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National Chaplain: Chapter Presidents and members are reminded to encourage our elder members to prepare a bio for the press and the funeral home. We often get last minute requests from the family asking about their loved one’s service dates, rank, etc… Please make sure that up-to-date bio information is ready at the Chapter level. Members are reminded to report the lost of members and supporters immediately to our National Chaplain, Reverend James Moore. Reverend Moore may be reached at 843-846-0881 or email at: james.moore@usmc.mil Guide on the Side - Final Words: Delivering a Eulogy
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer) Mr. Joseph “Joe” Shackelford
August 31, 1927 – May 16th, 2010
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer) Mr. Tom W. Brown Sr
A Los Angeles Chapter #8 member Tom William Brown, Sr. 85, husband, father, grandfather and one of the first African American Montford Point Marines, passed away on Friday, April 16, 2010. Tom was also a member of the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge No. 7. Tom was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer) Mr. Warren M.Callwood
April 10, 1929 - March 30, 2010 Warren's path led him on the road of service and commitment to helping others. Following school, He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and embarked upon an honorable and meritorious tour of service. Shortly after, his platoon partner, Van Clark introduced him to the love of his life, Clementine Clark. They married and were blessed with three beautiful children, Barry, Carolann and Allen. A devoted husband and loving father, Warren was always caring for family and neighbors alike. Warren and Clementine began their walk of life, together on New York's lower east- side, then moved uptown to The Riverview Towers.
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer) Mr. Frederick A Jones Sr.
Mr. Jones trained at Montford Point in World War II. He has passed away on 3/31/2010. Mr. Frederick A Jones was from Philadelphia PA. and served with the 51st Defense Battalion as an Anti-Arcraft Gunner from 1943 to 1946. WWII Campaign / Samoa Islands 1943-1946
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer) Mr. Aaron German
Aaron German, age 63, a resident of Algiers Louisiana, departed this life on Tuesday, March 9th, 2010. Aaron was born in Shaw, Mississippi to Willie Guy German and Mildred German. He was raised by his Aunt Martha Rice and Uncle Fred Rice. Aaron leave to cherish his memory, his devoted wife Vivian Fay German; three sons, Jeffery German, Darrick Lamaya Handy, and Ike Sterling; one daughter, Acquaneice Rome; and three grandchildren, Brannon Merritt, Christopher Sterling, and Milan Sterling. Aaron will be missed by his co-workers and friends at NSA New Orleans and NAS/JRB New Orleans.
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer) Mr. James Patterson
James Joseph Patterson June 18, 1925 - March 15, 2010 Resident of Fort Barnwell, NC. After recent illness, James passed away at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. James was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and graduated from Brooklyn Automotive High School. He lived in Brooklyn and worked at the American Broadcasting Company until he retired. In 1990, he made his home in Fort Barnwell.
James bears the distinction of being a permanent part of our nation's history. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 8802 in 1941 which opened the door for African Americans to enlist in the United States Marine Corps and train at Camp Montford Point. James was one of the first African American Marines. His unit, the 2nd Casual Company Headquarters Battalion went on to fight historical battles in the Pacific during World War II. He was a Heavy Artillery Anti-Aircraft Gun Crewman during World War II,
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer) Mr. Freddie Melvin Funeral Services for: Mr. Freddie Melvin, Los Angeles Chapter #8 (Original Montford Pointer). Platoon #103 Passed on January 27, 2010, Served USMC as a 1stSgt USMC Ret. From 1943-1973
During World War II he actively served in the Pacific Island campaigns returning to the states in 1945. Freddie heroically served in the Korean War from 1951-1953, and subsequently in the Vietnam War in 1968. Freddie Melvin honorably retired from the Marine Corps as a First Sergeant after 30 years. After retirement from the marines he became an employee of United States Postal Service and served in a supervisory capacity for ten years.
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer)
Mr. Dale R. Wright Dale, son ofMildred Elaine Smith Wright and George William Wright, was born on July 19, 1923 in Monongahela, Pennsylvania. He moved with hisfamily to Canton, Ohio as a teenager, graduatingfrom Canton's McKinley High School. AU S Marine Corps veteran,
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer)
Mr. Ellis Cunningham(1stSgt Ret)It is with great sadness that on this day, 26 Sept 2009 Mr. Ellis Cunningham has passed away. Mr. Cunningham an Iwo Jima survivor and Vietnam veteran was a pivitol inspiration for many of us and will be missed. More info of the services will be posted upon recieving.
