SUMMER IS OVER AND OUR CHAPTER
BEGAN ITS NEW SEASON ON SEPTEMBER 19

Thirty Chapter members and guests convened for lunch at the Classic Club on September 19 and to enjoy a presentation by 1st Sergeant Robert Door, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines. What?

The 25th Marines is a Massachusetts Marine Reserve Regiment, what’s it doing in 29 Palms? What it’s doing is hooking up with the 7th Regiment and preparing to deploy to the far east with elements of the 7th. 1st Sgt. Door was accompanied by 1st Lieutenant Brandon Gallahew. Both Marines had been to 29 Palms on previous training assignments and found the beauty of the base to be unchanged since their last visit.
1st Sgt. gave a brief on the composition of the 25th Marines and how its battalions are located at various population centers in New England.

The Q and A session was quite interesting as 1st Sgt Door fielded questions that covered everything from Reserve recruitment and retention to training and impact on families when units are mobilized for deployment on relatively short notice.

Harry Covert and Vince Mast flank September guests, 1st Sergeant Robert Door and 1st Lieutenant Brandon Mattahew from the 1st Battlion, 25th Marines

JENSEN’S REPORT

Here’s your chance to lend a hand during our new fund raising season.

Our Chapter will staff its donations tables at Jensen’s Palm Desert and Palm Springs markets on
Friday October 11 and Saturday October 12.
The shift hours are 1000 to 1300 hours and 1300 to 1600 hours.

You don’t have to work both shifts or both days unless your a really dedicated Chapter member. Working one shift on either day is sufficient to earn you an “attaboy” from our President Harry.

To sign up as a volunteer contact Harry Covert at hncovert@gmail.com or by phone at 760200 0094.

The annual fun filled golf cart parade kicks off on
Sunday, October 27 and once again our Chapter will lead the parade. If you haven’t already signed up to march (walk) or ride with the Chapter, do it now.
We’re honored to have Marilyn Paige riding with us this year. Marilyn is the widow of Mitchell Paige, Medal of Honor recipient, and a founder of our Chapter.

Riding in our lead car with Marilyn Paige will be two of our WWII veterans, Dorothy Irwin and Sam Hutterhower.
Email Quint at Qlv@aol.com to sign up.

In recent years our Chapter raised funds to cover the cost for selected 7th Regiment Marines to attend the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. We will do the same this year. Attending the Ball can be an expensive proposition for a Marine. The expenses are borne by each Marine because the Corps does not budget for the celebration.

Chapter members are encouraged to solicit donations from friends and local business in support of assisting Marines to attend the Marine Corps Birthday Ball.

Donations can be made to the Chapter and earmarked for Ball tickets or made directly to Marine Corps Community Service (MCCS) which will pass the donation to the appropriate command to purchase Ball ticket for its Marines.

If you have any questions, contact
Harry Covert: (760) 200-0094;
Vince Mast: (760) 972-4886;
or Quint Villanueva: (760) 772-2129 for further information.

WHO THAT MARINE WAS WHO LEAD
THE CHARGE OVER THE SEA LALL AT INCHON?

On September 15, 1950, U.S. Marines made a surprise amphibious landing at the strategic port of Inchon, on the west coast of Korea, about 100 miles south of the 38th parallel and 25 miles from Seoul.

This photo of a Marine leading the charge over the sea wall at Inchon memorializes the Inchon landing. Did you ever wonder who that Marine was? Let me tell you…

He was 1st Lt. Baldomero López, USMC, a platoon commander in A Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines.

He was captured in this iconic photograph by Marguerite Higgins as he led his Marines over a seawall. Moments later, while preparing to throw a hand grenade into a North Korean bunker, he was struck by automatic weapons fire in the chest and right shoulder, causing him to drop the activated device. Although seriously wounded, Lt. López crawled toward the grenade and unable to throw it because of his injuries, pulled it under his body to shield others from the blast. He was killed in the resulting explosion and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Now you know the rest of the story.

The official Medal of Honor citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a marine platoon commander of Company A, in action against enemy aggressor forces. With his platoon 1st Lt. Lopez was engaged in the reduction of immediate enemy beach defenses after landing with the assault waves. Exposing himself to hostile fire, he moved forward alongside a bunker and prepared to throw a hand grenade into the next pillbox whose fire was pinning down that sector of the beach. Taken under fire by an enemy automatic weapon and hit in the right shoulder and chest as he lifted his arm to throw, he fell backward and dropped the deadly missile. After a moment, he turned and dragged his body forward in an effort to retrieve the grenade and throw it. In critical condition from pain and loss of blood, and unable to grasp the hand grenade firmly enough to hurl it, he chose to sacrifice himself rather than endanger the lives of his men and, with a sweeping motion of his wounded right arm, cradled the grenade under him and absorbed the full impact of the explosion. His exceptional courage, fortitude, and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon 1st Lt. Lopez and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

EXPANSION OF BENEFITS ON THE HORIZON

Starting Jan. 1, all service-connected disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war and primary veteran caregivers will be eligible to shop at commissaries and exchanges, and officials from three federal agencies are preparing the way.
The newly eligible customers will also be able to use certain morale, welfare and recreation activities.
It’s the largest patronage expansion in more than 60 years.

