Not all minutes from every meeting of the year will necessarily appear in this document. Only minutes that have been submitted are displayed. ---- January 24, 2017 Opening Ceremony: 1940 meeting begins Roll Call of Officers: Jr. Vice and Sgt-at-Arms out tonight. Application for Membership: While an application hasn't been received, we did have a visitor, Jesus Tapia who was active 1993–1999 as an avionics technician for CH-53 helicopters in New River, NC. He learned of our club through Curtis who was volunteering for the Toys for Tots this past holiday. Jesus did accept an application so we're are hopeful he will submit that soon. Minutes of previous meeting: A typo was found, "metal" vice "medal," but Saki had already noticed it and made the correction. Motion to accept was made and seconded. Correspondence: Booz, Allen, Hamilton (BAH) sent a check for $750 to our scholarship fund. Mike was able to get the check mailed to Gordon for deposit. Report of Paymaster: Given by our paymaster Gordon Mac Phee. Gordon sent out a roster. There's a balance of $8313.16. We made money from the joint VFW, American Legion, and Marine Corps League Veteran's Day Marine Corps Birthday dinner held on November 12th. We still need more money to meet expected obligation including $1200.00 more for the scholarship fund. If anybody needs more discussion about the dues, be sure to ask as this is a transition year. Gordon and Saki were able to set up a Paypal account. To send money to the League, just use the Paypal link on our web site and then let Gordon know what the money is for. Dues are $30/year and due by 31 August. Of course life members, for which we have a high percentage of, do not need to pay any dues. There is a 2.9% service fee for using Paypal. Motion to accept Paymaster report was given and approved. Report of any Member/Family Sick or Distressed: Dennis Graham was at the Marine Corp League Christmas party and looked good and appeared to be enjoying himself. Mike Betts missed the quarterly meeting on the Eastern Shore due to a sore chest. The problem turned out to be his grandson jumped on his back resulting in three cracked ribs. Mike could have called the Senior Vice but when he realized he couldn't make it to the meeting, it was around 0500 hours on the morning the meeting was scheduled so he thought it was too early to wake him up. Report of Standing Committees: We now have a standing scholarship committee. The forms for all seniors at Howard County public schools are available from our web site. Will be sending another reminder around mid-March to the schools. The scholarship annoucement is on the web so feel free to post it. See http://hcmcl.iwarp.com/ScholarshipFlyer.pdf Sr. Vice speaking on behalf of Kevin discussed fund raising ideas. Kevin has the calendar. Possibly could do Friday dinners. Donna has previously mentioned that people in the local community might like to be able to count on a regular dinner provided by the League. This would have to be coordinated with the VFW but it was noted that there are some health code issues with the kitchen. Ed thought we could provide meals for shooting events like a scholarship for charity in the trap shoot area. Daniel suggested a meat shooting event. We need to close the financial gap caused by the loss from not serving dinners since the move to Ellicott City. The American Legion shoots the first three Saturdays of the month so we'll need to get any details finalized. Lots of defense contractors are in the area so if anybody works for one, please try and get their help if they have a program for matching funds raised for charities. Also many brokerages and real estate companies will match contributions. Gordon will put together a list of these. The website has been updated with the Paypal option as noted earlier. On the "Unit History" link, there is a photo of Danny Rotondo and his son, Danny Jr. who just graduated from Parris Island on Jan 20th. Report of Special Committees: None Unfinished Business: None New Business: Ed discussed the Flag Retirement Ceremony to be held on Saturday March 25th at 1000 and would like to see the MCL take the lead on this one. We could do a joint lead on this. It is a good social hour as there have been two flag retirement ceremonies thus far with 1372 flags properly retired. This is a quarterly event with the flags coming from two boxes at the Alpha Ridge Landfill and a box in front of the VFW hall. Ed also discussed a boy scout who is working on his Eagle rank and has raised money to purchase 10 signs for a Veteran's Only parking spot. There are currently a few establishments that have these such as Mission BBQ, Ace Hardware, Lowe's and Harris Teeter so he would like suggestions via email of other places that would like to post these signs. Think of stores and restaurants. Ed mentioned that the Joint Military Council is starting a Veteran's Day Parade committee. Gordon suggested combining the parade and Christmas party effort to the same committee. Daniel Paulin to work with Gordon on these events. Ed discussed that on the following day (January 25th) there will be a large USMC WW-II weapons shoot with 45 Marines at the Associate Gun Clubs range off Marriottsville Road. This is a Professional Military Education (PME) class. 