The first item this update is our National Chaplain, Reverend James Moore, underwent open heart surgery last Wednesday and was released from St Joseph’s Hospital on Saturday. Reverend Moore is recuperating nicely and even attended services on Sunday (in the audience not at the pulpit). Both Reverend Moore and his wife Gwen thank everyone for their prayers and support. For those interested in sending notes or cards, Reverend Moore’s address is:
Reverend James Moore Post Office Box 357 Seabrook Drive Seabrook, SC 29940
I’ve emphasized in the past how important it is for us to remain current in membership. With the National Convention within three months, every membership counts towards our voting power at the Convention so please take a few minutes to fill out an application (www.montfordpointmarines.com) and return it so we can have you on or back on our official rolls. Annual National Dues are $25.00 and the local Philadelphia dues are $15.00. Please check with the Chapter nearest you for their local dues amount. You may write a check for both for $40.00 and make out check to “MPMA”.
The deadline for returning your Queen’s Contest ticket stubs and checks is also rapidly approaching. I’ve said it before but for those who don’t want to fill out the complete book, just fill out the top ticket and I’ll do the rest. The Queens Raffle drive is the single funding source for our annual Scholarships and helps individual chapters tremendously with their operating funds so let’s get those tickets turned in.
The Spring Council was very productive. Every National Officer was there as well as the four Regional Vice Presidents and four Past National Presidents. The National Public Relations Officer, Master Sergeant Carmen Cordoba has agreed to take over the official website at www.montfordpointmarines.com so expect some changes there soon. Carmen has also agreed to publish the National Newsletter, so look for that soon. Our very own member and National Financial Secretary, David Fortune, gave a super report on our financial news. Report will be available at chapter meetings.
Chicago Chapter Recording Secretary, Rochelle Crump, recently accepted the position of Assistant Director, Veterans Affairs for the State of Illinois. Rochelle did a similar job at the City of Chicago level for many years. Rochelle was also instrumental in the location of the family members of a Montford Point Marines whose skeleton remains were unearthed on Okinawa a few years back. Rochelle was also the guest speaker at the Regional Meeting in Chicago in March. Congratulations to Rochelle on her new position!!!
The 2004 National Convention should be a special treat for all. This convention plans to sell out every event so please make your reservations at the Hotel as soon as possible as well as the special events. The highlight of the convention will be the National Banquet on Saturday 24 July where we will induct the newly elected National Officers as well as the class of 2004 Hall-of-fame inductee, so again, please make your arrangements to attend very soon. If you are in need of a registration form, please email me separately. DC #6 Chapter President, William Wilbur is the convention point of contact and may be reached at 571-642-0465. I know many have already made their Memorial Day weekend plans but just a reminder that the WWII Memorial will be dedicated on May 29th at the Mall in Washington. If you are interested please contact me for more details. The Maryland Chapter #28 website continues to be a great source of information, please visit www.mpma28.com and don’t forget to leave comments on the guest book. Chapter President, James Stewart, does a great job in keeping this site current. The site has a brand new look so visit soon and often and tell friends to visit too.
Retired Major General Clifford Stanley has accepted a position as President of Scholarship America, a Minneapolis based nonprofit, private-sector scholarship and educational-support organization. General Stanley will still maintain his resident in the Philly area and commute to his new position. We wish the General much success in his new position. General Stanley will be inducted into the Montford Point Hall-of-Fame at this year’s convention in Washington DC.
Major General Leo Williams III officially retired this past Saturday at the Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD. I, along with DC Chapter #6 President, William Wilbur and MPMA Hall-of-Fame member, Lieutenant Colonel (USMCR) Eric Lindsay attended the ceremony. The ceremony was officiated by four-star General Peter Pace, Vice Chair Deputy Joint Chief of Staff and attended by many members of General Williams’ family and colleagues to include, retired Generals Stanley and Fields, General Cornell Wilson and many, many others. The General took time during his retirement speech to mention Montford Point and recognized those of us in attendance. General Williams has accepted an Executive Vice President Position with MediFast Inc. General Williams was inducted into the Montford Point Hall-of-Fame during ceremonies at last year’s convention in Detroit where he was the guest speaker at the banquet. Congratulations on your retirement General Williams and we wish you much future success!!
The NAACP National Convention will be held in Philadelphia this year from 10-15 July. The Marine Corps always has a set-up on the convention floor. If you attend the convention, please stop by the Marine Corps set-up and spend a few minutes with the present day Marines. Convention will be held at the Philadelphia Convention Center at 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA. To register for the Convention, please call 410-580-5780.
Past National President (PNP), Dr. Herman Rhett has been working tirelessly on his Final Roll Call Project. This book tells the story in pictures and words of over 200 Original Montford Pointers who responded to his request for information. Book will be unveiled at the National Convention and can be ordered in advance by mailing a check for $35.00 plus $6.00 for S/H to: Herman Rhett, PNP PO Box 3266 Laurel, MD 20708. Please call Dr. Rhett directly at 301-725-0111.
Bennie McRae, who has been a friend to the Association for years and has assisted in posting information on his website, has provided the following links to African Americans in the military; www.blackcivilwarsailors.com/ www.historynet.com/wwii/blblackpanthertanks/index.html Thanks Bennie for continuing to pass information along!
Finally, the second of our trilogy of coins has been forged and Beaufort Chapter President, Elijah Abram, has coins now for sale. Please contact Chapter President Elijah Abram at abram@islc.net for further information. I should have another batch within days. The coin depicts the first 6 African American Marine Drill Instructors and has color on both sides. Cost of Coin is still only $5.00 each with $2.00 Shipping and Handling for the first coin and $1.00 S/H for each coin thereafter. Please send checks to me at 27 Red Tail Court, Limerick, PA 19468. Make out check or money order to “Joe Geeter MPMA” and put “Coins” in the memo section. 100% of the profit for the coins I sell goes to the Philadelphia Chapter Operations Fund.
The Montford Point Marine Association is experiencing a “rebirth” but to continue on this positive path we need the help of all members so that we may continue to Preserve the Legacy of the Montford Pointers.
Semper Fidelis!
Joe Geeter National Vice President Montford Point Marine Association 610-495-3619 geeterj@yahoo.com
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