MAIL CALL JANUARY 2012

Semper Fi

January 2012 Vol. 01

Editor Joe Hughes

Meetings: 4th Wed. of the Month American Legion Post 327 6521 Nieman Road, Shawnee, KS 913-631-7710 http://www.mclopks.org/ Officers: Commandant: Marcia Sands [email protected] Senior Vice: Jim Denton [email protected] Junior Vice: John Byrnes [email protected] J.A.G.: Rick Hinrichs [email protected] PAY./ADJ.: Bill Clinton [email protected] Chaplain: Joe Hughes [email protected] SGT. at Arms: Kevin Elmer [email protected]

Happy New Year! I hope everyone is in good health and had a great Christmas season. A big “Thank you” to all of you who had a part in making our detachment a success in 2011. Our Toys for Tots campaign was a great success again this year, with even more toys collected than last year. We made the news on Thursday, January 12th at 4:30 (Christa Dubill of NBC Action News told about our success). Thanks to everyone who had a part in this, including Jim Welchert and Steve Thomas and the Young Marines; all of you who spent time at Toys ‘R’ Us; everyone who dropped off boxes and picked up toys; and Bill Clinton for coordinating all the chaos with GySgt McClain and the 24th Marines (Bill, have you stopped dreaming about toys?). I’m sure the children of Kansas City appreciate our efforts.

Detachment Commandant’s MessageNow, as our new year begins, let me challenge everyone to get involved just a little bit more than you did last year. Everyone’s help is needed and appreciated. You may have a skill that we need. There are so many ways that you can participate, and we are supporting the mission of the Marine Corps League -- and the Marine Corps -- by all of our activities. If you have an idea to help make our detachment better, please let us know. We are always looking for ideas. Semper Fi , Marcia Sands Commandant

Mail Call Marine Corps League - Gen. Larry Oppenheimer Detachment #1025

Marine Corps League Mission Statement: Members 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 States Marine Corps, banding together those who are now serving in the United States 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 and former Marines and to their widows and orphans; and to perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines.

Mail Call

Semper Fi of 10

January 2012

Gen. Larry Oppenheimer Detachment #1025

Leatherneck / Jarhead

The nickname Leatherneck has become a universal moniker for a U.S. Marine. The term originated from the wide and stiff leather neck-piece that was part of the Marine Corps uniform from 1798 until 1872. This leather collar, called The Stock, was roughly four inches high and had two purposes. In combat, it protected the neck and jugular vein from cutlasses slashes. On parade, it kept a Marine's head erect.

The term "jarhead" as referring to a Marine comes from the same thing that gave them the nickname "leathernecks" -- the leather collars on some of their uniforms. The leather collars helped protect from saber cuts Before rubber was commonly available, the rings used to seal canning jars were made of leather. So the implication is that the Marine's leather collar is akin to the leather sealing rings once used on canning jars, making him, literally, a "jar head."

Marine Corps Mascot:

Thanks to the German Army, the U.S. Marine Corps has an unofficial mascot. During World War I many German reports had called the attacking Marines "teufel-hunden," meaning Devil-Dogs. Teufel-hunden were the vicious, wild, and ferocious mountain dogs of Bavarian folklore.

Soon afterward a U.S. Marine recruiting poster depicted a snarling English Bulldog wearing a Marine Corps helmet. Because of the tenacity and demeanor of the breed, the image took root with both the Marines and the public. The Marines soon unofficially adopted the English Bulldog as their mascot.

At the Marine base at Quantico, Virginia, the Marines obtained a registered English Bulldog, King Bulwark. In a formal ceremony on 14 October 1922, BGen. Smedley D. Butler signed documents enlisting the bulldog, renamed Jiggs, for the "term of life." Pvt. Jiggs then began his official duties in the U.S. Marine Corps.

A hard-charging Marine, Pvt. Jiggs did not remain a private for long. Within three months he was wearing corporal chevrons on his custom-made uniform. On New Years Day 1924, Jiggs was promoted to Sergeant. And in a meteoric rise, he got promoted again -- this time to Sergeant Major -- seven months later.

