All Paymasters:
National has revamped their Bylaws and Administration Procedures. The Department of Texas now needs to do the same thing. Attached are the PROPOSED Bylaws. You will see in black what came from National. Those are currently the Bylaws. The portions in red are what we are suggesting be voted on at the Department Convention.
I am requesting everyone review these to make sure current Bylaws are included when not in conflict with National. Also, please forward to all Detachment members so they can review them. The more questions we answer now the less time it will take us to go through these at our Convention.
Please note, National has move a lot of the Bylaws to the Administration Procedures. I hope to send you the Administration Procedures in the next few days.
Have all corrections and suggestions sent to me. I will either make the change or add it to the items to be voted on at the Department Convention.
Thank you for your help,
Stephen Oeding
Adjutant Paymaster
Department of Texas
Marine Corps League
National has revamped their Bylaws and Administration Procedures. The Department of Texas now needs to do the same thing. Attached are the PROPOSED Bylaws. You will see in black what came from National. Those are currently the Bylaws. The portions in red are what we are suggesting be voted on at the Department Convention.
I am requesting everyone review these to make sure current Bylaws are included when not in conflict with National. Also, please forward to all Detachment members so they can review them. The more questions we answer now the less time it will take us to go through these at our Convention.
Please note, National has move a lot of the Bylaws to the Administration Procedures. I hope to send you the Administration Procedures in the next few days.
Have all corrections and suggestions sent to me. I will either make the change or add it to the items to be voted on at the Department Convention.
Thank you for your help,
Stephen Oeding
Adjutant Paymaster
Department of Texas
Marine Corps League
THIS IS A FRIENDLY REMINDER THAT TONIGHT AT 1900 HOURS IS OUR MONTHLY GENERAL MEETING.
YOUR ATTENDANCE IS MUCH APPRECIATED.
ALSO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHECK WITH MONICA
REGARDING DUES STATUS.
YOUR ATTENDANCE IS MUCH APPRECIATED.
ALSO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHECK WITH MONICA
REGARDING DUES STATUS.
Cadet Sgt Jonatan Pairett earned the Gung Ho Award
Cadet Sgt Jonatan Pairett earned the Gung Ho Award for his Gung-Ho attitude throughout the past year of JROTC.MCL sponsored an award for the local MCJROTC.
minutes of 10 feb meeting
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Agenda for 10 feb meeting
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Message From Junior Vice - David Rohm
Reference Election of New Officers
All,
During last months general meeting Commandant Nichols brought up the issue of electing new officers. As a detachment we agreed to keep current officers in place until we had improved conditions (or processes) regarding operations during the pandemic. As of last month’s meeting we had not received direction from the Texas, District 4 office addressing detachment elections or how to conduct monthly meetings.
This past February 2, an email was received from Tony Poletti, Vice Commandant of District 4. The email contained guidelines for proceeding with Detachment election of officers. The sample provided by Vice Commandant Poletti is as follows:
Jan and Feb mtgs should be used for the nomination process.
Feb or Mar can complete the election process.
Mar or Apr can be used for the Installation.
However, the ROI must be properly completed, validated, and ready for
the Installation Officer before the Installation.
Due to pandemic issues (and the VFW being closed) January was the first general meeting we conducted since March of last year. Plans are to continue with our monthly meetings (following City & State protocols) for the duration of 2021. We hope to see as many of you as is possible for this Wed.’s meeting at 1900 hours. The election process will be discussed (nominations & election date) along with several other topics. I’m looking forward to seeing many familiar (masked) faces showing up, let’s have a great year.
Semper Fi,
David Rohm
Jr Vice Commandant
During last months general meeting Commandant Nichols brought up the issue of electing new officers. As a detachment we agreed to keep current officers in place until we had improved conditions (or processes) regarding operations during the pandemic. As of last month’s meeting we had not received direction from the Texas, District 4 office addressing detachment elections or how to conduct monthly meetings.
This past February 2, an email was received from Tony Poletti, Vice Commandant of District 4. The email contained guidelines for proceeding with Detachment election of officers. The sample provided by Vice Commandant Poletti is as follows:
Jan and Feb mtgs should be used for the nomination process.
Feb or Mar can complete the election process.
Mar or Apr can be used for the Installation.
However, the ROI must be properly completed, validated, and ready for
the Installation Officer before the Installation.