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer) Mr. Alvin J. Banker MSgt Alvin J. Banker was sworn into the Marine Corps on July 19, 1942 in New Orleans, La. He received orders on August 24, 1942 to report to boot camp at New River, NC. Upon arriving at New River, he was assigned to 51st Defense Battalion (Special Duty Platoon) at Montford Point Camp. The SDP consisted of cooks, barbers and bakers. On September 20, 1946, he was deployed overseas to Guam and Saipan for three years. Other duty stations included: N.A.D. Earle, NJ; Camp Lejeune, NC; Quantico, VA; Guantanamo bay Cuba; and Philadelphia Navy Yard where he retired in September 1966 after 24 years of honorable and faithful service.
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer)
Mr. Leroy Bullock On Friday July 10, 2009, at 4:45 a.m. Leroy Bullock gently went to sleep in the arms of angels. Leroy was born in Vance County, North Carolina on December 19, 1914. He was the oldest of eleven children born to the late James and Leah Hargrove Bullock. He graduated from Hawkins High School, Warrenton, North Carolina in 1932. He later moved to Boston, Massachusetts where he enlisted in the Marine Corps - as part of the first group of African Americans ever allowed to become Marines - on March 4, 1943 and reported to Montford Point, North Carolina for Basic Training.
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer)
Mr. Dennis N. Bernard, Sr. As announced on 1 July 2008, It is with great sadness that another original Montford Pointer of the New York Chapter And Original Montford Pointer has passed Mr. Dennis N. Bernard. Born 26 June 1923 in Harlem New York, Mr. Bernard a Harlem New York High School Graduate joined the Marines Corps and served in the Korean War and was later Honorably Discharged. Upon him being discharged, he later was briefly employed by the United States Postal Service. Seeking further seeking his career endeavors, Bernard then joined the New York City Transit Police Department, where he served 20 plus years and later retired from. Bernard was affectionately known as "Potsey"
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer)
Mr. Oliver Lumpkin It is with great sadness that on Sunday 17 May 2009, another original Montford Pointer of the Beaufort, South Carolina Chapter,Sergeant Oliver Lumpkin was born in Richland, Georgia. He joined the Corps in 1946 and served with the 51st Defense Battalion in the Ellice Islands. After leaving the Corps, he attended Ft. Valley State College and taught at Savannah, Georgia. He obtained a master's degree from Tuskegee University and his doctorate from Ohio State University, after which he served on the faculty of Clemson University for fifteen years. He resided in Savannah, Georgia. Mr. Oliver Lumpkin has passed and funeral arraignments for burial will be 22 May 2009 at 1st congregational church, Savannah Georgia, 421 Habersham St.
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer
Mr. Kenneth W. Reed It is with great sadness that Original Montford Pointer Marine, Mr. Kenneth W. Reed SSGT USMC Ret. Passed away in Los Angeles California. Kenneth W. Reed SSGT. USMC Ret. (Original) Montford Pointer(Los Angeles Chapter #8).Served in the U. S. Army from 1946-1949 and later joined the U.S. Marine Corps 1949-1966. Mr Reed was born: May 26, 1923 and Passed on Friday, May 8, 2009.
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer
Rev. Dr. Thomas H. McPhatter Dear Friends, Sue
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer
Mr. Malcum Mumford
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer
Percy L. Corke Gunnery Sgt. Corke made history when in 1943 he became one of the first
1,500 African-Americans allowed to enlist in the Marines (Note, America
would not allow African-Americans to become Marines before President
Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Fair Employment Practice Commission in
1941.)
He served the country during World War II, he walked with shoulders held
back and head held high, despite segregation and racism. He watched and
applauded as the country changed, becoming more inclusive. He married
and had two children who he raised with love and taught to be proud. He
is a grandfather, a great grandfather, and one of the oldest members of
my family. He has carved the word “love” in hearts of those who were
lucky enough to interact with him over the years. With his last breath
he remained one of the “the few, the proud, the Marine.”
After World War II, he was responsible for returning fallen Marines,
back to America, back to their home towns, and back to their families,
for burial.
