Official chapter website: www.ncmoph.org
E-mail: [email protected]
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Beirut Memorial
Chapter #642
Serving the Combat Wounded
Volume2/09
March/April 2009
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Chapter membership statistics as of 01/01/09.
All gave some, some gave all
Chapter Officers
Commander: Joe Houle
Sen. Vice: Verl Matthews
Jun Vice: Donald Clinger
Adjutant: John Cooney
Finance: George Reiter
Comm.: Robert Mathews
Alt Comm: Kevin Howell
Trust 3 yr: Bill St John
Trust 2 yr: John Holmes
Trust 1 yr: Grant Beck
Service Off: James Foyil
Chaplain: Donald Clinger
Sgt at Arms: Bob Powell
Meeting second Tuesday of the month
at 1900, Military Relocator Realty
building, 1923 Lejeune Blvd.
Jacksonville NC 28540
Lifetime members: 260
Annual members
12
Associate Members: 2
Total Membership: 274
Help us save postage, send me
your e-mail address.
Semper Keeping You Informed
Direct all praise, comments or gripes to the editor at
910 455-1353, 1006 Oak Dr, Jacksonville NC 28546
Military Order of the Purple Heart Mission Statement
The mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is to foster an
environment of goodwill and camaraderie among Combat Wounded
Veterans, promote Patriotism, support necessary legislative initiatives
and most importantly, provide service to all veterans and their
families
Welcome New Patriots
We want to welcome the new patriots who have joined us since the
last newsletter. The following patriots joined for life: Conroe, Heroy,
Knapp, Rochelle, Shaffer, Koldys Edwards, Hammond, Shermandre
Jackson, Stimmel III and Laidler. The following patriots converted
from annual to life Dagenhert, Joshua Ortega, Mann, Marcus
Mathews, Stephens and Treadwell Jr. We welcome all of you, please
come out and participate in our meetings and activities you are now
part of the combat wounded brotherhood. We have only 14
annual/free members remaining then we will be all lifetime members
which is the goal, as cheap as life membership is now, there’s no sense
to being an annual member. There are no more annual or free year
memberships offered, all memberships are now life.
“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today that
sheds his blood with me, shall be my brother." - William
Shakespeare, from "King Henry V"
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Note: The new meeting location is 1923 Lejeune Blvd. the home of the Military
Relocators. This is located between Century 21 and Arbys going away from the main
gate towards Western Blvd.
Calendar of events
6 March – Presentation of plaques to Honor Graduates of FMTB at 0900.
10 March – Monthly Purple Heart meeting at 1900, bring that new prospect.
18 March – Monthly CMF meeting at 1900.
14 April – Monthly Purple Heart meeting at 1900.
15 April – Monthly CMF meting at 1900.
18 April – Charity Oil change at Doug’s Car Care from 1000 to 1400.
Chapter Happenings
January/February were fairly uneventful
months and traditionally a slow period
for the chapter. The Fallen Warriors
trees were taken down from the exchange
and put away for another year on 2
January. We had great success in
recruiting at the trees, while recruiting
and getting donations is secondary to the
primary mission of educating the public
about the trees, it is none the less
important.
We continue to meet in our new meeting
location, which is great. The owner,
retired MGySgt Osceolo (Oates) has given
us free reign to decorate the meeting
room. At the February meeting, Jason
Lowry from Congressman Jones’ office
was guest speaker and talked with us
about the proposed legislation that is
forthcoming. I will talk about one of the
very important issues later in this letter.
On 21 February a quarterly NC
Department (state) meeting was held at
Fort Bragg. At that meeting, our SVC
Doc Matt was elected to the Department
JVC position and our Chaplain, Patriot
Clinger was elected to the finance
officer’s
position.
March/April will see the activity increases
gradually. Last year was our first
presentation of the plaques to the honor
The van will only be used for Chapter 642
members and their families who are wheel
chair bound. The van will provide transport
for these members to and from any medical
appointment necessary. Any other request by
other Purple Heart recipients will be taken
under consideration by the executive board
for a decision. Also the van can be used for
chapter functions, i.e. Department meetings,
parades and etc.
Patriot Don Lambrecht has volunteered to be
the van driver. Contact him at 347-2892 for
transportation. We do expect the gas tank to
be filled just like when you got it, if you can
afford it.
“Freedom is never taken away in an
instant, it is taken away slowly so as not to
disturb those who slumber.”
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graduates at the Field Medical Training
Battalion, the old Field Medical School.
As well as presenting a plaque to the
honor Corpsman we presented plaques to
two Religious Programmers. Again, on 6
March the chapter will be presenting
plaques to these honor graduates at 0900.
All patriots are invited to attend, we were
treated extremely well at the last
graduation.