Due to pandemic issues (and the VFW being closed) January was the first general meeting we conducted since March of last year. Plans are to continue with our monthly meetings (following City & State protocols) for the duration of 2021. We hope to see as many of you as is possible for this Wed.’s meeting at 1900 hours. The election process will be discussed (nominations & election date) along with several other topics. I’m looking forward to seeing many familiar (masked) faces showing up, let’s have a great year.
Semper Fi,
David Rohm
Jr Vice Commandant
Longest-serving Marine retires after 43 years of service
After more than 43 years of service to our country, United States Marine Corps Col. Edmund J. Bowen retired during a solemn, ceremonial tribute hosted recently in Washington, D.C.
At the time of his retirement Col. Bowen was the longest active U.S. Marine on duty.
Col. Bowen's sister, Sharen Bowen Grube, tells us her brother was born and raised on Staten Island and was a paper carrier for the Staten Island Advance during the 1960s -- right before joining the work force at the former Acme Supermarket on Castleton Avenue. Highly respected in the Staten Island community, Col. Bowen mentored young adults interested in a career in the military.
He lived in Fort Wadsworth and recruited many borough residents when his office was located on Bay Street.
The second eldest of nine children (two boys and seven girls) to Edmund and Marian Bowen, who both passed during the year 2003, many may recall the Bowen family resided for some 40 years at the corner of Bard Avenue and Linden Street in Livingston.
"We are a very close family," says Grube, adding that during her brother's years at Curtis High School he trained to be a boxer, a career their dad greatly supported. In fact, the Bowens cherish old home movies their dad filmed when his son was in the ring.
"My brother was up for the Golden Gloves when he joined the Marine Corps and continued boxing during his early years with the Marines."
He later relocated to California to continue his long military career along with his wife, Deb, and their four children, who always supported him in all of his endeavors.
To commemorate his retirement, family and friends traveled from near and far to Quantico, Va. and then to Washington, D.C. to the Marine Corps Base for the moving ceremony, that was followed by a tour of the Marine Corps Museum -- and then capped by the evening's festivities at clubs in Quantico, "Hawaiian-style."
"My brother Eddie then visited Staten Island where we celebrated again enjoying our night at Larry Liedy's Shore Inn -- Larry also attended the retirement ceremony," Grube says.
And she adds her brother confided to her, when he's on Staten Island he feels like he's home.
But to backtrack for a moment: Col. Bowen enlisted in the US Marine Corps in September of 1972 and attended Recruit Training in Parris Island, S.C.
His enlisted assignments included Engineer Equipment Operator, 2nd Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune; Platoon Sergeant, 3rd Shore Party Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan; NCOIC, Recruiting Sub-Station, Brooklyn New York; and SNCOIC, Engineer Equipment Platoon, 1st Landing Support Battalion and 1st Force Service Support Group, Camp Pendleton.
While on recruiting duty he was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant, meritoriously.
Col. Bowen was appointed to Warrant Officer in 1985, Chief Warrant Officer in 1987, First Lieutenant, Limited Duty Officer (LDO) in 1988, and he re-designated as an unrestricted line officer in January 1991.
His past combat assignments included Operation DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM; Operation RESTORE HOPE, Somalia, Africa; Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Baghdad Iraq; and two tours Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
He is a graduate of Marine Corps Engineer School, Amphibious Warfare School, Advance Logistics Officer Course, Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the Air War College.
Col. Bowen holds a bachelor of science degree in management from Linfield College, a master of Military Studies from the Marine Corps University, and a master of Strategic Studies from the Air University.
His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit with gold star in lieu of second award; Bronze Star Medal; Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster; Meritorious Service Medal; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars; and the Combat Action Ribbon.
At the time of his retirement Col. Bowen was the longest active U.S. Marine on duty.
Col. Bowen's sister, Sharen Bowen Grube, tells us her brother was born and raised on Staten Island and was a paper carrier for the Staten Island Advance during the 1960s -- right before joining the work force at the former Acme Supermarket on Castleton Avenue. Highly respected in the Staten Island community, Col. Bowen mentored young adults interested in a career in the military.
He lived in Fort Wadsworth and recruited many borough residents when his office was located on Bay Street.
The second eldest of nine children (two boys and seven girls) to Edmund and Marian Bowen, who both passed during the year 2003, many may recall the Bowen family resided for some 40 years at the corner of Bard Avenue and Linden Street in Livingston.
