L/Cpl John J. Van Gyzen Detachment #1285
Marine Corps League Meeting Minutes
March 2, 2024
The meeting of the John J. Van Gyzen Detachment was called to order by Commandant Bruce Aldrich at 10:00 hours. 36 members were present. The colors were posted, the pledge of allegiance and opening prayer.
Motion made, seconded and passed suspend regular order of business and cast one vote for nominated slate of officers for 2024.
Elected officers for 2024;
Commandant Bruce Aldrich
Sr Vice Commandant Brian Brown
Jr Vice Jeff Waite
Judge Advocate Manuel Menezes
Paymaster Andrew Robinson
Motion, made, seconded and passed to close election and revert to regular order of business.
Roll call of officers:
Present- Commandant, Sr. Vice Commandant, Jr. Vice Commandant, Adjutant, Paymaster Judge Advocate, Sgt. at Arms, Webmaster, Chaplain and Quartermaster.
Absent- 0
Correspondence:
- Thank you from T2T for the donation.
- Thank from member Joe Estrella for the support he has received from the membership over the past few months.
- A note from Bruce Katz informing the membership about his be nominated for Adult Volunteer of the Year from the Young Marines.
- Received a donation from the Somerset DTC office.
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;
- Recommended if you need auto repairs, he highly recommends Quality Auto.
Judge Advocate;
Manny is in the process of trying to find out what medals our Iwo Jima survivor, Walter is deserving of. Manny is waiting for a reply from RI senator Reed in regards to the medals.
- Commandants report:
- Todays do-nuts provided by Quality Auto.
- Last month`s oil bill was $833.00 so the thermostat has been lowered to 50 degrees.
- The malfunctioning rifle has been returned finally. Thanks to computers we can now do everything by e-mail.
- VA Hospital pizza party went well. Thirteen members attended.
- Now that the new officers have been elected we can go to the bank and transfer some money into a CD.
- The South Coast Community Chorale will be performing in May to honor veterans. The concert schedule is as follows and will be held at the Baptist Church on North Main St. in Fall River on Saturday evening May 18 at 19:30 hours. The second performance will be held at St. Thomas Moore Church on Luther Ave. in Somerset at 15:00 hours. This is the same group that performed at our holiday ceremonies.
Motion made, seconded and passed to accept all officer`s reports.
New business;
- New sweatshirts have been purchased. AMERICAN made!!! But due to the fact they are made in America and the increase in the cost of embroidering they are now costing $65.00. That`s what you pay for quality.
- Had to remind the town once again that we are non-profit and we do not have to pay excise tax on the bus.
- Sunday, March 24 we will be doing our ceremony at the Iwo Jima Monument celebrating the 79th anniversary og taking of the island. We will leave headquarters at 10:00 hours. Jimmy will be taking care of assembling the honor guard. We will then return to headquarters after the ceremony for refreshments.
- The state convention is being held the first weekend in June. Anyone interested in going, let Bruce know so he can register you.
- Motion made, seconded and passed to place a $125.00 full page ad in the convention program book.
- Bruce was notified we will be able to be in the Fourth of July Parade in Bristol.
For the good;
- Bill Combs was introduced the membership as a potential member. Bill promised to sign up next month. Devildogs don`t lie.
- John Carvaiho brought up the point that there are only 13 seats on the bus for the parade. Bruce said some can walk then switch off once in awhile.
Sickbay report;
- Joe Estrella is doing much better. He is now using a cane instead of walker. It allows him to get out of the house get to rehab.
Next meeting will be Saturday April 6 at 10:00 hours.
Motion made, seconded and passed to adjourn the meeting 11:00 hours.
Respectfully submitted
William F. Niewola Jr.
Detachment Adjutant
NEXT MEETING WILL BE SATURDAY MORNING
APRIL 6 @ 10:00 hours.
SEMPER FI!!!!!!!
Let us not forget our fallen brothers and sisters and those in harm’s way. Amen.