“MAIL CALL”

Gen. Larry Oppenheimer Detachment, Marine Corps League Overland Park, KS

Commandant Mike DeBauche Volume 8 Issue 7, July, 2009 Commandant’s Message It’s been a busy month for the detachment since the last news letter. The picnic was a huge success, despite a little interference from Mother Nature. Thanks to all who attended, and especially to those Marines responsible for organizing, cooking, and serving the event. We also participated in several other events where the Marine Corps League was very well represented. Our detachment was present for the Flags of Freedom, the Wounded Warriors event, and the presentat- ion of a National award to the New Century Young Marines. Kudos to all of the Marines who participat- ed in these events. I am still looking for volunteers for the Community Activities Committee. If you are willing to volunteer, please let me know. Semper Fi Calendar Our next meeting is Wednesday, July 22nd, from 1900, at our usual meeting place: American Legion Post 370, 6521 Nieman Rd. in Shawnee. Good of the League On June 24th, we welcomed new member, Marine Brian Keith, who served for 3 years in the 1950’s in Morocco and West Germany. On July 9th, 3 of our members took part in the Living History Series event, highlighting the sacrifices made by Marines to secure Iwo Jima. The event took place at The Trailside Center in Kansas City, MO. Our member, Marine Ed Boswell, a veteran of Iwo, was one of the main speakers. A full house of 140 – 150 people were in attendance. On July 11th, several of our members and wives assisted in the Wounded Warriors Welcome of U.S. Army forces, who came from Ft. Riley and enjoyed an appreciation picnic at the American Legion Post on 75th Street, and later were recognized at the T-Bones ball game out near the Legends. A big Thank You to each member and wife who supported this worthy effort. Our unit is promoting a “Marine Corps League/Wheat State Pizza Toys 4 Tots in July” event. Each Wednesday in July, from 1100 - 2030, patrons will receive 15% off a pizza order, with a donation of a new, unwrapped toy. The participating stores are at 612 North 5th St. in Kansas City, KS and 8039 Santa Fe Dr. in Overland Park.

Another site of interest to Marines is www.patriotfiles.com, where over 800 Marines from Kansas is listed. This is another excellent recruiting tool. Also, check out youngmarines.com. Sick and Distressed Marine Paul Cummings is home, recovering from a stroke. His wife, Jeanie, reports that Paul lost his Speech, but is recovering remarkably well. Cards may be sent to Paul at 1941 E. Frontier Lane, Olathe, KS 66062-2344. Marine Don Ingram’s eyesight is failing fast. Cards may be sent to Don at 4651 Oak Grove Ct., Kansas City, KS 66106-3666, or he may be called at 913/831-0243. Don has been receiving treatment at a VA Facility in Nebraska. We have recently learned that Don has been passing out at times. Marine Bob Callahan is at the Indian Creek Healthcare Center, Rm. 102 A, 6515 West 103rd St. in Overland Park, KS 66212. You may call 913/642-5545 and ask for his room. Marine Jim Welchert is recovering from a bleeding ulcer. Cards may be sent to Jim at P.O. 154, Gardner, KS 66030-0154. He may be called at 913/856-8980 or sent an email at jamesw858@aol.com.

Marine Hunt is at The Manor of Grace Gardens, Room 222, 5201 West 143rd St., Leawood, KS. 66224. Bob is doing very well, and cards may be sent to him here, or you may call the office at 913/685-4800.

Marine Nancy Pendleton Spoor will greatly appreciate calls (913/381-1833) and cards sent to her at 7628 Conser, Overland Park, KS 66204. Nancy is doing much better. Marine Earl Alderson is getting around on a wheelchair and a walker at the Shawnee Gardens Nursing home, 6416 Long, Shawnee, KS 66216. Earl’s in room 118-A. Please send cards. Earl is doing OK.

Please convey info. on sick and distressed to Chaplain Reyes at 913/432-3688. Marines in Need Any member who is aware of someone in need is asked to first submit a request in writing to Marine Pat O’Malley of our Financial Assistance Review Committee, including a statement of the purpose, a cost estimate and the time period. Pat’s email is ksirish@yahoo.com, his address is 12412 Flint, Overland Park, KS 66213-2120. There were no Marines in need this past month. Luis Romero Scholarships for 2009 This year, at our June 24th meeting, 2 $500 Master Sgt. Luis Romero Scholarships were presented to Bridget K. Audley and Derek M. Sands. Congratulations to these fine young adults! Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation The Bikers for Heroes Poker Run will be held on Sunday, July 19th and commence at 1100 at Famous Sam’s in Shawnee. The cost is $20/person, which includes a t-shirt and a meal. There will be prizes of $300, $200, and $100. There is still a need for raffle items, including gift cards of $20 or more. If you’re

placing the announcement cards on motorcycles, please place them only under the leather straps, or under the cables at the controls. We are also gearing up for our 2009 Golf Tournament, which will be held on Monday, September 21st at St. Andrews in Overland Park. Hole sponsorships are still needed. There will again be two flights, with the morning flight commencing at 0730 and the afternoon flight at 1330. Sponsors are also needed for the putting contest. Young Marines On July 15th, 7 of our members assisted in honoring The New Century Young Marines of Gardner. At this event, which took place at American Legion Post 19 in Gardner, our detachment members presented the Marine Corps League Commendation Award, signed by Michael B. Kessler, Executive Director of the Young Marines of the Marine Corps League. Congratulations to Marine James Welcher, who heads up The New Century Young Marines, and his staff, for a great job! Commandant Mike De Bauche is our liaison with this Young Marine unit. Parades, Ceremonies, and our Color Guard Our Color Guard, along with Bugler, Marine Gary Canant, took part in the opening ceremony on June 28th, and the closing ceremony on July 4th, for the Fields of Freedom display of flags in Merriam and Shawnee. At least 11 members of our unit were present on July 4th. Marine Steve Thomas has taken over the duties of being in charge of our Color Guard. We are deeply grateful to Marine J.O. Smith who had this duty from the very beginning of our Det. Well done, Marine! Any member who can devote time to the Color Guard, please contact Steve at 913/764-3901, or at Sthomas-mega@sbcglobal.net. Our next parade participation will be the Old Settler’s Day Parade in Olathe on Saturday, Sept. 12th, with form-up at 1000 hours. More details will be forthcoming. On Saturday, Sept. 19th, VFW Post 7397 in Lenexa, will honor Marine Lance Corporal Kurt Elton La Plant, a native of Lenexa, whose remains were recovered in Vietnam in 2007. We’ll have much More extensive coverage on L/Cpl. La Plant and the ceremony, in our August issue. Other items To have items sewn on to your covers and shirts, contact Marsha Davey at 913/268-1017 (10409 W 53rd St. in Shawnee); to have alterations done on your dress blues, contact Louise Bland at 913/831-4647 (10149 Edelweiss Circle in Merriam – near 75th & Switzer). Marine Hinrichs is soliciting ideas to enhance our website – www.mclopks.org – Submit These to Rick at Rhinrichs@kc.rr.com, ph. 913/648-1029. Websites & Email The website of the Marine Corps League on the National level is http://www.mcleague.org and our Detachment’s website is www.mclopks.org. Anyone receiving a paper newsletter, but has email, please email our Adjutant at www.bdclint@sbcglobal.net with the subject of “email newsletter”. Thanks.

This newsletter was printed by Marines Clinton & Marsolek