Flag Retirement Ceremony

The God & Country Day Services and the United States of America Flag retirement is scheduled for July 4th, 2010 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.  The Patriot Guard and Christian Motorcycle “ride in” begins at 1:40 pm with services to start promptly at 2:00 pm.

There will be a practice on Saturday, July 3rd beginning at 10:00 am at the First Baptist Church on Old Jenny Link Loop.  Anyone interested in being a part of the ceremony is encouraged to attend the practice.  If you are unable to attend practice, but still want to participate, contact Chris Remaley, Jr. Vice Commandant for the River Valley Detachment #1248 of the Marine Corps League at 479-597-0382 or email him by clicking HERE.  There is still plenty you can get involved with.

“At this time we have 75 flags to be retired with still some to be folded,” said Chris.

Directions from Fort Smith:  6 miles South on Hwy 71; turn left at the Conoco convenience store onto Old Jenny Lind Loop.  First Baptist Church is 3/4 miles on your left at the corner of Old Jenny Link Loop & Gate Nine Rd.

From Greenwood; take the first right after the Citgo convenience store on Hwy 71; this will be Old Jenny Lind Loop.  First Baptist Church is 1/2 mile on your right — corner of Old Jenny Lind Loop & Gate Nine Road.

Coffee, snacks and donuts will be provided for practice on Saturday morning.

Car Show Supports Veterans

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Car enthusiasts of all ages should have plenty to take in at the 7^th annual ‘Dad’s Ole Car Day’ Sunday at 1 p.m. at the VA in North Little Rock located at 2200 Fort Roots Drive.

The car show, organized by Classic American Muscle and Streetcars (CAMS), offers free admission and refreshments to visitors.  Awards will be given for cars in both the People’s Choice and the Participant’s Choice categories.

“It’s always a good time for us, as well as the Veterans,” said Jim Larmoyeux, CAMS president.  “Everyone has a tale: ‘My father had a car like this,’ ‘I had a car like that when I was in high school,’ and on and on.”

Last year’s event included 130 cars and organizers anticipate a larger turnout this year. Among the cars already signed up for the 2010 show are a 1950 Hudson and a World War II era military Jeep with a .50 caliber machine gun.

All cars are welcome at the show meaning anyone who wants to show off their ride can show up on Father’s Day and register for a space.

“Some car shows turn their noses up at newer cars, like the new Camaro or a new Corvette, but at Dad’s Ole Car Day, it’s more about what people want to see and the Veterans may be more interested to see a new car than an antique,” said CAMS spokesperson Tim Irby.

For more information about Dad’s Ole Car Day, contact Jim Larmoyeux at 501.227.6967.

“Flag Day” Family Event in MacArthur Park

The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History will present a family-oriented celebration of “Flag Day” on Saturday, June 12, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the grounds at MacArthur Park in downtown Little Rock. Families are encouraged to bring picnic dinners. The event will include a free concert by the Little Rock Wind Symphony beginning at 7 p.m.  In the event of rain, the event will be held on Sunday, June 13.  Sponsors include Blue Bell Creameries which will provide free ice cream and Woodmen of the World which will provide free miniature American flags to those attending the event.  Veterans of all wars and branches will be honored at the concert.

“We are excited about this opportunity for families to celebrate Flag Day together in such a wonderful setting,” says Stephan McAteer, executive director of the museum.

In 1949, President Harry S. Truman declared June 14 as Flag Day commemorating that date in 1777 when the Continental Congress proposed a national flag for the United States. Each year the president proclaims the commemoration encouraging all Americans to fly the Stars and Stripes at their homes and places of business.

The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is a program of Little Rock Parks and Recreation, and was created to preserve and interpret the state’s military heritage from its Territorial period to the present. The museum preserves the contributions of Arkansas men and women who have served both in peacetime and in war. For more information, contact Stephan McAteer at 501-376-4602 or visit the museum’s website at www.arkmilitaryheritage.com

WWII Navajo Code Talker To Speak

There is a great possibility that there will be an actual WWII Navajo Code Talker at the 87^th National Marine Corps League Convention.  This flyer is requesting the financial assistance of every Division, Department and Detachment to donate what they can so that every attending Marine can have the opportunity to experience and spend time with a living legend!

Click HERE to view the flyer.

Thank you in advance for your assistance with this event.

Semper Fidelis,

Bruce R. Rakfeldt
Adjutant
Department of North Carolina
Mideast Division,
Marine Corps League
Home Phone:  (336) 578-9446
Cell Phone:  (336)380-1001

Saint Peter… Another Marine Reporting, Sir.

Leroy Lee Stollard, 71, of Fort Smith died Sunday, May 16, 2010.  He was born Feb. 9, 1939, in Fort Smith. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church,  the Marine Corps League River Valley Detachment #1248 and was a member of the Military Order of the Devil Dogs.   Lee is a former newscaster and salesperson for KFSA Channel 5.