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer October 2, 1924 - February 5, 2009
Evan G. Lythcott, Jr. Evan Garfield Lythcott Jr. was born in Brooklyn, New York, on October 2, 1924 from the union of the late Ambrosine Cleopatra Burton-Lythcott and Evan Garfield Lythcott Sr. Evan departed this life suddenly on February 5, 2009. He was 84 years old.
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer Rev, Steve King, Jr.
Born May 1, 1929, in Pensacola, Florida, was an only child in 1937, he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at the Morning Star Baptist Church in Pensacola under the pastorate of Rev. S.L. Leggett. In 1939, he moved to Birmingham, Alabama, were he joined Zion Spring Baptist Church in 1942, under the pastorate of the Late Rev. Dr. E.J. Minnefield. He was educated in the public school system of Birmingham. He dropped out of high school to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer James Wilson:an Original Montford Pointer of the Philadelphia Chapter passed on Friday November 14th 2008. Mr. Wilson was a staunch and well loved chapter member for many, many years.
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer Walter Thompson: Original Montford Pointer and contributor to the first Montford Point documentary in the mid 1990’s passed recently. Walter was a very long time member of the Saint Louis Chapter and until recently a regular attendee at both the Spring Council and National Conventions. I will miss Walter regaling us with his colorful stories about Montford Point.
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer Samuel Campbell: A long time member and supporter of the Philadelphia Chapter died suddenly on New Years Eve 2008 in his home. Sam was 67 years old. The Philadelphia Chapter met at Sam’s home every month. Sam always had his basement expertly set up to conduct our meetings which usually ended in a meal that he prepared. Sam will be missed by all who knew himL Sam’s going home ceremony was in the same church that we said farewell to Captain Fred Branch 4 years ago and it was packed to the rafters with family and friends.
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer Mrs. Ruth Hamilton: Wife of original Montford Pointer and long time MPMA Hall of Famer and Chicago Chapter member Harry Hamilton recently passed away in Chicago. Mrs. Hamilton was also a founder and very long time member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Montford Point Marine Association.
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer
James Oglethorpe Jackson An original Montford Pointer he fought in three (3) wars during his honorable service to this country (WWII, Korea and Vietnam). died on Sunday December 7th 2008. Atlanta Chapter President Linda Sykes led a contingent of members in Lagrange, Georgia to pay final tribute to this American Pioneer and Georgia native.
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer Richard “Dick” Woodard An Original Montford Pointer deceased October 2008 Services were conducted at Largo Community Church Mitchilville, Maryland 20721 Those wishing to extend condolences can do so via 301-218-5155 Ms. Perquita Woodard TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer Myron E. Ludvick an Original Montford Pointer who was a member of the New York Chapter. Myron passed away peacefully on July 6, 2008 in Florida. A memorial service was held July, 2008 at Baldauff Family Funeral Home. Myron was survived by his wife and daughter.
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer  MSgt Harold A. Williams Passed away Sep 11, 2008. He lived in San Bernardino , CA. He was born in Hodges, S.C. on June 29, 1932. He is survived by his wife Shirley.
TAPS: (Announcement) the passing of great pioneer Wednesday 13 Aug 08 Mr. Obadiah Samuel Poe, 85 years old passed away at his residence in Albany, Ga. Mr. Poe was one of the original Montford Point Marines.
Mr. Obadiah Samuel Poe was born October 12, 1922 in Bennettsville, South Carolina. The family relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where Obadiah grew up and matriculated in the Philadelphia School system. With the outbreak of World War II, Mr. Poe joined the United States Marine Corps and served honorable as a Radio Operator. Mr. Poe married Lucy Newton on 10 March 1979 at the House of Prayer Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Poe moved to Albany, Ga; they joined Saint Mark's Episcopal Church he served as Deacon and remain faithful members. He also served as a Boy Scout Leader. Mr. Poe ran track for Temple University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He received numerous awards such as the Toastmasters Award 1972-1974, Marine Corps Federal Length of Service for 30 years, and Certificate of Retirement for Federal Service 39 years on October 31, 1984.
