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DEPARTMENT OF
ARIZONA 2009 STATE CONVENTION
WELCOME/MEETING OPENED WITH PROPER CEREMONIES – Tucson Detachment/Cmdnt. Walker. Miguel Rojas,
South Tucson City Councilman welcomed attendees.
INTRODUCTION OF DIGNITARIES
(Cmndt. Walker) – PDC Broderick/PNC MacIntyre/PDC Reese/SW
Division Vice Cmndt. Phillips/SW Division Jr. Vice Cmndt.
Broderick/SW Division Auxiliary Vice Geri Phillips/PDC Bill
Cheek/PDC Abner Reese/SW Division Chief Devil Dog Cruver/PDC
Rincon/PDC Mike Roy
MEMORIAL SERVICE/POW/MIA CEREMONY
(Marines Marquez and Harris).
ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS/SUMMARY
OF MINUTES OF FALL STAFF MEETING/ CORRESPONDENCE (Adjutant):
Information on changes to VA eligibility requirements from
Marine Phillips.
MINUTES: Motion made by Marine Roy to
accept the summary read, seconded by Marine Connell and accepted
as read.
REPORT OF PAYMASTER (Paymaster MacIntyre):
Motion made by Marine Roy, seconded by Marine Connell and
approved subject to audit. Copy on file with the Adjutant.
SW NATIONAL VICE CMNDT PHILLIPS: (See Attachment A). He presented the following
awards: SW Division Distinguished Citizenship Award:
Cmndt. Walker/Mike Bellard/Marine Bohach/ Marine Alger, Jr.
/Marine Delsi/AM Delsi/Marine Boren/Marine Sahno/Bobby
Forbes/Janet Franks. Marine Phillips noted that Department of
Arizona gets more awards
that the other departments.
Recess for 10 minutes
ASST. SW VICE CMNDT. BRODERCIK: No report
CMNDT. WALKER:
Concerns expressed by the number of problems at Detachments this
year. Respect your fellow Marines. If you have an issue,
address it at the Detachment level. There is no room for those
who only want to bad-mouth others and complain. White Mountain
Detachment has been MIA for several meetings. Commandant just
resigned from the Detachment and the League. Please contact the
Cmndt. if you become aware of problems at a Detachment so we can
work with them to resolve their issues.
The Cmndt. needs a Homeless Veteran’s Committee Chair for the
Department. Marine Roy agreed to resume this post. An attendee
told of a local program that collects clothing for Wounded
Veterans. The Cmndt. gave Marine Roy the contact
information.
Forever Wave Program – no response from the Cmndt.’s e-mail
request. He’ll try to talk to them at the National Convention.
SR. VICE
CRUVER:
Commandant’s Council Update: Good turnout. Topics of
discussion:
-
Membership – Retention and Recruitment. Make your members feel
welcome.
-
Very pleased with the Saguaro Detachment’s New Member brochure.
Similar things can be done with a Detachment newsletter.
-
Fundraising
-
Public Relations, including a PSA provided by Marine Sahno that
gives information on the Marine Corps League. It was decided to
use it to contact the Department by adding our website
information. Users will have access to the Detachment list that
is on the website.
-
People impersonating Marines – check those DD-214’s and/or
retirement cards!
-
Marine Rose Program – now difficult to get the roses due to a
change of vendors
-
Color Guard Ribbon Bylaws Change – The Commandants voted to
support the issuance of a Color Guard ribbon. Sr. Vice Cruver
went over the requirements.
-
Visit sick Marines at the VA’s. Don’t forget the clinics or
hospices.
-
Legislative update: Increase in VA benefits, who can apply
under the new thresholds. Information is posted on the
website.
-
PNC Tuohy commended the Department of Arizona for their
continued support to the Wounded Marine Program. It’s time to
help the Wounded Marines at local VA hospital.
-
Young Marine Awards – Col. Sahno
had been working on an matter in Payson
pertaining to the Young Marines. Marine
Alger, Jr.
explained that you can write up the award then forward to the
Young Marines Director. There is a MCL commendation ribbon that
can be awarded on all levels (Detachment/Department/Division).
Marine Boren asked what the criterion is for the ribbon.
Criteria are on Young Marines Website, Adult Advisors Room,
manual and link to the awards manual.
JR. VICE VOGLER:
Reference the November/December 2008 SEMPER FI, page 43,
where Jim Tuohy, the National Junior Vice wrote “In addition,
don’t forget about the MAPS Program that is still in effect.
