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CCoommmmaannddaanntt:: Marines and members, as we close the last days of summer I begin to think of the coming months

and all the tasks that are awaiting us. You would think that as the year comes to a close our detachment would be

winding down. Not so.

The next few months will be hectic, to say the least. We have a team working on our second annual Marine Corps

Birthday Celebration, to be held Thursday, November 10th, at the Santa Maria Airport Radisson. It will include a

dinner and the traditional cake-cutting ceremony. I hope each and every one of you will attend. It should turn out to

be a great event.

But prior to the birthday celebration, the detachment will hold the Toys for Tots Campaign Kick-Off, in front of city

hall. An official request has been sent to Mayor Larry Lavagnino to participate in the event so that the entire city of

Santa Maria is made aware of the start of the program. We expect invited guests and news media there as well.

Our detachment has also been invited to the annual Michael B. Clayton Veterans Appreciation barbecue, on Miller

Street. We have been asked to make a presence along with a vehicle and banner for Toys for Tots. The details will

follow. There are also a number of local military or veterans activities that would spin your head. If you are able to

attend one of the many functions please do so.

And lastly, being the league commandant takes a bit of commitment. You have to deal with Headquarters Marine

Corps, State and the State Marine Corps League. You also have to worry about the budget, community and veterans

relations. And in between you have to nurture and encourage Marines to take the lead or stand in front. With my

work schedule this is not an easy task.

If it were not for the other members we would not be where we are today. Thanks to the efforts of one and all our

membership continues to grow. Thanks especially to all the volunteered time and donated services as we continue to

press forward and build our name. I hope to call on each and every one of you in the future as we build bigger and

better bridges. So PLATOON! Grab your gear and drop your beer, „cause 1340 is on the move! Semper Fi!

JJuunniioorr VViiccee--CCoommmmaannddaanntt:: Major B. Anderson recently spoke at Mitchell Park in San Luis Obispo in observance

of the 9-11 Memorial Day. Major B. Anderson provided the following statement on why he is still a Marine. telling

the local news media: "It's more than a job to me. It's a calling, so when I get into the why do I do it, it's because I

really don't feel I have much other purpose in life.” MCL1340 is proud to have Major B. Anderson amongst our

membership. http://www.kcoy.com/story/15436903/how-911-encouraged-two-men-to-serve?redirected=true#

AAddjjuuttaanntt:: I wish to say Happy Halloween to everyone and I hope you have a safe Trick-or-Treat(ing) night. Please

drive slow as more children will be on the streets that night. I would also like to thank everyone that has given

feedback for the SSccuuttttlleeBBuutttt issues. We are trying hard to make these newsletters informative, entertaining and

useful. In honor of those who made it home and to those that did not, Semper Fidelis.

Although I am not promoting this type of information, al Qaeda has published another of its English version Inspire

magazine. Let us not forget that the war on terrorism continues. At the time of the writing, one the primary editors of

this magazine has been killed by an American drone strike. You can download and view the large 14mb (.pdf) file

at: http://homelandsecurityus.com/archives/4473

This past weekend I took my family, including my children to see the moving Vietnam Memorial Wall that was on

display in Santa Barbara. The scene was breathtaking and the names inscribed were saddening, but now my

children, who get such small exposure to our American history, can truly see the sacrifices made by its citizens. A

great big thanks goes towards VVA218 for making this presentation happen. Semper Fi!

PPaayymmaasstteerr:: We are taking verbal reservations for the Marine Corps Birthday and I am asking for everyone

interested to contact me ASAP, as I am the contact person. We have 15 tickets spoken for already, 9 paid, and I

believe this will be a hot item, so don't be left out. You can also purchase your tickets from Steve Lebard, owner of

Lebard's Computers at 550 W. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria. We have a great detachment and to see everyone so

involved with the planning of the Marine Corps Birthday is nothing short of impressive. The printing of the tickets

by Steve Lebard, the Birthday committee made up of Joe Komenda, Sally Edwards, and John Ready , and all the

other Marines that are helping in one form or another in this event continues to inspire me.

