The Chester County Marine

Volume X , Issue 1 Gene Gerard, editor 610-256-6267 MobileJanuary 2014 CCMarines@Verizon.net

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: ccmarines@verizon.net 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 Recover1@comcast.net 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