80% of the coaches are Marines. The American Legion will be there. This should be a good recruiting event. Mike Betts will try to be there but has to work around a home delivery. Daniel will also be there to help. The guest speaker will be Col. Lou Schot discussing his experiences as rifle platoon leader and rifle company commander at the battles of Peleliu and Okinawa. This will be followed by guest speaker Tom Glenn who was the last civilian out of the embassy in Saigon on 29 April 1975. Saki discussed our participation visiting wounded Marines at the Naval Hospital but not much action here as things are winding down. He did get an email from Mr. Darwin Pitts who runs an assisted living facility in Columbia, MD. Mr. Pitts thought we might like to visit Mr. James Dixon, who is a Montford Point Marine, Congressional Gold Medal recipient and retired Baltimore City policeman. Mr. Dixon is not very mobile so it would be nice if a few MCL members could schedule time to meet with him. We'd like to try one meeting and then determine if we should schedule these on a reoccurring basis. Saki to send email with suggested dates. Nominations: Final names for MCL officer positions will be due later this spring. All the below nominations will accept their respective duties if elected: Detachment Commandant: Mike Betts Sr. Vice: Bill Swain, Tim Paulin, Ed Hall Jr. Vice: Tim Paulin Judge Advocate: Saki Good of the League: Rotary Bull and Oyster Roast has a table at Martin's West for this Saturday January 28th. The dress is business casual. There was a shout out for two Marines working as President Trump's cabinet picks: General Mattis and General Kelly. The Marines Helping Marines program is being suspended but there is a lot of things we can still do to help Marines in need. Mike to emphasize new ways we could do this. Announcements: none Closing Ceremony: Meeting closed at 2045 until next meeting on February 28th 2017. ---- February 28, 2017 Opening Ceremony: 1940 meeting begins Roll Call of Officers: Jr. Vice and Judge Advocate out tonight. Application for Membership: No new applications for membership received this month Minutes of previous meeting: Motion to accept was made and seconded. Correspondence: There is a Flag Retirement Ceremony scheduled for March 25th that the League has been asked to lead. The flag preparation for this will be Saturday March 11th at a private residence. Gordon will send an email about this with more details. Report of Paymaster: Given by our paymaster, Gordon Mac Phee. There is a balance of $9070.30 that includes one new membership and one renewal. We are $1200 short for this year's scholarship fund but it would be worse if not for a $750 grant from Booz Allan Hamilton. Motion carried for budget. Report of any Member/Family Sick or Distressed: Bill S. tried reaching Stephen as we haven't seen him lately and will try again. Also nobody has heard from Bob Walton and Dennis Graham hadn't been seen since the detachment Christmas party. Report of Officers: On Friday, February 3rd, seven members of the detachment met with James Dixon, a Montford Point Marine at an assisted living facility in Columbia, MD. He was a very interesting man. He discussed his duties as a drill instructor, his deployment to China, and work as a Baltimore City policeman for 40 years. Four members of the detachment assisted the Old Post Rifle and Pistol club with a PME for 45 Marines from the Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion on January 25th. The event was catered by Mission BBQ and had several generous sponsors so there was plenty food and ammunition. Colonel Lou Schot (96 yrs old who not only knows his phone number but also his F'n address!) USMCR discussed his experiences at the battles of Peleliu and Okinawa. It is expected that Col. Schot will be transferring to Post 156 and can be persuaded to join our league at that time. Tom Glenn of Post 156, also discussed his experience as the last American out of Saigon in April 1975. Capt Pavlischek provided Certificates of Appreciation which were presented by the Sgt-at-Arms to Mike Betts, Daniel Paulin, and Gordon MacPhee for their efforts in this event. A young L/CPL, who was under Capt Pavlischek's leadership, was recently killed when a vehicle hit his motorcycle near Ft. Meade. There may be a request to participate in a ceremony as the L/CPL's parents are expected to come out this way from their home town in Illinois. Business of the League: The 2017 Department Leadership College is scheduled to be held on April 22nd at the Glen Burnie Post 160. The Detachment will pay the $35 registration fee but must know if you're interested ASAP. Report of Standing Committees: There have been no responses yet about the scholarship offer. Gordon will send a follow-up request to the high school counselors. He will be out of town for the June scholarship presentation so will need someone to handle that portion of the duties. Fund Raising: The Savage Fest is scheduled for the same weekend as the Pistol Match held in Pennsylvania on the weekend of June 3rd. The pistol match offers everyone a great time and is good for Esprit de corps. We need to decide if we can even participate in Savage Fest. Saki's wife is our contact on this so we need to follow up with her if we decide to go ahead with this. Other fund raising ideas include a trap shooting event and offering little American flags in front of the Chatham Giant over the Memorial Day holiday. Kevin to coordinate with Ed about fund raising task(s) with the goal of solidifying an idea by next month. Report of Special Committees: None Unfinished Business: None New Business: A motion was made to move $700.00 in the Marines Helping Marines fund over to the scholarship fund. The Marines Helping Marines was officially disbanded earlier by headquarters so any earmarks for this don't matter. It was decided this will be okay and the motion was carried. Nominations: Final names for MCL officer positions will be due later this spring. All the additional nominations will accept their respective duties if elected: Detachment Commandant: Bill Swain Sr. Vice: No new nominations Jr. Vice: Kevin Oliver, Daniel Paulin Judge Advocate: Ed Hall Good of the League: Ed Hall was requested by the staff at Miller's Grant senior living center to give a presentation on March 30th to their residence about veteran organizations in the county. The presentation will be about 12 minutes and he'll be working with Gordon on this. On April 4th at 1700, the Senior Center there will be a Howard County Resource Fair. Tom Glenn will be the guest speaker and Allan Kittleman (Howard county Executive) is expected to be there. The American Legion Post 156, with support from the League, will be involved with this. Larry Killen of the American Legion Post 156 will be stepping down from his duties as Commander of the Joint Military Council. Ed Hall, Commander of Post 156 and MCL member, would like