The progenitor or namesake of the chapter was First Sergeant Henry G. Jones (“Sunny Jones”), a Marine trained at Marine Corps Recruit Depot – San Diego.  1^st Sergeant Jones was assigned to the 97^th Company and was later transferred to Quantico, VA, where the 97^th was added to the 3^rd Battalion and deployed to France in late August 1917.  1^st Sergeant Jones participated in several battles, including, Mont-sous-les-Cotes, Belleau Woods, Saint-Mihiel, Soissons, and Blanc Mont Ridge.  Sergeant Jones final campaign was at Blanc Mont Ridge where more than one-thousand marines were lost in October of 1918.

COMMANDER'S LOG

A.  The Start of A New Journey (2013 - 2014)

      Patriots and Ladies, this is a message of thanks for your confidence and your affirmative vote for my leadership as Commander for the year 2013 - 2014.  I will endeavor to work hard to keep our ship-of-state (Chapter 0049) as strong and as healthy as it was left to me by Past Chapter Commander (PCC), Joe Petrini.

      PCC Joe Petrini commanded the ship with a cool, steady hand at the helm while encountering some rough seas.  He left the chapter in a good financial state.  And the overall condition of the vessel  can only be described as "ship-shape."

       It is my intent to follow in the wake of our very successful commander and keep Chapter 0049 on the cutting edge of M.O.P.H. achievement.

       So, Patriots and Ladies, lets "unfurl the sails... man the decks... and lets get underway with God's speed."  We have a Department Convention scheduled for May 14 - May 17, 2013.  Along with the Vista Chapter (Chapter 494), lets dazzle all Purple Heart visitors to our fair harbor and entertain them with the gusto that is known as a "Sunny Jones" Welcome!!!"

Story updated: 11 May 2013:12:00

Incoming Commander,  Ulysses Miller, Jr.             BSM, PH, AM, AFCRM, NDSM, A.A, B.A. J.D. Chapter 0049 ("The Sunny Jones Chapter")          San Diego, CA

COMMANDER'S LOG

 A.  FAREWELL TO CREW  -  (2009-2011)

     Patriots and Ladies, this is a note of celebration and gratitude.  As the ship pulls into the dock and prepare to drop anchor, we are joyful that this phase of the mission is completed.  We know that once the cargo is unloaded and a few days of rest is afforded the crew, we must prepare to take on new cargo and a new mission.  However, I think it entirely appropriate for me to take time out to address the crew.  To say “THANKS” for a two-year mission that has been exhilarating and fruitful in so many ways.

     As I look back in time from our cast-off in May 2009, we sailed out of harbor with a series of goals in mind.  First, we needed to work on “esprit de corps” to build chapter cooperation and mend partisanism.  Secondly, we would needed to immediately work on chapter finances, which were down to less than $35.00.

     We began work on these critical goals by drawing up a series of spring fund-raisers using Purple Heart violas.  By scheduling a series of 8 fund-raisers, keeping to a schedule of chapter meeting and reporting the results of our fund-raisers in each meeting, we began to slowly build more cooperation within the chapter and to get more patriots involved with the mission.  During this time, we also began a concentrated effort to get a chapter communication tool infused into our effort.

     The Chapter Bulletin was revitalized with a fresh, “new face.”  Beginning with a new logo that would define the Sunny Jones Chapter by tying the Purple Heart Monument, located outside the Veterans Museum, into the masthead for the publication.  This logo would become the most prominent feature for the Sunny Jones Chapter.  We incorporated sharper photographs and wrote detailed stories around our accomplishments (fund raisers were featured, and local events were highlighted).

    In May 2009, I wrote in the May edition of the Sunny Jones Bulletin: “…[F]irst of all, we need to pull toward a COMMON GOAL.  That goal, as I see it, should be a reinvigorated pride and spirit that will set the course for the Sunny Jones’ Chapter for 2010 and beyond.” 

    “That goal can be reached by first conducting a strong campaign of fund-raising to help us work toward achieving our main purpose in life: veterans and veterans outreach.  We want to support MOPH members, their families, and the broader world of veterans in need.  This can only be done through careful planning, dedicated work, and, an esprit de corps that is second to none.”

     Well, we have done just that.  We have adequately funded our coffers through fund raising and raffles.  We have helped recovering veterans to take a deep-sea fishing trips; helped a veteran who is a single-parent maintain his household; helped the family of a “wounded warrior” assist their son in recovery at Balboa hospital; supported other veteran outreach projects to get ponchos and sleeping bags during inclement weather; and advised and consoled veterans, and their families, in time of grief as well as financial need.

     We have completed all of these missions and so many more by identifying our main purpose and COMMON GOAL …and focusing on it.  That common goal is working toward helping veterans and veterans’ outreach.

     As the ship replenishes itself on this port call, a new Commander will come on board.  I know him well.  He was my Sr. Vice Commander for the sailing year 2010-2011.  Commander Joseph A. Petrini is a good-man, level-headed, with business experience and sea legs.  I support him whole-heartedly.  So much so, that I will continue on this journey serving in whatever appointed capacity that the Commander wishes to designate.

     We will remain a crew with similar goals and missions.  Nothing changes …and the ship called the “Sunny Jones Chapter” continues on its appointed missions for 2011-2012 and beyond.

CARRY ON!!

Out-going Commander, Ulysses  Miller, Jr.            Chapter 0049 ("The Sunny Jones Chapter")         San Diego, CA

Story updated: 15 May 2011: 22:30

 HEARTFELT MESSAGES FROM MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS TO VETS: 2011

     This veterans day, November 11, 2011, Chapter 0049 presents the words of wisdom provided by the Medal of Honor (M.O.H).  These words of encouragement directs you, and those of us still hurting from the wounds of war, to seek out the help that is available from so many sources.  The help that may not have been previously available to returning veterans  is now being provided with open ams.

     Please review this link and contact your local Veterans Administration office for directed help.  Click here: 

     Don't be too proud to ASK FOR HELP!!