Uniform Shirts and Covers

Recently some members inquired about ordering Chapter shirts. Here’s the scoop: White shirts are required to be worn at Chapter meetings. Red and blue shirts can be worn to other events, ie, standing watch at Jensen’s or participating in group field trips. Some members purchased all three colors.
To order a shirt(s), send an email to Quint Villanueva at Qlv@aol.com specifying shirt size and color. When twelve shirt requests are accumulated an order will be placed with the manufacturer. Payment for your order can made on delivery to you.
Prices:
Shirts $30.00
Covers $15.00
Lt Wt Jackets $30.00
Hvy Wt Jackets $35.00
Name Tags $10.00 
Lapel Pin $7.00

TUN TAVERN GROUP

The Tun Tavern Club meets several times a year for dinner, fellowship, camaraderie, to swap sea stories and to pig out on food and grog. The few shekels accumulated by the club, if any, are turned over to the Chapter to use at its discretion. There are no club officers or rules or regulations guiding the demeanor of members and guests other than military courtesy extended to each other.

From time to time members may be tasked with sharing their military experiences with the members. Tun Tavern meetings are open to guests both military and civilian.

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 | | Dino Ruffoni | Henry Sanchez | Sandy Sandoval | | Bob Shepard | Buddy Sklar| George Stettler | Dale Turner | Quint Villanueva | Mike Walker | Michael Walker| Myrl Wallace | Linn Wiley | Tom Woulfe

SUMMER IS OVER AND OUR CHAPTER
BEGAN ITS NEW SEASON ON SEPTEMBER 19

Thirty Chapter members and guests convened for lunch at the Classic Club on September 19 and to enjoy a presentation by 1st Sergeant Robert Door, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines. What?

The 25th Marines is a Massachusetts Marine Reserve Regiment, what’s it doing in 29 Palms? What it’s doing is hooking up with the 7th Regiment and preparing to deploy to the far east with elements of the 7th. 1st Sgt. Door was accompanied by 1st Lieutenant Brandon Gallahew. Both Marines had been to 29 Palms on previous training assignments and found the beauty of the base to be unchanged since their last visit.
1st Sgt. gave a brief on the composition of the 25th Marines and how its battalions are located at various population centers in New England.

The Q and A session was quite interesting as 1st Sgt Door fielded questions that covered everything from Reserve recruitment and retention to training and impact on families when units are mobilized for deployment on relatively short notice.

Harry Covert and Vince Mast flank September guests, 1st Sergeant Robert Door and 1st Lieutenant Brandon Mattahew from the 1st Battlion, 25th Marines

JENSEN’S REPORT

Here’s your chance to lend a hand during our new fund raising season.

Our Chapter will staff its donations tables at Jensen’s Palm Desert and Palm Springs markets on
Friday October 11 and Saturday October 12.
The shift hours are 1000 to 1300 hours and 1300 to 1600 hours.

You don’t have to work both shifts or both days unless your a really dedicated Chapter member. Working one shift on either day is sufficient to earn you an “attaboy” from our President Harry.

To sign up as a volunteer contact Harry Covert at hncovert@gmail.com or by phone at 760200 0094.

The annual fun filled golf cart parade kicks off on
Sunday, October 27 and once again our Chapter will lead the parade. If you haven’t already signed up to march (walk) or ride with the Chapter, do it now.
We’re honored to have Marilyn Paige riding with us this year. Marilyn is the widow of Mitchell Paige, Medal of Honor recipient, and a founder of our Chapter.

Riding in our lead car with Marilyn Paige will be two of our WWII veterans, Dorothy Irwin and Sam Hutterhower.
Email Quint at Qlv@aol.com to sign up.

In recent years our Chapter raised funds to cover the cost for selected 7th Regiment Marines to attend the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. We will do the same this year. Attending the Ball can be an expensive proposition for a Marine. The expenses are borne by each Marine because the Corps does not budget for the celebration.

Chapter members are encouraged to solicit donations from friends and local business in support of assisting Marines to attend the Marine Corps Birthday Ball.