I want to thank Mike Valencia for his donation of the 50/50 drawing. This will allow us to deposit $72.00 into our

account. Thanks again for your generosity Mike.

I don't have to remind everyone that we have many people in uniform, fighting the good fight as we speak, and I ask

that we keep them in our prayers. May they all come home safely. Until next month, be safe and be good to each

other. Semper Fidelis, Armando/ Paymaster (805) 714-9074

MMeemmoorriiaallss:: It is requested that MCL1340 members wear black slacks, black shoes, MCL red shirt with cover to all

memorial services. This is so we can show a uniformed presence when representing MCL1340 and in showing

respect to our fallen Marines. At the time of this newsletter, MCL1340 members will be paying their respects to all

those that had fallen during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

HHiissttoorriiaann:: Our Historian will now have an entry page in our History book for the names of current, fallen and

honorary members belonging to Marine Corps League 1340. Our History book will be on display each time we set

up our MCL1340 recruitment booth. Our Detachment is in Region 11 in the Department of California Marine Corps

League and Auxiliary. You can view us at www.mclcal.org

NNeewweesstt MMeemmbbeerr ooff MMCCLL11334400:: MCL1340 would like to introduce the newest member of our league. Vietnam

veteran, Stevan Dudigh joined MCL1340 in September 2011. Welcome aboard!

HHoonnoorraarryy MMeemmbbeerrss ooff MMCCLL11334400:: The following individuals have been awarded Honorary Membership into

Marine Corps League 1340 Chapter due to their continued support, community service and in upholding our Marine

Corps values and traditions.

Chief of Police Danny Macagni; Mike Geddry Sr.; State Senator Sam Blakeslee; Victor Cardial; (posthumously);

Donald Wick, WWII (posthumously);

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sstt MMaarriinnee DDiivviissiioonn:: As 1/4 make training preparations to eventually move downrange

in the November/December timeframe, MCL1340 will be there to help our fellow Marines. Once the unit has

established an outpost, a point of contact (POC) will be established and after a bit of time, CARE packages will be

heading to our fellow Marines. Donations for the care packages are being coordinated by our Veteran Services

Officer, Marty McGrath. Semper Fi Marines!

MMeeeettiinngg MMiinnuutteess aanndd CCyyccllee:: In addition to our monthly ScuttleButt Newsletter being published electronically, our

meeting minutes will also be posted electronically. MCL1340 will soon have its own Internet webpage, so stand by to

Stand By! If you wish to receive issues of the SSccuuttttlleeBBuutttt, please Email romanrae@comcast.net

The staff will also attempt a three month cycle to our meetings. The cycle would revolve around meetings with a

Guest Speaker, Special Event and our traditional Business Meetings. Our hope is this cycle of meetings will improve

meeting attendance and member involvement.

DDeettaacchhmmeenntt UUnniiffoorrmm:: It is requested that MCL1340 members wear black slacks, black shoes, MCL red shirt with

cover to all memorial services and prestigious events. This is so we can show a uniformed presence when

representing MCL1340. The local business AD Embroidery can embroider the MCL1340 emblem on your shirts for

$15.00, located at 742 East Arctic Ave. # D, Santa Maria

Our next Marine Corps League 1340 Executive Staff Meeting will be at 1800 hours on October 25th (Tue).

Our regular Membership meeting will be at 1900 hours, also on October 25th

(Tue). We hope to see you there!

““FFoorrttiittuuddee””

Sgt. Ricardo Ramirez, a combat replacement for 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, wades through an irrigation

canal to move into a night observation post in Sangin, Afghanistan, Aug. 5. In February of 2006, Ramirez was

wounded in action while serving in Iraq with 3rd Bn., 5th Marines and two years later became the first hand-

amputee to re-enlist in the Marines Corps. Since then the multiple-tour combat veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan

has served as an urban warfare instructor, attended the pre-sniper course at division schools and stayed close to his

infantry roots.