to see a Marine step up for this position. The members that attended the Rotary's Bull Roast had a good time and Bill will be planning to sell tickets again for next year's Bull roast. Brought up after minute submission: The Venture Crew Open being driven by the American Legion and is a concern as we have the flag retirement ceremony on the same day. Ed wants the Legion to sponsor a Venture Crew (a co-ed scouting group of 14 - 20 yr olds) with a focus on marksmanship. The Old Post Rifle and Pistol Club members will be providing most of the instructors. Announcements: none Closing Ceremony: Meeting closed at 2030 until next meeting on March 28th 2017. ---- March 28, 2017 Minutes taken by Timothy Paulin. Opening Ceremony: 1935 meeting begins Roll Call of Officers: All present Application for Membership: None. Anticipated numbers of applications from recent shooting event didn't net any new members yet. Balloting on Applications: None Ceremony of Initiation: None Minutes of previous meeting: Motion to accept was made and seconded. Correspondence: None Report of Paymaster: We have a balance of $9025 even after the rent for the next three months has been paid. The Scholarship fund only has $877.50 so we need to boost that up. The general fund has $7198.60. Gordon would like Marines to pay their next dues well before the 31 August deadline in order to spread out the work. Received paperwork for member Dave Papak, who is moving to a detachment in Washington County, PA. The American Legion hall in Westminster is being provided with no charge for the next District 4 Marine Corps ball. This should reduce the price of a ticket and we are all encouraged to attend. The Ball is scheduled for 11 November 2017. Report of any Member/Family Sick or Distressed: It appears Dennis Graham is doing better based on activities seen on Facebook. Report of Officers: Mike represented our detachment on 22 March at a ceremony honoring the life of L/Cpl James Walden of the Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion at Ft. Meade. He was killed while riding his motorcycle by a hit and run driver who was later found hiding in a nearby quarry. His parents were flown in from Illinois and presented with certificates from four veterans groups including ours. They were presented their son's Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Mike Bechetti made a very nice certificate that was among those presented to the parents. Also presented were two large shadow boxes containing items honoring L/Cpl Walden including his dress blue uniform. Most, if not all, veteran's groups provided the family with honorary life memberships to their organizations. Mission BBQ provided a nice meal. All this was done with very short notice, at least from the American Legion and Marine Corps League perspective. On Saturday 25 March, Mike Betts attended the Department Staff meeting. It was a short meeting. They discussed financial obligations for the detachments regarding the annual convention scheduled for May 12th - 14th in Ocean City, MD. These conventions offer a good time but the hotels fill up quickly so it is recommended to act soon if you want to go. The Sr. Vice deferred to Curtis regarding the flag retirement ceremony also held on 25 March. The MCL had the honors of leading the ceremony and as usual, pulled it off with much dignity. Over a 1000 flags were retired with the labor intensive flag preparation by members of the VFW, American Legion, Marine Corps League, and Boy Scouts taking place over two Saturdays. The Marine Corps League annual leadership training course is being offered on 22 April near Glen Burnie, MD. There is one slot available for someone from our detachment. Tim Paulin has said he'd like to attend. Saki was in California last month and was able to meet with some of his old Marine buddies including the squad leader he had during the Gulf War. Business of the League: Nothing to report. Report of Standing Committees: Kevin discussed the upcoming pistol match scheduled for 9 - 11 June 2017. This normally conflicts with Savage Fest but he wasn't sure about that this year. The fee is $30 plus the cost of the barracks. If you're interested in going, let Kevin know. Fund Raising: Ed and Kevin are planning to put together a trap shooting event as a fund raiser. The Associated Gun Club (AGC) will provide the range and clay pigeons for this event and is being planned to take place this fall. The goal is to invite around 50 people made up of friends and family of the MCL with a suggested cost of $20/each. Gordon noted that the MCL has the opportunity to offer paper poppies and small flags in front of the Giant located at the Chatham Station Shopping Center in Ellicott City, MD on 27 May. Marc Fisher, District 4 Vice Commandant, knows there are paper flowers with MCL tags on them available at the Semper Fi store for about $35/gross. It should be reasonable to expect $300 - $500 for the 6 hours and will be a good opportunity to solicit more members. Volunteers are needed so contact Gordon if you can help. Mike Betts has offered his canopy for use during this time. Saki provided details for this year's Savage Fest which fortunately is the week before the pistol match so Marines will be able to participate in both events. Savage Fest is a local festival in Savage, MD that attracts around 2000 people each year. The detachment has served grilled sausage over the past three years. Saki's wife is a co-chair on the committee that organizes this event. Besides selling food, the detachment could organize specific activities such as corn hole to raise additional funds. If we had two activities, that along with the food could net us up to $1600. Please talk to Saki if you can help. Report of Special Committees: Gordon has only heard from one high school counselor. He will be sending reminders to all the county counselors letting them know about this scholarship money the high school students can apply for. Unfinished Business: None New Business: The MCL Department of Maryland is having their convention in May which provides a handout supported by ads from the