1. LISTEN UP!
CENTRAL BUCKS DETACHMENT #636
Marine Corps League
of Pennsylvania, Inc.
VOLUME XXIII, Number 9 SEPTEMBER 2010
Commandant: JAMES POWELL Editor: DON H. GEE
VA Makes Filing Claims G.I. BILL’S 66th ANNIVERSARY
Easier and Faster WASHINGTON--On the 66th anni- was known at that time--was respon-
with Simpler Forms versary of signing the GI Bill into sible for carrying out the law's key
law, the Department of Veterans Af- provisions for education and training,
WASHINGTON--As part of the effort fairs (VA) announced it has issued loan guaranty for homes, farms or
to break the back of the backlog, the more than $3.6 billion in the bill's businesses, and unemployment pay.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) newest manifestation, the Post-9/11 Before the World War II, college
is reducing the paperwork and expe- GI Bill. and homeownership were, for the
diting the process for Veterans seek- Benefit payments under the bill, most part, unreachable dreams for the
ing compensation for disabilities re- implemented last year, have gone to average American. Thanks to the GI
lated to their military service. more than 285,000 people and their Bill, millions who would have
"These reductions in paperwork, educational institutions. flooded the job market opted for edu-
along with other improvements to On June 22, 1944, President cation instead.
simplify and speed the claims process, Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the In the peak year of 1947, Veterans
symbolize changes underway to make Servicemen's Readjustment Act of accounted for 49 percent of college
VA more responsive to Veterans and 1944, commonly known as the GI admissions. By the time the original
their families," said Secretary Eric K. Bill of Rights.
Shinseki. Please see G. I. BILL, Page 6
The Veterans Administration--as it
VA has shortened application forms
to reduce paperwork for Veterans. The Space Available Travel for Retirees
new forms, which are being made Retirees who dream of climbing an travelers take advantage of this mili-
available on VA's Web site at Egyptian pyramid, schussing down tary benefit each year.
www.va.gov/vaforms <http:// a black diamond ski slope in Bavaria, Retired service members with a re-
www.va.gov/vaforms/> , include: or walking on a Hawaiian beach can tiree ID card and who are eligible to
* A shortened VA Form 21-526 for make these dreams come true with receive retired or retainer pay, fly as
Veterans applying for thef irst-time to Space-Available travel. Category VI passengers. Since mis-
VA for disability compensation or Typically, these dreams require a sions can be rerouted, delayed or can-
pension benefits. This form has been lot of money; however, Space-A celed for a variety of reasons -
cut in half--from 23 to 10 pages. It is travel is free with the exception of weather, maintenance issues or higher
immediately available to Veterans via customs or federal inspection fees on priority missions - retirees need to be
Web download, and will be available some chartered commercial air ser- flexible. They need to plan for any
through VA's online claim-filing pro- vice missions. potential delays and added expenses
cess later this summer at Air Mobility Command aircraft fly for stays, especially in high-cost ar-
http://va benefits.vba.va.gov/ all over the globe and often have eas. There are four different meth-
vonapp/main.asp open passenger seats available. An ods for signing up for Space-A travel:
AMC aircraft takes off every 90 sec-
Please see FORMS, Page 6 Please see SPACE, Page 6
onds. More than 130,000 Space-A

2. COMMANDANT’S
COLUMN
Hello Marines, Children’s Hospital in Winston-
CENTRAL BUCKS Hopefully everyone has sur- Salem.
DETACHMENT, Inc. #636 vived the extreme summer heat so
P. O. Box 1372
The Convention was somewhat
Doylestown, PA 18901-1372 far as we head in to the fall sea- contentious at time as there were
Meets son.
7:30 p.m.
many bylaws changes proposed
2nd Wednesday of Month Again this year Junior Past and the Commandant and Judge
American Legion Post 210 Commandant and Department
315 North Street, Doylestown, PA
Advocate positions were up for
SE District Vice Commandant grabs by two candidates each.
