Last updated February 3, 2010
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Last updated February 3, 2010
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Volume 1 Issue 5 January 2003 "A TASTE OF THE CORPS" Newsletter of the U.S. Marine Corps Food Service Association, Inc. EDITOR and PUBLISHER Jacques B. Loraine. Jr. Phone; 623-875-0426 email editor-usmc£sa@usmcfsa..com Volume 1, Issue 5 January 2003 Page 1 FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Members:
I hope each of you share my great enthusiasm about the future success of our Association for the following reasons:
I call that a perfect backdrop for continued success in 2003 and beyond and I encourage each of you to redouble your efforts to recruit at least one new member prior to our Reunion in July and then underscore your accomplishment by bringing them with you to New Orleans.
A special thanks to all members who have worked on the Scholarship; Recruiting; Academic Awards and Reunion Program Committees and to our Editor, Jacques Loraine, who is recovering from back surgery.
God Bless America & the United States Marine Corps.
Mendle "Ray" Hester, Major, USMC (Ret) President, USMCFSA.
Volume 1, Issue 5 January 2003 Page 2 SECRETARY'S REPORT
Volume 1, Issue 5 January 2003 Page 3 TREASURER'S REPORT
FINANCIAL REPORT DECEMBER 31, 2002 OPERATIONS ACCOUNT REUNION ACCOUNT SCHOLARSHIP ACCOUNT ACCOUNT SUMMARY Detailed report available on request.
E-MAIL HOME Following is an excerpt from an email home from an Air Force ordnance demolition unit team member describing his first night at KANDAHAR airport: " One of
the perimeter positions only a hundred yards or so to our left took some incoming fire and we all went to general quarters, taking defensive fighting positions in our bivouac in case they penetrated to our position. The Marines quickly repelled the attack. It will not bother me should I live my entire life without having to kill a man but I have to say I'm glad to be surrounded by a thousand 19 year-old Marines who can't wait to. They will be leaving in a few weeks and turning over the base to the Army. I will
miss them. The only tents the Marines use are one-man pup tents and they are everywhere. Each foxhole and DFP (defensive fighting position) around the camp is accompanied by two of these humble little tents. I have a renewed respect for the Marines. They arrived a month ago, dug in, and have been living out of these ridiculously small, 5 x 5 tents ever since. No heat, no latrines, no showers, nothing but backpacks, weapons, helmets and flak vests, and lots of ammo. And they've been doing it every day. Four man teams at each position, two sleeping, two on watch.
God bless them every one." ( Editors comment-Some things never change in the Corps.) On the very day a proud Marine Recruit received his rifle, he found himself
standing in the rain at "port arms" performing stationary double-time while alternately repeating his rifle and service numbers at the top of his voice. His DI, enraged at the Private's apparent inability to accurately recite his rifle number, thumped him frequently around the head and shoulders. This charade continued for sometime before the DI realized the Recruits service and rifle numbers were actually the same. The Recruit was never quite certain how it happened, but believes the rifle was intentionally matched with his service number as some
Marines' idea of a joke. The Rifle was a Springfield MI Garand, Serial No.1387451, manufactured in 1943; the Platoon was #138 and the year was 1953. The Recruit survived the embarrassment (and the thumping) and went on to shoot a respectable 228 on qualification day with his trusty M1, which earned him honors as "High Shooter" of his Platoon and promotion to PFC. That Recruit was Private Edwin T. Gray, 1387451, USMC, who would spend the next twenty-one years in Marine Corps Food Service and become our current Association Secretary.
The DI was then Staff Sergeant and now Gunnery Sergeant Vernon J. Baggett USMC (Retired) who also spent his twenty-four year career in Marine Corps Food Service.
How's that for strange?
