(07/23/25) The Retired Men’s Club of Arlington attended an excellent professionally made video presented by Phil Ste Marie on WWII Guadalcanal. The island did not have a canal and had a year-round temperature of 87 degrees with a rainfall of 197 days.
The Japanese were constructing an airfield which had strategic implications. We listened how 3 USA ships guarding the men were ambushed and destroyed but landing marines, needing 5 days to offload, were left unbothered.
The resulting campaign lasted 6 months, with the loss of 60 ships, 1,200 airplanes and the deaths of more than 30,00 men.
(07/09/25) The Retired Men’s Club of Arlington attended an excellent presentation on The Ukrainian War. It was given by Brigadier General (Retired) Len Kondrtiuk.. Len began with a background on Ukraine followed with what led to war, and a background on Putin. He discussed the Russians failures, training logistical support and leadership. Phase II was then discussed followed by Phase IV, V and VI. Len told us about the Russian Way of War, war crimes, attacks on population and infrastructure, trying to break the will of the people. The Ukrainian Army versus the Russian Army was discussed, followed by loss of Russian weapons systems and US weapons/equipment sent to Ukraine The presentation lastly covered the Present Situation, Putin’s Demands. US Demands of Ukraine, What Ukraine Is Seeking, and Realities.
It was an outstanding education on what is now a current subject.
For additional information about the Retired Men’s Club of Arlington, visit www.rmcarlington.org or call Peter Galluzzo at 781-646-7758.
from the actual historical account from the book “Lions of Medina”. It’s the story of “Vietnam 1967: Operation Medina & the Marines of Charlie Company”.
He told us how Charlie Company faced a vastly superior North Vietnam force in an all-night battle and, how against all odds, prevailed.
He began orientating us with Vietnam maps to show where his story was headed and then presented the US force’s plan of attack. Jim led us through Charlie Company’s fighting the close-encounter attacks through the all night battle. Jim reflected on the repeated heroism throughout the battle and how it was finally won.
Jim may be contacted at jamesrams@verizon.net
We listened how Chanceller Bismark united the country from some 300 states to 30. We learned how WWI and resulting Treaty of Versailles stipulated unachievable retributions. These were exacerbated by the depression, unemployment and hyper-inflation. Germany’s first experiment in democracy, what we call the Weimar Republic, ended in 1933, giving way to Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime and leading to the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust and World War II.
Understanding what went wrong in Germany however, can help us secure democratic forms of government at home and abroad.”
For further information about “The End Of The Weimar Republic And The Rise Of Hitler”, contact William Kohler PHD at william.koehler@regiscollege.edu
The Retired Men’s Club of Arlington listened to Jack Nagle, Director for Arlington’s public housing. He discussed the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Programs. It is the central system used for all individuals interested in applying for State-+Aided public housing at any Massachusetts housing authority. He continued with how public housing applicants have items to consider to qualify. One of the considerations was the treating of $2k income with $1M in the bank from sale of house. Maintenance and operating costs were presented and how they were met with income sources. Jack continued with the needs for Capital Improvement. Items Included were Electrical improvements, roof / window replacements and fire alarm / sprinkler upgrades. The presentation concluded with our members asking many questions, asked and answered.
The Retired Men’s Club listened to an excellent presentation by Steve Buckley, reporter for the Atlantic. Steve began with relating how he asked Stacy James, PR Director for the Patriots if he could speak privately with Gerard Mayo, Pats coach. Steve then discussed how it happened and the following interview. He followed by stressing to us, the importance of walking as an exercise. It is low impact and you observe things around you. Steve was asked to discuss Bill Belichick. We were rewarded with his discussion at length. There were 13 professional sports championships since 2001. Steve related how he is one of three remaining who covered them all. The meeting was then opened to member questions, which were all answered in detail. Steve is the founder of the Oldtime Baseball Game, an annual summer time celebration of Baseball and charity event played St. Peter’s field, 99 Sherman St, in Cambridge. This year‘s game was be played on August 22 at 7 p.m
Robert Siciliano began his cyber security presentation telling us 27 billion records were exposed in the first half of 2020. It exceeded the total records exposed in 2013 by 12 billion. All of our information is already out there. He continued; Nearly 10 billion passwords leaked in what may be the biggest dataset of its kind ever. Your passwords may be in the hands in the hands of a criminal. We want to make our information useless to a criminal.
