tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88640654092589092292024-03-19T04:52:34.672-05:00Marine Corps League PeoriaThis is the official blog of the Marine Corps League Det. # 81, Peoria, Il.Marine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-4339528933112596252014-10-23T22:16:00.000-05:002014-10-23T22:16:50.603-05:00ONE MARINE!<br />
DOWN TO ONE MARINE!<br />
<br />
An inspiring WW II narrative including a bonus describing the night naval engagement during which the battleship USS Washington sunk the Japanese battleship Kirishima.<br />
<br />
As Paul Harvey used to say...... this is the rest of one helluva story....<br />
<br />
On Nov. 15, 2003, an 85-year-old retired Marine Corps colonel died of congestive heart failure at his home in La Quinta, Calif., southeast of Palm Springs. He was a combat veteran of World War II. Reason enough to
honor him. But this Marine was a little different. This Marine was Mitchell Paige.<br />
<br />
It's hard today to envision -- or, for the dwindling few, to remember--what the world looked like on 26 Oct 1942. The U.S. Navy was not the most powerful fighting force in the Pacific. Not by a long shot. So the Navy basically dumped a few thousand lonely American Marines on the beach at Guadalcanal and high-tailed it out of there.<br />
<br />
Nimitz, Fletcher and Halsey had to ration what few ships they had. I've written separately about the way Bull Halsey rolled the dice on the night of Nov. 13, 1942, violating the stern War College edicta against
committing capital ships in restricted waters and instead dispatching into the Slot his last two remaining fast battleships, the South Dakota and the Washington, escorted by the only four destroyers with enough fuel in their bunkers to get them there and back.<br />
<br />
Those American destroyer captains need not have worried about carrying enough fuel to get home. By 11 p.m., outnumbered better than three-to one by a massive Japanese task force driving down from the northwest, every one of those four American destroyers had been shot up, sunk, or set aflame. And while the South Dakota -- known throughout the fleet as a jinx ship -- had damaged some lesser Japanese vessels, she continued to be plagued with electrical and fire control problems.<br />
<br />
"Washington was now the only intact ship left in the force," naval historian David Lippman. "In fact, at that moment Washington was the entire U.S. Pacific Fleet. She was the only barrier between Admiral Kondo's ships and Guadalcanal. If this one ship did not stop 14 Japanese ships right then and there, America might lose
the Pacific war ..."<br />
<br />
On Washington's bridge, Lieutenant Ray Hunter had the conn. He had just seen the destroyers Walker and Preston blown sky high. Dead ahead lay their burning wreckage. Hundreds of men were swimming in the water and the Japanese ships racing in.<br />
<br />
Hunter had to do something. The course he took now could decide the war, Lippman writes. ''Come left, he said. ...Washington's rudder change put the burning destroyers between Washington and the enemy, thus preventing her from being silhouetted by their fires.<br />
<br />
The move made the Japanese momentarily cease fire. Lacking radar, they could not spot Washington behind the fires. ... Washington raced through burning seas. Dozens of destroyer men were in the water clinging to
floating wreckage. Get after them, Washington! one shouted.<br />
<br />
Sacrificing their ships by maneuvering into the path of torpedoes intended for the Washington, the captains of the American destroyers had given [ADM] China" Lee one final chance.<br />
<br />
Blinded by the smoke and flames, the Japanese battleship Kirishima turned on her search lights, illuminating the helpless South Dakota, and opened fire. Finally, as her own muzzle blasts illuminated her in the darkness, Admiral Lee and Captain Glenn Davis could positively identify an enemy target.<br />
<br />
The Washington's main batteries opened fire at 12 midnight precisely. Her radar fire control system functioned perfectly. During the first seven minutes of 14 Nov 1942, the "last ship in the U.S. Pacific
Fleet" fired 75 of her 16-inch shells at the battleship Kirishima. Aboard the Kirishima, it rained steel. At 3:25 a.m., her burning hulk officially became the first enemy sunk by an American battleship since the Spanish-American War. Stunned, the Japanese withdrew. Within days, Japanese commander Istook Yamamoto recommended the
unthinkable to the Emperor -- withdrawal from Guadalcanal.<br />
<br />
But that was still weeks in the future. We are still with Mitchell Paige back on the malaria jungle island of Guadalcanal, placed like a speed bump at the end of the long blue-water slot between New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago .... the very route the Japanese Navy would have to take to reach Australia.<br />
<br />
On Guadalcanal the Marines struggled to complete an airfield. Yamamoto knew what that meant. No effort would be spared to dislodge these upstart Yanks from a position that could endanger his ships. Before long,
relentless Japanese counterattacks had driven supporting U.S. Navy from inshore waters. The Marines were on their own.<br />
<br />
As Platoon Sgt. Mitchell Paige and his 33 riflemen set about carefully placing their four water-cooled .30-caliber Brownings, manning their section of the thin khaki line which was expected to defend Henderson Field against the assault of the night of 25 Oct 1942, it's unlikely anyone thought they were about to provide the definitive answer to that most desperate of questions: How many able-bodied U.S. Marines does it take to hold a hill against 2,000 desperate and motivated Japanese attackers?<br />
<br />
Nor did the commanders of the mighty Japanese Army, who had swept all before them for decades, expect their advance to be halted on some jungle ridge manned by one thin line of Yanks in khaki in October of 1942 But by the time the night was over, The Japanese 29th Infantry Regiment had lost 553 killed or missing and 479 wounded among its 2,554 men, historian Lippman reports. The Japanese 16th Regiment's losses are uncounted, but the [US] 164th's burial parties handled 975 Japanese bodies. ... The American estimate of 2,200 Japanese dead is probably too low.<br />
<br />
You've already figured out where the Japanese focused their attack, haven't you? Among the 90 American dead and seriously wounded that night were all the men in Mitchell Paige's platoon; every one. As the night of
endless attacks wore on, Paige moved up and down his line, pulling his dead and wounded comrades back into their foxholes and firing a few bursts from each of the four Brownings in turn, convincing the Japanese forces down the hill that the positions were still manned.<br />
<br />
The citation for Paige's Congressional Medal of Honor picks up the tale: When the enemy broke through the line directly in front of his position, P/Sgt. Paige, commanding a machine gun section with fearless determination, continued to direct the fire of his gunners until all his men were either killed or wounded. Alone, against the deadly hail of Japanese shells, he fought with his gun and when it was destroyed, took
over another, moving from gun to gun, never ceasing his withering fire."<br />
<br />
In the end, Sgt. Paige picked up the last of the 40-pound, belt-fed Brownings -- the same design which John Moses Browning famously fired for a continuous 25 minutes until it ran out of ammunition, glowing cherry red,
at its first U.S. Army trial -- and did something for which the weapon was never designed. Sgt. Paige walked down the hill toward the place where he could hear the last Japanese survivors rallying to move around his flank, the belt-fed gun cradled under his arm, firing as he went. And the weapon did not fall; Coming up at dawn, battalion executive officer Major Odell M. Conoley was first to discover the answer to our question: How many able-bodied Marines does it take to hold a hill against two regiments of motivated, combat-hardened infantrymen who have never known defeat?<br />
<br />
