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Pikes Peak Detachment December 2019 Newsletter 1

The Pikes Peak Scuttlebutt Pikes Peak Detachment 29

Marine Corps League Detachment Commandant Steve Schwartz

P.O. Box 10536 Colorado Springs, CO 80932-1536 www.pikespeakmcl.org

December 2019 Newsletter Newsletter Editor Terry Crum

2019 Pikes Peak Detachment Officers

Detachment Commandant Steve Schwartz [email protected] 719-213-1922 Senior Vice Comdt, Web Sgt. Terry Crum [email protected] 719-432-7340 Junior Vice Commandant Jamie Rogers [email protected] 719-201-0759 Judge Advocate Gary George [email protected] 719-597-3054 Chaplain Vince Espinoza [email protected] 719-323-5705 Paymaster Peggy Baldwin [email protected] 719-453-7850 Adjutant Paul Reifke [email protected] 719-492-8359 Sgt.-at-Arms Osa Tuck [email protected] 719-332-0557 Jr. Past Commandant Paul Hinojosa [email protected] 719-313-1752 Quarter Master Russ Miller [email protected] 719-235-1058 M.O.D.D. Pound Keeper PDD Terry Crum [email protected] 719-432-7340

The Det. newest member Marine Don Mitchell The Pikes Peak Detachment 2020 Officers

The Pikes Peak Detachment Monthly Meeting

21 December 2019 Coffee at 0730 - Breakfast at 0800

Meeting at 0900

Breakfast is free!

Toys will be collected for Toys for Tots

VFW Post 4051 430 E Pikes Peak Ave, Colo Spngs

Wreaths Across America December 14th 1000

Each December on National Wreaths Across America we honor and remember our deceased veterans by carrying out wreath-laying ceremonies at cemeteries all across the United States, at sea. and abroad.

Following is a listing of locations in the Colorado Springs area that will be participating in Wreaths Across America and the ceremony start times.

Evergreen Cemetery 1000 Fairview Cemetery 0930 Memorial Gardens Cemetery 1000 Monument 1000 Pikes Peak National Cemetery 1000 US Air Force Academy Cemetery 1000


Commandant Steve Schwartz I want to thank everyone for electing me Commandant again. I consider it an honor and a privilege to hold this position and I pledge to do my best to advance the goals of this Detachment to the best of my abilities. Now I have to get on my soapbox. Even though the elections were just held in November, we must begin thinking ahead to next year when I think you will see several changes among the Officers and Staff. This means that several of you will need to make the commitment to leading the Detachment in the future. I believe there are many dedicated and talented Marines who can do just that and so this is a call to arms to begin thinking about what you can do and how you can step up when it's your turn. Believe me, thinking a year in advance is not uncommon. In my civilian life I worked on 1, 3 , 5 and 10 year plans. The ability to project and plan for the future is one of the most important things an organization can do. For example, we've talked about competing for a National Convention in 2022. If we are serious about this, we must begin now to prepare so that we can compete with other cities that will be equally motivated to be selected. This will take time, money, commitment, challenges and a sincere effort on the part of this Detachment to step up to the plate and do what needs to be done to begin the process. That means new people will have to assume leadership positions. Those of us who have had the opportunity to serve will not abandon those who succeed us and I know that if we work together, in whatever endeavor we choose, we will continue to be successful. So as I said, now is the time to start thinking a year ahead and what you can do, as an Officer or Staff member or in whatever capacity you can. One of my goals is to start now on deciding if we will submit a bid for the Convention. If we do, we can't afford to waste time while others are moving forward with their plans. Colorado Springs is an amazing city with tons of amenities and attractions that will make us stand out. Preparation is the key and I am going to challenge all of you to jump on board and do your part. Ok, I'm getting off my soapbox. Now I want to remind you to bring a toy for T4T to our next meeting and breakfast is on the house. Don't forget the Devil Dog Growl Party at the Miller home on the 8th (more details from the Pound Keeper to follow) and the MCL Christmas Party at the Baty's on the 15th (again, more info to follow). Finally, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzaa! Enjoy the season!! Semper Fi, Steve

