MCL DETACHMENT #708 IN THE NEWS
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 708 HAS THREE NEW MEMBERS
Marine Corps League Spring Hill Detachment 708 welcomed three new members at their November meeting: Joeoph Sovare, Hudson; Tony Graham, Brooksville; Jay Hatin, Weeki Wachee.
Pictured left to right are: Junior Vice Commandant Robert Campbelloff; new members Joeoph Sovare, Hudson; Tony Graham, Brooksville; Jay Hatin, Weeki Wachee; Commandant Bob Ross.
HERNANDO COUNTY TOYS FOR TOTS DROP-OFF SITES
Collection bins for the USMC Reserve’s Toys for Tots Program in Hernando County are in place for this holiday season. Please drop off donations of new, unwrapped toys at any of the following locations. Thank you.
Spring Hill: Accuform signs, American Aviation, Atria Evergreen Woods, Bridgewater Apartments, C’s Pub, Career Central, Compass Banks, Chaney Chiropractic Clinic, Complete Technology Solutions, Discovery Point Daycare, Downing Funeral Home, Dr. Tim Terlep, Dunkin Donuts, Edward Jones Investments Spring Hill, EXtreme Bicycles, Fantastic Pre-School & Daycare, Fun Fitness Factory, Gold’s Gym, Hernando County Utilities, Hernando County Veterans Services, Just be Tan, Mirage Hair Studio, Hair Affair, Mariner Bowling Lanes, New-U-Weight Loss Center, Hess Station (Northcliffe and County Line), Microtel Inn & Suites, Pisano’s, Pickled Parrot, Pinch A Penny (Kass Circle), Post Office (Kass Circle), Printing Plus, Regions Bank, Rising Star Music, Silverthorn Club House, Spring Hill Fire and Rescue (Parker and Main Station), Spring Hill Lanes, Skye Metaphysical, Sterling House, Stwy's Sk8 Park, Susie’s Again, Sweet Bay Supermarket, The UPS Store, United Printing Services, Vicki’s Haircuts, Wellington Club House.
Brooksville: Brooksville Country Club Fitness Center, Caglianone, Miller, Anthony Attorneys at Law, Central High School NJROTC, Dunkin Donuts, Frito Lay, Glen Lakes, Hales Liquor Store, Hernando County Tax Assessor, Hernando Oaks Golf Club, High Point Golf Club, Marine Corps League Detachment 708, Nellie's Restaurant, Pine Grove Elementary School, Physical Therapy Services, Register Chevrolet, Roos’s Pub, Southern Hills Golf Club, Suncoast Schools Credit Union, Texas Road House, U-Haul Storage, USMC Recruiting, West Hernando Middle School.
Other Hernando County locations: Beall’s Outlet stores, Big Lots, Beef O’Brady’s in Ridge Manor, Family Dollar Stores, Dollar General Stores, Hernando County Fire Station #11, Hernando County Schools Transportation Center, Hernando County Utilities, Glen Lakes Club House, Publix Super Markets, R. Tate's Auto Body, Regions Banks, Suncoast Schools Credit Union, VFW Post 9236 in Hernando Beach, Walgreens, Winn Dixie stores.
2011 HERNANDO COUNTY TOYS FOR TOTS REGISTRATION
The United States Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots Program in Hernando County will begin the 2011 season with a registration program redesigned to better serve the children of Hernando County.
Children ages six months to twelve years old are eligible to participate in the program. Registration must be in person at the Marine Corps League Detachment located at 8405 Sunshine Grove Road in Brooksville. Parents or legal guardians must bring the following items. 1) Their driver’s license, 2) current utility bill in their name establishing Hernando County residency, 3) their social security card, 4) birth certificate and 5) social security card for each child to be registered. If you are a guardian, foster parent or grandparent of a child(ren), you must also bring legal documents or court order proving custody.
Registration will open on the following dates: November 28, 29 and 30. December 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13,14. Please note that the registration office is closed on all Sundays. Registration times are 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The telephone number is 352-796-3666. Calls will be answered only during registration period.
The United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, sponsored by the Marine Corps League Detachment 708 of Spring Hill, is looking forward to making this year a great one for the children.
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 708 WEEKLY EVENTS
SPRING HILL, Florida (September 19, 2011) - Tuesday “Steak Shoot” from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. First card is $8.00. Wednesday “Pasta Night” from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Cost is $6.50 per person. Thursday is “Wings and Karaoke” from 5:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday night “Fish Fry” from 4:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. Cost is $8.00 per person. Sunday breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Cost is $5.50 per person. Lunch is served in the Leatherneck Lounge from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday and on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. All events are open to the public. MCL Spring Hill Detachment 708 is a non-smoking facility. For more information please call (352) 597-7979.