On a hill where the bodies were piled like cordwood, Mitchell Paige alone sat upright behind his 30-caliber Browning, waiting to see what the dawn would bring.<br />
<br />
One hill: one Marine.<br />
<br />
But "In the early morning light, the enemy could be seen a few yards off, and vapor from the barrels of their machine guns was clearly visible," reports historian Lippman. "It was decided to try to rush the position." For the task, Major Conoley gathered together "three enlisted communication personnel, several riflemen, a few company runners who were at the point, together with a cook and a few mess men who had brought food to the position the evening before." Joined by Paige, this ad hoc force of 17 Marines counterattacked at 5:40 a.m., discovering that this extremely short range allowed the optimum use of grenades. The cleared the ridge.<br />
<br />
And that's where the unstoppable wave of Japanese conquest finally crested, broke, and began to recede. On an unnamed jungle ridge on an insignificant island no one had ever heard of, called Guadalcanal. But who remembers, today, how close-run a thing it was -- the ridge held by a single Marine, in the autumn of 1942?<br />
<br />
When the Hasbro Toy Co. telephoned some years back, asking permission to put the retired Colonel's face on some kid's doll, Mitchell Paige thought they must be joking. But they weren't. That's his face on the little Marine they call "G.I.Joe." <br />
<br />
And you probably thought that was an ARMY Doll....!!!<br />
<br />
*************************************************************************<br />
<br />
Source: David Lippman; Other Sources "Unknown"Marine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-56682775610298010122014-10-23T21:09:00.002-05:002014-10-23T21:09:45.087-05:00On The Lighter Side...<br />
A Marine and Superman once fought each other on a bet. The loser had to start wearing his underwear on the outside of his pant.<br />
<br />
Most Marines have a grizzly bear carpet in their room. The bear isn't dead, it's just afraid to move.<br />
<br />
The Marines have already been to Mars; that's why there's no sign of life.<br />
<br />
Death once had a near-Marine experience. <br />
<br />
A Marine can slam a revolving door.<br />
<br />
When the boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Marines.<br />
<br />
A Marine once got bit by a rattlesnake. After 3 days of pain and agony, the snake died.<br />
<br />
A Marine does not sleep; he waits.<br />
<br />
Guns are warned not to play with Marines.<br />
<br />
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<!--[endif]-->Marine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-38477017205680345242011-09-03T21:40:00.000-05:002011-09-03T22:13:19.998-05:00The Real StoryThe Marine Corps is the only branch of the U.S. Armed Forces
<br />that recruits people specifically to Fight.
<br />
<br />The Army emphasizes personal development (an Army of One), the
<br />Navy promises fun (let the journey begin), the Air Force offers
<br />security (its a great way of life).
<br />
<br />Missing from all the advertisements is the hard fact that a
<br />soldier's life is to suffer and perhaps to die for his people
<br />and take lives at the risk of his/her own.
<br />
<br />Even the thematic music of the services reflects this evasion.
<br />The Army's Caisson Song describes a pleasant country outing.
<br />Over hill and dale, lacking only a picnic basket. Anchors Aweigh
<br />the Navy's celebration of the joys of sailing could have been
<br />penned by Jimmy Buffet.
<br />
<br />The Air Force song is a lyric poem of blue skies and engine thrust.
<br />All is joyful, and invigorating, and safe. There are no land
<br />mines in the dales nor snipers behind the hills, no submarines or
<br />cruise missiles threaten the ocean jaunt, no bandits are lurking
<br />in the wild blue yonder.
<br />
<br />The Marines' Hymn, by contrast, is all combat. "We fight our
<br />Country's battles", "First to fight for right and freedom", "We
<br />have fought in every clime and place where we could take a gun",
<br />"In many a strife we have fought for life and never lost our nerve".
<br />
<br />The choice is made clear. You may join the Army to go to adventure
<br />training, or join the Navy to go to Bangkok, or join the Air Force
<br />to go to computer school. You join the Marine Corps to go to War!
<br />But the mere act of signing the enlistment contract confers no
<br />status in the Corps.
<br />
<br />The Army recruit is told from his first minute in uniform that
<br />"you're in the Army now, soldier". The Navy and Air Force enlistees
<br />are sailors or airmen as soon as they get off the bus at the
<br />training center.
<br />
<br />The new arrival at Marine Corps boot camp is called a recruit, or
<br />worse (a lot worse), but never a MARINE. Not yet, maybe never.
<br />He or she must earn the right to claim the title of UNITED STATES
<br />MARINE and failure returns you to civilian life without hesitation
<br />or ceremony.
<br />
<br />Recruit Platoon 2210 at San Diego, California trained from October
<br />through December of 1968. In Viet Nam the Marines were taking two
<br />hundred casualties a week and the major rainy season and Operation
<br />Meade River had not even begun, yet Drill Instructors had no qualms
<br />about winnowing out almost a quarter of their 112 recruits,
<br />graduating 81. Note that this was post-enlistment attrition.
<br />Every one of those 31 who were dropped had been passed by the
<br />recruiters as fit for service. But they failed the test of Boot
<br />Camp! Not necessarily for physical reasons. At least two were
<br />outstanding high school athletes for whom the calisthenics and
<br />running were child's play. The cause of their failure was not in
<br />the biceps nor the legs, but in the spirit. They had lacked the
<br />will to endure the mental and emotional strain so they would not
<br />be Marines. Heavy commitments and high casualties not
<br />withstanding, the Corps reserves the right to pick and choose.
<br />
<br />History classes in boot camp? Stop a soldier on the street and
<br />ask him to name a battle of World War One. Pick a sailor at
<br />random and ask for a description of the epic fight of the Bon
<br />Homme Richard. Ask an airman who Major Thomas McGuire was and
<br />what is named after him. I am not carping and there is no sneer
<br />in this criticism. All of the services have glorious traditions,
<br />but no one teaches the young soldier, sailor or airman what his
<br />uniform means and why he should be proud of it.
<br />
<br />But...ask a Marine about World War One and you will hear of the
<br />wheat field at Belleau Wood and the courage of the Fourth Marine
<br />Brigade comprised of the Fifth and Sixth Marines. Faced with an
<br />enemy of superior numbers entrenched in tangled forest undergrowth
<br />the Marines received an order to attack that even the charitable
<br />cannot call ill-advised. It was insane. Artillery support was
<br />absent and air support hadn't been invented yet. Even so the
<br />Brigade charged German machine guns with only bayonets, grenades,
<br />and an indomitable fighting spirit. A bandy-legged little barrel
<br />of a Gunnery Sergeant, Daniel J. Daly, rallied his company with
<br />a shout, "Come on you sons a bitches, do you want to live forever?"
<br />He took out three machine guns himself.
<br />
<br />French liaison-officers hardened though they were by four years of
<br />trench bound slaughter were shocked as the Marines charged across
<br />the open wheat field under a blazing sun directly into the teeth
<br />of enemy fire. Their action was so anachronistic on the
<br />twentieth-century field of battle that they might as well have
<br />been swinging cutlasses. But the enemy was only human. The Boche
<br />could not stand up to the onslaught. So the Marines took Belleau
<br />Wood. The Germans, those that survived, thereafter referred to
<br />the Marines as "Tuefel Hunden" (Devil Dogs) and the French in
<br />tribute renamed the woods "Bois de la Brigade de Marine" (Woods
<br />of the Brigade of Marines).