Donations can be made to the Chapter and earmarked for Ball tickets or made directly to Marine Corps Community Service (MCCS) which will pass the donation to the appropriate command to purchase Ball ticket for its Marines.

If you have any questions, contact
Harry Covert: (760) 200-0094;
Vince Mast: (760) 972-4886;
or Quint Villanueva: (760) 772-2129 for further information.

WHO THAT MARINE WAS WHO LEAD
THE CHARGE OVER THE SEA LALL AT INCHON?

On September 15, 1950, U.S. Marines made a surprise amphibious landing at the strategic port of Inchon, on the west coast of Korea, about 100 miles south of the 38th parallel and 25 miles from Seoul.

This photo of a Marine leading the charge over the sea wall at Inchon memorializes the Inchon landing. Did you ever wonder who that Marine was? Let me tell you…

He was 1st Lt. Baldomero López, USMC, a platoon commander in A Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines.

He was captured in this iconic photograph by Marguerite Higgins as he led his Marines over a seawall. Moments later, while preparing to throw a hand grenade into a North Korean bunker, he was struck by automatic weapons fire in the chest and right shoulder, causing him to drop the activated device. Although seriously wounded, Lt. López crawled toward the grenade and unable to throw it because of his injuries, pulled it under his body to shield others from the blast. He was killed in the resulting explosion and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Now you know the rest of the story.

The official Medal of Honor citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a marine platoon commander of Company A, in action against enemy aggressor forces. With his platoon 1st Lt. Lopez was engaged in the reduction of immediate enemy beach defenses after landing with the assault waves. Exposing himself to hostile fire, he moved forward alongside a bunker and prepared to throw a hand grenade into the next pillbox whose fire was pinning down that sector of the beach. Taken under fire by an enemy automatic weapon and hit in the right shoulder and chest as he lifted his arm to throw, he fell backward and dropped the deadly missile. After a moment, he turned and dragged his body forward in an effort to retrieve the grenade and throw it. In critical condition from pain and loss of blood, and unable to grasp the hand grenade firmly enough to hurl it, he chose to sacrifice himself rather than endanger the lives of his men and, with a sweeping motion of his wounded right arm, cradled the grenade under him and absorbed the full impact of the explosion. His exceptional courage, fortitude, and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon 1st Lt. Lopez and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

EXPANSION OF BENEFITS ON THE HORIZON

Starting Jan. 1, all service-connected disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war and primary veteran caregivers will be eligible to shop at commissaries and exchanges, and officials from three federal agencies are preparing the way.
The newly eligible customers will also be able to use certain morale, welfare and recreation activities.
It’s the largest patronage expansion in more than 60 years.

Uniform Shirts and Covers

Recently some members inquired about ordering Chapter shirts. Here’s the scoop: White shirts are required to be worn at Chapter meetings. Red and blue shirts can be worn to other events, ie, standing watch at Jensen’s or participating in group field trips. Some members purchased all three colors.
To order a shirt(s), send an email to Quint Villanueva at Qlv@aol.com specifying shirt size and color. When twelve shirt requests are accumulated an order will be placed with the manufacturer. Payment for your order can made on delivery to you.
Prices:
Shirts $30.00
Covers $15.00
Lt Wt Jackets $30.00
Hvy Wt Jackets $35.00
Name Tags $10.00 
Lapel Pin $7.00

TUN TAVERN GROUP

The Tun Tavern Club meets several times a year for dinner, fellowship, camaraderie, to swap sea stories and to pig out on food and grog. The few shekels accumulated by the club, if any, are turned over to the Chapter to use at its discretion. There are no club officers or rules or regulations guiding the demeanor of members and guests other than military courtesy extended to each other.

From time to time members may be tasked with sharing their military experiences with the members. Tun Tavern meetings are open to guests both military and civilian.

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 | | Dino Ruffoni | Henry Sanchez | Sandy Sandoval | | Bob Shepard | Buddy Sklar| George Stettler | Dale Turner | Quint Villanueva | Mike Walker | Michael Walker| Myrl Wallace | Linn Wiley | Tom Woulfe

Craig Sunquist

Craig hails from Castle Rock, Colorado and wisely spends his winter in the Coachella Valley. He served with the 1st Shore Party Battalion from 1966 to 1969.

Craig is active in the the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.
Welcome aboard, Craig!

ANNUAL DUES: $50.

FOR TUN TAVERN SWASHBUCKLERS
ANNUAL DONATION IS $100.