Robert went on to discuss 2 factor authentication for all of our critical accounts. He then discussed password security and password managers. The low hanging fruit for the bad guys is just going to the dark web and getting your passwords. He then discussed credit freezes and their benefit. He brought a pile of his book with him and it took a few minutes to sell them all.
Robert may be reached at robertsiciliano@gmail.com
The Retired Men’s Club of Arlington listened to David Butz discuss “Energy Realities”. David discussed the how possibilities for the future of energy supply are considered with an emphasis on clean generation, abundant power for the world’s needs, and practical technology. He gave a review of the world of Renewables – principally Wind and Solar. David followed with a reexamination of the potential of Nuclear Energy to meet the needs of society. Lastly David included a review of current developments and advances in our country and the world.
David Butz may be e-mailed at debutz@verizon.net
The Retired Men’s Club of Arlington listened to an excellent presentation of Antarctic aviation from the 1920’s to the current day. Fred Santino portrayed how Antarctica’s severe, unpredictable weather makes flying risky. Imagine in the early flying days, one had to find the Antarctic landing site or perish. Should there be a whiteout, there were no alternatives. Should one crash, you depended on people finding you. Fred also recounted his personal ordeals of danger, whiteouts, crashes and near-death experience during two Antarctic deployments as a US Navy Aircrewman.
For further information about Fred’s presentation, contact Fred at fredsantino6@outlook.comfred His book on Amazon is: Milestones, Mishaps, & Management: The Story of Antarctic Aviation, by Fred Santino, 2022. ISBN 979-8218060282 $19.95 Available on Amazon.com
(05/08/2024) District Attorney of Middlesex County, Marian Ryan gave an outstanding presentation on the current issues of elder scam. She gave us her professional experiences with several real-life criminals and their methods of operation. Ms. Ryan related how the criminal goes to jail but only very seldom will the money be recovered. Issues also discussed included: IRS calls, gift cards, “Grampy” calls, how your personal information is obtained, “you have a virus”, contractors in your home, loaning your credit card, and relatives. She also told us how to protect ourselves when using Healthcare proxy’s and Power of Attorney. Her outstanding presentation concluded with answering our members personal questions. : District Attorney Ryan’s office may be contacted by emailing elizabeth.conroy@mass.gov.
(04/24/2024) Dan LeClerc gave the Retired Men’s Club of Arlington an excellent presentation on WWI. Dan took WWI top military leaders and described their specific talents and/or faults, also, how they related to their soldiers. He would praise some generals as cool, calm, strategic, courageous, cunning, innovative, and then follow with a few minutes of specific details. Dan also faulted other generals as overwhelmed, unimaginative, haughty and lack of strategic imagination. He then provided stories with details. His presentation included several slides to include photos of the generals, artillery and maps of battles. For further information: Dan may be contacted at danleclerc3@gmail.com
Mark Thompson gave an excellent WWII presentation on “Why Were 100,000 Germans in August 1944 allowed to flee from the Falaise Pocket?” Mark began with diagrams showing where the Allies and Germans were placed and how divisions of Germans were surrounded and then allowed to escape.
He spoke about “Meta Decisions” and how they applied to Generals Omar Bradley and George Patton. Other players were also discussed and how they impacted the situation. Mark then discussed the Armies’ organizations and how they were greatly impacted by those decisions, For more specific information about the club’s outstanding presentations, please consider attending the meetings.