Photo by Cpl. Benjamin Crilly

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Social hour with Ceremony and Dinner begins at 5:00p.m. (1700 hours). RRSSVVPP at (805) 714-9074

Military: Dress Blues, MCL Uniform or Equivalent Civilian: Suit, Black Tie, Dress or Pant Suit

MMeeddaall ooff HHoonnoorr RReecciippiieenntt

U.S. President Barack Obama awards Dakota Meyer the Medal of Honor at the White House in Washington

September 15, 2011. Former active duty Marine Corps Corporal Meyer, the third living recipient of the Medal of

Honor for actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, was awarded the Medal of Honor for saving 36 lives from an ambush

while serving as a member of a Marine embedded training team in Afghanistan on September 8, 2009.

REUTERS/Jason Reed

U.S. Service members reported missing/captured while supporting current combat operations: Enduring

Freedom/Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn

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The Grief and Bereavement Support Group meets every Monday 3:00-5:00pm in a private room at Café

Noir, 1555 South Broadway, Santa Maria. For more information please contact the Marian Hospice

Bereavement Care Program at 805.739.3830

Current military members can call home for free with a .mil email address, using Google. You can get all

the information by going to the this website: www.google.com/mail/help/call/military/

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/VeteransAffairs

For those seeking employment, there is a group sponsored by the EDD at the Santa Maria Broadway St.

office called Experience Unlimited. It is composed of unemployed professionals, networking together with

the support of EDD to make their skills and abilities known to employers. These area EDD Workforce

Centers which assist employers in recruiting, screening, interviewing potential employees.

Women Veteran‟s wanting to know more about their options in healthcare and benefits can obtain

information by going to: www.publichealth.va.gov/womenshealth/

Learn how to care better for Veterans by reading a new study guide, Caring for Gulf War I Veterans, from

Veterans Health Initiative. The most recent information on research, health programs, and common

symptoms and diagnoses is presented. The guide is for VA and non-VA health care providers caring for

Gulf War Veteran patients. www.publichealth.va.gov/docs/vhi/caring-for-gulf-war-veterans-vhi.pdf

Former Marine Ted Williams will be immortalized on a Forever stamp in July 2012 as part of our "Major

League Baseball All Stars" commemorative Forever stamps set. World War II, while in the prime of his

career, Williams enlisted in the Navy and began a flight-training program after the 1942 season. He earned

his wings as a second lieutenant in the Marines and became a flight instructor. He missed three full seasons

of baseball during the war. He would also miss most of two seasons in 1952 and 1953 while flying combat

missions during the Korean War. www.usps.com/

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Oct 5th (Wed) Ride to Recovery (American Legion)-Wounded Warriors

Oct 7-10th (Sun) Ampsurf Operation Restoration @ Pismo Beach ampsurf.org/clinics/operationrestoration/

Oct 9th (Sun) Ampsurf event, Pismo Beach www.ampsurf.org

Oct 14-15th, Marine Corps League fall conference, Palmdale, Calif.

Oct 17th

1820, Archibald Henderson appointed Commandant of the Marine Corps

Oct 23rd

1983, Anniversary of the Marine Corps barracks bombing in Beirut

Oct 25th

1983, Marines intervene in Grenada, West Indies

Oct 29th

(Sat) VVA 982 meeting in Guadalupe (No VVA982 meetings in Sept., Nov & Dec)

Oct 31st Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller retires as a Lieutenant General

Nov TBA, Toys for Tots event preparation begins.

Nov 5th

, MCL680 Marine Birthday Ball & Dinner @ The Pavilion on the lake, Atascadero

Nov 10th

236th

United States Marine Corps Birthday

Nov 10th

(Thur) MCL1340 Marine Birthday Ball & Dinner event @ Santa Maria Radisson Inn

Nov 11th

, Michael B. Clayton Veterans Day BBQ @ Miller Street.

