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Funeral Service for Past Department Commandant
William McGowan
Marines,
With the passing of Department Past Commandant William J. McGown (MSgt USMC, RET), and the COVID-19, having a normal funeral services was not possible. The family recorded and posted the funeral service on YouTube.
The replay of the funeral service can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/0_pIhRMgXns
As always, please keep the McGowan family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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Message from the Department Commandant, April 24 2020
Marines and Associates of the Department of New York,
The Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected us all. For the safety and security of our membership, the Department of New York 2020 Annual Convention which was set for June 11th ,12th and 13th is now officially postponed until October 1st ,2nd ,3rd, 2020.
A special thanks to PDC Jim Ransom, who while dealing with the National Convention in Florida, has gone above and beyond in securing the Embassy Suites in Syracuse, NY for the Department of New York Convention. Thank you, Jim, for an outstanding job.
The Marine of the Year will still be selected in June per the Bylaws, by doing so, next year’s candidates get a full year to prove themselves. Any number of candidates may apply but this year only two candidates are needed to begin the process. Candidates for this award are directed to email their paperwork directly to the three committee members for consideration. We do not know when things will return to normal and these candidates should not be penalized because of the Pandemic. The Marine of the Year Criteria has been sent out in a Department e-Blast by my Adjutant. If you require the contact information of the Committee members, please contact the Department Adjutant.
We have moved the drawing date of the Department raffle to October at the Department Convention. This will allow our members more time to participate in this activity. Make sure your Detachment takes it’s $2.00 per ticket commission before returning the tickets to the raffle chairman.
I want to let you know that your Department Staff is working hard during this pandemic to conduct as much of the League’s business as possible in these conditions, and are monitoring ever changing conditions with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hoping you and all your loved ones are all safe and healthy.
Semper Fi,
Tom Wortmann,
Department Commandant
Message from the Department Commandant, April 2020
Emergency Detachment Election Procedures
COVID-19 has impacted everyone's lives, not only in New York, but worldwide. The Department of New York wants our members to be safe. If you need assistance, reach out. We ask Detachments to check on their own members. Even with this crisis, we are attempting to conduct some of the business of our organization in these trying times.
National Headquarters has also come up with emergency procedures for conducting Detachment elections. The guidance document has been distributed to your Area Vice Commandant for distribution to their respective Detachments.
Dealing with this outbreak there may be those who are experiencing distress or anxiety due to the COVID-19 concerns, please visit the Department of New York web site at https://www.mclnewyork.net/index.php/covid-19 where we have compiled some resources help get through this pandemic.
A Message from the Department Commandant
Area Vice Commandants and Detachment Commandants, please be aware that while we cannot meet, does not mean certain functions do not take place. Yes, we will bend some rules but we need to get some things done.
Elections- Detachments still need to hold elections. For this year only, candidates need NOT be present to accept nomination. They can do so by phone to their Area Vice or any other Department elected officer, via Skype, Facetime or even Facetime messenger.
Once elected, the Area Vice will swear in the Commandant by any method they can using the suggestions above, then that Commandant will contact each other elected officer and swear them in any way they can. Please do the entire oath. No one can prove if you did or not, but try to keep the honor and responsibly of being an officer.
If the Area Vice is unable to do the installing, ANY Department elected officer can jump in. Simply call one.
If the Detachment Commandant is unable to swear in the elected officers, per the National Bylaws a past Detachment officer may do the honors.
The Detachment Commandant will complete, sign and submit the completed ROI to the Department Adjutant. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to call me.
Meetings- Keep in contact with your members. Never let them feel abandoned. Ask if they are Okay, see if they need something and give them hope that this too shall pass.
Other matters - Please read all the correspondence you receive from my Adjutant. Feel free to forward it after you have read it, if he needs you to complete a report, a transfer, do your taxes, file for something, please get it done or tell us why you can’t. Remember, we are here to help.
I know these are tough times, but we’ve been through worse so hang in their Marines, meanwhile.