Mark may be contacted by e-mailing him at mtwonders@gmail.com
The Retired Men’s Club of Arlington watched a professional video of the WWII history of The Battle of the Coral Sea. We learned: Why New Guinea and Port Morsby were so important to the Japanese conquests. We learned the contributions the “Code Breakers” achieved, the day one minor battles and their outcomes. The presentation discussed the significance of the carriers Lexington and Yorktown. We heard the details of the day 2 battle, followed by the discussion of who won. The discussion followed to both of the battles immediate and strategic implications.
For further information about the Retired Men’s Club, e-mail Peter Galluzzo at pjgtaxes@yahoo.com
3/13/2024-Retired Men’s Club of Arlington Listens to “The Great American Eclipse”
Astronomer John Scheff gave the following excellent presentation about the upcoming American eclipse: A Total Solar Eclipse has been described as one of nature’s grandest spectacles, and you owe it to yourself to see one in your lifetime. There’s one that happens somewhere on Earth every 18 months, on average, but they often occur in remote and inhospitable regions.Just seven years ago, on August 21, 2017, Americans had a chance to view a “Great American Eclipse”. The best part of the eclipse, in which the Moon completely blocked out the Sun, was visible only from a narrow path that stretched from Oregon to South Carolina. Millions of people saw it, but New England (weather aside) missed out.This April, another “Great American Eclipse” is coming, and this time, its path of totality crosses New England. This will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the US until 2024, and the last visible from New England until 2079! Are you ready?
John Schiff may be available for additional information at jsheff000@gmail.com
The Retired Men’s Club listened to an excellent presentation by Henry Quinlan talking about his 50 years of publishing. Henry’s story was a series of excellent tales, each as a take-away from one of his many published books. They included tales from Larry Bird, Bill Russel, and Prince William. Wally Shirra spoke about his boredom while spending a week in a space capsule. Henry also spoke about looking for pick-pockets in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ted Kennedy needing a bath,
Brad Park and the Russians, followed with ”No cops at my funeral”.
Henry may be contacted at henry@omni-pub.com
The Retired Men’s Club listened to an incredible story about taking-out the Dong Ha Bridge. The bridge was defended by 700 South Vietnam marines who were going to be attacked by 15,000 North Vietnam troops and 44 versus 200 tanks. The North’s forces had to use the bridge to cross the river.
On Easter Sunday, April 2, 1972, U.S. Marine Corps Captain John Walter Ripley entered Marine Corps lore, when he single-handedly halted a major North Vietnamese offensive by blowing up the Dong Ha Bridge just south of the Demilitarized Zone in South Vietnam.
Jim did a master story tellers job, relating the non-stop, life-threatening risk Captain Ripley endured for several hours, to successfully complete the mission.
Jim may be contacted at jamesrams@verizon.net
For additional information about the Retired Men’s Club of Arlington, visit www.rmcarlington.org or call Peter Galluzzo at 781-646-4475.
(01/10/2024) The Retired Men’s Club of Arlington listened to author Herb Crehan deliver an excellent presentation about the history of the Boston Red Sox.
Herb’s new presentation is titled “I didn’t know that” He went through his data base of 150 former Red Sox players and identified one dozen interesting facts the general public doesn’t know about. They ranged from Frank Sullivan, Jackie Jensen, Sammy White, Pedro Martinez and more.
Author Herb Crehan is a regular contributor to Red Sox magazine for more than 24 years. He combines his unparalleled access to the team’s players with his unparalleled knowledge and love for the team.
Herb may be contacted at hcrehan@crehanassoc.com
RMCA Listens to Breaking the Japanese Code
(11/22/23) Note: an equipment problem prevented our scheduled speaker
The Retired Men’s Club of Arlington watched a professional video of the WWII history of breaking the Japanese code. We learned about the variety of skill types possessed by the codebreakers had and the code consisted of 45,000 different five-digit number groups. The challenge was to discover the Japanese plans to include their where, when and strength.