SUBMIT PAYMENTS TO: FMDA DESERT CITIES
P.O. BOX 10856
PALM DESERT, CA 92255

The Blue Diamond Division Celebrated
78 Years of Outstanding Service to the Nation
on February 1 2019

The 1st Marine Division, formed on February 1 1941, celebrated its 78th anniversary on Feb 1.2019 at Camp Pendleton culminating five days of hosting Marine veterans from the 1st Marine Division Association.

The Blue Diamond Division Regimental Commands rolled out the red carpet for 1stMarDiv Association veteran Marines at 1st, 5th and 11th Marine Regiments, the Light Armored Reconnaissance Bn, the Landing Track Vehicle Bn and the a MAW squadron.

Marines from various Association chapters were hosted for lunch at Battalion Mess Halls where they broke bread with young Marines and mesmerized the young Marines with sea stories of yesteryear.

Chapter members Quint Villanueva and Dave Franklin participated in all the activities offered during the five day event including live firing on a range with M16 rifles. Highlights of the week were the ceremonial parade with battle streamers on the Division Colors. Our long time Chapter member Dave Franklin presented the Vietnam War battle streamer to the Commanding General to attached on the Regimental Colors, A Regimental birthday party rounded out weeks activity.

All in all, it was one heck of a fine week!

Pictured: Quint Villanueva, Secretary of the Desert Cities Mitchell Paige Chapter and Major General Castellvi, Commanding General, 1st Marine Division, in front of the 1st MarDiv HQ just prior to the Battle Streamer ceremony.

The Tun Tavern crew convened at the Firehouse restaurant in Palm Desert on January 9th for food, grog, camaraderie and sea stories. Bob Ferris, Vietnam veteran and former lecturer at the Naval Academy, gave an outstanding presentation on the Marines battle at the Chosin Reservoir.

The Tun Tavern group will meet again on February 27 at which time Gene Mooring will share with us his experience as one of the Marines involved in the atom bomb experiment in White Sands, New Mexico way back in the ’50s. It’s sure to be an interesting meeting.

TUN TAVERN GROUP MEETING

The Tun Tavern Club meets several times a year for dinner, fellowship, camaraderie, to swap sea stories and to pig out on food and grog. The few shekels accumulated by the club, if any, are turned over to the Chapter to use at its discretion. There are no club officers or rules or regulations guiding the demeanor of members and guests other than military courtesy extended to each other.

From time to time members may be tasked with sharing their military experiences with the members. Tun Tavern meetings are open to guests both military and civilian.

CURRENT TUN TAVERN MEMBERS

Wes Ahlgren | Michael Bales (in memoriam)| Harry Covert| Joe Daily | Dave Dangwillo | Dave Franklin | Charlie Garbarini | Bob Ferris | 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

Desert Cities, Mitchell Paige Medal of Honor Chapter marines and sailors convened for their final meeting of tin 2018 on December 20 with a hearty Ho Ho Ho from Santa Clause who led jolly crew and their spouses in singing a host of Christmas holiday songs as he distributed candy favors to the spouses.
Welcomed aboard was new member Hugh McFarlane and his wife Catherine.

President Vince Mast presented a recap of activities in which our Chapter was engaged in 2018. The list of organizations supported by our Chapter includes the 7th Marine Regiment and its families, the Armed Services YMCA at MCAGCC, Marne Corps JR ROTC at Desert Hot Springs High School, The Marine Corps League, the Staff NCO School at Camp Pendleton, the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Cart Parade, and the City of Palm Desert Veterans’ Day Ceremony.

Our Chapter is fully engaged in community and Marine Corps activities that provide plenty of opportunities for Chapter members to be actively involved.

So make it one of your 2019 New Year’s resolution to become an active participant in Chapter activities.

January 28 to February 1 2019

The 1st Marine Division, formed on February 1 1941, will celebrate its 78th anniversary on Feb 1.2019 at Camp Pendleton.
Detailed information re the schedule of events is available on the 1st MarDiv Association web site and was sent to all member via an email blast.

December 5
Veterans’ Holiday Party
Classic Club Palm Desert.

December 20
Chapter Christmas Meeting. Spouses and guests welcome. Special appearance by Santa Claus is expected.

December 21
Christmas dinners delivery to MAGCC 29 Palm is scheduled to depart from Jensen’s Market, Palm Desert at 0800.

February 1 2019
The 1st Marine Division, formed on February 1 1941, will celebrate its 78th anniversary on Feb 1., 2019.
Stand by for further information re the Blue Diamond’s birthday party which will be held at Camp Pendleton.

Marines March with Veterans

A squad of active duty  Marines from the 7th Marine Regiment marched with Marine and sailor veterans from Desert Cities, Mitchell Paige Medal of Honor Chapter in the annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade.