M.C.L 801 members being promoted in Camp Lejeune & Iraq                                                                                                   It is with great pride that I announce to Detachment # 801 has two active duty Marines being promoted in the very near future. These marines are Gunnery Sergeant Robin Simic she is being promoted to Master Sergeant this October 1, 2008 at Camp Lejeune and later this fall around November, Staff Sergeant Kim Leone will be promoted to Gunnery Sergeant.  Please feel free to congratulate both Robin and Kim on their upcoming promotions   Master Sergeant  Robin Simic  10.1.08    Gunnery Sergeant  Kimberly Leone 11.08   SSgt Kim Leone lil_leone@yahoo.com    kimberly.leone@aa.mnf-wiraq.usmc.mil GySgt. Robin Simic robin.simic@usmc.mil    robinsimic@yahoo.com   http://www20.brinkster.com/gunnyg/gyhistory.html     Our Commandant's July 4 entry - Once again we at Marine Corps League Lake County Detachment 801 celebrated July 4th at one of the most patriotic communities in the Lake County area, Antioch. As it has become, for our detachment 801, a parade that brings lots of emotions out for our members. As we start to line up at our position for the parade we start getting everyone into place. Our Color Guard, today brings out a new parade format, which consist of our normal color guard, two riflemen and two flag holders, USA and USMC, but also just after them - the POW/MIA flag in its own special formation with 2 rifleman as well. Looked great and the crowds certainly understood the significance of the new formation. We also had a few generations today in the parade. Along with our new formation we were honored to have a 3rd generation of Marine march with our Color Guard in the parade. One of our riflemen for the POW/MIA flag is Marine Tom Mann, who was followed by his granddaughter Janice Mann a United States Marine who not only marched with 801’s color guard but was escorted by our Chaplain and a grandfather himself Ken Hauser. Let’s go back to the beginning of the parade during staging, we were able to put our Marines together for a photo, which has become a norm for 801 at Antioch, however this year's photo is certainly a very special one. Photos of the total parade which includes the Young Marines group as well, can be viewed at http://picasaweb.google.com/MarineCorpsLeague801/AntiochJuly4thParade   Marine Corps League Lake County Detachment 801 parade members with not one but two Women Marines. WWII WM standing next to Active duty Marine Janice Mann who's the grand daughter of Marine Tom Mann The above photo has some true history, with WWII represented all the way up to current active duty Marines. As you view the photo, from L to R the Marines in attendance are Al Gort, Frank White, Art Castillo, Ken Hauser, WW I female Marine next to active duty United States Marine Janice Mann, with Butch Torkelson, Russ Dusak, Scott Bastean, Tom Mann, Marty Smith III, Steve Vaughn and Yancy Torrez, with Marine riflemen kneeling are John Pickelman and Frank Allen.  Also picture is Bob Perosa Marine truck, lol. As the parade kicks off, you begin to once again understand why today’s parade is once again going to be a very special parade. As we turn onto the main street the people are immediately standing applauding, yelling praises - it was emotional from the time we turned onto Antioch’s Rt. 83 till the end of the parade. A special ending to today’s parade, our young Marines who were just behind our 801 Color Guard had the privilege of listening to an Active Duty United States Marine Janice Mann giving them some advice not only about what today’s Marine Corps is all about but also some advice about life itself. Thank you Janice Mann for taking time out today to give our young Marines program some guidance from someone who has just finished her 1st year as a United States Marine. Marine Janice Mann had the young Marines asking lots of questions. She is a real Marine who listens well and answers all questions. The Young Marines loved her It was great to see all the parade Queen’s coming over to Marine Janice Mann and wanting their picture taken with her. It’s nice to see that in Antioch our military is first and foremost the heroes of our country. One of the young Queens in the parade is the grand daughter of another female United States Marine as well; they find one another every where. At days end we all ventured over to Antioch’s watering hole and enjoyed once again some of the most patriotic people around.  Thank you Antioch, for being whom you truly are, some great Americans who love America as much as we do. Semper Fidelis, Marty Smith III     See our Remembering slide show   Memorial Day Weekend as seen thru the eyes of 801   Over the recent Memorial Day Weekend, the members of our detachment and our extended detachment "family" honored and remembered our brothers and sisters currently serving and having served in the past. Significant, timeless memories are etched in my mind as I recount those moments over the past few weeks when we paused to remember our brothers and sisters at arms who made the ultimate sacrifice in protection of this nation. As we honored and remembered over the past Memorial Day Weekend, we also renewed our vow to never forget. I've gathered here my recollections of Memorial Day Weekend 2008.   