SgtMaj. Jiggs' death on 9 January 1927 was mourned throughout the Corps. His satin-lined coffin lay in state in a hangar at Quantico, surrounded by flowers from hundreds of Corps admirers. He was interred with full military honors.

But, a replacement was on the way. Former heavyweight boxing champion, James J. "Gene" Tunney, who had fought with the Marines in France, donated his English Bulldog. Renamed as Jiggs II, he stepped into the role of his predecessor.

Big problem! No discipline! Jiggs chased people, he bit people. He showed a total lack of respect for authority. The new Jiggs would have likely made an outstanding combat Marine, but barracks life did not suit him. After one of his many rampages, he died of heat exhaustion on 1928. Nonetheless, other bulldogs followed. During the 1930s, 1940s, and early 1950s they were all named Smedley, a tribute to Gen. Butler.

In the late 1950s the Marine Barracks in Washington, the oldest post in the Corps, became the new home for the Corps' mascot. Renamed Chesty to honor the legendary LtGen. Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller Jr., the mascot made his first formal public appearance at the Evening Parade on 5 July 1957. In his canine Dress Blues, Chesty became an immediate media darling, a smash hit!

Mail Call

Semper Fi of 10

January 2012


Kansas City Metro Total Toys: Gen. Oppenheimer Detachment:

2010 - 54,000 2010 – 24,700

2011 – 98,000 2011 – 33,038

Mail Call

Semper Fi of 10

January 2012


Please convey information on sick and distressed to Chaplain Joe Hughes at 913/ 894-2006 or email: [email protected]

Sick & Distressed

Fallen Marine (Reported by David Yurkovich)

January 07, 2011 - Louise Leitner

Jan 22, 2011 - Sylvester Weitkamp (one of our new members in this last year)

Jan 25, 2011 - Paul R. Carpenter, MD

Feb 2, 2011 - Alva Byars (one of ours, of course)

Feb 7, 2011 - John M. Kissane

AApril 28, 11 - Gilbert M. Angel

May10, 11 - Michael T. Dorris

May 11,11 - Melvin Leroy Miller

June 18, 2011 - John Steven Kearns

June 28, 2011 - Charles F. Walters

July 31, 2011 - Micheal R. Scherer 7-31-11

August 8, 2011 - William D. Kinsella 8-811

August 10, 2011 - David G Smith

August 31, 2011 - David M. Christy

September 9, 2011 - William R. Lyerla (certificate mailed)

September 13-11 Ivan J. Hurd

September 22-11 Charles O. Engelken

September 27-11 Charles Ross

September 27-11 Paul Soptic Sr.

November 09, 11 - William H.Jagusch

November 18, 11 Lawrence L. Wenski

November 21, 11 Charles S. Leavell

December 02, 11 - Maurine B. Henderson

December 14, 11 - John E. Stacy, Jr. – Gen. Larry Oppenheimer Detachment Charter Member

December 26, 11 - Ella J. Trowbridge December 27, 11 - Charles Lloyd Russell, Jr.

December 27, 11 - Robert L. Smith January 06, 12 - Richard Karl Davis

“There's no such thing as a former Marine. You're a Marine, just in a different uniform and you're in a different phase of your life. But you'll always be a Marine because you went to Parris Island, San Diego, or the hills of Quantico. So there's no such thing as a former Marine."

Mail Call

Semper Fi of 10

January 2012


Personal Plaque: Have you ever wished that along with the memories, photo's and other items that you cherish of your Marine Corps career, you had a beautiful plaque of that special unit that you served in? Well, now you can! Marine Dennis Armstrong one of our detachment members is an expert at custom woodworking as you can see! He has graciously offered to make custom plaques (about 12" x 24") for any or all of our membership. Keeping in the Marine Corps brotherhood tradition, he is only going to charge our detachment for the actual materials; he is providing his talent at no charge! He can be reached at 913-244-7302. Cost $75.00. HyVee Gentlemen & Ladies, This fund raiser couldn't be easier and it’s beneficial to everyone you know including yourselves! The coupon book only costs you or a neighbor $5.00 and as you can see with the first coupon with a purchase of just $50.00 you or your neighbor gets their $5.00 back and has a whole book of valuable grocery coupons!Contact: Jim O'Connor - (913) 262-6661 - [email protected]