area detachments. Last year, we paid $125 for a full page add. The detachment is also asked to pay $100 for services the Maryland Department provides. We would like to include a color photo of Karl G. Taylor in our ad this year but our only color photograph of him isn't very good. Mike Bechetti offered to colorize the B&W photo we have of him. A motion to spend up to $250 for the fee and a full page ad, half a page if over $150, was made and carried. Good of the League: Danny sent a notice that there will be a ceremony at the War Memorial building honoring the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of War for WWI on 6 April 2017. The term Devil Dog came from the Marine's heroic fighting at Belleau Wood in France during this war. If you attend, please wear your red MCL cover unless you have the Scottish kilt uniform as 6 April is also Tartan Day. There is a trap shoot for charity on 18 May but not much else is known about this event at this time. Mike Betts to send more information about the Frozen Chosin dedication he received from the Mountainside Detachment #1071. There will be a bus to take Marines to the National Museum of the Marine Corps but the closest pick up point is in Gaithersburg, MD so Mike will just drive there. The ceremony is 4 May at 1400. Announcements: Gordon offered a reminder that the Howard County Veterans Fair will be taking place on 4 April 2017 from 1700 - 2000 at the Ellicott City 50+ Center located behind the Miller Branch Library. It is free and definitely worth one's time to check it out. Nominations: Elections for 2017 were held with the following Marines agreeing to accept responsibility for the below elected positions: Detachment Commandant: Bill Swain, Mike Betts Sr. Vice: Ed Hall, Bill Swain, Tim Paulin Jr. Vice: Kevin Oliver, Daniel Paulin, Tim Paulin, Stephen Kovalchik Judge Advocate: Ed Hall, Saki A vote was taken and tallied with the following members elected as the new officers: Detachment Commandant: Bill Swain Sr. Vice: Tim Paulin Jr. Vice: Stephen Kovalchik Judge Advocate: Saki Closing Ceremony: Meeting closed at 2050 until next meeting on April 25th 2017. ---- April 25, 2017 Roll Call of Officers – Commandant, and Jr. Vice Commandant – Unable to attend Minutes of previous meeting – accepted No Correspondence Report of Paymaster – Rental fee paid off until May, no change of increase to scholarship fund – Scholarship applicant’s paperwork due June 2nd Report of Sickness/Distress – None Report of officers – None Report of Standing Committees Fund raiser reminder for 27 May, Giant Supermarket at Chatham Mall (9200 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City). The mall is located on Rt. 40 just west of St. John’s Lane near the Flea Market. Start time 0900 to 1300 Need a fold out canopy and a 4 to 6 ft folding table Contact – Gordon, Bill or Tim to volunteer (Need a minimum of 4 volunteers) Report Unfinished business Marine of the Year submissions Open nominations Final decision still pending Saki will follow up with Danny New Business Savage Fest Morning shift – 4 volunteers, Afternoon shift – 4 volunteers. Color Guard Volunteers – Tim, Steve, Curtis, & Mike Betts (Daniel if schedule permits) Color Guard rifles – 1903 Springfields More Savage Fest fund raiser ideas, Organizations that have donated to MCL: Mission BBQ – four $15 gift cards Wegmans – one $140 gift card Harris Teeter – one $30 gift card H&S Bakery – Will donate sausage rolls Reach out to organizations for donations - Saki has prepared letters ready if needed Chris Holloman – an Army Recruiter in Howard County Volunteered a Climbing wall (Has waivers for the wall) Football toss Camouflage face painting Know any High School kids in need of Volunteer hours? Contact Saki to be able to work at Savage Fest Morning sales at Savage Fest: Coffee & Brownie recommendation Bill Swain will need to reach out to Health Inspectors Shop at BJ’s or Costco for sausages & drinks If you have any Savage Fest flier & menu suggestions, please contact Saki & Mike Bechetti Mike Betts has been granted $150 to purchase 2 flag harnesses, and 4 white pistol belts for the Color Guard that will be at Savage Fest on Saturday June 6th Good of the league Gordon MacPhee has purchased a new MCL banner Close ---- May 23, 2017 Roll Call of Officers – Commandant, Senior Vice Commandant, Jr. Vice Commandant, and Judge Advocate present. Minutes of previous meeting were accepted. Correspondence – Saki had e-mail contact with a Marine that was a recruit under SSgt Taylor when he served a drill instructor. Report of Paymaster – Given by our paymaster Gordon MacPhee. There's a balance of $8575.45. No change of increase to scholarship fund ($900 as of 5/23/17). Scholarship applicant’s paperwork due June 2nd. New fundraiser event – Rifle Shoot planned for September or October time frame. Dues are $30 per year and due by 31 August. Report of Sickness/Distress – None Report of officers Commandant: The position for Adjutant is open. Senior Vice Commandant: On April 30, 2017, Jacob L. Witlin was presented his Eagle Scout Good Citizenship Award by Marine Corps League members Mike Betts and Tim Paulin at the Yingling-Ridgely VFW and Auxiliary Post 7472 in Ellicott City, Maryland. Judge Advocate: The website and Facebook page have been updated, and we’re getting "likes" on Facebook. Report of Standing Committees Turkey Shoot fundraiser discussed by Ed Hall. Need to decide on a date. The Charity Shoot would cost $40 to attend and we supply two boxes (50 rounds) of ammo. A vote could not be held at this time. Ed and Kevin will make a presentation for the Turkey Shoot in the Fall. American Legion Flea Market in the Fall discussed by Ed Hall. Decision pending. We will need to review what works and doesn’t from last year. A table would be set up to have food on one side and stuff for sale on the other. Savage Fest discussed by Bill Swain and Saki. Color Guard Volunteers confirmed. They may also attend a parade in Columbia, Maryland at 1100. Cookout menu to be updated. H&S Bakery has provided sausage rolls and Southwest Airlines Provisioning BWI will provide