L/Cpl John J. Van Gyzen Detachment #1285
Marine Corps League Meeting Minutes
April 6, 2024
The meeting of the John J. Van Gyzen Detachment was called to order by Commandant Bruce Aldrich at 10:00 hours. 34 members were present. The colors were posted, the pledge of allegiance and opening prayer.
Roll call of officers:
Present- Commandant, Sr. Vice Commandant, Jr. Vice Commandant, Adjutant, Paymaster, Sgt. at Arms, Webmaster, Chaplain and Quartermaster.
Absent- Judge Advocate
Correspondence:
- Received a certificate of appreciation from Homes for Troops.
- John Carvalho read an email from a fellow Marine who received a donation from the detachment.
Motion made, seconded and passed to accept correspondence.
Motion made, seconded and passed to accept the February minutes.
Motion made, seconded and passed to accept Paymasters report.
Officers reports;
Sr. Vice Commandant;
- Nothing to report;
Jr Vice Commandant;
- Explained the CD that was purchased at Mechanics Bank.
Judge Advocate;
Nothing to report
- Commandants report:
- Todays do-nuts provided by Quality Auto.
- Somerset Veterans Council is requesting the town to increase the stipend given to the veterans. If they do I would be big help to us.
- Kyle McPherson told Bruce they had a hearing for the 2 people who vandalized the Iwo Jima Monument. He said he will get back to me with the sentencing date. Probably around May 8 2024. Bruce would like some members to show up in court wearing our red jackets.
- To all who participated in the Iwo Jima ceremony, the ladies who set the buffet line, and Matt Campbell who came in Tuesday to help Bruce cleanup.
- Bruce also called the Mayor of Fall River and thanked him for his appearance. Bruce also call Auclair`s for the great job they did in preparing the sandwiches.
- The installation of the officers was held after the ceremony at headquarters due to the frigid temperature at the Monument. It was planned to do it at the monument ceremony.
- Please don`t forget to sign up for the Memorial Day weekend fund raiser. Signup sheets are on the back table. All we ask all members for two hours of your time. It is an important weekend for the detachment.
Motion made, seconded and passed to accept all officer`s reports.
New business;
- Bruce and Andy went to the bank and made the necessary changes to yhe checking account to allow Andy to cosign detachment checks. Bruce also changed the address so bank statements will be sent to headquarters instead of his home address. Also, Bruce thanked Bill Murphy for his dedication and excellent bookkeeping skills over the years he was paymaster. Semper Fi Devildog.
- The picnic table the detachment paid for a few years ago as a donation to the L/CPL Rodriguez Foundation is in dire need of massive repairs. Bruce was considering repairing it but decided to ask the membership to give a donation and let the foundation repair our table. A motion was made, seconded and past to donate the cost of material to repair the bench.
- Bruce was notified we will be able to be in the Fourth of July Parade in Bristol.
For the good;
- Sign-up sheets for our Memorial Day Fundraiser are on the back bench. Pick your time and day you prefer. Just two hour shifts is all that`s required we have more than enough members to cover.
- John Carvalho in the interview program for veterans and very impressed and encouraged members to try it.
- A discussion was had on possibly changing the Iwo Jima Ceremony to a warmer month to attract more people because of the weather in February. Counter to that suggestion was the point that the battle was held in February and we should celebrate In February.
Sickbay report;
- Talk to Norm Lavalles son and was told not much improvement.
Next meeting will be Saturday May 4 at 10:00 hours.
Motion made, seconded and passed to adjourn the meeting 10:48 hours.
Respectfully submitted
William F. Niewola Jr.
Detachment Adjutant
NEXT MEETING WILL BE SATURDAY MORNING
MAY 4 @ 10:00 hours.
SEMPER FI!!!!!!!
Let us not forget our fallen brothers and sisters and those in harm’s way. Amen.