Lt. Alexander Bonnyman
Marine Corps League
Detachment No. 924
Knoxville, TN
Upcoming Detachment Events
May
08 - Gerst Rifle Match CANCELLED
08 - Leroy Brown Funeral
10 - Officer Meeting
15 - Rods n' Hogs
25 - Detachment Meeting
31 - Rose Program
31 - Mem Day Ceremony - Virtue
June
01 - Scholarship deadline
07 - Devil Dog Growl
14 - Officer Meeting
29 - Detachment Meeting
July
11- Officer Meeting
27- Detachment Meeting
Leroy Brown passed away on May 2, 2021.
See article below for Chaplains message.
Leroy’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 8 at Grassy Valley Baptist Church, Lovell Road and Kingston Pike in Knoxville, with receiving friends from 1 until 2 pm with the service immediately following with Dr. Mark Martin officiating.
CLICK HERE FOR MAP
Burial at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery on Gov. John Sevier Highway will be scheduled at a later date. The Marine Corps League Lt. Alexander Bonnyman Detachment will provide military honors.
Bill Gerst Memorial Rifle Match (M1 & M1A)
CANCELLED
Time Critical Announcement
April 22, 2021 - this announcement will be removed soon
Holston Distributing (Budweiser) in Johnson City is sponsoring a veterans fishing outing in late April-early May and this fall.
The only expense for guests is the cost to drive your vehicle to the fishing location in the Johnson City area. All equipment, rods, reels, etc. will be provided. Fishing is from a boat, so no waders are necessary. If you don’t know how to fly fish, the professional guides will give you a quick lesson.
Please note: you MUST be able to get on and off the boat unaided.
There will be as many outings as needed so that all interested will be able to participate. The maximum guest fishermen per outing is four. Since this outing is open to veterans, please don't include family members or non-veteran fishing buddies.
If you wish to participate, respond immediately so that scheduling of the outings can begin.
Provide name, phone, and e-mail contact info to
Doug Essinger
Email: furballusmc@hotmail.com
Tel: 423 972-3995
Casualty Assistance Checklist
This document is an organizer for important information for your family.
The Paper Safe
This is a detailed organizer for important information for your family.
Both document are accessible from the DOCUMENTS menu tab
To pause animation below, place mouse over the text.
May 25, 2021 Detachment Meeting
VFW Post 5154
2561 Hobbs Rd, Louisville, TN 37777, USA
Near McGhee Tyson Airport (click here for map)
17:30 – 18:30 Social Hour
18:30 – 19:30 Meeting
Food and drink available for order during Social Hour and after meeting.
Meeting $ Draw now at $70. No cost, must be present to win.
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It is time to register for the June Dept TN Annual Convention, 10 - 13 June 2021, in Jackson, TN. In the event you registered for last year’s convention that was canceled, your reservation is still good. If your personal information has changed be sure to email Bryce West with the changes to ensure your name tag is correct.
Click HERE for a copy of the registration form if you need it. If you have questions, please email me (leenrhinemiller@gmail.com) or contact Bryce West at (brycewest1811@gmail.com) <= click on email address to open your email application and send an email to Lee or Bryce.
Let's make this year special to make up for last year's cancellation and take advantage for the opportunity to meet and share this time with marine brothers and sisters from across the state.
See you in Jackson, Lee Rhinemiller
Commandant's Corner
April 2021
Ladies and Gentlemen
I hope all are well. If you know of any member or spouse who is of ill health, please make the detachment aware.
A big thank you goes out to all the members who attended the last meeting, nice to see some who have been unable to make it lately. Come and attend we enjoy seeing you.
Kathy and Larry Winters and all those who are assisting are doing a bang-up job on the Hogs and Roads Car show in Maryville see flyer attached on Web site.
I said many times we need help with our fundraisers. Let's get on board and show support. The officers and a few individuals are doing all the work. Please, Please, Please, come forward and in some small way, give us a hand.
Bob Willis is working hard on the Golf outing but needs help organizing and support. We will need to cancel if we don't get enough sign-ups. See flyer on Web site.
We have the Rose Program coming up on Memorial Day. You can stand, sit or smoke a Tipporilo, please help.
David Hatfield ceremony on April 17, 10:00 AM John Sevier, attend if you can. Notice on Web site. Dave will always be special in our minds and hearts.
We are gaining new members every meeting and I welcome them aboard, come and JOIN US.
Our webmasters Tim Shea and Travis Bryan are doing a bang-up job also Sam Ruble our paymaster and all the other Officers of the detachment. Thank You Marines.
