MCL Newsletter Mar Apr 2012

March & April 2012

Vol. 10 No. 02

Commandant: Antonio Gutierrez

Editor: Joe Motes

Visit our website: WWW.TAMARACMCL.US

VETERANS HELPING VETERANSL

Roster of Officers and Committee Chairperson 2009-2010 Tony Gutierrez Joe Motes Louis Gewirtz Jacob Joseph Mirsky John Palermo Dale MacCutcheon Jim Ruggiero Herman Finkelstein Trevor Wharton Adam Falise Adam Falise open open Cliff Handerhan open Angelo Noberto open Tony Gutierrez Joe Motes Joe Motes Joe Motes open

Commandant Sr. Vice Commandant Jr. Vice Commandant Judge Advocate Jr. Past Commandant Adjutant Paymaster Chaplain Historian Youth Activities Sgt at Arms Public Relations Fund Raiser VAVS Representative VAVS Deputy Color Sgt Veteran’s Coalition Toys for Tots Ship Store Webmaster Roll Call Editor Veteran’s Service Officer

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

954-448-1613 954-441-8735 918-288-4525 561-488-1167 561-716-2334 561-487-1099 561-908-1765 954-972-5843 954-270-3029 954-290-7408 954-290-7408 ——— ______ 954-721-7511 ——— 954-683-8525 ——— 954-448-1613 954-441-8735 954-441-8735 954-441-8735 ———

——— [email protected]

[email protected] [email protected] ——— [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] ——— ——— [email protected] ——— ——— ——— [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] ——— 03-05

A COMMITTEE REPORT IS REQUESTED AT EVERY MEETING!

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From the Commandant I would like to remind everyone that our next two meetings will be very important as we have begun our nomination procedures for our slate of officers for our upcoming year. These are the Marines who will be leading our Detachment in 20222013. Our current staff have all been nominated for reelection along with other members of the Detachment for Jr. Vice Commandant Adam Falise and Judge Advocate Lou Annacone thus far. Nominations will be open again at our March meeting and again at our April meeting at which time elections will be held. Your presence and votes will be needed so please try and make it to these meetings. If You are interested in becoming active and serving in any of the appointed officer positions now would be the time to step up and let the Detachment members know. Our Detachment will be at Work collecting donations for our Troop Care Package Program March 17th and 18th after each mass at Our Lady of Lords on Lyons Rd. just south of Palmetto Park Rd. in Boca Raton. Please attend meeting whenever possible. Patronize our advertisers and Everyone is a Recruiter.

Tony Gutierrez Commandant This Month in History 17 March 1967: The first woman Marine to report to Vietnam for duty, Master Sergeant Barbara J. Dulinsky, began her 18hour flight to Bien Hoa, 30 miles north of Saigon. MSgt Dulinsky and the other officer and enlisted Women Marines that followed were assigned to the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) based in Saigon. Most worked with the Marine Corps Personnel Section providing administrative support to Marines assigned as far north as the DMZ, but two Lieutenant Colonels, Ruth Reinholz and Ruth O'Holleran, served as historians with the Military History Branch, Secretary Joint Staff, MACV. 31 March 1801: On this date, LtCol Commandant William W. Burrows rode with President Thomas Jefferson to look for "a proper place to fix the Marine Barracks on." President Jefferson was a personal friend of the Commandant, and deeply interested in the welfare of the Corps and accompanied Burrows on horseback on the morning of 31 March. They chose a square in Southeast Washington, bounded by 8th and 9th streets, and 8th & I streets, because it lay near the Navy Yard and was within easy marching distance of the Capitol. 27 April 1805: First Lieutenant Presley N. O'Bannon, who with seven other Marines was part of a force of Greeks and Arabs led by American Consul William Eaton, raised the United States flag for the first time over a conquered fortress of the Old World at Derne, a stronghold of the Tripolitan pirates. Two Marines were killed and one wounded in the assault on the walled city. 10 April 1959: Lieutenant Colonel John H. Glenn, Jr. was named as one of the original seven Project Mercury astronauts selected for space training. The seven astronauts, all volunteers, were selected by NASA from an initial group of 110 leading military test pilots. Three years later, on 20 February 1962, Col Glenn would become the first American to orbit the Earth. 15 April 1962: Marine Corps operational involvement in the Vietnam War began on Palm Sunday when HMM-362 with its Sikorsky UH-34s arrived at Soc Trang in the Delta south of Saigon. The task unit was called "Shufly" and its first operational employment involved lifting Vietnamese troops into battle.



The Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Founded in 1946 to provide for our nation's veterans while they are cared for by VA health care facilities. One of the largest centralized volunteer programs in the Federal government, over 350 organizations support VAVS. Volunteers have provided over 676 million hours of service since 1946.

Community Assistance Assist veteran patients by augmenting staff with end-of-life care programs, foster care, community-based volunteer programs, hospital wards, nursing homes, and veteran outreach centers.

Contributions Annual contributions over $50 million in gifts and donations. Volunteers contributed more than 13 million hours of service to veterans in FY2005. VAVS volunteers are a priceless asset to America's veterans and to VA.

How do I sign up to be a VAVS Volunteer? You have two convenient ways: 1) Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs facility nearest you. Ask for Voluntary Service. Tell their staff of your interest in becoming a VAVS Volunteer. The staff will take care of everything else including your interview, orientation, and assignment! Locate the VA facility nearest to you. 2) Or Volunteer NOW at the following website: www.volunteer.va.gov

MEMBERSHIP DUES

2012 Life Member Dues rated by age as follows:

New members pay $50.00 for the first year. Renewal Dues $45.00 per year.

1974 and after — 1959 to 1973 — 1949 to 1958 — Before 1948 —

You must be a MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING in order to be eligible for Life Membership.

$500.00 $400.00 $300.00 $150.00

The following members dues due, the please bring Fill are outnow andpast submit form. Someone local VAVS Please from check your this section periodically to see when your dues your membership up to date. are up for renewals. Thank You! office will contact you with additional information. Renewals are $45.00. Thank You for your participation and cooperation.

If you have already paid, Please ignore this notice.

Mar 2012 Renewals ——————

Apr 2012 Renewals ——————

May2012 Renewals ——————

Jeff Morgan

Carrie Novak

Trevor Wharton



UPCOMING DET 755 MEETINGS & EVENTS

Next Growl Dates for Pound 192:

MARCH 21 — EXCECUTIVE MEETING 6:30PM REGULAR MEETING 7:30PM APRIL 18 — EXCECUTIVE MEETING 6:30PM REGULAR MEETING 7:30PM

Thursday April 26, 2012

MAY 16 — EXCECUTIVE MEETING 6:30PM REGULAR MEETING 7:30PM

Location 142

JUNE 20 — EXCECUTIVE MEETING 6:30PM REGULAR MEETING 7:30PM

Thursday July 26, 2012

JULY 18 — EXCECUTIVE MEETING 6:30PM REGULAR MEETING 7:30PM

Location TBA

Thursday October 25, 2012

AUGUST 15 — EXCECUTIVE MEETING 6:30PM REGULAR MEETING 7:30PM

Location TBA

In Loving Memory of Wayne Colbert Son of Gerry Colbert USMC Life Member at Large MCL



APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP MARINE CORPS LEAGUE Name _____________________________________________________________________ Street _____________________________________________________________________ City _________________________________________ State ______ Zip _______________ Date of Birth ____ / ____ / ____ Date of Enlistment/Commissioning ________________ Date of Discharge/Separation/ Retirement ___________ SSN# _______________________ Type of Application - ( ) Renewal - ( ) Associate - ( ) Regular - ( ) Phone (______ ) ______________________ ( ) I hereby apply for membership in the _Tamarac Detachment 755_ Marine Corps League and enclose _$50.00_ for one year’s membership.* -OR( ) I hereby apply for membership in the Marine Corps League as a Member-at-Large, and enclose $25.00 for one year’s membership.* * Includes free subscription to MARINE CORPS LEAGUE MAGAZINE

FROM YOUR ADJUTANT Please include your Date of Birth & Extended four-digit zip code on all membership renewals. This is now a requirement from National Headquarters. Remit your dues to the Detachment Adjutant at our P.O. Box Address:

I hereby certify I have served as a U.S.Marine for more than 90 days, that the character of my service has been honorable, and if discharged, I am in receipt of an honorable discharge. By signature on this application, I hereby agree to provide proof of honorable discharge/service upon request. __________________________________________ (Sponsor—where applicable)

Post Office Box 26023 Tamarac, Fl. 33320-6023

________________________________________ Applicant’s Signature

Upon completion turn in to your detachment sponsor with your payment

GET INVOLVED! We look forward to meeting our new members at our regular monthly meetings. We are always seeking new members. If you don’t have a blank membership application, you will be fined one dollar to benefit youth activity programs.

We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the American Legion Post #157, 1791 Mears Parkway Margate, Florida.

The meetings start at 1930.

Mears Pkwy

Editors Note: If you find an error in this publication, please feel free to bring it to my attention. I will be happy to make any necessary corrections in the next edition. Thank You! Your Editor, Joe Motes, email: [email protected]


954– 971-0882 VETERANS HELPING VETERANSL

PERMANENT LIFE MEMBERS HELP SUPPORT YOUR DETACHMENT REMINDER YOUR $10 PLM DONATION EXPIRES AT THE END OF DECEMBER. DON’T FORGET TO SEND IN YOUR $10 DONATION WHICH COVERS JANUARY THRU DECEMBER 2010 BOOSTERS HAVE YOU DONATED FOR A BOOSTER AD? COST IS $20 FOR COUPLES PER YEAR PLEASE SUPPORT OUR DETACHMENT MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO MCL DET #755 & MAIL TO MARINE CORPS LEAGUE TAMARAC DETACHMENT 755 PO BOX 26023 TAMARAC FL 33320-6023

March & April Marilyn Steitz Donald Bennett Michael LaBozzetta Harold Bulgach William Carroll Robert Pastor

03/02 03/18 03/24 04/09 04/20 04/24

Jonathan Castro Andrew Renna Adam Falise Harvey Ellenthal Angelo Noberto John Palermo

03/07 03/19 03/31 04/11 04/21 04/26

I would appreciate everyone who receives this newsletter to email me or call me with your date of birth if it does not appear here, we are trying to update our records. Thanks!



VA Emergency Care Update: The VA announced 12 JAN a change in regulations regarding payments for emergency care provided to eligible veterans in non-VA facilities. "This provision helps ensure eligible veterans continue to get the emergency care they need when VA facilities are not available," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. The new regulation extends VA's authority to pay for emergency care provided to eligible veterans at non-VA facilities until the veterans can be safely transferred to a VA medical facility. More than 100,000 veterans could be affected by the new rules, at a cost of about $44 million annually. VA operates 121 emergency departments across the country, which provide resuscitative therapy and stabilization in lifethreatening situations. They operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. VA also has 46 urgent care units, which provide care for patients without scheduled appointments who need immediate medical or psychiatric attention. For more information about emergency care in non-VA facilities refer to http://www.nonvacare.va.gov. What is Non-VA Care: Non-VA Care is medical care provided to eligible Veterans outside of the VA when VA facilities are not available. Known as ‘Fee Basis’, all VA medical centers can use this program when needed. The use of Fee Basis as a means to provide Non-VA care to Veterans, is governed by federal laws containing eligibility criteria and other policies specifying when and why it can be used. A pre-authorization for treatment in the community is required to use Fee Basis care -- unless the medical event is an emergency. Emergency events may be reimbursed on behalf of the Veteran in certain cases. See the Emergency Non-VA Care brochure for information. Unavailability of VA Medical Facilities or Services: Fee Basis is used when VA medical facilities are not ‘feasibly available’. The local VA medical facility has criteria they use to determine whether Fee Basis may be used. If a Veteran is eligible for certain medical care the VA hospital or clinic should provide it as the first option. If they can’t -- due to a lack of available specialists, long wait times, or extraordinary distances from the Veterans home the VA may consider Fee Basis care in the Veteran’s community. Fee Basis care is not an entitlement program or a permanent treatment option. Florida Vet Legislation Update: Florida lawmakers are considering about 70 different bills that affect the state's 1.6 million veterans. Some of the bills are "feel good" or advocacy legislation like the one that establishes August 7th as Purple Heart Day (SB276) and a few bills are aimed at directly helping student veterans. Florida Department of Veterans Affairs executive director Mike Prendergast is tracking two key omnibus bills: Senate Bill 922, sponsored by Sen. Mike Bennett, and House Bill 977, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Nelson. "The senate bill will give student veterans an advantage already extended to student athletes and the legislation would allow for early course registration," Prendergast said. "The reason for that is the GI Bill, the modern GI Bill, has a time certain specified. They only have 36 months benefits." Another student veterans' bill, SB164, sponsored by Sen. Mike Fasano, waives residency requirements giving all student veterans "instate" tuition rates. Prendergast said estimates show that would cost state colleges and universities more than $11 million. "We've got to look for opportunities to take care of veterans appropriately but not do it in such a way that it's going to cost the taxpayers considerably more at a time when we just don't have the money to go around," Prendergast said. The tuition waiver was wrapped into one of the omnibus bills, but it could be amended or eliminated. Several student veterans' organizations in Florida are lobbying to get the waiver. But, Prendergast said active-duty service members assigned to Florida already can get an in-state tuition rate and have the opportunity to apply for residency status by getting a Florida drivers' license, registering to vote and establishing their residency through their military personnel office. Senate Bill 138 which is aimed at helping military veterans in the criminal justice system has been included in the SB.922 omnibus bill. "It allows counties to establish programs to divert a veteran who is charged with a criminal offense into an appropriate treatment program if they suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury or substance abuse disorders," Prendergast said. At this time, his department is neutral on the bill because Prendergast said the House and Senate versions differ and some judges have concerns. [Source: Off The Base Bobbie O'Brien article 12 Jan 2012 ++] Lessons of History: Here we go again. The President made the same decision 5 JAN in announcing his new military strategy that virtually all of his predecessors have made since the end of World War II. He said: "Moreover, we have to remember the lessons of history. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past - after World War II, after Vietnam - when our military was left ill-prepared for the future. As commander in chief, I will not let that happen again. Not on my watch." Unfortunately, his plan does exactly that. It forgets the lessons of history. Some facts: " Harry Truman seeking to never repeat the costs of World War II reduced the Army from 8 million soldiers to fewer than half a million. Without the intervention of Congress, he would have eliminated the Marine Corps entirely. The result was the evisceration of both land services in Korea, a war Truman never intended to fight.