Contact
Bob Ross, Commandant, Marine Corps League, Spring Hill Detachment 708,
BobDotFl@hotmail.com
352-597-7979
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 708 HAS TWO NEW MEMBERS
Marine Corps League Spring Hill Detachment 708 welcomed two new members at their September meeting. Senior Vice Commandant Marion Kelley accepted the membership oath from William G. Buesing, III, and John Hudzietz,
Mr. Buesing is a U.S.M.C. veteran of the Viet Nam war, son of 708 member Bill Buesing and father of LCpl Brian R. Buesing. LCpl Buesing was among the first killed in action in Iraq. Mr. Buesing works in home security and is a resident of Port Richey. Mr. Hudzietz, also a Marine, is an attorney and lives in Hudson.
Pictured left to right are: Junior Vice Commandant Robert Campbelloff, new members William Buesing and John Hudzietz, Senior Vice Commandant Marion Kelley.
USMC CELEBRATES THEIR 236TH BIRTHDAY
The Marine Corps League’s Spring Hill Detachment #708 will celebrate the birthday of the United States Marine Corps on Sunday, November 6, at Glen Lakes Golf and Country Club. This year’s guest speaker is Lt. Col. Thomas Castriota, USMC (ret). Cocktails will be served beginning at 5:00 p.m. The traditional birthday ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing.
Tickets are available for $40 per person if purchased before October 1st. After that, tickets will be $45 per person and must be purchased before October 28, 2011. The public is invited to attend. Contact Marion Kelly at 352-597-7979 for more information.
Lt. Col. Castriota, owner of Castriota Chevrolet, retired from the United States Marine Corps Reserves in 2001 but was recalled to action in November, 2006. He was deployed to Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and earned the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Lt. Col Castriota was named Time Magazine’s “Dealer of the Year” in February, 2011.
Glen Lakes Golf and Country Club is located on U.S. Highway 19, approximately three miles north of Cortez Boulevard.
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 708 CELEBRATES THREE COMMANDANT’S ACHIEVEMENTS
Saturday, August 13, three commandants had one big party. Spring Hill Detachment 708 member, Vic Voltaggio, was re-elected to serve another one-year term as National Commandant of the Marine Corps League. Similarly, Bill Backes, also a member of the 708, was re-elected as Florida’s Department Commandant. And finally, over one hundred members took the opportunity to congratulate Bob Ross who was awarded Commandant of the Year for the state. Mr. Ross is the current commandant of the Spring Hill detachment
Pictured left to right: National Commandant of the Marine Corps League, Vic Voltaggio; Spring Hill Detachment 708 Commandant Bob Ross; Department of Florida Commandant Bill Backes.
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE’S 708 COMMANDANT ROSS NOMINATED FLORIDA’S COMMANDANT OF THE YEAR
On June 18, 2011, Spring Hill Detachment 708’s Commandant Robert G. Ross was named Commandant of the Year for the Department of Florida at the annual state convention held in Ft. Lauderdale. Commandant Ross serves as the District Vice Commandant, chairs the Marine of the Year committee for the Department and is the Toys for Tots liaison at the state and national level. Commandant Ross established a committee to determine facility expansion opportunities for the Spring Hill detachment, instituted two annual scholarships for cadets in Central High School’s NJROTC, and has increased volunteer participation in Hernando County’s Toys for Tots program to national record highs. Personally, Commandant Ross remains a full-time member of the Honor Guard and donates to the detachment’s mortgage reduction fund.
Pictured left to right: Department of Florida Commandant Bill Backes; Spring Hill 708 Commandant Bob Ross; Walt Russell, chairman of the Commandant of the Year selection committee; Lou Callega, Department of Florida Senior Vice Commandant.
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 708 BIRTHDAY BALL CELEBRATES 236TH YEAR OF THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Sunday, November 6, 2011, at Glen Lakes Country Club, Weeki Wachee. Cocktails at 5:00 p.m., Ceremony at 6:00 p.m., Dinner at 7:00 p.m. with Live Band Entertainment. Guest speaker is Lt. Col. Thomas Castriota, USMC Retired. Tickets are available to the general public beginning September 1, 2011, for $40 each. After October 1, tickets are $45 each. All tickets must be purchased by October 28, 2011. For more information, please contact Sr. Vice Commandant Marion Kelley at 352-597-7979.