Who's going to win or lose the attendance giveaway next meeting? You have to be there to win.
I wish you all good health in the coming month and know that the detachment cares. God Bless!
In your service,
Ken DeBoer
Commandant
TRIBUTE TO A FALLEN MARINE
Sergeant Major David R. Hatfield, Sr., USMC (Retired)
September 5, 1947 - April 20, 2020
Read the tribute from our Detachment Chaplain
NEW
The monthly articles previously published in The Bonnyman Gazette are now contained in the MCL Knoxville website. To view those items click on the titles below
Former Chaplain Leroy Brown (May 2, 2021)
The Membership of the Lt. Alexander Bonnyman Detachment wish to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of our fallen brother, Marine Leroy Brown during this difficult time. We pray for an abundance of God’s peace and strength as we look to Him for comfort in the days ahead. Esprit de Corps, Never Forget.
Leroy's funeral:
Saturday, May 08, 2021, 1:00PM-2:00PM.
Grassy Valley Baptist Church
10637 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37922
Do you have any photos of Leroy that I can include in a memorial photo album? If you want to send them to me via email, click here websgt.924@gmail.com. If you want to get them to me another way, call me at (865) 657-7124
Web Sgt Tim Shea
Detachment Member Ed Simpson Passes
Edward A. Simpson - age 75 of Loudon passed away April 21, 2021. Ed proudly served in the United States Marine Corp in Vietnam. He was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1078 and Marine Corp League, Lt. Alexander Bonnyman Detachment. Ed was an Elder
at First Presbyterian Church in Lenoir City. Preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Alice Simpson; brother, Richard, and sister, Carol Ling. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Karen Simpson; daughter, Rachel Simpson-Hearn along with many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Ed's Life will be held in March 2022 to celebrate his birthday and life.
Do you have any photos of Ed that I can include in a memorial photo album? If you want to send them to me via email, click here websgt.924@gmail.com. If you want to get them to me another way, call me at (865) 657-7124
Web Sgt Tim Shea
2021 Lt Bonnyman
Detachment Scholarship Application
is now available. Go the the
DOCUMENTS tab above and select SCHOLARSHIPS
~ OR ~
Drawing at April 27, 2021 Detachment meeting
The random name selected from the detachment member list for the drawing at the April 27, 2021 meeting was Lindsay Long who was not present. The pot for the May 25 meeting is now $70. It will grow by $10 until it is awarded then will start over at $50. You have to be present to win. Come to the monthly meeting, you may go home with a fat wallet.
The Jack McGivney Memorial Pistol Match
is a Bonnyman Detachment proud tradition and one of the highlights of the MCL annual events. For many years, it has brought us together for fun, great chow, friendly competition, fond memories, and camaraderie.
Click on the picture to see the entire photo album
On April17, we had a good day for shooting with cloudy skies (no shadows) and 60-degree temps. The threat of rain lingered in the morning, but the Marines were undaunted.
We assembled at the Windrock Shooting and Training Range in Oliver Springs. Registration commenced at 0900 After registration and our important safety brief, the 30 shooters were ready to go.
We had 8 out of state shooters from OK, OH, and GA, 11 Detachment Marines and another 11 non detachment shooters. The shooters warmed up with 5 practice rounds. The course of fire was 7,10,15 yards and the last stage, which separates the pretenders from contenders, the challenging 25-yard string.
When the smoke cleared, we had a new Top Gun champion of the Jack McGivney Memorial Pistol Match. Retired Marine Sgt. Major Rick Arndt of Geneva Ohio fired an outstanding 390-13X.
Marine David Prince fired an impressive 380-14X, again taking the detachment centerfire honors. Gary Miller, Keith Lyman, and Tim Eichhorn won the expert, sharpshooter, and marksman medals, respectively.
Dale Holmes of Tulsa Oklahoma copped the Civilian centerfire class title with an awesome 388-21X, placing second overall.
Jerome Hunter of Alpharetta Georgia, Mark Shafer of Geneva Ohio, and Darin Gilbert of Knoxville won expert, sharpshooter and marksman medals respectively.
In the rimfire match Rick Arndt fired an outstanding 391-14X to garner the .22 caliber championship. Mark Shafer, Gary Miller, and Tim Shea took the expert, sharpshooter, marksman medals, respectively.
In what has become a crowded competitive field, Keith Lyman won the Senior Shooter title.
