June 14, 2015 - Flag Day

Annual Toys For Tots Drive!

The placement of the toy for tots boxes being throughout the Mon Valley will begin on November 01, 2015.

  

Newsletter: October 2015

Mon Valley Leatherneck Association 
Monongahela, Pennsylvania

To: All Mon Valley Leatherneck Association Members
From: Howard K. Weber, Commandant
Date: 10 August 2015
Re: Monthly  Newsletter

1. Our next meeting is Monday 19 October 2015 1900 hrs - VFW #1409 -Main Street (Rt 837) Monongahela, PA. Light refreshments will be served. 
2. If you haven't paid your 2014-2015 dues, you will be deleted from the roster effective 1 Nov 2015. If you want to be reinstated, please pay your dues to Membership Chairman Bill Puchi ASAP. Bill's address is P.O. Box 883, McMurray, PA 15317. 
3. All tickets and money for the 29 Oct 2015 drawing will be collected at the 19 Oct 2015 meeting. If you sell the winning ticket, please call me (412 719 6162) in order for me to make the necessary arrangements for the winner to select their weapon. 
4. Start preparing for the USMC Ball - Saturday 7 Nov 2015 1800 hrs. Donora Municipal Building - PA Rt 837, Donora, PA. For Ball information and tickets, call Wally 724 379 8888. Thanks to the efforts of Larry Maggi, Major General Peter Talleri will be our guest speaker. I am certain the General will deliver a very informative and inspiring message. Remember refreshments are free all night. This year, the DJ will have a vocalist to help with the dinner and dancing music. A good time will be had by all attending. 
5. Remember we need a number of volunteers to help set up for the Ball on Friday 6 Nov 2015 1700 hrs. Bring a friend or family member along to help with the setup. 
6. Uniform change - 15 October 2015 - short sleeves to long sleeves. 
7. This month, October 2015, we are to make nominations for all the offices. Election is in November and the officers will take office in January 2016. Our current officers and terms: 
• 2 yr Commandant - Howard Weber 
• 2 yr Executive officer Ed Stasko 
• 2 yr Adjunct Herman Bigi 
• 2 yr Chaplain Larry Maggi 
• 2 yr Disbursing Officer Wally Fronzaglio 
• 3 yr One Trustee Julie Marsich 
8. To the best of my knowledge, the following members are still fighting illness or injuries. 
• Leonard Checque 
• Roy Fagan 
• Ed Forster 
• John Kenes 
• Ken Kaiser 
• Bernie Kieta 
• Tim Kifer 
• James Libonti 
• Paul Tarabrella 
• Joe Uchelvich 
• Bob Vertacnik 
• Manuel Yocolano 
• Carl "Skip" Paulick recently had heart surgery and is currently recovering. Best wishes for "Skip's" complete recovery. 
9.  The following Leathernecks can be reached by contacting Wally for their addresses.  Please take a few minutes to send these Leathernecks a card or letter. God speed to all the ailing Leathernecks. If you know of any other Leathernecks that are ill, please call me. 412 719 6162 "Semper Fi" 
10. There are a number of upcoming events that are of great significance to all veterans and their families. We endeavor to have all our members participate. You do not need a uniform. Just wear a USMC cover, jacket, or shirt.
• Sat 7 Nov 2015 - Veterans Day Parade - Charleroi,PA Time - TBA 
• Sat 7 Nov 2015 USMC Ball 1800 hrs 
• Wed 11 Nov 2015 Veterans' Day Commemoration- 0900 hrs. Chess Park , Monongahela, PA 
• Mon 16 Nov 2015 Regular Meeting 1900 hrs 
• Thurs 26 Nov 2015 Thanksgiving Day 
• Sun 6 Dec 2015 Tentative Tag - Toys for Tots 0800 hrs 
• Fri/Sat 18-19 2015 Toys for Tots Pickup/ Distribution 0830 hrs 
• Mon 21 Dec 2015 Annual Christmas Party 1900 hrs 
• Fri 25 Dec 2015 Christmas Day 
• Remember we meet the third Monday of the month VFW#1409 PA Rt 837 Monongahela, PA 1900 hrs. 