NEW MEMBERS FOR MARINE CORPS LEAGUE, SPRING HILL DETACHMENT
Three new members joined the Marine Corps League’s Spring Hill Detachment 708 on Thursday, June 16. Senior Vice Commandant Marion Kelley administered the oath to Army veteran Raul Pires and Marines Edward Beyer and Charles Compton. Mr. Compton served during World War II and was present when the American flag was raised over Iwo Jima.
Pictured left to right are: Junior Vice Commandant Robert Cambelloff, Charles Compton, Edward Beyer, Raul Pires and Senior Vice Commandant Marion Kelley.
VETERANS ASSISTANCE FUND RECEIVES DONATION
The Marine Corps League’s Spring Hill Detachment 708 accepted a $20,000 donation from the DD 214 Foundation, bringing their four year total to over $86,000. Money is raised at the annual “Party in the Pasture” biker rodeo, hosted by J.O. Batten of Brooksville.
In addition to providing financial assistance to the Fisher House at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, the Veterans Assistance Fund helps local individuals pay utility and grocery bills, repair vehicles and other non-recurring emergency expenses.
Co-founders James Batten, Don Varrieur and James Morrison are joined by more than 60 volunteers who help ensure each rodeo is more successful than the last. For pictures of this year’s event go to http://www.dd214foundation.com. The DD 214 Foundation Inc. is an active 501(c)3, non-profit, Florida corporation.
Pictured left to right are: DD 214 Foundation co-founder J.O. Batten and MCL 708 Commandant Bob Ross.
NEW MEMBERS FOR MARINE CORPS LEAGUE, SPRING HILL DETACHMENT
The Marine Corps League accepted six new members into their Spring Hill Detachment 708 on Thursday, May 19. Taking the membership pledge were John Cleveland,Oswaldo Rosado, John Conley, Joseph Polletta, Harry Francises, and Larry Greene.
Pictured left to right are: Junior Vice Commandant Robert Cambelloff, Larry Greene, Joseph Polleta, Harry Francises, John Cleveland, John Conley, Oswaldo Rosado and Commandant Bob Ross.
COLOR GUARD OPENS TOMMIE TURVEY SHOW
The Marine Corps League’s Spring Hill Detachment 708 provided the color guard for Tommie Turvey’s “Night of Amazing Horses” held at the Hernando County Fairgrounds Saturday, May 7, 2011. Mr. Turvey, Hollywood horse trainer and stunt man, drew a crowd of several hundred for his only show in central Florida. The MCL Spring Hill Detachment color guard does about a dozen ceremonies annually.
Pictured left to right are: MCL 708 Commandant Bob Ross, Arthur Lent, Rob Campbelloff and Don Ward.
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE #708 LEADS PARADE OF COLORS
Members of the Marine Corps League’s Spring Hill Detachment 708 color guard were out front to open the Memorial Day ceremony at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. The keynote address was given by Brigadier General James S. Hartsell, who is also a member of the Spring Hill detachment. Additional participants included nearly 500 motorcycles and the Hernando High School band.
Pictured left to right are: Don Ward, Lee Lowe, BGen Hartsell, Jack Cullin and Artie Davila.
MARINES ARE EAGER TO BECOME MEMBERS OF SPRING HILL’S MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
The Marine Corps League accepted four new members into their Spring Hill Detachment 708 on Thursday, April 21. Taking the membership pledge were Emerson Gallup, Ray O’Connell, Adrian Diggs and Milton Stills. Mr. Gallup was previously a member of the Marine Corps League in Holiday. Mr. Diggs currently works as the veteran’s representative for Career Central.
HONOR GUARD RECEIVES HONORS FOR A CHANGE
Over a formal banquet, in a richly decorated hall, the members of Marine Corps League, Spring Hill Detachment 708, celebrated another year’s blessings. Twenty-eight men and women, along with their partners, congratulated and praised each other for their dedication and perseverance.
And with good reason. Members of this honor guard performed over 400 funerals at the National Cemetery outside of Bushnell last year. They stand on the coldest days, the hottest, the wettest, and the windiest, to provide veterans the ceremonial burial they earned. Last year they stood for nearly 3000 hours, all voluntary and many times at their own expense.
There were no dignitaries to make speeches at the banquet and no television cameras to record the event. The members of MCL 708 Honor Guard receive the thanks of the families who ask for their services and sometimes they receive a donation for their efforts. But mostly they quietly reward themselves with a good meal and an evening of companionship, feeling blessed with the knowledge that when their family requires an honor guard, one will be available.
