News
Patriot Detachment Installs 2024 Officers.
Patriot Detachment 1230 Officers for year 2024 were installed February 21, 2024 by District 2 Vice Commandant Gene Irvin. Shown in the group photo with Irvin are (L-R) Judge Advocate John Frain, Chaplain Neil Clark, Sr., Jr. Vice Commandant Don Barder, Commandant Mike Clark, Sr. Vice Commandant Richard Weaver, Paymaster Pete Palestina and Sergeant at Arms Gus Cales.
Video for the Officers Swear-in can be found on YouTube at:https://youtu.be/_rEfPBTr168
Wreath Laying Ceremony 12/2/2023 at Union Cemetery, Richboro PA
The 20 minute ceremony was well attended and was emceed by Thomas Yaegel. The Colors were posted by the Marine Corps League Patriot Detachment 1230, the Anthem was sung by Lisa Garner, bagpiper was Jim Rembisz and keynote speaker was Tri-Hampton Rescue Chief Jason Dowd.
This is a video of the November 11. 2023 Northampton Township Veterans Day Celebration that took place at the Star Center located 30 Upper Holland Rd., Richboro, PA. Posting of the Colors provided by the Marine Corps League Patriot Detachment 1230, National Anthem sung by Lisa Garner, There were also special presentations of citations by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick via his Veterans Staff Director Peter Chong and PA State Rep. Kristin Marcell.
Pete Palestina had the pleasure of accepting, on behalf of the Patriot Detachment, the 2023 Marine Corps League Department of PA 1st place Facebook Award presented on June 21, 2023 by Division 2 Vice Commandant Gene Irvin. Pictured with Pete are Division 2 Vice Commandant Gene Irvin and Patriot Detachment Commandant Mike Clark.
It is with great sadness to report that our friend George Kelly, Jr. passed away January 19. 2023. George was a retired member of the Northampton PD as well as a member and Past Commandant of the Marine Corps League Patriot Detachment 1230. Rest in Peace brother. Enjoy this video tribute in honor of George’s memory by clicking on the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/100000316777932/videos/1265878714272324/
Services will take place on Feb. 1. 2023 at Fluehr Funeral Home 800 Newtown-Richboro Road, Richboro. The service at Fluehr’s will be 10:15 and the internment will be at 11:30 at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.
Memorial Day 2022 Videos & Photos
This is a video of the May 30, 2022 Memorial Day Ceremony held at the Robert H. Dembowski, Jr. Veterans Memorial Park, Richboro, PA. Master of Ceremonies was Retired Army Col, Wendell Rich, Color Guard provided by the Marine Corps League Patriot Detachment 1230, National Anthem sung by Lisa Garner, Taps by Council Rock HS buglers, welcome remarks by Supervisor Paula Gasper, invocation by Douglas Dwyer and unveiling of bricks representing the 12 residents killed or MIA since the Revolutionary War by representatives of the Elwell, Dembowski and Sigafoos families.
This is a clip of the 8:00AM flag raising/lowering by the Marine Corps League Patriot Detachment at the flag pole in front of the Northampton Township building on Memorial Day. May 30, 2022.
We accommodated a request by Athletes Helping Athletes (AHA) for an Honor Guard for an event on Saturday April 23, 2022, at the Miracle League Field in Northampton Township Municipal Park. The event was for the opening of their Special Needs League. Special guest was a 99 year old WW2 Marine by the name of Roland Scarinci who played God Bless America on his harmonica. Here is a link to the video clip: Vimeo.com/709312075
This is a video of the Nov. 11, 2021 Northampton Township Veterans Day event. Color Guard was provided by the Patriot Detachment 1230.
Northampton Football & Cheer Association 9/11/2021-First Responders & Military Recognition Memorial Ceremony
Color Guard was provided by the Marine Corps League Patriot Detachment.
Northampton Township 9/11 Memorial Ceremony
Flag Detail and Color Guard was provided by the Marine Corps League Patriot Detachment 1230.
2021 Officers Installed
The Marine Corps League Patriot Detachment 1230 Officers were installed April 21, 2021 by District 2 Vice Commandant Gene Irvin assisted by Sgt. At Arms Sue Irvin. Senior Vice Commandant Mike Clark, Junior Vice Commandant John Koutsouros, Adjutant Mike Lecker, Commandant Neil Clark, Sr., Paymaster Pete Palestina, Chaplain William O’Hara, Sergeant at Arms Gus Cales and Trustee John Heenan. Not available was Judge Advocate Don Barder. A video can be found at
Congrats to Don Barder.
