THE RIFLE
OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER
MEMORIAL RIFLE SQUAD
FORT SNELLING NATIONAL CEMETERY
NOVEMBER 2005
** 45,052 AS OF NOVEMBER 4, 2005 -- THAT’S THE NUMBER OF VETERANS ACCORDED FINAL MILITARY HONORS BY THE FORT SNELLING NATIONAL CEMETERY MEMORIAL RIFLE SQUAD, SINCE JUNE 1979.
** VOLUNTEERS WANTED -- See the sign up sheet, to be posted November 18, 2005, in the Squad Room – For Wednesday, December 7, 2005, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – Veterans Building, State Capital – program starts at 9:00 AM – it is a short program that includes Presentation of Colors and the traditional three volley rifle salute by the Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad.
Three volleys, (Volley a derivative of the Latin verb Vole), comes from a centuries old battlefield custom. The two warring sides would cease hostilities to clear their dead from the battlefield, and the firing of three volleys meant that the dead had been properly cared for and the side was ready to resume the battle. *
** SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS – Your Squad Leaders, during the Squad leaders meeting held October 22, 2005, voted to contribute $315.00(Three Hundred Fifteen Dollars) to buy spotlights for a USMC Unit in Iraq – These young men and women will use the spotlights to search out terrorist and bombs – A member of the Tuesday Squad is presently serving with this Unit.
**WINTER WEAR --- Before Winter arrives, your Parkas will have knit cuffs; at about $15.00 (Fifteen Dollars) per Parka. -- The added comfort and warmth will be welcome when the wind blows, the snow flies, and the temperature is 30 below zero.
** PURCHASE ORDERS – Effective October 22, 2005, the Squad implemented a Purchase order system – This will effectively accelerate the acquisition of uniforms, and/or any product or service required by the Squad – See the Quartermaster for a P.O.; he will issue the number as needed – it provides the Squad Financial Officer with a fiscal tool and the
Quartermaster with the information needed to supply your needs in a timely manner.
**EMAIL ADDRESSES – do you have an email address? If you do, please send it to tnemzek@bcmn.com -- We would like to have as many email addresses as possible so that we can communicate faster and more efficiently.
**ARTHUR SMITH, CEMETERY DIRECTOR – In addition to his introductory remarks at the Squad leaders meeting, announced that three Columbaria are scheduled for construction at Fort Snelling National Cemetery – They will accommodate 5,500, 6,500, and 6,500 Veterans, Spouses and other eligible family members.
**LEAD CAR DRIVERS – Had requested that each Squad park in the same location at committal sites; Squads have done so, and the Lead Drivers thank you very much as they know where to expect you. – You have their sincere appreciation.
**FORT SNELLING HONOR SOCIETY – Is in need of volunteers – The Society was formed in 1991, endorsed by General Colin Powell and since 1991 has presented more than 17,000(Seventeen Thousand) cards to the families of Veterans buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Please contact Society Chairperson, Marlys J. Johnson at 763-551-1771 or by mail at 10540 43rd Avenue North, #205, Plymouth, MN 55442 – Tell your spouse or significant other about this opportunity to honor Veterans and their families – Encourage them to volunteer, and/or to call Ms. Johnson for more details.
**WIND BREAKERS -- Commander Melter proposed that the Rifle Squad purchase Windbreakers for members who wish to order them. – Your cost will be $10.00(Ten Dollars) with the Squad paying the remainder. You can wear them off the cemetery – Windbreakers will come complete with the Squad Emblem, and will include a diminutive, dignified message, inspiring viewers to ask about volunteering for the Squad.
**DATES TO REMEMBER – Write these important dates on your over-crowded social calendar:
Saturday. January 7, 2006 – Annual Squad meeting, 10:00 AM, Roseville American Legion Post 542 – Lunch will be served.
Sunday, April 23, 2006 – Installation Dinner, 2:00 PM, Mancini’s, St. Paul.
Respectfully submitted,
Ted Nemzek, Vice Commander
*Source -- Military District Of Washington
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