Over the Memorial Day Weekend, the Maher family gathered to remember and honor Sean Maher. This is a note I received from Sean's father.   Marty, What a different day yesterday became, other than what we had planned. After we talked with you, We went out for breakfast with my son and his family (grandson's). They came back to the house to share Memorial Day with us. We didn't make the Gurnee Ceremony. We went to the cemetery for the 2 PM Ceremony to find 2 of Sean's marine buds sitting on his grave. We never participated in that ceremony either. His buds came back to the house. We finally made it to the VFW post in Lake Villa after 5PM. We took a picture of me outside the entrance. I will send it later once Katie helps me download it. I'm not sure this will help, but we really enjoyed our revised day !! Dan & Janet Maher, Gold Star Parents of Sean Maher     801 also supported fundraising efforts throughout the Memorial Day Weekend. The funds raised by these activities return to the Marine Corps and her Marines as the detachment uses the money to support Marines and their families of all generations.   Jewel Food Store Barrington Illinois  Friday March 23, 2008 at 0900 Marine Corps League Lake County Detachment 801 arrives at Jewel for it's fund raising event. As we start to set up Ken informs me that he is going to be at the far West door where all the flowers area, and that I should take the East Door. If I would of only known, as the morning progress I noticed that out of every 30 cars 20 of them were going to the far west door and I was only getting 10. Not only that but I swear that each car to went to the west door had a more beautiful woman coming out of it than before. Down at my door, well I was working hard to get them to support. Then it happen, my dreams had come true, a whole bus load was being dropped off at my door. Wow, I thought it's going to be great so many people all at once, well then I noticed,. the bus stopped and the driver get's out and walks around to help out the ladies. Well then I really noticed the name on the side of the bus, Lake Barrington Woods Senior Center, they forgot to mention last days as well. The first young lady (wink) was helped down while she was carrying her oxygen bottle and all of them were just about the same. Needless to say I was beginning to understand our chaplains desire for the west door. The morning progressed and things were seeming to pick up at the East door, and then one more bus shows up, this time it's Green Castle senior Center, but the ladies were let's just say a little bit more spry if you will. The group got off and the last lady says what's this about, after I explain she gave me a dollar and said did the girls give you anything, no imam they didn't. I'll go tell them to donate. Well the bus left and others were coming in and everyone was busy, I was hearing this knock, knock, knock, and finally turned around here was the lady with her friends stuck in between the two doors that you go into the Jewel. It was a sight, I open the door and here they all were, all the ladies from bus Green Castle with a dollar in their hands saying I'm sorry I didn't know it was for Veterans. Well I was taken back and thanked them all and it was then I understood that the Chaplain might have thought he had gotten the better door, but he was mistaken for memories last forever. Those ladies in between the doors waving asking me to open the door with dollars in the hands wanting to, no begging to donate to the Veteran Marines was priceless.     Detachment members attended a variety of events held in honor of fallen service members.   College of Lake County   tribute to the fallen of Lake County in this conflict  We at 801 went to several functions and this one was mandatory for some of our Gold Star Members. Having once again see the strength that so many of the families shown is such an honor to be part of. 801 Gold Star members were Ed Davis II, Dan & Janet Maher, and Kirk Morris. The Navy color guard from Great Lakes did a great job and as each family from lake county fallen come forward to view their Son's brick that CLC purchased for the memorial out in the court yard you could feel the pain still etched in their hearts.   The bricks bought for our Gold Star members were PFC Geoffrey Morris, LCpl Sean Maher and SSgt Ed Davis III. All three Gold Star families were present at the ceremony.     Back to Jewel food store The afternoon went very well at Barrington Jewel stores and both teams stay till 1800 (6PM). It was a wonderful day that became the best one day record for our 801 detachment. It, shall we say shattered our previous record set earlier this month at Fox Lake.   