"We are a very close family," says Grube, adding that during her brother's years at Curtis High School he trained to be a boxer, a career their dad greatly supported. In fact, the Bowens cherish old home movies their dad filmed when his son was in the ring.
"My brother was up for the Golden Gloves when he joined the Marine Corps and continued boxing during his early years with the Marines."
He later relocated to California to continue his long military career along with his wife, Deb, and their four children, who always supported him in all of his endeavors.
To commemorate his retirement, family and friends traveled from near and far to Quantico, Va. and then to Washington, D.C. to the Marine Corps Base for the moving ceremony, that was followed by a tour of the Marine Corps Museum -- and then capped by the evening's festivities at clubs in Quantico, "Hawaiian-style."
"My brother Eddie then visited Staten Island where we celebrated again enjoying our night at Larry Liedy's Shore Inn -- Larry also attended the retirement ceremony," Grube says.
And she adds her brother confided to her, when he's on Staten Island he feels like he's home.
But to backtrack for a moment: Col. Bowen enlisted in the US Marine Corps in September of 1972 and attended Recruit Training in Parris Island, S.C.
His enlisted assignments included Engineer Equipment Operator, 2nd Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune; Platoon Sergeant, 3rd Shore Party Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan; NCOIC, Recruiting Sub-Station, Brooklyn New York; and SNCOIC, Engineer Equipment Platoon, 1st Landing Support Battalion and 1st Force Service Support Group, Camp Pendleton.
While on recruiting duty he was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant, meritoriously.
Col. Bowen was appointed to Warrant Officer in 1985, Chief Warrant Officer in 1987, First Lieutenant, Limited Duty Officer (LDO) in 1988, and he re-designated as an unrestricted line officer in January 1991.
His past combat assignments included Operation DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM; Operation RESTORE HOPE, Somalia, Africa; Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Baghdad Iraq; and two tours Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
He is a graduate of Marine Corps Engineer School, Amphibious Warfare School, Advance Logistics Officer Course, Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the Air War College.
Col. Bowen holds a bachelor of science degree in management from Linfield College, a master of Military Studies from the Marine Corps University, and a master of Strategic Studies from the Air University.
His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit with gold star in lieu of second award; Bronze Star Medal; Defense Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster; Meritorious Service Medal; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars; and the Combat Action Ribbon.
2020 ARCHIVES
1776 - fort NASSAU
The First Amphibious Raid
Just weeks after banding together, the Continental Marines successfully executed their first amphibious landing on a hostile shore.
The British had been storing large supplies of gunpowder at Fort Nassau in the Bahamas for use in battle against the 13 colonies. Captain Samuel Nicholas and 234 Marines sailed with the Continental Navy on a mission to capture the supply.
Within minutes of the Marines' arrival, the British troops had surrendered. In addition to the gunpowder, Captain Nicholas successfully acquired cannons and other military stores.
The Marines' first battle and success paved the way for greater operations to come
The British had been storing large supplies of gunpowder at Fort Nassau in the Bahamas for use in battle against the 13 colonies. Captain Samuel Nicholas and 234 Marines sailed with the Continental Navy on a mission to capture the supply.
Within minutes of the Marines' arrival, the British troops had surrendered. In addition to the gunpowder, Captain Nicholas successfully acquired cannons and other military stores.
The Marines' first battle and success paved the way for greater operations to come
Today in history | U.S. flag raised on Iwo Jima
During the bloody Battle for Iwo Jima, U.S. Marines from the 3rd Platoon, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Regiment of the 5th Division take the crest of Mount Suribachi, the island’s highest peak and most strategic position, and raise the U.S. flag. Marine photographer Louis Lowery was with them and recorded the event. Americans fighting for control of Suribachi’s slopes cheered the raising of the flag, and several hours later more Marines headed up to the crest with a larger flag. Joe Rosenthal, a photographer with the Associated Press, met them along the way and recorded the raising of the second flag along with a Marine still photographer and a motion-picture cameraman.
Rosenthal took three photographs atop Suribachi. The first, which showed five Marines and one Navy corpsman struggling to hoist the heavy flag pole, became the most reproduced photograph in history and won him a Pulitzer Prize. The accompanying motion-picture footage attests to the fact that the picture was not posed. Of the other two photos, the second was similar to the first but less affecting, and the third was a group picture of 18 Marines smiling and waving for the camera. Many of these men, including three of the six Marines seen raising the flag in the famous Rosenthal photo, were killed before the conclusion of the Battle for Iwo Jima in late March.
