The official birthday of the United States Marine Corps is on 10 November 1775. That was the day when the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Marines Tuns Tavern is the birthplace for the The Few, The Proud, a Marine.

The title is Never Given - it's Always Earned

Happy 248th Birthday Brothers and Sisters 

Semper Fi

THE VVA SELF-HELP GUIDE TO

Service-Connected Disability Compensation For Exposure To Agent Orange

Click for PDF, FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

On Memorial Day, the United States pauses to honor the fallen heroes who died in service to our Nation. With heavy hearts and a sense of profound gratitude, we mourn these women and men, parent, children, comrades-in-arms, friends, and all those known and unknown, who believed so deeply in what our country that they were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice and give their lives to protect us.

With a constant barrage of commercials and ads touting Memorial Day Weekend discounts on cars, cheap furniture and more, it’s easy for many Americans to be distracted from our understanding for the true reason we observe Memorial Day. 

While it’s nice to BBQ, enjoy a 3-day weekend and get excited about the unofficial start of summer, it’s also the time to honor, to remember, and to reflect!

If you do nothing else this weekend, please take time to reflect on the real reason we observe Memorial Day and honor all the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice to make the United States the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Land of the free because of the Brave!

The Snubber - New Line Now At CLR Marine.

The Snubber product line includes a Snubber Twist mooring compensator, Snubber Fender fastener, and Snubber Pull rope for pulling and lifting. The new product line is designed to be innovative and easy to use for all boaters. All Snubber products are made in Finland for domestic and global customers. The Snubber offers a simple, safe, and high-quality customer and user experience.

The Snubber - Product Line 

Snubber FENDER - Snubber FENDER is an easy-to-use, quick fender fastener. Attaching your fender reliably happens in just seconds with the ability to adjust the height. Snubber FENDER fits all railing types regardless of size. Rubber-like material doesn’t slide along the railing and doesn’t clunk around in your boat.

Snubber TWIST - Snubber TWIST is a patented mooring compensator that absorbs the mooring line’s shocks and reduces the stress on your boat and the dock.

Snubber PULL - Two products with one click. Snubber PULL is a comfortable pulling rope for a rowboat or any small vessel. Securely attach the rope in a few seconds.

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If you are not following us on Facebook you may be missing out. We have started

Pop-Up Discounts, that are good for one day only. You may see something you want or need at a discounted price. To get the discounts you need by following CLR Marine LLC on Facebook.

Purchase an HDS LIVE or all-new HDS PRO and get up to $800 maximum savings on qualifying fishing system components including ActiveTarget Live sonar ($200), Ghost Trolling Motor ($500), MotorGuide Xi5 ($200) or Tour Pro ($200) Trolling Motors, HALO Radar ($400) and NAC-2 or NAC-3 autopilots ($300).

Offer valid now until April 30th, 2023

HDS PRO

With built-in support for the new, ultra-high-definition Active Imaging™ HD and ActiveTarget® 2 you’ll see more clearly and find more fish than ever before.

HDS LIVE

Premium performance and support for the best collection of innovative sonar and navigation features available.

Ultimate Fishing System Components

Seamlessly combine core fishing products on your boat to create one Ultimate Fishing System.

Offer valid now until April 30th, 2023

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Today is Veterans Day, a day to rejoice and thank the Veterans for serving this great country of ours.

HAPPY 247th BIRTHDAY MARINE CORP

Semper FI

As a new small business owner, you have the opportunity to staff your company with skilled individuals who deserve extra care from their communities. Military veterans sacrifice a great deal during service and go through a major adjustment when they come home. With this guide, you can consider giving back by hiring veterans for your business.

Start With Business Best Practices

First, you have to create a strong business if you are going to hire anyone. Start by addressing some business best practices. For example, most small businesses register as limited liability companies. An LLC registration comes with many benefits, including tax advantages, liability protection for your personal assets, minimal paperwork, and flexibility. Every state regulates registration differently. Therefore, when you go online to use a formation service, be sure to check your state laws first.

The best way to establish your company culture is by creating an employee handbook. If you want it to be a PDF, you can make it look professional. Trying to edit a PDF can be frustrating. You typically have limited ability to edit. However, you can use a free PDF to Word converter to change it into a Word document for editing. You upload the PDF, convert it, make edits, and save it as a PDF again. 