" With Dwight Eisenhower came the "New Look" strategy that sought to reduce the Army and Marine Corps again to allow the creation of a nuclear delivery force built around the Strategic Air Command. Along came Vietnam, a war that Eisenhower, John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson never wanted to fight. But by 1970 our professional Army broke apart and was replaced by a body of amateurs. The result was defeat and 58,000 dead. " After Vietnam, the Nixon administration broke the Army again. The writer of this article, a former Army major general and commandant of the U.S. Army War College who retired after 34 years in service, says he knows this to be true. He was there to see the drug addiction, murders in the barracks and chronic indiscipline, caused mainly by a dispirited noncommissioned corps that voted with its feet and left. " Then came Jimmy Carter's unique form of neglect that led to the "hollow Army" of the late '70s, an Army that failed so miserably in its attempt to rescue the American hostages in Iran. " The only exception to this very sad story was the Reagan years, when the land services received enough funding to equip and train themselves to fight so well in Operation Desert Storm. Then tragedy again as the Clinton administration reduced the ground services, intending to rely on "transformation," a program that paid for more ships and planes by reducing the Army from 16 divisions to 10. " In the George W. Bush administration, Donald Rumsfeld continued a policy that sought to exploit information technology to replace the human component in war. Had it not been for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the Army would have gone down to fewer than eight divisions. The present administration will reduce its long-service, professional land force to pay for something called "Air Sea Battle," a strategy that seeks to buy more ships and planes in order to confront China with technology rather than people. This strategy shows a degree of a historicism that exceeds that of any post-World War II administration. So much for remembering "the lessons of the past." Here's what the lessons of the past 70 years really teach us: We cannot pick our enemies; our enemies will pick us. They will, as they have always done in the past, cede to us dominance in the air, on sea and in space because they do not have the ability to fight us there. Our enemies have observed us closely in Iraq and Afghanistan, and they have learned the lessons taught by Mao Zedong, Ho Chi Minh and Saddam Hussein: America's greatest vulnerability is dead Americans. So our future enemy will seek to fight us on the ground, where we have traditionally been poorly prepared. His objective will be to win by not losing, to kill as an end rather than as a means to an end. And we will enter the next war again tragically short of the precious resource that we have neglected for six administrations: our soldiers and Marines. [Source: Washington Post Robert H. Scales article 6 Jan 2011 ++] Burial in a National Cemetery: Every month at the Florida Bay Pines National Cemetery, the roar of motorcycles fills the air as bikers from the Patriot Guard Riders, the American Legion and other organizations stream in to honor veterans buried without any family looking on. It's been that way since September 2009, when the American Legion Post 273 Honor Guard in Madeira Beach decided to make sure there were no unattended services for veterans. The idea spread nationwide. Now veterans across the country who die without any family, or with family unable to attend their funerals, are honored by flag-waving bikers. But as of 1 JAN, at the place where it all began, there are no more monthly ceremonies. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs officials at Bay Pines National Cemetery in Pinellas County, in conjunction with VA officials at Florida National Cemetery near Bushnell, decided last year to hold the ceremonies quarterly, instead of monthly. The move angered members of the Patriot Guard Riders, who say they are proud to ride to the cemetery for services honoring veterans they have never met. "These veterans have been forgotten," said Randall McNabb, a member of the Madeira Beach Honor Guard and a Patriot Guard Rider captain who helped organize the first unattended-funeral ceremony. "To postpone the honor service for them makes them even more forgotten." The change was made to bring Bay Pines in line with the practices at Florida National Cemetery, which holds quarterly ceremonies, said Kurt Rotar, director of Florida National Cemetery. The goal was to reduce the impact on the cemetery, Rotar said. "Typically, during a burial, we cease operations," said Rotar. That means normal cemetery work like edging plots, setting stones and digging graves stops. Cemetery officials also wanted to ensure maximum participation by those attending the ceremonies, Rotar said. "There are usually only between five and 20 names on a monthly basis of veterans who have no families or whose families do not want to attend or can't," Rotar said. The VA's Sarasota National Cemetery holds ceremonies for individual veterans as they are buried, according to director James Taft. The Patriot Guard Riders were not consulted in the decision to move from monthly to quarterly services. McNabb, who served three years in the Army Military Police Corps, and now owns a hurricane shutter company, said he was upset by the move and flabbergasted by the reasoning behind it. "We have absolutely no problem getting volunteers to come