In early 1945, U.S. military command sought to gain control of the island of Iwo Jima in advance of the projected aerial campaign against the Japanese home islands. Iwo Jima, a tiny volcanic island located in the Pacific about 700 miles southeast of Japan, was to be a base for fighter aircraft and an emergency-landing site for bombers. On February 19, 1945, after three days of heavy naval and aerial bombardment, the first wave of U.S. Marines stormed onto Iwo Jima’s inhospitable shores.
The Japanese garrison on the island numbered 22,000 heavily entrenched men. Their commander, General Tadamichi Kuribayashi, had been expecting an Allied invasion for months and used the time wisely to construct an intricate and deadly system of underground tunnels, fortifications, and artillery that withstood the initial Allied bombardment. By the evening of the first day, despite incessant mortar fire, 30,000 U.S. Marines commanded by General Holland Smith managed to establish a solid beachhead.
During the next few days, the Marines advanced inch by inch under heavy fire from Japanese artillery and suffered suicidal charges from the Japanese infantry. Many of the Japanese defenders were never seen and remained underground manning artillery until they were blown apart by a grenade or rocket, or incinerated by a flame thrower.
While Japanese kamikaze flyers slammed into the Allied naval fleet around Iwo Jima, the Marines on the island continued their bloody advance across the island, responding to Kuribayashi’s lethal defenses with remarkable endurance. On February 23, the crest of 550-foot Mount Suribachi was taken, and the next day the slopes of the extinct volcano were secured.
By March 3, U.S. forces controlled all three airfields on the island, and on March 26 the last Japanese defenders on Iwo Jima were wiped out. Only 200 of the original 22,000 Japanese defenders were captured alive. More than 6,000 Americans died taking Iwo Jima, and some 17,000 were wounded.
During the bloody Battle for Iwo Jima, U.S. Marines from the 3rd Platoon, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Regiment of the 5th Division take the crest of Mount Suribachi, the island’s highest peak and most strategic position, and raise the U.S. flag. Marine photographer Louis Lowery was with them and recorded the event. Americans fighting for control of Suribachi’s slopes cheered the raising of the flag, and several hours later more Marines headed up to the crest with a larger flag. Joe Rosenthal, a photographer with the Associated Press, met them along the way and recorded the raising of the second flag along with a Marine still photographer and a motion-picture cameraman.
Rosenthal took three photographs atop Suribachi. The first, which showed five Marines and one Navy corpsman struggling to hoist the heavy flag pole, became the most reproduced photograph in history and won him a Pulitzer Prize. The accompanying motion-picture footage attests to the fact that the picture was not posed. Of the other two photos, the second was similar to the first but less affecting, and the third was a group picture of 18 Marines smiling and waving for the camera. Many of these men, including three of the six Marines seen raising the flag in the famous Rosenthal photo, were killed before the conclusion of the Battle for Iwo Jima in late March.
In early 1945, U.S. military command sought to gain control of the island of Iwo Jima in advance of the projected aerial campaign against the Japanese home islands. Iwo Jima, a tiny volcanic island located in the Pacific about 700 miles southeast of Japan, was to be a base for fighter aircraft and an emergency-landing site for bombers. On February 19, 1945, after three days of heavy naval and aerial bombardment, the first wave of U.S. Marines stormed onto Iwo Jima’s inhospitable shores.
The Japanese garrison on the island numbered 22,000 heavily entrenched men. Their commander, General Tadamichi Kuribayashi, had been expecting an Allied invasion for months and used the time wisely to construct an intricate and deadly system of underground tunnels, fortifications, and artillery that withstood the initial Allied bombardment. By the evening of the first day, despite incessant mortar fire, 30,000 U.S. Marines commanded by General Holland Smith managed to establish a solid beachhead.
During the next few days, the Marines advanced inch by inch under heavy fire from Japanese artillery and suffered suicidal charges from the Japanese infantry. Many of the Japanese defenders were never seen and remained underground manning artillery until they were blown apart by a grenade or rocket, or incinerated by a flame thrower.
While Japanese kamikaze flyers slammed into the Allied naval fleet around Iwo Jima, the Marines on the island continued their bloody advance across the island, responding to Kuribayashi’s lethal defenses with remarkable endurance. On February 23, the crest of 550-foot Mount Suribachi was taken, and the next day the slopes of the extinct volcano were secured.
