Bonds That Cross the Sands of Time

As John Vigliatura approached his ninetieth birthday, his family discussed ways to celebrate. Knowing how important the Marine Corps was to his father, a World War II veteran,  his son John III contacted the protocol office of the Second Marine Division at Camp Lejeune to ask for Marine Corps participation in his father’s 90^th birthday.  One of the New England area contacts with whom they have frequent interaction is Jim Hastings, a Marine Corps League member from Bellingham.   Reaching out to his extensive list of contacts, Hastings worked with the Vigliatura family and the Millbury Health Care Center to coordinate a Marine Corps presence on the special date. 

Marines Griffin, MacEntagert,and Hastings with WWII veteran

With plans in place and cooperation from everyone except Mother Nature, the of  John Vigliatura’s party arrived with a foot of fresh snow.  Marine Corps League Metrowest Detachment #1037 members Jim Hastings, Warren Griffin, and John “Mac” MacEntegart purchased a cake and made the trip to Millbury despite the snow.   When it became clear that the party could not be held due to the weather, the hardy troop of MCL members spent the morning visiting with Vigliatura and another resident who is also a Marine veteran from the First Division.                                                                                                                             

Ninety year old John Vigliatura will gladly tell you his age, but that was not always the case.   In 1942, as a seventeen year old in a nation at war, Vigliatura lied to the Marine Corps recruiter about his age so that he could become a Marine.  Less than a year after joining the Corps, the Worcester native was landing on Tarawa with, in E/2/8  in the Second Marine Division.  The young Marine was injured in the course of the bloody three day battle but declined the opportunity to return home because of his injuries.   

John Vigliatura with MCL members Griffin, MacEntagert and Hastings

After a few months of recuperation, his unit again hit the beaches, this time on Saipan, another horrific Island hopping battle.  Young Vigliatura was one of 13,000 Marines who were injured or killed.  Knocked out by a nearby explosion, John was found and rescued by fellow Marines who brought him to the medical personnel who could treat him.  This time his injuries were severe enough that he was sent back to Hawaii for recuperation which would take six months. 

Recovered from his injuries and having returned to the Worcester area in 1945, John would meet his wife, Lena.  Following his service as a Marine, he joined the Worcester Police Department.  He later transferred to the Fire Department.  A work related injury would ultimately lead to a disability retirement . With the war behind him, John and Lena raised a family of five children and remained in the Worcester area.  His Marine Corps service was an important part of his life, although he seldom discussed the harsh realities of combat.

Sgt Major Linch makes a presentation to John Vigliatura

Now at ninety years of age, John Vigliatura took the place of honor in front of a room full of fellow residents at Millbury Health Care Center to enjoy cake and the well wishes of friends and family.  The surprise appearance of Sergeant Major Tracy Linch, Regimental Sergeant Major for 25^th Marines was a highlight of the day.  Wearing his dress blues, Sgt Maj Linch reflected on the bravery of John Vigliatura and his fellow Marines who assaulted island after island on a relentless march to the Japanese mainland.  John was presented with a shadow box plaque containing a picture of Tarawa, a Marine emblem patch, two dog tags for landing at Tarawa and Saipan, a Marine Corps coin and a 25th Regiment coin.  Worcester Marine Corps League members Richard Gates and Thomas Beder presented John with a coin from their detachment and led the crowd in a rousing OORAH to cap the celebration.

MCL member Gates presents a coin.

   The motto “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” is more than words to the Marine Corps League members who remembered John Vigliatura.  While large amounts of snow and cold temperatures brought many area activities to a halt, the Marines still found a way to accomplish the mission of celebrating a brother's birthday.