Sign up those members who have fallen off the delinquent list,
and your Detachment will receive the $5.00 initiation fee for
each member you re-sign. Remember, in most cases, it’s easier
to get a former member to rejoin that it is to sign up a new
member.” This applies to the retention part of the
recruitment/retention part of our job.
All Detachments should have received a check from
national for your life members. Encourage your members to
become life members for the benefit of not having to pay
annually, in the long run it’s a cheaper option, and it benefits
the Detachment. Audit due the 31st of December
yearly. Questions/ Comments?
JUDGE ADVOCATE SILVERIA:
If you believe it is important or beneficial to your detachment,
department, or the National headquarters of the Marine Corps
League to make a formal complaint, the very least you
should do is familiarize yourself with the bylaws and
Administrative Procedures of your detachment, department etc.
There are procedures to follow in order for any Judge Advocate
to take your complaint seriously. The first of these is the
“Chain of Command”. Anyone who does not follow the chain of
command in their petition is looked upon with distain and (in my
opinion) considered a “risk to the league”. If you are
unfamiliar with the bylaws and A/P’s for your detachment,
department or the National bylaws and A/P’s, you may access them
through your detachment Judge Advocate or Commandant, as all
detachments are required to have at least two copies available
for members to use. For those of you who wish to have your own
copy of the National bylaws, they are available through the
National Ships Stores which can be found by Googling Marine
Corps League National on your computer. The phone number also
appears in the MCL National magazine “Semper Fi”. All
detachment and department bylaws and A/P’s are based on and must
comply with the National.
I
prefaced my opening comments with “If you believe it is
important or beneficial to” ………. The League – I did not
say if you feel bad, or your feelings were hurt, or you just
want to make trouble for an individual or a detachment etc. I
have been amazed with the lengths of effort that some people
will go to, just to prove a point – even if the point is totally
off the wall. I know several of you personally, and have yet to
meet anyone (including the guy I see in the mirror every
morning) who is perfect. All of us are going to make mistakes
from time to time, sometimes while trying to do the best we
possibly can. We all need to band together to make our league
stronger and better. Personal vendettas just tear down our
league and give the wrong kind of image to those we are trying
to recruit into our detachments.
I
have been the JA for the department of Arizona for exactly one
year and in that time have received two proper requests for
information, two proper petitions of complaint and a myriad of
inappropriate and improper petitions, requests, and slanderous
statements from several (supposed) Marines in good standing
throughout this department who seem to have forgotten their oath
in joining the Marine Corps League.
Unfortunately there are those who evidently have a background in
law and too much time on their hands, who feel that they know
more than everyone else in the league and that we should bend
our rules and protocols to their desires, and others who just
want revenge or an opportunity to get even for hurt feelings –
or both. The fact that you don’t like someone, or that they are
not doing things the way you want them to, does not give you the
right to ignite a fire storm in your detachment, or try to
destroy an individuals reputation. One of the realities that I
have found is that, if a formal complaint is worded, and
presented properly, the legal procedures must
continue. There are little, if any, consequences for the
petitioner if it is found to be little more than a personal
(feelings) matter or a matter of spite; in other words, no good
for the league. When I speak of consequences, there are large
amounts of funds necessary to hold a formal, article 900
hearing. These costs include travel for the officers of the
court, time and energy in interviewing the witnesses, room and
board for the officials, etc. In some, even most, cases these
costs can escalate into the thousands of dollars and are born by
the detachment or department that is specifically involved. As
long as the petition is a valid and responsible one - these
costs are acceptable, but if they are personal indulgences or
spiteful actions (frivolous petitions) that are basically
detrimental to the Marine Corps League, these costs are
unconscionable.
Therefore, I am recommending to our Department Commandant and
the National Judge Advocate, that should a formal complaint be
made (at the detachment level) and the Judge Advocate of both
the detachment and department informs the petitioner that an
obviously personal, or seemingly frivolous pursuit exist – (and
the petitioner proceeds with the petition anyway) - If it is
found, by the hearing board to be frivolous, the
petitioner will be financially responsible for all
of the costs involved with that hearing.
In addition, said petitioner should be discharged form the
Marine Corps League for an indefinite period of time and not
allowed to return without good reason. We have sworn to band
together, not destroy each other. He’s seen too many examples
of others going to great links to harm another member. Think
about it!
Marine Cruver noted that this has been voted down by National
twice before; we should try again.
