Veterans History Project: Record Your Military Story
President Ronald Reagan Funeral
 Airforce One fly-by over the Library |
 Motorcade arrives |
|
 Hearse arrives |
 Hearse closer |
 Hearse in directly front |
 Inset showing a portion of the flag |
 Family car |
 Family Car with inset of Mrs. Reagan |
 The backup hearse! |
President Ronald Reagan Detachment 597 Beginnings
|
|
The President Ronald Reagan Detachment of the Marine Corps League was issued on June 30, 1985. The Official signers of the Charter are: Robert N. Forsyth, National Commandant; David M. Monroe, National Vice Commandant; and Monte Montenegro, Department of California Commandant.
The Charter Member Officers of 597 were: Paul Molé, Sr., Commandant; Stephen Hodowanic, Sr. Vice Commandant; Donald M. Shaw, Jr. Vice Commandant; Allen H. Ferrin, Judge Advocate; and Richard O. Berg, Adjutant/Paymaster. Paul Molé, Sr. passed away in April 2008.
In addition to the above named officers, the charter members of 597 are as follows:
|
|
|
The story of 597 goes back beyond the Charter date to Sept. 1984. Paul Molé, Sr. along with SSgt. Steve Hodowanic and SSgt. Peter Cordera (both Marine Recruiters) sought former and active duty marines from the local area to establish a charter membership with the required number of members. In June, 1985, the Charter was granted.
Since 1985, and continuing today, the President Ronald Reagan Detachment 597:
- Leads the Annual Parades of Simi Valley, Conejo Valley and Agoura with its Color Guard
- Participates in ceremonies for Memorial Day and Veteran's Day in Simi and Camarillo
- Participated in ceremonies for the travelling Viet Nam Memorial Wall
- Directly supported the disadvantaged children and young adults at Camarillo Sate Hospital until it was closed
- Aid, assist and support our brother and sister Marines, their units and their families. This assistance has involved transportation, lodging and financial aid in times of extreme emergency
- Participate in the annual Toys-For-Tots
Captain Darrell S. Tipples, USMC
Nov. 8, 1958 - July 31, 1985
Rattlesnakes VMO-2
MAG-39, 3d MAQ, FMF Pac
 Darrell Tipples |
First Lieutenant Darrell S. Tipples entered the Marine Corps in May 1981. After attending Oregon State University on an ROTC scholasrship, and graduating with honors in Business Administration, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. He reported for duty to Basic School, Quantico, VA. Upon completion of training he was assigned to Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida, for flight training. After initial training he was transferred to Meridian MS, for further training in jet aircraft. Upon completion of flight training in March 1984, 1st Lt. Tipples was designated a Naval aviator and ordered to VMO-2, MCAS Camp Pendleton, for training in the OV-10 aircraft as a Squadron pilot. 1st Lt. Tipples served as CMCC Officer and later as the Squadron Adjutant. He is survived by his wife, Sherri.
The detachment "Darrell S. Tipples Memorial Award is named in his honor. The award selection is made by Don Tipples, father of Darrell. The inscription on the award plaque reads:
"The Darrell S. Tipples Memorial Award is presented in memory of a Marine Corps Pilot whom we honor by emulating his integrity, determination and esprit de corps. May we zealously serve the Corps, our Country and Community to assure the opportunity of all Americans to relish life as Darrell did."
The award also consists of a Detachment Distinguished Citizenship Medal with Marine Corps emblem device, and is presented at the Annual Awards Banquet.
Past recipients:
|