History

A few significant events in the history of U.S. and the Marines. 

• 1 Oct 1903 1st World Series 
• 1 Oct 1908 Model T-Ford Tin Lizzie 
• 3 Oct 1912 Marines participated in the Battles of Coyotepe and Barranca Hills during the Nicaraguan, Campaign. 
• 4 Oct 1776 Marines participated in USS Wasp's capture of a British ship off the coast of New England. 
• 4 Oct 1982 Congress Declared The Bible to be "The Word of God," Public Law 97-280 
• Japanese forces in North China surrendered to III Amphibious Corps. 
• 6 Oct 1987 German-American Day Proclaimed.
• 7 Oct 2001  15th Marine Expeditionary Unit(Special Operations Capable) secured two airfields in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. 
• 8 Oct 1871 Chicago Fire. 
• 10 Oct 2015 Columbus Day Observed. 
• 10 Oct 1995 SPC Michael New refused UN Uniform.
• 12 Oct 2015 Columbus Day 
• 13 Oct 1965 Marine Attack Squadron 211 was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Gallantry Cross for Vietnam service, 13 Oct 1965-13 July 1966 
• 15 Oct 1794 First Silver Dollar Coined. 15 Oct 1940 Orders mobilizing the Marin Reserve for WWII were issued by HQMC. 
• 16 Oct 1786 United States Mint established. 
• 18 Oct 1767 Mason-Dixon Line established. 
• 19 Oct 1781 Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown. 
• 20 Oct 1926 President Calvin Coolidge ordered Marines to guard the U.S. Mail. 
• 21 Oct 1879 Edison Lamp 
• 23 Oct 1983 218 Marines were killed during the terrorist bombing in Beirut. 
• 24 Oct 1915 MCRD at Norfolk was moved and established at Parris Island, SC. 
• 25 Oct 1983 BLT 2/8 of the 22d MAU landed at Grenada at 0500 to rescue 800 college students on the eastern Caribbean Island. 
• 27 Oct 1787 First Federalist Paper 
• 29 Oct 1929 Fed Reserve crashed stock market 
• 29 Oct 1942 During October and November, Maj Joe Foss shot down 23 enemy aircraft. He was later credited with three more and awarded the Medal of Honor. 
• 30 Oct 1952 Korean PUC awarded the Marine Advisory Group with the Korean Marine Combat Team. 31 
• Oct 1955 Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, who earned five Navy Crosses, retired as a lieutenant general.

"Thoughts for the Month"

"A test of a person's breeding is how they behave in an quarrel."

"Tact is the ability to keep silent while two of your friends are arguing and you know both of them are wrong."

 "You have brains in your head. Your feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." Dr. Seuss 

"If poverty is the mother of crime, stupidity is its Father,"

"Some folks have such an open mind that nothing stays in there long."

"There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience."

"Religion furnishes education with a true sense of values. It shows what is worthwhile."

 "He who parades his virtues, seldom leads the way."

Be sincere with your compliments most folks can tell the difference between sugar and saccharine."

"You don't have to institute a lawsuit to collect the "wages of sin."

"Some wives have such good memories that they can even remember things that never happened."

"Many folks are like steel, when they lose their tempers, they're worthless."

"An unusual amount of common sense is sometimes called wisdom."

"A gentleman is a man who makes it a cinch for a woman to remain a lady."

"No person was ever honored for what they received. Honor has been the reward for what they gave."

"Brains and Beauty are Nature's gifts: character is your own achievement."

"Too many people are anxious to give Advice when what you really need is help."

"The choice is simple - you can either stand up and help or lie down and be counted."

"The gates of opportunity swing on four hinges: Initiative, insight, industry, and integrity."

