Marines at Pearl Harbor Event

 Click Here: Marines in the news after Pearl Harbor Commemoration at Tonaquint Cemetery

 

2020 Toys for Tots Underway

Toys for Tots is underway - in spite of Covid-19. 

 Rick Massey and Jerry Harris collect toys at Stucki Farms Car Show

5 Dec 2020

Marine Harris accepts donation from

car show attendees

5 Dec 2020 Car Show Exhibits

December 5, 2020

By Bill Fortune
   Gunnery Sergeant Rick Massey, (Retired) is Area Coordinator for The Toys for Tots organization and was present collecting the toys with Jerry Harris, the Detachment Chaplain.  Stucki Farms generously cooperated with JC Hacketts' Car Shows and Cruise Nights, who arranged the show. Stucki Farms allowed the use of their Clubhouse for Santa to be present with a collection point set up in front of it for drive-by drop offs.
   Car show visitors came by the hundreds and dropped off toys and gifts or donated money. This year, because of the Pandemic, the opportunity to collect toys has been reduced but the need has increased. Last year Toys for Tots provided gifts for 4,481 area children and, according to Rick, “the requests are coming in heavier than last year.”
   Those who arrived without toys saw the need and offered money donations. The money donations are a very important part of the program because it helps fill the “Gap” in the collection process.  Many people think of toys for toddlers, but a real need exists for infants and teenagers/young adults. With the donated money Rick is able to purchase gifts that fill that “Gap.”
   Although the day was successful, many more such days will be needed if they are to exceed last year.  All the collection boxes are distributed throughout Southwest Utah but some of the incentives, visuals, like Marines standing near them in stores as a reminder to people, has been stopped because of the virus. A lot of requests used to be in person but are now done online.  Gunney Massey says he has a good facility, is organized and has lots of volunteers. All he needs now are toys/gifts to fill the request.
   The Marines have a saying “Improvise, Adapt and Overcome.”  That is how they are approaching the toy drive this year.  Because every child deserves a little Christmas.
   To learn more about Toys For Tots go on line to www.toysfortots.org then at the top “Find Your Local Campaign.”  Click and follow the navigation to Utah then Washington County where you may donate or make a request.

Happy Birtday, Marines

 

Commandant's Birthday Message

Click the link for the Commandant's Birthday Message for the 245th Marine Corps Birthday.

Birthday Message

 

2020 Jubilee of Trees

2020 Jubilee of Trees 

Dixie Regional's Jubilee of Trees this year will be a virtual event.  Please see flyer below and visit the site in the link above.

 JUBILEE OF TREES FLYER

 November 19-21, 2020

2020 Nov 14 - (Covid Cancelled) BIRTHDAY BALL Combined with MONTHLY MEETING

Monthly meeting plus Birthday Celebration at Tonaquint Park's north pavilion November 14 at 2:00 p.m.  Official birthday cake, the Commandant's official birthday message, remembering the fallen since last year, and the Marine of the Year Awards.  (Canceled due to uptick in Covid cases in SoUtah.)

2020 Veterans Day (Covid Cancelled)

11 November 2020, 9:00 a.m. [Update:  Cancelled]
SunRiver St. George Veterans Honor Park
Speaker: Col Dennis Berg, US Air Force Ret. Viet Nam B-52, T-38, SR-71 (Black Bird)
CLICK HERE FOR FLYER

Save the Date(s)

October 19
(Monday) is the ceremony for Gene Gregory starting at 11:00 AM at the Veterans Circle at Tonaquint Cemetery.  Even if you are not in the Color Guard I urge you to attend this special event.

November 10
Marine Corps Birthday party at Golden Corral from 6-8 PM.  Dinner is on your own, the buffet is $14.95 per adult.  Past Marine of the Year and Associates of the Year are asked to wear or bring your medals so we can get a group shot after the newly decorated members receive their medals.  Wear your red MCL polo shirt if you have one, this is not a formal event.

November 11
Veterans Day! The Detachment is involved in the ceremonies at the Veterans Honor Park in Sun River.  Start time is 0900.