Thanks to Cheryl and Doug Ryerkerk and Cori Holmes who smoothly handled the registration and scoring. A special thanks to Dale Holmes for donating primers, ammo, and a gun bag for the successful silent auction. And of course, we also thank Eric Matson for hosting and range preparation for the event at his fine shooting facility.
See you all for the Jim Peacock Memorial this fall.
Jay Holmes
2021 Pistol Match Schedule
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Jack McGivney Memorial...........Completed
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Jim Peacock Memorial...............TBD
Windrock Shooting Range
Oliver Springs TN.
09:00
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The large cal. matches must be 9mm or above, cost $25.
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There will also be a .22 Cal. match for an extra $20.
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All matches will shoot 45 rounds.
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You will be shooting 7,10, 15 and 25 yards both matches.
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Iron sights only. Max 6-inch barrel.
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Fees include lunch.
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BRING A LAWN CHAIR
Contact:
Jay Holmes
404-414-4225
jaysholmes@gmail.com
2021 Rifle Match Schedule
-
Bill Gerst M-1/M-1A ..................Cancelled
Rain date .................................. none
-
Gene Collins Open .....................Sept 11
Rain date .................................. none
2327 Rifle Range Rd, Knoxville, TN 37918, USA
These events are CMP matches, which is a 200 yard firing distance, a total of 35 rounds will be fired in the following order—
5 spotter rounds from the prone position
10 slow fire rounds from the prone
10 rounds from prone rapid fire (5 rounds in 2 magazines)
10 rounds Standing (off hand).
These are iron site matches, NO SCOPES of any kind.
You have to be at the front gate at 0700. The cost of the Match is $20.00 which will be taken at registration which will start at approximately 0745. We will start firing at 0815-0830. The Young Marines of Knoxville will be pulling targets so you don’t have pit duty at these matches -- there will be a tip jar for the Young Marines so bring some extra money for these young Marines, they work hard so you don’t have to.
If you want to shoot these matches but don’t have an M1 or M1A for the Bill Gersh match or a military style rifle for the Gene Collins match, the range has M-1 rifles to lend you. All you have to do is buy their ammo which is 30-06 and the cost is $20.00, this is match ammo. If you have never shot a M-1 rifle we will give you a short class on the rifle, a knowledge of shooting is required.
Contact:
Jeff Tegzes
865 988-6247
tntegzes@gmail.com
The Detachment Honor Guard/Firing Detail is looking for new members to provide honors and salutes at memorial events and funerals. Members must be able to handle the M1 Rifle (9.5 pounds) and will need the League undress uniform (white SS shirt and Dress Blue trousers). The “U.S. Marines” Red Satin jacket is also worn in cold weather. Expert training will be provided and no experience (other than Boot Camp) is necessary. Contact Marine Larry George for details - (865) 789-6535
USMC SUPPORT OF MARINE FUNERALS
Family members of deceased Marines can request military honors for a funeral through the following Headquarters Marine Corps hotline: (866) 826-3628.
Do not call Marine Reserve Centers directly! They cannot provide honors without direction from Headquarters Marine Corps.
Click on flyer below for printable document
Classic Rock 103.5 WIMZ continues to support Alexander Bonnyman Detachment 924 fundraisers.
As has been the case for many of our detachment fundraisers, notably the Marine Mud Run, Knoxville radio station Classic Rock WIMZ 103.5 is donating advertising for the May 15 Rod n' Hogs event. Click here to read the promotions being donated by WIMZ from April 19 through May 15, 2021
Marine Rose Program
Memorial Day 2021
The Alexander Bonnyman Detachment participated in the Marine Rose Program during Veterans Day in November this year. This program involved Detachment Members distributing artificial commemorative roses selected sites throughout the area and accepting donations to support Marine Corps League projects. This year, Detachment members set up at the Krogers in Farragut and the Lowes in Seymour. The hunt is always on for prime locations at high traffic businesses and shopping centers in and around Knoxville for rose distribution. The Commandant is actively soliciting recommendations from the membership on locations to distribute roses for Memorial Day 2021. If you have an idea about a good spot or if you have a connection with a local business, let him know. The Marine Rose Program was a hugely successful fundraiser this year and will help make up for the loss of revenue to the Detachment due to the cancellation of the 2020 Mud Run. Get involved with this and other vital fundraisers to get us through this budget year’s activities, programs and support for other organizations.
We need your help. To volunteer, contact Mike Napierkowski at 908 910-4193.
