Meets at 7:00PM, the 2nd Thursday of the Month at
The Knights of Columbus Hall, 2340 W Grand, Springfield, Missouri

“THE SHOW-ME NEWS”
June 2007, Volume IX, Number 6

	One of Our Own: Chaplain Ray Glynn LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR PETER KINDER'S SENIOR SERVICE AWARD “There are thousands of Missourians whose lives are touched by the unselfish work and caring hands of volunteering seniors. These acts of kindness go on unnoticed all around us every day. These seniors offer their time and labor back to the community, and I want to bring these stories to the public, so we can all thank them for their work.” Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder

On May 1st, 2007 , Chaplain Ray Glynn met and ate a buffet lunch with Lt. Governor Kinder in Jefferson City , MO. On this day, Chaplain Glynn was acknowledged as being awarded the Senior Service Award. To be considered, Ladies Auxiliary Chaplain and wife, Vickie Glynn, submitted a letter describing the various activities in which Ray has participated. The areas noted included his time with the following:

Church: Ray is a Deacon who besides preparing the facility for services, insists all get a proper greeting and a warm handshake upon arrival. He is the leader of the church convalescence ministry which includes the Christian and James River Health Care Centers , 3-4 hours, twice a week. He visits several residents and at times, gives bible studies.

Senior Center : He volunteers once a week at lunch time and for special occasions, preparing drinks and washing dishes. He has power washed the building, served on the by-laws committee and represented the Senior Center at the Rogersville Chamber of Commerce monthly meetings.

Marine Corps & League: Served 20 years in the Marine Corps to include 2 tours in Viet Nam . Joined the Marine Corps League and was elected Chaplain. Ray helped design sympathy and get well cards to be sent to all League members when appropriate. He designed a card for the Marines preparing for duty in Iraq and sent them to their training facility. He visits members and families in the hospital. He attends wakes of area Fallen Marines. He presents the next of kin a certificate and thanks them for the deceased service. He also visits the Marine residents at the Mt. Vernon Veteran's Home, where he spends 4 to 5 hours a week. He started a program to have towels converted to bibs for the veteran's home and is currently attempting to have this program implemented statewide. He celebrated the Marine Corps Birthday on November 10, at the Veteran's Home with a party that included a cake and a program he designed.

He is a member of the Marine Corps League Memorial Team and Color Guard as the noncommissioned officer in charge. He is responsible for the rifle team at military funerals, Color Guard and flag folding ceremonies around the Ozarks. He has participated in Color Guard Details for Ozarks Technical College , Veteran's Day Ceremonies in Springfield and has marched in parades in both Springfield and Branson. Ray was elected Chaplain for the State of Missouri and is responsible for sending cards for ill Marine Corps League members and families, sympathy cards when needed and also sends notification to the National Marine Corps League when a member has deceased. Ray participated in Marine Corps League street clean up days and picks up trash every week in his neighborhood.

“I just want to tell you how proud I am of my husband and the tireless hours he spends on making his community a better place to live. He requires no recognition and just wants to help others. This is why I took the task of preparing this. He does not like to tell people of his many endeavors. He does it quietly and looks forward to the next task at hand.”

The presentation of the Senior Service Award will occur on June 19th, 1215 hours, at the Rogersville Area Senior Center , 100 N Mill St. , Rogersville , MO. Ray will be presented a proclamation and pin at this ceremony. All members are invited to attend. Congratulations to our Chaplain Ray Glynn on this most deserving honor!!

Marine Honored on Remembrance Day

Amos Bridges News-Leader

Dollar by dollar, check by check, a scholarship fund named for slain local Marine Jesse Harden grew Saturday as veterans and their families celebrated Armed Forces Remembrance Day at American Legion Post 639.

“Today is our birth — this is the first major event we've had,” said Cooper Davis, founder of the Jesse Harden Combat Soldier College Tuition Fund. “Money is starting to come in, and slowly and gradually we will accomplish our goal.”

