1944: The 4th Marine Division, as part of the first assault on islandscontrolled by the Japanese before the start of World War II, captured Namur andeight other islands in the Kwajalein Atoll.6 February 1968: Two reduced Marine battalions, the 1st Battalion, 1st Marineswith two companies, and 2d Battalion, 5th Marines with three, recaptured Hue'shospital, jail, and provincial headquarters. It would take three more weeks ofintense house to house fighting, and nearly a thousand Marines killed andwounded, before the imperial city was secured.11 February 1922: BGen John H. Russell was appointed U.S. HighCommissioner and personal representative of the President to the government ofHaiti. This nine-year assignment placed this future Commandant in supremecommand of both the occupying American force and the Haitian Gendarmerie.15 February 1998: One hundred years ago this date, 28 Marines and 232seamen lost their lives when the battleship MAINE was mysteriously sunk by anexplosion in the harbor of Havana, Cuba. Though no definitive evidence linkedthe Spanish with the sinking, the cry went up, "Remember the Maine!", and bylate April the U.S. and Spain were at war.17 February 1967: The first full day of Operation DECKHOUSE VI, which lasteduntil 3 March, was conducted near Quang Ngai city. The Special Landing Force(BLT Y4 and HMM-363) accounted for 280 enemy killed.23 February 1945: Four days after the initial landings on Iwo Jima, 1stLt HaroldG. Schrier led 40 men from Company E, 2d Battalion, 28th Marines, up Mt.Suribachi to secure the crest and raise the small American flag that battalioncommander LtCol Chandler Johnson had given Schrier. Within an hour, thepatrol reached the rim of the crater. After a short fire-fight with Japanesedefenders emerging from several caves, the small American flag was attached toan iron pipe and raised over the island.24 February 1991: The I Marine Expeditionary Force and coalition forces begana ground assault on Iraqi defenses in the final chapter of Operation DesertStorm. The 1st and 2d Marine Divisions stormed into the teeth of Iraqi defenseswhile heavily armored allied forces attacked the Iraqi defenses in Iraq frombehind. In 100 hours, U.S. and allied forces defeated the Iraqi Army.28 February 1991: Operation Desert Storm ended when the cease- fire declaredby President George Bush went into effect. I Marine Expeditionary Force has astrength of more than 92,000 making Operation Desert Storm the largest MarineCorps operation in history .A total of 24 Marines were killed in action during theGulf War.

L/CPL Robert J. Slattery, Marine Corps League Det #206, NEWSLETTER, Feb 2020 - #4

Detachment Social by Eddie

The yearly Detachment Social was held on January 8th and there were 66 Members and guests having aGood time. It was a nice way to kick off the new year.

There were three members who did the majority of the work and I'd like to mention their names; Tom Miller,Jim Loizides and our Master of Ceremony John Andrews all did an outstanding job. Tom Miller had theSocial invites printed up, picked up items and snacks needed and set up the tables at the Hall the nightbefore, all by himself. Jim Loizides handled all the monies coming in during the month and at the door thenight of. John Andrews who beside being the MC, ordered the food, picked up the cake which by the way,was very good. A loud Ooh Rah and Thank You needs to go to these three Detachment members. Makesure you say thank you to all three at the next meeting.

The Detachment Marine of the Year was Bob Stalzerwho surprisingly had not won the award in previousyears. He is a former Detachment Officer and does alot of work on the Marine Rose Program. He earnedthis award and we are proud to have him as aDetachment Member.

We had many invited Distinguished guests at theSocial. Mary Lou and Steve from Bayer Corporationwho have been supporting our Detachment and the

Toys-4-Tots program for the last 4-5 years, were present.

The Deputy Mayor of Hanover Township John Ferramosca and his wife and two Committee membersBrian Cahill, Michael Mihalko also attended.

Detachment member Ed Moscariello, Commander of VFW Post 5351 and American Legion Post 155Commander Gary Giampino and Senior Vice Commander Mike McCorry were also present.