Nov 20th

1943, 2nd

Marine Division assaults Betio Island of Tarawa Atoll in Central Pacific

Nov 20th

1947, Marine Reservists started Toys-for Tots in Los Angeles area

Nov 28th

1775, Samuel Nicholas commission as Captain of Marines, becoming the first Marine Officer.

Dec 7th

1941, Marines defend against attack at Pearl Harbor

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U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs: www.va.gov 800.827.1000

VA Health Care Benefits: 877.222.8387

California Veterans Benefits Office: 916.364.6500

Santa Maria VA Clinic 805.354.6000

San Luis Obispo VA Clinic 805.543.1233

Suicide Prevention Hotline 800.273.8255

Call center for Homeless Veterans 877.424.3838

Veteran/Military Business Association www.vamboa.org

California Dept of Veterans Affairs: www.calvet.ca.gov

TriWest Healthcare Alliance (TRICARE) www.triwest.com

Veterans and Families www.veteransandfamilies.org

California ESGR www.caesgr.org/

Vietnam Veterans of America www.vva.org

California League www.mclcal.org

National Resource Directory www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov

Suicide Prevention Coordinator Jan.Capaccioli@va.gov 805.354.6095

VA Caregiver Support www.caregiver.va.gov/ 855.260.3274

The Marine Corps League 1340 meeting will be held at the:

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3015 Airpark Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93455 * Museum web site: ht tp: / / smmof.org/

TTuunn TTaavveerrnn

(Where telling tales is a tradition of the Marines)

AAffgghhaanniissttaann

“Allies or Enemies, you make the call. I come in peace. I didn‟t bring artillery. But I‟m pleading

with you, with tears in my eyes; if you f--- with me, I‟ll kill you all.”

General James Mattis, Task Force Commander, to Iraqi tribal leaders

Marine Corps League Application for Membership Please Print Legibly

I hereby apply for membership in the Marine Corps League,

Coastal Valleys Detachment, # 1340

Name: ___________________________________ Phone: (____) ____________________

Street Address: _________________________ City: ______________ State: CA

Zip: ________+ ____ Cell: (______) ____________________

E-mail Address: ______________________________________

Date of birth: ____/____/________ (mo/day/yr)

Date of Enlistment/Commissioning: ____/____/________ Date of Discharge /Separation: ____/____/________

Type of Application: New ( ) Renewal ( ) Membership Type - Regular ( ) Associate ( ) Dual ( )

Have you ever been convicted of a felony? Yes ( ) No ( ) If yes is checked, I agree to waive my rights under the Privacy

Act and disclose the nature of the felony conviction for consideration of membership in the Marine Corps League.

( ) I hereby apply for membership in the Marine Corps League Detachment 1340 and

enclose $40 for one year’s membership*

I hereby certify that I am currently serving or have served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps, on active duty, for

not less than ninety (90) days* or have served or am currently serving in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and have

earned no less than ninety (90) Reserve Retirement Credit Points or that I have served or am currently serving as a

U. S. Navy Corpsman who has trained with Marine FMF Units in excess of ninety (90) days and earned the Marine

Corps Device or Warfare Device worn on the Service Ribbon authorized for FMF Corpsmen. If discharged, I am in

receipt of an honorable discharge or DD 214. By signature on this application, I hereby agree to provide proof of

honorable service/discharge upon request. “Honorable service” will be defined by the last DD-214 or Certificate of

Discharge that the applicant received. General Discharge under Honorable Conditions is acceptable. I hereby

authorize the National Executive Director, Marine Corps League to obtain a copy of my latest DD-214 from the

National Personnel Records Center if deemed necessary to very my eligibility for regular membership in the Marine

Corps League. (*Korean War Era Marines see National Bylaws, Article 6, Section 600)

_______________________________ ______________________________

(Sponsor where applicable) Applicant‟s Signature

Upon completion of application, turn into your detachment sponsor with required payment.

Mailing and Donation Address:

Coastal Valleys Detachment 1340

Marine Corps League

P.O. Box 2325

Orcutt, CA 93457-2325

If you wish to subscribe/unsubscribe, please: romanrae@comcast.net