www.MarinesOfIndiana.com

The American Soldier: A Photographic Tribute to Soldiers and Marines from the Civil War to the War in Iraq

2008-07-17T19:39:00.004-05:00

From the Women's Memorial, but a show about more than military women:

Tune in at 8:30 a.m. EST on Monday, July 21, to see a C-Span TV broadcast from the Women In Military Service For America Memorial as part of C-Span's Washington Journal program.

The July 21 program will showcase The American Soldier: A Photographic Tribute to Soldiers and Marines from the Civil War to the War in Iraq, a special guest exhibit at the Women's Memorial. Discussion during the one-hour show will focus on the exhibit's theme of soldiering through nine American wars. To learn more about The American Soldier exhibit, visit a recent e-Register feature story on the Memorial's Web site.
http://www.womensmemorial.org/News/AmericanSoldierExhibit.html

If you are watching the program live, the show allows for call-in questions.
Call-in numbers will be posted on the day of the program, including but not limited to 202-737-0001 or 202-737-0002. C-Span will also later post the show on its Web site. To check the C-Span broadcast schedule for your area, visit the C-Span Web site.

Furnished by LtGen Carol Mutter

VA Announces On-Line Claims Applications

2008-07-17T18:31:00.003-05:00

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced July 16, 2008 that on-line applications are now accepted from veterans, survivors and other claimants filing initial applications for disability compensation, pension, education, and vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits without the additional requirement to submit a signed paper copy of the application.
Effective immediately, VA will now process applications received through its on-line application website (VONAPP) without the claimant's signature. The electronic application will be sufficient authentication of the claimant’s application for benefits. Normal development procedures and rules of evidence will still apply to all VONAPP applications.
To read the entire press release go to: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel

To Access VONAPP at: http://www.va.gov/onlineapps.htm

Applying online is new and may help speed up the processing time for your application, but it always good to seek the advice of your Service Officer before application.

Jim Lynch is the Service Officer for the Department of Indiana, Marine Corps League.

Jim may be emailed at: jiml1942@verizon.net

Online Flag Sales

2008-07-16T21:06:00.005-05:00

The Hiram I. Bearss Detachment has recently added online Flag Sales to their website! Starting off with American Flag sales, Marine Corps and other Flags are to be added soon. These are not your cheaply made flags from out of the country that don't last. These are American Made and the Blog Sgt's flag stays out 365 days a year and it has not faded or torn in over a year of use. To order Flags go to: http://www.indymarines.org/flags/

Note: The http://www.indymarines.org website is undergoing renovation so bear with them during construction.

New USMC Combat Fitness?

2008-07-16T20:40:00.003-05:00

See new DoD video about USMC Combat Fitness initiatives at http://www.marinesofindiana.com/

Marine Corps League

2008-07-13T20:43:00.003-05:00

2008 National Convention
August 10-16
Rosen Centre Hotel Orlando, Florida
http://www.mclfl.org/2008nationalconvention.html
Hotel Reservations: 1-800-204-7234

3rd Mar Div Assoc. 54th Annual Reunion

2008-07-13T20:33:00.004-05:00

Sheraton at Woodbridge Place

515 Route One South - Iselin, New Jersey 08830

800-325-3535 or 732-634-3600

http://www.caltrap.com

July 29 - August 3, 2008

Reunion USS Iwo Jima Assoc

2008-07-13T20:06:00.003-05:00

The USS Iwo Jima Association will be holding it's annual reunion in Chesapeake Va. on 15-19 October 2008. The Association now includes USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2 and LHD-7), USS Okinawa (LPH-3), USS Tripoli (LPH-10 and CVE-64), and USS New Orleans (LPH-11). All Ship's Company, all embarked Navy and Marine Corps personnel that served on any of the mentioned ships are welcome to attend. Contact Robert G. McAnally at 152 Frissell Street, Hampton, VA 23663 by mail, phone (toll free) (866) 237-3137, Fax (757) 723-4660, or email yujack@megalink.net. http://www.ussiwojimaclassassociation.org/

Picture is of USS Iwo Jima off southern coast of Vietnam 1965

Jobs for Marines, Spouses and Former Marines

2008-07-06T18:42:00.002-05:00

RecruitMarines.com, the only recruiting Website built for transitioning and veteran Marines and the companies that wish to hire them. Marines and their spouses are entitled to register for free, to view all job postings for free, and to use our suite of electronic hiring tools for free. Go to:http://www.recruitmarines.com/

DoD Identifies Army Casualty ~ Goshen, IN

2008-06-29T21:40:00.001-05:00

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Travis K. Hunsberger, 24, of Goshen, Ind., died on June 27 of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device while on combat patrol near Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.