Funeral services were held at Lewis Funeral Chapel in Fort Smith with burial at Forest Park Cemetery with military honors by Marine Corps League.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret; one son, Rick Stollard of Tulsa; one stepson, David Mitchell of Kansas City, Mo., two grandchildren and four step grandchildren.

Pallbearers were members of the Marine Corps League.

Department of Arkansas 2010 Marine of the Year Announced

David R. Dubois - Department of Arkansas 2010 Marine of the Year

Marine David R. Dubois was named the 2010 Department of Arkansas Marine of the Year  during the department convention banquet held the evening of  May 15th.

“Wow!,” commented Marine Dubois.  “To be recognized in this way is an absolute honor.”

During the past year, David Dubois has served as the Commandant for the Faulkner County Detachment #1323, Judge Advocate for the Department of Arkansas, Liason to the Veterans Administration Volunteer Services, representative to the Arkansas Veteran’s Coalition and established the Department’s Blog to help communicate League news, activities and events.

Dignitaries also in attendance at the banquet were Ken Henry, Asst. Division Vice Commandant; Guest Speaker, Colonel Patrick Ferral; and two Marines who fought the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Recon Marine Passes at Age 80

Dr. Dale Wayne Langford, 80, of Conway died Saturday, May 8, 2010, at his home, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born Feb. 21, 1930, in Jefferson, Ia., a son of the late Thomas L. and Ester (Gline) Langford. Five brothers and four sisters also preceded him in death.

Dr. Langford was a United States Recon Marine Veteran of the Korean War, a member of the Marine Corps League Faulkner County Detachment #1323 and a retired chiropractor. He was a member of Calvary Chapel Church in Conway and served as a deacon. He was a member of the Conway Noon Lions Club for 25 years and served as a past president.

Dale graduated in 1958 from Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, Ia. He practiced in Conway for 37 years before retiring in 1995. He had served as President of the Arkansas Chiropractic Association and also served on the Arkansas Board of Examiners. In his retirement years, he enjoyed being a member of Nail Benders for Jesus.

Survivors are his wife, Frances (Anderson) Langford; daughters, Beth Brown (Darvin) of Mountain View; Sharon Butler (Rob) of Magnolia; Joan Swaffar (Charles) of Conway; step-son, Brian Miller (Monica) of Clarksville; Jason Miller of Atkins; Chris Miller (Sarah Jo) of Morrilton; sisters, Jean Burk of Iowa; Kay Buswell of Kentucky; 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

The Faulkner County Detachment #1323, in a unanimous vote, has passed a motion to rename the detachment after this Korean War hero.  The family has given their permission to name the Conway, AR based detachment the Dale W. Langford Detachment #1323.  Once approved by MCL National HQ, a new charter ceremony will be announced.

NW Arkansas Detachment #834 Awards

During the Marine Corps League 2010 Department Convention in Conway, AR, the NW Arkansas Detachment #834 received the following awards:

MCL Jr. Vice Commandant’s Award – 100% Membership

MCL Dept. of Arkansas – Commandant’s Award

MCL Dept. of Arkansas – Jr. Vice Commandant’s Award – 2010 greatest percentage gain of membership – 237%

MCL Dept of Arkansas – Meritorious Unit Commendation



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NW Arkansas Det. #834 Individual Awards

MCL Distinguished Service Award – Lewis D. Kaslow – Department Recruiter of the Year

MCL Distinguished Service Award – Lewis D. Kaslow

MCL Distinguished Citizen Award (Silver) – James H. Bolin

MCL Distinguished Citizen Award (Silver) – Thomas R. Morrow

MCL Distinguished Service Award – James H. Bolin

MCL Distinguished Service Award – Thomas R. Morrow

MCL Cert of Completion of Leadership Training – Richard James

MCL Cert of Completion of Leadership Training – David Bisbee

MCL Cert of Completion of Leadership Training – Lewis D. Kaslow

35th Anniversay of the Fall of Saigon

On Saturday May 1 at 14:00 , at the Vietnam Veterans Chapter House in Chaffee Crossing –  Fort Smith, Arkansas, the Local Vietnamese Community held an anniversary of the June 30, 1975 fall of Saigon. The Marine Corps League Detachment #1248 was asked to provide Color Guard, rifle salute and taps, for the event.

It was also attended by Department of Arkansas Commandant, Johnny Gothard, Department Paymaster, Randy Rigg, Department Assistant Chaplin, Chris Remaley, and Department Sargent at Arms Tom Payne. The color guard and firing detail was under the Direction of Detachment #1248 Commandant, Robert Rivera. Taps was played by Michael Kimble.

Several Leaders from the Vietnam’s local community spoke. “It was very moving to hear them speak of how important freedom is and how it must be defended at all cost.” said Department of AR Commandant, Johhny Gothard “The also displayed gratitude they have for those you have fought and died for freedom, and how easily it can be lost. They were very appreciative and grateful for their new life in the U.S.A.”