November 14
Detachment meeting.  We will gather at 8:30 at the VFW Hall located on 100 S across from the Sun Bowl in St. George.

A Marine Style Birthday Party

Please make plans to attend a 2-hour Marine Corps Birthday Party November 10 from 1800 - 2000 at the Golden Corral, 42 S. River Road St. George.  The Detachment will provide a birthday cake, you are responsible for ordering and paying for your dinner and beverages.  The buffet line will be open but masked servers behind the counter will fill your plate.

The owners are giving us use of the large, private banquet room so we can distance ourselves to some degree from each other.  Wearing of masks is encouraged but up to you.  This is not a formal event like a Ball would be, but please wear your red MCL polo shirt.  If not, that's fine.  There are no tickets to purchase for this event.  Just come to the party and have some fun as we toast the Corps!  
 

I Pledge Allegiance

Utah Dixie Detachment #1270 Marines have been tapped to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the August and September 2020 Commissioners' Meetings in St. George.  Thank you, Commissioners, for the honor.

DoD Reiterates FDA Warning on Using Some Hand Sanitizers

The Fort Jackson Public Affairs Office has put out this interesting article:

USING HAND SANITIZERS

Sgt. Bryan Mount Tribute

For those of you who want to wave flags and welcome home the remains of Sgt Bryan Mount, meet between 100 South and Tabernacle across the street from Wells Fargo. There should be a lot of shade trees there. Muster time is 1600 Thursday, wear something representing the League. Red polo shirts and MCL cover would be great. Lots of parking at Wells Fargo. I have a few small flags, bring if you have any.
Larry Mineer
Color Sgt...668-5755

St. George News Article

SGT. Mount's Obituary 

August 2020 Meeting

Marines:  We are still under the restrictions of Covid-19.  But there is a change in this month's meeting - it will not be via Zoom, but will be an outdoor meeting.  Here are the particulars:

Saturday August 1, 0830 at Tonaquint City Park, Dixie Downs Road.  We'll be at the north end pavilion by the tennis courts.  Bring a lawn chair in case the pavilion is occupied.  Bring a snack if you wish but we hope to be done in an hour, before it gets too warm.

1851 S. Tonaquint Drive, St. George.  Here is their website:
Tonaquint City Park 

WWII Ceremony

Please see the attached invitation regarding our WWII ceremony.

Thanks to Marti’s list of WWII veterans that are members of the American Legion, I mailed out nearly 80 invitations at the beginning of this month.  I’ve since received 10 RSVPs.  I’ve also invited all the mayors of Washington County towns and cities.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  Thanks!

Susi Lafaele
Legacy Park Event Specialist and Fair Director
5500 W. 700 S.
Hurricane, UT  84737
435-922-2766

County Fair coordinator Susi LaFaele is putting together a veterans honor wall for display at the upcoming county fair in August.  She has room on the wall for hundreds of pictures of local veterans.  If you are interested in sending a photo to Susi for this project, open the attached flyer and follow the instructions.  It's easy!  I'm going to send her mine today.  This is a very cool project and I hope to decided to participate.  Semper Fi! Pat

2020 June and July Meetings

Marines:  I'll host a ZOOM conference call this Saturday in lieu of the Detachment meeting starting at 0900.  I don't have a whole bunch of items to cover, mostly it's to give us a chance to see each others' mugs for a few minutes!  The Elks Lodge is still shut down to group meetings and our Staff decided a few days ago to stay 'dark' for June and July.  We might arrange for an in-person meeting for August at a city park, but that depends on the Covid numbers showing some sign of flattening.  Right now we're heading in the opposite direction which is why we aren't recommending a get-together just yet.

Marine Chuck Hoepfner

Chuck Hoepfner, who is one of the Marines who signed our Detachment's Charter in 2007, has passed away at the Veteran's Home in Ivins.  When he joined the Detachment he and his wife Dolores lived in Cedar City.  Eventually, the Marines there formed their own chartered Detachment so we didn't see much of Chuck at our meetings after that. Chuck died from cancer.  The reason I mention it is because he was with the contingent of Marines from Camp Pendleton who were bused up to the proving grounds northwest of Las Vegas to witness the after-effects of underground detonations.