For more information, the media may contact the U.S. Army Special Operations Command public affairs office at 910-432-3383 or after-hours at 910-303-1004.

M1 Garand Rifle Winner

2008-06-28T09:22:00.003-05:00

The Tripoli Detachment, Marine Corps League in Marion, IN, would like to thank everyone who bought a raffle ticket on our M1 Garand Rifle Raffle. The winning ticket was drawn at the end of the 4-H fair June 21, 2008. Congratulations to the winner Louis Rodriguez. Louis owns "Grant Count Plumbing & Heating" in Gas City and Hartford City.

Charles Crumbo Scholarship Winners

2008-06-27T20:07:00.002-05:00

The Charles Crumbo Scholarship Committee announces the Scholarship winners for 2008. The awardees who recieved a Scholarship from the Department of Indiana Charles Crumbo Scholarship are:

Brittanie Middleton - Anderson
Jason Cox - Ft. Miami
Lincoln Slentz - Ft. Miami
Eric Gross - Calumet
Christina Field - Dunes Leathernecks
Brandi Moriarty - S. IN Leathernecks
Rebbeca Deal - Terre Haute
Christopher McCormick - Ft. Wayne
Kristopher Kauffman - Terre Haute
Ashley Altmeyer - S. IN Leathernecks
Rachael Williams - Ft. Wayne
Benjamin Church - Hiram I. Bearss
Courtney Deal - Terre Haute

Each was granted a $250.00 scholarship from the Department. Congratulations goes out to all !!! For those who can apply next year, I hope to see their application. For eligibility, criteria, and an application go to: http://www.fullnet.com/~jarhead/crumbo.htm

Sincerely,

Patrick F. Moriarty II
Charles Crumbo Scholarship
Chairman

NEW GI BILL and WAR FIGHTING BILL PASS CONGRESS!!

2008-06-27T19:51:00.002-05:00

For the first time since the VietNam era, the GI Bill will now completely cover a four year degree. It will provide funds for school and for housing. President Bush is expected to sign the Bill quickly.

Here is what the Marine Times has to say: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/06/military_supplemental_062708w/

Central Indiana Young Marine Dies

2008-06-25T22:33:00.004-05:00

It is with deep regret that this notice is being posted to inform you of the death of fourteen year old Young Marine Lance Corporal Jordan Essex, Central Indiana Young Marines.

Visitation will be held at the Lebanon Christian Church on Friday, June 27th from 4-8 PM. The funeral will also be held at Lebanon Christian Church on Saturday, June 28th at 10 AM.

Address and Directions to Lebanon Christian Church

Jordan Essex

Mr. and Mrs. Essex have requested the Young Marine Color Guard. Young Marines, Adult Leaders and parents are encouraged to attend the visitation and funeral as a show of support for Jordan and his family.

Young Marine Uniform of the day will be utilities with ribbons or Charlies/Alphas for both the visitation and the funeral.

Donations for Jordan can be sent to the following address:

Jordan Essex Memorial Fund
PO Box 34242
Indianapolis, IN 46234-0242

Indiana Marine Killed In Action June 19th ~ Afghanistan

2008-06-20T20:18:00.002-05:00

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 521-08 June 20, 2008

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Capt. Eric Daniel Terhune, 34, of Lexington, Ky.

Lance Cpl. Andrew Francis Whitacre, 21, of Bryant, Ind.

Both Marines died June 19 while conducting combat operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. They were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

For more information about these Marines may contact the 1st Marine Division public affairs office at (760) 763-5397.

Final Formation for LCpl Layton B. Crass ~ Richmond

2008-06-19T21:26:00.003-05:00

Lance Cpl. Layton Bradly Crass, 22, of Richmond, In. died June 14 while supporting combat operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Arrangements have been made and the Patriot Guard has escorted the Marine home. Marines lets turn out to support this Marine Family at their time of need.