sodas, ice and canned water. Bill Swain will call Costco and have them put aside 160 sausages for pickup. Unfinished business July 4th parade – Ed Hall filed paperwork for our Detachment. New Business USMC Birthday/Veterans Day Gala. Need more advertising for the event before Labor Day. Good of the league Ed Hall nominated Gordon MacPhee for the Joint Military Council (to serve as Vice Commander). Saki will follow up with Danny about the Marine of the Year vote. ---- June 27, 2017 Kevin Oliver took minutes. Meeting gaveled open at 1932. Roll call of officers: Jr Vice absent Voted to accept May minutes. Talked about active duty Marine in Hawaii in need of assistance. Voted to accept paymaster report. $9994.20 in checking account. Report of Officers: Comm: Good parade, SavageFest, and shooting match. Sr Vice: Parade was successful. Judge Advocate: SavageFest volunteer party. Report of scholarship committee: 10 good applicants. Report of Fundraising Committee: Successful poppy event. Successful SavageFest. Possible flea market table fundraiser. Possible trap shoot fundraiser. Report of Pistol Match: 6 members attended. All had a great time. Ed Hall recommended forming a shooting team. Mike Betts-Chairman Ed Hall-Co-Chairman Special Committee: Planned for the July 4th Ellicott City Parade. Unfinished Business: None. New Business: 1) Voted to spend up to $75.00 for scholarship ceremony food. 2) Voted to contribute $100.00 to Hawaii Marine in need of financial assistance. 3) Voted to fund (2) $1000.00 scholarships. 4) Voted to establish Howard County Memorial fundraising committee. Gordon MacFee Chairman. Good of the League: Gordon McFee was awarded the 2016 SSGT Karl G Taylor, Sr., Marine of the Year. Meeting adjourned at 2031 The following are Saki's meeting notes. Paymaster report: Balance: $9994.20 Earnings from giving out MCL roses at Giant: $582 Savage Fest net profit: $717 Scholarship fund: $2099 Saki reported that he and his wife had a party to thank all the Savage Fest volunteers. MCL attendance was low but it was still a good party. Scholarship presentation at July meeting. Pistol shoot attendees: Kip, Doug, DJ, Danny, Kevin, Mike Betts Discussions were held regarding organization for the shooting team. Captain: Mike Betts Assistant Captain: Ed Hall Gordon MacPhee was announced 2016 Detachment Marine of the Year. Master Gunny Joe was introduced as guest. ---- July 25, 2017 Our regular meeting was cut short so we could hold the scholarship presentation. Christina Kratzmeier and Jennifer Zhang were recognized as our scholarship recipients. Each received a $1000 scholarship which will be sent directly to their respective universities. Darwin Pitts showed up and paid his dues to become a member. Darwin is a former Fleet Marine Force Corpsman. He was not sworn in so he is not yet an "official" member. ---- August 22, 2017 Tim Paulin took the meeting minutes. Opening Ceremony: 1935 meeting begins Roll Call of Officers: Jr. Vice is out tonight. Application for Membership: No new applications for membership received this month. Balloting on Applications: None Ceremony of Initiation: None Minutes of previous meeting: Motion to accept was made and seconded. Correspondence: None Report of Paymaster: Given by our paymaster, Gordon Mac Phee. All the checks submitted as scholarship awards have cleared. We will need to raise $1900 for the scholarship account for next year if we want to have two $1000 scholarships. There is a balance of $8016.14. Motion carried for budget. Report of any Member/Family Sick or Distressed: There may be a problem with our email distribution list as the total number seemed low. Bill Brooks will call Dennis to check up on him. Darwin had planned to be at this meeting but unfortunately, just broke his leg. Report of Officers: Commandant: NTR Sr Vice: Retrieved banner for HoCo Fair parade but nobody else representing the League showed up. Jr Vice: Absent Judge Advocate: Asked those of us still working to see if their company has matching programs that can help us fund our scholarship efforts. Booz Allen Hamilton regularly gives us $250 - $750 for this purpose. Discussed sending a Thank You letter to BAH but felt that because they give so much to other organizations, our letter wouldn't mean very much to them. Report of Standing Committees: Fund Raising: Discussed fund raising at the American Legion's Flea Market Extravaganza which will be from 0900 – 1530 September 16th 2017. Last year we grilled hamburgers and hotdogs but only netted about $70 for all that effort. This year we'll sell coffee and donuts (sticky buns) but the problem is we need to provide electrical power for the coffee machine. Saki has a large but loud generator so the plan is to make the coffee before the 0900 start time and fill all the carafes we can get a hold of. Bill Pastino can provide tables. Also plan to sell water and soda. Curtis will try to get the Southwest Airline cans of water. We also will need tables since we can sell donated items as well during this time. We would like to sell Roses which is typically done the Saturday before Veteran's Day as the American Legion does the same thing but with Poppies. However, Veteran's Day falls on a Saturday so that would mean we need to sell Roses on November 5th which seems too far in advance. Still need to decide if we should do this. The following weekend we have the Ellicott City parade on Saturday and the Gala/Ball on Sunday so that will be a busy weekend for our League. Kevin and Ed are working on a Trap Shoot fund raiser. Tentatively, it'll be held at the Carroll County Gun Club on Liberty Rd in Eldersburg on Oct 29th from 1000 – 1430. The Old Post Rifle and Pistol Club will be on hand to help run the event and will have loaner shotguns for the participants. Besides the entry fee of around $20 - $25, we could sell hamburgers and hotdogs provided we have the staffing. Selling beer was discussed but that may be too much of a liability risk. Mike will be ask to design a flier for this. Report of Special Committees: We may be standing up a new committee to assist Mike Bloom in the