MPMA Chapter 15
Albany, Ga
TAPS: (Announcement 31 May 2008) the recent passing of great pioneer Members of the Montford Point Marine Association May 31, 2008 Funeral Services for: GySgt. Andrew Stallworth USMC Ret. (Original) Montford Pointer (Los Angeles Chapter #8). Passed on May 24, 2008, Served USMC from 1946-1966,
TAPS: (Announcement 25 May 2008) the passing of great pioneer Wallace H. Franklin
Dear Montford Point Marines, I’m writing this letter to notify you that one of the original members of the Montford Point Marines, Wallace H. Franklin A.K.A. “Sarge” passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 in Louisville, KY. Mr. Franklin was 84 Years Old. Mr. Franklin was my cousin. Sincerely, Leondra J. Major
TAPS: (Announcment 28 JAN 07) New York Chapter #3 announces the passing of great pioneer Mr. Hubbie James Hubbie James - another Montford Pointer will be laid to rest 29 January 2008, Mr. James passed on Friday 25 January 2008. Hubbie played with the Band as a trumpeter and other notable forums and venues around the country. His late son was the in-famous "Karate Joe" (Steve James) in many of the so called exploitation films of the 70's.
TAPS: (Announcment 23 JAN 07) Chicago Chapter #2 announces the passing of great pioneer Mr. Berthond Potts
Mr. William E. (Bill) Washington
TAPS: (Announcement ) Los Angeles Chapter announces the passing of great pioneer SgtMaj Augustus "Gus" Willis December 21, 1937 - August 31,2007
TAPS: Many of you already know that the Association lost a very special member Sergeant Major (retired) Augustus “Gus” Willis. Gus served in many capacities during his many years with the Association including Chapter President of the San Diego Chapter and most recently as our Convention Delegate Chair. Gus was responsible to the Association for ensuring that an accurate count of members was done to issue the delegate votes whenever a vote was needed, especially for our election of officers. Gus took his responsibilities very seriously to make sure we were in compliance with the National By-Laws. Many members of the San Diego and Los Angeles Chapters attended the memorial services for Gus.
TAPS: (Announcement ) the passing of great pioneer and founder of MPMA MGySgt Brooks E. Gray December 27, 1925 - October 08, 2000
A Marine and Civil Rights Activist
JAMES E. STEWART (1912-1997)
HISTORY OF TAPS Most of us in North America have all heard the haunting song, "Taps". It's the
…. never knew the story behind the song and didn't know whether you had it either,….. |
Bert passed away on 21 Jan 08, in Chicago, IL. Mr. Potts was a
founding member of Chicago Chapter 2 and original Montford Point Marine. 
Brooks E. Gray, who helped form the Montford Point Marine Association to preserve the heritage of the wartime black Marines, has spoken of the "pride mixed with bitterness" experienced by the African-Americans who wore the uniform of the Marine Corps during World War II. 
song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind the song? 
Guide on the Side - Final Words: Delivering a Eulogy
The death of a family member, close friend or colleague, whether expected or unexpected, always comes as a shock and stirs unfamiliar emotions of loss. We are never ready for the passing and even less ready to speak at the funeral or memorial service. Yet delivering a eulogy is a rewarding and healing experience. The trick is to know how to prepare. A eulogy is a great gift--to the deceased, other mourners and yourself. Offer it whenever there is an opportunity.
A eulogy is more difficult than other types of speaking because:
- Waves of grief can sweep over us without warning making it physically difficult to speak.
- Emotions interfere with our ability to think or remember what we want to say.
- Public display of crying is considered a social taboo by many.
- It must be delivered when we are still in the denial phase of the death.
- Preparation time is very short.
- The death may test our faith, evoke feelings of powerlessness or guilt.
- Our culture does not prepare people for death as part of the natural life cycle.
- There is little information on eulogies unlike other types of public speaking.
A eulogy is rewarding because it:
- Creates a final positive affirmation of the passing.
- Helps the healing and grieving process.
- Brings a sense of closure to you and other mourners.
- Puts inchoate feelings into words.
- Celebrates a person's life.
- Highlights your best memories of the deceased.
- Stimulates positive memories in other mourners.
- Praises the person and some aspect of the person's life.
- Expresses your honest feelings of gratitude.
- Affirms what we may learn from the person.
- Is a final conversation with the deceased.
How to go about preparing a eulogy:
- Decide that you can and will do it. This decision can be made long before the passing.
- Know that you must write out what you plan to say in spoken language rather than written language. (See Guide on the Side: Speaking is from Venus, Writing is from Mars)
- Find out if others are also preparing eulogies so that the memories can be orchestrated and cover all aspects of the person's life (work, family, hobbies)
- Ask others, especially people unable to be at the service, for their memories/stories which you might use
- Do not attempt to chronicle the person's entire life; share only a slice that you think is most memorable
- Keep it positive
- Keep it short, between 4 to 8 minutes
- Use post-it notes to randomly collect your memories and find a theme (loved a challenge, legendary practical joker, great party giver)
- After you identify the theme, select two or three related stories and begin to compose sentences writing in your speaking voice
- Polish the language until it sounds like you talking and then memorize it.