There is a short celebration for Chuck May 21st, 1500 @ the Hughes Mortuary in St. George.  The address is 700 S 1037 E.  Chuck's son is currently on active duty and has arranged for his own honor guard.  However, we are all welcome to show up and pay our respects to Chuck, Dolores, and family.  "Fair winds and following seas," Marine.

Memorial Day Ceremony at SunRiver Memorial Park

Monday morning May 25th at 0800 at the SunRiver Veterans Park, SunRiver St. George.

Last year's ceremony:

                                                                                                                                 Photo courtesy of Bill Fortune

Veterans Canteen Service

Established in 1946, Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) was created to provide articles of merchandise and services at reasonable prices to Veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system, caregivers, and visitors. Revenues generated from VCS are used to support a variety of Veteran programs.

Benefits You've Earned! Service You Deserve!

CLICK HERE

Golf Tournament Fundraiser Canceled

Marines: Our June 13 golf tournament is cancelled due to the Corona Virus.  We are saddened by this as it is our most successful fundraiser.  Hopefully, 2021 will be a much better year!

Wearing of the Uniform

Please see the article by National Uniform Committee Chairman Robert Raynes on the proper wearing of the Marine Corps League Uniform.

WEARING OF THE UNIFORM

Semper Fi Magazine

Spring 2020, Page 32

Southern Utah Quarantine Support

Detachment Members:
In the face of most crises in America good people always float to the top. 10 days ago a group of folks here in Southern Utah got together, formed a Facebook page and invented "Southern Utah quarantine support." There are 75 runners as they call themselves who will go out to grocery stores or pharmacies to pick up supplies for anyone who is unable to do it themselves.
 
If you or someone you know needs a service like this here is the link to their website:

REQUEST FOR RUNNER SERVICE
 

You can also find them on Facebook under the same title and put in requests to them there.  Or call 435 986-4114.  I hope everyone is doing fine and remember there is no detachment meeting in April. We will be going month to month in making that decision. The Elks lodge is closed to outside business anyway, so sit back, relax, and protect yourself and your family by not gathering too close! 
Semper Fi
Commandant Pat Lisi

Message from Commandant Lisi on Coronavirus

Members of the Utah Dixie Detachment:

This should come as no surprise, but I got a call today from the Elks Lodge. They are shut down to outside business until further notice.  Therefore, our April 11 detachment meeting is cancelled and so is our staff meeting April 2 at the American Legion. The staff can conduct business by email. I have informed our guests that were coming in on April 11, which included the Marines who won our scholarships this year. Norm will send checks out to the winners.

I have heard grumblings in the community about things shutting down when there are only 6 reported cases of the virus in all of Southern Utah. If you think about it, this is the perfect time to stay away from each other so that outside influences do not spread the virus here. One of the wisest decisions recently made was to cancel the upcoming marathon in Saint George. That shows great decision making and leadership by our mayor. Thank you, John Pike!

Since everything is month to month right now we must still work as if there is going to be a golf tournament June 13 as no one can predict the long or short term future. Please keep looking for foursomes, prizes and hole sponsors.

We are living in completely strange times as this sort of thing has never occurred in the United States of America. But remember, we are Marines and will do whatever it takes to get through this, even at great sacrifice. Take care of each other and your neighbors and lend a hand where and when you can.

Honor, Courage, Commitment - tenets to live by in these trying times. 

11 Apr 2020 Breakfast Meeting Canceled

Due to the Coronavirus, both the Elks Lodge where we hold our breakfast meetings and the American Legion Post 90 building, where we have staff meetings, are closed.  Meetings for April are canceled.  

14 Mar 2020 - Monthly Breakfast Meeting

Our guest speaker at the March 14 breakfast meeting is urologist Dr. Bryant Whiting.  He will talk about his specialty and about the new robotics surgical system at the hospital.  Dr. Whiting is one of very few surgeons trained to perform robotic surgeries in Southern Utah.  Also, Rick Massey will recap the 2019 Toys For Tots program and will let us know what to expect this year. 