Find Jobs They Would Excel In

Given the skills that veterans obtain in their military careers, you can find positions in your business where they can excel. For example, a military supply store similar to CLR Marine could use veteran employees with extensive knowledge about the products you sell. For veterans without higher education degrees, they could transition well into a security position. Veterans with degrees often find good management positions because of their experience in leadership. For example, if you need a project manager, military personnel are detail-oriented and responsible on the job. They have experience placing team members and assessing problems.

Enjoy the Benefits

As a business owner, you also get to enjoy the benefits that veterans can bring to your company. For example, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a business deduction provided to employers for hiring veterans. You can also access salary reimbursement, subsidies from training, and free assistance. Research shows that veterans typically have a strong work ethic and an advanced understanding of technology. The salary reimbursement benefit comes from the Special Employer Incentives program, which allows employers to get money back for certain supplies, training, and equipment needed for veterans to do their jobs.

Help Foster Their Success

There is pride in knowing that you are helping a veteran. They gave so much, many of them sacrificing time with their families, to serve a cause. As a business owner, you can offer them a steady income and a way to take care of their loved ones. You could also offer them access to higher education through government programs and help them improve their lives through training and promotion opportunities. Ultimately, it creates a company image that you can benefit from as well.

Part of hiring veterans is establishing a company culture that promotes care. As the business owner, you have the opportunity to support military veterans by offering them a mutually beneficial position in your company. Keep an open dialogue with your staff so you can learn more about what they need and what they can provide your business.

Wriiten and submitted by Kelli Brewer

Purchasing and owning a boat is a major investment. If you want to get the most from your investment, you must keep your boat in working order and in good condition.

Many new boat owners don’t know how to keep up with maintenance. Fortunately, it’s not impractical if you understand what boat maintenance entails and develop a system. Below, CLR Marine discusses some maintenance essentials to prolong your boat’s lifespan and avoid safety issues on the water!

Engines

No component is perhaps more critical than your boat’s engine. Engine failure is not only inconvenient but can also be dangerous when you’re out on the water. That’s why it’s important to prepare and repair your engine while you’re on land and have access to the necessary parts.

There are many steps to checking and maintaining a boat engine, but here are a few of the most crucial ones

●Replace all engine filters and fluids each year.

●Inspect all hoses and clamps, replacing them as needed.

●Inspect the fuel system for leaks or damage, and replace any components that are not in tiptop shape. 

●Regularly evaluate the ventilation and exhaust systems.

●Regularly inspect the raw water pump, replacing the rubber impeller once a year. 

●Closely evaluate hoses, cables, and any other engine components.

The easiest way to keep up with the responsibilities is to use PDF files to track, update, and share maintenance schedules and duties. Use this tool to add pages to a PDF and easily modify the document as needed.

Electrical Components

Your boat’s electrical system is also challenging to maintain when you’re already on the water. Avoid leaving the radio, light, or other electrical parts on for extended periods when the engine is running; otherwise, you could face a dead battery.

Inspecting the battery and cable connection for corrosion and other damage is also a good idea. Replace the battery, cables, breakers, switches, fuses, and any other parts that need it. Further, you’ll want to ensure all the lights are functioning and that you have quality jumper cables for emergencies.

Hull, Propeller, and Motor

It’s critical to check the hull, propeller, and motor to ensure they are in top condition. Fight the temptation to procrastinate on replacing any necessary components until next season. The last thing you want to do is forget and face problems on the water.

The propellers should be properly secured, straight, and undamaged. Ensure the hull doesn’t have any distortions, cracks, or blisters, and give it a good deep cleaning. While you’re at it, evaluate your anchor and its rode to confirm they are up to the task.

Safety Gear

The importance of having a good set of jumper cables for emergencies. Several other items are necessary to protect you and others on the water. Make sure you have the following safety equipment and that they’re in working order:

●Life jackets

●Fire extinguishers

●Carbon monoxide detector

●A basic first aid kit

●An emergency signal kit

Cosmetics

Finally, you want to ensure your boat looks the part. This means cleaning it regularly and winterizing it for the cold months. Also, Make sure you have the right to use the right supplies and tactics to keep your vinyl upholstery sparkling and free of mildew stains.