<br />
<br />Every Marine knows this story and dozens more. We are taught
<br />them in boot camp as a regular part of the curriculum. Every
<br />Marine will always be taught them! You can learn to don a gas
<br />mask anytime, even on the plane in route to the war zone, but
<br />before you can wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor and claim the
<br />title United States Marine you must first know about the Marines
<br />who made that emblem and title meaningful. So long as you can
<br />march and shoot and revere the legacy of the Corps you can take
<br />your place in line. And that line is as unified in spirit as
<br />in purpose.
<br />
<br />A soldier wears branch service insignia on his collar, metal
<br />shoulder pins and cloth sleeve patches to identify his unit,
<br />and far too many look like they belong in a band.
<br />
<br />Sailors wear a rating badge that identifies what they do for
<br />the Navy. Airmen have all kinds of badges and get medals for
<br />finishing schools and showing up for work.
<br />
<br />Marines wear only the Eagle, Globe and Anchor together with
<br />personal ribbons and their CHERISHED marksmanship badges.
<br />They know why the uniforms are the colors they are and what
<br />each color means. There is nothing on a Marine's uniform to
<br />indicate what he or she does nor what unit the Marine belongs
<br />to. You cannot tell by looking at a Marine whether you are
<br />seeing a truck driver, a computer programmer or a machine
<br />gunner or a cook or a baker. The Marine is amorphous, even
<br />anonymous, by conscious design.
<br />
<br />The Marine is a Marine. Every Marine is a rifleman first and
<br />foremost, a Marine first, last and Always! You may serve a
<br />four-year enlistment or even a twenty plus year career without
<br />seeing action, but if the word is given you'll charge across
<br />that Wheatfield! Whether a Marine has been schooled in
<br />automated supply or automotive mechanics or aviation
<br />electronics or whatever is immaterial. Those things are
<br />secondary - the Corps does them because it must. The modern
<br />battle requires the technical appliances and since the enemy
<br />has them so do we. But no Marine boasts mastery of them.
<br />
<br />Our pride is in our marksmanship, our discipline, and our
<br />membership in a fraternity of courage and sacrifice. "For the
<br />honor of the fallen, for the glory of the dead", Edgar Guest
<br />wrote of Belleau Wood. "The living line of courage kept the
<br />faith and moved ahead." They are all gone now, those Marines
<br />who made a French farmer's little Wheatfield into one of the
<br />most enduring of Marine Corps legends. Many of them did not
<br />survive the day and eight long decades have claimed the rest.
<br />But their actions are immortal. The Corps remembers them and
<br />honors what they did and so they live forever. Dan Daly's
<br />shouted challenge takes on its true meaning - if you lie in
<br />the trenches you may survive for now, but someday you may die
<br />and no one will care. If you charge the guns you may die in
<br />the next two minutes, but you will be one of the immortals.
<br />
<br />All Marines die in either the red flash of battle or the white
<br />cold of the nursing home. In the vigor of youth or the
<br />infirmity of age all will eventually die, but the Marine Corps
<br />lives on. Every Marine who ever lived is living still, in
<br />the Marines who claim the title today.
<br />
<br />It is that sense of belonging to something that will outlive
<br />our own mortality, which gives people a light to live by, and
<br />a flame to mark their passing.
<br />
<br />Passed on to a Marine from another Marine!
<br />
<br />
<br />Marine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-62735695266139623552011-08-20T16:20:00.000-05:002011-08-20T16:21:58.156-05:00~ An Anonymous Canadian Citizen"Marines are about the most peculiar breed of human beings I have ever witnessed. They treat their service as if it was some kind of cult, plastering their emblem on almost everything they own, making themselves up to look like insane fanatics with haircuts to ungentlemanly lengths, worshipping their Commandant almost as if he was a god, and making weird animal noises like a band of savages. They'll fight like rabid dogs at the drop of a hat just for the sake of a little action, and are the cockiest SOB's I have ever known. Most have the foulest mouths and drink well beyond man's normal limits, but their high spirits and sense of brotherhood set them apart and, generally speaking, of the United States Marines I've come in contact with, are the most professional soldiers and the finest men I have had the pleasure to meet."
<br />
<br />~ An Anonymous Canadian Citizen
<br />
<br />Marine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-8743041552292612062011-04-03T22:52:00.000-05:002013-09-05T19:04:07.024-05:00LaSalle Veterans HomeIt's that time of year again that the Peoria Leatherneck's get the privilege of visiting our Veteran's in LaSalle. Those of us that go always return feeling that we received much more than we gave. <br />
<br />
The dates are as follows:<br />
<br />
May 4, 2013<br />
June 1, 2013<br />
July 6, 2013<br />
Aug. 3, 2013<br />
Sept. 7, 2013<br />
Oct. 5, 2013<br />
<br />
<br />
Muster at 0830; The caravan leaves the Navy/Marine Club at 0900.Marine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-9369498747049294482011-02-20T13:17:00.000-06:002011-02-20T13:20:48.838-06:00Once a Marine...A Marine is a Marine. I set that policy two weeks ago - 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. There's no such thing as a former Marine.<br /><br />General James F. Amos, 35th Commandant of the Marine CorpsMarine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-58007105397602558492011-01-16T21:30:00.000-06:002011-01-16T21:51:47.303-06:00Army vs Navy Game<span style="font-size:60;">I don't know if this is a true story or not or even in what year it took place if it took place at all but it is a good sentiment:<br /><br />It started last Christmas, when Bennett and Vivian Levin were overwhelmed by sadness while listening to radio reports of injured American troops. "We have to let them know we care," Vivian told Bennett. So they organized a trip to bring soldiers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital to the annual Army-Navy football game in Philly, on Dec. 3.<br /><br />The cool part is, they created their own train line to do it. Yes, there are people in this country who actually own real trains. Bennett Levin - native Philly guy, self-made millionaire and irascible former L&I commish - is one of them.<br /><br />He has three luxury rail cars. Think mahogany paneling, plush seating and white-linen dining areas. He also has two locomotives, which he stores at his Juniata Park train yard. One car, the elegant Pennsylvania , carried John F. Kennedy to the Army-Navy game in 1961 and '62. Later, it carried his brother Bobby's body to D. C. for burial. "That's a lot of history for one car," says Bennett.<br /><br />He and Vivian wanted to revive a tradition that endured from 1936 to 1975, during which trains carried Army-Navy spectators from around the country directly to the stadium where the annual game is played. The Levins could think of no better passengers to reinstate the ceremonial ride than the wounded men and women recovering at Walter Reed in D. C. and Bethesda , in Maryland . "We wanted to give them a first-class experience," says Bennett. "Gourmet meals on board, private transportation from the train to the stadium, perfect seats - real hero treatment."<br /><br />Through the Army War College Foundation, of which he is a trustee, Bennett met with Walter Reed's commanding general, who loved the idea. But Bennett had some ground rules first, all designed to keep the focus on the troops alone:<br /><br />No press on the trip, lest the soldiers' day of pampering devolve into a media circus.<br /><br />No politicians either, because, says Bennett, "I didn't want some idiot making this trip into a campaign photo op"<br /><br />And no Pentagon suits on board, otherwise the soldiers would be too busy saluting superiors to relax.<br /><br />The general agreed to the conditions, and Bennett realized he had a problem on his hands. "I had to actually make this thing happen," he laughs.<br /><br />Over the next months, he recruited owners of 15 other sumptuous rail cars from around the country - these people tend to know each other - into lending their vehicles for the day. The name of their temporary train? The Liberty Limited.