Three Rivers’ Chaplain Gerry Kunic has been intensely involved with the ‘No Veteran Should Die Alone’ program at the VA Hospitals. On Thursday, September 21 at the HJH VA Hospital, Gerry participated in hosting a Steeler Tailgate party for all the patients on the 3rd floor Hospice Center. There were 24 patients who enjoyed Steeler highlights and light refreshments with perogies. As a special entertainment the famous racing Perogies from PNC Park attended and mingled with the patients. It was a heart-warming sight to see most patients out of their rooms and participating in the celebration. Our detachment provided Steeler shirts, blankets, socks or caps for all patients. Those patients now feel they are a part of the crowd with their Steeler black and gold while watching and cheering for the home team.
What Are the Chances ?
Jerry and Debbie Barnum came to Pittsburgh from Minnesota for the first time in October to visit their daughter (a doctor at Children’s) and to see their first-born grandchild. While at Giant Eagle, he and Tom Szmed exchange a cordial ‘Semper Fi’ and, as Marines do, started talking Corps. Shortly into the conversation, they realized they were both stationed at Cherry Point in the early 1970’s, both worked in the same office together for over a year and Tom was Jerry’s Staff NCO. After three years of service, Jerry returned to Minnesota, married Debbie and together raised a daughter and son. Tom stayed in the Corps for 22 years and returned to Pittsburgh after receiving an honorable medical discharge. A happy, but extremely unexpected reunion for these two Marines! What are the chances?
Farewell To Mary Ann McFadden
A sadden farewell to Mary Ann McFadden who passed in January 2018. Mary Ann would attend all the social functions held by the League and was well known and liked by our members. Mary Ann was the wife of league member John M. (Doc) McFadden.
Final Salute To Past Commandant Edwin E. Vogel
A final salute to past Commandant, Edwin E. Vogel who passed peacefully at the Aspinwall VA Hospital on Thursday, January 4, 2018. Ed was a life member of 67 years for the Crafton Volunteer Fire Department and former treasurer. He was a Korean War vet and received a purple heart for wounds received at the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. He was a former national service officer for the Order of the Purple Heart and received the Veteran of the Year award for his grassroot efforts on behalf of veterans. Ed was a former Secretary of Sharing and Caring, Inc., and devoted much of his time helping the group sponsor their annual boat ride for disabled veterans.
2018 Installation of Officers
The installation of officers was held at the regular meeting of the Three Rivers Leatherneck Detachment #310 monthly meeting, held on Wednesday, January 10, 2018. Past Adjutant Phil Cerussi presided and swore the new officers into their positions. After serving for over 20 years as Adjutant/Paymaster, Phil requested to pass the position to another member. Janet Lindner was appointed and sworn in with the incoming officers. Janet will remain as secretary to the League as she undertakes her new responsibilities as Adjutant.
Four Chaplains Award – 2017
Each year Three Rivers Detachment nominate candidates for the prestigious Four Chaplains Award for his/her outstanding dedication and service to the community. This year, three members of #310 were nominated and received this award.
Joyce Bailey: As Adjutant of the Washington County Young Marines, Joyce Bailey is the driving force behind the scenes coordinating all the events and activities of the unit. She has devoted herself tirelessly to assist her husband Don Bailey, Unit Commander, in providing a quality experience for boys and girls, to help them become responsible citizens who enjoy and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Jeremy Harbaugh, Captain, USMC: Captain Jeremy Harbaugh, USMC, is President and Co-founder of the Wounded Heroes Hunting Camp, Inc. (WHHC). WHHC was founded in February 2012 by the then 2nd Lt. Jeremy Harbaugh (who was in his early 20’s) and is a registered 501 (c )(3) non-profit, dedicated to helping wounded combat veterans heal. WHHC’s mission is accomplished by getting Wounded Heroes outdoors hunting and fishing, thereby challenging, empowering and enabling them to do the things they love. The Heroes hosted on these trips come from across the entire United States.
William Howrilla: Bill has been involved in humanitarian projects with Detachment 310 for over 12 years. He has coordinated numerous efforts to collect and pack hundreds of boxes of items to be sent to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. He works behind the scenes in a wide variety of ways to assist Marines and other veterans in need, both inside and outside of our area. He is a master wood carver and has personally carved countless eagle head canes, walking sticks and most impressive, wooden figurines with extreme details. He has given them to aged and disabled veterans alike. The most current carving was of a Korean Chosin Few Marine which he presented to the National Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico. He continually recognizes others for their efforts while active in Marines Helping Marines for our Detachment.
Fourth Annual Pasta Dinner Fund Raiser Sunday, April 22, 2018
Sunday April 22, 2018
Noon to 6 PM
Held at West View VFW Post 2754 Hall
Food prepared by Monte Cello’s Restaurant
Desert Cake from Lincoln Bakery included
Advance Sale Tickets Preferred
(Tickets can be purchased at the door)
Cost $10 for Adults
$8 for Children Ages 6 – 12
Children under 6 eat for free
50/50 Raffle, Quilt Raffle, Chinese Auction / Basket Raffle
Proceeds benefit the outreach projects of
Three Rivers Leatherneck Detachment 310
Marine Corps League
Donations Gratefully Accepted
Tickets may be purchased by contacting:
Thomas Hartman Farewell and Semper Fi
Thomas W. Hartman passed suddenly on October 3, 2017. Tom was a loyal and active member of Three Rivers Leathernecks. Tom was also a Free & Accepted Mason, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Syria Shriners, Sovereign Military & Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta and Commander of American Legion Post 161. He was a gentleman and will be remembered for his warm personality and constant smile. Three Rivers Detachment will hold a final salute ceremony on Friday with military burial honors on Saturday. He is survived by his wife Nancy of 64 years of marriage.
John Roberts Farewell and Semper Fi
John Thomas Roberts, active member of Three Rivers Leathernecks, passed away suddenly on September 7, 2017. Seventeen members of Three Rivers Leathernecks, plus two active reserve Marines stationed in North Versailles who folded and presented the flag to his wife, Rita, gathered to pay respect and give the final farewell salute. Commandant Karl Wilzer and Chaplin Gerry Kunic read the traditional prayers. Past Sr. Vice Bill Howrilla, boyhood friend who enlisted in the Corps at the same time as John, recited the 3rd stanza of The Marines Hymn and placed the Eagle, Globe and Anchor pin on Marine John Roberts
Veterans Sharing and Caring River Cruise on September 7, 2017
Three Rivers Leathernecks #310 Participated in the Veterans Sharing and Caring River Cruise on September 7, 2017
