Meets at 7:00PM, the 2nd Thursday of the Month at “THE SHOW-ME NEWS”
The Knights of Columbus Hall, 2340 W Grand, Springfield, Missouri
August 2007, Volume IX, Number VIII
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Commandant's Corner This month, I've been chasing my own tail. Our safety break went off great thanks to all the Detachment
Members jumping in and volunteering early. Nolan was breathing easier. Again a thanks goes
to our long time dog watch member, Ed Higgenbotham. We went through almost 30 cases of Pop
and a couple cans of coffee. Ooh Ra to all the volunteers and well done. We are starting discussions
for locations for our Xmas dinner. We will have more about this after our next general meeting. Bill
Webb's Concessions Team is doing excellent. Although, this member fell out before the job was
completed and let the group down at the last game. But in true fashion of Marines, the group did a
great job. I apologize to all those for my failure to follow through. They sold over $7000.00 in concessions
for that Cards game. That's a lot of hard work. Semper Fi
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2007 Officers |
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July Attendance
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“The Show-Me News”: Published monthly by Marine
Corps League, Southwest MO Detachment #993. Submit
updates, news, events, and monthly information by the 1st
of each month to: |
IN HONOR OF LOCAL FALLEN MARINES
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Photo Courtesy of |
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Chaplain Ray Glynn reports the following local Fallen Marines during May and June 2007. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of:
7/1 Duane L. “Wayne” Smock; 70; Marine and Navy Veteran served in Korea; Springfield, MO;
Certificate presented on 7/4.
7/11 John E Cupps Jr.; 83; WWII; Shell Knob, MO; He was a resident of Mt. Vernon Veteran's
Home; Certificate mailed 7/14.
7/14 Ivan “Dale” Lawson; 73; Korea; Shell Knob, MO; He was a League member; Military honors
by local team, VFW 2203; Certificate mailed 7/17.
7/17 Frank Joseph Traficanti; 81; WWII; Nixa MO; Certificate presented 7/21.
7/21 Edward L. Smith; 75; Korea; Springfield MO; Certificate presented 7/24 and final tribute by
Honor Team 7/25.
7/25 Wilbur A. Everingham; 87; WWII; Springfield, MO; Burial being held in Palestine, Il. on 8/4.
7/29 Anthony Paul Layton; 48; Cambodia; Springfield, MO; Certificate presented 8/3 (This was a
very emotional event for me). Editors Note: The following was included in his obit “When he
received his 100% disability from the service he gave $1,500 per month to homeless vets living
on the streets”.
Mt Veteran's Visitation Team Report
On August 4th I once again made the journey to Mt. Vernon's Veteran's Home to visit our Marines. I
arrived at 12:30 and was immediately joined by my faithful team of Connie Hammons and Joe Thurman.
Joe now uses a power chair to get around the home, but what an inspiration he is to all, he's my “Mr.
Dependable”. My gift to the residents this month is a bumper sticker saying “God blessed America, HE
GAVE US MARINES”. I also delivered another 110 bibs made by the ladies of the Logan-Rogersville
Community Club and also the Marine Corps League Auxiliary.
We started our day by sitting with several Marines in the Chow Hall and then visiting them again in
their rooms and spending good quality time with all.
Mr. Chilton was elated to know that Marine Larry Krudwig spent so much time and effort to acquire a
new Barracks cap for his dress blues uniform, which he wears for any occasion that may come up at the
home.
I also want to thank Mrs. Harriet Lee of Rogersville for baking 4 dozen chocolate chip cookies for our
vets and they were greatly appreciated. Once again a great visit for all.
On another note, I had the opportunity to present to Mrs. Audrey Davis, Keith's wife, a lovely arrangement
of flowers after her going through a medical situation, her beautiful smile made it all worth the
effort and she thanks us all for thinking of her and giving her the flowers.
Security is not the absence of danger but the presence of God no
matter what the danger.