Veteran's Memorial fund raiser. We'd like to get some recognition out of this rather than simply hand over money. Gordon will contact Bob Gillette and Ed will get some more information as he intends to attend the monthly meeting specifically for this. Ed has graciously offered his home for an Oktoberfest tentatively set for October 14th beginning around 1700. It'll be pot luck. Tim may be able to bring a batch of his home brew. Unfinished Business: Darwin was supposed to have his Installation Ceremony today but due to his broken leg, it will take place at a later time. New Business: The League has been asked to run the Flag Retirement ceremony on September 23rd put on by the American Legion. It went very well the last time we did this. Marines take command. More about the Veteran's Day parade in Ellicott City. We'll meet at 1300 on November 11, 2017 in parking lot F which will be preceded by an opening ceremony with the National Anthem, local politicians, a reading of In Flanders Fields and Taps. The parade will start at St. Peters Episcopal church and end past the Phoenix Emporium. The city is selling up to 36 banners at a cost of $500 each. The American Legion is purchasing 3 of them with photos of Adams, Hanna and Moore, the Marine and soldiers the Post has honored in its name. We have the right of first refusal if we want to buy any but that's a lot of money for our detachment. Gordon is hoping for a 1/3 increase in turnout for the Gala this year and promises to play Anchors Away instead of the Navy Hymn during this event. He may schedule a different caterer than last year. There will be a Marine Corps cake cutting. The Gala is set to run from 1730 – 2030 on Sunday November 12th. The Joint Military Council may set up a program of vetted veterans that will be ask to provide presentations related to the military for local Howard County schools. Good of the League: A large Red uniform jacket (Mike Blum's) is available for anyone who would like it and wouldn't need it altered very much. It will be stored in the back locker room for the time being. Announcements: none Closing Ceremony: Meeting closed at 2030 until next meeting on September 26th 2017. ---- September 26, 2017 Opening Ceremony: 1940 meeting begins Roll Call of Officers: Jr. Past Commandant is out tonight. Application for Membership: A new member application is here tonight plus a new member who wasn't able to make his induction ceremony. Decided to defer the induction ceremony until later in the meeting. Minutes of previous meeting: Motion to accept was made and seconded. Correspondence: A Mr. Nate Thayer is researching an incident involving two Marines stationed at NSA Ft. Meade and their involvement with the security detachment in the late 1970s. He wanted to interview Mike Corbett, who used to be a member of our detachment and might have details concerning the other two Marines. Saki was able to find Mr. Corbett's current email address and send it to Mr. Thayer. Saki has been receiving emails asking if various organizations can have links to their services or products posted on the detachment's web site. These organizations don't respond properly properly when asked if they're non-profit which is the minimum requirement. Report of Paymaster: Given by our paymaster, Gordon MacPhee. The Extravaganza was fairly successful with a deposit of $270.00, with most of the money being made by selling bottled water. This money will be put in the general fund for now. There is a general fund balance of $5,068.32. Motion carried for budget. Report of any Member/Family Sick or Distressed: Members were glad to see Dennis at the flag retirement ceremony the previous weekend. Danny is doing fine and sends his regards but is reducing his involvement with the MCL for the time being. Darwin was able to make it to this meeting in spite of having to wear a cast for his broken leg. He even managed to get up and down the narrow steps to our meeting area! Report of Officers: Commandant: Discussed the great turnout at the flag retirement ceremony. The week before was the flea market fund raiser so it had been a very busy period for the detachment. There were some donated goods left over at the end of the flea market but Goodwill Industries was able to take those items. Sr Vice: Asked about our detachment using MailChimp to better spread information among members but it was decided we aren't large enough and just regular email is fine. Also sent photos of the flag retirement ceremony to Saki for posting and reminded members the MCL is an apolitical organization. Jr Vice: Didn't have anything to say this month. Judge Advocate: Has been keeping the web site and Facebook up to date but hasn't seen any responses from people making comments. It's probably because nobody has made comments so he asked us to do that so we know it works. Report of Standing Committees: Kevin discussed some of the details regarding the trap shoot scheduled for 29 October and had a stack of color fliers we are requested to display or hand out. The cost to participate will be $20 and for that you get to shoot a round of trap (25 shells) and a chance to win a game hen. There will be a safety review for each participant and loaner guns, eye and ear protection will be available. Our task out of this is to get the word out to the most people we can. Children are also welcome but would like to keep it at 12 years and older and a parent would need to be there with them. We also plan to sell hamburgers and hotdogs. Agreed to set the initial food budget to $200 and Jesus volunteered to do the cooking. Other positions that need filling are working party tasks, check in and even more recruiting of participants. Food will be cash only but the entry fee can be cash, check, credit card and Pay Pal. On Friday November 10th there will be a ceremony from 1200 – 1300 sponsored by the Howard County Veterans Association. We decided that we won't attend as a detachment due to how busy the weekend will be. However, individuals are certainly welcome to attend. On Saturday November 11th, there will be a parade through downtown old Ellicott