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.

 

Operation Flak Jacket - We've Got Your Back

In World War II, military service was common, if not expected.  Americans fought the war and returned in large numbers to resume their lives with the support of a grateful nation.  Veterans of the Korean War returned to a nation less emotionally invested in a war that was viewed as distant and not widely understood.  Viet Nam veterans returned to a cynical nation that often failed to recognize the sacrifice of their service in a war that had seen waning support for years before its end.  In all cases, these troops returned with experiences and emotions that can be fully understood by very few.

With the transition from an active draft to a fully volunteer service in the mid 70’s, the percentage of the population who have served has declined sharply.  The following graph from the Gallup organization depicts the fact that military service is no longer a commonly shared experience.

During ten years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, a very small percentage of the population has carried the load.  Unlike the Viet Nam era, these troops are returning to a supportive nation, but are faced with an isolation caused in part by the fact that they are the exceptional minority who exist in a population that by and large has no basis of understanding for some of what now shapes their emotions and perceptions. 

Dave Brooks, newly elected Commandant of the Shutt Detachment, has some sensitivity to what these troops may be feeling.  An Army reservist in the mid 60’s, Brooks enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1966 after a friend was wounded in Viet Nam.  After training as a Combat Engineer and going through jungle training, he arrived in Viet Nam on Mother’s Day in 1967.  Serving with the 11^th Engineer Battalion in Dong Ha, Con Thien, and the area around Khe Sanh, Brooks worked on building roads and infrastructure in an area that that was the scene of fierce fighting as the North Vietnamese Army mounted a strong offensive.

Ed Aucoin and Dave Brooks of the Shutt Detachment

Luck often comes in degrees.  Although he had the bad luck to be wounded in action, Dave Brooks had the good luck to receive wounds that were light enough that he was able to stay with his unit and finish his tour without severe physical injury.  After returning to Camp Lejeune for three months, Dave was back in Watertown where he was raised.  Shortly after his return, Dave married in 1969 and spent his honeymoon at Woodstock.  It is likely that few of the large numbers of attendees at Woodstock viewed the experience the same way that a recently returned, combat experienced Marine did.  Going forward with his life, using his skills and training from his Combat Engineer training, Dave built a career that spanned HVAC work and other aspects of contracting and construction.

Not long after returning to Watertown, Dave Brooks looked into joining the Marine Corps League.  Dave recalls that the reception he received at that time was not encouraging.  As many Viet Nam veterans found, they were not only faced with apathy or scorn from the general public, but sometimes from older veterans.  While large numbers of WWII veterans returned victorious to a welcoming public, Dave Brooks experience was different, but all too common.  It would be a number of years before he would return to the Marine Corps League at the urging of Rick Morrill, a peer who had been active in the Shutt Detachment. With a strong representation of Viet Nam era veterans, a number of whom had also been tested in combat, Dave found the welcome that was previously missing and took on an active role.  He has since progressed through all elective offices, now serving as Commandant, succeeding Ed Aucoin, another combat veteran who is also active in Operation Flak Jacket.

With a background that includes knowing what it feels like to be on active duty, to be sent overseas, to be involved in combat, to be wounded, and to return to a country that failed to appropriately acknowledge the service and sacrifice of the military, Dave Brooks is perhaps more attuned than many to what some currently returning veterans might be feeling.  With only a small percentage of the population serving in uniform, the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan have fewer numbers of peers to turn to.  While public response is overall positive, some of the response does not take into account that there is an often invisible impact from long stretches of tension, intense fighting, and lengthy separation from families and support systems.  As he experienced himself, Dave knows that relatively few of today's’ veterans are turning to formal veterans groups for support.  A man of few words, Dave Brooks envisioned a very simple alternative.

Operation Flak Jacket was started four years ago by a small group of Shutt Detachment members and associates.  Using word of mouth and social media such as Meet Up announcements, the detachment invited veterans to just come by.  There is no format, no requirement, and no agenda.    If they don’t want to talk, they don’t have to.  If they choose to talk, there are other combat veterans there who are prepared to listen.  If the situation warrants, the volunteers will talk them through a problem.  They are equipped to help with interpreting VA procedures.  There is often a VA representative present to offer assistance.  Every other week, a meal is offered and veterans are welcome to bring their friends and family.  Attendees are free to participate to the degree that they are comfortable.  Numbers have ranged from one to over forty.  Operation Flak Jacket addresses the very basic need of returning veterans to be able to interact with someone who has been through what they have been through.  

Dave Brooks did not envision a complex program with multiple moving parts. Rather, he has created an unstructured and low key setting that lets the attending veteran grow into the comfort level that is needed to openly discuss what he or she is feeling. Operation Flak Jacket, exists on a very basic level.  As to motivation, Dave Brooks asks, “if we don’t do it, who will?”  Dave hopes to see other detachments and organizations get behind creating a network of Operation Flak Jacket sessions to address wider geography.  It is a simple, sincere, solution that requires little more investment than concern and desire to help.  Dave can be contacted via the Shutt Detachment for more information.  