Honor    Courage Commitment

USMC Ball

Newsletter: August 2015

Mon Valley Leatherneck Association 
Monongahela, Pennsylvania

To: All Mon Valley Leatherneck Association Members
From: Howard K. Weber, Commandant
Date: 10 August 2015
Re: Monthly  Newsletter

1. Our next meeting is Monday 17 August 2015 1900 hrs - VFW #1409 - Main Street (Rt 837) Monongahela, PA 
2. Tickets for our Fall Fundraiser 2015 have all been distributed. A special thanks to all the Leathernecks that have purchased or sold tickets. Drawing date - Thursday 29 Oct 2015.
3. I was informed that the trip to Parris Island was outstanding. Thanks to all the Leathernecks and their families and friends that attended. A good time was had by all! 
4. Julie Marsich and Mark Lucci are planning another outstanding picnic on Sunday 23 August 2015 - noon to ???. Please make the necessary arrangements now and attend the picnic - Palmer Park, Lignelli Pavillan, Donora, PA - Just off PA Rt 837. They could use a few volunteers to help -contact Julie or Mark at the next meeting. 
5. Bill Puchi, membership chairman, is still collecting 2015 dues ($10.00/ year). Please pay Bill at the meeting or pay by mail to Bill Puchi P.O.Box 883 McMurray, PA 15317. Individuals that haven't paid their dues for the past two years (2014-2015) by 31 August 2015 will be dropped from the Roster.
6.  To the best of my knowledge, the following members are still fighting illness or injuries. Leonard Checque Roy Fagan Ed Forster John Kenes Ken Kaiser Bernie Kieta Tim Kifer Paul Tarabrella Bob Vertacnik Manuel Yocolano.  Please take a few minutes to send these Leathernecks a card or letter. God speed to all the ailing Leathernecks. If you know of any other Leathernecks that are ill, please call Howard at: 412 719 6162 "Semper Fi".
7. Please mark your calendar for the upcoming events.

• Sun 23 Aug 2015 Annual Picnic 
• Sat 5 Sept 2015 Parade - West Newton, PA
• Sat 7 Nov 2015 USMC Ball 
• Wed 11 Nov 2015 Veterans' Day Commemoration-Monongahela
  Veterans' Day Parade - Charleroi, PA
• Thur 26 Nov 2015 Thanksgiving Day 
• Sun 6 Dec 2015 Tentative Tag Day Toys for Tots 
• Fri/Sat 18-19 2015 Toys for Tots Pickup/ Distribution 
• Mon 21 Dec 2015 Annual Christmas Party 
• Fri 25 Dec 2015 Christmas Day Remember we meet the third Monday of the month VFW#1409 PA Rt 837 Monongahela, PA 1900 hrs. 

History

A few significant events in the history of the USA and the Marines.

• 1 Aug 1786 Paper money is foolish & wicked - Geo. Washington
• 2 Aug 1950 The 1st Provisional Marine Brigade landed at Pusan, Korea
• 2 Aug 2004 Marines from BLT 1/4. 11th MEU began battling units of the Mandi Militia insurgency in Najaf and Kufa in the Battle of Najaf.
• 7 Aug 1942 The 1st Marine Division landed at Guadalcanal to open the WWII land offensive.
• 10 Aug 1944 The 1st Provisional Marine Brigade ended Japanese resistance on Guam and was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation.
• 11 Aug 1952 The 1stMarDiv participated in the Battle of Bunker Hill during the Korean War.
• 14 Aug 1945 V-J Day, President Harry Truman announced the unconditional surrender of the Japanese.
•  17 Aug 1942 200 Marines of Companies A and B and of the 2d Raider Battalion landed on Makin Atoll. 17 Aug 1950 The 1st Marine Brigade battled North Koreans at Obong-ni-Ridge. Operation Starlite (Vietnam) begin. 964 Viet Cong were killed in action. Military siege of Ruby Ridge began. Original 13th Amend. Banded lawyers fr. Gov. Bri. Burned White House.
• Oil discovered in Pennsylvania. The Marine Corps Reserve was founded. 2d Battalion, 4th Marines, became the first American troops to set foot on Japanese soil. North Koreans swarmed across the Naktong River against the 1st Marine Brigade.
• 18 Aug 1965 21 Aug 1992 .24 Aug 1814 27 Aug 1859 29 Aug 1916 30 Aug 1945 31 Aug 1950

