Marine Corps Disbursing Association Newsletter

FROM THE PRESIDENT

I subscribe to a magazine called the "Reunion Friendly News" which is dedicated to helping organize military reunions. I have included this article in its entirety.

TOUGH TIMES
Paul Spiewak, CEO, The Reunion Network
     Economic downturns and natural disasters are two very unpleasant situations. Our hearts go out to those who have suffered damage from the recent weather related problems. At the same time, it is also apparent that our beloved country is going through some very difficult times. It may have started with a housing bubble, but the effects will probably haunt us for several years.
     When conditions are such that things look bleak, it is important for us to continue to meet, see our old comrades, and have fun. Without having fun, the world would be a very bleak place. If there is one thing that I have learned over the years, it is that the most important things in life are the relationships you develop. Surely, in that regard, all of us who enjoy reunions are wealthy. All of us who have strong family relationships are wealthy.
     While it may be difficult to eke out the necessary funds to go to a reunion, we emphasize the importance of these gatherings of brothers-(and sisters-)in-arms. Where else do you see friends and acquaintances who grew up and lived during the same times that you did? Where else do you get the chance to party, to laugh, and to enjoy the company of those who served with you, and served our country together?
     Reunions express our tie to the past, and provide a basic continuity to our lives. Once again, all of us at RFN salute you for your service, and urge you to continue to meet as a tribute to yourselves and to those who are no longer with us.

The registration form and the itinerary for the reunion in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 19-23 April, 2009, are available on-line at USMCDisbursers.com or call me at (317) 622-1666 or Mike Thiry at (816) 765-1059 and we will mail you a copy. Hotel reservations need to be made with the Sands Dune Resort by March 15, 2009 at (800) 599-9872. As always, you can contact me at the above mentioned number with any questions or e-mail me at s.pawloski@hotmail.com.

Shelly Pawloski, MCDA President

WHY A REUNION?

I sit here in front of my computer and try to remember the great memories I had during my twenty-year career in our wonderful Corps. Above my computer is a large picture of Chesty Puller and smaller picture of my best friend CWO4 Tim Euman (air winger), who passed five years ago. It has been 21 years since I retired. Not a lot of years for some and many years for others. Even though I live five miles from the front gate of Camp Lejuene, there is a longer distance in time from what I remember of our Marine Corps and what the Corps is today. It's not the same as we all remember. Different generations, but still the Corps.

There is one thing that is constant: "Once a Marine, Always a Marine". I remember the first reunion we had in Branson. The excitement of seeing friends and comrades I hadn't seen for many years. Some I thought I would never see again. But there they were, waiting to relive the memories.

It was great to get that Marine Green blood flowing again. We met new friends and established new memories. Each reunion was like the first...new friends to meet and old friends to see. Some we have lost over the years, but they will always be remembered.

So why come to our association's reunions? Why visit Myrtle Beach in April '09? To me, it's very simple: "Once a Marine, Always a Marine". “Semper Fi” is not just a motto; it is a way of life. See you at Myrtle Beach!

MSgt. Bernie Shear, USMC Retired

EDUCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

We are looking for applications for the EAP. If you have a child or grandchild completing his or her senior year who has been accepted to a post-secondary school, they may be eligible for financial assistance. Applications are accepted from November 1, 2008 through April 30, 2009 . Visit our website for complete details. If you would like to contribute to the EAP, donation forms can also be found on our website at USMCDisbursers.com.

MEMBERSHIP

Our current membership strength is at 107. War veteran strength is 89. This represents an 83% war veteran membership. In order for contributors to the organization to be able to deduct their donations, we must maintain a 90% war veteran strength. You are considered a war veteran if you served during any of the following periods:

April 21, 1898, through July 4, 1902;
April 6, 1917, through November 11, 1918;
December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946;
June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955;
August 5, 1964, through May 7, 1975; and
August 2, 1990, and ending on the date prescribed by the President.

If your membership renewal is due and you haven't yet acted, please renew your membership as soon as possible. If you are not currently a voting member, join today. A two-year membership is only $25.00. Applications can be found on our website at usmcdisbursers.com. If you prefer, you can contact Mike Thiry at mthiry1@kc.rr.com or by phone, (816) 765-1059.

SUPPORT OUR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Marine Corps Disbursing Association is sponsoring a unique way to raise funds for our scholarship program. With each on-line purchase of RADA Cutlery, 40% of each sale goes to MCDA. Details are available at USMCDisbursers.com or request a catalog by calling Glenda Soloy at (816) 322-2086. Catalogs will also be available at the Reunion in April.

Located in Iowa, RADA Mfg. Co. offers American made kitchen cutlery, stoneware, cookbooks and gift sets. An on-line catalog is available at www.radacutlery.com/FundRaising/RADA_Catalog.pdf. To benefit MCDA log in at www.HelpOurFundraiser.com to see the actual prices and to order use:

Internet Ordering #: 501244
Password: mcda2008

MCDA REUNION INFORMATION

April 19-23, 2009
SANDS DUNE RESORT/HOTEL
201 75TH AVENUE NORTH
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. 29572

Please make your room reservations directly with the hotel at (800) 599-9872 by 15 March 2009 to keep our block of reserved rooms and mention you are attending the Marine Corps Disbursing Association reunion.

The hotel cost for four nights is $436 ($109 per night single or double occupancy) which includes all taxes. The same room rate is good for three days before and after the reunion. An airport shuttle is available through the hotel.

The registration form and the itinerary are available on-line at USMCDisbursers.com or call Shelly Pawloski at (317) 622-1666 or Mike Thiry at (816) 765-1059 to get copies mailed to you.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

The Marine Corps Disbursing Association wishes you a very Happy Holidays and the New Year filled with joy and prosperity. Keep in mind all our brothers and sisters that are in harm’s way. We hope to see you in Myrtle Beach in April, 2009.

If you would like to receive this newsletter electronically, please forward your e-mail address to admin@usmcdisbursers.com.