National Montford Point Marine Association Inc. National Newsletter September/October/November 2014

National Montford Point Marine Association Inc.
National Newsletter
September/October/November 2014
“Preserving the Legacy”
“Preserving the Legacy By:
Educating, Commemorating, and Rededicating our Efforts to Preserve the Legacy”
Members, Friends, and Supporters:
First, I extend my sincere thanks to the Granville Alexander Chapter #7 for hosting a memorable National
Convention and commend the members for their tireless efforts and dedication to ensure the 49th National
Convention was a success. I send warm congratulations to the newly elected National Officers; Hall of Fame
inductee, Montford Point Marine, Mr. Phillip Herout (Philadelphia Chapter #1 Member and Past National
Sergeant-at-Arms); Chapter of the Year, Quantico Chapter #32; Man of the Year Award, Mr. Forest Spencer,
National Standing Chair and Quantico Chapter #32 Vice President; Woman of the Year, Ms. Maribel Dorsey,
Camp Lejeune Chapter #10; Lady of the Year, Mrs. Judy James, Ladies Auxiliary Senior Regional Vice President
(Past National President); all Award Recipients; and our National Queen, Dr. Stacy L. Henderson (Chicago
Chapter #2 Member and Two Consecutive Years Reigning Queen). I echo the deep admiration I feel for the resolve
of our Montford Point Marines and their families who were able to participate in this year’s National Convention.
Your presence alone gives each of us the extra motivation, inspiration, and the needed strength to lean forward to
continue to honor the legacy of all Montford Point Marines.
I offer my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Officers, Members and National Ladies Auxiliary for their
committed service. Your actions have made the 2013/2014 a notable year for our Association and we are looking
better each and every day in our efforts to “preserve the legacy” of the Montford Point Marines.
1
Our Association has continued to make progress as a united entity at an unprecedented rate towards accomplishing
the established goals. You have responded more aggressively to each call for support. The work has been plentiful,
tiresome, and rewarding and we have begun to see the fruits of our labor. In our march to prominence, we must
continue to focus on the business at hand and work toward the Association’s #1 Priority of erecting a National
Monument to memorialize the legacy of the Montford Point Marines, forever. It is imperative that we stay
engaged, stay the course, remain focused, and committed to the cause. Although we did not break ground as
planned, we cannot give up on this project. I am challenging each of you reading this newsletter to support the
erecting of the Montford Point Marine Monument today by donating online to receive your special gift at
http://www.mpmamemorial.com, or Friends Asking Friends: http://mpmalivingmemorial.kintera.org and lastly by
mailing your donation directly to the National Monument Director.
As we move toward our 50th year Anniversary, I charge each of you to support and embrace the vision of your
national leadership. An aggressive agenda has been established for the months ahead-leading up to the 50th National
Spring Council and National Convention to be held in Mobile, Alabama. Our actions for the next six months are
crucial in sustaining the legacy and way-ahead.
We are focusing on amplifying our involvement on several key initiatives: Financial Sustainment, Administration,
Membership Retention/Recruitment, Promotion/Marketing, and By-Laws completion. We are expecting the
tangible results of sustaining national prominence by becoming more focused towards success in the agenda items
outlined. There has been a paradigm shift; thereby, allowing the National Montford Point Marine Association to
achieve significant milestones, which were accomplished by the countless hours of volunteer service provided by
each of you.
I would like to extend many thanks to each of you for making this year a rewarding venture for our heroes and their
families. The National Vice President, Mr. James Carr and I would like to thank each of you for your unequivocal
support. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to lead this magnificent organization and work with true
professionals who serve a common purpose.
In closing, as Marines worldwide prepare to celebrate the 239th birthday of our beloved Marine Corps, the Montford
Point Marines, National Officers and members and I salute the 35th Commandant of the United States Marine
Corps, General James F. Amos and the 17th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sergeant Major Michael P.
Barrett for their leadership and resolute commitment to duty and our Corps of Marines. I would like to
congratulate General and Mrs. Bonnie Amos for their dedicated service to the Marine Corps and wish them much
success in retirement. I would also like to congratulate General Joseph “Fighting Joe” Dunford, Jr. on his
confirmation to be the 36th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps and wish him much success in his
endeavors.
Semper Fidelis and Happy Birthday Marines,
Respectfully,
Dr. James T. Averhart, Jr. National President
National Montford Point Marine Association, Inc. (NMPMA, Inc.)