2011/2012 OFFICERS INSTALLED AT MARINE CORPS LEAGUE 708
Following nomination and election procedures, Spring Hill’s MCL 708 installed new, and kept some familiar, officers for the 2011/2012 fiscal year. Continuing as Commandant, Bob Ross kept Debbie Forbes as paymaster. Al Tamburrino moved into the Judge Advocate chair vacated by Marion Kelley following Kelley’s election to Senior Vice Commandant. Rob Campbelloff was elected Junior Vice Commandant. Oversight Committee members are Ron Forbes, Godfrey (Pup) Naquin and Jim Able.
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE SPRING HILL DETACHMENT 708 ASSISTS IN BLESSING THE FLEET
Marine Corps League Spring Hill Detachment 708 color guard was on hand to open this year’s “blessing the fleet” ceremony at Hernando Beach Yacht Club Saturday, April 2, 2011. Both commercial and pleasure boats made up the flotilla. Joining Dan McCann, Commodore of the Hernando Beach Yacht Club, were Congressman Rich Nugent, Sheriff Al Nienhuis, Hernando County Commissioner Wayne Dukes, and Hernando Beach Volunteer Fire Department Chief Steve Knowlton.
Pictured left to right are: Don Ward, Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 15-8 Commander Jack Cullin, Rob Campbelloff and Artie Davila.
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VETERAN’S ASSISTANCE PROGRAM DONATES $500 TO GIFTS FROM HOME
Members of Marine Corps League, Spring Hill Detachment 708’s Veteran’s Assistance Program donated $500 to Linda Kidwell, director, for her Gifts From Home program. The money is used for postage to ship gift packages to our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. In November, the Veteran’s Assistance Program donated $1,000 to Gifts From Home for the purchase of telephone calling cards for combat troops to contact their families during the holiday season.
The Veteran’s Assistance Program was established in November 2007 when Jim Batten, director of the DD-214 Foundation, made the first sizable donation to Marine Corps League 708 for the purpose of helping veterans. The Veteran’s Assistance Program is also supported by membership and community donations. Since its’ inception, over $57,000 has been dispersed to nearly 300 veterans.
NATIONAL MARINE CORPS LEAGUE COMMANDANT VOLTAGGIO WORKS HARD AT HOME
The Marine Corps League’s Spring Hill Detachment 708 is very proud of member Vic Voltaggio, and with good reason. After fulfilling his responsibilities as national Junior Vice Commandant in 2008/2009 and national Senior Vice Commandant in 2009/2010, Mr. Voltaggio has stepped up to the leadership position of national Commandant. But he hasn’t missed a day of work in Spring Hill.
In addition to assisting with the every day chores around the detachment, such as serving vegetables at Wednesday’s pasta night, pulling weeds in the memory garden and freshening up the paint on the curbs, Cmdt. Voltaggio attended the 1st Florida Regiment’s adult leadership and Young Marines symposium in October, volunteered numerous hours during the busy Toys for Tots season and still found time to present a few well-earned ribbons to other dedicated Marine Corps League members.
Because of his commitment to the Young Marines, a national organization sponsored by the Marine Corps League, Cmdt. Voltaggio sent his representative to the most recent U.S.M.C. change of command. Instead, Cmdt. Votaggio attended a weekend conference in Orlando sponsored by the 1st Florida Regiment of Young Marines. He spoke to the Young Marines about leadership responsibilities and community service. He encouraged the adult representatives to become members of their local Marine Corps League to foster better working relationships between the two organizations.
Cmdt. Voltaggio was on hand during Hernando County’s Toys for Tots December distribution, helping with the process and keeping in touch with the community. “This is the best run program in the nation,” stated Cmdt. Voltaggio. “I wish everyone had the volunteers and community support found in Hernando County.”
At the January meeting of “the 708”, Cmdt. Voltaggio presented the Distinguished Gold Service medal to the first commandant of the Spring Hill Detachment, Joe Aliamo, past commandants Eric Jude, Frank Glassford and Sal Barrone, current commandant Bob Ross and Chuck Sarges, Jr. Vice Commandant. The Distinguished Gold Service is the highest medal that can be achieved by members of the Marine Corps League
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE SPRING HILL DETACHMENT 708 WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS
Commandant Bob Ross received the oath of membership from eight Marines at the January meeting. New members are David Fisher, Arthur Malbuta, Richard Rose, Ed Schoonover and James Soggs. Mr. Soggs joined the Marines when we was sixteen years old, just prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and served in the Pacific during World War II. Fred Navarre was previously a member of the 708 and winter residents Fred McGoldrick and Fred “Bucky” Wyatt have dual memberships. Vic Voltaggio, MCL National Commandant, and Florida State Commandant, Bill Backus, attended the meeting. Both Voltaggio and Backus are members of the Spring Hill detachment.