REPORT OF
APPOINTED OFFICERS
VAVS (Marine Connell): As of the 31st of May 2009, the Marine
Corps League – Department of Arizona, had a total of 172
volunteers on the Regularly Scheduled Volunteer Rolls at the 3
Arizona VA Health Care System facilities. Those volunteers
donated a total of 8,803 hours covering the period from 1
October 2008 to 31 May 2009. Tucson’s rep and deputies did not
attend the last meeting, which is required. I would urge the
VAVS Representatives for the Prescott and Tucson VA facilities
to get to me the monthly totals of the number of volunteers
assigned to each facility and the total number of hours worked
so I can submit reports to National on a timely basis. Please
mail me the figures contained in report VS26 – Volunteers by
Organization – to the address for the Old Breed Detachment
listed on the Department Web Site. Getting the reports is
critical to Marine Connell’s ability to submit his reports on
time. He relies on the timely submission of reports to fulfill
his duties ad Department report. Since all the outlying clinics
and vet centers for Prescott and Tucson are incorporated into
one system – there is no need to break down the number of
volunteers assigned and hours worked for each individual entity.
The report kept by the local Voluntary Service is a cumulative
report that encompasses all the individual clinics and vet
centers that fall under their umbrella of responsibility. With
the continued cooperation of our volunteers, the
Department of Arizona can remain in the forefront of the
national VAVS Program. I know that we as Marines can do
this and take care of not only our fellow Marines
but all veterans that are currently receiving care
from the VA. If you are interested in being a
deputy, there is one primary rep and three deputies
are allowed for each hospital. Attendance of
three of the four yearly meetings is required.
If this is not met, the League could be dropped from
the hospital.
Semper Fidelis and
keep up the good work that you all do.
Respectfully submitted,
Patrick J.
Connell
LEGISLATIVE (Marine Bohach): Excused. Several Veterans’ bills have
been heard. Copies of report provided to officers and as
handouts.
QUARTERMASTER (Associate Member Bellard): No
report other than he always has Ship’s Store items with him.
CHAPLAIN (Marine Marquez.):
During
the current fiscal year the Department lost fifty five (55)
members. Ten of those were from the Lake Havasu Detachment. As
a member of the Color Guard, I participated in the Military
Honors by presenting the National Colors and presenting the flag
to the next of kin on each occasion.
I
visited three (3) hospitalized members and called others who
were sick. In addition, sympathy cards were sent to families of
deceased members. There were also several get well cards
mailed.
The submission of Death Notices to the Department Chaplain has
mostly been timely. There are still some detachments that
are late in submitting their reports. Please correct that.
Also, please remember that the Death Notice goes to the
Department Chaplain as indicated on the form.
Regarding submission of death notices, if you have an obituary
notice or comments, please attach them to the form. He is
stepping down as Detachment. Please support his replacement.
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE (Marine Vogler):
Scholarship Committee report which covers the period of March
2009 until present.
Committee Members:
Bob Edwards, Will Taylor, Carl Breyman, Keith
Vogler
2008-2009 Academic Year
There were eight exceptional applications for the
2008-2009 Hideaway Lounge Scholarship. Four of them were from
Camp Verde High School, one from Payson High School, one from
Sinagua High School in Flagstaff, one from Glendale High School,
and one from a retired Marine, Franklin Alger Jr.
I am pleased to announce that the $1000
scholarship for academic year 2008-2009 is awarded to Franklin
Alger Jr. He is receiving this scholarship based on his
accomplishments and his objectives. Frank has been and will
continue to be an asset to his family, his community, and to the
Corps. We are pleased that a member of the League applied and
even more pleased that we are able to present him with this
scholarship.
The actual presentation of the Hideaway
Scholarship will be made at the banquet. Please plan to be
there to congratulate Frank.
Financial
The following is an excerpt from a scholarship
fund report from PDD PNC MacIntyre in May, 2009:
The Scholarship Fund started FY 2008-09 with
$4308.78 in the Money Market Account & $9730.64 in the CD
totaling $ 14039.42.
As of today (16 May 2009), The Dept of Arizona
Scholarship Fund has $7211.60 in the Money Market Account &
$10187.81 in the CD, totaling $17399.41. Note: After $1000.00 scholarship is awarded the
Fund will total $16399.41
The increase in funds is due to accrued interest
and to the donations listed as follows:
1. Dept of Arizona (transferred
funds) $2000.00
2. Roadrunner Pd 112, MODD 100.00
3. Saguaro Det #
554 500.00
4. PVT Joe Hardt Det #
818 100.00
5. Lake Havasu Det # 757
100.00
Total
donations $2800.00
A check for $160 has been received from the Verde
Valley Detachment.