Senior Vice Commandant Terry Crum Greetings motivated Marines, dedicated FMF Corpsmen, and outstanding associate members. Hopefully you are enjoying this newsletter you are reading. This newsletter would be worthless without the input and articles from the outstanding input from the Detachment officers. Thanks to all that contributed. The purpose of this newsletter is to inform, educate, and hopefully to entertain. As you read the pages of this newsletter you will find many ways to contribute to the missions of the Pikes Peak Detachment. Some of the events listed in this newsletter are really fun, who doesn’t love a Christmas party? I hope you will give a bit of prayerful consideration to answer the call to volunteer. Please keep our sick and distressed in your thoughts and prayers. Pat Thompson has been through a great deal and can use your prayers. It was sad to learn that Doc Frank Evans recently passed away. His health has been in decline. He will be greatly missed by many. When additional information is available concerning an obituary or funeral information is made available it will be passed on to the Detachment. Please keep Doc’s wife Marcie in your prayers. Without a doubt Doc Evans is reporting to his final assignment with the Marines guarding the streets of heaven. I was just informed that MCL life member Larry Ehlinger has a critical heart condition. He was told he is functioning on half a heart and is scheduled for quadruple bypass surgery at Penrose Hospital on December 17th. He is expected to need 2 or 3 days in ICU afterwards and finally 3 days at a regular room at the hospital. Please pray that our Lord guides the surgeons hands as he operates on Marine Larry Ehlinger and to Larry’s swift and complete recovery. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a happy new year to all, Terry

Marine Larry Ehlinger


Paymaster Peggy Baldwin Annual memberships expired August 31. Please pay your membership dues of $36.00, if you haven't already. You can mail a check to the address at the top of this newsletter or you can pay by cash, check or card (when cash sales is available) at the next meeting. A big thank you to members that have already paid their dues. Please consider purchasing a life membership; must be a member in good standing. Schedule for life membership

Age 0 - 35 36 - 50 51 - 64 65 - Over Amount $500 $400 $300 $200

Semper Fi, Peggy Baldwin

KARNIVOROUS KANINES OF POUND 150 Pound Keeper PDD Terry Crum

Woof, Woof, to all you dogs of the Karnivorous Kanines and to all that happen upon these deliberations. As 2019 winds down the crazy dogs of the Karnivorous Kanines have one more event, and it shall be a fun one. The final Growl of the year shall be held at the Miller Kennel at 5752 Wells Fargo Dr. This Growl will be a Christmas party and spouses are welcome. 8 December at 1400 (2p.m. in civilian time). All attending are encouraged to bring a funny ornament to exchange. PDD Miller has requested everyone bring food that the human call “finger food” for a pot luck. As we all know dogs don’t have opposable thumbs needed to hold forks. A huge woof - woof and thanks to PDD Russ and Carmella for hosting the Growl/party. See you all there, remember this is all about fun! Woof Woof. Please remember that every dog is a potential dog catcher. We always want more dogs for our Pound. Semper Woof, PDD Terry

Pikes Peak Detachment Christmas Party at the Baty House 15 December 2:00pm

8720 Rugby Ct. White Elephant Gift Exchange

All, it is a pot luck. Please call 719-534-9683 and let Terry know (or leave a message) what you’re bringing. Please do not block anyone’s drive way; park outside the cul-de-sac and walk in (except those that need to be at the driveway). Thanks, Roger

Luncheon for WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War Veterans

This event is intended for the veterans of WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. All red blooded Americans are welcome to show support for our countries senior warriors. A guest speaker is often present to inspire and inform. The patriotism is genuine, the company is friendly, and the food is great. The next luncheon is 9 Dec.


