Pikes Peak Detachment March 2020 Newsletter 1

The Pikes Peak Scuttlebutt Pikes Peak Detachment 29

Marine Corps League Detachment Commandant Steve Schwartz

P.O. Box 10536 Colorado Springs, CO 80932-1536 March 2020 Newsletter

Newsletter Editor Terry Crum

2020 Pikes Peak Detachment Officers

Detachment Commandant Steve Schwartz sjschwartz_98@yahoo.com 719-213-1922 Senior Vice Comdt, Web Sgt. Terry Crum colorado.crum@gmail.com 719-432-7340 Junior Vice Commandant Jamie Rogers rogersjes.jr@gmail.com 719-201-0759 Judge Advocate Gary George garyg4812@yahoo.com 719-597-3054 Chaplain Vince Espinoza vjespinoza6978@gmail.com 719-323-5705 Paymaster Peggy Baldwin mclsemperfigal@outlook.com 719-453-7850 Adjutant Paul Reifke preifke@msn.com 719-492-8359 Sgt.-at-Arms Osa Tuck osa@divide.net 719-332-0557 Jr. Past Commandant Paul Hinojosa mclphinojosa@comcast.com 719-313-1752 Quarter Master Russ Miller rcmllr@msn.com 719-235-1058 M.O.D.D. Pound Keeper PDD Terry Crum colorado.crum@gmail.com 719-432-7340

The Pikes Peak Det. Monthly Meeting

21 March 2020 Coffee at 0730

Breakfast at 0800 Meeting at 0900

Breakfast is $10.00

VFW Post 4051 430 E Pikes Peak Ave

Cash Sales will be open

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Downtown Colorado Springs Saturday, 14 March 2020

Staging begins at 1100 – Parade begins at 1200 / noon

Join us for the first parade of 2020. Needed are color guard, wheel walkers, rope handlers, banner carriers. Wear green! Various events are taking place the morning of the parade downtown, please arrive at the staging area after 1100 due to other activities in progress before the parade. Details will be forthcoming as they become available.

Meet our newest members Kathy “Mayah” Bennet

2019 Associate of the Year Donna Rae Smith 2019 Marine of the Year Peggy Baldwin

Pikes Peak Detachment March 2020 Newsletter 2

Commandant Steve Schwartz March Greetings to Everyone!! Thank you to everyone who was able to attend our February meeting. We had 44 attendees. I hope to see all of you (and hopefully more) in just a few weeks. Thanks also to our newest member, Kathy “Mayah” Bennett. I hope you are able to join us in our Detachment activities welcome to our family. I also want to thank Richard Munoz who joined us as a guest and as a representative of the Pikes Peak National Cemetery. Thanks to everyone who is able to participate in the St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 14 and also to those who were able to attend the memorial services for Donald Stratton on February 29, a U.S.S. Arizona survivor who recently passed away.

On February 26 I attended the monthly meeting of the Colorado Springs Veterans Council and presented our annual dues of $130. Detachment Judge Advocate Gary George and Larry Hathaway were there as well. We had 10 members attend the recent Department meeting in Aurora. I believe a good time was had by all. The meeting was very informative. The chili was good and plentiful! As I said, I'm looking forward to another great March meeting so until then watch out for those darn snow squalls and stay warm. Semper Fidelis, Steve

Senior Vice Commandant Terry Crum Greetings motivated Marines, dedicated FMF Corpsmen, and outstanding associate members. This newsletter you are reading details many of the chances to get involved with the finest Detachment in the Marine Corps League. I hope you will be inspired to try something new and grow in your involvement in the Marine Corps League. A very moving funeral service at Rocky Mountain Calvary Church was held for USS Arizona survivor Donald Stratton, one of the remaining USS Arizona crew members who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. Many attended the service including the acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly, Senator Cory Gardner, representatives of the Police and Fire Departments, countless veterans and active duty services members. The following members of the Pikes Peak Detachment were present: Pat Carty, Terry and Theresa Crum, Peggy Baldwin, and Larry Hathaway. The numbers of casualties on board the USS Arizona was 1,177 which included 71 Marines. Patrick Hyland “Pat” is currently staying at the Genesis Assisted Living facility. John Kowall recently visited him and reported that Pat is weak, has lost a lot of weight, unable to walk, would rather be home, but still alert and in “good spirits”. Pat misses working Fridays at the Marion House Soup Kitchen with Dick McGee and John Kowall. Please keep Pat in your prayers. Pat would love company and you can visit him at the Genesis Assisted Living facility - Cheyenne Mountain Care Center 835 Tenderfoot Hill Rd. Room 807. Enter the building through the main entrance from the parking lot. Please keep all of our members who are sick or in distress in your thoughts and prayers. On the following page you will find an open letter to the Detachment from Chaplain Vince Espinoza. Please read and keep Vince and his family in your heart during these difficult times. Thanks go to Pat Carty for agreeing to serve as the ad interim Detachment Chaplain. Pat has served as the Detachment Chaplain for a number of years and currently serves as the Rocky Mountain Division Chaplain. He knows the ropes; however, he is battling his own physical ailments and needs your prayers as he takes on this important job. God bless all the members of our Marine Corps League family, the members of our brave armed forces, and the United States of America. Semper Fidelis. Terry