<br /><br />Amtrak volunteered to transport the cars to D. C. - where they'd be coupled together for the round-trip ride to Philly - then back to their owners later.<br /><br />Conrail offered to service the Liberty while it was in Philly. And SEPTA drivers would bus the disabled soldiers 200 yards from the train to Lincoln Financial Field, for the game.<br /><br />A benefactor from the War College ponied up 100 seats to the game - on the 50-yard line - and lunch in a hospitality suite.<br /><br />And corporate donors filled, for free and without asking for publicity, goodie bags for attendees:<br /><br />From Woolrich, stadium blankets. From Wal-Mart, digital cameras. From Nikon, field glasses. From GEAR, down jackets.<br /><br />There was booty not just for the soldiers, but for their guests, too, since each was allowed to bring a friend or family member.<br /><br />The Marines, though, declined the offer. "They voted not to take guests with them, so they could take more Marines," says Levin, choking up at the memory.<br /><br />Bennett's an emotional guy, so he was worried about how he'd react to meeting the 88 troops and guests at D. C.'s Union Station, where the trip originated. Some GIs were missing limbs. Others were wheelchair-bound or accompanied by medical personnel for the day. "They made it easy to be with them," he says. "They were all smiles on the ride to Philly. Not an ounce of self-pity from any of them. They're so full of life and determination."<br /><br />At the stadium, the troops reveled in the game, recalls Bennett. Not even Army's lopsided loss to Navy could deflate the group's rollicking mood.<br /><br />Afterward, it was back to the train and yet another gourmet meal - heroes get hungry, says Levin - before returning to Walter Reed and Bethesda . "The day was spectacular," says Levin. "It was all about these kids. It was awesome to be part of it."<br /><br />The most poignant moment for the Levins was when 11 Marines hugged them goodbye, then sang them the Marine Hymn on the platform at Union Station.<br /><br />"One of the guys was blind, but he said, 'I can't see you, but man, you must be beautiful!' " says Bennett. "I got a lump so big in my throat, I couldn't even answer him."<br /><br />It's been three weeks, but the Levins and their guests are still feeling the day's love. "My Christmas came early," says Levin, who is Jewish and who loves the Christmas season. "I can't describe the feeling in the air." Maybe it was hope.<br /><br />As one guest wrote in a thank-you note to Bennett and Vivian, "The fond memories generated last Saturday will sustain us all - whatever the future may bring."<br /><br />God bless the Levins.<br /><br />And God bless the troops, every one. </span>Marine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-42114266786779362552010-10-10T00:43:00.000-05:002013-07-05T16:16:02.422-05:00Quotable Quote of the Month"I can't say enough about the two Marine divisions. If I use words like brilliant, it would really be an under-description of the absolutely superb job they did in breaching the so-called impenetrable barrier. . . Absolutely superb operation, a textbook, and I think it'll be studied for many, many years to come as the way to do it." <br />
<br />
(General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, USA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 27 February 1991.)Marine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-75563407401525236692010-09-18T22:54:00.000-05:002010-09-18T23:02:22.805-05:00Worthy QuotesThere are only two kinds of people that understand Marines: Marines and the enemy. Everyone else has a second-hand opinion.<br />Gen. William Thornson, U.S. Army<br /><br /><br />We signed up knowing the risk. Those innocent people in New York didn't go to work thinking there was any kind of risk.<br />Pvt. Mike Armendariz-Clark, USMC; Afghanastan, 20 September 2001<br />As reported on page 1 of the New York Times<br /><br /><br />We have two companies of Marines running rampant all over the northern half of this island, and three Army regiments pinned down in the southwestern corner, doing nothing. What the hell is going on? <br />Gen. John W. Vessey Jr., USA, Chairman of the the Joint Chiefs of Staff<br />during the assault on Grenada, 1983 <br /><br /><br />The Marines I have seen around the world have the cleanest bodies, the filthiest minds, the highest morale, and the lowest morals of any group of animals I have ever seen. Thank God for the United States Marine Corps! <br />Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States, 1945 <br /><br />SEMPER FIMarine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-24560412504432751492010-05-09T21:18:00.000-05:002010-05-09T22:17:32.348-05:00Cemetery Escort Duty"Cemetery Escort Duty<br /><br />I just wanted to get the day over with and go down to Smokey's. Sneaking a look at my watch, I saw the time, 1655. Five minutes to go before the cemetery gates are closed for the day. Full dress was hot in the August sun. Oklahoma summertime was as bad as ever--the heat and humidity at the same level--both too high.<br /><br />I saw the car pull into the drive, '69 or '70 model Cadillac Deville, looked factory-new. It pulled into the parking lot at a snail's pace. An old woman got out so slow I thought she was paralyzed; she had a cane and a sheaf of flowers--about four or five bunches as best I could tell.<br /><br />I couldn't help myself. The thought came unwanted, and left a slightly bitter taste: 'She's going to spend an hour, and for this old soldier, my hip hurts like hell and I'm ready to get out of here right now!' But for this day, my duty was to assist anyone coming in.<br /><br />Kevin would lock the 'In' gate and if I could hurry the old biddy along, we might make it to Smokey's in time.<br /><br />I broke post attention. My hip made gritty noises when I took the first step and the pain went up a notch. I must have made a real military sight: middle-aged man with a small pot gut and half a limp, in marine full-dress uniform, which had lost its razor crease about thirty minutes after I began the watch at the cemetery.<br /><br />I stopped in front of her, halfway up the walk. She looked up at me with an old woman's squint.<br /><br />'Ma'am, may I assist you in any way?'<br /><br />She took long enough to answer.<br /><br />'Yes, son. Can you carry these flowers? I seem to be moving a tad slow these days.'<br /><br />'My pleasure, ma'am.' Well, it wasn't too much of a lie.<br /><br />She looked again. 'Marine, where were you stationed?'<br /><br />' Vietnam, ma'am. 'Ground-pounder, '69 to '71.'<br /><br />She looked at me closer. 'Wounded in action, I see. Well done, Marine. I'll be as quick as I can.'<br /><br />I lied a little bigger: 'No hurry, ma'am.'<br /><br />She smiled and winked at me. 'Son, I'm 85-years-old and I can tell a lie from a long way off. Let's get this done. Might be the last time I can do this. My name's Joanne Wieserman, and I've a few Marines I'd like to see one more time.'<br /><br />'Yes, ma 'am. At your service.'<br /><br />She headed for the World War I section, stopping at a stone. She picked one of the flowers out of my arm and laid it on top of the stone. She murmured something I couldn't quite make out. The name on the marble was Donald S. Davidson, USMC: France 1918.<br /><br />She turned away and made a straight line for the World War II section, stopping at one stone. I saw a tear slowly tracking its way down her cheek. She put a bunch on a stone; the name was Stephen X.Davidson, USMC, 1943.<br /><br />She went up the row a ways and laid another bunch on a stone, Stanley J. Wieserman, USMC, 1944.<br /><br />She paused for a second. 'Two more, son, and we'll be done'<br /><br />I almost didn't say anything, but, 'Yes, ma'am. Take your time.'<br /><br />She looked confused. 'Where's the Vietnam section, son? I seem to have lost my way.'<br /><br />I pointed with my chin. 'That way, ma'am.'<br /><br />'Oh!' she chuckled quietly. 'Son, me and old age ain't too friendly.'<br /><br />She headed down the walk I'd pointed at. She stopped at a couple of stones before she found the ones she wanted. She placed a bunch on Larry Wieserman, USMC, 1968, and the last on Darrel Wieserman, USMC, 1970. She stood there and murmured a few words I still couldn't make out.<br /><br />'OK, son, I'm finished. Get me back to my car and you can go home.'<br /><br />Yes, ma'am. If I may ask, were those your kinfolk?'