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ILLOWA
Marine Corps League Detachment 102 Newsletter

November / December 2011

With thunderstorms and unseasonably warm temperatures, if it weren't for the Christmas lights, trees, and music on the radio stations it would be hard to think of this as the Christmas season already. However, members of the Detachment had some additional help in being reminded that it truly is that time of the year - we enjoyed our annual Christmas party and dinner on 8 December. Fifty four of us, including our Department of Iowa Judge Advocate Ricci Rios, Captain Lewis and Warrant Officer Thomas, gathered at the Rock Island Arsenal Golf Club to spend an evening together and partake of a truly outstanding meal. The food and service were both memorable; and we wish to extend a hearty "well done" and "thank you" to Manager Damon Johnson, chef Brian, and the staff who looked after us - Brittany and Amber. In place of the gift exchange we allocated the money that would have been spent to the Marines Helping Marines program, and together with a donation from one of our members were able to join the list of financial supporters of this endeavor to take care of our own.

We would also like to thank Staacks Florists of Moline for the beautiful corsages provided for the women. They enhanced the atmosphere of the evening, and Staacks has done this now for many years. And many thanks to John Hernstrom for making this donation possible.

Thirty plus of our members and guests celebrated the 236th Birthday of our Corps as guests of the General Support Maintenance Company and their Inspector/Instructor staff on 12 Nov. at the Stoney Creek Inn of Moline. The ceremony, celebration, and keynote speaker; Mr. Doug Wean, a Navy Corpsman who served with the Marines in Vietnam and is a Silver Star recipient for actions there; were outstanding. The Detachment presented an NCO sword and a certificate of achievement to the Marine of the Year during the proceedings.

In the past few weeks we have also had representatives at the visitations and/or funerals of two of our local service members KIA in Afghanistan - Marine Cpl Zachary Reiff and Army Pfc Adam Dobereiner - and one of our own members, Lyle Cole. Our sympathies to the families of these three men, and our eternal gratitude for their service.

We are moving forward with plans to begin a monthly All Marine Breakfast with an invitation to all area Marines to join us on the second Saturday of each month. Due to the efforts of our adjutant Chuck Ross we think we have a facility lined up and with help from our Jr. Vice Kim Tack publicity flyers are being designed and readied for distribution. As of this writing the first breakfast will be 14 January 2012 at the Quad Cities USA Family Restaurant; 4910 22nd Ave.; Moline, Illinois. Time will be 0630 - 0900.

Chuck has also spent a great deal of time designing a prototype of an Illowa Detachment challenge coin. The designs have been sent to those on our e mail contact list, and shown to the Thursday breakfast group - with extremely positive responses. Chuck is continuing to gather information that will help to decide whether or not it is viable for us to undertake getting the coin minted.

We are still in need of a person to fill the vacant Sergeant-at-Arms position. Please contact me if you would be willing to take up this office

I'm sure Kim Tack is still looking for volunteers to add to his list of current members willing to act as mentors/sponsors to new members.

I have received information regarding a program administered by the Genesis Health System Visiting Nurses and Genesis Hospice Program. It involves presenting military veterans receiving Hospice care with a pin and a certificate honoring their service. The program covers those in care at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice in Bettendorf or in their homes. The goal is to have these awards presented to a veteran by a veteran. I have contact information and volunteer applications now, and will attempt to have a representative at one of our meetings in the near future.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, and Peaceful New Year. Please keep our Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Soldiers, and Coast Guardsmen in your thoughts and prayers as they spend this season of hope defending our freedoms. One of our hopes for them, and for all of us, is the peace that will make this a less dangerous world.

Semper Fi and Merry Christmas

Arlen Beck

For corrections or to add items of interest, contact our Web Sergeant.

Important Links:

• ILLOWA Marines Detachment 102 Home Page
• All Marine Call To Chow Breakfast - 2nd Sat. of each Month