Be safe, be well.
Semper Fi,
Tom Wortmann,
Department Commandant
Northeast Division Conference - CANCELLED
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FRAUD / SCAM ALERT!! Marines, This evening some members have received emails from an individual posing as Department Commandant Tom Wortmann. The email is coming from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This is NOT Commandant Wortmann's email address! The body of the message will be something like this: Are you available at the moment? Regards Tom (Commandant MCL of New York) If you reply (I did so, while on the phone with Commandant Wortmann), Steve,I am tied up right now, Can you make transfer Payment via Cash App or Zelle and i promise to reimburse you later.I would prefer to call you but can't receive or call at the moment. Regards Tom (Commandant MCL of New York) Another reply (from another member, name deleted), XXX, I am tied up right now, Can you purchase physical eBay gift card 5 pieces at $100 each? I would reimburse you when am through, Let me know also i would prefer to call you but can't receive or call at the moment. Regards Tom (Commandant MCL of New York) If any member gets a message from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., DELETE IT IMMEDIATELY and do not reply, and do not purchase, send, forward anything to this individual. If you did send something contact the Department Adjutant and we recommend filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1 The email address has also been reported to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Questions/Comments: Contact the Adjutant, Steve Topilnycky at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.;;
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Email Distribution List Issues!
We have been experiencing issues sending out information to our distribution list. Some members may have received a message in the past couple of days, but most did not. My current service provider has determined that sending many messages out is considered SPAM and had blocked it. Therefore, we are now experimenting with the use of Constant Contact to get our word out. The one draw back is that we cannot attach files to the messages, and as such, we will be providing links to the respective websites where these files can be found.
I do apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. ....SPT
Department of New York Raffle
The Department of New York Raffle tickets are now available. The tickets are $10.00 each. Each Detachment can take 20% of each ticket sold ($2.00 per ticket). All monies, AFTER the Detachment takes their 20%, AND the stubs shall be sent to:
Tina Olsen
17 Allen Court
Staten Island, NY 10310-2706
If you have any questions, please email Marine Olsen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please Ignore the return address that is printed on the ticket.
National Headquarters has released new versions of the following forms for 2020:
• Notice of Death
• Request for Transfer
• Report of Officer Installation – Detachment
A new version of the membership transmittal was released on 2-13-2019 and should also be used. All older versions are now obsolete and should not be used.
The forms can be downloaded from the Marine Corps League National Library at https://www.mcleaguelibrary.org/
Also on the Department of New York web site https://www.mclnewyork.net/index.php/forms
Change of Address for Chaplain
Our Chaplain has reported a new address to send in your Notice of Death. If using USPS to send in your notice of death, please use the following address:
Angelo Procopio
6558 Sargent Rd.
East Syracuse, NY 13057
Of course, sending via email is still preferred. You can email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Direct Deposit from National
Moving forward, Marine Corps League National Headquarters will be issuing PLM (Permanent Life Member) dividends via Direct Deposit directly to the Detachments account . In the next few weeks, the Department Adjutant will be sending a Direct Deposit Authorization form to each Detachment Paymaster.
The Detachment can simply provide a voided check, or have your financial institution complete the needed information in section 3 of the form. While this is currently not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. Your Detachment will receive your PLM dividend much fast directly into your account.
Here is a projected time table for the transition:
2020 – PLM Distribution to DEPARTMENT will only be done via electronic transfer (no check)
2021 – PLM Distribution to DEPARTMENT and to those Detachments who have provided the information.
For document security purposes, the voided checks and forms, there will be no copies of these documents kept by the Department (a log entry that you sent it in will be recorded in the Department records). Once the information has been recorded in a secure system, the documents /voided checks will be destroyed.
Mission 22-Zero
In an effort to organize a committee focused on Suicide Prevention and Awareness through “Creating Hope-Saving Lives” with the goal of reducing the number of daily Veterans successfully committing suicide from 22 to Zero, I am asking everyone to communicate our recruitment effort to each of their Detachment members.
I need volunteers willing to form a readiness force to engage in the Mission to save Marines’ and other Warriors’s Lives. Mission 22-Zero.
These Marines. Associates and Auxiliary members do not need a background in psychology or formal degrees. What they will require is the passion to touch lives with a message of Hope and the ear to listen with a heart to empathize. Training will be provided via the VA and other organizations throughout the state. There will be a structure developed which will facilitate communication, encouragement and mentoring.
There is a 2 day training in Suicide Prevention being put on by the WNY Law Enforcement Helpline Board of Directors in Cheektowaga, NY on May 8-9. I will be attending. Any individual desiring to participate, let me know. (FYI, I have attended their T.R.A.U.M.A. and " Individual Crisis Intervention & Peer Support" Training and will be attending their Advanced ICIPS course in Feb. they do a great job).
This project is in its infancy and we seek to identify willing detachment, area and department level leadership in this Mission.
If you or those whom you know are interested contact me ASAP.
I thank you in advance for your help with this Mission.
“Creating Hope-Saving Lives.” Mission 22 to Zero; “Working Together - Working in Harmony”
Semper Fidelis,
A W Hazzard, Jr.
Cell 607 368-6525. Fax 607 358-9179
Southwest Area Vice Commandant
Department of New York
PO Box 354
245 Canisteo Street
Hornell, NY 14843-0354
Department of New York Marine of the Year
Once again, the Department of New York encourages Detachments to nominate that outstanding Marine for Department Marine of the Year.
It must be addressed and mailed to the Department of New York Adjutant. It must be post marked no later than 15 days prior to the opening date of the Department of New York Convention (27 May 2020).
A copy of the rules for Marine of the Year can be downloaded from the Department web site at https://www.mclnewyork.net/index.php/department-documents.
Korea Ambassador for Peace Medal Application Process
The medal is awarded by the government of the Republic of Korea Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs using their criteria for awarding the medal.
Eligibility for the medal is usually contingent on dates of service (Korea War June 25, 1950 - July 27, 1953 and/ or Participating in Peacekeeping Operations to the end of 1955). Enclosed is the application to apply for the award. The application does require a copy of your DD Form 214 with the application. Complete the application, enclose a copy of the DD 214 and mail directly to:
Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York
Attn: Ambassador for Peace Medal Application
460 Park Avenue, 9th Floor
New York, New York 10022
Ambassador for Peace Medal Application Form
Full Name:
Date of Birth:
Service Branch (Army, Navy, Air Force):
Service Number:
Regiment during the Korean War:
Rank during the Korean War:
Address:
Telephone Number:
Have you had the opportunity to return to Korea with the "Revisit Korea" program? Yes/No
* Please provide a copy of the veteran's certificate of release or discharge form activity duty for verification purposes.
Membership Advisory:
We have been informed from National Headquarters that Mike Bloomberg wants to speak with League Members on Veterans Affairs. The Marine Corps League is non-partisan, we do not engage politics, nor does the League endorse candidates. This is a no no.
National fears that he will now go to individual Detachments and do electioneering and not veterans’ affairs as he speaks.
Any member who wants to sit down with him should be aware that the conversation may be recorded with or without the members knowledge and the member should be advised not to wear any type of uniform including a League jacket, sweatshirt or anything of the kind that associates that individual with the Marine Corps League. Especially no League cover.
Department Mid-Winter meeting
The Department Mid-Winter meeting will be held at Tioga Downs Resort, located at 2384 W. River Road, Nichols, New York 13812 on 24-25 January 2020. Phone: (607) 699-3900.
2020-Mid-Winter Department Meeting Agenda.
National Member Survey
National Jr. Vice Commandant Warren Griffin is requesting that all DETACHMENTS complete the attached National Survey Form and return to him. You can email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via USPS to:
Warren Griffin
54 Shaw Farm Road
Holliston, MA01746
Please complete and submit by 1 October 2019. National Member Survey
VA Press Releases
We have received two VA press release via Marine Corps League National Headquarters, they are attached for your review. The topics are:
- VA and Hiring our Heroes partner on military spouse hiring initiative
- VA releases Launchpad app streamlining health care access for Veterans
Department Marine of the Year
Commandant Wortmann urges each Detachment to submit their Marine of the Year candidate to the Department. “The Rules for Marine of the Year” can be downloaded from the Department web site at https://www.mclnewyork.net/index.php/department-documents
The Committee will make its selection at our convention in June. All submissions must be post marked 15 days prior to the opening of the convention.
VA and Hiring our Heroes partner on military spouse hiring initiative
WASHINGTON — The U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative recently joined efforts to lead and support military spouse employment at VA and throughout the federal government, and reduce the high unemployment rate for military spouses.
Effective July 29, this initiative is part of both Secretary Wilkie’s priority of improving the customer and employee experience, as well as the Department of Defense’s (DOD) priority of retaining service members and supporting military families.
As one of only 10 federal agencies and the only VA entity that is a member of DOD’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) — with the support of the Veterans Experience Office (VEO) and Office of Human Resources and Administration (HR&A) — will lead the effort focusing on the experience, skills and values that military spouses bring to their jobs such as resiliency, agility, global citizenship and unique understanding of the challenges of the Veterans and their families.
“This type of intergovernmental collaboration to promote the hiring and retention of military spouses, is important not only for current servicemen and women and their families, but also for Veterans and their families,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Military spouses bring a unique perspective to the federal workplace, and I am proud that VA is leading the charge in this area.”
The effort will encourage both the use of the military spouse hiring authority — as well as federal government participation in MSEP — and leverage best practices to improve the employee experience and achieve a successful, collective impact, for this population. As VA’s representative, the Board’s best practices will serve as an example for other government agencies who wish to hire, retain and promote military spouses.
Marines helping one of our own!
One of our own has a serious struggle and could use some support. Marine Eric Bellamy from Binghamton, NY (John W. Thurston Detachment #250), has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The Detachment is coordinating a BENEFIT for him and his family. On 7 September 2019 (12pm-11pm), there will be a BIKE RUN, raffle baskets, some bands that are willing to donate some time on stage, food and beverages, a Henna tattoo artist, face painting, and the list is growing! If you have any ideas that you are willing to head up or run with to help make this happen, please contact Marine Eric Fetterman, Detachment Sr. Vice Commandant, at 607-427-6225. Entry is $10 per person. $10 per person gets you food, non-alcoholic drinks and desserts.
BIKE RUN: Meet at Lowe's (1318 Upper Front Street, Binghamton, NY 13901) at 10 am. Kickstands up at 10:30 am. $20 a bike, $10 for a passenger. (this cost includes food, non-alcoholic drinks and desserts). This is the route for the Bellamy Bike Run. Starts at Lowe's in Binghamton, and ends at our American Legion Post 1194, which we call home. There will be a spaghetti dinner at the Post after the run
Marine Eric Bellamy always helps everyone else all the time, and it is time that we give a little back. This will be an EPIC get together, please be sure to stop in and participate!
Any questions, or willingness to ride in this event- or just want to help out with everything else that is going on at the Post please contact Eric Fetterman at the above number.
If you can't make it, please pass the word and make a donation. Checks can be made payable to “Marine Corps League” with “Bellamy” in the memo section. Mail your checks to:
Marine Corps League - John W. Thurston Detachment #250
PO Box 1784
Binghamton, NY 130901-1784
The Marine Corps League – John W. Thurston Detachment is a 501(c)4 Organization. Donations are recognized as tax deductible for tax purposes.
To view the event on Facebook please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/465960000851511/
Rifle & Pistol Team Chairman Named
It is with great pleasure that Commandant Thomas Wortmann has named Marine Lynn Stanton, Adjutant of Memorial Day #2 Detachment as the Department of New York Rifle & Pistol Team Chairman. Marine Stanton has put together a guideline on how the program will work and is present in later section of this email blasé.
Rifle & Pistol Team Reimbursement Information
In an effort to promote and support the members of The Marine Corps League - Department of New York that enjoy the sport of rifle and pistol competition shooting, we are pleased to announce a new Service Rifle and Pistol match program starting this year!
As a means of getting the program started, we will be utilizing the National MCL Postal Match program as a backdrop. For those of You who are unfamiliar with this program, information and forms regarding the National MCL Postal Matches can be downloaded from the MCL Library at https://www.mcleaguelibrary.org/.
Briefly, any DoNY MCL Member will be reimbursed for two scores submitted per year to the National MCL Postal Match Program. They can be any combination of rifle/pistol/ individual or team scores. Participants may also be Active Duty Marines that are listed as Honorary Active Duty Members of a Detachment on the Detachment roster.
Simply download the appropriate form or forms from the National web site above, copy and forward all score submissions that are sent to National to:
Lynn Stanton
Chairman- DoNY MCL Rifle and Pistol Program
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 518- 696-3406
Scores may also submit your scores via US Postal mail to:
Lynn Stanton
PO Box 486
Lake Luzerne NY 12846
The Marine Corps League - Department of New York Rifle and Pistol program will run parallel to the National Program, starting on March 1st thru Oct. 31st. ALL SCORES must be received by the DoNY program Chairman by no later than Nov. 15th for reimbursement, no exceptions!
Reimbursement checks will be sent to the Paymaster of any participating Detachment in the amount totaling ALL submissions received from each DoNY Detachment that submits their scores. The funds will be distributed by the “Home” Detachment, to each Member that submits a score or scores.
All questions and concerns need to be directed to the DoNY Rifle and Pistol Program Chairman, Marine Lynn Stanton.
To who shall see this presents greetings! A new dawn is upon us, with new leadership to move us forward, as our brothers and sisters have done before. As the newly elected officers get settled into their new posts, we have some updates and notes to pass on.
Some of the following would apply primarily to the Detachment leadership, but it is good to have all of your Marines up to date with the latest and greatest, additionally not all those on this email list attend all of the Department meetings, so they may not be aware of some of the information that will be presented in this email. (sorry for the long read).
As always, the Department Meetings are not just for Department staff, but for all members of the Marine Corps League. Come on out and give it a try. Ask questions, if we can’t provide an answer immediately, we will get the answer for you. Got a gripe or issue, let us know. Share your knowledge with others and learn what others do, maybe their solution will work for you. Meet with your fellow Marines in camaraderie and get to meet firsthand the officers of the Department, giving you a direct opportunity to speak with them about ANY issue you may have.
Our Fall meeting will be in Suffern New York, 4 & 5 October 2019. We will publish the reservation links and agenda in the near future, as logistics are being planned at this time. Be prepared, there are some new exciting changes in the works, stay tuned for updates.
Let’s Get Started:
- Department Staff Roster: Updates are in progress, and once all of the Department and Auxiliary information is received, we will get it out to the members.
- Department Staff Meetings: We’re always looking for locations around the state to hold staff meetings. If you would like one in your area, and are willing to do some leg work, contact the Adjutant, who can send you some guidelines on what we need.