Terry Crum and Steve Schwartz with Don Stratton

at the 2018 Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony.

Funeral service was held for USS Arizona survivor Donald Stratton at Rocky Mountain Calvary Church

Pikes Peak Detachment March 2020 Newsletter 3

An Open Letter from Chaplain Vince Espinoza

Hello my fellow comrades and sisters, This is Chaplain Espinoza and I’m reaching out to let you know my situation with my health. I met with my doctors and they all came to the conclusion with my rare blood cancer. My red blood cells are off the charts and climbing and no matter what I do, it keeps climbing. No doctors will operate on me. They say if they open me up, it will spread everywhere in my body. So far it has been detected in my thyroid and esophagus. The doctors asked me to get my family and myself counseling in preparation for the worst. I have played a roll that I’m good, but day by day that role is getting harder to play. I feel like I have been given a death sentence. The doctors are saying 3 years tops for me... I’m a fighter and will give it my best fight. At this moment, I feel I need to step down from the league. It isn’t fair that I will be missing so much and cannot do a job that I really want to do and achieve. I love all of you, for you are all my brothers and sisters for what we stand! I wish the best for the league and my prayers are with all you. Semper fi for you are my family from other mothers. I can’t thank you enough for all your hospitality and prayers. I thank those who have I seen the eyes of God and give you praise. Steve and Cathy Schwartz , Russ and Carmela Miller, Joe Martinez, Pat Thompson, Paul Hinojosa, Bear Barrera, Pat and Judy Carty, Denise Wickersheim, Ron Asmussen, Dick, Hank Hankins and family, the Baty’s, Terry and Theresa Crum, Gary and Karen George, Peggy Baldwin, Melvin Postlewait, Paul Darrow, Doc Milton, Richard, Jaime and Elaine Rogers, Bob and Helen Hill. I cannot remember all the names but you know who you are.... God Bless and I enjoyed all your company and times we had together.... Chaplain Vincent Espinoza P.S. Remain the best detachment and Semper Fi

Paymaster Peggy Baldwin There are still some members that have not paid their annual membership of $36. You can mail a check to the address at the top of this newsletter or you can pay by cash, check or card at the next meeting. A big thank you to members that have already paid their dues. Please consider purchasing a life membership. Russ Miller has informed us that National is talking about increasing the cost of life memberships soon. Now is the time to purchase one before prices go up. You must be a member in good standing. Schedule for life membership

Age 0 - 35 36 - 50 51 - 64 65 - Over Amount $500 $400 $300 $200

Semper Fi, Peggy Baldwin

Luncheon for WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War Veterans

This event is intended for the veterans of WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. All red blooded Americans are welcome to show support for our countries senior warriors. A guest speaker is often present to inspire and inform. The patriotism is genuine, the company is friendly, and the food is great. The next luncheon is 10 Mar.

Pikes Peak Detachment March 2020 Newsletter 4

KARNIVOROUS KANINES OF POUND 150 Pound Keeper PDD Terry Crum

Woof, Woof, to all you dogs of the Karnivorous Kanines and to all that happen upon these deliberations! Any day’s a good day to be a dog. A loud woof of joy for DD Ron Asmussen for passing his initiation and being promoted to his current rank of Devil Dog during the recent Growl of the Pack. Such joy it is to witness a Pup grow up. The next Growl of the Karnivorous Kanines of Pound 150 will take place 18 April 2020 at 1700 (5pm) at the Black-eyed pea Restaurant 887 N Academy Blvd. This is a casual Growl and spouses are welcome. The last two Growls of the Pound during my tenure as Pound Keeper will take place after the Pikes Peak Detachment monthly meetings in June and September. Both of these Growls will be more orthodox Growls adhering to the training and fining of dogs of all ranks. Woof - Woof. Please remember that every dog is a potential dog catcher. We always want more dogs for our Pound. Semper Woof, PDD Terry

Ladies Luncheon The Pikes Peak Det. ladies luncheon is the third Tuesday of every month.