We also had the Assistant Vice President Randy Schempp and his wife Cathy of the Natural GlassCorvette Association attend our Social.

Linda Neas represented deceased Detachment member and Iwo Jima Veteran JackGartenberg by reading the poem, "Forget". Jack read this every year at our Social and itwill continue to be read at future socials.

A good time was had by all. No one went home hungry and there was even some foodthat could be taken home. There was more than enough beer, soda and wine thanks to adonation coordinated by Detachment member Luis Gomez who brought "Caffie" to addto the night.

If you dd not attend, you missed out on a good time and I hope to see more of you at thenext one in 2021.

L/CPL Robert J. Slattery, Marine Corps League Det #206, NEWSLETTER, Feb 2020 - #5

Detachment Social by Tom

The 2020 Slattery Holiday Social

Our 2020 Slattery Detachment Holiday Social took place on Wednesday, January 8th when we met for ourmonthly detachment meeting. This all took place at the American Legion Post 155 in Whippany.

At 1830, guests started arriving in the upstairs hall. The Commandant and his wife, Linda, were several ofthe few who were there when the first invited guests, Marylou Panzano and her husband entered. TomMiller was just finishing setting up the bar area with John Andrews when Marylou came in. But let us revertto what got us to this point.

Setting the 8th of January as the date for the social was kind of a “no-brainer” as it was the 1st Wednesdaythat followed New Years Day. A lot of things had to be done working up to this date with the holidaysgetting in the way only slightly. John set up getting OK for the hall on January 8th prior to the Decembermeeting. Jim Loizides had to start getting the party fees and names of those planning on attending duringthe December meeting. Tom had to get the information out via emails. This 3-man team was off andrunning.

It really didn’t help with the holidays getting in the way, but the Social was on its way. Invitations weredelivered or mailed out. We started out with a grand total of 20 in early December after the monthlymeeting was over. Jim and Tom had a meeting at Mangianos to set up the dinner menu. John was busy sohe could not be there. So, over a great “Grandma” pizza, they looked at who either said they were eitherinterested or might be coming and estimated to total would be 60 to 65. Aki one of the managers cameover later and the catering order was set for 65.

The menu that was picked came off their catering menu. Jim wanted to add a tray of meat balls which wasan excellent choice. Naturally, the cost went up, but it was worth it. The deal that was received in the endmore than compensated for the extra dish.

The attendance count for the gathering started off slow with the first detachment meeting night only beingin a dozen at the most. By the week of Christmas, the total attending had risen to the mid-40s and a weeklater mid-50s. Things were looking up and 65 was a good estimate. Right before the Social it was 60 andthe day of the social 69, but as we have seen in previous years there were always those that say they arecoming and do not show up. And, there are those that say nothing and show up. We ended up with 63 - agood count and right in the middle of Jims estimate.

So, back to the jobs of making the social a time of fun for all. John was busy making the Certificates ofAppreciation for some of the guests. Bayer would get one, as would the Corvette people. Bayer presentedour Marines Care with a sizable check at their Toys for Tots gathering in early December. Also, the NaturalGlass Corvette Association assisted us during the summer.

John also had to get together the plaque for the Marine of the Year and a check from Jim for the AmericanLegion. The Legion allows us to meet in their hall at no charge so this also was a no brainer. The plaquecame in time for the presentation at the social. While this was going on, Jim was visiting the post box andchecking on those who might be coming as well as working his full-time job.

Tom was picking up the needed items for the pre-social “gathering and mingling” which was to take placeat 6:30, a half hour prior to the planned short meeting. The were pretzels and chips to pick-up; soda andwater to gather and wine to get a good price on. Also the full sheet cake had to be ordered and paid forplus center pieces and table coverings to procure. The printing for the social had to be created and printedas well as the newsletters. It was decided that John would pick up the cake just prior to the gathering.

