News from “Around the Horn”
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Port St. Lucie Monument Dedication April 20th, 2024 honoring all men and women from Florida who gave their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.
My son Michael S. Deem, US Army, his name is on the wall. District 11 VC Mike Deem
January 16, 2024 — The Flagler County Detachment # 876 Marine Corps League received its new Charter renaming the Detachment to 1st Sgt. Burdett W. Loucks, Jr. Detachment 876 Marine Corps League. Wally was a Silver Star Recipient from Vietnam. Presenting the Charter is MCL Department of Florida Commandant Mike Armstrong to Detachment Commandant Frank Arce. In the back is Department SVC John Gionet and in the foreground is Detachment SVC Garrett Decker. The Detachment will be celebrating its 30th anniversary on March 11, 2024. Read 1stSgt Loucks citation here.
Commandant Frank Arce visited Guadalcanal veteran and Life Member Ray Rice to have him sign the new Charter for the 1st Sgt. Burdett W. Loucks, Jr. Detachment 876. The detachment was renamed in honor of Wally, who was a Silver Star recipient from Vietnam. Ray Rice, a long time member of our detachment will be turning 100 in May of this year.
January 27, 2024 — The Professional Development Program travelled to District 3 and held its first-ever “Road Show,” with instruction from Deputy Director Frank Menard, District 3 Vice Commandant Charlie Myers, SVC John Gionet, JVC Barry Brown, and JA (and outgoing Paymaster) Kathleen Potthoff. Strong attendance. Practical guidance. Lively participation. And pizza!
If your District wants to have the same instruction provided to your leaders, get in touch with your District Vice Commandant or the PDP team. Semper Fi!
October 21, 2023 — DoF Officers attending the Jacksonville Detachment #059 Memorial Dedication to the Jacksonville National Cemetery. L-R: PDD Barry Brown, JVC - Steve Eddy, D3AVC - PDD Charlie Myers, D3VC - PDD Bill Nantz, Sgt. at Arms
July 2023 — The monument donated by the Jacksonville Detachment #059 has been put into place at the Jacksonville National Cemetery!
October 17, 2023 — Department Judge Advocate Kathleen Potthoff proves why the Judge Advocate’s word is final. This is what makes a Marine crack a smile!
September 27, 2023 — The General Roy S. Geiger Detachment #1047 participated in “Share Night” at Culver’s of Middleburg, raising funds, awareness, and having a grand & glorious time! The manager eventaully passed a compliment from a customer, fitting the description of a “grey-haired man with glasses.” We’re still trying to figure out whom she meant, as 99% of us fit that profile. :)
August 2023 — National Commandant Johnny Baker congratulating William Kropa member of Captain “Tiger” Mayberrry detachment #658 Daytona Beach, Sgt. G.B. Reasner Jr. Pound #124 Oviedo, on being awarded the BSA Silver Antelope award for outstanding service to scouting. William is also a scouting national committee member of the Marine Corps League.
August 2023 — Your Department of Florida delegation to the 2023 National Convention of the Marine Corps League. Semper Fi!
July 29, 2023 — Director of Professional Development Carlos Rivera (and a host of other Marines) conducted an on-the-road PDP session at St. Petersburg. By the numbers: 5 sessions, 16 attendees, 3 Detachments represented, and a 97% Outstanding rating. Semper Fi, Marines! Learn, Grow, THRIVE!
To find out more or to host a PDP session in your district, visit https://mcldof.org/pdp.
July 4th Weekend — The General Roy S. Geiger Detachment #1047 held its 8th Annual Freedom Pistol Match to raise funds, recruit, compete, and enjoy a little gunpowder aromatherapy. Scott Westervelt (Detachment Past Commandant and Department Junior Past Commandant) took First Place — of course!
June 14, 2023 — Marines of District 9, Department of Florida, attended the City of Cape Coral’s inaugural Flag Day Celebration. Ariel Montero (PFC Paul E Ison Detachment 60), PDD John Castle (District 9 Vice Commandant), DD Frank DeGaetano (ET Brisson Detachment 063), Chet Ograbisz and DD Wayne Bergeron (Charlotte County Detachment 756). Attending but not photographed was PDD Dick Scribner & Kandy Scribner (PFC Paul E Ison Detachment 60).