At the March meeting, nominations for
officers for the upcoming year will be
received. Patriot Holmes is the
nominating committee and if you are
interested contact him or make it known
at the meeting.
There’s nothing on the calendar until the
next meeting in April in which elections
will be held and officers sworn in. On 18
April there will be our second Charity Oil
Change sponsored by Doug’s Car Care.
This is a Saturday and the workers are
volunteering their day off to make this a
success for us. This event will also feature
a car wash with some Hooters girls doing
the honors. Also for the ladies there will
some young Marines out there washing
cars. At the last event in November we
took in over $1000. At this upcoming
event, the chapter voted to split the
proceeds of this charity endeavor with the
Corpsmen Memorial.
Enjoy these two relatively slow months
because things will pick up in May.
Since instituting this program in December of
2006, over 175 businesses and residences have
been contacted by the veteran community
about the condition of their flags. Certificates
have been presented to deserving businesses
by our chapter, the Marine Corps League,
NCOA, DAV and the 2nd Marine Division
Assn.
Beginning in February there is a weekly
column in the Daily News dedicated to our
Flag program.
A veteran - whether active duty,
retired, national guard or reserve - is
someone who, at one point in his or
her life, wrote a blank check made
payable to "The United States of
America," for an amount of "up to and
including my life."
Corpsmen Memorial Foundation
The Corpsmen Memorial Foundation
meets on the third Wednesday of the
month at our meeting location. As most of
you should know by now, our chapter has
championed this endeavor from the start.
As of March, the foundation will be one
year old. There have been some hiccups
as far as the formation of the non-profit
501c3 status but we have that ball rolling
along fine now. In the next year we hope
to get this going full speed ahead. The
proposed location for the memorial will
be in the Memorial Gardens, hopefully
right out in front of the Museum of the
Marine. The target date for this
monument is 14 June 2012.
Do you see dirty, frayed, tattered, torn,
ripped unserviceable flags such as this
one? This one was actually photographed
flying over Yankee Stadium. I have seen
some like this flying in Jacksonville.
“When a man steals your wife, there is no
better revenge than to let him keep her.”
David Bissonette
Take Pride in Your Flag Program –.
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Legislative Corner Take Action
The primary item on the horizon at this
moment is Tri-care and Tri-care for life, both
of which are on the chopping block. The
Obama camp is trying to find ways of cutting
money from those programs of deserving
veterans that fought for this country to give it
to those who do nothing but take from this
country.
At the last meeting a show of hands indicated
that about 15 of those present had contacted
their representatives, about 50%, regarding
this issue. This is no small matter and if we sit
back and show nothing but apathy on this
issue we deserve what we’re dealt. Tri-care
for life which is what you are on you turn 65,
is looking at taking a hit of about $2500
annual out of pocket expenses per individual,
this is on top of the $1200.00 per year
payment of Medicare coming automatically
out of our Social Security. Tri-care plus is
looking at doubling the annual fee.
Veterans traditionally only contact their
representatives 10% of the time on any
veteran related issue. We are looking at
getting this chapter proactively involved and
would like to see a 40 to 50% participation
rate. To help this endeavor, we have
established a legislative committee that will
research these bills and report on them at our
meetings. Patriots Howell and Tuttle are at
this time actively researching various bills
that could impact us as veterans. Those of
you who have not contacted your
representative, please do after reading
this letter. Those of you not yet on Tri-care
for life also contact them if you want it there
for you when you turn 65. Action Needed
NC Representatives contact info on Page
8.
Officers and Committee reports
From your Commander
No Report
From Your Senior Vice
Commander/ Americanism
The Americanism report for these two
months is short. I will be going to see Mr.
Taylor at the School Board to try and get
some responses of the Onslow County
Schools for the talks. We haven't had any
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attend meetings but participates in other ways.
The ladies will also hold elections at these
meetings. Encourage the female in your life to
come out and see what our ladies are all about.
As Always, Patriots we would not have a chapter
if not for you, you are the chapter.
Semper Fi, John
since November, and I am afraid that the
total this year will down some since the
four thousand that we talked to last year.
If anyone knows a teacher at any of the
elementary or middle schools, please tell
them of the service that we provide. Many
times I hear the older generation talking
about how the younger generation is
spoiled and unpatriotic, this is why we try
to take our job enthusiastically. Take care
and will see you all at the next meeting on
the 10th of March. S/F Doc Matt.
From your Chaplain
I may never see tomorrow, there's no
guarantee,
And things that happened yesterday belong
to history.
I can't predict the future, I can't change the
past,
I have just the present memories to treat as
my last.
I must use this moment wisely, for soon it
will pass away,
And be lost forever as a part of yesterday.
I must exercise compassion, help the fallen
to their feet,
Be a friend unto the friendless, make their
life complete.
the unkind things I do today, may never be
undone,
And friendships that fail to win, may never
more be won.
