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REMEMBERING CLAIR C. CHAFFIN

Photo: Orville Vance, Bob Purinton and Clair Chaffin.

We have lost a great American.  Read our spotlight story on Clair.

YOUR 2009-2010 OFFICERS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED

On 26 February, Gator Detachment 990 held its annual elections and installation.  Installing Officer Dale Condy came from Live Oak to conduct the ceremony along with Past Department Commandant Walt Russell as Chaplain.  Elected and installed were Commandant Scott DuPree, Senior Vice Commandant Bob Gasche, Junior Vice Commandant Jim Yakubsin, Judge Advocate John Murdoch and Junior Past Commandant Cary Hill.  Appointees sworn in were Bob Barnas (Adjutant/Paymaster and Honor Guard Commander), Mary Hildebrand (Chaplain), Norm Froscher (Public Affairs Officer), Greg Williams (Liaison to the Veteran Advisory Board), Jim Yakbusin (Liaison to the Military Support Group), Cary Hill (Liaison to the Young Marines), Phil Newman (Americanism and Education), Steve Homewood (Historian), Anne Zecca (Librarian) and Eric Kidwell (Toys for Tots Chairman).  A few more appointed officers will be sworn in at the next meeting, including Greg Williams (Sergeant At Arms), Michael O'Brien (Master Chef) and Tom Sklens (Quartermaster).

2009 VETERAN AWARDS BANQUET - JANUARY 31ST

The 2009 Veteran Awards Banquet was held on 31 January at the Clarion Conference Center.  With close to 300 in attendance, the Gator Detachment was represented by Senior Vice Eric Kidwell, Junior Vice Scott DuPree and  his wife, Adjutant/Paymaster Bob Curti and his wife, our nominee for Veteran of the Year Michael O'Brien and his wife, and members including Bob Gasche, Clair Chaffin, Ralph and Eloise Lewis, Dick Lester and Faye ONeal, Phil Newman and Chick Wallace.  Of course, our own Greg Williams is the Chairman of the Veteran Advisory Board that ran the event and he was in attendance and very glad to see that the event was completely sold out.

JIM BRINKMAN from the Military Support Group was awarded SUPPORTER OF THE YEAR, mainly due to his golf tournament fundraising efforts on behalf of veterans (and we all know his wife Kim was a big part of that also.)  In accepting the award, his surprise could not be suppressed.  Almost overcome with emotion, he was amazed, "A room full of heros, applauding me ... I love my freedom!"

The Jim Yakbusin family received the award for The Most Patriotic Family, recognizing Jim and his three sons who have all served as Marines and who all continue to serve their communities with a high sense of patriotism.

The Bikers on Parade passed a check for over $21,000.00 to the Veteran Advisory Board, which will benefit local veteran organizations.  The program was enjoyable and the food was great.  If you didn't go this year, put it on your calendar to go next year ... last weekend in January.  To see photos of the banquet on display at Rich Rubanick's site, crookedfences.com, CLICK HERE.

BIRTHDAY BALL A SUCCESS                CLICK HERE TO SEE BALL PHOTOS

With an estimated 130 guests in attendance, the 2008 Gator Detachment Birthday Ball was an enjoyable evening.  After the initial social hour, a traditional Marine birthday ceremony was performed.  Guests were then treated to a fine buffet and birthday cake while the free keg of beer and the cash bar provided refreshments.  We had presentations by Young Marine PFC Hull and Young Marine Sergeant Collins, documenting their experiences in the program.  Young Marine Sergeant Major Kayle Hill provided an excellent account of the experiences during her career in the program, and she recognized a number of Marines, family and friends that have helped her along the way.  Entertainer Mark Copeland kept the crowd hopping for about two and half hours.  When we get photos, they will be posted on the 2008 Birthday Ball page.  Already looking forward to next year ...!

    Search for Marines by unit or name.  Find others you served with.  Contact them.  Click on banner to go to TogetherWeServed.com.  
Now over 228,000 Marines have accounts!!  Semper Fi.
Recommended by Scott DuPree.

GATORDET SERVES BREAKFAST EVERY MONTH

Because we have a solid partnership with VFW Post 2811, one of our ways of helping them is to serve breakfast the LAST Saturday of every month.  Our volunteers man the galley and fix up breakfast for all who come.  Eggs, grits, biscuits with sausage gravy, bacon, sausage, coffee, orange juice, milk, even Bloody Marys.  If you have skills that might help, contact Commandant Scott DuPree and ask him how you can help.  Otherwise, come down on Saturdays for a great breakfast for just $4.00.

Marine Cecil Adkins - Taps, October 25, 2008

Longtime Gator Detachment member Cecil Adkins passed away in his sleep on Saturday, October 25, 2008.  Cecil was a detachment member that stepped up with financial help when we needed it and with rolled up sleeves when he was able.  He actively supported the events of this detachment, as well as the SgtMaj Thomas H. Griggs Jr. Detachment in the Lake City area where he was a dual member.  Our thoughts and prayers go to his daughter, Cassie, who has been his faithful caretaker for many years.  It is reported that he will be cremated and interred in the National Cemetary in Bushnell with his wife at some time in the near future.

Marine Jim Yakbusin honored as Alachua County's VETERAN OF THE YEAR

On Saturday, January 26, Jim Yakbusin, co-founder of the Gator Detachment, was recognized at the annual Veteran Awards Banquet for his work with the Military Support Group of Alachua County.  Jim started the support group four years ago to support troops from our local area that are serving in the middle east.  Starting with just a few names, the group has grown to where they now hold two meetings per month, shipping over 200 care packages each month.  Jim has been very active with the media and the community, keeping the focus on our troops and the positive stories coming first-hand back from Iraq and Afghanistan.  The support group has also proven to be a very meaningful activity for the loved ones here, giving them a tangible way to help and stay in touch with each other here as well, sharing news, good and bad, from over there. Yakubsin, a retired Master Sergeant, has three sons (all have worn the Marine uniform).  His wife, LINDA, is to be commended as she supports and helps Jim with all of his endeavors.  (Never underestimate a Marine wife.).  Congratulations, Jim.  Job Well Done.

GatorDet Marine Receives Honor from the NHRA

Marine Veteran Norm Froscher, who serves as GatorDet's Public Affairs Officer, was inducted into National Hot Rod Association's Southeast Division 2 Hall of Fame.  The recognition honors his motor sports writing career.

Norm has been the GatorDet PAO from the time we were chartered.  As a matter of fact, he is the only charter officer still serving in his original assignment.  But I think you'll agree that he has a knack for public affairs.

The presentation was made in Orlando on January 5th.  To read more about this, click here to see the full story.

COMING UP ...