City. Step off will be at 1300 from St. Peter's Episcopal church on Rogers Avenue and proceed to St. Paul's Catholic church just past the B&O Railroad museum. On Sunday November 13th, there will be a Veteran's Day Gala and Marine Corps cake cutting at the VFW hall. This catered event will run from 1730 – 2030 with Col. Foley as the scheduled speaker. Tickets are available now via Pay Pal, sending a check via U.S. mail to Gordon or from the VFW canteen. Kevin also added that there's an informal shooting event that weekend which usually is a pistol contest but rifle and shotgun disciplines are fine as well. It was mentioned the Shooting Team detachment members came in 2nd place at a weekend get together in Pennsylvania recently. Mike Betts is the shooting team captain but Danny did most of the heavy lifting. Report of Special Committees: NTR Unfinished Business: NTR Balloting on Applications: Received an application for Lou Schott to join our detachment of the Marine Corps League. Lou is a WWII veteran and retired as a Colonel. We are so honored to have Lou join our ranks! Also to officially join is Navy Corpsman Darwin Pitts. Darwin's paperwork and membership fees have been received two months ago but due to an injury, he wasn't able to get to our monthly meeting until now. Ceremony of Initiation: Both Lou and Darwin took the oath presented by our commandant, Bill Swain. New Business: NTR Good of the League: Darwin noted an error concerning a Montford Point Marine who was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, not the Medal of Honor. Announcements: Go upstairs and welcome our two new members! Closing Ceremony: Meeting closed at 2040 until the next meeting on October 24th 2017. ---- October 24, 2017 Opening Ceremony: 1935 meeting begins Roll Call of Officers: Jr. Vice Commandant is out tonight. Application for Membership: Two new members were here tonight plus a transfer from a detachment in Cedar City, UT. The new members are Mike Fowler, an intermediate avionics technician last station at K-Bay, HI and Mike Smith, a Vietnam motor transport veteran. Bob Lappi, an anti-tank gunner, transferred from Detachment 1315 in Cedar City, UT. Ceremony of Initiation: Both Mikes took the oath presented by our commandant, Bill Swain and were given their pins. Bob and long time life member Francis Nielsen received pins as well. We broke for a 10-minute “get-to-know” each other banter session. Minutes of previous meeting: Motion to accept the minutes was made and seconded. Correspondence: Our Commandant, Bill Swain with collaboration from Gordon, has been in touch with the family of Karl G. Taylor, most of whom now reside in Tennessee. They are able to honor us with their presence at the November 12th Gala and Marine Corps celebration. It's been a few years since they have been able to visit so we are all looking forward to this event now even more. Report of Paymaster: Given by our paymaster, Gordon MacPhee. We have a balance of $7836.54 which is little changed for the month. The money for the scholarship fund hasn't been assigned yet but will wait and see how our fund raising goes this month before deciding. Gordon mentioned we haven't had an audit of our finances since August of 2016 so Ed Hall stepped up saying he'll do it. We still are looking for a volunteer to be our adjutant. Motion to accept the pay master report was accepted. Report of any Member/Family Sick or Distressed: It was reported that Darwin's leg is getting better but it'll be a while yet before it is fully healed. Kevin mentioned that DJ, who we haven't seen in a long time, is doing fine. Nobody has heard from Bob Walton in quite some time. Everyone who attended the last flag retirement ceremony agreed Dennis looked like he was doing well. Report of Officers: Commandant: Bill was at a Rotary meeting this past month and got the chance to bend Allan Kittleman's ear. Allan admitted he knew Ed Hall after Bill said he was in the League and wanted to know more about fund raising for the Howard County Veterans memorial. Sr Vice: NTR Jr Vice: Absent Judge Advocate: NTR Report of Standing Committees: The Inaugural Trap Shoot fund raiser is this Sunday at the Carroll County Trap Range. Jesus will be in charge of the grill with Tim available as needed. We are planning to serve hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, water and sodas. We could buy the cartons of Dunkin' Donuts coffee but Tim offered to bring carafes of coffee instead if there's no electric and Bill can bring his coffee maker if there is. Tim will run recon and see what the facility offers. We also need to find a place to set up, what type of grill is out there and the interface to the PA system so we can play the National Anthem and the Marine Corps hymn. The weather may be a problem as rain is predicted but Kevin and Ed will make a decision on Thursday. If we have to cancel, then let Saki know so he can post it on FB and our web page. Old Post Rifle and Pistol Club will be doing most of the heavy lifting for this event by giving safety briefs, instructing the shooters if need be and help provide loaner guns, glasses and ear protection. The MCL will coordinate, accept payment and provide food. If it is rained out, we can donate the 20 – 30 Cornish game hens to those who bought tickets but so far, only one person has prepaid. Veterans Day weekend looks to be very busy for the League: Saturday November 11th at 1000 will be a Blue Star Memorial re-dedication in front of the old post office in old Ellicott City. We'd like to have some Marine Corps League members there. Saturday November 11th at 1200 will begin staging for the parade at St Peters Episcopal church in old Ellicott City. Vehicles need to be in place at that time with walkers in place by 1230. Step off is scheduled for 1300. There will be a donation box at the end of the parade route so it is hoped two Marines will be around to “guard” the money. So far it looks like we'll have at least 8 participants for the parade. Sunday November 12th at 1730 will be the Veterans Gala and Marine Corps cake cutting at the VFW hall. Ed will