 

Uncommon Commitment

With 1/400^th of a second of exposure on film at the top of Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima, AP photographer Joe Rosenthal created one of the most viewed photographs of the 20^th century.  The shot of five Marines and one Navy Corpsman raising the flag in the early days of this historic battle has become closely aligned with the identity of the Marine Corps. When it came time to plan and build the Marine Corps Memorial, the image of the flag raising was selected as the central theme. Sculptor Felix de Weldon designed and constructed a scrupulously detailed statue to be installed on a knoll in Washington DC that is prominently visible from many points throughout the city.  Since its dedication on November 10, 1954, the massive bronze replication of Rosenthal’s iconic photograph is a cherished destination for Marines and civilians alike.

Fall River, Massachusetts is long distance from Washington, DC but relatively close to Newport, Rhode Island, the hometown of Felix de Weldon, creator of the Marine Corps Memorial.  Brian Cunha, a Fall River attorney, had done work for de Weldon and eventually acquired the de Weldon home in Newport.  Among the personal effects that remained in the home when Cunha took possession was a model of the Marine Corps Memorial statue in 2/3 scale.   Cunha donated the model to his hometown city of Fall River where a fundraising drive was conducted to have the model bronzed and installed in Bicentennial Park.  The model was acquired in 1995.  After a fundraising drive raised sufficient funds to have it bronzed and installed, the completed statue was dedicated on November 6, 2005, nearly fifty one years after the original. 

The Fall River Iwo Jima Memorial Statue

Bruce Aldrich is a Marine from Somerset, near Fall River, who served four years from 1958 to 1962. Aldrich had attended the dedication of the Fall River Iwo Jima Memorial.  A member at large in the Marine Corps League, he was instrumental in starting up a Marine Corps League Detachment in the Fall River area, working closely with Richard Gore from the state leadership team. Honoring a local Marine who had been killed in Iraq in 2004, the new detachment was chartered as the Marine Corps League L/Cpl John J. Van Gyzen IV Detachment #1285.  In the few years since its creation, the Van Gyzen Detachment has established itself as a visible presence in veterans’ charities and events in the Fall River area.  Bruce Aldrich has continued as Commandant since the detachment was chartered. 

Like most Marines, Bruce Aldrich has a keen sense of the history and contributions of the Corps and an equally keen need to take action when needed.  It has been nearly seventy years since the fierce assault on Iwo Jima.  Time and the natural progression of life are taking those troops who survived the fighting to take the island.  Although the local Iwo Jima Statue was a rare treasure, it had fallen into disrepair.  Planned signage and lighting were never installed and the site degraded into a hangout for youth who had none of the commitment and drive of those depicted in the statue.  Vandalism of the statue and the grounds was common.  Aldrich arranged a meeting with the mayor to discuss the condition of the statue and to urge the city to follow through on commitments that were established by resolution.

Van Gyzen Detachment  members with the statue

A bricklayer by trade, Bruce enlisted the support of the bricklayers’ union as well as the electrical and laborers’ unions.  Rather than wait for city officials to meet their obligations, Aldrich and the Van Gyzen Detachment mobilized their own working party to get the monument back in shape. The unions donated time and equipment and supplemented the efforts of Marine Corps League members to bring the monument back to the condition that it deserves.  With this volunteer force, lights were installed, landscaping was added, and the memorial area became a desirable destination again.  The city followed through with appropriate signage that enabled more tourism, drawing on the population that visits Battleship Cove and the popular nearby carousel.  Seeing the results that a few committed and motivated Marines can create, the Mayor suggested that Bruce Aldrich and the Van Gyzen Detachment take over maintaining the statue.  Since that transition was made, Van Gyzen Detachment members make a point of visiting the memorial frequently to keep an eye on it.  Vandalism is virtually eliminated and the site is a desirable for visitors under the detachment's guidance.

To last in proper condition, memorials of this type require maintenance.  In 2013, the detachment hired a monument company to properly clean and wax the statue.  Using local connections, they were able to borrow a lift platform that saved $2500 of the projected cost.  To support the expense of maintaining the statue and the immediate area around it, the detachment has initiated a program of selling engraved bricks that are installed in the park.  For $50, donors can have their legacy continued in the shadow of the Iwo Jima statue.   Bruce Aldrich and Van Gyzen Detachment members install the bricks and continue to monitor the memorial area. 