P.O. Box 711 Quantico, Virginia 22134 Telephone Number: (540) 288-6129
2
From: National Public Relations Officer
Joseph H. Geeter III (Past National President)
CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL: We still are receiving many requests from families and Montford Point
Marines requesting recognition for their loved ones. Please assist in these requests by ensuring the family’s forward
proper documentation of their service at Montford Point Camp and next of kin information to the National
President. Upon verification of their service, Certificate of Status will be issued by the National President. The
Congressional Gold Medals that we had in our inventory have been exhausted. Therefore, The National President is
asking the local chapters to purchase these Medals from the US Mint at www.usmint.gov to be presented to the
Montford Point Marine and/or their family member.
Special thank you to all the Chapter Presidents and members that have organized and helped execute the many
Congressional Gold Medal ceremonies to date. This is an ongoing commitment by the Association to ensure that
every Montford Pointer gets their just recognition. Chapter Presidents, please compile all information
pertaining to the respective Montford Point Marine and forward to our National President, Dr. James T.
Averhart, Jr. via email at: nationapresident@montfordpointmarines.org
Mail To: National Montford Point Marine Association, Inc. (NMPMA, Inc.) P.O. Box 711 Quantico, VA
22134
National News:
Monument Update: There is a “MONUMENT CHALLENGE” currently underway where our
National Monument Director, Mr. Houston Shinal (CWO5 USMC Retired) has estimated if each of the
1,362 members would donate just $42.48 to the Monument then, it will close the $57, 800 gap and WE
will be able to break ground to begin Phase I of the Memorial Project. Members and supporters can
donate electronically by going to the Memorial site at www.mpmamemorial.org or send a check to:
MPMA Memorial, PO Box 7222, Jacksonville, NC 28540. We are losing our heroes every week and this
Memorial must be built while some of our trailblazers are alive to see it. Please write your check and
make your donation TODAY!
Membership: Our membership and Association year began 1 September 2014. There are still many
members who are not in good financial standing. All members must become current in their National dues
in order to remain active with their local chapter. Please make every effort to submit your National dues
ASAP! We need your financial commitment (National Dues) to assist with progressing with our many
initiatives.
2014 Convention Photos: The Official 2014 Convention Photo taken in New Orleans is now available
for purchase. The Convention Photo is a panoramic 8x10 shot and the cost is $12.00 per picture. This
includes shipping and handling. Please make checks payable to “Montford Point Marines” and write
“Convention Photo” in the Memo Section for accounting. Please mail checks to the National Public
Relations Officer, Joseph H. Geeter II, 27 Red Tail Court, Limerick, PA 19468.
Chapter Rosters: There are still a few chapters that have not submitted an updated roster to the National
Recording Secretary. It is imperative we have a current roster for each chapter on file. Please contact the
National Recording Secretary, Ms. Tashal Williams at (619) 804-6385 if you have any questions and
provide your updated rosters via email to: nationalsecretary@montfordpointmarines.org.
3
Spring Council 2015: Spring Council will be held in Mobile, Alabama from 16-20 April 2015.
Please check the National website for current convention information: www.montfordpointmarines.org.
We are asking those chapters who would like to host our future National Conventions to be prepared to
professionally brief the National Executive Council and membership at the 2015 Spring Council. The
membership will vote on the locations of the National Convention for 2016, 2017, and 2018.
National Convention 2015: The 50th Year 2015 National Convention will be held in Mobile, Alabama.
The National Convention dates are 12 – 16 August 2015. Detailed information, to include location and
price will be posted on our National Website, as soon as it becomes available.
Queens Contest: Is the “only” Official National Fundraiser whose purpose to raise funds to support our Scholarship
efforts and operating expenses. We are not maximizing this opportunity. All Chapters are encouraged to support this
initiative and assist in raising funds to allow our Association to operate for the entire year. These funds are also utilized
to support, our National Obligation to recognize our social commitment to assist deserving youth who seek higher
education. I ask each of you to rededicate yourself and be receptive to support our Association, with your time and
finances. Currently, we have approximately 900 members in our Association. I challenge each member to sell four
books of 25 Queen/Scholarship Tickets (Total $100). The Return on Investment (ROI) would be $90,000. This is
definitely and money maker with minimal effort. Together, we can do it… Working Together Works!
Chapter Upcoming Happenings
Philadelphia Chapter #1: At the request of deceased Montford Point Marine, Corporal Thomas
Turner, the Philadelphia Chapter will conduct a “Joe Geeter Day” event on Saturday, 27 June 2015.
Corporal Turner wanted a day to honor the author and initial primary lobbyist of the Congressional Gold
Medal with a special day/event. More details will be provided, when available.
Chicago Chapter #2: The annual Marine Corps Birthday Celebration in honor of the 239th Marine
Corps Birthday will be held on Monday, 10 November 2014 at the MPMA Veterans Center, 7011 South
Vincennes Avenue, Chicago, IL 60627. The Guests of Honor will be the Chapter’s Montford Point
Marines. For more information, please contact Chicago Chapter President, Mrs. Sharon Stokes-Parry at
(773) 220-7487.