Don’t allow your investment to go to waste. Keeping up with boat maintenance is essential for keeping your boat safe, functioning, and attractive. Coming up with a schedule and a checklist can make the difference between enjoying a long-lasting boat and paying for expensive repairs.

Would you like to read more helpful content or browse our wide selection of marine supplies? Visit CLRMarine.com today!

Written By Kelli Brewer

Check-in for your next VA appointment might be different next time you come in. Beginning this summer, some VA facilities will allow Veterans to do one or both of these:

Start the check-in process up to seven days in advance of the appointment.

Check in at the clinic using your smartphone on the day of your appointment.

As part of how VA is modernizing the way Veterans receive care, VA received extensive feedback from Veterans and caregivers about how the checking-in process can be made better, especially for those who use assistive technologies to access their benefits online.

VA’s Office of Information and Technology, partnering with VHA, has applied this feedback to the design of the new, modernized patient check-in application coming soon to your location.

VA is deploying the application at facilities geographically. Deployment within all VISNs will occur by the end of August 2022.

Read the rest of the story at; https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/104333/convenience-and-self-service-appointment-check-in-at-your-fingertips/?utm_source=Feature&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=VetResources&utm_id=22JUN2022

Unleash the power to see fish clearer, deeper & on both sides of your boat, with unprecedented clarity. Features built-in dual-channel 1kW TruEcho CHIRP™, 2kW/3kW TruEcho CHIRP™ "Deep Impact" power booster, DFF3D Multi-Beam sonar, Hi-Power radar with bird detection mode, premium fishing, and CMOR charts, and much more!

Go on a POWER TRIP with the most powerful MFD series available. Hybrid 9" and 12" display with RotoKey™ and buttons for added accessibility. Large 19" and 16" multi-touch IPS display for maximum brightness.

The NavNet FAMILY has grown even bigger. The latest addition to the growing NXT Solid-State Radar family, the DRS2DNXT delivers all the same capabilities as the larger NXT Radars but does so while housed in a compact 19" Radome, making it the perfect solution for smaller vessels or those desiring a backup Radar with the same features their larger Radar provides.

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Since 1946, Lewmar has dedicated itself to making spending time on the water as easy and stress-free as possible; designing and manufacturing innovative and reliable products of the highest quality. With a portfolio of hardware, winches, hydraulics, windlasses, anchors, thrusters, steering systems, hatches, and portlights to suit every boat from the smallest day fisher to the largest mega-yacht, Lewmar can supply a complete solution whatever your project and requirements.

Windlasses

Whether you own a small fishing boat or a 160' cruiser, Lewmar has a windlass designed to fit your exact needs. Integral to the designs are high-quality stainless steel components, providing longevity and reliability. Both our vertical and horizontal designs are sleek and attractive to complement your boat.

Anchors With a wide range of styles available, Lewmar anchors cater to all boat types including power and sail from 18' to 250'. Smaller boats can utilize the folding designs for ease of storage; larger vessels can fit an integrated Lewmar anchor and bow roller solution.

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Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) is a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who have given the Ultimate Sacrifice while serving in the United States armed forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly observed on May 30 from 1868 to 1970.

Memorial Day endures as a holiday which most businesses observe because it marks the unofficial beginning of summer. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) advocated returning to the original date. The VFW stated in 2002:

Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed a lot to the general public's nonchalant observance of Memorial Day.

In 2000, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act, asking people to stop and remember at 3:00 pm. You may hear Taps being played through out the United States as anyone who plays an instrument will play Taps outside for all of us to hear and Remember that our dead have given the Ultimate Sacrifice for our Country.

Rest in Peace we have the Watch

Call for the Passage of the Honoring Our PACT Act, H.R. 3967

Vietnam Veterans of America and CLR Marine is requesting that on May 17, 2022, starting at 9:00 am (EST), please call your U.S. Senator and seek their support for H.R. 3967, The Honoring Our PACT Act, when the bill comes to the floor of the Senate for passage in early June.  You must make this call before June if you can not get through on May 17th 2022...

Below is just a Sample of what you can say.

Hello, my name is (identify yourself) and I am a constituent in your state.