Volunteer bricklayers

As of September 1, 2014, 650  bricks have been sold,  the proceeds going to the Iwo Jima monument fund.  

From an unknown and decaying installation a few years ago, the Fall River Iwo Jima Memorial has become a welcoming destination for area residents, veterans’ services, history buffs, and tourists to the Fall River area.  What began with a split second of light hitting film in the midst of a historic battle has become a fitting tribute to the sacrifice and valor of the troops who fought and died to capture a fiercely defended island.  What Joe Rosenthal and Felix de Weldon created has been preserved through the uncommon commitment of Commandant Bruce Aldrich and the John Van Gyzen Detachment.  We are proud to acknowledge their effort and honored to have this piece of history available to area visitors.  Well done, Van Gyzen Marines.

Massachusetts Marine Corps League Marines of the Year

Each year, Marine Corps League Detachments select a member to be Marine of the Year.  In this space, we will recognize those Marines who have been chosen by their peers as having gone the extra mile in exemplifying the ideals of the Marine Corps.

Semper Fi, Mac

When John “Mac” MacEntegart’s father was transferred in a corporate move from Opa-Locka, Florida to the metrowest area of Boston just as John began high school, it required a lot of adjustment for John and the family.  Holliston High School was different from the experience in Florida, but after graduating in 1965, John was able to find his way to the Cape beaches  for an extended vacation while he weighed future options.  In 1966, the growing conflict in Viet Nam was increasingly likely to be part of his future.  Taking matters into their own hands, John and a buddy, Jimmy Mann, found the local recruiter and joined the Marine Corps with the guarantee that they would go to boot camp together.

At that time, the trip to Parris Island was made on a troop train that progressed down the East Coast, picking up Privates as it made its way to Yemassee, SC.  Yemassee is a scenic Southern town that is steeped in history and tourist sites.  Those sites were seen by the recruits only as a blur from the buses that brought them to the yellow footprints at Parris Island.  Once on base, John and Jimmy had the experience that is common to most Marines, graduating with orders to further training, John to infantry, Jimmy to the air wing.  With the Viet Nam situation continuing to heat up, virtually all Parris Island graduates were destined for those shores.

Completing advanced training, Mac received orders to H&S Company, 8^th Marines.  As the unit’s needs were for M40 106 mm recoilless rifle and mortar operators, Mac was cross trained on those weapons, as well as receiving training on operating the Mule, a Viet Nam era utility that carried the M40.  His training was completed in time for Mac to deploy on a Mediterranean Cruise that would include port calls in numerous European locations, including Rome, Corsica and Greece.  The unit arrived in Greece on the day in 1967 the revolution led by the Greek military toppled the government.  While that event shortened the visit to Greece, Mac was able to see other ports in more detail.  In Corsica, the 8^th Marines participated in joint operations with the French Foreign Legion.  As a portentous comment, Legionnaires shared with the Marines that their likely future experience in Viet Nam was probably going to be unsuccessful.   History appears to support that prediction.

Returning back to the states, Mac took leave prior to reporting on the West Coast for further duty.  As American troops had experience mounting losses, troops from 8^th Marines were transferred in large numbers.  As both 4^th Marines and 9^th Marines were shorthanded, Mac and his unit were divided roughly evenly between them.   Joining A/1/4 in the DMZ, then Corporal McEntagert was designated as a 60MM mortarman.  With no staff NCO’s or Lieutenants available, Mac became the section leader and was promoted to Sergeant soon thereafter. 

Mac had the good fortune to serve his tour without injury, but not without action.  In 1968, the war was being heavily contested throughout Viet Nam.  In the vicinity of Dong Ha, ¼ was sent to assist ARVN units that were struggling against strong NVA attack.  While providing mortar support to defend against NVA assaults, Mac went beyond what might have been expected.  For separate actions in June and July 1968, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V device.