June 24, 2023 — District 9 Vice Commandant John Castle and Asst DVC Frank Menard held an informative District 9 Meeting in Port Charlotte on Saturday morning, June 24, 2023. Four of the five District Detachments were represented....Paul E Ison #60, ET Brisson #063, GulfCoast #643 and Charlotte County #756. Several Department Officers were also in attendance....Kathleen Potthoff, newly-elected DOF Judge Advocate; Kathy Sheppard, Injured Warriors Fund of Florida President; John Marsh, newly-appointed DOF Adjutant, Don Proto, Florida Pack Watch Dog and Trisha Marsh, DOF Historian
Many topics were discussed from Recruiting new members to retaining current members; Color Guard & Rifle Details; emphasis was on a timely submission of ROIs, Transmittals, and definitely keeping up-to-date on 990s, SunBiz, PLM's, etc; PDP Instruction sessions at Conferences and the new option of offering PDP Classes "on the road"; obstacles Detachments are facing; and a Viet Nam Veteran was "Welcomed Home" at the conclusion of the meeting.
This pic is from back in August at the 2022 National Convention. Pictured here are the hard-working staff of the Department of Florida who worked tirelessly for over a year to host all the events in Daytona Beach.
Everyone here received recognition by National Commandant Johnny Baker, along with varying awards for a job well done.
April 29, 2023 — Marine Dave Klein, Pound Keeper of Pound 377 in Bradenton, has been picked as Veteran of the Year for Manatee County 2023! This is the the float that was in the DeSoto parade that Saturday night in Bradenton. Congratulations and Semper Fi, Marine!
April 2023 — Department Commandant Scott Westervelt visits the South Lake Detachment #1120 to present their Meritorious Unit Citation (Silver) for their outstanding work putting together a top-rate Color Guard for 13 patriotic events so far this year. Semper Fi and Bravo Zulu, Marines!
March 16, 2023 — The General Roy S. Geiger Detachment #1047 participated in “Share Night” at Culver’s in Middleburg, FL. During that time, the Marines and Associate Members of the Geiger Detachment served burgers, cheese curds, and scrumptious frozen custard to customers. For their efforts, Culver’s donated $664.57 as a portion of the night’s proceeds. Many thanks to Associate Member Jack Campbell (far right). Also pictured are Culver’s General Manager, Commandant Dawn Salmons, Culver’s Assistant General Manager, and Marine Don Okuley.
Contact the Geiger Detachment (mclclayfl.org) if you want information on how to get your local Culver’s to allow your Detachment to participate.
March 18, 2023 -- At the Southeast Division Conference Banquet, our own Marine John Gionet was selected as this year's Marine of the Year for the Southeast Division, Marine Corps League. There were 19 nominees from all seven Departments, including four from Florida. Thank you John for bringing such honor and glory to the Department of Florida. We all know how hard you work, and the heart you have for veterans and our Young Marines. We are all very proud of you and hope to congratulate you further this week at our Spring Conference.
December 2022 — Department of Florida Jr. Vice Commandant John Gionet has been inducted into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame! Well done, John! Your commitment to serve over your lifetime are a prime example of representing our beloved Corps and our mighty League! Semper Fidelis and Bravo Zulu!
November 2022 — District 9 Vice Commandant John Castle presents the Legion of Honor of the Chapel of Four Chaplains to associate member Donald Treglown of the E. T. Brisson Detachment #063.
November 2022 — Our very own John Gionet has made the fall edition of Semper Fi Magazine! Well done, Marine! Keep striving. Keep serving.
August 16, 2022 — The Flagler County Detachment 876 MCL bid farewell to their senior vice Commandant Ron Gossard and his wife Carol. He will be missed.
May 29, 2022 — Desoto Detachment Eagle Scout Liaison Bob Fields presented the “Good Citizenship” award on behalf of the Marine Corps League to Collin Butzow and Logan Claybrooke. Both of these young men attained the Scouting Rank of EAGLE. It is a long and arduous trail to achieve this. Congratulations to both of these new EAGLE Scouts.
April 9, 2022 — DOF Commandant Scott Westervelt presenting the plaque for the second place winner of the National League Newsletter Competition to John C Marsh, Sr, Detachment 063 Newsletter Editor — and to Detachment Commandant Gary Nasby. Congratulations, Marine!