Thank to the Department of Arizona, Roadrunner
Pound, Pvt Joe Hardt and Lake Havasu Detachments and especially
thank you members of the Saguaro Detachment.
2009-2010 Academic Year
Current committee members are Bob Edwards, Will
Taylor, Carl Breyman, and Keith Vogler.
I will be contacting them to see whether or not
they want to continue to serve on the scholarship committee. In
the meantime, please contact me if you are interested in
participating.
The 2009-2010 application will be available for
review at the fall conference and then posted on the Department
website shortly thereafter. Any suggestions for how we can
solicit interest from our military (active duty, discharged,
retired, etc.) would be greatly appreciated.
Respectfully
submitted,
Keith Vogler for the Scholarship Committee
WEB/SGT. REPORT (Marine Dalton):
Much information can be gleaned from other Detachments. If you will check out the links window on the
Department website and scroll down you will find I have added
new MCL websites. This is so you can check out what other
Departments, and Detachments are doing.
I
don’t keep the books on the “The Book Nook” longer than two or
three months. When I find a book that qualifies, Marine or
military oriented, I replace the book that has been on the site
the longest with the new one. What I am saying is if you are
interested in this type of reading check out the NOOK every so
often to find out the latest entry.
Some time in the future I will be moving to Scottsdale and will
be able to continue to be the Web/Sgt, Communications Officer
from there that is if whoever the Commandant at that time wants
me to continue as Web/Sgt.
The “Old Breed Detachment” has already posted its “Blog” for
their Marine Corps Ball to me and is on the events link. Any
Detachments that would like to have their Ball info posted on
the site, please forward the information to me.
The website is currently costly for the Department; however it
is an important tool for many reasons. I believe that when I
make my move to Scottsdale, (we will be moving to The Road
Runner Mobile Home Park on 92nd St.) they have their
own hosting and Registration Company and the annual cost will go
down.
Cmndt. requested he put the Bylaws and AP’s on the website,
which has been done.
Respectfully
submitted,
Don Dalton, Web/Sgt.
PR REPORT (Marines Sahno and Boren/AM Bellard):
They continue to fulfill their “charter” to get information
out. Electronic transmission of information is one of the tools
used to distribute information. In accordance with the
references, the following report is submitted to reflect the
proposed topics for the Public Relations Committee portion of
the Convention Officers Report:
PR Committee
Overview,
verbal update (Marine Sahno):
-
Internet & Communications Technology.
-
Voice of the Troops Update – The League gets a lot of mileage
from the program. They are negotiating with a Phoenix area
radio station to get their broadcast more range.
-
PR
Committee CD for Detachments.
-
Dept. of AZ PSA played, the second they have developed. Once
approved, the CD can be distributed for broadcast.
-
USMC Birthday and other PR Opportunities. The committee has a
large number of contacts to draw from. Information is passed
along as relevant.
-
Recruiting & Retention – Pointed out clearly by Chaplain Marquez
when he did the memorial service. We have control recruiting &
retention. How do we treat members we recruit?
-
A Sedona Detachment member is making a video for
the Young Marines. Marine Sahno will contact this member.
Specific
Examples (Associate Bellard):
-
Surveys given to each Detachment. Please fill out and return in
the envelope provided.
-
Business cards that he makes will include websites. His cards
have the seal encoded on the back.
-
FreeConferenceCall.com allows you to make calls to various
locations
-
Car Kit – Make up one. Include challenge coins, flags,
membership applications, information on your Detachment, etc.
-
He
attended a high level business class in November. They had 6
hours to find a homeless person, find him a shelter, a job and
get $500 raised for him. As it turned out, the homeless man
they found is a Marine Viet Nam Veteran. Mike as always, had
his kit with him and presented the Marine with a challenge coin
to “welcome him home”, which he deeply appreciated. Everyone
can help another person, and opportunities are everywhere.
Closing Report (Marine Boren):
-
Toys for Tots Update – we won’t be able to raise as much money
this year due to the economy. Sponsors have been lost. Toys
were distributed to 30,000 kids last year, reducing the number
of toys per child to two. One gift is educational, the other
for enjoyment. He described this year’s main fundraiser, which
is a bike ride from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon. Wounded Marine
Program Update Golf tournament at Pine Country Golf Course to
benefit Wounded Marines. Three Marines from Balboa will
attend. They will be given a helicopter ride over the Grand
Canyon. Former Wounded Marines serve as chaperones and make
sure they have a good time.