Saturday back to Jewel Food Store   Saturday at Jewel went well, but it didn't seem like their were as many people coming to the store to shop, we even had civilians helping us out at the doors. Everyone had a great time all day long and with one door done at 1500 and the next door done around 1630 it was a long a very satisfying fund raiser at Jewel Food Stores in Barrington, IL.   As our Sr Vice Commandant Russ Dusak was saying to Kim our new civilian helper from Heroes of Freedom Memorial foundation, don't worry your hair is OK they will love the jacket. Our Mission for Friday and Saturday was an outstanding effort by many of 801's Marines and a couple of civilians who help us out. Congratulations to Marine Corps League Lake County Detachment 801 for their fund raising efforts.   Sunday Church services    As many of 801 Marine's and family members attend their respective Church's one become a focal point for 801. As our Senior Vice Commandant Russ Dusak sent out the word that his church in Antioch was honoring Veterans and having all the service flags brought into his church  He thought it would be great if many of our members attend his church on Sunday Morning. Many, many of 801 members did and it was a tribute to our former Senior Vice Commandant Ed Mrozinski who brought in the flag in honoring our United States Marine Corps.   Many of our MCL 801 members were present and felt it was a wonderful and special sermon.   Monday Memorial Day Parade honoring all Veterans   Winthrop Harbor   We are as always very honor to lead the Winthrop Harbor Memorial Day parade. It's become one of our favorite parade and kicks off our annual parades with great fan fare and gusto. Each and every year this parade has become the signal for our season of parades to begin. We have each year working on making our unit the best around and one that can be looked upon to lead the pack in innovation for the year parades to come.  the first picture show our 801's Color guard approaching the down ward portion of Winthrop Harbors cardiac hill,   801's color guard is about a 1/4 of the way thru the 1.6 mile parade route, and with the wind howling it's certainly going to be a challenge for anyone's color guard in the parade. As you will notice our color guard is about to start the upward portion of the cardiac hill, and as some of the other color guards have been know to say  "Oh Sh*t"  look at what's coming up.     As 801 works it way up the hill leading the parade and the other veteran organizations the seem to be getting a 2nd wind as you will see in the next picture they just never miss a step As you see the flags understand that the wind was something else that day and 801 Marine Torrez was holding the United States Marine Flag as the honored color guard representative. Marine Yancy Torrez is a WW II vet who served in the Pacific and Atlantic theaters.  The next picture we just had to put in our mix, after all there are veterans standing outside and the big white sign says TAVERN our birth place. We are approaching the reviewing stand of which our Color Guards training is going to strut it's stuff, finally 801 has arrived at the reviewing stand and the crowd all rise's, however they just think that 801's color guard is going to present colors only, they are in for a treat, something that hasn't happened before in the area at all       At the direction of Color Guard Captain Marine John Pickelman commands Present Arms the music is playing and Marine Yancy Torrez presents our color perfectly. As the presenting of our colors are completed You could hear the command from our Rifle Team Captain Russ Dusak ready air   FIRE, which started 801 rifle valley for the parade. After the volley was completed 801 very own bugler Korea War Vet Larry Szempruch commenced TAPS for all to hear. It's always a treat to hear Larry Szempruch play the TAPS for it always has such an impact on the other Veterans in the area, in the case all those in the parade. As the next picture will show the Veterans in this parade and the civilians on the parade route have nothing but respect for America. One of the things the color guard asked me was, did the crowds appreciate their ceremony, well I think words do say a thousand words after all. As the color guard embarks from the reviewing stand you will notice that their step seems to be just a little higher and their chests push out some as well. The pride of accomplishment extends into life even after some have retired and others are working towards it. In the Military you see   perfection in the step is what they strive for and which above the are just about perfect which leads me to predict 801 is going to have, one great year.  Let's not forget our Young Marines who joined us this year at the Winthrop Harbor parade as well. Their picture is below; shows the CO of the young Marines from MACG-48 and some of his staff from MACG-48 helping with the parade.   Zion Day tribute calls on MCL 801 member as their special speaker at their Memorial day ceremony   Gold Star Father and Mother and members of MCL Lake county Detachment 801 at Zion Memorial Day        Vickie Morris Daily Herald | Letters from home Poem written by Kirk & Vicki Morris after reading their Son’s letter home & his journal entries;:     Please remember me!   I was there at Lexington and Concord …..             when the shot that birthed our nation was heard. I was there for you at Barbary Coast, the Alamo, and Gettysburg ….. I was there for you at the China Boxer Rebellion and the Moro Campaigns, I was there for you at Nicaragua , Haiti and the Dominican Republic …. I was there for you at Verdun , Somme , Belleau Woods, and Cambrai I was there for you at Normandy , Anzio , Sicily , by the Black Forest . I was there for you at Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Guadalcanal, Midway and the Coral Sea . I was there for you at Inchon , Korea and Vietnam . I was there for you in El Salvador , Honduras , Panama and the Persian Golf I was there for you in Riyadh , Khobar Towers , Yemen and Flight 93, I am there for you in Afghanistan , the Filipines and Iraq …..   While the country slept…. I was there when Hitler marched through Europe, as Hirohito moved down to the Pacific’s shore, when the attack came at Pearl Harbor, the Marine barracks in Beirut, the USS Cole, and NY in 2001.   I answered the call in 1844 to push Santa Ana back to Mexico , to free Kuwait , free the enslaved and keep our states united.   You were all I could think about…….              in the muddy trenches of France, sea sick in the transports… destination Normandy… the sweltering jungles of Vietnam, on a ship in the Persian Golf,  in the desserts of the Middle East…..…..     Remember me When the snow is piled high outside your door……             I was there at valley forge.   Remember me when the rain pelts your windows…..             I was there in the Jungles of Vietnam   Remember me when it is so cold the snow crunches under your feet….             I was the frozen Chosen in Korea .   Remember me when the sweat drips from your brow……..              I have marched in the deserts of Iraq and the Sahara   You see, I have been to every mountain top, braved the coldest winters and the hottest deserts, sailed from sea to torrent sea to insure that you sleep at night, you keep your liberty and ensure you are free.   Please Remember me……. I have spent everything I have…… so that you could have today…… For my tomorrow will never come………… Geoffrey Morris KIA April 04, 2004   Arlington Park Race Track  USA Salute   It's a fitting tribute to a fallen Marine when an organization as prominent as USA Salute find it fitting to name a college scholarship in the name of a Fallen Marine PFC Geoffrey Morris. Salutes link is below   Salute To The American Soldier - Support our troops, active and veteran military and their families.   It was a fitting way to end the long weekend full of remembering and honoring the Veterans of the United States of America.   Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas Often Tested,  Always Faithful,  Brothers Forever. United States Marines God Bless America!     05/11/08  801 has adopted 2nd Battalion 24th Marines Weapons Company out of Waukegan, IL. The company is currently deployed to the Middle East. While we focus much of our resources on our deployed Marines, we continue to support all of 2/24's Marines, deployed and at home.                             Pictures from the Front   Major Robert Weiler and 1stSgt Derrick Link with their Marines preparing to depart on patrol                                  Weapons Company   Major Weiler and 1stSgt Link pause during a patrol in Iraq (a palace no more?) We are being told that with the extreme heat that some fresh white socks are in big demand for our Marines of Weapons Company and of course all Marines in Iraq.   If you can please bring a package of white socks to our next meeting on May 19th at the Libertyville Sports Complex it would be greatly appreciated by the Marines of Weapons Company. We will then ship them out ASAP to Iraq for the Marines.   The Heart of a Marine foundation is in process of putting together the Box's and socks to send to them as well. With their being at least 150 Marines in Weapons Company alone I don't think we can collectively send to many white socks.                               Helping Marine family at Weapons Company   Last week we at 801 came to the aid of one of Weapons Company's Marine families while he was over defending our country. We at 801 put everything in motion to help out this family. We worked in conjunction with Kirk Morris, an 801 member (Heroes of Freedom Memorial), The Heart of a Marine foundation, and 801 member, James Fallis, who controls the emergency fund in coordination with 2/24's executive officer, and State Senator Mike Bond. All came together and in less than 48 hours, we were able to fix a problem that had continued for more than a month. Through the detachment's efforts and the efforts of those mentioned above, the Marine can focus on his mission and his Marines in Iraq instead of worrying about people taking advantage of his family while he is deployed.   GOD BLESS THE MARINE FAMILY   Semper Fidelis,   Marty Smith III Commandant 801

