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Leatherneck Marine group is more than just a few good men

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By PAUL CATALA The Sun

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 1, 2009

For a combined 41 years, the men lived and breathed patriotic duty, from the jungles of Vietnam to the rugged terrain of Korea, to diligent, stateside support.

And even after spending a significant part of their lives in duty with the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy, Jim Glass, Don James and Paul Courter, as well as about 25 area veterans, still keep the service spirit alive as bonafide "Leathernecks."

A military slang term for a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, Leatherneck refers to the high leather collar on early Marine Corps uniforms designed to protect the neck from a sword blow during battle.

Although none of the current Leatherneck member are protecting their necks from swords, the Sun City Center and Kings Point Leathernecks stand just as proud as their days in the line of duty.

Gathered in Glass' East Del Webb Boulevard home, the Marine veterans planned upcoming fundraising and charitable events. As part of the Sun City Center Community Association Clubs, as well as socializing, the organization's members spend much of the year organizing various charitable programs.

Glass, 78, who served from 1951 to 1962, said although a lot of the comradery includes war stories, the focus is on events, welcoming new members and activities. Gatherings are held at 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday each month, year-round, in the Atrium Building on South Pebble Beach Boulevard. According to Glass, Marine Corps and Navy veterans are "together for life."

"In the Corps, you're taught to care for and look out for one another. That goes beyond the Marine Corps; once you get out, that ethic stays with you," said Glass, a retired telephone technician.

Glass explained that due to the demographics of Sun City Center, most of the members are in their 50s to 80s and veterans of Vietnam and before. However, he said Marine and Navy veterans of any conflict are welcome.

The youngest of the three Leathernecks at the meeting, James, 68, who spent from 1957 to 1984 in the Marines - including four years in Vietnam - retired as a major. A retired defense contractor, he said most members are excited to be involved with the charity aspect of the group.

In 2008, the Leathernecks purchased $1,600 in prepaid phone cards for servicemen in Ramadi, Iraq. Most of the money came from the Leathernecks' participation in the annual Funfest, monthly 50-50 raffles and individual contributions. In December 2008, Company A of the 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion received the phone cards and the Leathernecks received a letter of appreciation from its Commanding Officer.

In March, the club participated in the Sun City Center FunFest, raising $1,200 for the phone cards for Marines in Afghanistan. They also held a Spring Fling prior to the departure of seasonal members for the summer and on Memorial Day, the Leathernecks participated with other service organizations in the Sun City Center Memorial Day celebration.

For information, call Glass, (813) 633-4298.

Reporter Paul Catala can be reached at (813) 731-1970 or pcatala@mediageneral.com

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