-
Recruiting Update.
-
Membership Renewal Procedures – It’s hard to get younger Marines
to get actively involved. They’ll participate in activities
such as fundraisers, but not join. How do we recruit these
Marines and make them part of our detachments?
-
A
survey is being planned to determine why members don’t renew.
Letters have been sent with a 25% +/- response rate. Color
Guard and Honor Guards do help.
-
We’ve lost 4 Code Talkers in the last month. He is trying to
correct a tombstone of one of them where his name was spelled
wrong. Important to recognize them for their service.
HISTORIAN (Marine Alger Jr.):
No report
WOUNDED MARINES (Marine Crick):
He has had some medical issues, but still working on supporting
our Marines. The East Valley golf cart was a great example of
support. Important to try to take Marines in the community and
show them a good time. Sedona is having a golf tournament at 7
Canyons Resort in August. As soon as his health issues are
corrected, he will be more active.
UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
MINIATURE GOLF COURSE FOR PRESCOTT VA UPDATE
(Marine Broderick): He has put a
blog on the League website, asking for input. He did not
receive any information. Space is not available in Tucson and
Phoenix for a golf course. He asked Marine Fraiser to be “the
man on the scene” at the Prescott Hospital. His contact told
him that all expenses would come from the League. We are
looking at approximately $100,000, with the hope we can get some
work donated or reduced cost. Marine Broderick has formed an ad
hoc Board, consisting of him, Marine Leith, Prescott Hospital –
Marine Frasier, Phoenix Hospital – Marine Connell and Marine Don
for the Tucson Hospital. Marine Walker is opposed to doing
something for Prescott alone. How do we raise funds? A 501c3
organization has to be formed, separate from the League. A
Board of Trustees will meet informally and a bank account
established. He asked the Department for $50 seed money. An
EIN number will be obtained. He will have help from Marine
Fraiser to get the groundwork laid. Attendees were asked for
suggestions to raise funds. Will it be only League members
fundraising, or will we open up to other Veteran’s service
organizations? Marine Crick suggested Marine Broderick contact
Dave Lauer to help with the fundraising. Marine Roy expressed
that it would be nice for the Marine Corps League to raise the
funds. This would be ideal, but we have to be careful. Perhaps
we could enlist the assistance of the Young Marines. Costs for
the concrete have been researched. Mike Bellard has information
on a company that has Astroturf that will be contacted.
Hopefully by fall we’ll have $30-50,000 raised. Marine Crick
already has two other Veteran’s organizations that may be
willing to sponsor a hole. Marine Leith had the original idea
to get many different organizations to pitch in to do something
for all Veterans. He has distributed information to several
different groups and is awaiting response. Marine Cruver
suggested thinking outside the box, such as contacting the Home
Makeover Show to see if they would be interested.
Information will be on the website in a week or so. PLEASE RESPOND WITH IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS BY
E-MAIL.
RECESS FOR
LUNCH @ 1155; RECONVENE AT 1330.
Marine Phillips asked to reopen the discussion
regarding the miniature golf course at the VA as new information
has come to light. Cmndt. Kossak indicated he is not in favor
of the golf course. An alternative would be the WII Video
System. Anyone can use it. We could buy two TV’s for the VA
and buy the WII systems, which are around $2-3,000 per VA. You
can bowl, box, play baseball, golf, etc. Space requirements are
minimal and you can do it all year round. WII is the most
popular game at senior care facilities. We could add the Marine
Corps League name. Marine Connell believes that VA’s already
have them. He will verify that the three VA hospitals have
them, and whether or not they need more equipment.
PAMPHLET FOR DECEASED LOVED ONES (Cmndt.
Walker): This project has not been completed. He’ll have
it done at the fall staff meeting.
NATIONAL CONVENTION UPDATE
(Cmndt. Walker):
He looked at 17 or 18 top-line hotels. After review of these,
he went to 9 personally. Then four were selected for the
National staff to come out and review. The Scottsdale Plaza was
chosen. The hotel will provide: Menus with the emblem encoded
on them/the entire hotel reserved only for the convention/50%
off spa costs/shuttles to get guests to and from meetings, When
we arrived, the MC flag was flown out front, recruiters in dress
blues, management staff waiting for us from the president on
down. Hotel management agreed to everything we asked for. Very
high probability that we will get the convention.
Marine Cruver reminded that we do not have the
convention yet. Having the president of the company present for
the entire negotiation process made everything easier.