God Bless you all,
Ray Glynn
Chaplain
DETACHMENT #993 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
| Aug 04 @ 1200 | Visitation Team to Mt Vernon Veterans Home. For info call Chaplain Ray Glynn at 417-890-9912 | Aug 09 @ 1900 | Detachment #993 Monthly Meeting-Join us@ 1800 for scuttlebutt and beverages prior to the meeting. |
| Aug 11 @ 0900 | Detachment Staff Meeting at the home of Billy Snider, 332 E Glenwood St. Springfield. Coffee and doughnuts provided. All welcome and encouraged to attend. |
| Aug 12 | Weapons Co 3/24 Fellowship Day. See info below. |
| Aug 21 @ 1710 | Springfield Cardinals Game Work Day |
| Aug 24 | Marine Day at the Springfield Cardinals |
| Aug 28 @ 1710 | Springfield Cardinals Game Work Day |
| Aug 31 - Sep 3 | Labor Day Safety Break |
| Sep 1 @ 1200 | Visitation Team to Mt Vernon Veterans Home. For info call Chaplain Ray Glynn at 417-890-9912 |
| Sep 3 @ 1000 | Springfield Cardinals Game Work Day |
| Sep 3 @ 1700 | Springfield Cardinals Game Work Day |
| Sep 13 @ 1900 | Detachment #993 Monthly Meeting-Join us@ 1800 for scuttlebutt and beverages prior to the meeting. |
| Sep 15 @ 0900 | Detachment Staff Meeting at the home of Billy Snider, 332 E Glenwood St. Springfield. Coffee and doughnuts provided. All welcome and encouraged to attend. |
| Sep 21 & 22 | Color Guard to be presenting colors at VFW Posts 3404 and a charity event. |
Labor Day Safety Break Aug 31-Sept 3
The safety break is one of the largest fundraising events in terms of volunteer hours needed and amount of money raised for detachment functions. SPC Nolan Moody Cmdt. '04-'05 and Judge Advocate Ed Higginbotham, have again taken the lead. Your participation would be greatly appreciated. Signup at the Detachment meeting or call to reserve your spot with Nolan @ 417-894-0083 or Ed @ 417-725-1639.
NEWS RELEASE ON S.W. DETACHMENT SERVICE TO WEAPONS CO. 3/24
My thanks to the members for supporting our initiative to interface more consistently with Weapons
3/24. It will be a morale booster for members of the Detachment to show up on drill weekends with
refreshments and fellowship. Included will be resumption of our Detachment-sponsored Christmas party
for members of the I&I staff. This was a big success in years past.
First and foremost is that we show Weapons Company that we appreciate them personally, and their
service to our Country. A side benefit is that of Detachment members being availed of opportunities to“rejoin” the Marine Corps for a few hours. There is also the possibility of our being invited to observe live
fire exercises and, possibly, join them for rifle and pistol requalifications.
The first event is scheduled for Sunday August 12. The Company will have returned from a field exercise
at a distant location. They will be cleaning weapons and checking in gear. We plan to show up on
Sunday morning with cold drinks, e.g. iced tea, lemonade, bottled water. A couple us are committed to
get everything together, but any and all members who want to join us are welcome. The I&I tells me that
the Marines will want to show off their hardware.
Costs for refreshments can be minimized by asking retailers for donations ... something the Commandant
and I and other members are glad to do. So, if you know of a generous donor, let me know. ‘Would
also like to know how many plan to attend on the 12th.
Again, thanks for your interest and support.
Phone: (417)235-6098 or Email: cgp906@sbcglobal.net
Carl Pyper
Commandant's Team Pistol Shoot
On October 27th, the inaugural Commandant's Team Pistol Shoot will take place at the DNR Range in
Bois D'arc. The teams must include current MCL members with one Commandant or Past Commandant.
More info to come. Please contact Paul Primas at (417) 863-1623
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Marine Corps League Auxiliary Southwest Missouri Greetings to All!! We want to thank the League for their support this year. We are having a great
year! |
Mary Lou and Lou Ann will be very busy getting Operation Santa into full gear. It looks like they will be taking on around 500 Marines this year. Our trip to Mount Vernon was a great success. Everyone enjoyed it.
We hope to get the League to join us at Christmas time. The Marines liked to sing and enjoyed the food. We hope to do
this every month. I know that I had a great time dancing with Glen. Vicki Glynn got the muslin for the bibs that she makes.