Thoughts for the Month

"An unusual amount of common sense is sometimes called wisdom." "No garment is more becoming a Christian than the cloak of humility." 
"Wise folks sometimes change their minds - Fools never." 
"Folks of genius are admired; Folks of wealth are envied; Folks of power are feared, but only folks of character are trusted."
"A Fool tells you what he will do; A Boaster what they have done; The Wise person does it and says nothing."
"It takes a big person to sympathize - A little person can criticize, and usually does." "The greatest remedy for anger is delay." 
"Stupid mistakes are made by others - We only make unavoidable errors." 
"What a scarcity of news there would be, if everyone obeyed the "Ten Commandments." 
"The gates of opportunity swing on four hinges - initiative, insight, industry, and integrity." 
"Praise does wonders for a person's hearing." 
"Keep your fears to yourself. Share your courage with others." 
"There is one difference between a tax collector and a taxidermist. The taxidermist leaves the hide." 

Honor   Courage   Commitment

Special: Mon Valley Leatherneck's Picnic

MON VALLEY LEATHERNECK'S PICNIC

Dear Marine,
You are cordially invited to attend the Mon Valley Leatherneck's annual picnic on Sunday, August 23, 2016. The picnic is free for all attendees and will be held at Palmer Park: 1601 Meldon Ave, Donora PA 15033.
There will be plenty of shade and fans around the pavilion to stay cool, and, if that does not work, the kids will be more than willing to drop a water balloon on your head. So, bring your family, friends, and new Marines to accompany you for this fun time.
The organization will be providing food for the grill (hamburgers, hot dogs, etc.) and drinks. We ask that you please bring a covered dish to the picnic. Below are some ideas of what could be brought.
There will also be games, half the take and Chinese auctions (so bring some money), and giveaways!
We have all different eras of Marines, so, I would like to have a table set up where we could display/share our military experiences. Anyone who would like to be included in this, try to let me know ahead of time, if not, just bring them to the picnic with you. We look forward in seeing you this year!
Sincerely, Julie Marsich, Picnic Chairman
Mail R.S.V.P.'s to: Julie Marsich 550 Highland Ave North Charleroi, PA 15022
Or Call: 412-496-9564
List of food items: fruits...vegetables...salads...casseroles...pastas...meat appetizers

Newsletter: July 2015

Mon Valley Leatherneck Association
Monongahela, Pennsylvania

To: All Mon Valley Leatherneck Association Members
From: Howard K. Weber, Commandant
Date: 13 July 2015
Re: Monthly Newsletter