Continued Next Page

L/CPL Robert J. Slattery, Marine Corps League Det #206, NEWSLETTER, Feb 2020 - #6

Detachment Social by Tom

The day before the social the hall was to be set up with the tables and chairs which is not as simple as itsounds. The Tuesday Tom went over and nothing was done so he set everything up himself. It was hisfault for not asking for assistance. After three hours, he was done and the place was ready with just a fewminor items to do.

Wednesday, the day of the social, those small items were finished by 4:30. The cake (half chocolate andhalf yellow with vanilla pudding filling) was brought in by John about 5:45 and placed on the table. Thecake was topped with a buttercream icing - green with yellow markings and read, "We wish you a veryHappy & Healthy New Year " The Slattery Detachment.

The two “catering” assistants arrived about 6pm and began arranging the set up. By 6:30, the first guestbegan to arrive and soon Mangianos arrive with the food. The menu consisted of Penne Vodka, ChickenFrancaise, Veal Marsala, Shrimp Parmigiano, Egg Plant Parmigiano, Sausage. Peppers & Onions,Meatballs in Sauce, Antipasto & /Italian Grilled Chicken Salads with the cake, cookies and coffee off on adifferent table.

Jim was busy at the door greeting people and handling the fees. John was making sure that the girls weredoing the needed jobs and greeting people and Tom was uncorking up wine bottles and a bit of greeting.As we said in the beginning, Marylou Panzano and her husband from Bayer were the first to arrive andimmediately approached and greeted each of our “party team” on an individual basis. Soon after, the partyline was steady and the wine and beer were flowing.

After approximately a half hour, Eddie Neas, the Commandant, called the meeting to order. There was aPledge of Allegiance to the flag and prayer to start the meeting and then, a roll call of officers. The “Motionto Adjourn” was then made and seconded plus approved by all. So, the meeting was halted or officiallyended and the Commandant began the Social part by first having a moment of silence for our fourdeparted Slattery members who passed in 2019.

The Holiday Social then began it’s Holiday Program with the introduction of John Andrews as the Master ofCeremonies. There was an introduction of our special guests. The Certificates of Appreciation werehanded out to these guests and the presentation of a check was made to the American Legion. Next, wasIris Hascup presenting a check to the detachment in honor of Jimmy Heine. Iris and Jimmy had beendating for many years prior to his passing. He left the money in his will for the detachment.

Then came a warm and heart felt “Thank You” from Dave Katz’s daughter, Sue Kotcher. She had a seriousillness and it drained the families income savings. The Marine Care Foundation had made a checkpresentation to Dave to cover some of the expenses. Sue was there to thank Slattery which was veryclassy. She is on the mend. Dave, his wife, Carol, and Sue sat with the Bayer people.

Linda Neas honored our past member and historian Jack Gartenberg (who recently passed) He alwaysgave us some kind of great entertainment at the previous socials. She read one of the poems Jack used toread at our annual detachment socials entitled “Forget” and here it is:

Under the scorching sun of Viet NamA boy becomes a manA dust off carries him from whereThis storybegan.He was my right arm, my buddy, my brother, my friend.I feel a wetness on my cheek and wonder if itwill ever end.

As I listen to the rotor blades fade into the cloudless Sky, I look down at my worn fatigues…wonderingwhy?Why you my friend? What will your last thoughts be?I know they are coming soon.Will they be lovedones, home and comfort,or the pain of your terrible wound?

I have been told the war is over and to forget the mistakes you say we have made! What about ourmissing in action and prisoners of war still in Viet Nam today!Do you think their war is over and thattheir memories fade?

Continued Next Page

L/CPL Robert J. Slattery, Marine Corps League Det #206, NEWSLETTER, Feb 2020 - #7

Detachment Social by Tom

It is so hard to explain to those who cannot understand! What it is like to see a friend die, in a far off anddistant land! Or feel the sweat, fear,and anger that turns a boy into a man!Forget you say…

There are thousands of names engraved into aMonument of polished marble black,And for each of thosenames are memories of thoseWho didn’t make it back!