COMMANDANT Bill Miller and I attended the 87th
JAMES POWELL
All of the Khaki shirt bylaw
215-862-6280 annual Marine Corps League Na- change proposals were defeated
usmc80@comcast.net tional Convention and 71st MODD and I believe that they are gone
Sr. VICE COMMANDANT Supreme Growl, in Greensboro, forever. I will discuss this and all
BEN JONES NC.
267-907-2611
of the other activities that went on
benjaminjones1@gmail.com We had a great time with the at the Convention at our Septem-
Jr. VICE COMMANDANT
Devil Dogs as Pennsylvania Pack ber meeting.
A. J. (JACK) GENTILE had 11 Dog advance to PDD and Everyone should also be aware
215-968-2291 this year the Kennel was able to
jgentile@singerequipment.com
that nominations for Detachment
raise $20,000 for the Brenner Marine of the Year should be
ADJUTANT-PAYMASTER
DON H. GEE, PC
turned into the Detachment Ma-
G.I. BILL from Page 1 rine of the Year Committee prior
215-822-6898
USMCCCA@aol.com
By the time the original GI Bill to the October Detachment meet-
JUDGE ADVOCATE ended, July 25, 1956, 7.8 million of ing.
WILLIAM MICKELSON
215-538-0213
the 16 million World War II Veterans If you believe that someone in
billmikelson@verizon.net had participated in an education or the Detachment has done things
training program. during the past year that warrants
QUARTERMASTER
COREY A. FISHER
In 1984, former Mississippi Con- consideration for this great honor,
215-822-6898 gressman G. V. "Sonny" Montgom- please put together a nominating
ery revamped the GI Bill. The Mont-
CHAPLAIN letter for that Marine. Then pass
ELLIS M. (BUDD) PEARCE, PC gomery GI Bill assured that VA home
215-343-5609 loan guaranty and education pro-
it onto the Marine of the Year
buddpearce@comcast.net
grams continued to work for Veter- Committee, which consists of all
MESS SERGEANT ans of the post-Vietnam era. of the past Marines of the Year.
WIL HAAS In 2009, GI Bill benefits were up- Also, Junior Vice Comman-
215-257-7828
dated again. dant Jack Gentile and his com-
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER The new law gave Veterans with ac- mittee are working on the Birth-
DON H. GEE, PC tive duty service on, or after, Septem-
215-822-6898
day Ball and we will be discuss-
USMCCCA@aol.com ber 11 2001, enhanced educational ing this in more detail at the next
benefits to cover more expenses, pro- few meetings, too.
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS
BOB SUNDLING, PC
vide a living allowance, money for Hope to see you at the Septem-
215-348-8925 books and the ability to transfer un-
sundling@tiniusolsen.com
ber meeting.
used educational benefits to spouses
or children.
Semper Fi,
WEB SERGEANT
JAMES POWELL For more information about the
215-862-6280 Post-9/11 GI Bill for Veterans, visit
usmc80@comcast.net
http://www.gibill.va.gov/.
2

3. AUGUST DETACHMENT MEETING
The regular meeting of Central Bucks Detachment #636, Inc., of the Marine Corps League of
Pennsylvania, Inc., was held August 11, 2010, at the Albert E. Atkinson American Legion Post, 315
North St., Doylestown, PA.
There were 14 members present including all officers except the Commandant and the Judge
Advocate. Distinguished members in attendance included Past Commandants Don Gee, Budd
Pearce, and Bob Sundling, Past National Northeast Division Commandant/Past Department
of New Jersey Commandant Ed Hoth.
Sick Call: Marine of the Year Ken Murray is undergoing treatment at the V. A. Medical Center in
Coatesville. It was also noted that Army Medal of Honor recipient Dave Dolby, who was the
Grand Marshal for this year’s Memorial Day had died suddenly Aug. 13 while in Idaho.
The Minutes of the July Meeting were unanimously accepted.
The Paymaster’s Report was presented and was unanimously accepted.
OFFICER REPORTS
In the absence of Commandant Jim Powell who was attending the Marine Corps League Na-
tional Convention, Senior Vice Commandant Ben Jones reported the Detachment strength at 68
M including 29 Life Members, 30 Regular Annual Members, 2 Dual Detachment Members, 6 Associ-
ate Annual Members and 1 Honorary Member. He also reported he had nearly completed the
Detachment 25th Anniversary logo and should have it at the next meeting.