The presentation included: Joseph Rochefort and Edwin Layton, the incredible code breaking discovery process and it’s resulting successes,
Also included was: The Japanese fleet, Port Morsby, the Admiral Nimitz’s dilemma, the two versus four aircraft carriers, Vice Admiral Frank Fletcher and the number of years the secrecy cloak remained.
RMCA listens to Elaine Miller
Elaine Miller gave a comprehensive presentation of 2024 Medicare Updates. She explained the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage, understanding your costs for 2024 including deductibles and hear about ways you and your family can save money on prescriptions. SHINE is sponsored by Medicare and has approximately 32 insurance programs. they can search to see which canl best serve your needs. Elaine can be reached by emailing e.miller@minutemansenior.org ….Visit SHINE by going to: HTTPS://bedfordma.gov/549/Health-Insurance.
RMCA Listens to the WWII Dolittle Raid
(10/25/23) The Retired Men’s Club of Arlington watched a professional video of the WWII history of the Dolittle Raid. We listened to how and why the idea of launching long range bombers from an aircraft carrier was conceived and executed and why Stalin would not let the fuel exhausted plains land in Russia.
The planning included how many bombers would fit on a carrier, the importance of a second carrier and executing the speed necessary to launch. The Army pilots had to learned to navigate over the ocean. We learned why the launch was rushed and the huge importance of a “bean bag”. We covered the bombing results, the crew and the number of survivors.
We lastly covered the mission’s aftermath and its results on American morale.
RMCA Listens to Brightview Senior Living
Steve Buell gave our members a comprehensive introduction about Brightview and senior living in general.
We learned when, and more importantly, why, to be familiar with details. about senior living
Steve discussed types of senior living, how to pick a room, rents, minimums, and optional add-ons and their costing.
Our members questions were also answered about several types of costs.
It was a great opportunity to look ahead at possible paths for all of us.
Steve Buell can be contacted at sbuell@bvsl.net or 781-646-0837 for more information about Brightview and senior living.
RMCA Listens to Heart Health
(09/27/2023) RMCA was privileged to be visited by (L) Mary DeCourcey, MS Director, Community Benefits and ( R ) Marie McCune, RN.
Marie McCune, RN. gave us a comprehensive presentation on heart health. She presented to us, information about our heart, how it works and the importance of keeping it healthy. Marie included statistics on heart disease and the basics of how our heart works. We also learn about risk factors for heart disease and how we can improve our overall health by lowering our risk factors that we have the power to change. A question and answer period followed
For additional information about the Retired Men’s Club of Arlington, visit www.rmcarlington.org or call Peter Galluzzo at 781-646-4475.
RMCA Listens to Watergate, 50th Anniversary
(08/23/2023) Dan Breen presented Watergate – 50th year anniversary to the Retired Men’s Club of Arlington. It was an outstanding, step by step, historical account of the Watergate scandal. Dan began with the recorders. Dan’s presentation continued with: The NY Times “Pentagon Papers”, Daniel Ellsberg, Chuck Colson, Gordon Liddy, The plumbers, The bombing halt, CREEP, James McCord, Watergate introduction, James McCord, the break-in and arrest, the CIA and the FBI, the introduction of the tapes and resignation.
Dan presented in an excellent, story telling manner, following a time phased introduction of characters complete with an explanation of their roles and their executions.
Dan may be contacted at dbreen91@brandeis.edu
RMCA Hears Herb Cretan Discuss Red Sox Through the Ages
(08.09.2023)The Retired Men’s Club of Arlington listened to an excellent trip through Red Sox’s yesterday years. Author Herb Crehan discussed excellent details about players from past decades. Some of the names Herb spoke of include: Johnny Pesky, Bill Momboquette, Carl Yastrzemski, Jerry Remy, Dick Williams, Rich Gedman, Bill Buckner, Jim Rice, Alex Cora, and Dwight Evans.