quarterly ceremonies had upset some people until reached by a reporter. He said he is open to reverting back to monthly services. "I am willing to work with them," Rotar said. "If they want to do it monthly and they can commit to supporting it, that is fine with us." McNabb welcomed the news but remains chagrined. "I am glad they are willing to change it," he said. "But I am still bothered that government agencies, in their ultimate wisdom, do things on a whim." [Source: The Tampa Tribune Howard Altman article 6 Jan 2012 ++] Veteran Scholarships: While looking for money for school many service members, veterans, and their families tend to overlook more than $300 million of military -- and veteran -- related scholarships and grants. These scholarships often go unclaimed due to the following three myths: 1) Military education benefits eliminate the need for scholarships and grants. False - The truth is that Tuition Assistance is limited to about $750 a class and usually only covers tuition and a limited amount of fees. This means that you have to pay for books, fees, and other items. There are hundreds of scholarships and grants specifically designed to supplement these education related costs, so you don't have to. 2) Scholarships are too difficult to win and applying requires too much work. o It is true that some scholarships require a written essay. But, it is important to remember that scholarship and grant applications vary widely, and some require nothing more than a short application. Besides you should think of it this way: It may be the only essay you ever get paid to write. 3) Scholarships are too difficult to find. False - Many scholarships go unclaimed because students don't know where to look. Fortunately, there is a great online resource to help servicemembers find the scholarship and learn how, where, and when to apply. Visit the Military.com's Scholarship Finder at http://www.military.com/scholarship/search-for-scholarships.do to get started on your way to finding free money for school. Here are some quick tips to help your search: " Do your homework. Take advantage of the free online scholarship search at Military.com's Scholarship Finder. The Scholarship Finder lists over 1,000 scholarships from a variety of sources. " Don't limit yourself. You qualify for non-military related scholarships too. Visit your local library to find scholarship directories that list awards based on age, state of residence, cultural background, and field of study. " Search in your military community. Many service aid organizations and associations, like the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, offer scholarships, grants, and low interest loans to help cover education expenses. Click here to find out more about your Service Aid Organization's education assistance programs. " It's never too soon to start your scholarship search. Many scholarship application deadlines are as early as a year in advance. Remember: Not applying for scholarships is like turning down free money. Get started on your search for scholarships today visit the Military.com Scholarship Finder. [Source: Military.com Education article 5 Jan 2012 ++] VA Claims Backlog Update: The year 2011 started with a backlog of 764,476 claims pending. The year finished with 878,830 pending claims. Percentage wise, that was an increase of about 15%. An increase of 15% doesn't seem like much but the VA was supposed to reduce the number of claims in 2011. VA started calendar year 2011 with 2,224,853 or 29.41% of filed claims being appealed. They finished the year with 253,326 or 28.83% of claims under appeal. Thus, the number of appealed claims actually decreased based on this ratio. What does it mean? When veterans are happy with their claims, they do not appeal the decision. Conversely, when the veteran is not happy, they tend to have it appealed. An appeal is actually another look at the facts of the specific claim. In other words, was that particular claim adjudicated properly? With the increase in the number of claims and the minimal change in the number of claims appealed, it seems the VA is doing a better job of providing benefits. Let's take another look at the percentage of appeals. Over 1/4th of all the claims issued are being appealed. That's more than 1 in 4. For everyone 4 claims completed, 1 claim is appealed. When looked at in that way there is cause for concern. If someone, anyone, messed up on their job 1 out of 4 times, how happy would their supervisor, or employer, be with their performance? How can the VA reduce the number of claims? That's easy. They need to help the veteran better with their claims. Communication and education are the keys to reducing appeals. Rating specialists are often heard to say, "if you're not happy with the decision, appeal it." That is a joke! The reason the rating specialist says this is to get the veteran's claim off their desk and out of their regional office. That rating specialist never has to deal with that veteran again. That rating specialist is finished with that claim. Regardless if the claim was rated properly or not, the claim is finished at the Regional Office level when the veteran appeals the claim. What choices do veterans have when they are not happy with their claim? The veteran has 1 year from the date stamped on the Rating Decision to appeal their claim. It is recommended that the veteran ask for a "personal hearing with their rating specialist" before appealing any claim. Rating specialist rarely meet veterans face-to-face and most likely to not want to. To avoid this it is possible the rating specialist may have the claim reconsidered in favor of the veteran instead of meeting with the veteran. So request a personal hearing but make it clear you are not appealing the claim at this point. Another option is to discuss the issue with a



