Road Runner Pound 112

DD Frank (Gunny) Alger-- On November 22, 2008, Gunny was awarded the "GUNNY" award by the Mesa Veterans Parade Association for the second year in a row.  This award was given for his outstanding service, dedication and leadership ensuring that the city of Mesa does not lose it's Veterans Day Parade and ceremonies. 

From: Michael B. Kesseler, National DIrector

To:  Frank Alger, Sr., USMC (Ret)

Frank,

On behalf of the many Young Marines you have mentored over the years, I want to personally estend my thanks for your volunteer service.  From the beginning, you have demonstrated time and again that your young charges were the focus of your attention and that yu wanted only the best for them.  Your dedication to the cause at hand and the many hours you  contributed serve as a benchmark for other volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of our youth.  You have succeeded in that effort to a level for which you should be very proud.  The countless numbers that have fraduated and gone on to do other things owe you a  tremendous debt of graditude for your leadership.  You opened doors, provided guidance, and worked through some very serious issues with vigor and enthusiam. Speaking on behalf of the National Heaadquarters, your professionalism in the face of a couple of serious incidents saved the day for us where the media could have clearly have made the program look bad.  You prevented that from happening, and I thank you.

As you step aside, old friend, you know that those of us at the National Headquarters know you will not soon be forgotten.  I want to agin thank you for your service to your country, to our program, for what you contributed in helping to shape the future of this great land.

You are being presented the National Director's Distinguished Order of Merit for your service to the Young Marines of the Marine Corps League.

Michael "Mike" Kessler

USMC (Ret)

                                                                                      25 January 2008

Dear Jerry Walker,

On behalf of the United States Marine Corps, I extend my sincere appreciation for your contributions in support of the Marine Corps' recruiting mission during 2007. You and many other quality citizens have generously given of your time, rendered assistance, volunteered, or served as representatives of our Corps within your communities. Your efforts played a key role in making 2007 a successful year for our recruiters. As a result, your local recruiters wish to express their gratitude and have selected you for the Commandant of the Marine Corps' Quality Citizen Recognition Program.

Through your actions, you have demonstrated an exceptional degree of dedication to your Marine Corps - epitomizing our core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. The freedom we enjoy in this country is far more than a birthright. It is something that must be earned and secured by each succeeding generation of Americans. As a Nation, we are endowed with many blessings and an enduring belief in our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Freedom, however, is not free. Your Marine Corps is at the forefront in defending our Nation and preserving our way of life. Your abiding sense of patriotism and assistance to our recruiting mission this past year is both meaningful and deeply appreciated.

Your active support of the Marine Corps and your local recruiters remains essential to setting the conditions for success in the New Year and securing the future of our country. Thank you for standing with the Few, the Proud, the Marines!

Semper Fidelis,

James T. Conway

General, U.S. Marine Corps

Commandant of the Marine Corps

HM1 Jerry D. Walker, USN (Ret)

       2411 W. 14th Street

        Tempe, AZ 85281 

PDD Edward D. MacIntyre-- Eddie was inducted into the Arizona Veteran Hall of Fame Class of 2002. Here is his BIO:

Born in New York City in 1933. Enlisted in U.S. Marine Corps in 1953 and served 12 years in active and reserve assignments. Owned a small neighborhood tavern in metropolitan Phoenix for over 36 years that became an unofficial Marine Corps League headquarters and recruiting center, as well as a charity fund raising entity. He raised $14,000 for the Ira Hayes Detachment, Marine Corps League, and averaged $1,000 a year for the Marine Corps League National Scholarship Program. In an eight-year period, Jerry's Kids received $35,000 in the fight against muscular dystrophy. Volunteered at the Carl Hayden VA Medical Center for 27 years, amassing some 9,000 hours in escort service and as a van driver. Elected as 43^rd National Commandant of the Marine Corps League in 1985. On June 6, 1986, the Mayor of Indianapolis declared a "Commandant Edward D. MacIntyre Day," and he was named Marine Corps League "National Marine of the Year" in 1988. Remains active in  the Marine Corps League, his Church, and Masonic Fraternity activities.

PDD Frank Alger and DD Frank (Gunny) Alger--were both awarded the National Jr. Vice Commandant's Citiation on September 22, 2007 for recruiting 9 and 5 (Respectively) new members into the MCL.

PDD Donald L. (Santa) Jones-- Santa was inducted into the Arizona Veteran Hall of Fame Class of 2007 on October 26, 2007. Here is his BIO:

Born in Miami, Florida in 1929.  Entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1946, served in Vietnam, retired in 1976 with rank of Master Sergeant.  While employed by Mountain Bell, he served as an Arizona Highway Patrol Reserve Officer for 12 years, attaining the rank of Sergeant.  An active member of the Wayfarers Masonic Lodge in Sunnyslope.  Dedicated volunteer at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center where he has amassed more than 42,500 volunteer hours.  With snow white hair and beard, “Santa” works daily in the Volunteer Office for his fellow veterans.  Was named Arizona 1994 Mason of the year, and is the recipient of the “Twelve Who Care” Hon Kachina Award.  Member of the Veteran’s Service Association, Past Commandant of the Marine Corps League, and a 30-year church elder.

DD Frank (Gunny) Alger-- Gunny was awarded the "GUNNY" award by the Mesa Veterans Parade Association for his leadership on November 10, 2007.  This award was given for his outstanding service, dedication and leadership ensuring that the city of Mesa does not lose it's Veterans Day Parade and ceremonies.