For details of the arrangements see: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddrkpc38_4797gcfpcd7

Thanks to Patriot Guard for the Itinerary.

Belleau Wood and American Cemeteries overseas

2008-06-16T20:39:00.003-05:00

Double Click on photos to enlarge
The Mutter Marines (LtGen Carol and Col Jim Mutter USMC Ret) recently returned from a very special trip to France and England visiting five American Cemeteries and 2 monuments (including Belleau Wood (see attached photos) which is associated with the Aisne-Marne Cemetery). If you ever have the opportunity to travel overseas and visit one of our cemeteries, please do. The Superintendents will help you with your visit. If you have friends/family buried in one of the cemeteries or listed on the tablets of the missing, they'll help you find the place where they are memorialized.

To read more go to: "http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddrkpc38_478d25gspdn

Iwo Jima Marine Jack Lucas MOH dies at 80

2008-06-16T19:49:00.003-05:00

June 5, 2008
JACKSON, Miss. Jack Lucas, who at 14 lied his way into military service during World War II and became the youngest Marine to receive the Medal of Honor, died of cancer in the pre-dawn hours Thursday in a Hattiesburg, Miss., hospital. He was 80.

http://www.medalofhonor.com/IwoJimaRecipients.htm#Lucas">

Richmond, IN Marine Dies in Afgahnistan

2008-06-16T19:30:00.003-05:00

A 22-year-old Marine from Richmond was among four from a unit based at Twentynine Palms who died Saturday in a roadside bomb attack in Afghanistan.

Lcpl. Layton Bradly Crass, 22, a 2005 Richmond High School graduate, died Saturday, Sgt. Brad Covert confirmed today. Sgt. Covert is Family Readiness Officer for the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment.

Services are pending at Doan & Mills Funeral home in Richmond. Tentatively the services will be held at Richmond High School 380 Hub Etchison Pky. Richmond IN. Marines lets get to Richmond to support this family. The Indiana Patriot Guard has also been requested to participate by the family.

Additional information will be posted as it is known.

2008 Military Order of Devil Dogs Awards

2008-06-15T15:50:00.002-05:00

PDD Joe Shimek, Pack Leader MODD Department of Indiana, awards PDD Russ Eaglin with a Distinguished Service Award and a hand made cross stich Marine Cover and Sword commerating Russ's years of US Marine Corps service. Mrs. Rose Shimek made this cross stich plaque which made the award all that more special. Thanks Rose!!!

Renactment of Landing at Peleiu

2008-06-15T15:02:00.002-05:00

On June 20th and 22nd, 2008, in St.Joseph/Benton Harbor, MI, a re-enactment of the landing at Peleiu Island in the South Pacific will take place. This was one of the bloodiest landings of the Pacific campaign and many Marine lives were lost during this little known battle. One of our Kokomo Detachment members is a veteran of Peleiu (Mr. Kenneth Morehead). If you need more information, please contact Jean Lushin at jplushin@centertownship1.com or go to www.in-am.org/ww2. The festivities actually start on Friday, June 19th with the arrival of several military planes..ie B-17, B-25, & C-47.

Stop Medicare/TRICARE Payment Cuts

2008-06-15T14:33:00.004-05:00

Unless Congress acts soon, Medicare and TRICARE payments to doctors will be cut by 10.6% in July of 2008. That will hurt military families' access to health care by causing more doctors to stop seeing Medicare and TRICARE patients.

In addition to cutting payments to doctors, hundreds of thousands of Medicare patients will lose coverage for their physical, speech, or occupational therapy unless Congress fixes the Medicare law within the next two weeks.

ACTION NOW, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO LET YOUR CONGRESSMAN KNOW WHAT YOU THINK:
http://capwiz.com/moaa/issues/alert/?alertid=10534466">

A Few Thoughts on Flag Day

2008-06-15T14:06:00.002-05:00

A few thoughts on Flag Day from Department of Indiana Commandant, Mike Lieber:

The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's, but he has never collected unemployment either.

He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer.

He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.