Veteran Service Organization. Veterans should never take on the VA alone. They should always have someone representing them. VSO's represent the veteran not the VA. The veteran needs to meet with the VSO before making any appeal. Once the claim is appealed the veteran can select a VSO but they cannot change VSOs. It is hoped 2012 will be a better year for claims. The VA wants to get the numbers heading in the right direction but, it will take some time to reverse the backlog. [Source: VeteransAdvise David Peters article 2 Jan 2012 ++] VA Burial Benefit: Burial allowances are reimbursements of an eligible veteran's expenses and/or funeral costs. The person who paid the veteran's burial expenses may be reimbursed if the expenses were not paid by another government agency or someone else like the veteran's employer. These expenses are divided into 2 categories. The first category is funeral and burial expenses. The second category is a plot (internment) allowance. There are a few factors used to determine the reimbursable amount. For example, if the veteran had a service related death on or after September 11, 2001, the VA may pay $2,000.00 in burial expenses. If the veteran passed before September 11, 2001, the amount is limited to $1,500.00. Additionally, if this same veteran is interned in a national cemetery, some or all the transportation expenses may be paid. Most veterans however, do not have a service related death. If the veteran was in receipt of VA Pension or VA Compensation, or if the veteran was hospitalized by the VA, or hospitalized under VA care at a non-VA hospital, or under VA care in a nursing home, the VA may reimburse burial expenses at a lower rate. For deaths on or after October 1, 2011, VA will pay up to $700 toward burial and funeral expenses (if hospitalized by VA at time of death), or $300 toward burial and funeral expenses (if not hospitalized by VA at time of death), and a $700 plot-interment allowance (if not buried in a national cemetery). For deaths on or after December 1, 2001, but before October 1, 2011, VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses and a $300 plotinterment allowance. The plot interment allowance is $150 for deaths prior to December 1, 2001. If the death happened while the Veteran was in a VA hospital or under VA contracted nursing home care, some or all the costs for transporting the Veteran's remains may be reimbursed. To apply for a reimbursement, the person who paid the expenses should complete VA Form 21-530 available at http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-530-ARE.pdf This form also provides easy to understand information and instructions for completion applicants should find helpful. The applicant should also submit a copy of the veterans DD 214 (military discharge document), a copy of the death certificate, and copies of the paid funeral/burial expenses. To obtain information on veteran burial benefits refer to http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/bbene_burial.asp VA offers the following additional benefits and services to honor our Nation's deceased Veterans: " Headstones and Markers: VA can furnish a monument to mark the grave of an eligible Veteran. " Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC): VA can provide a PMC for eligible recipients. " Burial Flag: VA can provide an American flag to drape an eligible Veteran's casket. " Burial in a VA National Cemetery: Most Veterans and some dependents can be buried in a VA national cemetery. " Time Limits: There is no time limit to claim reimbursement of burial expenses for a service elated death. In other cases, claims must be filed within two years of the Veteran's burial. [Source: VeteranAdvice David Peters article 29 Dec 2011 ++]