Visitor’s bureau is working on getting information on other
activities – museums, tours to the Grand Canyon, Old Tucson,
Sedona, etc. There will be a lot of work involved. It will be
necessary to involve all Detachments, and everyone can help.
Visitor’s bureau will help us with the program book and get
sponsors for ads. Having hotel staff go to the National
Convention to do the presentation will also help them get a feel
of what’s done at conventions. The Plaza will decorate the
front of the property with MCL flags. Marine Dalton will build
a web page for the convention information.
The Cmndt requested a motion to transfer an
additional $2,000 to the convention account to get the
incorporation done and other necessary work for the convention.
Motion made by
Marine Reese, to transfer $2,000 from the general fund to the
convention account for incorporation expenses and other
necessary expenses for the convention, seconded by Marine
Silveria and approved unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
EAGLE
SCOUTS:
The Department provides certificates to scouts when requested.
Detachments should go to local scout troops and tell them about
the certificate that is available. Adjutant Robinson is the
liaison for the program. She will contact the state-wide
councils with a reminder that the certificates are available
without going through National.
UNIFORMS:
Non-league shoulder patches cannot be worn on uniforms. The
Cmndt. is wearing the suggested uniform for meetings. Marine of
the Year medal can only be worn with mess dress.
DEPARTMENT
CONVENTIONS:
The Cmndt. would like to see one of the next two Department
conventions be held at the Scottsdale Plaza so members can see
the facility. We do still need a host for the 2010 State
convention. Saguaro Detachment will host the 2010 state
convention.
NATIONAL COMMITTEES & BOARDS:
National needs volunteers with credentials, resolutions,
legislative and other committees. This will require traveling to
meetings. If you are interested, talk to Cmndt. Walker.
Positions are unpaid.
JOE FOSS INSTITUTE VETERAN’S VOLUNTEER (Marine
Alger, Jr.): Members go to
schools and other businesses to give talks on experiences in the
Corps and patriotism. Program is for grade school to college.
Good opportunity to get word out about the Corps and League. He
has brochures available. Encouraged everyone to get involved.
SCHOLARSHIP (Marine Ebright): Saguaro
Detachment made a contribution to the Scholarship Fund in the
amount of $500. Marine Ebright has volunteered to be on the
committee to help raise funds. He made a motion that we declare March of
each year Scholarship month where every Detachment will be
encouraged to hold a fundraiser and donate the monies to the
Scholarship Fund, seconded by Marine Frank Alger, Sr. approved
unanimously. Another $167 from Verde Valley was
donated.
FALL STAFF MEETING (Marine Davis):
September 11-12. Information has been provided to the
Adjutant. Only 37 rooms available.
GOOD OF THE
LEAGUE
BANQUET REMINDER (Marine Munguia):
No host bar at 1800-1900; dinner at 1900. Marine Munguia is
doing an outstanding job, especially with the short notice he
had to take over.
Mike Bellard would like to sell 6 more Iwo Jima
pins so he can donate $100 to the Wounded Marine Fund. Nine
pins were sold!
Marine Boren reminded that February 2010 is the
60th anniversary of Iwo Jima. We should get as much
participation as we can, especially Detachment Color Guards.
This was discussed at the Commandant’s Council. Look for Iwo
Jima veterans in your area and take them. Marine Day is an Iwo
Jima survivor and was in attendance this morning.
Verde Valley gave $200 for Wounded Warriers; Old
Breed gave $115 for Wounded Warriors, which represented the
funds Mike raised from the selling of Iwo Jima pins.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- NONE
ELECTIONS
(Marines Cheek & MacIntyre): As is tradition,
the Jr. Past Commandant chairs the nominating committee. This
is an open election. You must be a member in good standing and
must be here to accept the nomination or someone can bring a
letter so stating on that Marine’s behalf. Nominees: Commandant
- John Walker
Marine Reese
nominated Marine Walker, seconded by Marine Cheek. No further
nominees.
Sr. Vice
- Milt Cruver
Marine Crick
nominated Marine Cruver, seconded by Marine Cruver; no further
nominees.
Jr. Vice - Alex Romero
Marine Connell nominated Marine
Romero, seconded by Marine Crick.
Judge Advocate
- Ben Leith; Marine Leith withdrew his name and nominated Marine
Sorensen, seconded by Marine Broderick. Marine Sorensen
accepted the nomination; no further nominations.
Motion by Marine Crick, seconded by Marine Leith
for one vote to be cast for all candidates, seconded and
approved unanimously. The Adjutant cast one unanimous vote for
the four nominees.
NEW APPOINTED OFFICERS: Marine Lonnie
Harris is new Chaplain (Lake Havasu City); Marine Constance
O’Brien (Green Valley) is new Paymaster; Marine Rich MacTavish
(Territorial) is the new Sgt.-at-Arms.
The Cmndt. noted that it’s good to have members
of the Territorial Detachment involved in the Department again.
MEETING RECESSED WITH PROPER CEREMONIES UNTIL
STATE CONVENTION @ 1500.
Respectfully
submitted,
Kathy
L. Robinson
Kathy L. Robinson, Adjutant
Tucson Detachment, Department of Arizona and
Southwest Division
ATTACHMENT A
TO: The Officers, Staff,
and Members of the Southwest Division, and Department
Conventions
SUBJECT: Conventions Report
for the Southwest Division
I am looking
forward to attending the Department Conventions in Nevada,
California, and Arizona in May and June, and reporting on our
activities, including Hawaii and Okinawa, at the National
Convention in August.
As members of
the Southwest Division, we have had a busy, productive, and
rewarding year. Despite the economic times, our membership is
reflecting improved retention (though still over 10%
delinquencies) and continued gains from recruiting.
We now have
three detachments in Hawaii, with the addition of the once
dormant Aloha Detachment on Oahu, and I hope that we will soon
have Hawaii department representation in the division.
Members of
departments and detachments within the Southwest Division
continue to support our Marines and families, whether through
the various wounded Marine programs, or situations that arise on
an individual basis when Marines in need are identified.
I am certainly
proud of what all of you have accomplished, and the projects and
activities that you continue to pursue. It is an honor for me
to represent all of you on the National Board of Trustees.
While we
progress, here are some topics that we need to keep in our
sights...
-
Make sure that we
exercise the “chain of command” in issues that arise
at the detachment and department levels. Most questions and
issues should be resolved at the detachment, department
and/or division level. If you go directly to National
Headquarters, the issue will be returned down the line.
Make sure you utilize your by-laws, administrative
procedures, guidebook, and leadership training CD – most
questions and issues are answered in these documents. If
not, proceed through the organization chain of command.
-
Let’s concentrate on
communicating effectively. Everyone needs to get
the word, whether by email, phone, or other medium. We need
to provide information. We need to avert disputes and
grievances by communicating (and adhering to by-laws and
admin procedures). We need to report on what we’re doing,
why we’re doing it, and on status and
accomplishments/lessons learned. We need to share and
exchange information. We need to make sure we’re effective
– up, down, and across. This is important at every level,
between levels, and across boundaries, whether detachment,
department, and/or division. I’m not aware of any instances
where we are “over communicating.”
-
Our support to MCL
programs becomes more important during the tough
economic times. We do need to support our detachment and
department activities with time and money, and we need to
continue to financially assist the Marine Corps League
Foundation, and Marines Helping Marines programs.
-
We have several
opportunities to support the history and legacy of Marines.
The League, as was the case with the National Museum of the
Marine Corps, also supports the Museum of the Marine at Camp Lejuene. Detachments are asked to support this
undertaking which will illuminate the history of Montford
Point, Women Marines, the 2nd Division, and the
Marine Corps in general. In the Southwest Division, a new
effort is underway, for a Camp Tarawa Marine Museum
on the island of Hawaii, being spearheaded by the Camp
Tarawa Detachment. And, we also have the opportunity to
support the MCRD Museum located at MCRD San Diego.
Your time and donations to each of these historical venues
is needed – they all portray a complimentary portion of our
heritage.
-
It is important that we
recognize and reward outstanding performance by the
Marines who wear the uniform today, and that we award
outstanding members of the League. Make sure we are in
contact with recruiters, reserves, and active duty units to
provide recognition for demonstrated performance. It
provides us visibility, and means that down the road there
will be a generation of Marines who are aware of the Marine
Corps League. Let’s also make sure that our own members and
detachments get recognition for exceptional work.
-
Let’s make sure we’re
taking care of each other—all Marines, regardless of
era, and their families. Look at your rosters, and know
your members. Be proactive in making sure they’re okay,
particularly if you haven’t met them or seen them around for
awhile. Extend our care to the veterans’ community, and be
quick to recognize the service and sacrifice of all
veterans. But mostly, be there to support and help, when
needed. And when we bring someone on board, let’s make sure
we stick with them until they’re an active part of our
organization – mentoring.