Anyone in the League that sews please let Vicki know as I know she can use the help.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the next meeting on August 9, 2007. Bring a friend who would like to become
involved. As always my thoughts and good wishes go out to all of you.
Semper Fi,
Mickey Dees
President Marine Corps League Auxiliary
Southwest Missouri Detachment 993
A Tribute to One of Our Own
John E. Cupps Jr, 1923-2007
Mt Vernon Veteran's Home Resident
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When I made a visit to the Veteran's Home in March 2007, I was able to speak to Marine Cupps. During this conversation he told me that hewas in college when he enlisted into the Marines. As a result of his college experience, he was sent to OCS. As he didn't want anything to do with OCS, we went AWOL. He explained that when the MP's finally caught up with him, he was on his way with a Scout Company, of the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, to Saipan, Tinian, and Guadalcanal. When this tour completed, he returned to Hawaii for training. While in Hawaii, he was shipped to OCS again. And for the second time, he left Quantico. When the MP's caught him again, he was sent to Tarawa. He told me he was running |
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up the beach when he took a round above his right eye. As a he lay on the ground looking up at the sky, a Captain came over to check on him. Cupps stated he grabbed the Captain and said, with a smile on his face, “I told the Captain I gave those guys enough time to shoot me, so I'm going home”. He returned to the mainland and University of MO, where he obtained his degree he started before his adventures in the Marines.
Eddie Flores, Adjutant
Welcome Aboard to the following new members: Gary Stamper & Sam Claxton
Thank you to the following renewing members: Rob Helfer and Tom Martin
Notes from the 07-14 Staff Meeting:
Atkinson- Proper request for funds, present motion w/budget request. Need to limit non-specific speaking
to speed meetings. Will be discussing the status of the Memrial Team with the office of Roy Blunt.
Dees-Discussed the sale of Marine Hats. Hessler-Members are not signing log book when attending
meetings. Aux-Will be selling Weber cookbooks at Car show if they arrive in time. Primas-found replacement
USMC chair as discussed. Perks-Discussed planning a Branson Trip and also date and time of
the Christmas Dinner. Flores-Adjutant will review correspondance from mailbox and report to membership.
Pepe- members of DAV are receiving blankets, suggested they be donated to the Mt Vernon Veterans
Home.
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Man who posed as Marine hero sentenced to tend military graves By MIKE BARBER Seattle P-I REPORTER Tuesday, July 31,
2007 |
Vietnam vet to two years' probation and 500 hours laboring at Tahoma National Cemetery for posing as a decorated
U.S. Marine captain and military chaplain in 2005 and 2006. Buddle, who never was in the Marine Corps, pleaded
guilty in April to unlawful wearing of U.S. military medals and decorations. That followed an investigation by the inspector
general of the Department of Veterans Affairs. After the hearing, Buddle, who served two years as an Army enlisted man
but never in combat and never earning any of the medals he wore, apologized in court Monday and said he was ashamed,
according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Seattle.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Friedman said such cases, which have been growing nationwide since Congress passed
stiffer measures 18 months ago against pretending to be a member of the armed forces, were researched to recommend an
appropriate sentence. “In this case, we thought it was a good idea to teach him what true service is like,” Friedman said.
When Buddle begins serving those who rest at the national military cemetery in Kent, he must avoid any interaction with families
of veterans. “The court expressed concern that he not be allowed to participate in any funerals or counseling sessions
or any other type of matters at the cemetery. That was part of his underlying crime; it was clear he will be there to supply
labor,” Friedman said.
Though Buddle was never an ordained chaplain or reverend, nor authorized by state law to act in any such capacity, he
officiated at servicemen's funerals, weddings and baptisms.
Friedman said state statutes were researched and found to protect the legitimacy of marriages in such instances.
Buddle even hoodwinked the state Senate. On Feb. 27, 2006, dressed in a Marine Corps uniform replete with the rank and
medals he awarded himself, Buddle stood before the Senate and gave the prayer at the opening ceremony. Not everyone
was so certain that Buddle was the real item. Doubters called authorities, who began investigating.