be the Master of Ceremony and as mentioned before, SSGT Taylor's family is expected to be there. Report of Special Committees: We skipped scholarship discussion and Christmas planning due to running out of meeting time. Toys for Tots kicks off on November 24th in front of the Columbia Toys R Us but only runs until December 5th. The League is invited to the American Legion Christmas party to be held on Wednesday, December 13th at the VFW hall. Gordon will send more details about this. Unfinished Business: NTR New Business: Mike Betts received a request from Adopt a Platoon which sends items to deployed troops around the world. Requests begin at $33 for a care package and run up to $13,200 for ten platoons. The charity had a good rating at 85% but donation boxes at the NSA or even that sponsored by our local VFW take items directly. Donations for the VFW can be brought when arriving for the Gala. Good of the League: Saki has updated our website to include information on a celebration for community veterans, a flag pole dedication on November 11th in Savage, MD and request for veterans to participate as presenters for Howard County schools. We also discussed the 242nd anniversary celebration being sponsored by the 4th district of the Marine Corps League in Westminster, MD on the 11th. Kevin reminded us he's planning a Marine Corps Birthday shooting event at the Marriottsville range on Friday afternoon November 10th. Announcements: No additional announcements were made. Closing Ceremony: Meeting closed at 2045 until the next meeting on November 28th 2017. ---- November 28, 2017 Opening Ceremony: 1935 meeting begins Roll Call of Officers: All present. Application for Membership: One new member, Greg Paulin, here tonight with an application and is currently on terminal leave. Greg is a Signals Analyst last stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC. Ceremony of Initiation: Greg took the oath presented by our commandant, Bill Swain and was later given his pin. Greg Paulin, whose father and brother are also members, signed up and took the oath. Gordon MacPhee previously witnessed Greg's DD-214. We broke for a 5-minute “get-to-know” each other banter session. Minutes of previous meeting: Motion to accept the minutes was made and seconded. Correspondence: Our Commandant, Bill Swain received an email from Elizabeth Jayne Taylor, our namesakes sister-in-law, thanking our detachment for the great time they had at the American Legion Gala and MCL Cake Cutting ceremony. She and her husband, Walter Taylor, brother of Karl G Taylor, is a retired Marine Master Sergeant and active member of MCL Detachment 924 in Knoxville, TN. They will be added to our email distribution in order to stay apprised of our activities. Report of Paymaster: Given by our paymaster, Gordon MacPhee. We have a balance of $8449.39 which includes receipts and payments for the Gala from which we made about $150. Ed Hall is planning to do an audit during the month of January. Motion to accept the pay master report was accepted. Report of any Member/Family Sick or Distressed: Nobody has heard recently from Dennis. Other than Dennis, we are not aware of anybody else sick or distressed. Report of Officers: Commandant: Was sorry for not remembering in time to get the ball rolling for Toys 4 Tots. Bill Pastino, who in the past has led this effort, is out of the country. Bill Swain will see what we can do for the remaining weekends. Nobody was sure when the last day of collection is but Bill will find out when he picks up the collection boxes for collections during the first weekend in December. Several members mentioned they are available to help. Sr Vice: Sent all the Gala and Cake Cutting photos to Saki. Jr Vice: NTR Judge Advocate: Noted that Jayne Taylor is forwarding many photos from the Detachment's Facebook page to her friends. Report of Standing Committees: The Inaugural Trap Shoot fund raiser had to be canceled due to weather so hope to reschedule this for sometime next April. Our last Roses fund raiser last Memorial Day went quite well so we'll plan on doing that again. Gordon to check with Giant Foods to see if they will let us stand in front of their store again next Memorial Day weekend. There was some talk of a Rifle/Gun committee. Ed Hall was absent today so need to ask him if we're doing this. Report of Special Committees: Mike Blum will likely give us a talk about funding for the Howard County Veterans Monument. That date is TBD for now. Unfinished Business: Tim Paulin has agreed to host the Detachment Christmas Party at his house on December 9th. He'll send out details and coordinate the potluck dishes. The American Legion has invited the MCL members to their holiday party set for Wednesday December 13th at 1700 in the VFW hall. Gordon has the most up to date email distribution for the Detachment after it was discovered one member didn't get the word about the canceled trap shoot. He'll send it out again so that MCL members will have the latest distribution list as well. We haven't heard anything for request to sponsor a light for The Tree of Lights. However, if we do, it was motioned and approved to allocate up to $100 for this. New Business: Bill Swain proposed we spend up to $250 for a league 10x10 pop up canopy and two folding tables. This funding was seconded and approved. We should be allowed to store these items in the back room with the rest of our gear. Gordon will check to see what's available for this price. A motion was made and approved to suspend the December 26th meeting. Good of the League: Quite a few members, at least 3, miscounted the Tuesdays in November and came the week before expecting to attend the monthly meeting. Kevin will be driving down to Quantico and offered to pick up items from the store if anybody needs. Announcements: Bill Swain presented an Eagle Scout from Troop 944 with the MCL Eagle Scout Good Citizen certificate earlier this month. Mike Betts mentioned there will be a Devil Dog Growl at VFW Post 160 on Sunday December 10th. Closing Ceremony: Meeting closed at 2030 until the next meeting on January 23, 2018.