Commandant Tony Gutierrez presents a Life membership to Sam Bittar, Jr.

Commandant Tony Gutierrez presents Certificate of Appreciation to Trevor Wharton as Historian.



INTERIOR BEAUTY DESIGNS DESIGN CONSULTATION BOCA RATON, FLORIDA KATHRYN KATRINAK DESIGN INTERIORS 954-918-9377 KITCHEN & BATHROOM DESIGN FAUX PAINTING / DRAPERIES [email protected]

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2741 NORTH FEDERAL HIGHWAY (US-1 BETWEEN COPANS & SAMPLES)

800-585-4702 954-782-8110 WWW.POMPANOLINCOLNMERCURY.COM MENTION YOU SAW THIS AD IN THE MCL NEWSLETTER 04/13

Support the Margate American Legion Post 157 become a Brother Member, when attending MCL meetings, get an application! JOIN! Permanent Life Members (PLM)

Palm Lakes Printing For All Your Printing Needs Newsletters * Flyers * Business Cards * Rubber Stamps Brochures * Letterheads * Envelopes

Our thanks to the following members who have sent in their $10.00 PLM support donations (**) denote not paid Gad Aflalo (12) Ray Aguiar (12) Whilldin Allen (13) Harold Berke (12) Mary Castillo (16) Elvira DuNaier (12) Harvey Ellenthal (12)

Richard & Doris Francino (12) Tony Gutierrez (13) Cliff Handerhan (12) Werner Hatzelhoffer (12) Joe Motes (15) Cathy Pacini (12) John Palermo (12)

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954-968-4537 * Fax: 954-968-4571 E-mail: [email protected]

Detachment 755 is starting a new recycle ribbon bar holders program. Our ships store will buy several different ribbon bar holders for your uniform and keep them in stock. As you are awarded new ribbons, just bring in your current one in exchange for one with the correct amount of ribbons. See Joe Motes for your upgrade!


ROLLCALL NEWSLETTER YEARLY ADS PLM’S $10.00 BOOSTERS $20.00 BUSINESS CARD $50.00 1/4 PAGE $100.00 1/2 PAGE $175.00 FULL PAGE $250.00 HALF BACK COVER $300.00 THIS SPACE IS AVAILABLE


An up close and personal interview with U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Togetherweserved.com Member:

Betty and Rahl Price Wish all the best to the Marines and Families of Tamarac Detachment # 755

GySgt David Long US Marine Corps (1986-2000)

SEMPER FIDELIS 04-11

OF THE MEDALS, AWARDS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES OR DEVICES YOU RECEIVED, WHAT IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY? Combat Action Ribbon.

In Loving Memory of

Sgt. Lucille A. Mirsky, USMC W.R. 5/29/23 — 04/14/05 My Best Friend, My Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandma. S/Sgt Jacob J. Mirsky 07-10

ROLLCALL NEWSLETTER YEARLY ADS PLM’S $10.00 BOOSTERS $20.00 BUSINESS CARD $50.00 1/4 PAGE $100.00 1/2 PAGE $175.00 FULL PAGE $250.00 BACK COVER $300.00 INSIDE BACK COVER $275.00 FULL COLOR BACK PAGE $1,000.00 THIS SPACE IS AVAILABLE

Detachment 755 supports the following youth organizations: All JROTC programs in Broward County All Broward Civil Air Patrols Squadrons Fort Lauderdale Naval Sea Cadets Toys for Tots Broward County Navy League Fort Lauderdale Navy League American Legion Post 157 Americanism Programs