Volume 1, Issue 5 January 2003 Page 4 NEW MEMBERS Meet the 20 new members who joined our ranks since the last issue of "A Taste Of The Corps" LCpl. Samuel C. Smyth USMC - PFC. Marcus D. Jenkins USMC - LCpl. Alberto R. Hernandez USMC LCpl. Jaime L. Abrego USMC - LCpl. Jose J. CarlosGarcia USMCR - PFC. Byron M. Lewis USMC PFC. Aviel M. Smith USMC - PFC. Steven W. Street USMCR - Cpl. Paul L. Yott USMC (FMR) Cpl. Raymond C. Condon USMC (FMR) - LCpl. Jose A. TorresDuenas USMCR - PFC. Nathanial C.Leal USMC PFC. Andrew A. Ampofo USMC - LCpl. Justin D. Klotz USMCR - PFC. James D. Moon USMCR PFC Primitivo Roman Jr. USMC - SSGT. Tony M. Regino USMC (RET)
ACTIVE DUTY AND RESERVE NEWS
ACTIVE DUTY LIAISON REPORT by Captain Rick Bedford USMC As the USMCFSA’s Active Duty Liaison, it’s my job to encourage membership among our active duty food service community. It’s also my job to help keep our retired food service community abreast of new trends and developments in our profession. This article is the first of several on such developments. It’s strange how we seem to have fond memories years later of times when we were the most miserable, whether in the cold of Korea, or the heat of 29 Palms. I have such memories from various deployments over the years, as I’m sure many of you do. For those that remember CAX at Camp Wilson, 29 Palms in this way, times have gotten somewhat better. If you’ve ever tried to eat a meal during a sandstorm, you’ll soon see what I mean. In the fall of 2000, construction was completed on a 200’ X 100’ “Super K-Span” at the Camp Wilson Field Mess, a project spearheaded by Capt Kathy Charette and CWO Don Knowles. For those that haven’t seen them, a K-Span is essentially a modular Quonset hut that can be custom-built for any size. This facility allows us to serve meals completely out of the harsh desert elements, and it’s large enough to seat 850-900 Marines at once. Although it’s not air-conditioned, portable evaporative coolers lower the temperature about 15 degrees from the outside, which makes a big difference when it’s 115 in the shade (there’s no shade at Camp Wilson, by the way). This project was one of several improvements at the Wilson Field Mess in recent years, but it’s the one that had the most impact on the Marines we support. Our Marines really look forward to coming to the field mess, sitting down where it’s relatively cool, and enjoying a hot meal. I’ll close this article with the old adage; “we don’t have to train to be miserable.”
Volume 1, Issue 5 January 2003 Page 5 Outside View Serving Line One half of Mess deck
- All photos by GySgt Donny Nelson, USMC
USMCFSC and USMCFSA PARTNERSHIP THRIVES Our partnership with Marine Corps Food Service Courses continues to be very effective. The 17 members listed below have received Association Awards for Academic Excellence since our last publication date: LCpl. Samuel C. Smyth USMC, 2nd MAW, MCAS, Cherry Point, NC-3 Year Award PFC. Nathanial C. Leal USMC, HqDet, 1st MarDiv, 29 Palms, CA - 2 Year Award PFC. Andrew A. Ampofo USMC, 1st MAW, FPO AP - 1 Year Award LCpl. Justin D. Klotz USMCR, H&S Co, SupBn, 4th FSSG, Newport News, VA - 3 Year Award PFC. James D. Moon USMCR, 4th CBT ENGR Bn, 4th MarDiv, Baltimore, MD - 2 Year Award PFC Primitivo Roman Jr. USMC, 1st Bn, 4th Mar, 1st MarDiv, Camp Pendleton, CA - 1 Year Award
IN REMEMBRANCE In loving memory of members called home for duty.
