July 2014 - Commandant's Corner

July is considered by many Marines as the second most important month in the year.  (November 10th, of course, remains number one.)  It is during the month of July when many parades and other types of celebration will take place in remembrance of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Our Detachment has been asked to be the lead nit (once again) in the upcoming Washington City Parade.  This is indeed an honor.  I trust that our members will turn out in increased numbers to participate.  Remember, even if you do not (at this time) have the ceremonial uniform consisting of white shirt and blue trousers, you are strongly encouraged to participate wearing the red shirt and black trousers.  For those who find walking a mile or more a challenge, we have arranged transportation (and currently have three takers - there is room for more).  Let the Sgt-at-Arms (Larry Mineer) know as soon as possible of your availability to participate in the parade.

Last month, Marines were asked to provide an Honor Guard for World War II Veterans who were meeting early Monday morning at the La Quinta Inn.  These WWII Veterans were participating in the "Honor Flight" Program.  Eight (8) Marines gathered at 0500 to provide an honor guard as the Veterans boarded their bus taking them to Las Vegas to catch the famous "Honor Flight."  Their destination was Washington, D. C. to view the World War II monuments.  The Veterans returned Wednesday evening where they were met by all local Veteran Organizations, as well as, Mayor John Pike and City Council Member Michele Randall.  Keep eating your Wheaties Marines -- when they run out of WWII Veterans "they" are already talking of continuing the Program by selecting Korea War Veterans.

During the first week of last month I attended the Annual Convention for the Rocky Mountain Division and Department of Utah.  The Convention covered two days and provided all Detachment Commandants an opportunity to learn what the other individual detachments are doing, as well as what problems they are experiencing.  Biggest problem is membership retention and attendance at meetings.  (Who would have thought that?)  When it became my turn to discuss the Dixie Detachment, I was very pleased to have the opportunity to report on the numerous activities we have participated in during the past year.  Parades, honor guards, community activities, Toys For Tots, Devil Pups, Eagle Scout Awards, as well as, always being available to honor fallen Marines by providing funeral details, whether just at the funeral home or at a graveside and with or without rifles.  Elections were held and Joy Chamberlin was selected to serve as the Utah Department Commandant.

The National Commandant, Jim Tuohy, made a letter available for all in attendance requesting that all of their detachment members read it. This letter now appears in our Marine Corps Blog.

That's it, Marines, your leaders have been busy and really appreciate your support.