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When I reported into my first unit, 2/8, they had all been Beirut veterans. I lived in an open squad bay with "America's Battalion". My bunkee was a private with three rows of ribbons and a perpetual case of warm beer in his wall locker. It was a tough crowd and those without a CAR were "Boots", no matter what the pay grade or the character. So, there was a lot of pressure to get some trigger time in. Remember, we were all volunteers who signed up for this sort of thing. We weren't drafted out of our civilian factory jobs. We wanted to be in combat (at least, until we WERE in combat). I survived many operations before and after the Gulf, in foreign countries with a Condition One weapon and never got to fire any rounds because of ROE restrictions. Combat action was what we were in the Grunts for and I didn't join to get a nice uniform or college money. Hell, I didn't even sign up for the GI bill because I knew I'd probably die in combat. When we finally got to heat up our guns in the Gulf, the cherry was broken, so to speak, and I was no longer a combat virgin. No, the Gulf war doesn't compare to WW2 or 'Nam but getting shot at and shelled is the same, no matter what country the bullets were made in.


04-13 Visit our website: WWW.TAMARACMCL.US


In Remembrance of Tamarac Detachment Members who have answered the call Van Tassle, Marvin Garfinkel, Harold Cardwell, Doris Duffy, Earl Mier, Ancil Hoffman, Daniel Kolson, George Goldstein, Irwin G. Schiff, Jacob Simon, Bernard Meyer, William L. Smith, Harry L. Elmore, James O. Browne, Albert E. Pengra, James Herman, William A. Sanders, Richard W. Dowd, Donald J. Casey, Charles Doty, Donald W. Bedor, David Sadiler, James N. Handerhan, Gary F. Aronin, Herbert Stern. Jack Crane, Thomas Gelosi, Sal Fink, John B. Cassassa, Gus Cestone, Pat Denison, David L. Coons, Arthur “Doc” Rourke, Harry Mirsky, Lucille A.

01 Feb 1992 30 May 1992 01 Aug 1992 18 Jul 1993 10 Feb 1995 17 May 1995 19 Jul 1995 18 Aug 1995 29 Jan 1996 25 Oct 1996 18 Nov 1997 01 Jan 1998 02 May 1998 06 Oct 1998 13 Jul 2000 27 Jan 2001 02 Feb 2001 17 Nov 2001 27 Aug 2002 12 Sep 2002 5 Oct 2002 18 Dec 2002 01 Jul 2002 20 Mar 2002 08 Jan 2003 Aug 2003 27 Dec 2003 02 Jan 2004 02 Feb 2004 06 Aug 2004 30 Jun 2004 11 Nov 2004 27 Nov 2004 14 Apr 2005

Motyczka, John Delman, Maury Fleming, Robert T. Zuba, Paul Abramowitz, Norman Murphy, Bill Aiello, Joseph A. Palermo, Dorothy McGuire, Thomas LaPorte, Phillip Fessler, Jerry I. Leo, Donald R. Griffis Jr., Joseph Verna E. Metivier Sucoff , Martin Deeley, John F. David, Mark Brundage, William Gardner, Al Hall, Terry G. Hoover, Robert Cipriano, John Ran, Milton Wolf, Seymour Claude Norman, Jr. Burns, Michael Schentzel, Marvin

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NEWSLETTER BOOSTER MEMBERS $20.00 Aflalo, Gad Aguiar, Ray Bormann, Gregg & Kathleen Belford, Harry Du Naier, Elvira Gutierrez, Tony Handerhan, Cliff Hatzelhoffer, W

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Motes, Joe Pacini, Cathy Palermo, John Pastor, Robert Snyder, Michael Vasquez, A. Wolf, Murray Zargo, Len

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Roll Call Newsletter Marine Corps League Tamarac Detachment 755 P.O. Box 26023 Tamarac, Florida 33320-6023 www.tamaracmcl.us “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” UPCOMING EVENT: MARCH 21 — EXCECUTIVE MEETING 6:30PM REGULAR MEETING 7:30PM APRIL 18 — EXCECUTIVE MEETING 6:30PM REGULAR MEETING 7:30PM MAY 16 — EXCECUTIVE MEETING 6:30PM REGULAR MEETING 7:30PM JUNE 20 — EXCECUTIVE MEETING 6:30PM REGULAR MEETING 7:30PM JULY 18 — EXCECUTIVE MEETING 6:30PM REGULAR MEETING 7:30PM