TOYS FOR TOTS Toys for Tots Coordinator Russ Miller

Here are the most important ones that we will need League help with: Dec 14, 1200-1500 Fire Museum with Santa (Hank's Firetruck to deliver a load of Toys for Christmas Unlimited) Russ will be at Toy distribution in Monument all morning, so volunteers please call ahead and let us know if you can make this event. 1100 Load toys on fire truck. 1130 Depart from T4T warehouse. 1500 Load Toys in trailer and deliver to Christmas Unlimited 1600 Firetruck depart to Rally Point at Walgreens for Manitou Parade Dec 14, 16-19, 0830 - 1700 Need helpers at the T4T Warehouse (2833 E Fountain) to sort and count toys as they come in from around city and bag them for delivery to organizations for distribution. Team Bear will be bringing boxes in by truck-load.

Manitou Christmas Parade Saturday, December 14, 2019

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm On Manitou Avenue From Ruxton Avenue to El Paso Blvd. Manitou Springs, CO. 1630 Meet at Walgreens, 3143 W Colorado, 1700 SHARP! Caravan to parade start point 1730-1800 Hang Christmas lights on Fire Truck and Train Float

Stuff Santa's Sleigh Event With

Monument Police and Fire departments

December 7th 2019 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Monument Walmart 16218 Jackson Creek Pkwy

0800 Set-up MCL Tents, Train, Sleigh, and DI at Monument Walmart (16218 Jackson Creek Parkway, Monument) 1600 Tear down

Popcorn Sales at the VA Clinic 3141 Centennial Blvd, Colorado Springs

0900-1500 every Monday and Wednesday

Please consider helping sell popcorn.


16 November 2019 Pikes Peak Detachment Monthly Meeting Minutes Commandant Steve Schwartz opened the November monthly meeting of the Marine Corps League Pikes Peak Detachment for official business at VFW #4051 Post at 0900 with Salute to Colors and opening prayer. All Detachment officers were present except for Chaplain Vince Espinoza , excused. Recognition of Dignitaries: NVC RMD Russ Miller and RMD Chaplin Pat Carty. The guest for the meeting was Marine Donald Mitchell. A motion was made and seconded to accept Donald Mitchell as a regular member, the motion carried. A motion was made by Terry Crum and seconded by Robert Berndt to accept the October 19, 2019 Pikes Peak Detachment monthly meeting as they were posted in the November newsletter. The motion carried. Correspondences: A thank you letter from Iris Rudesill’s daughter Laura was read thanking the Detachment for participating in Iris’s funeral services. A letter from Care and Share seeking donations, Mary Ann made a motion to donate $100.00 to Care and Share seconded by Paul Darrow. The motion passed. Letter from TACOM that our weapon's request has been approved and is in the final stages of us receiving our rifles. Report of the Paymaster: Peggy Baldwin The Paymaster’s report and membership phone rosters are available at the head table. If you haven’t already paid your annual dues, please do. Report of the Chaplain; Prayers for Vince Espinoza is on some new cancer meds that are taking a toll on him. Pat Thompson had surgery; removed carcinoma is back home and doing well. Doc. Frank Evans had leg surgery and is doing well. Funerals for Leonard Stawasz and retired Msgt. Paul Jasko Commandant: Steve Schwartz The detachment has received authorization for an additional 12 rifles for the color guard and honor guard which will bring us up to 14 rifles. No word on when they will arrive. The Marine Corps Ball was the best that we’ve had. On the 10th there was a birthday ceremony at the 1350 Distilling, 1 block east of where we hold our monthly meetings; it was attended by at least 50 people. Have been in contact with Jeff in Killeen Texas who is working to bringing the Honor bell to the January meeting. The Honor Bell honors all service members who have died in the performance of their duties. Ladies luncheon will be at Bubbas on the 19th at 13:00. Commandant Schwartz tried to get hold of Tom Roeder of the Gazette about getting an article in the paper about the do an article about the Marine Corps League and the Pikes Peak Det. in his Sunday column “ Senior Vice Commandant: Terry Crum NSTR Junior Vice Commandant: Jamie Rogers NSTR Judge Advocate: Gary George NSTR Junior Past Commandant: Paul Hinojosa NSTR Quartermaster: Russ Miller Thank you for everyone that brought a toy. We need help with distribution; we are in 188 locations 300 locations by next week. We will need help in the warehouse 9-3 Monday to Friday Manitou Christmas Parade Saturday Dec. 14th If you want your MC league covers embroidered turn them in today. Flasks from the Ball will be delivered at the Dec. meeting. Jackets will be available to order at the next meeting. There will be a Det. Christmas party at the Baty residence Dec. 15th at 14:00 it is a pot luck affair and a white elephant exchange. Sgt. at Arms: Osa Tuck NSTR Adjutant: Paul Reifke NTSR M.O.D.D. – Karnivorous Kanines: PDD Terry Crum December Growl / Christmas party will be 8 December at 14:00 at the Miller kennel. It will be a pot luck affair. All MODD members and significant others are welcome. Bring a unique or funny Christmas decoration / ornament. Report of Standing and Special Committees: NSTR Unfinished Business: Motion by Peggy Baldwin to pay our $100 dues for the Marine Corps Memorial association Russ Miller seconded. Motion carried. Peggy Baldwin made a second motion to donate $500 to help with the rebuild of the Marine Corps Memorial Foundation in Golden CO. Arden Rivers seconded. The motion carried. New Business: Election of officers: Nomination of Officers: Commandant: Steve Schwartz Junior Vice Commandant: Jamie Rogers Senior Vice Commandant: Terry Crum Judge Advocate: Gary George Motion to elect nominees made by Bob Berndt seconded by Osa Tuck, motion carried. Appointed officers: Chaplin: Vince Espinoza Adjutant : Paul Reifke Paymaster: Peggy Baldwin Sgt. At arms: Osa Tuck Web Sgt./Newsletter Editor: Terry Crum Elected and appointed officers were sworn in By NVC RMD Russ Miller after the election.


Good of the League: Donna reported that the baskets brought in $1,244. Mary Ann reported the Bowl-A-Thon raised $4,352. Matt Dominguez, wounded warrior, is a leg amputee. He will be fitted with a prosthetic leg at Balboa Naval hospital. He will be there until January the Semper Fi fund will build a wheel chair ramp for Matt at his home in Trinidad. Steve Schwartz reported that a Marine in Pueblo that need financial assistance. We will provide $300 from the Marines Helping Marines fund because the Pueblo Det. doesn’t have that fund set up yet. Announcements; 50/50. 110/ 55 winner was Joe V. Martinez, He donated the winnings to the Toys for Tots. Without any additional business Commandant Steve Schwartz 16 closed the November Detachment meeting at 1000. The next meeting will take place 21 December 2019. Respectfully Submitted Adjutant Paul Reifke

In loving memory of our brother Marines. Rest in peace.

R.I.P. Richard Gore It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Marine Corps League Past National Commandant Richard (Dick) Gore. Richard Gore was tough on the outside, and a heart of gold on the inside “NO BETTER FRIEND,NO WORST ENEMY”. He was a truthful man, a tough as nails Massachusetts State Trooper, An outstanding Marine and Marine Corps League member. He loved The Corps and he loved the League. When our ship was sailing off course, Richard was the right leader at the right time to steer us back on course. With just a handful of Marines he fought to keep this organization, this Band of Brothers and Sisters together. He will always be remembered as an honorable man, he told it like it is and never backed down from his beliefs, he pulled no punches. You may not have liked what he said but in the end you knew it was the truth. Marines, wherever you are when you get this please have a moment of silence for our brother Marine Richard Gore. Keep his wife Brigid and their families in your prayers. PNC Richard Gore will be missed but never forgotten Semper Fidelis my friend. Dennis Tobin, National Commandant