By March 3, U.S. forces controlled all three airfields on the island, and on March 26 the last Japanese defenders on Iwo Jima were wiped out. Only 200 of the original 22,000 Japanese defenders were captured alive. More than 6,000 Americans died taking Iwo Jima, and some 17,000 were wounded.
Navajo Code Talker Joe Vandever, Sr.
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Flags across the Navajo Nation will be flown at half-staff from Feb. 3-6 to honor the life and memory of Navajo Code Talker Joe Vandever, Sr. who passed away last Friday. Vandever was 96.
“As we mourn the loss of Navajo Code Talker Joe Vandever, Sr., we also honor and remember all his great sacrifices for our Navajo people and the entire country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as they lay him to rest this week,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.
Vandever enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps in Santa Fe, N.M. on March 26, 1943 and was honorably discharged as Corporal on Jan. 22, 1946. He served in northern Solomons, Bougainville, Emirau Islands, Guam, Marianas Islands, Okinawa, Ryukyus Islands, Occupation of Japan, and Occupation of China. In 2001, he received the Congressional Silver Medal for his service as a Navajo Code Talker in World War II.
He was born on Feb. 5, 1923 into the Red Running Into the Water People clan, born for Two Who Came to the Water clan. He was married for 73 years to his wife, Bessie D. Vandever, who passed on Sept. 24, 2019.
Survivors include his sister Mary Vandever Delgarito; sons Gary, Tracy, Obie, Joe Jr., and Lester Vandever; daughters Beth Nez, Phegie Vandever Slim, Sheila Vandever Nez; 36 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents Emma and Walter Vandever; his wife Bessie D. Vandever; son Anthony Vandever; and grandsons Charleston, Antonio, and Travis Vandever.
The viewing for Navajo Code Talker Joe Vandever, Sr. will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 3:00 p.m. at Cope Memorial in Gallup, New Mexico. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 5, at 10:00 a.m. at the El Morrow Theatre in Gallup, New Mexico. The burial will be on Thursday, February 6, 1:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
“As we mourn the loss of Navajo Code Talker Joe Vandever, Sr., we also honor and remember all his great sacrifices for our Navajo people and the entire country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as they lay him to rest this week,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.
Vandever enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps in Santa Fe, N.M. on March 26, 1943 and was honorably discharged as Corporal on Jan. 22, 1946. He served in northern Solomons, Bougainville, Emirau Islands, Guam, Marianas Islands, Okinawa, Ryukyus Islands, Occupation of Japan, and Occupation of China. In 2001, he received the Congressional Silver Medal for his service as a Navajo Code Talker in World War II.
He was born on Feb. 5, 1923 into the Red Running Into the Water People clan, born for Two Who Came to the Water clan. He was married for 73 years to his wife, Bessie D. Vandever, who passed on Sept. 24, 2019.
Survivors include his sister Mary Vandever Delgarito; sons Gary, Tracy, Obie, Joe Jr., and Lester Vandever; daughters Beth Nez, Phegie Vandever Slim, Sheila Vandever Nez; 36 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents Emma and Walter Vandever; his wife Bessie D. Vandever; son Anthony Vandever; and grandsons Charleston, Antonio, and Travis Vandever.
The viewing for Navajo Code Talker Joe Vandever, Sr. will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 3:00 p.m. at Cope Memorial in Gallup, New Mexico. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 5, at 10:00 a.m. at the El Morrow Theatre in Gallup, New Mexico. The burial will be on Thursday, February 6, 1:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
2019 archives page
Holiday Dinner
Christmas Party 2019
usmc navajo code talkers
a return to makin island
Makin Island
A true story about 19 U.S. Marines killed in the Gilbert Islands in 1942 (defending against the Japanese). They had to retreat, so they asked the islanders to please bury them, if things went badly, so the Japs couldn’t find them. Years later, they checked and found a man who had been a teenager at the time and remembered where they were buried. The U.S. government sent a C130 and an honor guard to Makin Island to bring the bodies back and found all 19 Marines. They had been buried with their helmets on, their rifles in their hands, and in perfect condition. The islanders had really done a wonderful job. As they were loading the bodies, a voice from out of nowhere started singing “The Marine Hymn"..........gave everyone goose bumps. Turns out, the voice was from a native man who spoke no English but remembered a song the Marines taught him when they landed. Very touching. They retrieved the bodies of all 19 Marines; their photos are at the end. This, of course, was WW II! IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THIS - BE SURE YOU'RE SITTING DOWN. THIS ONE OF THOSE GESTURES FOR WHICH THERE ARE NO WORDS.