I may not have another chance on bended
knee to pray,
And I thank God with a humble heart for
giving me this day!
Don Clinger, Chaplain
From Your Junior Vice
(Membership)
I recently received a print-out from national
giving me the rundown on our latest
membership numbers. They have us down
to just 258 members, so I am asking all of
you to shake some bushes, rattle some
chains and turn over some rocks to help us
build back up to our 300 plus number. We
are doing our usual good job of staying
active, so let's keep up the good work!
Don Clinger
Jr Vice Cdr.
From your Adjutant/Editor
Patriots, we just keep on plugging along and
doing things that make me prouder of this
chapter everyday. Our recruiting is moving right
along and we are in the running for a $250.00
recruiting incentive award from National, this is
for the last fiscal year which will end in June.
We have recruited 65 new members since last
June. Don’t ease off just because we are
receiving this award. Recruiting is very
important because the bigger our numbers, the
bigger our voice on Capital Hill.
At the last meeting we established a new
committee to oversee and make reports on
legislative issues facing us. Patriots Howell and
Tuttle stepped up to the plate and took charge of
that committee. At this period in time and the
new regime in the White House, almost daily
there are new issues coming forth that affect us
veterans. This 1100 page Tax Stimulus package
is just being dissected daily and new stuff is
coming out of it. The veterans have taken the
shaft on many issues in this bill, one area being
Tri-care.
Patriots, one other very important aspect of our
chapter is our Ladies Auxiliary, they are now 27
strong but there are many of your wives, sisters,
daughters and etc that are eligible to join. They
don’t need to be meeting goers, my wife does not
From your Public Relations
Director
No Report
Ponderisms:
1.Can you cry underwater?
2. How important does a person have to
be
before
they
are
considered
assassinated instead of murdered?
3. Once you’re in heaven, do you get stuck
wearing the clothes you were buried in
for eternity?
4. Why does a round Pizza come in a
square box?
5. What disease did cured ham actually
have?
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From our supply
department and Chairman
Patriot Tim Shea
No Report
Polo Shirts --- $20.00
T-Shirts -------$15.00
Car Magnets
New item for a donation of $3.00
Collectors belt buckles for
$20.00
Patriot Doc Matt (middle) getting sworn in as
NC Dept. Junior Vice Commander at the
meeting on 21 February. Patriot Clinger not
pictured was elected as the new Finance
officer. Also pictured on the far side is Patriot
Idol our past dept. commander who was
elected as Senior Vice Commander, welcome
back Joe Idol.
Adorable Purple Heart Puppies
$3.00
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Ladies Auxiliary Unit
642
From your Prez
Hello Everyone!
We've had a fairly quiet two months. I hope
that everyone is well and taking care. It's
time for taxes, and almost time for spring
flowers and starting gardens. I know that I
am ready for some warm weather. Let's say
--- more than three or four days in the row!
It's, also, that time to submit nominations for
our auxiliary officers for the forth coming
year. If there is anyone who wishes to step
down, please let it be known. Anyone who
wishes to accept a position, also, speak up.
The North Carolina Annual Convention is
March 31, April 1 & 2 in Wilmington.
Information will be sent to our husbands.
I invite all of our ladies to attend the forth
coming meetings. This is an important time
of the year.
I
look forward to seeing all of you at our next
meeting, March 10. If not then, please make
plans to come to the convention and see
what we are all about.
Unit 642 Officers
Position
name
President
Sen Vice pres
Treasurer
Parliamentarian
Secretary
Sgt at Arms
1 yr trustee/
2 year trustee
3 year trustee
Chaplain
Historian
Patriotic Instructor
Paula Lott
Pat Nichols
Sharon Howell
Pat Nichols
Jennifer Harmon
Barbara Minehart
Barbara Mc Gee
Barbara Minehart
Wanda Matthews
Jean Blick
Alice Houle
Kyoko Hare
God Bless and Semper fi,
Paula
Ladies – We get the same deal on
membership as the men. Our lifetime dues
are $50.00 with the Department of NC
picking up $25.00 of that. So in essence for
$5.00 more than the annual membership
you can join for life.
Lifetime Members: 27
Total Membership: 27
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North Carolina Representatives
contact info
Burr, Richard - (R - NC)
217 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-3154
Web Form: burr.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Home
Hagan, Kay R. - (D - NC)
B40A DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-6342
E-mail: [email protected]
Greenville
N.C. Office:
Congressman
Walter Jones
1105-C
Corporate
Drive
Greenville,
NC 278584211
Phone: 252931-1003 or
toll-free (in
N.C. only)
800-3511697
Fax: 252931-1002
Internet:
Web:
http://jones.house.gov/
e-mail:
[email protected]
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