Click here to read the Rose Sponsor Letter
Click on flyer below for larger image
Thanks to Jay Holmes for contributing this article.
Right Marine at the Right Place
Heir to an impressive South Asian military legacy, Captain ‘Harry’ Baig, USMC, was instrumental in the survival of besieged Khe Sanh Combat Base.
By Michael Archer
April 21 | Naval History Magazine Volume 35, Number 2
In February 1968, 6,000 U.S. servicemen found themselves encircled by nearly 30,000 North Vietnamese Army (NVA) soldiers at the isolated mountain outpost of Khe Sanh. Leaders in Hanoi and Washington, seeing no end to the Vietnam War, were desperate for a decisive victory that would force the other side to the negotiating table. Khe Sanh was where both decided to make that stand.
Member Historical Photos
Marine Eddie Box [RIP] is in the Active Duty photo album.
HonorAir Knoxville
Flight 30 will leave Knoxville carrying 130+ East Tennessee Women Veterans to visit Washington, D.C. and the memorial built to honor their sacrifice.
Flight 30 is scheduled to leave Knoxville for Washington, DC on October 6, 2021
See this website to stay up to date: https://www.honorairknoxville.com/
CANCELED
<=== Click the image to go to the Mud Run main page.
Thanks to Howard "Tunnel Rat" Raines for contributing this article
Nation’s oldest Medal of Honor recipient dies at 99
By Claire Barrett MilitaryTimes.com
On April 6, the nation’s oldest Medal of Honor recipient, Charles H. Coolidge, died at the age of 99.
The unassuming and quiet Coolidge passed peacefully while surrounded by family at his namesake, the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
With the death of Coolidge, Hershel “Woody” Williams, 97, who was awarded the nation’s highest decoration for his actions on Iwo Jima, is now the Medal’s oldest surviving recipient.... click here to continue
Thanks to Jay Holmes for getting permission to publish this blog
A Colonel of Truth
Thought-provoking civil commentary - usually tempered with a bit of humor - for a dose of sanity on current events, military matters, politics, arts and sciences, and life in general.
http://acoloneloftruth.blogspot.com/2021/03/lance-corporal-ligato-recalls-hue-city.html
RED BLAZERS AVAILABLE
Marine Corps League uniform 2 button red blazers are available at
Prices range from $69.95 to $79.95, depending on size. Red blazers are also available at J.C. Penney.com as the “Stafford Hopsack Mens Blazer.” Official MCL buttons can be purchased through the Detachment Quartermaster and installed by you or your tailor. MCL authorized pocket badges for wear with the blazer can be ordered at: http://pocketbadge.com/
TO FIND A VA APPROVED URGENT CARE CLINIC or pharmacy near you
Click on any of the underlined text
Search- “VA Urgent Care and Retail Locations”
SELECT- “VA URGENT CARE LOCATOR"
THIS WILL TAKE YOU TO THE URGENT CARE PAGE. AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE YOU CAN SELECT:
“Find a Network Urgent Care Location” or
“Fill an Urgent Care Prescription”
Select Zip Code option and enter your Zip Code
TO CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY CALL 833-483-8669
YOU WILL BE ASKED TO ENTER YOUR LAST 4 AND DATE OF BIRTH
From Knox County Veterans Services Office
Visit Aunt Bertha
Search for free or reduced cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more. Visit Aunt Bertha
https://www.auntbertha.com/
Info courtesy of the Red Cross
Send your photos to me for inclusion in the photo albums. Boot camp and active duty, MCL functions, etc. See the Photo Album section of this web site [CLICK HERE to view]
Click here to send me an email with your photos as attachments.
Web Sgt Tim Shea
This site needs your input
Your content suggestions, photos, announcements, etc. are encouraged. Please contact me with any and all questions, comments and input that you want to share. Tim Shea, Web Sgt.
Click email address below to send me email.
WebSgt.924@gmail.com
available year round CLICK HERE
The list of Veteran and military discounts are good all year round and will be updated as we learn of more. These discounts are being shared so that Veterans, military members, their families, caregivers and survivors are aware of all resources available to them.
VETERANS IDENTIFICATION CARD
The VIC is a portable and secure alternative to a DD-214 that can be used to obtain discounts on promotional goods and services offered to veterans. Individual’s that do not have a Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) or retirement card issued by the Department of Defense will be able to apply for a VIC online at this link https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/
Everything Veterans Need to Know About Accessing
On-Base Benefits
IMPORTANT BENEFIT for Vets. Includes all money making facilities on military bases. Click the link below