A true story about 19 U.S. Marines killed in the Gilbert Islands in 1942 (defending against the Japanese). They had to retreat, so they asked the islanders to please bury them, if things went badly, so the Japs couldn’t find them. Years later, they checked and found a man who had been a teenager at the time and remembered where they were buried. The U.S. government sent a C130 and an honor guard to Makin Island to bring the bodies back and found all 19 Marines. They had been buried with their helmets on, their rifles in their hands, and in perfect condition. The islanders had really done a wonderful job. As they were loading the bodies, a voice from out of nowhere started singing “The Marine Hymn"..........gave everyone goose bumps. Turns out, the voice was from a native man who spoke no English but remembered a song the Marines taught him when they landed. Very touching. They retrieved the bodies of all 19 Marines; their photos are at the end. This, of course, was WW II! IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THIS - BE SURE YOU'RE SITTING DOWN. THIS ONE OF THOSE GESTURES FOR WHICH THERE ARE NO WORDS.
PASSING THE TORCH:
CALL SIGN “RAIDER 96"
27 NOV 2019 | Sgt. Bryann K. Whitley Marine Corps
Forces Special Operations Command
Marine Forces, Special Operations Command --Detroit native, born in 1923, Cpl. Leonard B. Turner enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 following the example of two of his brothers who had already signed up for World War II military duty ahead of him; Bob via the Coast Guard and Bill through the Marine Corps.
Turner served under Lt. Col. Evan F. Carlson on New Caledonia; was sent to Guadalcanal, Efate, and Espiritu Santo; and was a part of the first waves during the battles of Bougainville, Guam and Okinawa. After the war was over, Turner returned to his hometown of Detroit and served in a supervisory capacity at General Motors Headquarters, retiring after 42 years.
Appearing in authentic 1945-1948 Marine Corps dress blues with his original regalia, Turner marched into the ballroom behind the traditional birthday cake as the slow version of the Marines Hymn played, during the Marine Forces Special Operations Command’s 244th Marine Corps Birthday Ball in Wilmington, N.C., Nov. 2, 2019. Turner, a 96-year-old World War II veteran and Marine Raider, affectionately nicknamed “Raider 96,” served with 2nd Marine Raider Battalion and was the oldest Marine in attendance at the ceremony. He stood proud and tall as he was announced as the oldest Marine present and generations of Marines responded, without hesitation, with a standing ovation as Turner passed a piece of birthday cake to the youngest Marine present, 19-year-old Pfc. Ivan K. Lopez.
“I enlisted when I became age eligible with the signed permission of my parents, to join the fight to preserve our American way of life. I chose the Marines because of their history, legacy, reputation and training. I felt that my best chance for victory and survival would be with the Marines. Of note, I would be remiss to not mention the uniform!”
Leonard B. Turner, a Marine Corps Veteran
“The experience was humbling and exhilarating,” remarked Turner. “It filled me with a sense of great honor and pride to be a part of this timed-honored tradition, allowing me to pass the torch to the youngest Marine, who in fact is actually from 2nd [Marine] Raider Battalion, as was I, over 75 years ago. It ranked high on my life’s most memorable events, along with the announcement of Japan’s surrender in World War II, my wedding day, the births of my daughter and my son, and my retirement day from General Motors.”
Every year, each Marine Corps unit comes together and hosts a Marine Corps Birthday cake cutting to celebrate one more year since the birth of their Corps. This celebration is an event that brings together Marines, old and young - enlisted and retired, and allows them to celebrate their commitment and dedication to the Marine Corps and strengthen their camaraderie and organizational esprit de corps. Throughout the ball, different Marine Corps traditions are upheld, paying homage to the organizations’ heritage.
“You can’t force heritage, it just happens,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Otto E. Hecht, the senior enlisted leader at MARSOC’s Marine Raider Training Center. “Heritage is the result of the people, artifacts, symbols and traditions that have been provided by those that served before us. Our heritage defines who we are and shapes where we are going as Marines. [The ball is] a time of reflection on our past accomplishments combined with our newest generation of Marines and their contributions that make our future both exciting and meaningful.”