This is a video of the February 19, 2020 swearing in of MCL Patriot Detachment 1230 Officers and Commandant Neil Clark, Sr. with District 2 Vice Commandant Gene Irvin and his wife Sue performing the honors.
Patriot Detachment members Pete Palestina, Neil Clark, John Heenan, Mike Lecker, Jimmy Clendennen, Harry Niemann participated in our January 6th Welcome Home and Flag Exchange for Coast Guard Seaman Robert Hayes and Army Major Jon Pavlovcak at the Northampton Township Board of Supervisors meeting. https://youtu.be/u-2d076Puy8
This is a video of the Dec. 7, 2019 Hometown Heroes Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Union Cemetery, Richboro, PA.
This is a video of the Nov. 20, 2019 Welcome Home and flag exchange for Northampton Air Force Sr. Airman Timothy Harman who recently returned from his deployment.
Patriot Detachment 1230 provided the Color Guard at the November 10th Northampton Township Veterans Day event. (L-R) Gus Cales, Mike Clark, John Koutsouros and Neil Clark Sr..
A video link can be found at https://youtu.be/KOhQy3pif_Y
Sad to report that Marine Corps League Patriot Detachment 1230 Past Commandant Arthur G. Ruth passed away on November 9, 2019. Born on May 7, 1928 and enlisted in the Marine Corps where he served from June 30, 1945 through June 30, 1949. He was a former member of the All Divisions Detachment from March 2, 2003 and then started and became a charter member of the newly formed Patriot Detachment where he served as Commandant from inception February 8, 2006 until February 21, 2007. He will celebrate the 244th Marine Corps Birthday in heaven with his departed Marine Brothers. Semper Fi Art, you will be missed. A video tribute can be found at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/peter.palestina.5/videos/2726208097399723/
video of the Army flag placement for deployed Northampton Township resident 1st Lt. Jacob Sweed at the October 23, 2019 Board of Supervisors meeting by his mother Margot Sweed and father Bob Sweed. Sweed is the 90th resident to be honored with a service flag since the program began on April 23, 2003. On hand for the presentation were members of the Patriot Detachment 1230 Marine Corps League (Pete Palestina, Neil Clark, Sr., Jimmy Clendennen, Don Barder and John Koutsouros.
Flag placement for Tim Harman 9/25/19
Detachment member Richard Gresko petitioned for Medal of Honor.
Here is a link to an article that appeared in the newspaper about our Detachment member Richie Gresko where the Holland Middle School students honored him, along with organizer Detachment member Joe Fabrizio, by presenting a petition to Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick to bestow the Medal of Honor to Gresko. A HERO AMONG US: Holland Middle School students petition Congress to award Medal of Honor to Newtown resident | News | buckslocalnews.com
Memorial Day 2019 Detachment Participation.
Here is a link to the video of the MCL 8:00AM flag raising/lowering.
Here is a clip from NBC10 who covered it on the TV news
https://www.facebook.com/peter.palestina.5/videos/2397379173615952/
Here is a link to the full 9:00AM video of the ceremony at Dembowski Park
We had a great turnout for the March 27, 2019 flag exchange Welcome Home for Army Specialist Tyler Reichert. A video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/zIkPY5uy_mM
Patriot Detachment 1230 was honored by Northampton Township during a March 27, 2019 public meeting of the Board of Supervisors. The Recognition plaque was accepted by Commandant Neil Clark, Sr. from Supervisors Chairman Barry Moore. The recognition cited the various activities that the Detachment provides to the residents of Northampton Township and elsewhere in Bucks County, PA.
Video can be viewed at the following YouTube links:
This is a video of MCL Patriot Detachment Commandant Neil Clark, Sr. presenting a plaque of recognition to outgoing Commandant Dick Weaver at the March 20, 2019 Installation meeting.
This is a video of the March 20, 2019 swearing in of new MCL Patriot Detachment Commandant Neil Clark, Sr. and the passing of the gavel by outgoing Commandant Dick Weaver.
This is a video of the March 20, 2019 installation of Officers for the Marine Corps League Patriot Detachment 1230. Installation official was District 2 Vice Commandant Gene Irvin assisted by Sue Irvin.