R.I.P. James "Jim" L. Lutz On November 24, 2019, Jim Lutz rode his golf cart to the greatest golf course in the sky. Jim was born in Billings, Montana February 7, 1950. He married Jan Love, December 19, 1970. They lived in Billings Montana for one year and then Jim became a salesman for a western boot company and was moved to Bismarck, North Dakota from 1971 to 1988. Jim then moved to Colorado because of a job transfer in 1988 where retired from the sales industry in 2013. Him and Jan spend their winters in Texas where he got to play golf during the winter time and had recently added pickle ball to his days. He has a large group of great friends that Jan and himself enjoyed many outings with. He is survived by his wife, Jan and his daughter, Kari Lutz, two grandsons, Tyler Jensen (Greeley), Connor Jensen (Broomfield) and his brother Bob Lutz (Montana) and his wife Genny. The family is asking in Lieu of flowers to make donations to Saint Jude’s hospital for children in Jim’s name. Jim served in the Marine Corps and was honorably discharged


R.I.P. Doc Frank Evans We lost a great man 2 December 2019! FMF Navy Corpsman Frank “Doc” Evans received only 3 weeks of Basic training and 2 weeks of Corps school before hitting the beach at Peleliu in September-November 1944. Doc Evans was an invaluable member of Pikes Peak Detachment 29. Even into his 90’s, (now 95) he was always concerned about the welfare of “HIS MARINES”. Making visits to the hospitals, sitting with our family members in the waiting rooms, talking to hospital staff and explaining to families what and why certain tests were being run. Fair Winds and Following Seas Devil Doc. Semper Fi. NVC RMD Russ Miller Services for Doc James Frank Evans: Monday 09 December 2019 Church: LDS Church, 1705 N. Murray Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO Visitation: 1000 Funeral: 1100 Burial Ceremony: Pikes Peak National Cemetery (PPNC),10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, CO Time: 1400 Marci and family decided to have the U.S. Marine Honor Guard from Buckley do the flag folding and Taps ceremony at the PPNC. However, they would appreciate any Navy personnel to attend the services. Only one Honor Guard can participate and, they chose the Marines. A brief obituary will run in the Gazette this coming Fri., Sat. and, Sun with a website for Evergreen Funeral Home to read the full obituary.

Uniform of the Day

Marine Corps League: Red Blazers or suits if you don't have the Red Blazer. Marines: Dress Blues or the winter uniform. Navy: Dress uniform. Russ, Marci will check with her LDS Bishop to see about you speaking at the PPNC and, will let me know. The MCL will not participate at the LDS church. Please contact me with any questions. Semper Fi, Pat Carty 719.337.7179 [email protected]


R.I.P. Marine Master Sergeant Paul Steve Jasko Jr. My name is Valerie Newcomb. My father, Paul Jasko, passed away from COPD on 27 October 2019. He waged a fierce battle until the very end and isolated himself in his final years out of shame that he wasn’t strong enough to beat his illness. Paul always made sure we were taken care of and to the very end he felt he had failed his duty by leaving us behind. Though he didn’t talk much about Vietnam, the Corps was one of his proudest achievements and his pride in his service is what led me to join the Air Force as a judge advocate. I hate that he doesn’t have anyone to send him off besides my mom, my sister, and myself. Paul deserved so much more but he was too proud to admit it. It was even hard for him to let me get his COPD service-connected through the VA. After we won that fight, he started asking every day when he would “beat this thing”. We have arranged for him to have military honors at his funeral, but he doesn’t have any friends to attend his service, much less any of his fellow Marines (beyond the Chaplain and the Honor Guard). Paul will be pleased as punch to know we are interring his ashes in a .50 cal ammo can but I know having his fellow Marines there would mean the world to him. My father would be happy if Marines would attend his service. Members of the Marine Corps League are welcome and your attendance would be greatly appreciated by the family. We are holding his service at PPNC on 13 Nov at 1000.

Valerie Newcom

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