Pictured left to right are: Junior Vice Commandant Chuck Sarges, Fred McGoldrick, David Fisher, Fred “Bucky” Wyatt, Arthur Malbuta, Ed Schoonover, James Soggs, Richard Rose, Fred Navarre and Commandant Bob Ross.
USMC CELEBRATES THEIR 235TH BIRTHDAY
The Marine Corps League’s Spring Hill Detachment #708 will celebrate the birthday of the United States Marine Corps on Wednesday, November 10, at Glen Lakes Golf and Country Club. The theme this year is “Reflections: Your Time in the Corps.”
Tickets are $35 per person and must be purchased before October 25th. Contact Scott Brinton (352-684-0144) or call the Leatherneck Lounge (352-597-7979) for more information.
Cocktails will be served beginning at 5:00 p.m. The traditional birthday ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing. Music will be provided by The Rebound Band. Glen Lakes Golf and Country Club is located on U.S. Highway 19, approximately three miles north of Cortez Boulevard.
Marine Corps League 708 Receives Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service Award
For the 18th consecutive year (2009-2010), Marine Corps League Detachment 708 received the 1st place Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service Special Award for the largest number of volunteer hours. Shown in the photo with the award are National Commandant Vic Voltaggio (R) and 708 Commandant Bob Ross (L) along with the many members of the Honor Guard who work so diligently to serve our Veterans and their families.
Marine Corps League 708 Assists with Dedication of Weeki Wachee High School
On August 13, 2010, Marine Corps League Detachment 708 provided the Color Guard for the Ribbon Cutting and Dedication of the new Weeki Wachee High School. Veterans from World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam were represented. From L to R: Gene Podraza, Tom Morrin, Bob Campbelloff, Charlie Haggett, John Camara, Artie Davila and Larry Gross, Members of Marine Corps League 708 Color Guard.
Past Commandant of Marine Corps League 708 Elected National Commandant
Past Commandant of Marine Corps League 708 Vic Voltaggio was elected National Commandant of the Marine Corps League on August 13, 2010, at the National Convention in Greensboro, North Carolina. The Marine Corps League has more than 76,000 members nationwide. Seated in the photo are National Commandant Vic Voltaggio and his wife, Janet Voltaggio. Many members of Marine Corps League 708 and Marine Corps League Auxiliary, Spring Hill Unit, were in attendance and are also shown in the photo.
Marine Corps League 708 Receives Department of Florida Public Relations Award
Marine Corps League 708 recently received a public relations award from the Department of Florida Marine Corps League for its efforts in promoting the Marine Corps League and its activities in the community, for our Veterans' and our youth. From L to R: Ellen Ward, Marine Corps League Auxiliary; Bill Backes, Department of Florida Commandant and Jim Able, Marine Corps League 708.
Marine Corps League 708 Receives Department of Florida Award
Marine Corps League 708 recently received an award from the Department of Florida Marine Corps League for its outstanding newsletter entitled, "708 Mail Call". The newsletter is published every two months by Editor Bob Eisenhauer and features Detachment, Auxiliary, Young Marines, Toys for Tots and Honor/Color Guard events as well as the many community activities in which the Detachment participates. From L to R: Marine Corps League 708 Commandant Bob Ross and Department of Florida Commandant Bill Backes.
Marine Corps League 708 Assists Hernando Builders Association
Marine Corps League Detachment 708 posted the colors for the Hernando Builders Association at its meeting on July 26, 2010, at the Silverthorn Country Club. From L to R: Artie Davila, Bob Campbelloff and Don Ward, Marine Corps League 708 Color Guard Members.
Marine Corps League Attends James A. Haley Polytrauma Groundbreaking
Marine Corps League Detachment 708 (Spring Hill) and 567 (Holiday) along with Marine Corps League Auxiliary, Spring Hill Unit, members attended the groundbreaking of the James A. Haley Hospital Polytrauma Facility on Tuesday, July 20, 2010. This facility will serve Veterans suffering brain injuries, burns and blast injuries. The center will feature 56 private rooms and is scheduled for completion in 2013. From L to R: Don Ward, Detachment 708; Jean Sponheim, Spring Hill Auxiliary Unit; Evelyn Joppa, Detachment 567 and Ellen Ward, Spring Hill Auxiliary Unit.
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.