March 17, 2020 at 1:00 pm

This month luncheon will be hosted by Judy Carty at her home 2805 Avondale Dr 80917 I’m making a pot of chili. So bring things that go with chili. Salad, bread, dessert, wine. Just ideas. RSVP to me 719 331-2763 or text. Judy

Pack Dog Robber Peggy Baldwin Ron Asmussen being sworn in to his current rank of Devil Dogs. Woof Woof!

Popcorn Sales at the VA Clinic 3141 Centennial Blvd, Colorado Springs

0900-1500 every Monday and Wednesday

Please consider helping sell popcorn.

45th Annual Territory Days Cash Sales needs your support!

May 23-25, 2020 Old Colorado City

Colorado Ave. between 23rd & 27th St, Colorado Springs, CO

Please consider helping man the Detachment cash sales booth.

Pikes Peak Detachment March 2020 Newsletter 5

Quartermaster Russ Miller

As we gear up to start our cash sales events for the summer, I want to again thank everyone that came out and volunteered at the many events we did last year. Territory Days, Car Shows, Salute to American Veterans POW/MIA Rally were all a lot of fun and we brought in a lot of money for our various programs. I also want to give a special shout out to Marine Steve Peterson who came all the way from Arizona to help us again this past year and to Marine Craig Reeling, who was in the area from Maryland on business for a couple months and jumped into the fray every chance he got. Craig spent time not only with our detachment, but also with Home of Heroes Det in Pueblo and Royal Gorge Det in Canon City. I just returned from the Marine Corps League’s Mid-Winter Conference in Norfolk VA this past week where we received several briefings on the new MCL Database. This has been a long time coming and I was very excited at all that it will allow our Paymaster to do in better tracking our membership’s dues, contact information, and so much more. Marine Craig Reeling gave a great class on branding your detachment, and no, not the kind of branding we do in Colorado, but rather ways of getting our name and programs into the public eye. I was very pleased to see a picture of our Ship’s Store set-up in Cripple Creek as well as other references to our website in his PowerPoint presentation. Craig also spent some time covering the Leadership School that many detachments back east use to educate new members on the League, i.e., officer positions, correct wearing of MCL uniform, etc… I know that his head is already swelled up pretty big to begin with, but I want to say once again; Thank You! to Marine Garry “The Gunny” Gibson, for the many ways that he helped our detachment when he was here in the Springs. I was approached numerous times at Mid-Winter by some on the MCL side and MODD Side of the house to say that Garry had shared with them at past conventions the methods he had implemented in our detachment as our Quartermaster with the Ship’s Store, and as our Junior/Senior Vice/Commandant regarding recruiting, and how that information had so greatly helped them. In the end, we may not have a huge detachment, but we are an effective one and I am very proud of all, that together, we are able to accomplish. Don’t forget to call me to volunteer for a shift at Territory Days coming up on 23-25 May 2020. Semper Fi, Russ

15 February 2020 Pikes Peak Detachment Monthly Meeting Minutes Commandant Steve Schwartz opened the December monthly meeting of the Marine Corps League Pikes Peak Detachment for official business at VFW #4051 Post at 0900 with Salute to Colors and opening prayer. All Detachment officers were present except for Quartermaster Russ Miller, Chaplain Vince Espinoza, Adjutant Paul Reifke. All Excused. Recognition of Dignitaries: Pat Carty Rocky Mountain Division Chaplain An open letter from Chaplain Vince Espinoza was read by Commandant Steve Schwartz. Vince has resigned his post as Detachment Chaplain due to health issues. Due to his cancer diagnosis he was given a prognosis of 3 yrs. Steve mentioned he himself was given 5 years and that was 10 years ago. Nothing is impossible, the League will continue to offer help where able.

Guests and Applications for Membership; Kathy Bennet “Mayah” (USMC, 1st time visit) Rich and Leticia Munoz (USMC, Pikes Peak National Cemetery) The Detachment voted to accept Kathy Bennet as a Detachment member pending verification of DD214 and submission of an application. The motion carried.