Patriot Detachment 1230 members Gus Cales, Dick Weaver, Jimmy Clendennen, Neil Clark, Harry Niemann, John Hennan and Mike Lecker assisted member Pete Palestina at the February 27th Northampton Board of Supervisors meeting where they placed a Coast Guard flag honoring deployed resident Seaman Robert Hayes. A video can be found at the following link: https://youtu.be/ClwgNkJxVPc
December 1, 2018 Wreath Laying Ceremony
Patriot Detachment 1230 provided a Color Guard and Firing Squad on December 1st at the Union Cemetery, Richboro, PA for a Hometown Heroes Wreath Laying Ceremony. A video of the event can be viewed at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/peter.palestina.5/videos/2126651964022009/
This is a video of USMC Daniel Croak’s promotion ceremony at Northampton Township on November 11, 2018. Participating in the promotion from Sergeant to Staff Sergeant were Officiator: Staff Sgt. Rudy Simmons, Officer: Col. Thomas Manion USMC (Ret) and Staff Sgt. Promotee: Daniel Croak. https://youtu.be/kaJYnEvqt0g
This is a video of Northampton Township’s Veterans Day Ceremony that took place on Nov. 11, 2018. https://youtu.be/LiFEdl-7QDc
We had another of our Patriots Flag Program placements at the September 26th Northampton Supervisors meeting September 26, 2018 in honor of Army Specialist Tyler Reichert who resides in Ivyland. Tyler has deployed to Kuwait and then will deploy from there to Iraq. Tyler’s mom Sue and his sister Kaitlyn placed Tyler’s personalized Army flag in the display during the ceremony moderated by Pete Palestina of the Marine Corps League. Reichert is the 87th Northampton resident honored with a flag under the program started in April 2003. This is video #1.
On June 9, 2018 Gus Cales presented Marine Corps League Award Certificates to Michael and Thomas Fitzpatrick, sons of former Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick and his wife Kathy. Scout Troop 168 held the ceremony at the 1st Methodist Church of Fairless Hills. Detachment member Pete Palestina was also on hand to take photos and videos. https://youtu.be/BneFxI00baI
Patriot Detachment members participated in a flag exchange directed by Pete Palestina on February 28th at the Northampton Township Board of Supervisors public meeting where they welcomed home from Afghanistan Army Maj. Kevin Loughnane and placed an Air Force flag in the township display for deployed 1st Lt. Kelsey Glover.
A video of the ceremony can be viewed at the following link: https://youtu.be/uuMfH_vYqbc
Officers of the Marine Corps League Patriot Detachment 1230 were sworn in on February 21, 2018 by Department of PA Jr. Vice Commandant Joseph Kier assisted by Harry Niemann. Detachment Commandant Dick Weaver maintained his post. Officers installed were: , Commandant Dick Weaver, Sr. Vice Commandant Neil Clark, Sr. Jr. Vice Commandant John Koutsouros, Paymaster Pete Palestina, Sgt. At Arms Gus Cales, Chaplain John Frain.
Former member Bill Dunn passed away 2/15/2018. Semper Fi Bill, RIP. http://tomlinsonfh.com/book-of-memories/3428628/Dunn-William/index.php
Patriot Detachment 1230 provided a Color Guard and Firing Squad on December 2nd at the Union Cemetery, Richboro, PA for a Hometown Heroes Wreath Laying Ceremony. A video of the event can be viewed at the following link:https://youtu.be/sy0k2FmzMlQ
We participated in the Northampton Township Nov. 11, 2017 Veterans Day event https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0IkiwhTh1Y
We participated in a Welcome Home for Airman Timothy Rihl on Oct. 25, 2017. Video https://youtu.be/0EBMsUmwlac
Patriot Detachment 1230 participated in a Northampton Veterans Expo on October 17, 2017 by having a table, providing information and seeking to recruit new members. Video clip https://youtu.be/-NPlNodKOoI
Vietnam Era Veterans Recognition Northampton 8-30-2017 a video clip can be found at https://youtu.be/b01EoYg7BkM
A video clip of Patriot Detachment Welcome Home Flag Exchange Aug. 23, 2017 for Austin Sypek: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=kYOArhx9PLg
A video clip from the Marine Corps League on why you should join the League: https://youtu.be/mBCttOE5w0M
Looking for a few good men and women to join the Marine Corps League.
This is a video by the Patriot Detachment 1230 Marine Corps League based in Richboro, PA inviting those who served in the Marines and Navy FMF Corpsmen to become members of the Marine Corps League and our Detachment.
7-16-17 Special Ceremony for Vietnam Vets
This is a video of a special ceremony honoring Bucks County Vietnam Veterans put together by State Senator Tommy Tomlinson on July 16, 2017 at Cairn University. The event was in conjunction with the Vietnam Veterans Traveling Wall displayed over the weekend at Penndel Memorial Field. https://youtu.be/PgJLhzp7M5o
June 28, 2017 Flag Placement Ceremony
On June 28, 2017 we recognized and honored for the 3rd time Army Major Kevin Loughnane who is one of our Northampton Patriots. His parents, Pat and Bill Loughnane, once again placed his Army flag in our flag display where it will lie in wait until we can again return it to him when he comes back stateside to claim it. Kevin had deployed twice before, the first time back in August 2009 to Iraq and we returned his Army flag on July 28, 2010. The second time to Afghanistan February 2012 and we returned his Army flag on March 27, 2013. Both times the Army flag was replaced with a US flag. Kevin, now an Army Major, deployed in March. Patriot Detachment 1230 members were on hand for a June 28, 2017 Northampton Township flag placement for Army Major Kevin Loughnane who recently deployed to Afghanistan. On hand for the ceremomy with Loughnane’s mom and dad were: Mike Lecker, Pete Palestina, John Koutsouros, Gus Cales, Dick Weaver, Neil Clark, Harry Niemann, Jimmy Clendennen and John Heenan. Here is a link to the video.
