236th Marine Corps Birthday Ball was Saturday, 12 Nov 2011 and ... a success!!!

Last Saturday Marines and families and friends assembled at Magnolia Grove Reception Center in South Jordan to celebrate the 236th Birthday of our Corps.  This event did not occur without challenge as there were four venues visited and agreed to before the final location was selected.  With just one week until the Ball date of 12 November, a contract was reviewed and signed at 1800 Saturday 5 November.  Everyone involved turned to and a tradition was again conducted.  118 folks arrived and witnessed a celebration unlike any in recent memory.  In spite of the short fuse planning, there was an elegant and appropriate location, a revised ceremony which included on call participants who provided the presentation of the national color; a prayer; the traditional reading of Gen Lejeune's annual message (and yes it is pronounced LeJerne!) a cake escort team and the presentation of cake from oldest to youngest Marines present.  Thanks to Val Pollock, Jack Murphy, Hank White, Lisa Bachiller, Bobb Ferrozzo, Brad Wahlstrom, Bob Said and Cpl Andrew Kreech for stepping up on command ... they were excellent!  Thanks also to those who picked up the weapons and manned positions with no hesitation ... Lynette and Rod Wilson, Val and Diana Pollock, Phil and Mary Bunten and Dave and Beth Finch ... engaged the ominous task of table assignments ... allowing a rather elderly Marine to retreat and change into costume.  Jack and Renae Murphy likewise did not halfstep and filled opportunities to make the flow go.  In all there was everyone pitching in to make this a team effort ... liek they say the extraordinary individual effort result in team success.  A sincere thanks from the Call committee to all who answered the call (more like a cry and whine!)  

Planning has begum for 2012 and 10 November falls on a Saturday.  A questionnaire was circulated via email for comments and critiques ... please assist in improving the next event.  If you did not receive one email bachiller1@aol.com.

A more complete after action brief will be presented at our monthly meeting this Saturday, 19 November ... look for it!

Also our paypal worked ... with the exception of last minute attempts (really there were some who called on Sat, 12 Nov complaining that the paypal would not take their reservation ... what were they thinking???)

This payment is for...

Meetings are held on the third Saturday of the month

Next meeting is Saturday 19 November 2011 

Golden Corral Restaurant, 665 East  7200 South, Midvale UT  84047

0800    Joint Breakfast in meeting room.

0900    Detachment Business Meeting and Auxiliary Meeting

Special recognition for past year performance and special presentations will abound.  This will be a meeting where the plans for our Christmas Season activities will be outlined ... don't miss out!

Bring a guest!  Join us if you are interested in what our Utah Marines are doing ... all are welcome!

Update:  16 November 2011

This site has been updated and if you are looking at this panel you have successfully navigated to our home.  If you are checking us out for the first time here's a bit of background.  Headquarters Detachment 1215 is just one of several organizations within the Utah Department of the Marine Corps League.  

The League is a National organization and this is our mission statement:  Members of the Marine Corps League join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the interests of the United States Marine Corps, banding together those who are now serving in the United States Marine Corps and those who have been honorably discharged from that service that they may effectively promote the ideals of American freedom and democracy, voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to all Marines, FMF Corpsmen and former Marines and FMF Corpsmen and to their widows and orphans; and to perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines.

As you can see we are focused on the spirit of our beloved Corps.  Our detachment is active and engaged in doing all manner of things thereunto pertaining  to sustain and enhance the image of our Corps ... and we have a good time doing it!

We are headquartered in the Midvale area but our membership reaches an area over 75 square miles! Basically we will go anywhere to fly our colors!  We welcome new members anytime and if Midvale is not convenient to you there are other detachments throughout Utah you may select.  Click MCL Utah Department link at the left to find more locations.

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This site is updated every week on Wednesday.  Sign our guest book and let us know your ideas or send your comments to the Web Sergeant or the Adjutant (bachiller1@aol.com or 801-430-USMC).

Congrats to the new 2011 Staff!  Check out our Personnel Page to see our Detachment Officers for 2011-2012.

 "Occasional  thoughts and ramblings" 

As my wife and I were making our way home from this year's Marine Corps Birthday Celebration she commented to me the following: " You know this is the friendliest bunch of people, they are really one big family."  

I believe this is the greatest compliment you can pay to us.  I would say she still feels that she is an outsider so something like this simply amazes her.  

So many of you either come up to her or myself and asked how she is doing and offer unconditional love and affection we have no option but to improve each day.  From the bottom of my heart I thank all of you for being there for us when things looked grim. 

You truly live Semper Fidelis.  

Again Thank you,  

Doc

                                                                                                                                                      goodolejim@hotmail.com   or  801-634-9168


28 September

The Latest news!

Dorde (Doc's Bride) is no longer in the Hospital!!!

Since the last report, Dorde has traveled to two rehab facilities ... had a return trip to the hospital and now is back home with Doc.  She has to take good care of her dislocated shoulders and cannot give or receive the traditional Marine Hugs ... but she smiles with great aplomb.  It will be several more weeks before she can resume her bungee jumping and back hand springs but she is getting stronger each day ... and at the Ball she was in fine spirits!  Kepp up the great work Dorde and Doc!

Contact Doc at  goodolejim@hotmail.com  or 801-634-9168  
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 16 November 

Oh boy here's the latest on the Fisher House.  The construction has been completed and as of today the furniture has been delivered and put into the rooms ... and it looks great!  There is a plan to have the rooms occupied before the Christmas Season.  The official ribbon cutting ceremony has not yet been determined no matter what you have heard.  Today I was informed that the expected date of ribbon cutting has been changed once again.  So it goes ... like nailing Jello to the bulkhead!  I will provide regular updates (usually Wednesday evening is the update) to keep all informed.

Here are some things that are in the works:  A website has been established but is continually under construction ... nevertheless you can still find valuable information ... take a look at fisherhousesaltlakecity.com .  Also a Board of Directors is being established and seeking individuals to fill the vacancies.  If you are interested in serving on this board (called officially "The Friends of Fisher House SLC" ) please contact Ray Bachiller at 801-430-8762.  A short bio is required and a background check will be completed by the selection committee once received.  Each individual will be notified of their selection or non selection.

There will be limited tours of the facility ... if there is interest a tour can be arranged through Ray.  The facility is still undergoing occupancy validation and opportunities for visits are low priority.

Finally a "home away from home" for the families of vets being cared for at our own VAMC here in SLC.