<br /><br />She paused. 'Yes, Donald Davidson was my father, Stephen was my uncle, Stanley was my husband, Larry and Darrel were our sons. All killed in action, all marines.'<br /><br />She stopped. Whether she had finished, or couldn't finish, I don't know. She made her way to her car, slowly and painfully. I waited for a polite distance to come between us and then double-timed it over to Kevin, waiting by the car. 'Get to the 'Out' gate quick. I have something I've got to do.'<br /><br />Kevin started to say something, but saw the look I gave him. He broke the rules to get us there down the service road. We beat her. She hadn't made it around the rotunda yet.<br /><br />'Kevin, stand at attention next to the gatepost. Follow my lead.' I humped it across the drive to the other post.<br /><br />When the Cadillac came puttering around from the hedges and began the short straight traverse to the gate, I called in my best gunny's voice: 'TehenHut! Present Haaaarms!'<br /><br />I have to hand it to Kevin; he never blinked an eye--full dress attention and a salute that would make his DI proud. She drove through that gate with two old worn-out soldiers giving her a send-off she deserved, for service rendered to her country, and for knowing duty, honor and sacrifice.<br /><br />I am not sure, but I think I saw a salute returned from that Cadillac.<br /><br />Instead of 'The End,' just think of 'Taps.'<br /><br />As a final thought on my part, let me share a favorite prayer: 'Lord, keep our servicemen and women safe, whether they serve at home or overseas. Hold them in your loving hands and protect them as they protect us.'<br /><br />Let's all keep those currently serving and those who have gone before in our thoughts. They are the reason for the many freedoms we enjoy.<br /><br />'In God We Trust.'<br /><br />Sorry about your monitor; it made mine blurry too!<br /><br />If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under!"<br /><br />~Source Unknown~ Internet e-mail circulated.Marine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-91362908863040235672010-03-07T21:35:00.001-06:002010-03-07T22:58:44.304-06:00and The Tradition Continues...<br /><br />A radio intercept over Iraqi Air Space involving a Marine Corps FA18. The conversation went something like this:<br /><br /><em>Iranian Air Defense Radar:</em> "Unknown aircraft, you are in Iranian airspace, identify yourself!"<br /><br />FA18 reply: "I am a United States Aircraft. I am in Iraqi airspace."<br /><br /><em>Iranian Air Defense Radar:</em> "You are in Iranian airspace. If you do not depart our airspace we will launch interceptor aircraft!"<br /><br />FA18 reply: "This is a United States Marine Corps FA18 Fighter. Send 'em up, I'll wait!"<br /><br /><em>Iranian Air Defense Radar:</em> (Total Silence... No Response...)<br /><br />(Source Unknown)Marine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-77150602571066111002010-02-14T21:58:00.000-06:002010-03-07T22:44:59.369-06:00Earl Blane -<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tMKh85WN5ZrFLp8U8ZLx2lSF3cimWJ0V1sXMH0wiOxYD-KDtev9G_HpDuTYQ3KltPPoBpNpOA4zVVNNZ4nX8ymhW1MPfmbxiljsVoPJfn3TwLxCgygMj0RH0RrfqsxC77oHOXnraorc/s1600-h/Earl+Blane.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 185px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 261px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438324552011104226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tMKh85WN5ZrFLp8U8ZLx2lSF3cimWJ0V1sXMH0wiOxYD-KDtev9G_HpDuTYQ3KltPPoBpNpOA4zVVNNZ4nX8ymhW1MPfmbxiljsVoPJfn3TwLxCgygMj0RH0RrfqsxC77oHOXnraorc/s320/Earl+Blane.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Earl L. Blane, former Commandant<br />of Marine Corps League Detach-<br />ment 81, passed away on Jan. 30,<br />2010. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Born</span> Sept. 11, 1928, in Peoria.<br /><br />Our thoughts and prayers are with<br />Earl's family.<br /><br />Semper Fi Marine.Marine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-83044497487244523122010-01-01T20:13:00.000-06:002010-03-07T22:45:21.138-06:00Making A Difference"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem."<br /><br />Ronald ReaganMarine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-62178212504772201692010-01-01T20:01:00.000-06:002013-07-05T16:13:47.465-05:00MCL Detachment #81, 2010 Leatherneck Meeting DatesMeetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of each month at the Navy-Marine Club at 1310 E. Seiberling Av. Peoria Heights, Il.. <br />
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01/01/2013 - Happy New Years!!!<br />
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01/02/13 - MCL Monthly Meeting @1930 hours.<br />
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02/06/13 - MCL Monthly Meeting @1930 hours.<br />
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03/06/13 - MCL Monthly Meeting @1930 hours.<br />
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04/04/13 - MCL Monthly Meeting @1930 hours.<br />
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05/01/13 - MCL Monthly Meeting @1930 hours.<br />
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06/05/13 - MCL Monthly Meeting @1930 hours. <span style="color: red;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: red;">(June Mtg - Cancelled due to facility remodeling.)</span><br />
07/03/13 - MCL Monthly Meeting @1930 hours.<br />
<span style="color: red;">(July Mtg - Cancelled due to facility remodeling.)</span><br />
08/07/13 - MCL Monthly Meeting @1930 hours.<br />
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09/04/13 - MCL Monthly Meeting @1930 hours.<br />
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10/02/13 - MCL Monthly Meeting @1930 hours.<br />
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11/06/13 - MCL Monthly Meeting @1930 hours.<br />
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11/10/13 - Marine Corps Birthday <br />
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12/04/13 - MCL Monthly Meeting @1930 hours.Marine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-50437321762690379572009-12-05T12:06:00.000-06:002010-03-07T23:00:41.919-06:00Standing WatchThe embers glowed softly, in their dim light,<br />I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.<br />My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,<br />My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.<br /><br />Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,<br />Transforming the yard to a winter delight.<br />The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,<br />Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.<br /><br />My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,<br />Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.<br />In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,<br />So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.<br /><br />The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,<br />But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.<br />Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,<br />Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.<br /><br />My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,<br />And I crept to the door just to see who was near.<br />Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,<br />A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.<br /><br />A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,<br />Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.<br />Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,<br />Standing watch over me, my wife and my child.<br /><br />"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,<br />"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!<br />Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,<br />You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"<br /><br />For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,<br />Away from the cold and the snow blown drifts.<br />To the window that danced with a warm fire's light,<br />Then he sighed and he said "It's really alright.<br /><br />I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."<br />"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,<br />That seperates you from the darkest of times.<br />No one had to ask or beg or implore me,<br /><br />I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.<br />My Gramps died at "Pearl on a day in December,"<br />Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas Grams always remembers."