March 12, 2022 — ET Brisson Detachment 063, Marine Corps League of Naples, participated in the St Patrick's Parade in Naples.
Please read this official communication from National Commandant Johnny Baker and Toys for Tots Foundation President, LtGen Jim Laster.
February 16, 2022 — Department of Florida Commandant Westervelt receives the SgtMaj Earl Salmons Lifetime Achievement Award. Geiger Detachment Officers are elected, appointed, and installed. Several officers received their Certificates of Graduation for the District 3 Marine Corps League Leadership Course
The Department of Florida attended the funeral of Corporal Duane Dewey, a Medal of Honor Recipient from the Korean War, while he was laid to rest at the Florida National Cemetery.
Honoring Randy Cook
Randy served in the Marine Corps from 1966-1969, and in Vietnam 1967-69. He was wounded Aug 10, 1968. He later joined the US Army in 1976 and retired in 1993 with the rank of Major.
Thank you for your service and dedication to the Marine Corps and to this Great Nation!
January 2022, the winners of the Delong Detachment #1267 Chili Cookoff proudly show off their trophy. The chili must have been hot enough for some Marines to wear shorts.
January 4, 2022 — History in the book of the Marine Corps League in Florida. Christine Short takes command of Oldest City Detachment #383 in St Augustine, Florida. The first female Commandant for the detachment! Semper Fi, Madam Commandant!
December 15, 2021 — Desoto Detachment Commandant, James Grote presents a check for $600.00 to a local mother so that they can go to MCRD Parris Island to see her son graduate from Recruit Training.
December 15, 2021 — Desoto Detachment #588 Bradenton Commandant James Grote presenting a check for $3,957.68 to Cecilia Lewandowski who is the Manatee County Toys for Tots Coordinator. This money was raised by the members of Desoto Detachment #588 for Toys for Tots.
December 11, 2021 — Brevard County Detachment #513 in a Toys for Tots event at the Merritt Island Airport. In Dress Blues Bill Kowalczyk, Danny Garcia & Kimberly Benton. In Red Covers Bob Doyle, Dennis Herring & Vinnie Howard. Newest Member DJ Reed in Red Detachment Shirt
Members of the Brevard County Detachment #513 of Merritt Island, Florida (L-R: Commandant Vinnie Howard, Quartermaster Kimberly Benton, Judge Advocate Carlos Rivera, and Senior Vice Dennis Herring) present a check for $200.00 to fellow Marine, League Member, and host of the Moose Lodge #2073's John Scheithauer at a joint Marine Corps Birthday/Veterans Day gala on 10 November 2021, to raise funds for the families of the 11 Marines, 1 Navy Corpsman, and 1 Army Soldier killed during the Kabul, Afghanistan, evacuation.
October 2021 — Reggie Nealy receives the prestigious Chapel of Four Chaplains Humanitarian Award at the 2021 Department of Florida Fall Conference. Congratulations and Semper Fi!
August 27, 2021 — Marine Bob Fields of Desoto Detachment #588, Bradenton, Florida, presents Carter Matthew Krahnert with the Marine Corps League Good Citizenship Award. Carter attained the Boy Scout rank of Eagle at the Court of Honor, Saturday August 28th, 2021. Achieving this esteemed rank within the Boy Scouts of America is no small task, as it takes the efforts of the individual scout, his troop, his family and the community. Carter is the son of Richard and Mishea Krahnert. Eagle Scouts are the leaders of tomorrow and can be depended upon to accomplish the difficult tasks in life that many others shy away from. Congratulations Carter.
Summer 2021 — Look who made Semper Fi Magazine!
7/17/2021 — New and returning officers who couldn’t make it to the Convention are sworn in by Commandant Scott Westervelt.
06/06/2021 — Newly promoted EAGLE Scouts David Lester, Luke Wilson, and Zachary Jones of Troop 41 in Parrish, Florida, holding their Marine Corps League “Good Citizenship Awards” presented by Bob Fields, Desoto Detachment #588, Eagle Scout Liaison, Bradenton Florida.