Welcome Home for Jeffrey Vogel March 23, 2017. Patriot Detachment 1230 members were on hand for a 3/23/17 welcome home reception for Army Specialist Jeffrey Vogel at his home.
A video clip can be found at https://youtu.be/0XuCsmtUR6E
Marines Are the Best https://youtu.be/uY9ocBCZnEU
Former Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick Honored
The Patriot Detachment Marine Corps League was pleased to present a Marine Corps League Distinguished Service Award to former Congressman Michael G. Fitzpatrick at its meeting of January 18, 2017.A video of the presentation can be found at https://youtu.be/5KKzujBQ0zg
Patriot Detachment 1230 participated in the November 11th Veterans Day unveiling of s bronze Veterans Memorial plaque dedicated to all residents of Northampton Township who have served in the armed forces of the United States.Afterwards members had a photo taken with officials (left to right) Northampton Supervisors Chairman Larry Weinstein, Gus Cales, Mike Clark, Harry Niemann, Congressman Elect Brian Fitzpatrick, Pete Palestina, State Representative Scott Petri and Commandant Dick Weaver. A link to a news article can be found at http://www.buckslocalnews.com/news/northampton-township-unveils-bronze-plaque-in-honor-of-its-its/article_4821cea6-d0da-5413-aa09-04c83cc2b5f9.html
Welcome Home 9/28/16. This is a video #1 of Army Lt. Chelsea Allen’s Welcome Home and flag exchange at the Northampton Township Board of Supervisors public meeting of September 28, 2016 https://youtu.be/qyR_-mL3kHA
Northampton Days 9/11/2016 This is a clip of the Marine Corps League Patriot Detachment leading the 2016 Northampton Days Parade on September 11th, 2016. https://youtu.be/HUNSpMJ0U7k
Raffle Ticket Winner Sold By Patriot Detachment
The Patriot Detachment Marine Corps League was pleased to present a check in the amount of $5,000 to Susan Spadafora for winning the grand prize of the June 25, 2016 raffle. The presentation was made on July 12th at the James E. Kinney Senior Center, Richboro, PA. The proceeds of the annual raffle which is sponsored by the Department of Pennsylvania Marine Corps League, benefits the Department’s Veterans and Youth Programs.
A video clip of the presentation can be found at https://youtu.be/vefNn4hHSho
To All – Help needed for our Eagle Scout Program:
With the Eagle Scout program growing rapidly commitment is vital. The motivational charge given by us to these young men, on their road through life is an intricate and important part of our roll. Support from our Detachment comrades in this objective is essential ! Check your calendar – as we inform you of these Eagle Scout Court of Honors. See if you can attend in support of this important endeavor ! When possible, if you care do a little more or wish to volunteer to assist in covering or as a presenter at any one of these events. Contact Commandant Weaver, Pete Palestina; or you can contact me Gus Cales at gcales@comcast.net cell phone number: 267-697-9038 ….
At this time we are looking to cover and/or assist at a few of the upcoming dates……….
June 11: Troop 607 2 Scouts to be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1204 Pine Grove Road, Morrisville, Pa. Scouts are: Adam Vincent Hludlinski – and Justin Andrew Ross. (Mike Lecker is attempting to do this – could use some assistance – see Mike’s note below).
June 12: Troop 10 3 Scouts to be held at the Yardley United Methodist Church, 300 Yardley Langhorne Road, Yardley, Pa. Scouts are: Zack R. Fernandez – Akask Eldo – and Noah C. Smith.
Thank You for your continued Support.
OOH RAH
Gus Cales, Detachment Member,
From Mike Lecker – I am unable to assist on the weekend of June 11 & 12. Out of town.
As you may know Gus has been representing our Detachment in a number of Eagle Scout Honor Courts. The number of requests has been significant. It is beyond a one person responsibility. As a detachment we all need to lend a hand. In addition to the June 11 & 12 weekend there are 4 scheduled for June 26.
Semper fi
Mike Lecker
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