<br /><br />My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',<br />And now it is my turn and so, here I am.<br />I've not seen my own son in more than a while,<br />But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.<br /><br />Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,<br />The red, white, and blue... an American flag.<br />I can live through the cold and the being alone,<br />Away from my family, my house, and my home.<br /><br />I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,<br />I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.<br />I can carry the weight of killing another,<br />Or lay down my life for my sister and brother.<br /><br />Who stand at the front against any and all,<br />To ensure for the time that this flag will not fall.<br />"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,<br />Your family is waiting and I'll be alright."<br /><br />"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,<br />Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?<br />It seems all too little for all that you've done,<br />For being away from your wife and your son."<br /><br />Then his eyes welled a tear that held no regret,<br />"Just tell us you love us, and never forget,<br />To fight for our rights back home while we're gone,<br />To stand your own watch, no matter how long.<br /><br />For when we come home, either standing or dead,<br />To know you remember we fought and we bled.<br />Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,<br />That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."<br /><br />LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN<br />30th Naval Construction RegimentMarine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-21950668704755612952008-05-22T16:59:00.000-05:002008-05-22T17:00:52.330-05:00the VETERANIt is the VETERAN, <br />not the preacher, <br />who has given us freedom of religion. <br /> <br />It is the VETERAN, <br />not the reporter, <br />who has given us freedom of the press.<br /> <br />It is the VETERAN, <br />not the poet, <br />who has given us freedom of speech.<br /> <br />It is the VETERAN, <br />not the campus organizer, <br />who has given us freedom to assemble. <br /> <br />It is the VETERAN, <br />not the lawyer, <br />who has given us the right to a fair trial. <br /> <br />It is the VETERAN, <br />not the politician, <br />Who has given us the right to vote. <br /> <br />It is the VETERAN <br />who salutes the Flag. <br /> <br />It is the VETERAN <br />who serves <br />under the Flag,Marine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-82377926142092663362008-03-05T15:16:00.000-06:002008-03-05T15:17:55.132-06:00A Veteran's DefinitionA Veteran<br /><br />Whether active duty, retired, National Guard, or Reserve<br />A Veteran is someone who, at one point in his or her life,<br />wrote a blank check made payable to<br />'The United States of America ',<br />for an amount of<br />up to and including my life.'<br /><br />That is Honor, and there are way too many people<br />in this country who no longer understand it.<br /><br />AnonymousMarine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-33085970513746600262008-02-08T15:01:00.000-06:002008-02-08T15:03:02.771-06:00Gold Star Mom to Berkeley, CAFebruary 3, 2008 <br />Mr. Tom Bates, <br />I was appalled at the decisions that your City Council made at your last meeting, telling the Marines they were not welcome in your city and then granting Code Pink a parking place in front of the Recruiting office free for six months along with a free noise permit. I called and left a message last week for you to call me, a Gold Star Mother whose son gave the ultimate sacrifice. It doesn't surprise me that you didn't return that phone call. Trust me I won't just go away! <br />My son Marc Alan Lee laid down his life 8-2-06 for American's to have all of the freedoms that we enjoy. He voluntarily went to his recruiter to find out what opportunities would be provided to him and what would be required for him to be a Navy SEAL. He was treated professionally and never once regretted his decision to become a Navy SEAL. He was honored to serve his country. He was stationed in California along with half of the SEAL community. I'm sure you've heard of the elite of the elite, as President Bush calls them. <br />Marc's was very pleased with his recruiter, and he was never lied to, tricked or deceived. His recruiter played the role of counselor or coach to Marc and helped him get the right schools, to be fit and prepared, and to understand what was ahead. Marc pursued his recruiter. Marc had a dream and a goal and he pursued the recruiter who showed him how to make his dream a reality! <br />My oldest son Kristofer went to a Marine recruiter's office in July 2000 and signed to be one of "The few, the Proud, The Marines." He also never regretted his choice and was also treated professionally and was proud to serve his country for 5 years. My son-in-law Christopher also visited an Army recruiter and proudly served his country for 3 years. <br />I wish that you served as a Mayor with the same pride and love for this country and those men and women who would defend you unconditionally! Our military defends your freedoms and has written a blank check to you and your city and every American and they have told you to fill in the cost of that freedom up to and including the cost of their lives and you are telling these people they are not welcome in your city? How dare you! <br /><br />I'm sure you continue to enjoy those freedoms that every man or woman who has served in our military has fought for you. Who do you think would defend you if the terrorists attacked your city? Who do you think would come if an earthquake devastated your city? Who do you think would come if there were riots in your city? How dare you try to legislate and change the laws of the land. I am demanding that you publicly apologize to the Marines and to our troops, and to their families and that you resend the legislation that you passed last week giving special rights to Code Pink. <br /><br />Demanding Respect for our Troops, <br /><br />Debbie Lee <br />Proud Mother of Marc Alan Lee <br />First Navy SEAL killed in Iraq 8-2-06Marine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-34189309577414026502008-02-08T14:53:00.000-06:002008-02-08T14:59:15.039-06:00Berkeley, CAas you may have heard, there's been a little excitement re our gallant Marines in Berkeley, CA. if i lived closer, i'd be paying this guy a little visit. but it sounds like someone is delivering the punches bigger and better.<br /><br />Now check this out, here is a letter a businessman wrote to the Mayor of<br />Berkeley .<br /><br />Is this a great country or what? <br /><br />Dear Mayor Bates,<br /><br />In that you and your city have chosen to gravely insult the brave men<br />and women, who have indeed bought you that right with their blood, I am<br />informing you that my company will no longer do business with any of our<br />current suppliers located in the Berkeley , California metro area.<br /><br />In that my company is in international resort real estate development,<br />and do business with and am associated with, developers and investors<br />worldwide, I am informing all of my contacts, associates and patrons<br />that we will no longer do any business of any sort with anyone living in<br />the Berkeley area.<br /><br />In that we/MDG Resorts are currently building a state of the art<br />mega-yacht marina, all of the suppliers of Marina equipment, all owners<br />of Yachts , all suppliers of Yacht ma teri als & supplies, all yacht<br />brokers and all tangential yacht business purveyors will likewise be<br />informed that we will not do any business whatsoever with anyone from<br />the Berkeley area.<br /><br />Likewise all suppliers of building ma teri als, both in teri or and<br />ex teri or, currently associated with any of our several resort<br />developments (Brisamar 300+ villas and 200+ condos: Porto Hussong,<br />www.portohussong. com <http://www.portohus song.com/> 500+ condos, 180<br />slip mega-yacht marina) both of which I might add have international<br />recognition by virtue of glowing reports in Robb Report, Wall Street<br />Journal, Yacht World, Forbes.