Herb can be contacted at: hcrehan@crehanassoc.com
Red Cross Ben Gagnon and Liz Blumenthal presented an excellent review of how to be prepared for common disasters. Ben began with natural disasters and “Don’t count on receiving help right away”. You have to be prepared to help yourself and others. He discussed how to be ready and to include the right details in personal survival kits. Ben continued with many other points to include managing stress, home fires and how to take action. One point taken away from Ben’s presentation is, “When you get out of a burning house, DON’T GO BACK!”
Ben also shared a Red Cross free program with us. Red Cross is offering up to three smoke detectors and one co2 detector. They will call us and make a visit to us to install same.
Red Cross Ben Gagnon may be contacted at benjamin.gagnon@redcross.org
RMCA listened to Retired Brigadier General Leonid Kondratiuk present an excellent discussion on the Russo-Ukrainian War. He began with “It’s an ancient land with a new country”. Their invention of the wheel and cart, in 3500 BC, initiated large scale commerce, while inventing the stirrup allowed battle on horseback.
He told us how, under Stalin, his grandmother was executed. More Ukrainians died under Stalin than from the Germans. President Zelensky and Putin were discussed. The General told us how NATO began training Ukraine military and how their organization greatly differed from Russia’s. The basic training of Russian recruits was compared to the Ukrainian motivation of protecting one’s homeland. Examples of corruption was discussed with detailed examples.
The general summarized with: The Russian army used to be the second-best army in the world. Now it’s the become the second-best army in the Ukraine.
Retired Brigadier General Leonid Kondratiuk can be contacted at: lekondratiuk@gmail.com
For additional information about the Retired Men’s Club of Arlington, visit www.rmcarlington.org or call Peter Galluzzo at 781-646-4475.
RMCA Listens to American Automobile Association Mark Schieldrop from the American Automobile Association gave us an extremely informative presentation. Mark’s subjects included:
In depth discussion of electronic vehicles pros and cons. Pros included fuel, tax credits and incentives, maintenance and environmental. Cons included prices, battery replacement, home installation, electricity costs, time to charge/wait and technology.
Mark followed with an update of gas prices, a travel forecast, international travel and consumer spending
2021 – 2022 changing road fatalities followed. Fatalities per 100 million vehicles miles were detailed. The higher fatality increases included hit and run, speeding, alcohol, and unrestrained passengers.
Member questions answered included:
Replacement cost of a battery, Public recharge charges for not unplugging after full, battery disposal costs, and immigration licenses versus road signs in English.
Mark from AAA can be contacted at MSchieldrop@aaanortheast.com
For additional information about the Retired Men’s Club of Arlington, visit www.rmcarlington.org or call Peter Galluzzo at 781-646-4475.
RMCA Listens To Elaine Miller, Certified Medicare Councilor
Elaine Miller gave an outstanding Medicare presentation to the Retired Men’s Club of Arlington. Elaine is the Regional SHINE Program Director at Minuteman Senior Services. Shine is the Federal outreach Medicare program.
Elaine gave many explanations about www.medicare.gov, prescriptions, going south for the winter, selecting in 2023, the best of 66 Medicare Advantage plans, preferred pharmacies, Gaps, and more. Elaine then answered the barrage of Medicare general interest questions from the members.
Elaine told us about the recent and upcoming changes to Medicare. She discussed how Shine can take your health care concerns and tailor them to the health plan which is best for you.
SHINE is a free community service that helps anyone on Medicare understand their insurance options, find ways to save on prescription medications and screen consumers for public health benefits including MassHealth. In 2021 SHINE helped more than 2600 people with counselors based at senior centers. For additional Medicare information go to www.medicare.gov or call SHINE at 781-272-7177.
RMCA Listens to John Sheff and the planet Mars
(01.25.23) The Retired Men’s Club of Arlington were treated to an excellent presentation by John Sheff about NASA and the planet Mars.
He discussed our trips to Mars; the reasons why, the rovers and their successes. John discussed how as far as 300 BC, people had thoughts about the planets. We learned how rovers were expected to last a few months but why they are still running after 13 years. Discussion included soil samples, how they are handled and why they are so important. John concluded with a look at Mars plans up to 2030.