04/28/08 

Two days of remembering from 801

 LCpl Dean Opicka and Cpl Richard Nelson of 2^nd Battalion 24^th Marines from Fox Company

LCpl Dean Opicka wake

Wednesday April 23, 2008

After a 2 hours 45 minute we arrive at Luxemburg Wisconsin a very small town that has now 3 fallen from the same High School in this rural Wisconsin town. As we approached the High School to the left we see not only a sea of cars but two TV stations with their very large antennas up for transmitting as their TV reports are on top of their vans reporting the next amazing site we see. As we pull into the High School parking lot we see about 20 American flags flying which was a wonderful sight and of course standing guard was the Patriot guard. They truly have become in my mind the guarding angels that God has chosen to protect these Heroes on their last journey towards their next mission. God Bless the Patriot Guard.

As we get in the very long line to get into the High School we notice that so many from the small town have brought their whole families to visit and say their respects to this Hero that so many had known from their own town.

After about 2 hours we finally get to the family and pay our respects and as always it’s an emotional time that brings to many memories to the forefront. AS we proceed out of the gymnasium we are honored to see the local American Legion and the local VFW getting ready to show their respect to the Fallen Heroes in mass. They were there in force, what seemed like over 50 of them to show their respect. I’m sure they did one heck of a job, it would have been very moving and a wonderful so of support to this Young Marine Heroes.

LCpl Opieka’s funeral was on the 24^th and I’m sure the whole town came out to show respect to this young Marine taken way early in his life’s journey while protecting that of which we all hold so sacred, our freedom. As you will see in the two pictures below by Kristyna Wentz-Graff as are all the pictures, showing our support and feeling of grief is shared by all, however words just fall way to short in these circumstances.

The photo above is showing once again America’s Patriot Guard protecting and showing the proper respect to our fallen Marines. In the line going into the wake is Gold Star Father Kirk Morris and Marty Smith III from Marine Corps League Lake County Detachment 801.

Cpl Richard Nelson

Thursday April 24, 2008 funeral in Kenosha, Wisconsin

As we traveled down Hwy 50 we come upon the First Assembly of God were Cpl Richard Nelson is having his last and final visiting at 1000, and then the funeral at 1100. However let’s talk about the Wake for Cpl Nelson last night. As some of 801 were at Opicka’s wake, MCL 801 color guard and some other members like our Attorney, a desert storm veteran Peter Karlovics and probably the tallest Marine in the Corps at 6’ 7” tall were in attendance. Peter didn’t need binoculars to look for the enemy he just stood up, and as any good Marine was great at spotting a target far away. These were just some of 801 members at Cpl Nelson’s wake.

The church inside was empty in the assembly area except for the last few precious moments the Wife of a Marine can have in that private time that only they have ever shared. As we preceded into the line we first said Hi to Joe, he’s definitely the Patriot Guards own personal Mr. Clean look alike, he’s stature is, well let’s just say Joe is one very kind gentle giant, just don’t get him mad. He’s the last of defense as one of well over 50 Patriotic Guard standing watch over Cpl Nelson’s funeral, WOW they were every where that’s for sure. Not one of our Heroes will ever be bothered again, for every one of the Patriot Guard members whether it be a Man or Women they will do whatever is necessary to protect our Heroes. God Bless the Patriot Guard.

As we continue to move thru the line to the guest book, the pastor of the church puts out another guest book to ensure that all the people will be able to show their respect to Cpl Richard “Richy” Nelson before the funeral starts in an hour.  There was a massive amount of pictures, of his life while growing up were just like the LCpl’s, a full spectrum of life’s journey complete with family and friends.

As we proceed thru the line and finally get to the family, I watch as our Gold Star Father greets each and every member of Nelson’s very large family in awe. They have a special place that not one of us wishes to be at. While mine if more of consoling I wish to share a special moment with Grandma. As I greet her with the usual she comes closer to me and says just how proud she is of her gift from Ricky and points to her right shoulder and says he gave this to be before he left. Wow, it looked like his shooting badge but it wasn’t, it was in silver and looked really awesome, across the top it read, Grandma and hanging underneath was our Eagle Globe and Anchor, in shiny silver which says to the whole world I’m the Grand Mother of a United State Marine. Needless to say words were know very difficult and the most I could muster up was I’m so sorry to the Mom, Dad and Wife. It did offer to me some very special thoughts to Cpl Nelson in my final salute in front of his Casket. Then came the brothers and sister, all of them and if the strength of them is any indication about the Cpl’s strength then he must have been one of the best around.

The church is packed and this is no small church, even the balcony is full, a fitting tribute to just how this young Man lived his life. As we sit and watch the honor guard changing every 15 minutes I become extremely proud of the job that the I & I staff of Weapons Company from 2^nd Battalion 24^th Marines were accomplishing, the change of guard is absolutely in perfect unison, once again in honor of their brother Marine they show what being a Marine is all about.