Turner served under Lt. Col. Evan F. Carlson on New Caledonia; was sent to Guadalcanal, Efate, and Espiritu Santo; and was a part of the first waves during the battles of Bougainville, Guam and Okinawa. After the war was over, Turner returned to his hometown of Detroit and served in a supervisory capacity at General Motors Headquarters, retiring after 42 years.
Appearing in authentic 1945-1948 Marine Corps dress blues with his original regalia, Turner marched into the ballroom behind the traditional birthday cake as the slow version of the Marines Hymn played, during the Marine Forces Special Operations Command’s 244th Marine Corps Birthday Ball in Wilmington, N.C., Nov. 2, 2019. Turner, a 96-year-old World War II veteran and Marine Raider, affectionately nicknamed “Raider 96,” served with 2nd Marine Raider Battalion and was the oldest Marine in attendance at the ceremony. He stood proud and tall as he was announced as the oldest Marine present and generations of Marines responded, without hesitation, with a standing ovation as Turner passed a piece of birthday cake to the youngest Marine present, 19-year-old Pfc. Ivan K. Lopez.
“I enlisted when I became age eligible with the signed permission of my parents, to join the fight to preserve our American way of life. I chose the Marines because of their history, legacy, reputation and training. I felt that my best chance for victory and survival would be with the Marines. Of note, I would be remiss to not mention the uniform!”
Leonard B. Turner, a Marine Corps Veteran
“The experience was humbling and exhilarating,” remarked Turner. “It filled me with a sense of great honor and pride to be a part of this timed-honored tradition, allowing me to pass the torch to the youngest Marine, who in fact is actually from 2nd [Marine] Raider Battalion, as was I, over 75 years ago. It ranked high on my life’s most memorable events, along with the announcement of Japan’s surrender in World War II, my wedding day, the births of my daughter and my son, and my retirement day from General Motors.”
Every year, each Marine Corps unit comes together and hosts a Marine Corps Birthday cake cutting to celebrate one more year since the birth of their Corps. This celebration is an event that brings together Marines, old and young - enlisted and retired, and allows them to celebrate their commitment and dedication to the Marine Corps and strengthen their camaraderie and organizational esprit de corps. Throughout the ball, different Marine Corps traditions are upheld, paying homage to the organizations’ heritage.
“You can’t force heritage, it just happens,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Otto E. Hecht, the senior enlisted leader at MARSOC’s Marine Raider Training Center. “Heritage is the result of the people, artifacts, symbols and traditions that have been provided by those that served before us. Our heritage defines who we are and shapes where we are going as Marines. [The ball is] a time of reflection on our past accomplishments combined with our newest generation of Marines and their contributions that make our future both exciting and meaningful.”
2018 archives page
Women Veterans program - survey -
this is an effort to improve women veterans health/medical benefits and disability compensation
“In an effort to ensure that all women who served in the U.S. Military are informed about their medical and disability benefits, the TVC Women Veterans Program is asking that you complete this short 3 – 5 minute survey. Results will be used to target gaps in services pertaining to medical and disability compensation.”
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r /WCBenefitsSurvey
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r /WCBenefitsSurvey
2017 ARCHIVES PAGE
MCL Teufelshunde of Texas # 1392
Christmas party
The teufelshunde of texas # 1392 hats are here - $25.00
see tony or monica
Teufelshunde of Texas # 1392
Supports the hill country young marines, new braunfels texas
new braunfels 4th of july parade
Stated Meeting - 14 Jun 2017
Once a Marine, Always a Marine- MSgt. Catherine G. Murray
happy 100th birthday
teufelshunde of texas # 1392
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Marine Corp League Meeting of Teufelshunde of Texas # 1392 was held our Annual Christmas Gathering and Installation of New Officers. conducted Installatioin of New Officers and held our Annual Christmas Gathering. The installation of New Officers was conducted by Bob Campos, Past Department of Texas Jr. Vice Commandant. Bob Campos and Ed Hilsdorf Jr (Outgoing Commandant) Installed the New Officers:
> Commandant - Larry Nichols > Sr. Vice Commandant - Jim Powell > Jr. Vice Commandant - Glenn Farmer > Judge Advocate - Frank Arechiga > Adjutant/Paymaster - Monica Moreno > Chaplin - Jimmie Cole > Sgt-At-Arms - Tony Moreno |