LA-1 Molly Marine Chapter

LA-1 A Chapter on the Move

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By: Melanie Young

August started out with a bang, being one of the most exciting and best meetings ever! We decided to have the meeting at the Chateau de Notre Dame Nursing Home in New Orleans, where our eldest member, Marian Landry (94) resides. There were 27 in attendance! We enjoyed sharing our experiences and good news from the 2014 Conference in Kansas City while eating brunch and drinking mimosas. The food was delicious and the camaraderie was even better!

Molly Marine LA-1 established a program, in January 2014, called the “Marine in Need Campaign”. We have already come to the aid of a couple of Marines in need. On 18 August, the chapter donated $100 to a SSgt and an officer of Marine Forces Reserve decided to match that amount! A couple of members also donated supplies and household goods. This is what we do; “taking care of our own”.

On 26 August, the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer met with Lieutenant General Richard P. Mills (Commander, Marine Forces Reserve/Marine Forces North, in New Orleans) to announce the good news of being the proud recipients of the Ruth and Dick Broe Award, two conferences back to back!

We had an informal ceremony to present the award to him, along with the permanent plaque from 2010-2012. The 2010-2012 plaque will be displayed in the Headquarters for all Marines, sailors and civilians to admire. The perpetual plaque will adorn the walls of the Headquarters until the 2016 Conference in Portland, OR.

On 20 September we decided to do a little community service, cleaning the area surrounding the original Molly.

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The turnout for this event was great; especially with the three WMA members that visited from nearby Pensacola, FL (FL-11)! Following the clean-up we enjoyed loads of camaraderie and delicious food at World Famous Mother’s Restaurant. We had a very special Marine join us at Mother’s; Marian Landry (LA-1’s eldest member/94 years old). FL-11 guests were Karen Randolph (President), Gloria Nix and Angela Porter. Sixteen of our own members were in attendance. A wonderful event!

During our 18 October meeting at The Wine Market in Slidell, the announcement was made that our secretary, Allison Stein was relocating to Kansas City, MO. We thought we were losing one of the most outstanding Secretaries we’ve ever had. Instead, this motivated, loyal LA-1 member decided to hold the office from afar until the next officers’ election! Allison was presented with a going away gift. Following the meeting, most members decided to stay and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Darlene Graves and Melanie Young, members of the Visitation Committee, met with Tommy Myrick and Edna Greenbaum on 20 October to take Frances Hoffman to Piccadilly for dinner. Once a month we meet to take her to Piccadilly, her favorite restaurant. Frances (93) is one of our WWII members. On 30 October, April Bell, Dalia Robles, Angela Merrell and Melanie Young helped feed the homeless at the New Orleans Mission. We helped to set up, serve and clean up afterwards. We also donated trash bags and laundry detergent.

Several LA-1 members celebrated the 239th birthday of our Corps on 1 November by attending the Marine Forces Reserve Ball. The Ball was held at the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans. The honored guests were Non-Commissioned Officers.

LtGen Richard P. Mills, Commander Marine Forces Reserve, paid tribute to “the NCO” during the ceremony, and also asked everyone in attendance that ever held the grade of Cpl and Sgt to stand and be recognized. Very unique concept and appreciated by everyone in attendance!

On 2 November, the City of Slidell, LA had a celebration to honor veterans at the Slidell Auditorium. Veterans from all eras attended. There was a program, free food, drinks and entertainment. Our very own Loyal Escort, Darlene Graves, paid tribute to “the unknown POW” by reading the history of and meaning behind the empty table set for the POW that never returned. Members that had the pleasure of enjoying this event were April Bell, Jennifer Koon, Vicki Haynes, Darlene Graves (LE) and Melanie Young.

Giving to community is one of our favorite pastimes. On 9 November, Melanie Young, presented a $150 donation from LA-1 to Mt. Olive AME Church during the Veterans Day Program in support of Running to Feed the Hungry. Mt. Olive is holding their 4th Annual 5K “run to feed the hungry” on Thanksgiving Day!

After church service on 9 November, Jodi Lara, Vicki Haynes, Dalia Robles, Patricia Huttinger and Melanie Young celebrated the Marine Corps Birthday with two of our WWII members who reside in nursing homes.

The first stop was at the Lamberth House with Frances Hoffman where we had a little cake cutting ceremony and punch. Afterwards, we headed over to the Chateau de Notre Dame with Marian Landry and wine, cheese, grapes, champagne and a cake cutting. Needless to say these ladies enjoyed the birthday celebrations

Veterans Day, 11 November, was most gratifying! Twelve members volunteered at the Southeast Louisiana War Veteran’s Home in Reserve, LA. We assisted with getting the residents to the parade, served them lunch and returned them to their rooms. It was a pleasure visiting with the veterans and hearing their heroic stories!

Photographed are (Front Row): MGySgt Judith Rivera, Jennifer Koon Fink, Dalia Robles, Barbara Ruffin and LtCol Victoria Kinsey and (Back Row): LCpl Aidee Deines, Vicki Haynes, Angela Merrell, Melanie Young, Patricia Huttinger and Jack Huttinger (LE).

The New Orleans Mission held their First Annual Gala Honoring Our Heroes at the WWII Museum in New Orleans. Seven members attended this cocktail gala and had the opportunity to meet with many influential guest. It consisted of a dinner program, entertainment and silent art auction.