Captain Robert B. Barber Jr. USMC (Retired) Corporal M.L. Kulseth USMC Mrs. Rosalie Bonner Ritenour, Marine Wife
Volume 1, Issue 5 January 2003 Page 6 SCHOLARSHIP NEWS APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR USMCFSA SCHOLARSHIPS The USMCFSA Colonel William R. "Bill" Lucius Scholarship Program was established to provide educational assistance and opportunities to dependent children and grandchildren of association members currently in good standing and who meet eligibility requirements. Applicants must have dependent status as defined by the Internal Revenue Service to be considered by the Scholarship Committee. ( Visit www.irs.ustreas.gov and review Publication 4, Students Guide to Federal Income Tax) Applicants must meet requisite qualifications for entering the college, vocational, or technical school of their choice and must be a current year high school graduate or be currently enrolled in an institution of higher learning, vocational , or technical school. Scholarship application forms that are posted on the website at www.usmcfsa.com may be downloaded by students interested in applying for scholarship consideration. Application forms are also available to qualified applicants from the Secretary, USMCFSA, 1001 McArthur Drive, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076, or by Phone: 501-982-8930, Fax: 501-982-8930 or e-mail: secretary-usmc@usmcfsa.com. The following completed forms and information must be submitted with each application for scholarship: Page 1. Form requirements Page 2. Personal Information Page 3. Educational background Page 4. Work experience and supporting documents Page 5. Applicant liability release for publicity purposes Page 6. Enrollment verification The application period is open from 1 January 2003 through 30 April 2003. Completed applications should be submitted to the Scholarship Committee at the Headquarters address listed above. Applications postmarked after 30 April 2003 or that fail to provide all the information requested will not be considered. Questions concerning the USMCFSA Scholarship Program should be directed to the Secretary, USMCFSA. Howard J. Christenson, Ed. D. Addie B. Christenson Chairman President Scholarship Committee Scholarship Committee SCHOLARSHIP FUND DONORS
The association expresses its gratitude for the generous contributions made to the Colonel William R. "Bill" Lucius Scholarship Fund by the following members:
Lieutenant Colonel & Mrs. Billy D. Bridges Master Gunnery Sergeant & Mrs. James A. Coker Major & Mrs. Edward V. Cox Major & Mrs. Edwin T. Gray Colonel & Mrs. William R. "Bill" Lucius Major & Mrs. Donald F. Ritenour
Volume 1, Issue 5 January 2003 Page 7 ROSALIE BONNER RITENOUR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Established at the request of our fellow member and Association Director, Major Donald F. Ritenour USMC (Retired) to receive contributions in lieu of flowers as a memorial to his wife Rosalie Bonner Ritenour, who passed away on January 8, 2003. Contributions received have been credited to the Colonel William R. "Bill" Lucius Scholarship Account. The Association gratefully acknowledges contributions of more than $2,000 to Rosalie's Memorial Fund from the following individuals and organizations:
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION & RENEWAL Date:_______ *Member Number:________ (* Current members renewing membership.) Name: Last_______________ First_______________ MI____Grade/Rank_____ Gender: M___-- F___ DOB:___/___/___ SSN:___/__/____ Service From: ___/___/___, To: ___/___/___, MOS:________ Address: Street:____________________________________, Unit:_____ City: ______________________, State:___, ZIP:____________ Phone: Home: (___) _________, Work: (___) ________, Email: _________________ Location of employment:( Civilian employees only)________________________________ Status: Active Duty____, Reserve____, Retired____, Former____, Civilian Employee____, Spouse____, Marine Corps service history: ( Show service dates and units only) ________________________________________________________________________________________ Dues Schedule:
Payment: Currently payment must be made by check or money order made payable to :USMC Food Service Association. Send completed Application and payment to: USMC Food Service Assn. 1001 McArthur Dr., Jacksonville, AR 72076
Volume 1, Issue 5 January 2003 Page 8 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF BASE FOOD SERVICES, CLNC (1941-1968) by Captain Howard J. Christenson USMC (Part two of two parts)
In July 1967, a Mess Property Section within Base Food Service was organized to budget, coordinate
control, and assist in requisitioning and procuring major mess equipment and minor property
utilized in the messes at Camp Lejeune. The efforts of Warrant Officer John Hill helped all of the
messes replace major food service equipment, minor property, and procure cleaning supplies. Work
requests were coordinated with Base Maintenance to derive the best benefits for all concerned. The
Major Frank W. Simutis took the reins as Base Food Service Officer in August 1967 when Major Bridges left for an overseas assignment. Innovations initiated after taking the helm included: implementing the 28-day cycle menu; procurement of boneless turkey, smoked and fresh ham; requisitioning individual jams, jellies, salad dressing, catsup, salt, and pepper; coordination of planning and layout of new mess buildings being constructed at Camp Geiger, French Creek Area, and the new Base Brig Complex; improved coordination in assignment of food service personnel; and increased visits to commands operating messes.
Base Food Service and Related Sections During 1968: This section ends the historical account of Base Food Service activities at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina covering the period 1941 through 1968. We envision and hope that future changes in food service at Camp Lejeune and other major installations will be recorded in a similar manner as this undertaking.
