Received a Sick Bay report of Gerry Gutshall that reported he has had his share of problems since he had his knees replaced in February.  He was coming along pretty well, until cellutis set in above his right knee.  It has been very painful and he has had to go back to using the walker or cane.

Medicine wise he has to be very careful that the drugs he does take don't interact in a negative way.  For sure he can't take anything with Aspirin or Aleve in it.

Heard from the Protheroe's who say hello and regards to all.  Doc has been busy doing yard work in anticipation of leaving on a trip. They are planning to leave for Florida in a few weeks for their winter vacation along with the snow birds heading south via the Intra-coastal and hope that they miss and snow trying to creep down south. They are anticipating being able to soak up a few months of the Florida Sun.

Jane mentioned that she recently received service records of a great uncle, USMC 1900-1905, which about forty some years ahead of us.  He left service after five years as a Sergeant.  They sent along newspaper clippings regarding Marines and events at Parris Island which are included with this Newsletter.

We also heard from Nancy Kobussen, Bob Pollack's daughter who reported that Lean had been in the hospital for 2½ days recuperating from a heart attack.  She will have to undergo surgery at some point but is home now doing recuperation in anticipation of the required surgery.

Waxie Prankard sends his regards to all.  He sent along his email address for listing in the monthly Newsletter.

Ralph McClain sends his regards to all.  Everything is proceeding well with him and he hopes the same for all members.

Nick Bozic says hello to all.  He is feeling good but has to take care of how he endeavors to move about.  His right knee remains bandaged up which helps him when he tries to walk.  He can't take more than two steps at a time so he doesn't try to move around too quickly.

He has to use a walker when he does try to walk or try the wheel chair and even then he limits his moving activities.

He mentioned that they have been undergoing a cold spell, 9 deg temp.  They are waiting for a snow storm which will make their current snow fall of 5-6 inches  

look tame.  The anticipated snow storm is supposed to be in the two digit category.  Last year they had 40 plus inches of snow during the snow season.

Sandy Hudspeth is in the process of being released from the hospital.  He will still have to have some assistance in moving about when he gets home.  They are considering an assisted living routine which will be implemented once he returns  home.

Foster Cummings sends his best to all.  Their local weather is trying to force winter upon them rather early this year, the temperature has been around 21 degrees on some of the days.  He said that he had his annual Marine Corps Birthday Party at his home with around 22 Marines and family members in attendance.   

Joe McDonald and Rita were among those in attendance.  They came down from Maine and both were very peppy. 

They also attended the Annual Boston Marine Corps Birthday Ball and Banquet.  This was held at the Convention Center in Boston with over 1600 in attendance.

The guest speaker was a General from Headquarters Marine Corps, and he was able to give them up to date Marine Corps news.   Foster said that things are not too well squared away in the combat zones so it is necessary for the Corps to really stay abreast of the opposition to avoid any surprise activity.

Spoke to Jim Garls who sends his regards to all.  He said that he is still having a walk problem and uses a special walker out of doors around the property and another walker for inside the house use.  In both instances he maintains patience to make sure that no sudden accidents will occur.

Jim also sent along some newspaper pictures and article about a home six blocks from his residence which was being rushed to completion for the benefit of an

eight year old boy.  This boy suffers from a disease that causes his bones to break easily and since his old house was inaccessible to him it was demolished and replaced by a 4000 square foot, seven bedroom home, four bathroom house.  The television show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" will run later this year.

Jim did  mention that our reserves for special affairs are getting low.  It would be appreciated if members could make contributions to VMB 613 so that we can continue our efforts in making contributions to specific special affairs such as we have been doing for many years.  Forward contributions to me and I will coordinate with Jim on funds received.

I called Red Nelson who says hello to all hands.  His left leg is still in a critical condition which has stopped him from walking.  He is still bed ridden and remains under the control of his Doctor.  This means he has to move about very slowly so as not to disturb his over all system.  He reported that Evelyn is in fine condition and maintains control over his actions to make sure that he doesn't have any accidents due to falling while endeavoring to move around.

Sam Wolfe sent along a letter wherein he thanked us for the monthly newsletter.  He said that it contained great information re: the squadron and members.  Since he was able to locate us after so many years of silence he said that he has been in touch with Foster Cummings, Donald Clay and Nick Bozic and had great conversations with all of them.

He said that he remembered Robert Yanacek's Dad, Paul, and that Robert should be thanked by all for his terrific job of updating and enlarging the Squadron website.

I located a typed copy of the VMB 613 history that was distributed to all members a few years ago and informed him that a copy was on the way to him.  He said that he is looking forward to receiving it.

Bob Polakowski's daughter, Joan, has been working on the plans for our 2009 Reunion but reported that she will have to fall back to the year 2010 due to demanding matters that take precedent.