Junior Vice Commandant Jack Gentile reported the Detachment strength at 68 members includ-
ing 29 Life Members, 30 Regular Members, 2 Dual Members, 6 Associate Members, and 1 Honor-
I ary Member. He has done some preliminary investigating of sites for this year’s Birthday Ball.
More information will be given at the September Meeting. He also discussed the Breakfast Fund-
Raiser at Applebee’s in Newtown on Saturday, July 17. The event was very successful for a first-
time activity. We hope to do even better next time.
N Sergeant-at-Arms Bob Sundling, PC, reported there had been no requests for the Color Guard
since the last meeting.
The Public Relations Officer set Aug. 20 as the deadline for submission of material for the next
LISTEN UP! The Detachment has again been requested to participate in Nockamixon Day in
U
September. More on this at the next meeting.
Quartermaster Corey Fisher reported sales of $11.00 at the last meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Young Marines Liaison Bob Sundling reported the LibertyYoung Marines Unit held its “Boot
Camp” for 12 new members in Lakehurst, NJ. The Unit is also finalizing a trip to Washington at
T the end of the month. Anyone interested in participating should contact him as soon as possible.
Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator Budd Pearce announced the next highway clean-up will be on
Saturday, Aug. 14.
Rifle & Pistol Team Captain Budd Pearce reported the Department Rifle Match will be held
E Sept. 24-26 at Ft. Indiantown Gap. The Detachment will have six members particiupating this year.
Anyone else interested in joining the Detachment team should contact him as soon as possible.
Chaplain Pearce also announced the Detachment Parade Float will undergo repairs after Labor Day.
He is still looking for members to help with the repairs.
S
OLD BUSINESS
Audit Committee--Junior Vice Commandant Gentile reported the annual audit of the Paymaster’s
records had been completed and everything was in order.
NEW BUSINESS
Senior Vice Commandant Powell presented a Marine Corps League Life Member card to Junior
Vice Commandant Jack Gentile.
A motion was unanimously accepted to donate $100 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
3

4. A motion was made and unanimously accepted to make a $100 donation to
the Wounded Warrior Project.
A motion was made and unanimously accepted to make a $100 donation to SCHEDULE
the Philadelphia Veterans Comfort House.
A motion was made and unanimosuly accepted to give a $50 honorarium to
Junior Vice Commandant Gentile for the use of his truck during this year’s
OF
Memorial Day and 4th Of July Parades.
Announcements
EVENTS
Sergeant-at-Arms Sundling announced his son--our own Marine Bob Labor day
Sundling (the younger)--is to be married on August 28. 6 september
The Sergeant-at-Arms also relatyed storties of the lengendary Seamus Garrity
and his world-renowned farm near Gettysburg where he entertains Generals
and Privates alike at sumptuous barbecues and special events.
DETACHMENT
MEETING
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned until 7:30 8 SEPTEMBER
p.m. on Wednesday, September 8.
patriot day
VA Announces Test of Paperless 11 september
Claims Processing System GRANDPARENTS
WASHINGTON--The Department of erans Benefits Management System, one DAY
Veterans Affairs (VA) has selected its re- of more than three dozen initiatives in
gional benefits office in Providence, RI, progress at VA to “break the back of the
12 SEPTEMBER
to test a paperless system and new pro- backlog.” This first VBMS pilot comes
cedures to improve processing of Veter- after completion of the Virtual Regional FIRST DAY
ans’ claims for disability compensation. Office project collocated at the Baltimore OF AUTUMN
“This test program marks a major mile- Regional Office in May 2010. VA 23 SEPTEMBER
stone in VA’s move to paperless process- brought claims processors from around
ing,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs the country to Baltimore this past spring
Eric K. Shinseki. “It supports VA’s to assist in the rapid prototyping of a dem- COLUMBUS DAY
transformation of the claims process to onstration system. 11 OCTOBER
ensure speedy delivery of benefits to Vet- Secretary Shinseki has set a goal that
erans, their families and their survivors.” by 2015 VA will process all claims within DETACHMENT
The pilot, which initially focuses on com- 125 days with 98 percent accuracy.