Veteran’s Day Celebration will be held on Tuesday, 11 November 2014 at 5:00 p.m. at the MPMA
Veterans Center, 7011 South Vincennes Avenue, Chicago, IL 60627. The Guests of Honor will be the
Chapter’s Montford Point Marines. For more information, please contact Chicago Chapter President,
Mrs. Sharon Stokes-Parry at (773) 220-7487.
President’s Annual Luncheon will be held on Saturday, 22 November 2014 at the Crystal Light Banquet
Hall, 8400 South Cicero Avenue, Burbank, IL 60459. The cost is $65.00 per person. Please contact Ms.
Rochelle Crump at Vet2crump@gmail.com or Dr. Stacy L. Henderson at Drstacylhenderson@aol.com or
MPMA Chicago Veterans Center at (773) 873-6600 for ticket and additional information.
New York Chapter #3: The 47th Annual Dinner Dance will be held on Sunday, 09 November 2014 at
ANTUN’S of Queen Village, 96-43 Springfield Blvd, Queens Village NY. The dress is semi-formal and
the cost is $85.00 per person. For tickets and more information please contact NY Chapter President, Mr.
James Maillard at (718) 261-9640, NY #3 Vice President, Mr. Bertram Ferrer at (718)-561-4970 or
National VP James “Hammer” Carr at (646) 772-8587.
4
Atlanta Chapter #5: The 5th Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony will be held on Saturday, 15
November 2014. Dr. Clifford Stanley, Major General (USMC Retired) will be the guest speaker. The
event will be held at the Westin Atlanta Airport, 4736 Best Road, College Park, GA 30337. This is a
semi-formal occasion and tickets are $55.00 per person and may be purchased by contacting the Atlanta
Chapter President, Mr. Oregon Emerson at (703) 786-5308 or Mr. Ed Sutton at (404) 229-8509.
Los Angeles Chapter #8 and San Diego Chapter #12: The West Coast is having a Shoe Drive to raise
funds for the Montford Point Memorial. Please contact Western Region Vice President, Mr. L.E. Mike
Johnson at (909) 815-1972 or westernregionVP@montfordpointmarines.org or National Special Projects
Officer, Mr. George Herring at (619) 266-8180 or Specialprojectsofficer@montofrdpointmarines.org for
more shoe donations and information.
Louisville Chapter #22: The 11th Annual Covington-Hagan Scholarship Banquet will be held Saturday,
21 March 2015 at The Hilton Garden Inn in Louisville, Kentucky. The ticket price is $50.00 per person.
The speaker will be announced at a later. For tickets and further information please contact Louisville
Chapter #22 President, Mr. Charles Stallard at (502)-550-2423 or stallardc@bellsouth.net.
Quantico Chapter #32 and Ladies Auxiliary: The National Montford Point Marine Association, Inc.
Ladies Auxiliary is happy to announce the installation of Mobile Chapter #33 Ladies Auxiliary at the 49th
Spring Council held in New Orleans, Louisiana by National President, Dr. James T. Averhart, Jr. and
Ladies Auxiliary National President, Mrs. Valerie Neal. Another bright note and show of growth for the
Ladies Auxiliary is the reactivation and installation of Philadelphia Chapter #1 Ladies Auxiliary by
National Vice President, Ms. Catrina Teel Upshaw and Philadelphia Chapter #1 President, Mr. Joseph H.
Geeter, III, National Legislative and Public Relations Officer (PNP). One of the significant notes about
the Philadelphia Ladies Auxiliary is the legacy is being preserved by the daughters of the late Montford
Point Marine, Corporal Thomas Turner, as they fill the President (Dr. Diane Turner) and Vice President
(Carole Turner) Burnett) positions, along with many members who are direct descendants of Montford
Point Marines.
The Ladies Auxiliary continues to stay engaged with the Association's initiatives and goals, visit the sick,
and support home going and life celebrations of our Montford Point Marines. In support of one of our
heroes, Ms. Upshaw was honored to represent the Ladies Auxiliary and celebrate 70th Wedding
Anniversary of LtCol Joseph H. Carpenter and his lovely bride, Mrs. Ann B. Carpenter and LtCol
Carpenter's 90th Birthday Celebration at the Fort McNair Officers Club on 27 September 2014.