Coming back to the states and his fiancé, Judy, Mac again reported to Camp Lejeune.  With the overseas deployment still active, many units were stretched for NCO’s but were shorthanded enough that Sergeants were still pulling KP and guard duty.  Noticing that 2^nd Recon had a slot, Mac volunteered for that and joined the unit based 9 miles off the main base.   With assignment to Recon came additional training at Jungle Warfare School and Amphibious Assault School.  There would have been assignment to Jump School but the standard rotation put Mac’s unit on a Caribbean Cruise that brought him to numerous ports in the tropics.   With diving off Puerto Rico and landing in Honduras, Mac was able to continue seeing the world, courtesy of Uncle Sam. 

Shortly after this cruise, Mac transitioned to reserve duty with 1/25.  In the period before separating in 1970, he had returned to the Boston area periodically to take the Civil Service exam and to get initial training as a firefighter.   He also married Judy, who had been with him since High School.  His father in law was a firefighter and strongly endorsed it as a path for Mac.  While still considering a return to active duty, Mac joined the Framingham Fire Department, pursued education part-time, and continued in the Reserves.   When he and Judy found that they were to be the parents of twins, return to active duty became less realistic and Mac separated from the Corps.  For thirty years, he continued with the Fire Department, working additional jobs in lumber delivery and roofing to supplement it.  He and Judy added a third child to the family, Judy pursued a career in teaching, and the Florida transplant became a New Englander.

Through contacts in the Fire Department and from friends in the area, Mac was introduced to the Marine Corps League when a detachment was chartered in the metrowest area.  Initially a passive participant, Mac was gradually drawn in to formal roles.  Appointment as Chaplain led to increased involvement, culminating in service as Commandant from 2010 to 2012.  Mac has also been active at the State level, serving as Sergeant at Arms and Quartermaster.  He continues to be active in elected office and is recognized as the go-to expert on procedure and conducting meetings.

The motto of the 1st Battalion  4^th Marines is “Whatever it takes”.  For all who deal with Mac , it is clear that he took that to heart.  As a person who has worked multiple jobs at a time to benefit his family, Mac also has a long history of leadership in the local Boy Scout organization.  MCL activities throughout the state see Mac on board with a willing hand and a get-it –done attitude.  His detachment knows Mac as one of the mainstays. Always there for any detachment effort, Mac is the model for MCL members and leaders.  A collector of military equipment and vehicles, Mac and his 1944 Marine Corps Jeep is a regular presence at veterans’ observances and civic events, rarely turning down a request.   Metrowest Detachment #1037 is blessed to have this Marine on board and honored to recognize him as the detachment Marine of the Year.  Semper Fi, Mac.  

 

Hot Cars, Warm Hearts, Cool Results

With no detail unattended to, they awaited close inspection.  Every surface was polished or cleaned as best it could be.  Except for an occasional final touch-up, all was in place, there is nothing left but to be viewed and critiqued.  Close scrutiny was welcomed.

While not as tense as an Inspector General’s inspection,   more than 100 cars and trucks at the 7^th Annual Enigma Rod Shop Open House, sat before the eyes of an appreciative and grateful audience.  Automotive enthusiasts appreciated the commitment to detail and performance exhibited by the many vehicles on display.  Organizers were grateful for the robust participation of car owners and attendees who contributed to raising over $11,500 to benefit Fisher House in Boston.    On a lovely summer afternoon there was plenty of opportunity to see and discuss specialty vehicles of all types and eras.  

                                           

Over six years, show organizers Mike Casey and Dick Rigoli have used this event to raise over $30,000 for Fisher House.  Putting in the commitment to work with vehicle owners from all over is a large task.  Making the show happen involves shutting down operations of the Enigma Rod Shop for a day while the garage, parking lot, and adjoining lawn space are filled with coupes, sedans, hot rods, and a range of other vehicles.   Massachusetts MCL Chaplain Roger Hoffman has developed a relationship with Rigoli and Casey, following their request for ML members to participate in operating the event.