I am calling today to urge you to vote YES in support of H.R. 3967, the Honoring our PACT Act, introduced by Congressman Mark Takano, (CA-D-41). Title IV of this comprehensive legislation would add hypertension and monoclonal gammopathy of unspecified significance (MGUS) to the list of diseases presumed to come from exposure to Agent Orange and other toxins during the Vietnam War.

Thank you for your attention to my request and please vote YES supporting passage of H.R. 3967, the Honoring our PACT Act.

(Leave your name, home address and phone number so the office can follow up with you later.)

In regions that aren’t fortunate enough to have good weather for boating all year round, Memorial Day signals the start of the sailing season. Be ready. Tune up, pump up, and polish!

Check your safety equipment, lines, hoses, and sails. Get ready to launch.

Here are a few handy tips to make your boating season run smoothly.

Paperwork

• Get your boating paperwork updated and in order. Permits, registration, decals, certificates, and licenses must be up to date. The Coast Guard, Marine Police, and the Conservation authorities may stop you and board your vessel to check for up-to-date permits and equipment.
• It is an excellent time to review your boater’s insurance policy. Check to see if your situation has changed and if you need additional coverage. Then, submit your paperwork as early as possible to avoid fines. 

Onboard Systems

• Replace the oil filter and lubricate all parts; lower-case should be free of oil leaks
• Electrical systems such as fuses, spark plugs, and wires should be checked and adequately replaced
• Empty your fuel tank and refill it with fresh fuel and fuel treatments
• Flush the water tank
• Fully recharge your battery and fill the cells with distilled water
• All lines should be checked
• Inspect the propeller for damage or fishing line
• Check that hull is free of blisters and cracks
• The engine anode must be inspected every three months or less. 
• Replace boat anodes once a year. 
• Check your outboard anode yearly. 
• Check your prop shaft anode monthly. 
• Check the hydraulic steering system for proper fluid levels, leaks, and tilt
• Inspect the steering, shift, and throttle cable
• Check and change all of the fluid levels as appropriate, including engine oil, power steering, and coolant

Communication

• Clean all screens on GPS, VHF radio, chart plotters, and fish finders.
• Replace any batteries with fresh new ones.
• Check wires and fuses.
• Check and repair antenna mounts, speakers, and mics.
• Test communication equipment while tied to the dock.

Having a variety of communication options, according to CLR Marine VHF radios, cellular amplifiers, loud hailers, hailer horns, and mobile broadband options - helps you stay connected in a number of ways. “Having different options to reach out to people can bring peace of mind in a serious situation, and can also just help you have more fun while you are out enjoying the waterways." 

Trailer

• If trailering your boat, pay special attention to wheel bearings, tires, and brake lights.

Dock Lines

• Check all dock lines for chafing and fraying. Better to replace than repair.

Safety Equipment

• Flares, throw cushions, life jackets. The intense sun can do a number on cushions and life jackets, and flares and fire extinguishers must be current before expiration. The Coast Guard, marine police, and conservation law enforcement take out-of-date safety equipment very seriously, and they enforce heavy fines if you are non-compliant.

Don’t forget the Docks

• Check all dock lights and electrical fittings for loose wires. Docks should have an emergency shut-off switch for electricity on the docks.

You will have a fun-filled boating experience if all of your equipment is clean and well maintained.

Fair Winds, Smooth Sailing

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Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. In addition, she has served as a past-Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 - Chicago region.

©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com, 2022.

Ocean Equipment - Bringing Innovation to Market NavPod - Waterproof Housing for Marine Electronics

NavPod is committed to producing high-quality Waterproof Housings for Marine Electronics. NavPod stands behind its commitment by offering a 10-year warranty on all new Gen3 NavPods. NavPod wants you to be a customer for life and is willing to earn your trust and loyalty.

For Sail and Power - NavPods are tough and rugged yet clean and attractive! NavPods protect vital Marine Electronics from the harshest of offshore boating conditions. Pre-Cut models are available for Raymarine, Garmin, Simrad, Lowrance, Furuno, Humminbird, B&G, and more!

HoseCoil Washdown Systems

The HoseCoil product line includes a range of specialty hoses, washdown nozzles, and a unique line of thermoformed enclosures. HoseCoil hoses and nozzles are designed to withstand the harsh elements boaters require and are used in many other applications including homes, pools, spas, and RVs. Coiled and Expandable hoses are available with convenient storage bags and mounting systems.

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