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GATOR DETACHMENT 990 - MARINE CORPS LEAGUE - GAINESVILLE/ALACHUA

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  • 25 Jun 2015 3:20 PM | Scott DuPree (Administrator)

    The 2015 Department of Florida Convention was held on June 18-21 in Altamonte Springs.  Marines John Murdoch and Scott DuPree attended, representing Gator 990.  

    National Judge Advocate Dennis Tobin attended, as did SE Division Vice Commandant-elect James Hackbarth.  Highlights of the convention included detachments donating money to the Injured Warriors Fund of Florida (run by the Marine Corps League) and the Scholarship Fund (which will award 53 applicants more than $200 each.) 

    Elections were held and all incumbent officers were re-elected and installed into office for their second terms.

    Marine Murdoch, who is now serving as the District 2 Vice Commandant, was awarded an Individual Meritorious Citation. 

    Other highlights include the awarding of the Commandant of the Year to Scott Westervelt in the Jacksonville area, and Marine of the Year to Manuel Moreno from the West Palm Beach area.  

    Want to see more about our Marine Corps League?  Go to www.mclfl.org and go through all the information.  A great resource for staff and members alike.

  • 16 Apr 2015 5:28 PM | Scott DuPree (Administrator)

    On Friday, April 10, John Murdoch attended and graduated from the Department of Florida's Leadership School.  Murdoch, who serves as both the detachment Judge Advocate and the District 2 Vice Commandant, has attended the course previously but was on hand to hear theJohn Murdoch with Commandant Bill Cona and Leadership Director Mike Stewart latest in a variety of topics.  The class lasts for about six hours and provides insight into most areas of the League.


  • 22 Mar 2015 7:14 AM | Scott DuPree (Administrator)

    When Gator 990 was chartered, an energetic former Navy chaplain was the ideal choice as detachment Chaplain.  Ben Kinard attended all meetings and most events.  He used to sell watermelons on his own outside of Publix and donate the money to the detachment back when our budget was still coming out of our wallets. 

    Our friend Ben passed away on March 16th at 90 years old.  Ben is affectionately remembered for his recital of patriot and inspirational poems.  He was sometimes a little long-winded because he was so passionate and we enjoyed his constantly positive outlook on everything.

    Ben was very proud of his brother who, as a Navy dive-bomber pilot, was awarded the Navy Cross at 21 years old in 1944 for bravery in the Pacific. His brother was killed in a training accident one year later.  

    Having grown up in Lake City, Ben was proud to attend the dedication of the Veteran Domiciliary in Lake City, to Cpl Robert H. Jenkins Jr., USMC, Medal of Honor recipient, in 1999.

    FROM THE GAINESVILLE SUN:
    Chester 'Ben' Bennett Kinard age 90, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2015. 

    He was born in Moultrie, Georgia on March 12, 1925, and grew up in Lake City, Florida. Ben attended Columbia High School before joining the U.S. Navy and proudly served our country during World War II. Ben continued his education at Gordon Military College in Barnesville, Georgia and also attended UF and FSU. Ben was an independent contractor involved in various aspects of the produce industry. He is survived by his wife of fifty nine years, Dorothy Bailey Kinard, daughters Lori (Richard) Thawley, Marcia Hall and son Monte Kinard. Ben is also survived by seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Ben enjoyed volunteering with the Marine Corp League where he served as Chaplain for many years. 
    He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was an avid Gator fan. Ben will always be remembered for his captivating smile, energetic personality and zest for life.

    Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 19th at Milam Funeral Home where Commandant Jim Yakubsin and other members attended.


  • 22 Mar 2015 6:30 AM | Scott DuPree (Administrator)

    Join us on Tuesday March 24th at the general meeting.  The 2015-2016 Officers will be installed.  The Installing Officer will be Past Commandant Dick Lester.

    The incumbent officers are returning for another term.  This includes Commandant Jim Yakubsin, Senior Vice Commandant Vernon Kisling, Junior Vice Commandant Bob Gasche and Judge Advocate John Murdoch.  Junior Past Commandant Dick Lester retains his position on the Board of Trustees.