-
Support your
Departments and Division by
attendance and participation in their respective
conventions, staff meetings, and Marine Expo West.
-
It is important that we
assure that we qualify new members to assure their
eligibility for membership, and that they meet the standards
of “decent” and “honorable.”
Division Membership and Goals
1st Quarter 2009 to 2nd Quarter
2009:
Arizona +8.00% Total
Members 1,435 Reg. Mbrs. 1,887 Total
California +6.75% Total
Members 2,658 Reg. Mbrs. 3,068 Total
Hawaii +18.58% Total
Members 90 Reg. Mbrs. 113 Total
Nevada + 2.19% Total
Members 794 Reg. Mbrs. 867 Total
Okinawa - 4.00% Total
Members 21 Reg. Mbrs. 25 Total
SW DIV +
6.66% 4,998 5,960
3rd Quarter Paid Membership 2009
Arizona 1,779 Paid 383
Unpaid 82% Paid 18% Delinquent
California 2,968 Paid 549
Unpaid 85% Paid 15% Delinquent
Hawaii 126 Paid 19
Unpaid 85% Paid 15% Delinquent
Nevada 822 Paid 144
Unpaid 85% Paid 15% Delinquent
Okinawa 24 Paid 2 Unpaid 92% Paid 8% Delinquent
SW DIV 5,700 1,097 85% 15%
All Divisions
65,794 10,145 86% 14%
-
Our goal for 2009 is 10%
Delinquency (90% Paid membership), and 7% for 2010 (93% Paid).
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I continue to encourage
you to consider the Auxiliary as a complement to MCL projects
and activities. You can direct inquiries to Geri Phillips,
geriann@aol.com.
We want to
assist the Auxiliary throughout the division in organizing and
developing effective units.
-
We want to recommend our
high performing members for the “fun and honor society”, the
Military Order of the Devil Dogs. We should be
nominating at least 10% of our membership for
this honor.
Information
-
The next Marine Expo West is
scheduled at Camp Pendleton in 2010 for either the last week of
January or the first week of February. As soon as the dates are
confirmed, you will be immediately notified.
-
The Southwest Division
conference meeting will be held in conjunction with the Marine
Expo West. Remember that nominations for Southwest Division
Marine of the Year must be submitted by October 31, 2009.
Elections for Division officers (2 year terms commencing in
August, 2010) will be held at this convention.
-
The Southwest Division will
host the Quin Conference this year in the San Diego/Camp
Pendleton area, in conjunction with the Marine Expo West. We
are waiting on dates.
-
The Division continues to
explore options for funding division expenses as well as
benefiting each department. George Class (NV), Gene Rivers
(CA), and Dick Broderick (AZ) have been contributing to this
effort.
-
National Headquarters has
expanded their space and is currently implementing plans for an
expanded Ship’s Store and merchandise line.
-
The Marine Corps League is
in sound financial condition. Like most entities, our asset
base is lower than a year ago – however, the investment programs
of the League have exceeded S&P and Dow performance, and reflect
positions that exceed performance of interest only accounts.
-
The company providing card
and label services to the League has entered bankruptcy, which
means a “hit” on the beneficiaries of that program. The MCL
Foundation is one, and that requires all of us to fill in until
the program can be reinitiated.
-
The move to electronic
reporting has been delayed for two reasons – upgrades to
hardware and software that were not originally anticipated, and
delays with the database program that is required due to the
solvency of one of our providers.
National Vice Commandant Activities
-
I have represented the
Southwest Division at the MCL Board of Trustees meetings
throughout the year. I have also attended the Modern Day Marine
Expo at Quantico, and Marine Expo West at Camp Pendleton. I
attended the Quin Conference in Oceanside, and presided at the
Southwest Division Convention at Camp Pendleton.
-
I have attended department
conventions for AZ, CA and NV, and also some selected staff
meetings. I have visited some detachments throughout the
division, and attended Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Marine
Birthday events. I have also been to special events that
include the Osprey Memorial in Marana, AZ and the Iwo Jima
Memorial at the Gila Indian Community in Sacaton, AZ.
-
I have been available for
addressing issues, problems and ideas that impact the League and
our members.
As
I move to my final year, in my final term of office as your vice
commandant, I want to thank you for your support. During some
very tough times over the past couple of years, you have
provided Geri and me support and inspiration, and we thank you.
We can only hope we do as good a job in helping others.
I
look forward to us meeting and beating the challenges that face
us in the coming year.
Semper Fidelis,
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