This past Monday, one of our own was selected for a great honor by the County of El Paso, Texas. Robert Way, a Department of Texas Past Commandant, was named the 2019 El Paso County Veteran of the Year and earned a position on the "Veterans Wall of Honor" which recognizes all Veterans of El Paso County.

Robert Way is an outstanding Marine and truly a shining example of selfless service, dedication to duty, reflecting great credit upon himself and keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps.

Brenda Sue Estep-Tomonelli, age 68, of Pottsboro, Texas passed away July 29, 2019 at Texoma Regional Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on March 14, 1951 to Robert “Bob” Estep and Emma (Crosswhite) Estep in McKinney, Texas. She retired after many years of service with auto dealers in the North Texas area. Brenda was a member of the Marine Corps League Auxiliary and the First Christian Church in Weston, Texas.

Brenda is survived by her beloved husband of 31 years, Ron Tomonelli of Pottsboro; step-children, Tina Redding of Idaho, Laura Fisher of Virginia and Jason Harvey of Washington State; special kids, Roy Stines, Mandy Stines and Casey Stines, all of Ohio; sister, Kay Hodges of North Richland Hills, Texas; brother, Robbie Estep and wife, Donna of Weston, Texas; sister-in-law, Lee Estep of Weston, Texas; close friend, Debi Runnels of Pottsboro, Texas; and several nieces, nephews, and other loving family members.

The following is a letter I received from a civilian family member at WWII Marine and MCL Member Mr Kings funeral, and asked me to pass this on. -Bones

Dear Marine Honor Guard,

I stepped out of the church and was speechless, my thoughts of grief were gone, all of a sudden I was overwhelmed with pride in my family and my country

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the ensuing quarantine issued by the President of the United States, Governors and Local Government Leaders. These local leaders have issued more stringent quarantine regulations, impacting our Department/Detachment elections and installations.