Correspondences: Thank you letter/card from: Christmas Unlimited for $100.00 gift and USMC Memorial Foundation, $500.00 gift Report of the Paymaster: Peggy Baldwin – Financial report available at office table and by request via email, as well as the current member roster. Report of the Chaplain; RMD Chaplain Pat Carty reporting Vince Espinoza – cancer prognosis. Larry Ehlinger – surgery went well. Bonny Rudolph – surgery went well Melvin & Jackie Postlewait - Car accident, Jackie injured Funerals: Don Williams, Don Mariani (Christmas Unlimited)

Report of Officers Commandant: Steve Schwartz Ladies Luncheon at Theresa’s home; 1 pm on February 18 Bob & Helen Hill celebrate their 69th anniversary on February 16 Awards Presentation Marine of the Year 2019: Peggy Baldwin (Outstanding service, keeps Steve on his toes, American Legion service) Associate of the Year 2019: Donna Rae Reitzel Smith (Organized gift baskets for Marine Corps Birthday Ball, League cash sales at American Legion, very involved)

Pikes Peak Detachment March 2020 Newsletter 6

Who is attending the Department Convention May1-3? Scholarship Luncheon - $25 Banquet - $40. Hosted by the Broomfield Detachment. The more delegates for PPMCL the better. There’s a $5 registration fee (traditional covered by the detachment), please let us know if you’d like attend.

Senior Vice Commandant: Terry Crum CO Dept. staff meeting 22 February, hosted by the Windsor Marines of Denver. Open to all members. A Dept Growl will follow. To carpool/caravan, please meet at the Park & Ride at Woodmen x I25 at 0915. The caravan departs at 0930. Sat 2/22. 11 am Meet/Greet. Lunch, 12pm Meeting, 1pm Growl

Junior Vice Commandant: Jamie Rogers. St Patrick’s Day Parade update. Sat 14 March, 12pm. Line up likely 11am, location TBD. Traditionally meet for breakfast prior at the Western Omelette, time TBD. We don’t have a placement number yet, watch your email for further details. Color Guard will wear digital cammies. Regulation haircut. We’d love new members to add to the team. Territory Days, May 23-25. We need help with cash sales. Regular volunteers will need breaks as they are usually there the entire day. The Pikes Peak National Cemetery will have their annual Memorial Ceremony. Will also need volunteers to represent the MCL there. Judge Advocate: NSTR Junior Past Commandant: Paul Hinojosa NSTR Quartermaster: Russ Miller NSTR Sgt. at Arms: Osa Tuck NSTR Adjutant: Paul Reifke NSTR M.O.D.D.: PDD Terry Crum The next Pack growl is Saturday, Feb 22nd. Any Pups wanting to advance to Devil Dog need to attend a Pack growl. Must have been a Pup for one year. Next Pound growl is April 18, 1700 at the Black-Eyed Pea on Academy. Spouses are welcome. Report of Standing Committees: NSTR Report of Special Committees: Report of the Scholarship Committee. Accepting applications for the 202 scholarship. Unfinished Business: NSTR New Business: Commandant Schwartz talked about the Detachment selling Colorado Springs as the location for the 2020 National convention. Members are needed to attend the 2020 convention in Daytona to man a table to advertise Colorado Springs.

The Paymaster will make the following motions: Transfer $1000 to the Scholarship fund. 2nd by Roger Baty, approved. Transfer $1000 to the Marines Helping Marines fund. 2nd by Osa Tuck, approved. $250 to Bobby Hankins for gas and for maintaining the fire truck. 2nd by Osa Tuck, approved. $100 to the Department of Colorado Scholarship Fund. 2nd by Roger Baty, approved.

Good of the League: Larry Hathaway – The Honor Bell will have a Dine & Donate fundraiser at the Texas Roadhouse restaurant, Saturday Feb 22 11-3pm. Followed by an Open House at the Swan Law Funeral Home. Carmella – Reminder to sign up to serve Popcorn at the Colorado Springs VA Clinic.

Announcements: 50/50 Drawing: The 50/50 raffle was held. Collected $99.00; $49.50 to winner Roger Baty who donated his winnings to the Marines Helping Marines fund. Commandant Steve Schwartz closed the Feb Detachment meeting at 1000. The next meeting will take place 21 March 2020 Respectfully Submitted, Carmella Miller

Obituary Charles “Don” Williams

March 13, 1948 - November 21, 2019. Charles “Don” Williams was born March 13, 1948 in Huntsville, Texas. He passed from this life on November 21, 2019. Don spent most of his life in the Houston area. Where he attended and graduated from Texas A&M University. Don then served in the United States Marine Corps for four years, serving in Vietnam. Don returned to the Huntsville area serving as a sergeant for the Huston Police Department for 25 years. Don then took a position as a police investigation in San Diego, California. A position he held for many years before becoming the commissioner for police oversight in Riverside, California. In 2008 he and his wife Jean moved to Colorado Springs, CO. where Don joined the transportation department as a bus driver, a position he enjoyed. Don is survived by Jean his lovely wife of 35 years, two sons (Paul and Colton) and one daughter (Marie). Don is also survived by his father Charles of Springs, Texas and many friends. He was preceded in death by his younger brother Tommy.