To; Detachment Commandants, Paymasters, and membership
From; National Commandant, Dennis Tobin
Subject; current Issues.
Marines,
First,
everyone needs to calm down and relax, I understand the frustration by
members waiting to receive membership cards, checks cashed, transmittals
returned. National Headquarters is working under some very trying
conditions. Covid restrictions are still in effect especially in
Virginia. So, I will try and explain some issues and hopefully ease some
tensions and some unwanted emails and phone calls to Hdq’s.
1-
Mid Winter conference— We cannot rush into a no/go decision without it
costing us thousands of dollars, we have contractual issues. Currently
we are working closely with the Hotel. We are waiting on the Governor to
adjust or not adjust the current restrictions in Virginia. Currently it
stands at no more than 10 persons at a meeting. The Board of Trustees
has another Zoom meeting scheduled for 2 Feb. to discuss the conference
again. IF there is any way to hold a face to face conference we will.
2—Transmittals and membership cards,
a)
Currently Hdq’s staff is working on transmittals received as of this
past Monday, dated, December, November, October, September, August, and
even July, again please take note that these were just received at
Headquarters on Monday
b)
Membership Cards—Printing of the cards is a slow process. working the
transmittals is not once we have them. During the months of Nov, Dec and
Jan there were major slow downs in the postal system.
c)
Gold Cards, 1/2 half been processed and there are currently 600 at the
printer, they were on the December transmittals and went to the printer
as a Jan. order.
d)
Checks— under a new system, checks are deposited as soon as they are
received, a form is then filled out with the check info and stapled to
the transmittal identifying the check.
3—Where is the roster? right in front of you, its in the database
for all Detachment and Department paymasters to look at and print out if
needed. there is going to be a time ( very soon ) when the only roster
coming from National will be the one for voting strength for the
convention.
All Detachment and Department paymaster must learn to us the database portal for their needed info.
4—
How to use the portal, there are directions posted on the members
library on the National website. If you have a problem COO Bob Borka
stands ready and willing to talk you through it.
Please read and understand that our staff is working hard for you under strict conditions.
Please, avoid nasty phone calls and emails to National Headquarters.
go through your chain of command for answers and help.
Last but not least remember we are still under COVID RESTRICTIONS, SLOW DOWNS AND EVEN SHUTDOWNS.
When calling Headquarters, Please be RESPECTFUL!!!!!!!!!!
Semper Fi
Dennis Tobin
National Commandant