For further information from John, email jsheff000@gmail.com
For more about the Retired Men’s Club of Arlington, visit www.rmcarlington.org or call Peter Galluzzo at 781-646-7758
RMCA Listens to Mark Deugerl
(Mar 8, 2023) Former Army Officer Mark Deugerl give an excellent presentation on “Winter Warfare”. Mark served in the Infantry and Special Forces in Alaska. He participated in a wide range of training in arctic and mountain environments including the Norwegian Winter Warfare School. His presentation included information from his own training as well as practical winter survival skills. One of his memorable comments was: “you don’t dress for 30 below if its minus 70….”
Mark can be reached at mdeuger@charter.net
RMCA Listens to Henry Quinlin
(03.22.23) Henry Quinlin gave an excellent presentation to the Retired Men’s Club of Arlington. He told us it is the poor, on both sides and the elderly, who cannot get out, they are doing the dying. He spoke about the Ukraine economy, unemployment and the desire for American troops. He gave us a history of Putin, street fighting as a boy and passing a paper exam to get into an elite school. He is smart and dangerous. Henry discussed the historical corruption of both Russia and Ukraine, going all the way back to the czars. He addressed those who benefit the most. Included are the military industrial complex, the banks and political ratings. One biggest consequence of the war are the new alliances. They include Russia, China, Pakistan, India and perhaps Iran. The other alliance includes US, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Neutral for now are Japan and SE Asia.
Henry Quinlin can be contacted at henry@omni-pub.com
RMCA listens to Weather Man, Harvey Leonard
(2023.04.12) The Retired Men’s Club of Arlington was treated by Harvey Leonard to an excellent learning presentation on our weather and it’s behavior.Our weather starts with temperature, pressure and wind. water shortages and droughts were explained along with whether Quabbin Reservoir was influencedHe discussed climate change to how we study our planet’s normal cycles. We listened to climate change versus ongoing events of storms and droughts. Their frequencies and intensities and their roles. Harvey spoke about weather events such as the blizzard of 78, minus ten degrees in February and the causes of warmer nights.
Harvey Leonard may be reached at HLeonard@hearst.com
(05/24/2023) The Retired Men’s Club of Arlington listened to Historian, Alan Hoffman, present his book; Lafayette in America 1777-1781; 1824-1825. Alan discussed Lafayette’s critical role in the American Revolution. Lafayette joined Washington as a 19-year old in 1777. He participated in several battles and soon rose to command his own division. He culminated in 1781, in the Virginia Campaign and the Siege of Yorktown, Hoffman then discussed Lafayette’s even more important diplomatic role as the intermediator between America and its earliest ally, France. Alan then turned to the Lafayette’s Farewell Tour. During the Tour, this 67-year-old former major general of the Continental Army, visited all 24 states and Washington City and became a household name among roughly 12,000,000 Americans.
Alan Hoffman may be contacted at arhesq@aol.com
For additional information about the Retired Men’s Club of Arlington, visit www.rmcarlington.org or call Peter Galluzzo at 781-646-4475.
(6/14/23) RMCA Listens to Lourie August (LICSW)
The Retired Men’s Club of Arlington was given an excellent presentation by Lourie August, Licensed Social Worker, called
“The Crystal Ball of Aging”. “We will not live forever and at some point, we will have physical and cognitive issues that will result in a decline in our abilities as we age.”
She gave us a lesson on being alert and planning for our next ten to twenty years of time on this earth. She discussed facing issues as, family, downsizing, housing, social circles and other aging topics of values and preferences. It was an excellent subject and was given by someone who had 24 years of experience in social work.
Laurie may be contacted at www.LAugust@town.arlington.ma.us
For additional information about the Retired Men’s Club of Arlington, visit www.rmcarlington.org or call Peter Galluzzo at 781-646-4475.