The Ladies Auxiliary is honored to serve and desires the Association's continued support to carry out the
mandate "provide prestige and strength" established by the founders for NMPMA, Inc. as we strive to
preserve the legacy of the Montford Point Marines...."Working Together Works"
Mobile, AL Chapter #33: The 9th Annual Marine Corps Ball will be held on Saturday, 08 November
2014 to honor the 239th Marine Corps Birthday, where a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony will be
performed at Mobile Marriott, 3101 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, Alabama 36606 and Lieutenant General
Willie J. Williams (USMC Retired) will be the Guest Speaker. For additional information, please contact
the Marine Corps Ball Committee Chair, Ms. Cynthia House at (251) 401-0203 / email:
clhouse@comcast.com or Chapter #33 President, Mr. Rodney Lee at (251) 380-7712 / email:
rlee@ecommwealthbank.com. Please make checks payable to MPMA #33.
5
Black Marine Reunion: The 6th Biennial Black Marine Reunion will be held in Reno, Nevada at the
Silver Legacy Resort Casino, 407 North Virginia Street, Reno, NV from 24 June 2015 through 27 June
2015. If you plan to attend you must RSVP by 1 April 2015. For more details, please visit their website
at: www.blackmarinereunion.com or contact (775) 972-6166 or email bmrhost2015@gmail.com
TAPS/Final Formation: We have lost many members and supporters since the 49th National Convention
held in New Orleans, Louisiana to include two Past National Presidents: MPM, Dr. Herman Rhett and
Iwo Jima survivor MPM, Mr. Gene Doughty. On both PNPs Rhett and Doughty we had several
National Officers attend their services led by our National President, Dr. James T. Averhart Jr. and
PNP, Mr. Joseph H Geeter III, and Ladies Auxiliary National Vice President, Ms. Catrina Teel
Upshaw. Additionally, we had the Honorable David Dinkins, 1st African American Mayor of New York
City and himself a Montford Point Marine come pay his respects to President Emeritus Gene Doughty.
We also lay to rest Past National Veterans Affairs Officer and Past Houston Chapter #20 President,
Mr. Leo Taylor in September, as well. We also lost Mr. Leroy Mack in August 2014, MPM, Mr.
Milton Shirdan and MPM, Nathan Hawkins of the Philadelphia Chapter #1. We also loss MPMs:
Corporal Thomas Byrdsong, MGySgt Jimmy Hargrove, and Corporal William Nichols of Tidewater
Chapter #14, and MPM, MSgt Johnny Thompkins and Rev. Rufus Johnson Chaplin of Camp
Lejeune Chapter #10.
It is imperative that both the National Chaplain, Reverend James Moore and our National President, Dr.
James T. Averhart, Jr. be notified immediately when we hear of the death of an Original Montford Point
Marine, Association member or their spouse to ensure there is representation at the services and offer
support to the family. Please visit our Obituary Page on the website for all the information on these
heroes; http://www.montfordpointmarines.org/Obituary%20Annoucments.html.
Chapter Presidents, please ensure that our National Chaplain has the names of all members who have
passed since our National Convention in New Orleans, with family points of contact information. This
information is vital for the memorial recognition during our National Dinner. Reverend Moore’s contact
information is in the next section of this update.
National Chaplain: “We continue to give thanks for the many blessings that have been bestowed upon
the National Montford Point Marine Association during the past year and they are many! Our eyes have
witnessed and our hearts have felt the enormous impact of the unveiling of history in regards to the legacy
of our beloved Original Montford Point Marines. These accomplishments are the results of a lot of hard
work and answered prayers by those who are at work today, as well as those who have gone before.
It is unfortunate that many of our Patriots have departed this life and are unable to share in these honors. I
ask that each chapter ensure that I am in possession of all names that they may be properly recognized at
our National Convention.
It continues to be my hope and prayer that the blessings of God are upon Montford Point Marines
everywhere and that they may prosper even as their souls prosper. As we continue to witness history
being made on behalf of the legacy of our heroes, let it be the testimony of all of us that we were engaged
and did the best we could for this great cause!”
Chapter Presidents and members are reminded to encourage our elder members to prepare a bio for the
press and the funeral home. We often get last minute requests from the family asking about their loved
one’s service dates, rank, etc…
6
Please make sure that biographic information is ready at the Chapter level. Members are reminded to
report the loss of members and supporters immediately to our National Chaplin, Reverend James Moore.
Reverend Moore may be reached at (843) 846-0881.
As always, please visit the NMPMA, Inc. National Website for information pertaining to your
Association at www.montfordpointmarines.org
Please donate to the Montford Point Marine Memorial: http://mpmamemorial.com/;
Friends Asking Friends: http://mpmalivingmemorial.kintera.org;
Montford Point Marine Museum: http://www.montfordpointmarines.com/MPMA%20MUSEUM.html
Please continue press forward and to do all that you do to Preserve the Legacy of our heroes, The
Montford Point Marines!
7