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From the Helm…. Gary Nasby- Commandant Hiram I. Bearss Det. #089

This past week Hiram I Bearss Detachment, The Marine Corps League and the world lost two great men, Don Myers, and Tom “DOC” Terpinas . How many children have been born of men that they saved on the battlefield? How many lives have they changed through their actions and leadership, both in their time serving their country and in their private life. The number is incalculable but probably staggering. I have known them both only a short 2 years, but became good friends with them both. I looked to them for their wisdom and leadership. I respected them. We should all strive to accomplish a fraction of what these two men have accomplished to leave this world a better place to live than when we entered it. I missed both funerals as I was attending the National Con-vention in NC, as I felt they both would have wanted, to ensure that our Detachment was represented, and for that I am sad. But I honored them when alive and I hope that was good enough. As a fitting tribute to them both Russ Eaglin and myself where raising a glass to toast them and Russ stated, “Myers never could go anywhere without a Corpsman!” I thought how true for the man who often re-ferred to himself as a bullet magnet. And also how true for “Doc” who was always there to take care of the Marines in his unit. Rest in peace, Both of you. Your service is done. I am available at for your comments and discussion: Phone- (317) 855-8798 E-Mail– hibcommandant@indymarines.org Semper Fidelis, Gary D. Nasby

SCUTTLEBUTTSCUTTLEBUTTSCUTTLEBUTT Memorial Tribute Edition

HIRAM I. BEARSS MARINE CORPS LEAGUE –DET #089

EDITOR: GARY D. NASBY

Special Memorial Edition AUGUST 17, 2010 www.IndyMarines.org

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Terpinas, Thomas M. AUGUST 13, 2010

Thomas Michael Terpinas, M.D. 88, of Indianapolis, passed away August 11, 2010. Dr. Terpinas proudly served our country, retiring at the rank of Captain from the USMC USN, having serviced on Okinawa and in China. He was born in Frankfort, Indiana, the eldest son of Michael and Agnes Terpinas. Dr. Terpinas graduated from Indiana University in 1942 and was a Fellow of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he received his Oral Maxillofacial surgery degree. He was a Life Member of the Indianapolis Marine Corps League, Hiram I. Bearss Detachment #089 and Past President of the 6th Marine Division 2000 and 2010. He was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. He is survived by his sister, Elena Terpinas Lea; niece, Eleni Lea (Paul) Watson; nephews, Mi-chael (Diana) Lea, Columbus, Ohio; Mark (Barbara) Lea, Denver, Colo-rado; grandniece, Rachel Lea; and grandnephews, Hunter and Ian Lea and Michael and Richard Watson. Calling will be held Friday, August 13, 2010 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center Washington Park North, 2706 Kessler Blvd. West Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46228. There will be a Trisagion Service on Friday, August 13 at 5 p.m. and a Marine Corps League service at 7 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, August 14 at 10 a.m. at the funeral center with calling one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Washington Park North Cemetery. Online condolences and a video of Dr. Terpinas may be shared at: www.flannerbuchanan.com

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Myers, Donald F. AUGUST 11, 2010

Donald F. Myers 75, of Franklin Township, passed away August 9, 2010. A retired Marine and re-tired U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Senior Counselor. Services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 13 at Singleton Community Mortuary and Memorial Center with visitation 3:00 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 12 at the Mortuary. Myers was a Korean and Vietnam War veteran and retired from the United States Marine Corps in 1973. While a platoon sergeant in Vietnam, where he fought for over two years he was awarded 2 Silver Star Medals, 2 Bronze Star Medals with "V" de-vice for valor, the Navy Commendation Medal with "V" device for valor, 5 Purple Heart Medals for combat wounds and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. He also held numerous campaign and service awards. Myers was considered as Indiana's most decorated Marine from the Vietnam War. Myers also served as a volunteer in the Indiana Guard Reserve and retired from that State authorized organization as a full Colonel. Upon retirement Myers was awarded the Indiana Distinguished Service Medal from then Governor Evan Bayh. Myers was also the recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash and was a Kentucky Colonel. Myers was recently honored with his sec-ond Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Mitch Daniels. He had also received many citations and plaques for his service to the community including two Gold Distinguished Citizen Medals from the Marine Corps League, that organizations highest award. Throughout his lifetime Myers was very active in veteran's affairs and patriotic activities. He was co-founder of the Hiram I. Bearss Detachment, Marine Corps League of Indianapolis. Myers held all top offices; in 1976 as the State of Indiana Commandant of the Marine Corps League he successfully brought that organization's National Convention to Indianapolis. Myers was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Vietnam Veterans for Veterans, Indiana Guard Reserve retired Association and the 1st and 3rd Marine Division Associations. He was also a member of the American Legion, the Military Order of Devil Dogs, and The Walking Dead Association of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marines As-sociation and the Korean War Veterans Association. Myers was a graduate of Arsenal Technical High School, where he played football and he attended the University of East Carolina. Myers also boxed in the Times-Legion Golden gloves in 1951 and 1952. He was also an Explorer Scout in the Woodside Troop #35 attaining the rank of Life Scout. He was a coach and manager for the Franklin Township Girls Little League for several years. Myers was the author of six books. His book titled Your War My War, A Marine in Vietnam was a best seller in veteran circles. Myers is survived by his devoted wife Dorothy (Renforth) Myers, recently celebrating their 41st anniversary. Other sur-vivors include daughters Mary F Kramp and Catherine J. Wilcher (Jeff) and four grandchildren, Alec, Hannah, Evan and Cory. Survivors from a previous marriage includes sons Kenneth and Michael and daughter Donna R. Melton; like a son, Bill-Tim; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be made to the Hiram I. Bearss Detachment, Marine Corps League of Indianapolis, 3561 English Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46201. www.singletonmortuary.com