 In prior editions, we have featured Marines and Corpsmen who have been selected as their detachment Marine of the Year.  In this edition, we feature outgoing Marine Corps League Department of Massachusetts Commandant Warren Griffin on the completion of two years of service at the helm of the organization.

Change of Command 

Outgoing MCL Department of Massachusetts Commandant Warren Griffin

Change of Command

Current Massachusetts State Commandant Warren Griffin has completed two years of service in the top post at the state level.  As he prepares to depart this role, we want to highlight some of Warren’s background as many members may not know him well. 

Born in Boston. Warren attended the Boston Public Schools until fourth grade, when he transferred to a parochial school. When his family moved to Natick, Warren completed his education in the Natick Schools, graduating from Natick High School in 1967.  His first stab at attending college at Framingham State was inauspicious.  As Warren puts it, he attend Framingham State in 67 and 68 “without honors”

1968 was a tumultuous time in the United States, particularly if you were a healthy male of draft age.  The Tet Offensive had altered the direction of the war in Viet Nam and many young men had to make decisions.  Student deferment was one way to deal with it, taking the bull by the horns and joining the service was another way.   Having had a childhood interest in the Marine Corps, Warren enlisted and reported to active duty in October.  As 1968 ended, Warren was graduating from Parris Island and heading to Naval Gunfire School at Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Virginia.  In this training, enlisted Marines took the same course as Naval Officers in learning to coordinate close air support for ground forces and direct fire support from artillery units and Naval vessels. 

 On completion of training, Warren was assigned to the 2^nd ANGLICO  (Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company) at Camp Lejeune.  Recognizing that the Viet Nam war was where he was likely needed most, Warren volunteered for deployment in country.  Travel to Viet Nam was briefly deferred as he was sent to Jungle Warfare Training at Camp Pendleton and then Monterey , California for Vietnamese Language training.  Initially assigned to 4^th Marines in Dong Ha, Warren arrived at a point when the Third Marine Division was reducing its presence in Viet Nam .   He and a small group of peers volunteered to transfer to 1^st ANGLICO  for the duration of their tour.   It is often the nature of ANGLICO service that assignment is to an allied unit and Warren was assigned to support the 21^st ARVN (Army of the Republic of Viet Nam) with responsibility for calling in naval gun fire throughout the Mekong Delta.    Throughout this assignment, Warren was one of fewer than a dozen Marines in the Delta.

Within two weeks after returning from Viet Nam, Warren was back on campus at Framingham State.  With the perspective of a recently returned veteran and the added motivation of a new spouse. Warren got down to business, working as a custodian in the Boston Public Schools and completing his studies.    In 1973, freshly graduated with a Baccalaureate Degree, Warren began teaching in the schools that he had been cleaning as a college student.  Using the GI Bill, he obtained a graduate degree and went on to complete a 33 year career teaching at the middle school level in the Boston Public Schools. Warren and Cheryl ultimately settled in Holliston where they currently reside.

In 1999, a group of Marines in the western suburbs began exploring the potential of forming a Marine Corps League Detachment in the area.  In early 2000, Metrowest Detachment #1037 was created with the initial cadre being sworn in on the USS Constitution in January 2000.  Warren Griffin was a member of the detachment that was one of the first to be created in the new century.    At the detachment level,  he served in a progression of each of the local elected officer roles.  Concurrently, Warren became active at the state level, also progressing through elected offices, culminating in his current term as Commandant. 

 Having retired from teaching in 2006, Warren had time to take on new challenges.  In addition to his active involvement as an elected officer in the Marine Corps League, Warren has served as the Department Legislative Officer.  With his personal experience as a returning Viet Nam veteran as a backdrop, Warren has endeavored to represent the interests of veterans by keeping veterans issues in the forefront of legislators’ minds.  Having seen first-hand the impact of minimizing the service experience, he puts active effort into championing veterans issues and pushing for progress.  

As Commandant, Warren has focused on continuing the Marine Corps League mission of service to veterans and the community.   VA visitations, Toys for Tots, and providing services to veterans in need are all examples that he raises.  Another focal point has been to work on increasing the visibility of the Marine Corps League.  The general public and often Marines are frequently not familiar with the Marine Corps League and all that it does.  Warren has enjoyed his tenure as Commandant, having found that the membership is very welcoming to him, his spouse Cheryl, and their granddaughter Autum Rose.  He has had opportunity to work with committed and energetic colleagues, and make a personal contribution to furthering veterans’ services throughout the state.  As his term comes to a close, we join the membership throughout the state in thanking Warren and acknowledging a job well done.