 When the church service starts there seems to be very few seats available. It was one of the best services I had ever been to, complete with video presentation of the Cpl’s baptism and family members having some of their own words to say. I’ve taken the liberty of posting the link to Cpl Nelson’s web site of where you will be able to witness some of the ceremony for yourself; it’s a powerful web site and please go thru the links they are worth viewing, well some at least.  When the ceremonies are over we don’t notice at first but then a single Marine walking so very slowly down the main aisle to the casket and presents a perfect slow salute. Many of the people in attendance didn’t realize that there was another Marine in precisian of heading down the aisle to give their brother in Arms one finale salute. Each and every member of the I & I staff at Weapons Company once again showed why they are United State Marines. It was very powerful, respectful and well just perfect. It was one of those times when you could hear a pin drop in the church as we all watch in awe once again.

As the casket parted the interior of the church the United States Marines in Dress Blues had created an honor aisle for the Cpl’s casket to move outside, and for all those attending to walk thru as they walk out of the church. A very powerful presentation of Marine's honoring their fellow United States Marine.

 Everyone was directed to their cars if they wanted to participate in the funeral persesion to the Veterans Memorial Park in Union Grove Wisconsin. With the Patriot Guard leading the way it was a site to behold. With over 50 Patriot Guard bikes flying the United States of America Flags as well as some United States Marine Flags it was such an amazing site to see.  It must have taken over 20 minutes for all the cars to exit the church’s parking lot, on both sides of the church I might add.  As one officer said it was a 6 mile long precession that seemed to last forever, a fitting honor for this beloved United States Marine.  

God Bless LCpl Dean Opicka and Cpl Richard “Ricky” Nelson 

A Farwell Salute to our Brothers

04/04/2008

"Remembering a Fallen Marine through his family"

                PFC Geoffrey Morris remembered on April 4, 2008

As the majority of our league knows, Kirk Morris's son was killed in action on April 4, 2004. Since then every year on the anniversary of his son's death, Kirk has arranged for a pheasant hunt, one of Geoff's favorite things to do with his dad. If anyone reading this article ever gets the honor of being ask to join the Morris team of Kirk and youngest son, Dylan, I suggest that you go into training about five months ahead of time. Make sure at the end of your training you can run a 5K like it's no big deal.

You have been warned!

The day starts out with a gathering of all at 0730 at the Morris home. As you drive into their home the 6' X 12" American flag in their front yard along with the many Marine Corps flags that surround the flag pole area will immediately capture your attention. It once again hits home as to why we are all here.

As the whole team arrives, there is a sense of mission in the air. Morris is trying to make sure all the equipment is in the back of his truck, all the extra shot guns, vests, hats, extra bottles of water for the dogs.

Yes, the dogs are now on board and we are ready to embark on the journey.

The three vehicles embark for the hour-journey up to the pheasant farm in Wisconsin. When we arrive we meet up with another member of our journey for this day.

Now we are all ready and are directed to our first area for hunting. They have put out 20 pheasants for us to search for.  Heck, five dogs, eight shot guns, a water boy, and a camera man … the pheasants don't stand a chance.

We start with two strips of brush land to move our teams down, four on one with three dogs and four on the other strip with two dogs. It took some time but eventually the first pheasant went up.

However someone forgot to tell everyone to also practice shooting during the winter.

The first three pheasants flew off to safety with a few men wondering what was wrong with the sights on their shot guns. *LOL * of course it wasn't them.

You could hear Kirk saying in the other field, “Hey send them my way I'll get'm for you.”

As the walk, ok stalking continued, the guys were able to settle their sights on the first of many pheasants that didn't make it.  We continued to walk several more strips of land that seemed to continue for miles.

As we finally started back to our vehicles everyone was feeling Geoff would have loved this - A morning in the sun, walking with family and friends, and enjoying the time together was great. Let's see, 20 pheasants put into the fields, three got away and only 11 were shot, hmmm.

“Rusty” comes to mind when you consider that we had eight shot guns, five dogs and a support crew.

It was a mission that needed, shall we say, tweaking.

Lunch was interesting.  The PDA's came out, the voice mails were all answered, and Dylan Morris, the 10-year-old brother of PFC Geoffrey Morris, was just concerned as to whether the pizza had pepperoni on it.

Oh to be that young again.

Lunch over and Morris informs us that there will be 50 pheasants on the afternoon outing.