The Base Mess Administrator's Section is responsible for coordinating, requisitioning, and
distribution of subsistence, computing the financial status of each mess, and making a financial
analysis of all mess operations for reporting purposes. Since 1967, the planning and programming of
the Mess Administrator's Section was under the direction of Captain Howard J. Christenson, which
was a known first to have a captain in this billet. As a collateral duty, he was also the Commanding
A regular program of mess facilities inspection is conducted by Base Sanitation. Additionally, Base Sanitation provides sanitation training for all food handlers. Sanitation in Marine Corps messes carries a high priority. Continued efforts toward assuring good personal hygiene habits by all food handlers contribute to making Marine Corps messes one of the safest places to eat meals.
Volume 1, Issue 5 January 2003 Page 9 In a similar manner, the Base Veterinarian conducts inspections of fresh foods and dairy products provided by contracted wholesalers before they are distributed to the messes. During 1968, this inspection section was under the direction of Captain Robinson, USAF to ensure that only high quality meats and produce were made available for all military messes and Sales Commissary patrons at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
"Life is like a grindstone - whether it grinds you down or polishes you up depends on what you're made of."
Volume 1, Issue 5 January 2003 Page 10
MARINE SEARCH ( continued from page 2. by Ed Gray
Possibly the very first and certainly one of the earliest Food Service Marines to be promoted to the rank of MGYSGT was a Marine named John R. Stram, who many of you know personally. John spent many years in the Camp Lejeune/ Cherry Point area and about 1963, he retired with 27 years active service. Then in 1965 when John could no longer live with the thought of sitting out a major conflict at his young age, he petitioned the Commandant of the Marine Corps, then Secretary of the Navy and finally his congressman, to be returned to active duty and service in Viet Nam. In late 1966, John finally received orders to return to active duty and a tour in the Da Nang area where I last saw him in 1967. He remained on active duty until around 1970 when he retired with thirty years service.
Over the past several years, I have attempted to locate John with increasing vigor and was determined to search for him until I learned that he was no longer with us or where he was hiding out.
Several days ago, while processing the paperwork for our new member Ray Condon, I found a note attached requesting assistance, in locating "MSgt. John R. Stram," who had been Ray's Mess Chief at Cherry Point in 1957-58. Ray's request jumpstarted my search into action and I am pleased to tell you that on the evening of January 4, 2003, I located John at his home in New Bern, NC and spoke with him by phone for over an hour.
He is doing well and at 87, is surprisingly alert. He was overwhelmed with the thought that his fellow Marines would be looking for him or would take the time to call. John lives alone, having lost his wife in 1995, has no children or other living relatives, and would love to hear from any Marine with whom he served. You may reach him at: John R. Stram MGYSGT USMC (Retired) 1406 Blue Jay Court New Bern, NC 28562 Phone: 252-637-2941
Your card, letter or phone call, would mean more to this aging warrior than you could ever know. Let's show him that his Marine Corps Food Service brothers will never forget the contributions and sacrifices he made to our Country and Corps. Please take a few minutes of your time and contact him soon.
"Once A Marine, always a Marine" Semper Fi!
SAVE THAT MAILING LABEL Beginning with this issue, please note that your membership expiration date will be printed above your name and address on the mailing label of this and future issues of A TASTE OF THE CORPS. Please renew your membership prior to that expiration date. Even better, why not sign up for a life membership like so many of our members have done.
Volume 1, Issue 5 January 2003 Page 11
THE GUY IN THE GLASS Dale Wimbrow, © 1934
When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf, And the world makes you king for a day, Then go to the mirror and look at yourself, And see what that guy has to say.
For it isn't your Father, or Mother or Wife, Who judgment upon you must pass, The feller whose verdict counts most in your life is the guy starring back from the glass.
He's the feller to please, never mind all the rest, For he's with you clear up to the end, And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test If the guy in the glass is your friend.
You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum, And think you're a wonderful guy, But the man in the glass says you're only a bum If you can't look him straight in the eye.
You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years, And get pats on the back as you pass, But your final reward will be heartaches and tears If you've cheated the guy in the glass.
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DIRECTORY ACADEMIC MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION NORTH CHINA FOOD SERVICE POW's Copyright 2001, USMCFSA all rights reserved. Neither the United States Marine Corps nor any other component of the Department of Defense has approved, endorsed, or authorized this organization, its services or activities.
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