On Saturday, June 5, 2021, Jerry Van Hecke, Eagle Scout Liaison & Sr Advisor for ET Brisson Detachment #63, presented a Good Citizenship Certificate & Detachment Challenge Coin to Megan Wolfe the first girl to attain the rank of Eagle Scout in Lee County, FL
Because the program opened in late 2018, Megan had to push through because she was getting close to the age limit of 18. She persevered, and there were no short cuts for her. She did everything every other Scout has done on the journey to becoming an Eagle Scout. Megan had a very busy weekend with her Court of Honor on June 5, and High School graduation on June 6. Megan’s Farther is also an Eagle Scout.
Congratulations to PDD Marc Dunn, the 2020 Pack Dog of the Year for the Department of Florida! The coveted award was presented by past recipients Lou Calleja, Dale Condy, and Mike Stewart at the 2021 Spring Conference. Semper Fi and Woof Woof!
On Monday, March 29, the DeLong Det. 1267's Vietnam War Commemoration Partners held a "Welcome Home Ceremony" on National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Helping facilitate Mission BBQ's restaurant and organizing the event was Danielle Carlson, Community Ambassador for Mission BBQ.
Col. Phillip C. DeLong Detachment #1267
2020 Toys For Tots Results
Fearing a tough road ahead for charities, it was uncertain how well this years Toys For Tots operations would fair. The world was faced with uncertainty in a pandemic, yet this years Toys For Tots campaign proved to be a success. Members of Col. Phillip C. DeLong, Detachment 1267, and in cooperation with South Lake County Detachment 1120, of the Marine Corps League, meet the challenge as Marines do, through strong leadership and Esprit de’ Corps of team work.
Click here for more...
On Saturday, March 27, 2021, The General Roy S. Geiger Detachment #1047 honored our Vietnam veterans and our heroes in a touching tribute to "Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another." Everyone was blessed with a stirring rendition of Old Glory. Our guest speaker was Col. William Byrns, USAF Retired, who flew combat missions in Vietnam and was a prisoner of war for the last ten months of the conflict.
Standing in formation Front row (L-R) Sgt-At-Arms Andy Hefty, Life Member George Smith (who was the guest to lay the wreath at the memorial), Senior Vice Commandant Dawn Salmons, Commandant Ansil Lewis
Back row (L-R) Shelia and Jack Caulkins from the Jacksonville Detachment, District 3 Vice Commandant Barry Brown, Past Commandant Johnny Thomas, Junior Vice Commandant Don Okuley
Not pictured Commandant-Elect Gayward Hendry
Holiday Detachment #567 Toys for Tots Drive 2020. Vernon Trice is the Detachment Commandant & District 4 Vice Commandant.
7/11/2020 — Jacksonville Det. 059 attended Marine Larry Lawson's 103rd Birthday Celebration. Larry is a Guadalcanal & Peleliu Veteran.
Photo: L-R: Commandant Charlie Myers, Judge Advocate Dayton Warfle, Atlantic Coast Young Marines, Larry Lawson, Jim Byrne, Adjutant Lisa Hiering, Sgt-At-Arms Barbara Grissom.
Happy Birthday, Larry! Semper Fi — and thank you for your service to our great Nation and our beloved Corps!
12/4/2020 — The General Roy S. Geiger Detachment #1047 held its Fifth Annual Golf Tournament at Magnolia Point Golf & Country Club. Visit https://mclclayfl.org/golf for more pix and details.
11/07/2020 — Brevard County Detachment #513 celebrated the Corps’ birthday in style. Read about it here…
11/10/2020 — The traditional Birthday Ball for ET Brisson Detachment #063 was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns/restrictions. However, several members attended a USMC Birthday Celebration on Nov 10 at the John F. Murphy American Legion Post #303 in Bonita Springs, FL.
11/7/2020 — General Roy S. Geiger Detachment #1047 had a smaller, more intimate Marine Corps birthday dinner. In keeping with tradition, the various messages from the Commandants were read, and the cake ceremony was held. A great time in a beautiful venue.
11/01/2020 — Department of Florida Chaplain George Wanberg was a speaker at a banquet on Friday, October31, and LtGen Ronald Bailey was the guest speaker for the weekend. General Bailey took the time to visit the Bill Hughes Leatherneck Detachment booth and visit with the Marines. Semper Fi, General! And thank you for your continued service to our great nation and our beloved Corps!