September, 2011 NEWSLETTER

TUN TAVERN TEAM

RIP*

Paul Ehline, Myrl Wallace and Linn Wiley have joined the Tun Taven Team to bring us to 26 members. Membership is available for a minimum donation of $100 per year.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE                                      By QUINT VILLANUEVA
This is a heads up message that September is shaping up to be a busy month.
 
This month’s guest speaker will be Sgt Major Samuels.  This presents an opportunity for those present to meet the new Regimental Sgt Major.  His predecessor, Sgt Major Mike Kufchak, gave Samuels briefing on how great our Chapter has been in supporting the 7th….so let’s have a good turnout to show that Sgt Major Kufchak wasn’t blowing  smoke.
 
For those who haven’t attended the past Wounded Warrior BBQ’s, talk to one of the members who have and discover what a great time we have had with these Marines.  We learned from the CO of the detachment that our BBQ’s contribute to the Marines rehab in a significant way.  So put it on your calendar.
 
The Advanced Infantry Staff NCO School of Infantry Graduation is another event that you should put on your list of events to attend.  Our Chapter presents the Mitchell Paige Award to the outstanding member of the class.  Attending the ceremony will give you a chance to visit Camp Pendleton and stir memories of your days gone by in the Corps.
 

SEPTEMBER 15TH MEETING
We will have the pleasure of meeting Sgt.Major Scott Samuels, 7th Marines Regimental Sergeant Major as our guest of honor.  He relieved SgtMajor Mike Kufchak who moved to Camp Pendleton to take over 1st Division Sgt Major duties in May.  As always, luncheon meeting will be held at Desert Falls CC and will begin at 1130.   Reservations (760) 901-5493.
 
WOUNDED WARRIORS BARBECUE, SEPTEMBER 16th
This will be our third barbecue for these Marines.  We will hold it again at Luckie Park in 29 Palms at the large Rotary picnic shelter and will provide everyone with a first class N Y Steak (Choice) prepared by our legendry grill team:  Craig Bevan, Charlie Garbarini and Mike Walker. Plan to arrive 1100 - 1130.
 
One thing that is very important for everyone to remember that when we are with these Marines is to “Avoid the Petting Zoo Syndrome”.  This request comes from the Camp Pendleton Wounded Warrior Regimental Commanding Officer, Col John Mayer.  Treat them as you would other Marines.
 
Again, reservations are necessary since we will bring steaks based upon the RSVP’s.  We will  carpool, so check in if you need a ride.
 
SCHOOL OF INFANTRY GRADUATION, SEPTEMBER 23RD
The next graduation will present the Mitchell Paige awarded to the top SNCO graduating from this class at Camp Pendleton.  We will carpool down for the 1000 ceremony. Afterwards, we will have lunch at a nearby chow hall.  Call Dick Partee for more information and car pooling: (714) 504-6717
 
ANNUAL 7TH MARINES WARRIOR APPRECIATION BBQ
On Saturday, October 15th will be our BIG EVENT of the year. We draw several hundred people including 100 Marines from the 1/7.  We will serve N Y Steaks and all the goodies along with soft drinks and beer.  The event will be held at the same location as last year, Felix Sports Complex just inside the main gate entrance at MCAGCC, 29 Palms.
 
The 1/7 Marines are preparing for their deployment to Afghanistan.  Their training schedule is intensive so having a day off to be with us enjoying a barbecued steak, cold beer and comraderie will be a special day.
 
Please invite your friends and family to join us.  Lunch is only $25 which will help us feed the 100 Marines with us. If you will not be able to attend, please consider a donation to help cover the cost for the Marines. Reservations are mandatory since security clearance will be required for all members and guests.  Invitations will be going out September 2nd.
 
OCTOBER 20th MEETING
LtCol David Bradney, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines will be the guest of honor along with SgtMaj Keith Combs.  They plan to tell us about their final training and preparations for their deployment to Afghanistan in early 2012. Luncheon is at 1130, Desert Falls CC.  Please RSVP.
 
ANNUAL PALM DESERT GOLF CART PARADE, OCTOBER 23RD
This is always one of our fun events of the year.  We will have the 29 Palms Marine Color Guard back again.  The Band will not be with us so we lined up the Palm Springs Pipers. We will have an 8 passenger golf cart decorated with flags and banners to honor our WW II Marines.  The rest of us will walk the ¾ mile parade route on El Paseo from San Luis Rey (west) to Ocotillo Ave (one block east of Rte.74).
 
We will lead off the parade with the Marine Color Guard and The Palm Springs Bag Pipers .  White chapter shirts, red covers and khaki slacks will be the uniform of the day. (No flip flops, Speedos & tank tops).
 
The  BEER GARDEN will be run by the Chapter this year as an OKTOBERFEST  This will be an excellent way to get  community recognition, maybe recruit new members and of course  make some money for the Chapter.  We plan to donate profits from this concession to the Wounded Warriors Battalion at 29 Palms.
 
We will need volunteers to help Charlie Garbarini set up the 20’ x 40’ Beer Garden.  We also will have our lovely wives run the OKTOBERFEST  while we march in the parade from 1300 - 1345. 
 
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE COMING EVENTS
Their fall meeting will be held on September 7th at the Woodhaven Country Club at 1100. LtCol Ted Wong, CO of the Wounded Warrior Battalion will be the guest of honor / speaker.
 
Their annual Marine Corps Birthday Luncheon is set for November 10th at Miracle Springs Spa Hotel, Desert Hot Springs.   LtCol David Bradney, XO, 7th Marines will be the Speaker. Invitations will be sent at the end of September. 
 
NEW CHAPTER
Our members living in Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree and 29 Palms area have been unable to participate in monthly chapter meetings due to the roundtrip drive involved. So, we are adding a chapter in that area which will  attract more members from the retired Marines community there.  Mike Walker has taken the lead on getting this organized.  We will keep you informed of our progress. He also lined up Paul Hoffman to join the chapter.
 
DONATIONS
This is to remind everyone that the Chapter will accept financial donations for the Wounded Warriors and other charities.  All that is necessary is for the donor to specify on his check where the money should go. Donations can also be made through our website.
 
CHAPTER WEBSITE
We will give the website a face lift, which should be done by the end of September.  Use it to find out what is going on and to refer people interested in who we are.    www.1stmardivassocdesertcities.net
 
 
MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA.

SEMPER FIDELIS
Jim Sullivan, Editor
 
Officers & Directors:
Quintin Villanueva, President Richard Partee, Vice Pres.
Jim Sullivan, Sec / Treas.          Carl Brooks, Director      Henry Sanchez, Director