Throughout the day, Roger was seen shepherding resources, guiding cars to parking spaces, and assisting with collecting funds.  John “Mac” MacEntegart , Past Commandant of Metrowest Detachment #1037 was active throughout the day in collecting entrance fees and donations, as well as narrowing the field of potential recipients of the Fisher House Trophy.   Essex County Detachment #127 made their presence known with Steve Coddens, Clay Gordon, and Tony Kolodziej participating in the honor guard with Flags and rifles provided by the detachment. 

After an afternoon of freely roaming to see the displays and talk with the owners, the crowd was assembled for ceremonies to acknowledge the intended beneficiaries of the day.  As the color guard crisply assumed position, Chaplain Hoffman offered prayer to recognize the wounded service members and their families who depend on the Fisher House for lodging during treatment.  Accompanied by the trumpet of George Allen of the Brian McPhillips Detachment #1115, the National Anthem was rendered by North Shore Acapella, who provided entertainment throughout the day.  A trumpet rendition of Taps followed.  Chaplain Hoffman issued the command to retire the colors and the exhibition continued.

Donna Vallis from Detachment #127 assisted with judging to determine the recipient of the Fisher House Trophy, having participated in these events from the start.  MCL members also made their presence felt with significant donations to the Fisher House cause.  Members Brad Hutchenrider,  Bill Hooker, and Bruce Carrolton stepped up as individuals and Cape Cod Detachment#125 made a unit contribution. 

Mike Casey and Dick Rigoli have reason to be proud of the fine support that they are providing to a worthy cause. Each of the car owners and attendees can return home knowing that they have participated in making things betters for hospitalized veterans and their families.  The Marine Corps League, led by Roger Hoffman, has again shown its ability to step up and benefit the community.  Few summer afternoons have seen more accomplished.
 

 The Corps, Motherhood, Compassion

Some experts believe that the current wave of technology and social media has created a society that is more and more detached.  With many tools and ways to be in touch, relationships are shallow and “friends” are superficial contacts on the internet.  There are predictions of increasing separation and deterioration of relationships.

One bond that has not been weakened by the changing technological landscape is the one that is created among those who have worn the Eagle Globe and Anchor.  This is the bond that rallied support for a dying Marine in the Boston area from points all over the world.  A series of Facebook  postings by a loving daughter initiated a need on others to reach out to assist a Marine in need.

Evelyn Wood joined the Marine Corps in 1950.  Women had established their strong contribution to the military prior to this, but it was still a time when being a woman in the service was relatively uncommon.  The Marine Corps became a big part of life for Evelyn and she progressed through the ranks, becoming a Sergeant.  With five years of service behind, Evelyn Moore also commenced another big role in her life as she became pregnant with her first child.  In the 1950’s , motherhood and the Marine Corps were not roles that went together well.  Maternity uniforms did not come onto the scene for a number of years. .Sergeant Moore reached the point where her pregnancy no longer was consistent with her uniform.  Although she was recognized as an excellent Marine and NCO, her military role ended in 1955 and her parenting role began.  While she was no longer active in the Corps, Evelyn Moore was still very much a Marine. 

Throughout her life, Evelyn would share stories of her time in the Corps with family and friends.  It was never hard to get her to talk about the Marines and she would gladly share her stories with Marines and civilians alike.  Like her time in the Corps, Evelyn put her heart into being a parent and raised a family with commitment and faith. She passed on her strong values and beliefs to her family and continued to cherish her memories of the Marine Corps.

