December 20, 2018
1130 HOURS

Please make your reservations early by calling 760-901-5494
Speak slowly, loudly and clearly.

Or email Jim Olson at Olsoncj5@aol.com to make a reservation.

As usual, our meeting will take place at the Classic Club in Palm Desert.

DOROTHY IRWIN HONORED AT
MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY LUNCHEON

Pictured: Dorothy Irwin in uniform, oldest Marine present, is pictured here with Corporal Keyshia Riogonzalez, youngest Marine present; Guest of Honor Colonel Shane Edwards, HQ Bn C.O. MAGCC, 29 Palms and Lt. Colonel Carl Lewke, USMC (retired) Senior Adviser, MCJROTC, Desert Hot Springs High School.

Chapter member Corporal Dorothy Irwin graced the ceremonial Marine Corps birthday cake cutting with her participation as the oldest Marine present at the MCL Marine Corps Birthday luncheon.

The sell-out event held at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Spa each year is supported by our Chapter and was well attended by Chapter members. Dorothy was escorted by her son Lt Col James Irwin USMC(ret) who, like his mom, is an active Chapter member.

______________________________

SAM HUTTENHOWER
Oldest Marine Present at 3rd Battalion 7th Marines USMC Birthday Ball!

Sam Huttenhower receives the ceremonial piece of birthday cake from Lt. Colonel Ford, Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines.

Our own Sam Huttenhower participated in the ceremonial cake cutting as the oldest Marine present at the 3/7 Marine Corps Birthday Ball.

Sam was given a rousing cheer by the 1000 marines, sailors and guests that shook the rafters when Lt Colonel Ford, 3/7 commanding officer, announced during the ceremony that Sam was a 3/7 young Marine when it landed at Guadalcanal during World War II. At the conclusion of the ceremony

Lt Colonel Ford and Mrs. Ford visited the Chapter table and thanked each of us individually and our Chapter for supporting their Birthday Ball.

During the course of the evening many Marines, officers and enlisted, approached our members and expressed their appreciation for our support.

Several Chapter members and their wives attended the Ball which was held at the JW Marriott Hotel in Palm Desert.

Chapter members and their wives attended the 3rd Battalion 7th Marines USMC Birthday Ball. Pictured standing left to right are Vince Mast, Tom Woulfe, Quint Villanueva, and Harry Covert Seated left to right are Sam Huttenhower, May Woulfe, Yolanda Villanueva and Nancy Covert. Also attending but not in the photo were Hank and Rozalin Monahan

It was one terrific birthday party!

Chapter Kicked Off Its 2018
Christmas Fundraising Initiative

Our Chapter launched its annual fund raising drive on the weekend of November 9-10 at Jensen’s markets in Palm Desert and
Palm Springs. Through the courtesy of Matt Zack, CEO of Jensen’s markets the Chapter set up donation stations in front of both markets easily identified by US and Marine Corps colors. The kickoff was the first of a series of fund raising weekends running into the third weekend in December.

Board member Harry Covert is compiled a list of Chapter volunteer watch-standers who will work at least one three hour watch during the initiative.

If you have not already placed your name on the volunteer list contact Harry at 760-200-0094 to sign up.

Not only is this assignment fun. you will no doubt be moved by the expressions of support and gratitude we receive from residents of the Coachella Valley as they donate to our Chapter.

Volunteers are still needed to fill in the afternoon shifts at the Palm Springs Market. So saddle up and sign up!

Did you know…
15 December 1948: The Secretary of the Navy, John Sullivan, signed a “Memorandum of Agreement” with the State Department which laid the basis for the modern Marine Security Guard program at U.S. embassies throughout the world.

CHRISTMAS DAY MIRACLE OF 1914 – WW1
Germany Won 3 to 2

With the horrors of World War I five months old, with British and German troops stalled in trenches, only a football field apart, rifles loaded and bayonets ready, a “Christmas Truce” was announced.

At midnight, it began to happen. At first, there were only a couple of soldiers from both sides who cautiously rose from the trenches, guns left behind, hands high and unthreatening.
The others watched, as these few from each side got closer, and – surprise! – shook hands and smiled!

Before long, dozens, hundreds, thousands, we’re told, of German and British soldiers were visiting, singing carols, showing the simple gifts they had received from home, exchanging some, and even praying.
That’s the miracle of Christmas. The pope a century ago, Pope Benedict XV, tearfully asked why we just didn’t extend the “Christmas Truce” for the rest of history, but the political and military leaders had other ideas.

Most of the men were transferred, out of fear that they could no longer shoot a man with whom they had shaken hands at Christmas.

If Christmas Miracles can happen in the trenches of 1914. Then today, let’s also look inside, in our homes and neighborhoods, our city, country and world.

CURRENT TUN TAVERN MEMBERS

Wes Ahlgren | Michael Bales (in memorium) |Harry Covert Joe Daily | Dave Dangwillo | Dave Franklin | Charlie Garbarini |BobFerris | Frank Gillette | Charlie Hall | Sam Huttenhower | Jim Irwin | Franz Jevene Howard Lehman | Jimmy Martin | Vince Mast | Gene McClendon | Jack Mennis |George Moffatt | Hank Monahan | Gene Mooring | James Olson | Mike Ostrom | Marilyn Paige | Richard Partee | Henry Sanchez | Sandy Sandoval | Ray Schum | Bob Shepard | Buddy Sklar | George Stettler | Dale Turner | Quint Villanueva | Mike Walker | Michael Walker | Myrl Wallace | Linn Wiley