- National Convention: The National Convention in Billings Montana is just around the corner. Attached is the delegate pre-registration form. As always, we request that Detachments register your full voting strength, even if you will not be in attendance. This will give the Department the most votes when a vote is called at Convention. Your voting strength will be listed on the last page of your Detachment membership roster (the next roster will be 30 June, and should be out about the 15th, and the pre-registration deadline is 27 July 2019. Pre-Registration is $5.00 per delegate. You get 1 delegate per 15 regular members (or any fraction thereof). Example: If you voting strength is 278, then you divide the 278 by 15 which is 18.53. This works out to be 19 delegates for your Detachment. Return the registration form and your payment to National Headquarters, as indicated on the form. There is additional information at the MCL Library in the Conferences and Conventions section (Airline information/Ad Journal form/Registration form) https://www.mcleaguelibrary.org/
- • Bylaws: If you Detachment has not reviewed your Detachment bylaws recently, please do, as the Department updated our bylaws last year in 2018, as did National HQ. If you do not have a copy of the Department Bylaws, you can download them from the Department web site at: https://www.mclnewyork.net/index.php/by-laws-procedures. If you need a copy of the National Bylaws, you can download a copy at https://www.mcleaguelibrary.org/. Reminder, your bylaws must be in compliance with both the Department and National Bylaws. Our Judge Advocate Dave Wiggs is requesting that Detachments to send a copy of your Bylaws to him for review. To help save a tree or two, he is requesting that they be emailed to him. His email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
- • Newsletter (Ground Pounder): Department Commandant Tom Wortmann, Editor. We encourage all Detachments to submit your photos and stories to the Ground Pounder, let everyone else know what your Detachment is up to. The Ground Pounder is published four times a year. Submission cut off dates are March 10th, June 10th, September 10th and December 10th. Email your submissions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
- • Events: Our Webmaster Gerard della Badia (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), has an event calendar on the Department web site (https://www.mclnewyork.net/index.php/events). If your Detachment has an event it wishes to be posted, please contact Gerry at the above email address and provide him with the specifics.
Department of New York 88th Convention Wrap Up!
Congratulations to Skip Diamond of the Troy Detachment for being selected the Department of New York 2019 Marine of the Year.
The 88th Annual Marine Corps League Department of New York Convention is behind us. Congratulations to the newly elected and appointed officers for 2019-2020:
| Department of New York | Area Vice Commandants | ||
| Commandant | Thomas Wortmann | East | Timothy Forbes |
| Sr. Vice Commandant | Thomas Arcuri | Long Island | Vinny Annunziata |
| Jr. Vice Commandant | Dean Lawton Sr. | Metro-NY | Volker Heyde |
| Judge Advocate | David Wiggs | North | Alex Kitts |
| Jr. Past Commandant | Ricardo Sheppard | North Central | AJ Kalil |
| Chief of Staff | Catherine Huber | North West | Dave Brisbane |
| Paymaster | Ralph Luciani | South East | Michael Pisciotti |
| Adjutant | Stephen Topilnycky | South Central | Dean Lawton Sr. |
| Chaplain | Angelo Procopio | South West | Al Hazzard |
| Webmaster | Gerard della Badia | West | Earl Herrington |
| Sergeant at Arms | Michael Gilchrist | ||
A new updated roster will be released in the near future, we are currently compiling all of the information, and when released, will also be posted to the Department web site.
Until the new roster comes out, we have a new Chaplain (as noted above). You can email your Notice of Death to Chaplain Angelo Procopio at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (preferred) or you send via USPS to:
Angelo Procopio
PO Box 694
Syracuse, NY 13206
Phone: 859-912-0575
Up Coming
Next month the Quarterly Detachment rosters will be coming out, along with the PLM Audit. This year the Department Adjutant will be the recipient of the PLM Audits. They are NOT to be sent to National HQ directly.
We currently have 61 active Detachments, of those 61 only 12 Detachments submitted their Audits to the Department (2 Detachments submitted directly to National) for a total of 14. We want each Detachment to submit your audit so that you can get your dividend in the spring. No matter the amount, it’s your money, take the steps to get it.
The rosters and audits will be distributed by your Area Vice Commandant. There will be more on this subject in months to come.
The Department will continue to work with those Detachments that still need to get incorporated and addressing the IRS issues (as per the bylaws) and ALL Detachments in addition to filling your 990-N (or other tax return to the IRS), the confirmation MUST be sent to the Department Adjutant. National HQ does not check the IRS database they rely on the 990-N Confirmations.
If anyone has any questions on these topics, please do not hesitate to contact Steve Topilnycky (Department Adjutant) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.