pensation benefits, is expected to start at VA will provide compensation, pen-
MEETING
the Providence facility in November, with sion, education, loan guaranty, vocational 13 OCTOBER
completion in May 2011. Additional pi- rehabilitation, employment, and insur-
lots are expected before the new claims ance benefits valued at nearly $70 bil- DEPARTMENT
system is deployed to all 57 VA regional lion this year to Veterans, their families STAFF MEETING
benefits offices. and survivors through 57 VA regional
The Providence pilot is part of the Vet- offices.
22-23 OCTOBER
ELECTION DAY
GOODIES FOR THE TROOPS 2 NOVEMBER
Peggy Sundling, who continues to send “Goodies to the Troops,” has provided a
sampling of items which are needed for the shipments. She cautions, “NO marine corps
CHOCOLATE!” Items include Moist Wipes--with or without aloe (some people
birthday
are allergic); Beef Jerky/Slim Jims--very popular; Hard Candy--no lollipops;
Lotions and Moisturizers; Lip Balm; Chewing Gum; Crackers/Snacks/Granola 10 november
Bars--in individual packages for easy toting; Fruit Snacks/Raisins--in individual
packages; Writing Tablets/Envelopes/Pens; Crossword Puzzles; Magazines--mili- detachment
tary, automotive, hunting, etc. (used, are fine); Drink Mixes--individual enve- meeting
lopes.
10 november
Thanks, Marines, for your continued support!
4

5. SEEKING DONATIONS
5

6. disability claim often takes the larg- notification to applicants of all
FORMS from Page 1 est portion of the processing time. information and evidence necessary
* VA Form 21-526b for Veterans If VA receives all of the available to "fully develop" and substantiate
seeking increased benefits for condi- evidence when the claim is submit- their claims. With this notification,
tions already determined by VA to be ted, the remaining steps in the claims- Veterans and their representatives can
service-connected. This new form decision process can be expedited "fully develop" their claims before
more clearly describes the informa- without compromising quality. submission to VA for processing.
tion needed to support claims for in- To participate in the FDC program, Along with the application and cer-
creased benefits. Veterans should complete and submit tification, Veterans must also submit
In order to make the claims process an FDC Certification and VA Form all relevant and pertinent evidence to
faster, VA has also introduced two 21-526EZ, "Fully Developed Claim "fully develop" their claims. A claim
new forms for Veterans participating (Compensation)," for a compensation submitted as "fully developed" may
in the Department's new fully devel- claim, or a VA Form 21-527EZ, still require some additional evidence
oped claim (FDC) program, which is "Fully Developed Claim (Pension)," to be obtained by VA, to include cer-
one of the fastest means to receive a for a pension claim. tain federal records and a VA medi-
claims decision. The forms were designed specifi- cal examination.
Gathering the information and evi- cally for the FDC program. These VA provides compensation, pen-
dence needed to support a Veteran's six-page application forms include sion, education, loan guaranty, voca-
tional rehabilitation, employment,
CENTRAL BUCKS DETACHMENT and insurance benefits to Veterans
MARINES ON THE NET and their families through 57 VA re-
gional offices.
BELSITO, Lou ....................................................................... belsito563@comcast.net Disability compensation is a tax-
CAPRIO, Paul ................................................................................... midupe@aol.com
free benefit paid to a Veteran for
CONCORDIA, Michael L. ................................................... m.concordia@verizon.net
CUPITT, Steve ................................................................................... scupitt@aol.com disabilities that are a result of--or
DeBELLA, Vincent ........................................................................ vincdebe@aol.com made worse by--injuries or diseases
DOHERTY, Joe .......................................................................... joedog7@verizon.net that happened while on active duty,
DUFF, Bob ................................................................................... duffrbt@verizon.net active duty for training or inactive
GEE, Don .................................................................................. USMCCCA@aol.com
GENTILE, Jack ........................................................... jgentile@singerequipment.com duty training. Pension is a benefit
GREGAN, Ryan ................................................................... ryangregan@comcast.net paid to wartime Veterans with lim-
HAGAN, Vincent .................................................................. vincent.hagan@pnc.com ited income, and who are perma-
HOTH, Ed ................................................................................. Edhothusmc@aol.com nently and totally disabled or age 65
JONES, Ben ..................................................................... benjaminjones1@gmail.com
or older.
KELLER, Bruce ..................................................................... bruce@taylorsbucks.com
KIER, Joseph .......................................................................... joseph.kier@verizon.net For additional information, go to
KOHLER, Bill ..................................................................... mustangcaptbill@aol.com www.va.gov <http://www.va.gov/>
KOPP, Jacob T. ............................................................................... jkopp14@mac.com or call VA's toll free benefits number
McCOMB, Jim .................................................................... jim_mccomb@verizon.net at 1-800-827-1000.
McSTAY, James F. ..................................................................... jmcstay@comcast.net
MICKELSON, Bill ............................................................ billmickelson@verizon.net
MILLER, Bill ................................................................................ billjae@verizon.net
MURRAY, Ken .................................................................... kenmur1949@yahoo.com
MOMORELLA, Bob .................................................................. mombo@starlinxcom
PARZANESE, Tony .................................................................tonyparz@hotmail.com
Take a virtual tour of the
PARZANESE, Don, Sr. ......................................................... donparzsr1@verizon.net National Museum
PARZANESE, Don, Jr. ............................................... donald.parzanese@us.army.mil
PEARCE, Budd ................................................................... Buddpearce@comcast.net
of the Marines Corps
POPP, Staci L. .......................................................................... staci1978@yahoo.com
POWELL, Jim ............................................................................. usmc80@comcast.net
PURA, John A. .............................................................................. purateam@aol.com http://
SCOTT, Rich ............................................................................ richgscott@gmail.com www.virtualusmc-
SMITH, Gary ..........................................................................sgarysemperfi@aol.com
SPILLANE, John ...................................................................... spillane3@verizon.net museum.com
SUNDLING, Bob ............................................................. bsundling@tiniusolsen.com
WALDRON, Mike ................................................................. gunnymike@verizon.net
WIMER, Lee .................................................................................. leewimer@aol.com
6

7. Quartermaster Store
Detachment Strip USMC Satin Jacket Life Member
Blazer Crest
$5.00
Cover
$25.00
Detachment
$55.00 T-Shirt
$22.00
Detachment
MCL Patch License Plate
$3.50 $10.00 $15.00
To order any of these items or any other
Marine Corps League items or Marine Corps
items and have them ready for pick-up
at the next Detachment Meeting, contact
Quartermaster COREY FISHER
at
ph: 215-822-6898
e-mail: cbquartermaster@aol.com
7

8. CENTRAL BUCKS DETACHMENT, Inc.
P. O. Box 1372
Doylestown, PA 18901-1372
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
"ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE”
Application for Membership
_____________________
Marine Corps League (Date)
Name _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Street ___________________________________________ City _______________________ State ____ Zip _________
Date of Birth _____/_____/______ Date of Enlistment/Commissioning ______________________________
Date of Discharge/Separation/Retirement ____________________ SSN _____________________________
Type of Application -- New ( ) Renewal ( ) Associate ( ) Phone (_____) _____________________________
E-mail: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
I hereby apply for membership in the CENTRAL BUCKS DETACHMENT, Marine Corps League, and enclose $30.00 for one $35.00
year’s membership (which includes subscription to MARINE CORPS LEAGUE MAGAZINE).
I hereby certify I have served as a U.S. Marine for more than 90 days, the character of my service has been honorable and,
if discharged, I am in receipt of an Honorable Discharge. By signature on this application, I hereby agree to provide proof
of Honorable Discharge/service upon request.
________________________________________ _________________________________________
(Sponsor - where applicable) (Applicant’s Signature)
Remit this form with check or money order (made payable to CENTRAL BUCKS DETACHMENT, MCL)
to: CENTRAL BUCKS DETACHMENT, P. O. Box 1372, Doylestown, PA 18901-1372