- Like other speeches, the eulogy has three parts: opening, middle and closing.
- Opening: Identify yourself, your relationship to the deceased and your theme
- Body: Include several personal stories relating to the theme
- End: Return to the theme using a memorable image, metaphor, prop, quote from the deceased, line from a song or a short verse.
Example
"We are here to celebrate the life of xxx. My name is yyy and xxx was my boss for five years. I have many fond memories of working with him. He was a highly regarded judge but the memories I want to share with you is how he made a difference in my life as a triathlete coach. xxx was not an athlete. He didn't swim, run nor bike. He didn't even workout (some of you might think as I often did, that he should have), however he was a competitor and knew that competition is won in the head and heart. Let me tell you... [Story 1 and story 2]." [Close] "I am competing in my first Iron Man in 2 weeks and xxx will be there for me every mile, the best coach anyone ever had have."
Delivery
Although you may get an adrenaline rush before other types of speeches, the nervousness usually lasts only a few seconds and once you connect with the audience, you become comfortable. In an eulogy, you may lose control and begin to openly weep at any time. However, the two places that are of greatest concern are the opening and closing. One thing you can do is to design the eulogy so that emotionally loaded ideas do not come at these points. (Note in the example the opening is factual rather than emotional as the stories are likely to be.) As for weeping, be sure you have kleenex or handkerchiefs in your pockets. If you are overcome, pause, take a few deep breaths, drink some water (make sure you have it beforehand) and proceed when you are ready. The audience will understand that the emotion you show is natural.
Humor
Humor will relax yourself and the audience. Base it on the person's foibles or characteristics. For instance, Peggy was a person who could get things done--in the community, at home and at work. She didn't mind upsetting people to achieve her goals. Her ex-husband began her eulogy with this statement: "There isn't a person here today who knew Peggy who at sometime or another wasn't mad as hell at her--including me and our two sons." There was a roar of laughter. Even Peggy would have laughed. It was true. Peggy could be a pain but she knew how to accomplish things no one else could. Even when family, friends and neighbors were angry with her, they loved her. Her ex-husband, sons and neighbors all picked up on the "mad as hell" theme with their stories.
Helpful Hints
- Take the text or outline of the text with you to speak. Even though you have memorized what you plan to say, emotion can cause you to unexpectedly blank out.
- Print the text in a font large enough to read easily.
- Take copies of the text as others, especially family, may want a copy.
- Avoid raising the question "why?"
- Do not rail against the accident/disease/unfairness that caused the death.
- Avoid preparing an obituary or memorial for publication, both which summarize total life achievements rather than a only personalized segment. (There is a separate time and place for these.)
- Bring props such as a favorite tennis racket, hat or musical instrument to invoke memories.
- Add Garry Schaeffer's "A Labor of Love: How to Write a Eulogy", 2d edition to your reference collection. See http://www.eulogybook.com for the online version or hardcopy. This is one of the very few resources on eulogies and it is very inexpensive. Bookstores and libraries have little if anything for immediate guidance. It is comforting to find what you need on your bookshelf to help you find your final words.
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What Happened on Your Birthday?
Bereavement Counseling
What is Bereavement Counseling?
Bereavement counseling is assistance and support to people with emotional and psychological stress after the death of a loved one. Bereavement counseling includes a broad range of transition services, including outreach, counseling, and referral services to family members.
Does VA Have Bereavement Counseling for Surviving Family Members?
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) offers bereavement counseling to parents, spouses and children of Armed Forces personnel who died in the service of their country. Also eligible are family members of reservists and National Guardsmen who die while on duty.
Where Is Counseling Offered?
VA's bereavement counseling is provided at community-based Vet Centers located near the families. There is no cost for VA bereavement counseling.
How Can You Obtain These Services?
Services are obtained by contacting Readjustment Counseling Service at 202-273-9116 or via electronic mail at vet.center@va.gov both of which are specific to this specialized service. RCS staff will assist families in contacting the nearest Vet Center. Often counseling can be made available in the family's home or where the family feels most comfortable.