    We are looking to increase our participation in community events and show the support our group has in this area.  What are your talents? What can you do?  How can you help?  Come to our meetings and find out how you can make a difference.

  • 22 Mar 2015 6:00 AM | Scott DuPree (Administrator)

    Gator 990 Judge Advocate John Murdoch has been appointed to the post of District 2 Vice Commandant by Department of Florida Commandant Bill Cona.

    The District Vice Commandant serves as the liaison for the Department of Florida to the three detachments in District 2.  In addition to Gator 990, detachments in the district are the TriCounty Detachment 1018 in Old Town and the SgtMaj Thomas H. Griggs Jr. Detachment 1086 in Wellborn (west of Lake City).

    The District Vice is also charged with assisting and advising Detachment Commandants upon their request.  

    Marine Murdoch relieves Scott DuPree, who has served in the position since 2005.

  • 17 Mar 2015 10:58 PM | Scott DuPree (Administrator)

    Our main fundraisers are our garage sales.  We have 22 storage bays at Alachua Self Storage and we just open them up and pull the items out on display.  We have everything from golf balls to entertainment centers.  

    Help if you can.  We'll be setting it up at about 5:30am but if you can't make it that early, come when you can.  We just need help setting it out so the public can get some great deals while supporting this worthy veterans' group.  

    The storage facility is at 14024 NW U.S. 441, Alachua.  It is on 441 just south of the bridge on the south end of Alachua.  We could sure use some help.

    Thanks and see you there.

  • 25 Feb 2015 6:44 AM | Scott DuPree (Administrator)
    GatorDet held its annual elections at the General Meeting on 24 Feb.  Congratulations to our current slate of officers who were nominated and agreed to serve for another term.  Commandant Jim Yakubsin will lead his team, consisting of Senior Vice Vernon Kisling, Junior Vice Bob Gasche and Judge Advocate John Murdoch for the coming year.  Rounding out the Board of Trustees is Junior Past Commandant Dick Lester.


    Thanks to those who were elected for your willingness to serve and to lead our group.  The Installation of Officers will be held on 24 March at the General Meeting.  Installing Officer will be Junior Past Commandant Dick Lester.

  • 11 Feb 2015 10:46 PM | Scott DuPree (Administrator)

    Here is an opportunity to help your detachment and have a little fun.  It's that time again and we are looking for volunteers to work with EKG Security at the NHRA Gatornationals.  No training or experience necessary.  The job is basically crowd control - checking credentials and steering people in the right direction.

    Shifts are one day long - 9 to 13 hours, depending on the day and the weather.  Your efforts will earn money for the detachment - $8 for every hour you work.

    During your breaks, visit the pit of your favorite racer.  See and hear the thunder of drag racing cars accelerating to over 300 miles per hour in 4 seconds.  It is insane speed!  

    SrVice Vernon Kisling has already signed up for two days.  Who else will step up?  We will publish the names of all those who participate.  

  • 03 Feb 2015 8:58 PM | Scott DuPree (Administrator)

    Among the other monthly duties, we will have our annual Election of Officers at the February meeting.  

    At the January meeting, the incumbents all indicated their desire to continue to serve in their positions.  But all said if anyone is eager to serve, just get nominated and put it to a vote.  

    Come join us.  We will have covered dish from 6pm to 7pm (ham is the entree) and the meeting starts at 7pm.  Of course it is at the First United Methodist Church in Alachua.

  • 03 Feb 2015 8:50 PM | Scott DuPree (Administrator)

    A database can prove to be a big deal.  After converting all records in, we noticed subtle differences in the membership levels.  So another trip through all of the records in the database to ensure every record was correct.  Putting finishing touches on each of the web pages that you see on the site.  Populating the Events - now that's pretty cool - so much functionality with the event calendar.  Making sure the PayPal payments functionality is working properly - and it is!  

    It is your website.  Let us know what you think.  Now I am off to figure out how to put our sponsors' ads on our front page.  

    Semper Fi.

Phone: (352) 339-0597

Email: gator990@gmail.com 


Mailing Address:  
Gator 990 MCL
PO Box 14
High Springs FL 32655 

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