Among the unearned medals and service decorations with which Buddle festooned his uniform were those for valor and
service in Vietnam; a Combat Action Ribbon authorized for wear by those who have fought enemy forces; a Presidential
Unit Citation ribbon, issued to members of units that displayed extraordinary heroism under fire; and the Defense Distinguished
Service Medal, a high-ranking medal authorized for “extraordinary” contribution to national defense.
Real Marines and their families seemed satisfied with the sentence. Bert Rutan, 84, retired pastor at University Congregational
Church in Seattle and a Marine who in 1945 received the Silver Star for his actions on Iwo Jima, called the sentence “a fair thing. It has to be publicly known that (posing as a member of the armed forces) is not something you can do.” In Snohomish,
Brian and Shellie Starr, whose son, Marine Cpl. Jeff Starr, was killed in combat in Iraq on Memorial Day 2005, said
the sentence is appropriate. “I'm glad they nailed him,” Brian Starr said. “I think for someone to impersonate somebody who
has done this voluntarily, with the potential for risk of life, is terrible.”
VFW Washington Weekly
1. VFW Testifies on GI Bill Benefit
The VFW testified before the Senate VA Committee on several bills which would improve current educational benefits under
the Montgomery GI Bill. The proposals ranged from small enhancements to the restoration of a “World War II-style” GI Bill
that would cover all costs for or training, plus a stipend for living-expenses. The VFW testified in support of all of the proposals,
but has thrown its enthusiastic support behind S. 22, The Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2007, introduced
by Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA). S. 22 would cover the most expensive in-state institution, housing, fees, books, and provide
a cost-of-living stipend. It recognizes the tens of thousands of Guard and Reserve members who actively served 24
months or more defending our nation. It would increase the “use or lose” period from 10 to 15 years, and establish a postservice
benefit for Guard and Reserve members.
2. Congress in Recess
Congress is scheduled to begin their annual August recess today and will return after Labor Day. We urge you to contact
your members' local district offices to urge their support for a timely VA funding package – the House has passed their version, but the Senate still has not held a floor vote. Tell your Senators to pass the budget, which includes a substantial
increase for VA healthcare. We also ask you to encourage support for an enhanced GI Bill, namely S. 22, which is mentioned
in item #1.
Thanks to member Tom Martin and Minuteman Press for their assistance over the last couple of years in getting the newsletter printed. For all your printing needs, please consider: Minuteman Press, 1404 S Glenstone, Springfield, MO 417-887-1234
Marine Corps Emblem and Seal
The history of the Marine Corps emblem is a story related to the history of the Corps itself. The emblem of today traces its
roots to the designs and ornaments of early Continental Marines as well as British Royal Marines. The emblem took its present
form in 1868. Before that time many devices, ornaments, and distinguishing marks followed one another as official
marks of the Corps.In 1776, the device consisted of a “foul anchor” of silver or pewter. The foul anchor still forms a part of
the emblem today. (A foul anchor is an anchor which has one or more turns of the chain around it). Changes were made in
1798, 1821, and 1824. In 1834 it was prescribed that a brass eagle be worn on the hat, the eagle to measure 3 ½ inches
from wingtip to wingtip.
During the early years numerous distinguishing marks were prescribed, including “black cockades”, “scarlet plumes,” and “yellow bands and tassels.” In 1859 the origin of the present color scheme for the officer's dress uniform ornaments
appeared on an elaborate device of solid white metal and yellow metal. The design included a United States shield, half
wreath, a bugle, and the letter “M.”
In 1868, Brigadier General Commandant Jacob Zeilin appointed a board “to decide and report upon the various devices of
cap ornaments of the Marine Corps.” On 13 November 1868, the board turned in its report. It was approved by the Commandant
four days later, and on 19 November 1868 was signed by the Secretary of the Navy.
The emblem recommended by this board consists of a globe (showing the Western Hemisphere) intersected by a foul
anchor, and surmounted by a spread eagle. On the emblem itself, the device is topped by a ribbon inscribed with the Latin
motto “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful). The uniform ornaments omit the motto ribbon.
The general design of the emblem was probably derived from the British Royal Marines' “Globe and Laurel.” The globe on
the U.S. Marine emblem signifies service in any part of the world. The eagle also indirectly signifies service worldwide,
although this may not have been the intention of the designers in 1868. The eagle which they selected for the Marine
emblem is a crested eagle, a type found all over the world. On the other hand, the eagle pictured on the great seal and the
currency of the United States is the bald eagle, strictly a North American variety. The anchor, whose origin dates back to the
founding of the Marine Corps in 1775, indicates the amphibious nature of Marines' duties. On 22 June 1954, President
Dwight D. Eisenhower signed an Executive Order, which approved the design of an official seal for the United States Marine
Corps. The new seal had been designed at the request of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr.
The new seal consisted of the traditional Marine Corps emblem in bronze; however, an American bald eagle replaced the
crested eagle depicted on the 1868 emblem, and is depicted with wings displayed, standing upon the western hemisphere
of the terrestrial globe, and holding in his beak a scroll inscribed with the Marine Corps motto “Semper Fidelis” (Ever Faithful)
with the hemisphere superimposed on a foul anchor. The seal is displayed on a scarlet background encircled with a
Navy blue band edged in a gold rope rim and inscribed “Department of the Navy, United States Marine Corps” in gold letters.
Coincident with the approval of this seal by the President, the emblem centered on the seal was adopted in 1955 as
the official Marine Corps Emblem.
Company’s red patch dates back to World War II
By Lance Cpl. Corey A. Blodgett, MCB Camp Butler
Marines with Landing Support Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, have the distinction of
wearing red patches like these, which have their origin from the bloody beaches of World War II.
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan (July 26, 2007) -- People often talk about seeing the ‘warrant officers in training’ or ‘underwater snipers’ on Marine Corps installations — the ones with red cloth sewn into their camouflage trousers and covers.
The red patches are a uniform distinction given to Marines assigned to landing support companies around the Marine
Corps. The tradition of wearing the patches on the utility uniform trousers and cover dates back to World War II, according
to 1st Sgt. Jason N. Perry, the company first sergeant for Landing Support Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd
Marine Logistics Group. During the Pacific island-hopping campaign of the war, commanders had trouble distinguishing
between landing support and infantry Marines on the beaches, Perry said. The mix-up caused confusion that often resulted
in landing support Marines getting thrown on front lines. This led to serious breakdowns in the flow of supplies and gear.
During the Korean War, landing support personnel wore a 1- inch by 1-inch red patch on their cover, a 1-inch by 3-inch
patch on each leg and a 1-inch by 1-inch patch on the back of their utility tops to remedy the problem, he said. The red
patch was taken off the utility tops after the Korean War but continued to be worn on the trousers and cover. Today, the tradition
of wearing the red patches continues and serves as a source of pride for Marines assigned to landing support companies,
said Perry. The patches also make the Marines of Landing Support Company stand out in Garrison as well as in a combat
zone, he said. “I don’t have to look very hard to try and find my Marines,” Perry said. “You look at a crowd of Marines,
and all you see are a bunch of green cammies, but as soon as I see the red patch on the leg or on the cover, I know that
those are my Marines.”
That visible distinction brings with it a certain reputation that the landing support Marines are expected to uphold , said Cpl.
Todd D. Ernst, a squad leader with the company. “Since it makes those who wear it stand out, we have to hold ourselves to
a higher standard,” Ernst said. “We take pride in everything we do, be it work, (physical training) or field day.”
Cpl. James L. Green, a landing support specialist with the company, joked about common misconceptions people not familiar with landing support Marines often have about the meaning of the red patch. “Our dedication is exactly what you would
expect from ‘underwater snipers,’” he joked.But jokes aside, the red patch’s significance means more to landing support
Marines than what most people might realize, Ernst explained. “It’s something that most of us take great pride in wearing,”
he said. “It’s not just a piece of material on our cammies.”
Marine Corps League
Southwest Missouri Detachment #993
Regular Meeting
Date: 12 Jul 2007
NOTES: Ladies Auxiliary Member Mary Lou Webb addressed membership about Semper Fi Night. Member Paul Primas presented Chaplain Glynn photos taken of his ceremony at the Rogersville Senior Center.
GUESTS: Major Johnson, I&I 3/24, Gary Stamper
Meeting called to order by Commandant Atkinson at 1909 hours.
DETACHMENT OFFICERS PRESENT; Commandant Atkinson, SVC Perks, JrVC Webb, Adjutant Flores, Paymaster Dees,
Chaplain Glynn, Sergeant at Arms Hessler were present . Judge Advocate Higginbotham was absent.
Also attending, Past Commandant Nolan Moody
MEMBERSHIP: Gary Stamper
Renewing Members: None
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: June minutes presented in July 2007 newsletter for review. Motion to accept Primas,
2nd Dees, CARRIED by membership.
CORRESPONDENCE: Ozark Public Televisions request for volunteers for auction on Aug 2-15, 3 to 4 hours shifts.
REPORT OF PAYMASTER: Written and oral report was given to members. Advised Commerce Bank account closed and
moved to Liberty Bank. The Springfield Cardinals have paid for games through June 19th. Safety Break monies deposited.
REPORT OF THE CHAPLAIN: Oral report given. Advised Member Joe Thurman is suffering from various ailments, however, he still attends the Mt. Vernon Veteran's Home. Member Keith Davis' wife Audrey, is in the hospital. Flowers to be sent. Advised that Member Paul Primas is also ill.
REPORT OF PAST ACTIVITIES: 1) Safety Break went “pretty good” as all the slots were filled up and everyone showed up for their shifts. Next Safety Break is Aug 31 Sept 3rd. Member Stollfus advised of OTR driver being left behind by his tandem driver. 2) Moody: Night before 4th of July Parade, Coordinator called to ask “you are providing a color guard right?” Plan B was activated which included two Marines folding the colors in the back of a pickup truck. 3) Primas-Pistol Shoot went well. 12 shooters, good time, plenty of food. Perks was high shooter amongst members and Gary Stamper was overall high shooter, trophies were passed out.
REPORT OF UPCOMING ACTIVITIES: 1) Nolan Moody gave an update on open spots for the upcoming Labor Day Weekend Safety Break, and passed out the sign-up sheet. 2) Soda Sale at the Car show in Carthage, MO. Need volunteers to man the trailer. 3) Moody-Veteran's Day Parade on November 10th, need to start planning now. 4) Request ed input on where Detachment would like to have Christmas Dinner. 5) Will order Ka-Bars and sword for the Marine Corps Ball.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1) Increase membership fee to match State and National increases. Motion to increase yearly dues to $30 starting September 2008 by Primas, 2nd Moody, discussion, CARRIED by membership with 2 opposed. 2) Building Committee report TABLED until next month.
NEW BUSINESS: 1) Pyper presented motion 1) to provide drinks during WPNS 3/24 drill weekends 2) Invite I & I staff to Detachment Christmas Party, 2nd Webb, discussion, CARRIED by membership with one abstaining. 2) Primas presented motion to have a Commandant's Team Pistol Shoot with teams consisting of all current MCL members with one being a current or past Commandant., 2nd Moody, discussion, CARRIED by membership. 3) Pyper motion to purchase a sturdy USMC chair, 2nd Primas, CARRIED by membership.
GOOD OF THE LEAGUE: Major Johnson thanked members of the Detachment for support during the Homecoming Festivities. Advised 3/24 went to Hawaii for training. Marine Corps Ball is scheduled for November 3, 2007. Advised 2 wounded Marines, “doing really well” and hope to have them throwing out the first pitch on USMC Night at the Cardinals, Aug 24.
MCL AUXILIARY: Addressed membership about Semper Fi Night and about new cookbooks coming from Weber Grills.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1) Staff meeting 0900 Sat July 14th. 2) SrVC Perks passed around membership roster to confirm addresses 3) Carthage Car Show details were given. 4) Past Commandant Moody has been given the title of Commodore Moody.
Next regular meeting: 09 Aug 2007.
Meeting adjourned at 2028 hours.
Respectfully submitted; 13 July 2007:
Eddie Flores, Adjutant.