To serve in the military is a selfless act to preserve our way of life. To continue to serve others afterwards by helping those in need in our community demonstrates commendable character. Buzz Walters, last of the Tri-County Leathernecks, embodies that character through his continuous, unwavering commitment to the Toys for Tots program.
Talking with Buzz, a vibrant Korean War Marine veteran, and hearing his admiration for the marines he has worked with in the Tri-County Leathernecks and supporters of Toys for Tots resonates with any audience. His Tire Shop is an amazing time capsule; the walls are covered with pictures and memorabilia. One wall is dedicated to the Marines, another to his years as a wrestling coach, and more to what he holds dear – family and community. He’s glad to share the stories and artifacts he’s collected, including many folders of pictures, newspaper articles and stories dedicated to the Tri-County Leathernecks Toys for Tots program since 1982.
To tell the story as shared by Buzz, on November 10, 1775, Marine Corps veterans began to meet at Tun’s Tavern in Philadelphia to tell “sea stories.” Eventually wanting “to do more than to meet and tell sea stories, they adopted the Toys for Tots program.” Toys for Tots was officially established in 1947 by the USMC to distribute toys to children whose parents cannot afford gifts for Christmas. In a similar twist of fate, Tri-County Leathernecks was established on November 10, 1982 at Caputo’s Tavern in Dry Tavern and began organizing the local arm of Toys for Tots for the Greene, Fayette, and Washington counties. The founding members were Ivan Modrick, Jim Caputo and Col. Jim Ryan. Membership grew to about 44 marines in attendance at Caputo’s, with an annual cake cutting ceremony held November 10 in remembrance of their beginnings. The oldest marine cut the cake for the youngest in attendance. Members also included Mae Richardson, the lone woman Marine, known for her dedication to the program holding various posts and offices. “A valuable asset,” shares Buzz.
Shirley Negley works closely with Buzz to keep things “running smoothly.” Shirley organizes the event’s main fundraiser, an Elimination Dinner held at Moose Auxiliary #461. The Moose Auxiliary dinner/dance was “started in 1989 and continues to contribute time and money to the Tri-County Leathernecks.”
Many notable members, like General William Keys, Max Devecka, Lt. Bill Deweese, Dick Morgan and Bobby Varesko, and non-members gave their time and talents to Toys for Tots. Early on, bikes and certain toys were collected in pieces; Dick was known for restoring the bikes. Max was a skilled carpenter and built sleds embossed with “USMC”. Bobby was known for his Easter baskets; his wife often recounting how their garage always smelled like candy. A highly valued non-member supporter and contributor was former Judge H. Terry Grimes, an Army veteran. While not an official member, he was invited to all meetings and events held by the Tri-County Leathernecks because of his efforts on behalf of the program.
The early years were hard for the Tri-County Leathernecks. Fundraising was a struggle; help from people like Ralph Palesco, part of the Marine League in Washington, helped keep the TCL viable and gave hope for the organization’s efforts. Tom and Jennie Hollowood contributed over 600 bikes for the cause over the years. Bikes are now purchased new, starting after Christmas, assembled by Tom, and then delivered to Toys for Tots locations.
Buzz Walters, with the help of contributors, volunteers, and donors, is preparing for this holiday season. Buzz is the last remaining member of the Tri-County Leathernecks in Greene County and continues to lead the Toys for Tots program. To help Buzz and contribute to the organizations efforts this year donor boxes collecting new unwrapped toys can be found at places like Walmart, Community Banks, Giant Eagle, Big Lots, Dollar General and Consol Energy Services (Crabapple).
Distribution for the toys happens the first Saturday before Christmas. The original distribution site for Toys for Tots was the Greene County Fairgrounds and it continues to be held there, with additional sites throughout the area. Toys for Tots sites through the Tri-County Leathernecks are Carmichaels (organized by Theresa Walters), Greensboro (organized by Toni Cline), and Clarksville (organized by Linda Pelkey).