He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional.
He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march.
He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient.
He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.

He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.
If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands.
He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job.
He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all.
He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime.

He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.
He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to square-away those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking.

In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.
Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy.
He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.
He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding.
Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood.

Department of Indiana 2008 Awards

2008-06-11T21:42:00.006-05:00

For running the Indianapolis 500’s race marathon – while carrying the U. S. Marine Corps’ colors the entire way – the Distinguished Service Award was presented to Melissa Jacobs of the Hiram I. Bearss Detachment.

For their efforts with Detachment fund raising: the Distinguished Service Award was presented to Lloyd L. Louks and Philip L. Fowler of the Hiram I. Bearss Detachment.

For his work with the Wounded Warriors Program, and for his work as Assistant Chaplain, H.I.Bearss Det.: the Distinguished Service Award was presented to Loren E. Minnix of the Hiram I. Bearss Detachment.

For their accomplishments within their community and within the Department of Indiana: the Department’s Americanism Award was presented to the Southern Indiana Leathernecks Detachment.

For his efforts toward recruiting 10 new members to the Marine Corps League in the past year: the Distinguished Service Award was presented to Fredrick W. Axthelm of the Hiram I. Bearss Detachment.

For sustained exemplary service to his Detachment and his community: the Individual Americanism Award was presented to Stephen Lindauer of the Southern Indiana Leathernecks Detachment.

For sustained exemplary service to his Detachment and his community: the Individual Americanism Award was presented to Russell L. Eaglin of the Hiram I. Bearss Detachment.

For his outstanding loyalty and meritorious service to his Detachment, and to the Department of Indiana, the Awards Committee presented the 2008 Edward. W. Storck Memorial “Semper Fidelis” award to – Ronald W. “Bud” Albright, Commandant of the Hiram I. Bearss Detachment.

Lastly, for his dedicated, enthusiastic and loyal service to the Department of Indiana; for having held several elected offices in his Detachment including a four-year tenure as its Commandant; for his efforts as the only Toys-for-tots coordinator in his Detachment’s history; for his many accomplishments within his community on behalf of the Department of Indiana; for having served as Division Vice Commandant; for having served as Department Americanism Chairman; and for his ongoing service as Department Crumbo Scholarship Chairman; the 2008 Department of Indiana Marine of the Year Award was presented to Patrick F. Moriarty of the Southern Indiana Leathernecks Detachment.

REMINDER: 26th MEU Community Outreach Day

2008-06-11T09:41:00.002-05:00

ALL MARINES WELCOME!! PASS THE WORD

The 26th MEU has not only been doing their training but lending assistance to the flood victims of Indiana. The 26th MEU is assisting Indiana using CH-46Es for search and rescue and Marines on the ground helping with sandbags to repel more flooding. Marines and Indiana National Guard are working hard to help our citizens! Let us turn out to show our appreciation!

Thursday 12 June Location: Indiana State Fair Grounds Time: 10:00 a.m.

Summary: This event will feature some of the best the Corps has to offer. We will stage an 8-wheeled Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) and two Humvees, while four Marine helicopters (a CH-53E, a CH-46E, a UH-IN, and an AH-1W) land on the fair grounds parking lot. Marines will debark and be available to meet with the public. Specifically, we will have an infantry squad, a Marine sniper in a ghillie suit, various weapon systems and a Marine Corps Martial Arts Demonstration.

26th MEU Community Outreach Day - Indy!

2008-05-30T23:10:00.006-05:00

Thursday 12 June
Location: Indiana State Fair Grounds
Time: 10:00 a.m.

Summary: This event will feature some of the best the Corps has to offer. We will stage an 8-wheeled Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) and two Humvees, while four Marine helicopters (a CH-53E, a CH-46E, a UH-IN, and an AH-1W) land on the fair grounds parking lot. Marines will debark and be available to meet with the public. Specifically, we will have an infantry squad, a Marine sniper in a ghillie suit, various weapon systems and a Marine Corps Martial Arts Demonstration.

For more information on the mission, organization, history and current status of the 26th MEU, visit the unit’s website at http://www.26meu.usmc.mil/.

The Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Central Indiana is in contact with the PAO and will advise shortly on how to attend. Check back here for details.