Harden, a 22-year-old Marine lance corporal preparing for his second tour of duty in Iraq , was killed Dec. 17, 2005 , when an impaired driver fleeing from authorities crashed into Harden's pickup in downtown Springfield . Davis and others involved with the fund hope to create a $250,000 endowment that will allow for annual scholarships to soldiers in the 417 area code who served in Iraq and Afghanistan . About $15,000 has been raised so far, with a portion of the proceeds from Saturday's American Legion event to be added, as well.

Further fundraising events are planned, and groups such as the Christian County aerie of the Fraternal Order of Eagles have “adopted” the fund as a special project this year. “With an endowment such as we're setting up, (Harden's) name will be remembered long after we're gone,” said Davis, whose son, C.J., is an U.S. Army sergeant serving in Iraq . The scholarships will complement money available under the G.I. Bill, Davis said.

Money from the fund will be paid directly to the recipient's university, so G.I. Bill aid can be used for living expenses. Davis said he got the idea for a scholarship fund as he lay awake one night thinking about how to help his son and other soldiers. “I know my son's goal is to come home and continue his education, even though he won't be eligible (to receive a scholarship from the fund) because I'm his dad.”

Harden's mother, Terri McGee of Highlandville, said Davis 's dedication has been amazing. “It's a wonderful thing he's doing,” McGee said. Davis contacted her about six months go, just after she placed a memorial in the newspaper on the first anniversary of her son's death. “When he told me what it was he wanted to do, I just started crying.”

The scholarship fund has helped her cope with her son's absence, she said. “It's created a purpose. That's what has made my life complete from then on.” As he watched a performance Saturday by the Baldknobbers, Wayne McGinnis of Kalleen, Tex., said the scholarship fund is an excellent idea. “It's a shame that a young man has to die to awaken people to the need that's out there,” said McGinnis, in Springfield t visit his grandson. McGinnis, who served in the Marines and Army in Korea and Vietnam, said he was impressed by the American Legion event. “This is magnificent, all these people coming together to honor the veterans.”

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Sen. Claire McCaskill thanked the veterans for their service and promised to work to “keep our promises to veterans.” “There have been times during the past few years where those budgets have been threatened,” McCaskill said, noting that she is working to improve medical care for active soldiers, improve the mental health treatment available for veterans and speed up the disability claims process by adding more workers. With musical performances, games, barbecue and beer, Saturday's celebration allowed families and veterans to show support while having a good time.

It was the first time Hermes Lacea and his wife, Noella, had attended an event at the post. “I have a son who is in the Navy — he's in Iraq right now,” said Hermes Lacea, of Springfield . “I have another son, his twin, who's a Marine ... ”The one who is in Iraq , hopefully in August he will be coming home, God willing.“ Since his sons joined the military, the family tries to show its support whenever it can, he said. ”We are more active now.“

”Semper Fidelis“ is also the title of the official march of the United States Marine Corps, composed by John Philip Sousa in 1889. Sousa was director of the United States Marine Band (”The President's Own“) when a replacement for Hail to the Chief was requested, but later rejected. Sousa considered it to be his ”most musical“ march. It was prominently featured in the movie A Few Good Men. Lyrics to the march were written by Charles Burr and can be found on Wikisource After Sousa's *”Stars and Stripes Forever“* it is considered his best hit On the United States Marine Corps Seal, the eagle of the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem holds a ribbon emblazoned ”Semper Fidelis“.

VFW WASHINGTON UPDATE

1. House Passes FY08 Defense Bill: The House passed the FY08 National Defense Authorization Act by a vote of 397-27. The $503 billion bill passed with several amendments. The Senate is expected to take up its version in June. Highlights of the bill include a 3.5% pay increase for all service members; increases in family support and mental health services for National Guard and Reserve personnel; a Traumatic Brian Injury Initiative to provide technology and treatment opportunities for TBI research; expanding CRSC to include Chapter 61 military retirees with minimum 15 years and 60% VA disability rating; and prohibits any increases in TRICARE and pharmacy fees for service members and retirees.  

2.FY08 VA Budget/Appropriations Update: The House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee's effort to dramatically increase funding for veterans' health care is a major victory for America 's veterans. The fiscal year 2008 legislation, which was marked up by the Subcommittee and now moves to the full Appropriations Committee, includes a record $43.3 billion in discretionary VA funding, which is an historic $6.7 billion increase over last year's funding level. The proposal fully meets the health care budget recommendations the VFW made as part of the Independent Budget. The legislation also provides funding for 1,000 extra disability claims raters to enable VA to manage the growing backlog of claims. It also dramatically increases maintenance and repair funding for VA's aging infrastructure. The VFW commends Subcommittee Chairman Chet Edwards (D-TX) for his leadership in crafting the measure, as well House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt (D-SC), Appropriations Committee Chairman David R. Obey (D-WI), and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) for their leadership in support of additional funding for veterans' programs.

MARINE CORPS LEAGUE AUXILIARY, INC MAY 20007 NEWSLETTER What can I say about the month of April. I'm glad it's over. Hopefully Spring is on the way. As all of you know I lost my Beloved Aunt at the end of March. And your condolences were greatly appreciated. Mary Maloney did a great job with the meeting last month. You ladies covered a lot of ground. Vicki Glynn won the 50/50 and gave us all the proceeds except for what she spent. Thanks Vicki. Bingo night was a lot of fun. We did not have the turnout I would have liked, however Vicki, Priscilla, and I had a great time. We will do this again.

Our Adopt A Vet is up and running. We should be able to go down in June and throw them a party to bring in the 4th of July. Everyone should be sending cards. I look forward to meeting my Vet.
The Springfield Cardinals games are great. We work hard but get to play too. This certainly will bring us together. Happy Birthday to everyone who has had a birthday or has one coming up. Happy Day. May we all be thankful that our Marines are coming home. Have a great month and See ya soon.

Semper Fidelis,
Mickey Dees
Auxiliary President
Southwest Missouri

Follow-up on the Burl Grose Interview featured in the May 2007 issue of the Show-Me News: E-mail from Dr. Julie Johnson, Professor at MSU who has all her students interview veterans as part of her history class.

Eddie,
I thought you and Mr. Grose would appreciate this quote from Kim's final exam:
“Our interview with Mr. Grose was the best history lesson on WWII that I have ever heard. Luckily, Mr. Grose brought a friend, Eddie Flores, who knew what questions to ask to get the most valuable information about the war. Mr. Grose is the perfect portrayal of a Marine during WWII. He explained to us that in order to survive the gruesome battles that he endured, you must keep a positive attitude and have fun whenever possible...” Both Kim and Aaron (the students involved with filming of the interview), quoted Mr. Grose's observation:“Every day is a good day; some days are just better.” They will remember the interview the rest of their lives.
Thank you,
Julie

This is in response to inquires regarding membership renewals:

Due to the many questions regarding the timeliness of receiving membership cards for our annual members we are providing the following information:

1. Renewal notices are sent out from the National headquarters. These renewal notices often do not arrive to the member until the member is already into their final month of paid membership. These notices are not sent from the local detachment and the local detachment has no control over when they are mailed to the members. These notices are sent to the last known address held by the national headquarters. If you have moved expect some delays in getting the notice to your new address.

2. When the member does pay, either by mailing the notice with a check to the detachment paymaster or brings the renewal to the meeting, it starts the renewal process.

3. Once a month a transmittal of new members and renewals is sent to the Department Paymaster (state level). At this point the process is again out of this detachment's control. It is likely that the Department Paymaster in turn sends these renewals off to National in a timely manner -possibly waiting until he has a few detachments renewals to send out at the same time. If there is any problem with a renewal (which seldom happens) Department will return the transmittal to the detachment for corrective action.

4. When Headquarters receives the transmittal from Department, they send out new and renewal cards to the member's address currently on record. The exception to this is that Life Member cards are sent to the Paymaster to be passed to the Commandant for formal presentation at a meeting.

Due to the many steps involved in the process it is not only possible, but likely that members will not have a current membership card in their possession at all times. This does not in any way mean that you are not a member, or that our detachment doesn't value your membership. We have a policy of including all members in all activities, mailings, invitations, and meetings until the member has made clear their intentions not to renew membership. Hopefully this helps clarify some of the misunderstandings on the renewal process.

Ray Dees
Paymaster

Thanks to all members that participated or attended the National Cemetery Memorial Day Service and the Flag Ceremony at VFW Post 3404. A BIG THANKS to all who participated in the Safety Break over the long weekend. Especially to those that dropped by to help out when they found they could squeeze some time in. Your time was greatly appreciated!!

DETACHMENT #993 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

What: Detachment Picnic, “Cajun Boil”
When: June 16 at 1400 hours
Where: Home of Menno Perks, 2879 Warner Rd, Crane, MO 417-369-6101
Directions: From Nixa, West on Hwy 14 to 2nd traffic light (Hwy M/Nicholas Rd), South 7 miles to junction of Hwy M and Hwy U and continue South on Hwy U to deadend (Hwy A). Turn left and go 3 miles to house on right. Name and address on mailbox (2879), will also have Marine Corps flag at end of driveway.

What: MCL Detachment #993 Pistol Shoot
When: June 23, 2007 @ 0830
Where: Andy Dalton Range in Bois D'Arc, MO Range is about 4 miles south of MO highway 160. West of Willard and about 2 miles east of Ash Grove. Take MO 160 to sign on the right side of road turn left then about 4 miles range is on right side.
Who: Open to all with two divisions: League Members and Friends of the League
Cost: $20 person
Safety class at 0830 and will start to shoot no later than 0930. We shoot from 7yards,15 yards and 25yards. Total of 48 shots. Shoot in 6 shots groups. Must have a pistol of 38 caliber or larger and must hold 6 rounds or more. Wheel guns and semi-auto ok. After the shoot, lunch will be provided and trophies will be presented. Last years winner: Menno Perks.
For More Information: Call Paul Primas @ 417-823-7875

Salute to Fallen Comrades, as presented by Dennis Estes, Commander of Veteran's Memorial Team during
ceremonies at the National Cemeteray on Memoral Day 2007.
Today we pause to remember the brave men and women who have given their lives in defense of our nation from the Revolutionary War to the worldwide wars and conflicts of the present time.
The rifle in front of us with the bayonet attached, the helmet and the boots represent those who have given their lives for us.
Today I'm going to give you some numbers of Americans that paid the price with their lives in the last 228 years. These numbers are verified Killed in Action from the Department of Defense records:

War/Battle	Number of confirmed deaths
Revolutionary War	6,284
War of 1812	2,260
Mexican War	2,260
Indian Wars	1,000
Civil Wars	Union 697,511 - Confederacy 134,563
Spanish American War	2,446
WWI	116,708
Korean War	36,940
Vietnam	58,486
Grenada 20	20
USS Stark	36
Persian Gulf War	255
Somalia	44
Afghanistan & Iraq	3,421
TOTAL	1,134.633

May 25, 2007; By Sgt. Beth Zimmerman, New York City Public Affairs
NEW YORK (May 25, 2007) -- New York police and firefighters joined forces with the Marine Corps on Thursday for a two-mile motivational run through the lower east side of Manhattan led by a “wounded warrior.”

The formation included approximately 150 leathernecks from the Camp Lejeune, N.C.-based 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, who were followed by members of the New York City Fire Department and Port Authority and New York police departments. The run ended at the site of the 2001 terrorist attacks and was followed by a brief memorial service for the victims of the attacks. Many of the firefighters, police officers and Marines in the formation were inspired into service following the attacks. For Gunnery Sgt. Angel Barcenas, a double-amputee “wounded warrior” who was invited to New York from Walter Reed Army Medical Center to lead the run, the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center was the first in the series of events that led to Operation Iraqi Freedom. “Gunny Barcenas epitomizes the spirit and courage of [other severely injured service members,” said Al Giordano, deputy executive director and co-founder of Wounded Warrior Project. “It’s typical of their drive and determination to overcome their injuries and move on,” Giordano said. “That's probably my last run in formation with the Marine Corps,” said Barcenas, whose legs were amputated below the knees due to a roadside bomb in Iraq last July. “It's definitely a good way to end it, where it all started.”