WOW! We couldn’t miss.

As we arrived at the afternoon site of rows which seemed to reach out forever, you could see those brand new wind mills. They are beautiful and as we all knew, they are the new alternative energy for everyone. We started out with such a large area we figured that we should use three on one strip of brush land and four on the other. However we weren't getting the birds even with the dogs trying to flush them out. We decided to change our mission parameters and move everyone into one strip of brush land at a time. Let's see, that means we have seven shot guns and four dogs walking down one strip to flush them out. Well that worked and the pheasants were really in trouble. The first one sent up and seven shot guns responded.

Oh my gosh! That poor bird. Ok guys let's at least have something to bring home for dinner, okay? As we walked many, many fields there were many birds that met there fate. However there were a couple of birds that had turbans on them that were special for everyone to find and eliminate and boy did they.

That afternoon, as we seemed to walk miles in the muddy fields our two Marine fathers were seen running up a hill chasing one of the pheasants that was wounded and flew up a hill to see if it was one of the turban pheasants.

*LOL*  What a sight!   

They weren't going to give up, so everyone sat down and waited from them to return. They found the pheasant with the help of Finn Finn, but it wasn't one of the turban ones. The hunt continues for the turbans.

Everyone was tired and it seemed that we just should not have sat down for a while, for it just made it worse. How long was the day and the walking in the fields. Well the camera man's batteries actually ran out of juice. The water bottles were all emptied to make sure the dogs were kept watered. The guys just kept on trucking, so to speak.

The afternoon ended with everyone making sure they were gathered for the final picture of the afternoon shoot. The picture included all participants with the American Flag flying and the Marine Corps Flag flying as well, a proper tribute to Geoffrey Morris - the Marine and special young man. We think he was around, for during the last photo by the cars the dogs just would not sit still for the picture. I think Geoff was laughing the whole time while he was making the dogs run back and forth in front of the group for pictures.

Well, no day outing with friends, family and Marines goes without getting into some kind of trouble. Here we are in what seems like miles away from nothing, and Kirk Morris decides to bring out his new AR 15 Marine Corps assault rifle. A  target “appeared” thanks to Doug Wilkerson having a few with him, YEAH.

When the first 223 round was sent down range, well let's just say the echo was as powerful as the sound going out. After two magazines of 20 sounded off into the dusk of the evening it was pretty obvious to some of us we were going to get in trouble,

*LOL* As Kirk Morris put nine shots into the target in very fast order, the owner finally came racing out in his pick up truck to yell at all. Once again the boys’ trip was officially on the map.

How far out were we?  Well I think the owner heard the first shot but didn't get there until more than two magazines were used up.

Cleaning of the birds went well with there being 50 pheasants. With two breasts each, we took home 100 breasts for dinner. As everyone said their good byes, we all got into our cars and proceeded home. Everyone was tired but I don't think any one of us thought we were that tired.

*LOL*  When we got home and everyone TRIED to get out of the car, that first step was a big mistake. Boy was the body in pain, aching. And the feet, oh my gosh. Where is the Advil and lots of it? Everyone tried to move slowly to help put things away for the Morris's but when even the 10-year-old was tired, you knew we were all going to be really sore in the morning.

As we all departed you could just hear PFC Geoffrey Morris saying, “Way to go little brother” and “Pop, you ran them ragged at the farm”.

A special note, having Jason Jerik, one of the 17 young men from Warren High School that joined with Geoffrey Morris to become a United States Marine,  well let's just say it made the day really special. Thanks for being there Jason. Jason is a two-tour Iraq veteran

Even in the beginning of the day as we started out, the first picture we had of all eight people in the photo with three of the five dogs that were with us for the day. It must have been Geoffrey messing with the other two dogs even in the beginning of the day, laughing the whole time.

In attendance for the special day were the following MCL Lake County Detachment 801 members

Kirk Morris, Jason Jerik, Gary McDermott, Marty Smith III, and young Marine member Dylan Morris

Also in attendance were Marine Dad JJ Jerik and some special friends, Doug Wilkerson, Paul, and Chuck.

Dogs in the party were Finn Finn, Stanley, Coty, Riley and new puppy of Chuck's is Drake we think.

http://picasaweb.google.com/MarineCorpsLeague801/4rthAnnualPFCGeoffreyMorrisPheasantShootOut

Semper Fidelis,

Marty Smith III

Commandant 801