Time passes and we progress through the stages of our lives.  After 84 years of independent living, Evelyn was diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s  Disease, followed by a fall that resulted in a broken hip.  The shift from health to dependence on others came quickly for Evelyn but never slowed her love of the Marine Corps.  Even as her faculties faded, her memories of the Corps stayed in the forefront of her memory.  A spoken phrase or a hint of a Marine in the area would result in a smile and a salute worthy of the drill field at Parris Island.  While many more recent events faded in her mind, her time in the Marine Corps remained in the forefront as a source of joy.  Although her health would deteriorate, her Marine Corps memories would stay strong.

In December 2013, her children launched a Facebook page dedicated to Evelyn Moore.  Throughout their lives they had been witness to the love Evelyn had for the Corps.  As they grew, they integrated her two great loves, family and the Corps, into a distinctive nickname, Sergeant Mom.  It is by this name that a steadily growing group of supporters came to know Evelyn Moore.

By linking the Sgt. Mom Facebook page to the Woman Marines Association, the Moore family was able to chronicle the steady decline in Sergeant Mom’s condition to an audience of interested Marines.  Members of The Woman Marines Association began to follow the updates on the page and passed the contact to others.  Facebook notes, cards and other contacts began to pour in.  The family made it clear that no money was being solicited, only contact from others with interest in Evelyn’s beloved Corps.  Active, reserve, and inactive Marines and families saw the page and responded with contact to Evelyn. She would smile and respond with a salute and a rendition of the Marine Corps Hymn. On New Years Day, a Woman Marine came to Mass General Hospital and spent the day with Evelyn, sharing reminiscences of the Corps.

As her health faded, Sergeant Mom’s fame grew.  Marine Corps Units sent pictures and plaques.  A package came from Marines at Iwakuni, Japan.  Across the country, individuals sent notes and cards and passed the contact information on to others.  Marines deployed overseas contacted Evelyn.  On Memorial Day, her 90^th birthday was commemorated with a flag flown over the U.S. Capital.  The flow of contacts continued to increase as more and more Marines became aware of Sergeant Mom.

In late July, Evelyn’s condition worsened.  She was no longer able to stay with her many friends in a residence for elderly patients as her condition required more complex care.  Throughout this period, her family continued to update her growing following on Sergeant Mom’s decline.  Contacts and interest continued to grow.

MSGT Kathey Brennan USMC (ret) did not know Evelyn Moore, but was made aware of her via the Woman Marine Association.  A resident of South Carolina, she followed the Sgt Mom web site regularly. In July, it became clear that Evelyn Moore was dying.  Her family posted their desire to have Marines visit her in the hospital.  Compelled to try to help a sister in arms, MSGT Brennan knew that there was a limit to what she could do from South Carolina.  Knowing that the Marine Corps League is active throughout the country, she found the Massachusetts Marine Corps League web site and assembled an email list by cutting and pasting addresses that were listed there.  Her description of Sgt. Mom’s condition reached Massachusetts State Chaplain Roger Hoffman, unfortunately after Sgt Mom had died.  Fortunately, Gunnery Sgt Joe Karle of 25^th Marines had seen the request and arrived at the hospital in dress blues.  Gunny Karle sat with Sgt Mom as she passed away.  The gunny would later participate in her funeral detachment.

Following through on MSGT Brennan’s request, MCL Chaplain Roger Hoffman arranged for the presence of the Marine Corps League to perform the prayer ritual at Sgt. Mom’s wake.  Sgt Evelyn Moore was interred with a strong Marine Corps presence provided by 1/25 from Fort Devens, representatives of the Marine Corps League, an escort from the Patriot Riders, and the condolences of Marines and supporters from around the world.  From the determination of a retired Woman Marine Master Sergeant in South Carolina who would not let a compatriots wish go unanswered,  to the compassion of a Gunnery Sergeant who responded to the request of a Marine family facing a death, the bond that joins Marines across locations, generations, and genders was clear.  Sgt Evelyn Moore, Sgt Mom, joins those who have gone before us, leaving us with memories and hope.