1. The last day to register for the Parris Island Trip is 20 July 2015. Please call Wally after 1700 - 724 379 8888 for information and reservations. The trip includes 3 meals in the "Mess Hall" - 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner, Recruit Graduation, a Grand Tour of the Base - 5 - 8 Aug 2015. The trip is free for members and their spouse or significant other. The bus will leave at 0500 on Wed - 5 Aug 2015 at the Carroll Township Municipal Building (Police Station), 130 Baird Ave., Monongahela, PA. Vehicles can be parked in this area. The municipal building is located off PA Rt 88 South. Directions from Monongahela, PA - follow PA Rt 88 South past the General Vuano Bridge- approximately 2 miles after passing 2 traffic lights - one traffic light at the Mon Valley Hospital entrance, 2nd traffic light at the Giant Eagle. After passing the Giant Eagle - go a short distance to Baird Ave on your left (Baird Ave will be the third avenue past Giant Eagle)- Turn left - follow Baird Ave to the Carroll Township Municipal Building.
2. Tickets for our Fall Fundraiser 2015 will be available at the 20 July meeting. The winner chooses one of six weapons - Weatherly 300 Magnum, Henry Golden Boy, Weatherly Upland Walnut 12 Ga Pump shotgun, Glock Model 26, Bushmaster AR 15 Rifle, Kel Tec 380 pistol. Drawing is the 29 Oct 2015. Let's hope all Leathernecks will sell/buy at least one ticket.
3. A "Toys for Tots" "Bike Ride" is scheduled for Saturday, 25 July 2015 at "Just a Tavern" Broad Street, Belle Vernon, PA at 0900. Let's hope we can have a large contingent of Leathernecks on hand. 
4. Julie Marsich and Mark Lucci are planning another outstanding picnic on Sunday 23 August 2015 - noon to ???. Please make the necessary arrangements now and attend the picnic - Palmer Park, Lignelli Pavillan, Donora, PA - just off PA Rt 837. They could use a few volunteers to help -contact Julie or Mark at the next meeting. 
5. Bill Puchi, membership chairman, is still collecting 2015 dues ($10.00/ year). Please pay Bill at the meeting or pay by mail to Bill Puchi P.O.Box 883 McMurray, PA 15317. Individuals that haven't paid their dues for the past two years (2014-2015) by 31 August 2015 will be dropped from the Roster.
6.  To the best of my knowledge, the following members are still fighting illness or injuries. Leonard Checque Roy Fagan Ed Forster John Kenes Ken Kaiser Bernie Kieta Tim Kifer Paul Tarabrella  Bob Vertacnik Manuel Yocolano. Please take a few minutes to send these Leathernecks a card or letter. God speed to all the ailing Leathernecks. If you know of any other Leathernecks that are ill, please call me. 412 719 6162 "Semper Fi"
7. Aspecial thanks to all the Leathernecks that participated in the parade on 4th July y 2015. A great time was had by all! Semper Fi
8.  Please mark your calendar for the upcoming events. 
• Mon 20 July 2015 Regular meeting 
• Sat 25 July 2015 "Toys for Tots" Bike Run 
• Wed 5 Aug 2015 Parris Island Trip begins 0500 
• Sun 23 Aug 2015 Annual Picnic 
• Sat 5 Sept 2015 Parade - West Newton, PA 
• Sat 7 Nov 2015 USMC Ball Wed 
• 11 Nov 2015 Veterans' Day Commemoration-Monongahela
  Veterans' Day Parade - Charleroi, PA 
• Thur 26 Nov 2015 Thanksgiving Day 
• Sun 6 Dec 2015 Tentative Tag Day Toys for Tots 
• Fri/Sat 18-19 2015 Toys for Tots Pickup/ Distribution 
• Mon 21 Dec 2015 Annual Christmas Party 
• Fri 25 Dec 2015 Christmas Day 

Remember we meet the third Monday of the month VFW#1409 PA Rt 837 Monongahela, PA 1900 hrs

History

 A few significant events in the history of the USA and the Marines.

• 1 July 1847 1st Postage Stamp
• 2 July 1881 Pres. James Garfield shot - Died Sept 19 (80 days)
•  3 July 1775 Washington commanded Continental Army
• 3 July 1863 Battle of Gettysburg ended
• 4 July 2015 Independence Day
• 6 July 1943 The 1st Raider Regiment landed against the Japanese on New Georgia Island.
• 10 July 1832 President Jackson vetoed Bank Bill
• 10 July 1919. A submarine chaser was turned over to the Corps with the first all-Marine crew.
• 17 July 1996 TWA Flight 800 shot down 18 July 1918 The 4th Marine Brigade sustained 1,972 casualties in an attack at Soissons, France
• 21 July 1944 The 3dNarDiv, 1st Provisional Marine Brigade, and Marine Aircraft Group 21 landed to capture Guam.
• 24 July 1944 Artillery, air, and naval bombardments softened Tinian for the 4thMarDiv landing.
• 27 July 1953 Korean War hostilities ceased.

Thoughts for the Month

"You can change without improving but you can't improve without changing." 
"A goal without a plan is only a wish."
"The best index to a person's character is (a) how they treat folks who can't do them any good, and (b) how they treat people who can't fight back."
"It is not by a person's purse, but by their character, that they are rich or poor."
"Folks always get into trouble when they think they can handle their lives without God."
"Make each day count, but don't count the days."
"Nothing confuses a man more than to drive behind a woman that does everything right."
"Greatness is not found in Possessions, Power, Position, or Prestige. It is discovered in Goodness, Humility, Service and Character."
"God doesn't call us to be  Successful. He calls us to be Faithful." "A lot of trouble is caused by combining a narrow mind with a wide mouth."
"When a wise man argues with a woman, he says nothing."

Honor   Courage   Commitment