<br /><br />I will likewise inform all of our investors, most of whom are very<br />wealthy yacht owners, casino owners, high net worth international<br />businessmen, of our decision to essentially boycott all products and<br />providers located in, or associated with in any way whatsoever, Berkeley ,<br />Ca. <br /><br />Trust me when I say that having been in the real estate development<br />business for over 35 years, our list of contacts and associates is long<br />and very, very impressive. We, and I personally, are going to recomend<br />that they ALL along with us boycott your city, its purveyors, suppliers,<br />and businesses and CHARITIES of every kind.<br /><br />You have every right to choose to take the obnoxious anti-military<br />stance you have taken, and as stated, that right was bought for you with<br />the blood of better men than you. <br /><br />I too have every right to do all that I can to insure that your city<br />suffers consequences arising from that obnoxious, sickening stance.<br /><br />Cordially,<br /><br />Brian G Dennard<br /><br />Principal Director<br />Meridian Development Group, LLC<br />619 807 2444<br />www.mdgresorts. com <http://www.mdgresor ts.com/> <br />www.portohussong. com <http://www.portohus song.com/>Marine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-50618921870579735772008-02-06T17:14:00.000-06:002008-02-06T17:15:49.822-06:00Company "C" Update/Major David HaneyHello Friends of Peoria’s Marine Corps Combat Engineer Company “C”,<br />And greetings from cool and wet Iraq. Although we are certainly not dealing with the Illinois bitter cold and snow drifts, we have seen a marked change in the weather in the first month of this New Year. Rest assured, mission accomplishment continues despite wind, sand, rain and mud.<br />As always, the Peoria Marine Engineers continue to get a lot done and impress the supported units here with the quality of their hard work. One of the latest Camp Al-Taqaddum project completions has been the new Chapel at Engineer Village, here on board the base. The Battalion Chaplain is a very proud curator of that new structure and is most pleased with the diligent work that many of the Peoria Marines invested in its construction. <br />The Engineer Support Company Peoria Marines who are here aboard Camp Al-Taqaddum are also working very hard with more road repair tasking and heavy equipment operation both on and off the base. During this rainy part of the year, our Support Marines are tasked with a good deal of work aligned with drainage projects which includes road grading and the transport and spreading of gravel.<br />Our leadership in Camp Fallujah, just to the East of us between here and Baghdad, tell me that our Engineers working there are also doing well and are highly engaged with many projects that they are executing. They remain on-track to return about one month after we Camp Al-Taqaddum Marines.<br />We are all very happy to see the long month of January in our “rear view mirror” and are eagerly moving forward through February toward our long-anticipated return. As has been the case since August, your continued support makes all of the difference. Please be aware that the cut-off for incoming mail to arrive in TQ is 1 March, but please keep your support coming until then. Camp Fallujah Marines will be able to receive mail for a few weeks beyond that.<br />Finally, take note that the outgoing email and phone call capability (from TQ and Fallujah) has been temporarily reduced as of 31 January due to an undersea cable cut in the Mediterranean Sea. We are hoping for that to be repaired in mid-February--until then we are able to get very few emails or phone calls out, but can still receive email and of course snail mail.<br />Hang in there; the light at the end of the tunnel is swinging into view. Until next time--<br />Semper Fidelis,<br />Major David Haney Company Commander Engineer Company “C”Marine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-80863694652900826032008-02-06T17:09:00.000-06:002008-02-06T17:10:44.968-06:00Extreme Makeover Home Edition 2.10.2008This promises to be a great show! tune in this sunday night and spread the word.<br /><a href="http://abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/index?pn=projects#t=0&d=52190" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - Extreme Makeover Home Edition - Projects - ABC.com#t=0# t=0</a> ,<br /> Just click on "next episodes" and see what they are doing next weekend, airs on Sunday evening .<br />Gilyeat family<br />Sun Feb 10 8/7c<br />Ty and the crew salute a Marine hero who served two tours in Iraq and lost his leg in combat. "Hannah Montana's" Miley Cyrus makes a surprise meeting and performs.Marine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-6536892952362350932008-02-06T14:30:00.000-06:002008-02-06T14:32:47.989-06:00Engineer Company C UpdateCapt Miller & CWO Baker,<br /><br />Please keep me in mind for any Engineer Company C homecoming planning & preparations. Be reminded that there are numerous former Marines and local Friends of the Marine Corps here in the tri-county area that are very proud of all the Marines out on Plank Road and would be more then willing to step up to the plate and provide assistance of all kind to the Marines and their families. All that these folks need are to be told what you plan on doing and what you need them to go out and get. I ask that you set a date for a noon meeting in the next week or so and invite several of us to come and hear what you have planned and let us know what we can do to support the homecoming events. I'd be more then happy to attend a quick session during your next drill weekend if necessary. <br /><br />-- Forwarded by Mike P. Mccarthy/0A/Caterpillar on 02/06/2008 08:42 AM<br /><br />"Haney Maj David (TQ 2ND SUPPLY BN H&S CO PROCESS IMPROVEMENT CONSULTANT)" <david.haney@tq.mnf-wiraq.usmc.mil> 02/06/2008 01:27 AM<br /><br />Subject<br /><br />Engineer Company C Update for Feb 2008<br /><br />Caterpillar: Confidential Green Retain Until: 03/07/2008 <br /><br />Greetings Caterpillar, Here is Engineer Company C’s February update. I would attach some pictures, but the cable cut under the Mediterranean is slowing things down here in more ways than one—and I feel fortunate for now just to be able to transmit this. Overall, we are hanging in there and looking forward to our return in about 6 weeks. The “United States Appreciation Program” continues to be an effective course of instruction. Best regards to you all. <br /><br />David Major David Haney 3424-018 <a href="mailto:david.haney@tq.mnf-wiraq.usmc.mil">david.haney@tq.mnf-wiraq.usmc.mil</a> <br /><br />[America] sleeps safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those that would do us harm. - George OrwellC Hullingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14815089043570782387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-49281828353555223622008-01-22T19:43:00.000-06:002008-01-22T19:45:14.021-06:00<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAPUwT_zzfe_-EDUbpv5MT4j_eW9PGJYg6ta-ir_1GuqTQeDHsy1HLUdEwTJwIIGofPv3JEAjMI7ph3TNjKA0qqlvryU45qlDeW_V-3QMUVYmbOG1N2WfkU_XGzFmtiEAuYnLqKTl1kI/s1600-h/Marine+Aviation.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158481734051843954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAPUwT_zzfe_-EDUbpv5MT4j_eW9PGJYg6ta-ir_1GuqTQeDHsy1HLUdEwTJwIIGofPv3JEAjMI7ph3TNjKA0qqlvryU45qlDeW_V-3QMUVYmbOG1N2WfkU_XGzFmtiEAuYnLqKTl1kI/s400/Marine+Aviation.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> Great Web Page on Marine Aviation </span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flymcaa.org/"><span style="font-size:130%;">http://www.flymcaa.org/</span></a><br /><br /></div>C Hullingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14815089043570782387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-11662555676581233282008-01-21T12:15:00.000-06:002008-01-21T12:17:02.178-06:00New Marines Commercialcheck out new commercial for USMC at<br /><br /><a href="http://www.our.marines.com/">www.our.marines.com</a>Marine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8864065409258909229.post-58439631964712036852008-01-21T08:38:00.001-06:002008-01-21T09:45:44.315-06:00The Marine Corps League Mission Statement<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnU41Oz60Nik7CzSQItOtKZF_XNiR3oT2EVoxMPnSo4vZBEzY-Yu-s8JUzIhynPnxFE8GUhzXSjKxtbVUlr0SqrS1UCiR2-YkqKN9tN2NhT13X1IsdVQ9r25Xqa4mp9w56ezaALk0yrI/s1600-h/Marine+Corps+League+Flags.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnU41Oz60Nik7CzSQItOtKZF_XNiR3oT2EVoxMPnSo4vZBEzY-Yu-s8JUzIhynPnxFE8GUhzXSjKxtbVUlr0SqrS1UCiR2-YkqKN9tN2NhT13X1IsdVQ9r25Xqa4mp9w56ezaALk0yrI/s320/Marine+Corps+League+Flags.