Detachment Fundraising

Wednesday, Jan 18 Flag folding ceremony at the VFW in Gardner. Notes Reminder, we will be having meetings every Wednesday from 6-8:30 pm EXCEPT the 4th Wednesday of the month. Unit: www.ncymks.com/ National: www.youngmarines.com MCL Contacts: Marcia Sands Steve Thomas Jim Welchert

New Century Young Marines

Mail Call

Semper Fi of 10

January 2012


50/50 Drawing – JANUARY MCL Meeting

Veterans Affairs – KC VA Hospital Per Voluntary Services, the VA now needs women's hair products, disposable men's razors, and coffee along with the usual men's underwear & socks needs. Note, this is an ongoing need. PLEASE BRING SOME ITEMS TO OUR MCL MEETING. Thank you, Contact: Gonzalo Reyes

SWEATSHIRTS AVAILABLE @ JANUARY MEETING Small – X-Large $22.00 XX-Large and up $24.00

Mail Call

Semper Fi of 10

January 2012


Wednesday, January 25, 2012 – MCL Meeting @ 07:00PM. Wednesday, February 08, 2012 – MCL Officers Meeting @ 07:00PM Wednesday, February 22, 2012 – MCL Meeting @ 07:00PM. April 19 – 22, 2012 - MCL Midwest Division Spring Conference – Wichita, KS May 12 – Marine Corps Scholarship Hawaii Trip Drawing - TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR SALE NOW MCL Seasonal Uniform Change Marine Corps League members are considered to be “in uniform” when wearing the red Marine Corps League cover. If we choose to wear the full uniform, then during the winter season (October 1 to April 1), we do not wear the short sleeved shirt. The winter uniform includes the long sleeved white shirt, black tie with tie clasp, and dress blue trousers with web belt, and red cover.

Detachment Calendar

VA Volunteer Services Help in Clinics, Escort Patients, Bingo & Activities, Shuttle Drivers, etc…. Volunteer Orientation: Every Wed 9 a.m-11 a.m. RM M1-271 816-922-2025 ext 135 [email protected] Or: Mr. Art Peter at 816- 331-4622 (MCL Deputy VS at KC VA Med)

Mail Call

Semper Fi of 10

January 2012


I encourage submissions of any announcements, pictures, stories, to the editor from detachment members. Deadline for all submissions by the 10th of every month. Remember, if you are involved in any community service work on behalf of our beloved Marine Corps, please send me a photo and some information for the Mail Call. Email: Joe Hughes – [email protected], Phone: 913-894-2006

From the Desk of the Editor

Calling: Rick Hinrichs

Ceremonial: Marcia Sands (pro tem)

Community Affairs: OPEN – volunteer needed

Donations: Bill Clinton

Facilities: Billy Goodson

Fallen Marines: David Yurkovich

Fundraising: Jim O’Connor

Historian: Lee Reynolds

Marines In Need: Bill Clinton

Mail Call: Joe Hughes

Supply: John Byrnes

Toy’s for Tot’s Bill Clinton

Veteran’s Affairs (VA): Gonzalo Reyes

Young Marines: Marcia Sands / Steve Thomas / Jim Welchert

Youth: Mike Swearingen

Standing Committees – Volunteers Needed

Mail Call

Semper Fi of 10

January 2012


PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR LOYAL SUPPORTERS

Mail Call

Semper Fi of 10

January 2012


Bob Allen Ford 9239 Metcalf Ave.

Overland Park, KS 66212 (913) 381-3000

“Toys for Tots Sponsor”

PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR LOYAL SUPPORTERS

MAIL CALL JANUARY 2012

Documents

Transcript of MAIL CALL JANUARY 2012