0815 breakfast; 0900 meeting

If you have anything to donate for the silent auction at the scholarship awards banquet March 28, please bring them and see Gene Rose.  Tickets will be available, too.  They are $35.

2020 Mar 28 - Scholarship Awards Banquet

ATTENTION:  DUE TO CORONAVIRUS FEARS,
THE COMMUNITY CENTER AT SUNRIVER IS CLOSING
FROM 3/13 TO 4/1

THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED.

UTAH DIXIE DETACHMENT #1270, 
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
RIC BACKMAN SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS BANQUET

28 Mar 2020

5:30 p.m.

SunRiver St. George Community Center

4275 Country Club Drive

St. George, UT  84790

Silent Auction!

Tickets are $35 each

Call Jerry Harris for tickets (435) 668-9664

2019 Scholarship Winner Austin Edwards

27 Mar 2020 - Honoring our Vietnam Veterans

NOTE:  THIS EVENT POSTPONED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS
(See Note Below)
Color Country Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution has organized a commemorative ceremony recognizing our local Vietnam Veterans.
March 27, 2020
2:00 p.m.
Southern Utah Veterans Home

NOTE:  Sadly, the Coronavirus known as COVID-19 is dominating the news and public health concerns continue to rise at a very rapid pace. In light of this, please be advised that DAR Color Country Chapter's upcoming 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Ceremony scheduled to occur on March 27th at the Southern Utah Veterans Home has been officially POSTPONED as of this writing and will be rescheduled to a another date later in the year. It was mutually agreed upon by the leadership teams of both DAR Color Country Chapter and Southern Utah Veterans Home that it would be in the best interest of ALL to discourage large event gatherings at this time to help minimize the threat of exposure to others, and especially to the SUVH residents who would be in the "at risk age group" based on current studies. 

A press release about the event postponement is currently being written and will be sent out to our local news outlets for public broadcasting within the next day or two.  In the meantime, please help us by passing this message forward through your own "inner circles" as we make every attempt to quickly reach out and advise as many people as we possibly can without incident. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you may have as we work together to get the message out.  Thank you for your assistance in this matter. 
In DAR Friendship,
Valerie E. King, Regent
Color Country Chapter
Daughters of the American Revolution
714-686-2496

CLICK HERE - HONORING OUR VIETNAM VETERANS

Annual Golf Tournament Coming Up

WHAT:            Annual Golf Tournament

WHEN:           Saturday, June 13, 2020

WHERE:         Bloomington Country Club

Posted here are copies of our golf tournament application and poster.  Please help us make this tournament a huge success.  This is our biggest fund raiser of the year and it will take a village to make it a huge success.

POSTER

If you would like copies of the professionally copied poster, I have some available.  These are suitable for merchants windows, counter tops, and bulletin boards.  They are printed on a nice card stock and look really great (thanks Bill Fortune for the creation).

If you have a bulletin board at a golf course you visit, please put our poster and applications up.  Churches, schools, warehouses, etc., have bulletin boards, so let's "litter" St. George with our information and get the word out.  Thank you for your support and help in publicizing our tournament.  Date is Saturday, June 13, 2020 at Bloomington Country Club in St. George.

APPLICATION
HOW TO PAY ONLINE

One of our committee members may be tapping you on the shoulder and asking for your help, so please agree if you are able.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Thanks everyone!

Michelle Gregory

Golf Tournament Chair

15 Feb 2020 Pine View AFJROTC Military Ball

PINE VIEW MILITARY BALL INVITATION

Veterans, attached is the 2020 Pine View AFJROTC Military Ball Invitation. The deadline to sign-up & pay is Friday 7 Feb.  Each attendee must complete the sign-up form to ensure we have each guest name and meal selection.  You must be on the guest list to have a seat and meal.  We cannot accommodate walk-ins at the door. Payment instructions are explained in the attached invitation.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

Very Respectfully,

THOMAS W. BROWN, Lt Col, USAF (Ret)

Senior Aerospace Science Instructor

United States Air Force Junior ROTC

Pine View High School (UT-20161)

2850 E 750 N, St. George, UT 84790

Phone: 435-628-5255 x4130

Website: www.pineviewafjrotc.org