MCL DETACHMENT #708 IN THE NEWS
Marine Corps League 708 Presented With Check to Help Disabled Vets
J.O. Batten, president of the DD214 Foundation, Inc., presented Marine Corps League, Spring Hill Detachment 708 a check in the amount of $15,000 to help disabled veterans. Batten, a former Marine, and his group of volunteers recently held their 6th Brooksville Old School Biker Rodeo and the funds are the proceeds from this event which draws bikers from many parts of America and Canada. Their objective is to raise money to provide financial assistance to the wounded at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa. This is the fifth major donation made to the Detachment, who help manage the distribution of the monies received. Since its inception, the DD214 Foundation has donated $90,500 to the Marine Corps League, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars. The beneficiaries are vets from all branches of service and all wars. The MCL salutes Batten and his colleagues for their devotion to our nation's finest and their outstanding fundraising efforts. (Pictured are L-to-R, DonV Varrieur, editor of Scootergoods Magazine, 708 Commandant Bob Ross, Ted Hobbs, Paymaster Debbie Forbes, J.O. Batten.)
Marine Corps League Detachment 708 Honors Marine Charlie Haggett
A special honor was bestowed upon Marine Charlie Haggett at the May meeting of Marine Corps League, Spring Hill Detachment 708. Haggett was presented the stars and stripes by the MCL's National Sr. Vice Commandant Vic Voltaggio. Haggett was one of the valiant Marines who stormed ashore in the first assault wave on February 19, 1945 to begin the bitter battle for the Japanese held island of Iwo Jima in World War II. Eight days into the battle Haggett was wounded and evacuated for medical care. The American flag he received was recently flown over Mount Suribachi, the site of Joe Rosenthal's Pulitzer Prize winning photograph taken on the fourth day after the initial landing. The night was made extra special as Charlie's lovely wife Lucy was able to attend the presentation. (L to R: MCL National Sr. Vice Commandant Vic Voltaggio, Marine Charlie Haggett and Detachment 708 Commandant Bob Ross.)
Marine Corps League Detachment 708 Assists in Honoring "Smiling Dave" Kalman
Marine Corps League Detachment 708's Color Guard assisted Tuffy's Auto Service on July 10, 2010, in the dedication of a flagpole in the memory of David B. Kalman (known as "Smiling Dave"). "Smiling Dave" was an employee at Tuffy's for six years and a beloved member of the community. From L to R: Marion Kelley, Artie Davila and Bob Campbelloff, Marine Corps League 708 Color Guard Members.
Marine Corps League 708 Member Installed as Department of Florida Commandant
Marine Corps League 708 Member Bill Backes was installed as the Department of Florida Commandant at the Department Convention on June 19, 2010, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In addition, Bob Ross was installed as District Vice Commandant and Department Toys for Tots Liaison. Skip Sponheim was installed as Department Paymaster. Vic Voltaggio, former Marine Corps League 708 Commandant and the current National Sr. Vice Commandant was the installing officer. Also, Jean Sponheim was installed as the Department Judge Advocate for the Marine Corps League Auxiliary. From L to R: Bill Backes, Department of Florida Commandant and Vic Voltaggio, Installing Officer.
Marine Corps League Detachment 708 Participates in Memorial Day Service
Marine Corps League Detachment 708 participated in the Memorial Day Services at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. From L to R: Jack Cullin, Steve Witt and David Jude, Color Guard Members of Marine Corps League Detachment 708.
League Detachment 708 Honor Guard Recognition Ceremony
On April 6, 2010, Marine Corps League Detachment 708 recognized their Honor Guard Members along with Members from Holiday Detachment 567 for conducting 400 funerals during 2009. Detachment Honor Guard Members volunteer their time throughout the year at the Bushnell Florida National Cemetery to honor our Veterans who have served our country.