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5157956097304271554" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><strong><br />From the National Marine Corps League Web Page</strong></div><div align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.mcleague.org/">http://www.mcleague.org/</a></strong></div><strong></strong><div align="left"><br />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.<br /><br />History<br /><br />The Marine Corps League perpetuates the traditions and spirit of ALL Marines and Navy FMF Corpsmen, who proudly wear or who have worn the eagle, globe and anchor of the Corps. It takes great pride in crediting its founding in 1923 to World War I hero, then Major General Commandant John A. Lejeune. It takes equal pride in its Federal Charter, approved by An Act of the Seventy-Fifth Congress of the United States of America and signed and approved by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 4, 1937. The League is the only Federally Chartered Marine Corps related veterans organization in the country. Since its earliest days, the Marine Corps League has enjoyed the support and encouragement of the active duty and Reserve establishments of the U. S. Marine Corps. Today, the League boasts a membership of nearly 61,000 men and women, officer and enlisted, active duty, Reserve Marines, honorably discharged Marine Veterans and qualified Navy FMF Corpsmen and is one of the few Veterans Organizations that experiences increases in its membership each year.<br /><br />The Marine Corps League is headed by an elected National Commandant, with 14 elected National Staff Officers who serve as trustees. The National Board of Trustees coordinates the efforts of 48 department, or state, entities and the activities of over 900 community-based detachments located throughout the United States and overseas. The day-to-day operations of the League are under the control of the National Executive Director with the responsibility for the management and direction of all programs, activities, and affairs of the Marine Corps League as well as supervising the National Headquarters staff.<br /><br />The prime authority of the League is derived from its Congressional charter and from its annual National Convention held each August in different major U.S. cities throughout the nation. It is a not-for-profit organization within the provisions of the Internal Revenue Service Code 501(c) (4), with a special group exemption letter which allows for contributions to the Marine Corps League, its Auxiliary and subsidiary units, to be tax deductible by the donor.<br /><br />PROGRAMS OF THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE<br /><br /><br />MARINES HELPING MARINES - WOUNDED MARINES PROGRAM<br /><br />The program was created to support injured Marine Corps personnel located at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, Brooke Army hospital in San Antonio, as well as the Naval Hospitals at Balboa, Camp Pendleton and elsewhere. The scope of support encompasses; financial, visits from Marine Corps League members, off site day trips to include family outings, dinners, short trips in support of the individual Marines’ needs and professional sporting events as tickets and opportunities present themselves.<br /><br />YOUNG MARINES OF THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE<br /><br />A youth program emphasizing honesty, courage, respect, industry, loyalty, dependability, and a sense of devotion to God, country, community and family. The Young Marines program receives funding from Congress and the United States Marine Corps primarily because of their drug interdiction focus on drug education and prevention.<br /><br />U. S. MARINES YOUTH PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAM<br /><br />The League developed and administers a program that provides a physical fitness regimen that promotes a healthy, drug free life style for elementary and high school students.<br /><br />BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA<br /><br />The Marine Corps League has long regarded the program of the Boy Scouts of America as in support of the Preamble of the Constitution of the League. The League supports the Boy Scouts of America as they promote traditional family values to America’s youth. The Marine Corps League participates in Scouting through assistance with units, districts, and councils, in community projects, merit badge programs, and special recognition of Eagle Scouts.<br /><br />SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM<br /><br />Members of the Marine Corps League fund scholarships through donations from individual members and subordinate units of the Marine Corps League and Auxiliary. Children and former Marines are eligible for academic scholarships for attendance at accredited colleges and universities.<br /><br />LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM<br /><br />The Marine Corps League is a member of The Military Coalition and participates in National and State legislative issues that affect military readiness, benefits and entitlements of active duty personnel as well as Veterans Benefits programs effecting former and retired Marines.<br /><br />VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER PROGRAM<br /><br />The National Headquarters retains a full-time staff member who assists veterans in adjudicating claims against the government as a result of active duty service. Claims are processed through the Department of Veterans Affairs or other appropriate agencies of the federal government.<br /><br />VETERANS AFFAIRS VOLUNTARY SERVICE PROGRAM (VAVS)<br /><br />Marine Corps League members contribute thousands of man-hours each year supplementing staffs at VA Hospitals and facilities in providing morale, comfort and assistance to institutionalized veterans.<br /><br />MARINE CORPS LEAGUE AUXILIARY<br /><br />The Marine Corps League Auxiliary was chartered on September 4, 1937 as a subsidiary organization of the Marine Corps League. On August 25, 1950, the Auxiliary was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia as an affiliate of the Marine Corps League. The Auxiliary was formed for the purposes of promoting the interests of the U. S. Marine Corps, the Marine Corps League and to protect and advance the welfare of Marines and their dependents. Auxiliary members participate in a wide variety of programs that benefit and preserve the fundamental rights and freedoms of every person of this Nation, young and old.<br /><br />MILITARY ORDER OF DEVIL DOGS<br /><br />The fun and honor society of the Marine Corps League.<br /><br />TOYS-FOR-TOTS<br /><br />Marine Corps League Detachments in nearly every community take part annually in the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys-For-Tots campaign to raise funds and collect and distribute toys to needy children. In communities where there is an existing Marine Corps Reserve Unit, the League works hand in hand supporting their campaign. In other communities, the Marine Corps League takes the lead, ensuring a successful campaign.<br /><br />MARINE-4-LIFE/INJURED MARINE SUPPORT PROGRAM<br /><br />The League works very closely with the Marine Corps’ M-4-L program, providing mentors nationwide. In areas of the country where there is no Marine Corps “point of contact”, the League works directly with M-4-L Headquarters to provide services to transitioning Marines.<br /><br />ANNUAL CONVENTIONS<br /><br />Members find the State and National Conventions of the League ideal vacation venues for themselves and family members. Held in a different city each year, many families attend year after year and particularly enjoy the many planned activities and tours related to these get-togethers.<br /><br />The Marine Corps League is a charter member of The Military Coalition, The National Marine Corps Council, AdHoc Committee, Navy and Marine Corps Council, the National Veterans Day Committee, and is represented on countless committees and programs serving the military and veteran community.<br /><br />The League participates in patriotic functions such as the National Memorial Day Parade and the National 4th of July Parade in Washington as well as countless statewide and community parades around the country. We provide representation to the U.S. Congress in legislative matters affecting the United States Marine Corps, national security and veteran’s benefits through our National Legislative Committee. Most importantly, Marine Corps League Detachments are actively involved in Community based programs throughout the country.</div>Marine Corps League Peoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15991009032928622505noreply@blogger.com0