Forget…

That’s easy for you to say…

You were not with them, when they met hell face to Face and died that day.

Forget!

Forget you say! Forget the fear, pain and death.We’ll forget! Oh yes, we’ll forget……When we take ourfinal breath.

Mike Miller Viet Nam Veteran

The “Marine of the Year” part of the program began with Eddie and John calling up all the previous “Marineof the Year” members before the name of the new “Marine of the Year” was announced. PFC RobertStalzer was chosen and received it for all the work he preformed in 2019. It was well deserved as Bob ledthe Rose Program and helped raise thousands of dollars in the 7 different places that Slattery collectdonations. He worked hard and the members saw this thus he earned, the 2019 Marine of the Year.

Shortly after we adjourned the program and began the dinner part. That went well and the food wasenough for all. Our four guests table were first in line. Not much left in the end but, Tom did manage to geta small container for Pete and Marie Gallo who could not make it. Marie loved it.

As we finished up with the main encores and salads, the cake, cookies and coffee took over. By the timethe 50/50 was called (Lois Gomez won the $98) and the cake was almost finished the raffle started. Therewere only two small pieces of each left when I went up to get a slice. I believe the final four pieces of cakewent home with a couple of the guests. Both types were delicious with the yellow cake being favored. Thecake was from ShopRite who gave us a seldom discount on the odds and ends and cake. Coffee wasexcellent and there was Half & Half, 2% milk and a hazelnut flavored creamer to go with it.

As the raffle tickets were picked and the nine prizes left with new owners, the party started to break up.Bob Stalzer won a nice frames and matted eagle print of Tom Millers. There were no bottles of wine thisyear as raffle prizes, as most of it was drunk. There was a bottle of Jarhead Red wine however. It was agood time for all and it ended about 9:30 and produced a fun 3 hours of friends meeting friends.

As the MCL Holiday Gathering ended, the Slattery Detachment members wished our guests “Thank You”for coming and to have a Happy New Year.

And, we wish all of you who are reading this A Very Happy & Healthy New Year.

L/CPL Robert J. Slattery, Marine Corps League Det #206, NEWSLETTER, Feb 2020 - #8

Retired Marine Corps General Peter Pacedonated one of his uniforms to the Teaneck Library

Eddie and General Pace On January 5thfour members of the SlatteryDetachment attended a ceremony in Teaneck, NJ where retired Marine CorpsGeneral Peter Pace donated one of his uniforms to the Teaneck Library.General Pace was the 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the firstMarine to hold that position. General Pace served 40 years on active duty andretired in 2007.

General Pace answering questions GeneralPace was born in Brooklyn, NY but grew upin Teaneck, NJ. He attended High School inTeaneck, then the Naval Academy andgraduated in 1967 and went to Viet Nam as

a 2nd Lt and assigned to 2/5 during the Battle for Hue City in Februaryof 1968. He was good friends with my Platoon Commander in Hue Cityalso a Naval Academy graduate, 2nd Lt William R Donnelly. He spokefor about 25 minutes and if you were not there to hear him, you missedout on a great speech.He talked of his time growing up in Teaneck, histime at the Naval Academy and in Viet Nam and all throughout hiscareer, he paid respect and honor to all those who mentored him andmade mention of those in his command who were KIA in Viet Nam.

There were four members from the L/Cpl Robert J Slattery Detachment who attended this event. Lindaand Eddie Neas, Kevin Ohora and Michael Dougherty. A great time was had by all.

He answered many questions and took pictures with all those who asked.

The Department of NJ Marine Corps League and various Detachments were very well represented at thisevent.General Pace is also a member of the Gooney Bird Detachment.

Kevin Ohora, Linda & Eddie Neas, General Pace and Michael Dougherty

Semper Fi, Neas Out