YOUNG MARINES

The GatorDet sponsors the Milton Lewis Young Marines.  This is an organization for kids from 8 years old to high school seniors.  The program teaches them military customs and courtesies, close order drill, physical training, and enables them to strive for achievements which are rewarded with ribbons and promotions.  The program helps to build their confidence, self-esteem and sense of direction while revealing to them the qualities of honor, courage and commitment.  The program is supported by the Marine Corps and the Department of Defense, and plays a vital role in their Drug Demand Reduction Program.

If you want more information on the Milton Lewis Young Marines, or you are interested in helping, click here to go to our web page. 

BLOOD DRIVES

The Gator Detachment, Marine Corps League, has an account with the Civitan Blood Bank.  When donating blood, you can designate the Gator Detachment Marine Corps League as your organization and you will be credited on our list.  Each November, the leading blood donor from the detachment for the previous 12 month period will be recognized.

For more information, contact the Detachment Commandant (Commandant@gatordet.com).

PARADE OF HOMES, IN THE SPRING

The Gator Det helps in the local Parade of Homes, held in the spring of each year.  We set up a checkpoint (Marines are good at that) where visitors either show their tickets to pass or buy their tickets to proceed past the checkpoint.  GatorDet members work in shifts throughout a period of about 9 days.  For these efforts, the detachment receives a contribution which helps to further our work in the community. 

For more information, contact the Detachment Commandant (Commandant@gatordet.com).

TOYS FOR TOTS

Each year, our effort in the Toys for Tots Program increases greatly.  We network across our community to collect toys to be distributed to needy children.  This program follows strict guidelines as published by the Marine Corps Reserve and the Toys for Tots Foundation.  Right before Christmas, our annual T4T party is an event where many children receive toys and the satisfaction of seeing what a difference we make with the kids and their parents is beyond description.  In 2002, our program provided toys to over 1,000 children in our county.  In 2003, we collected almost 6,000 toys and provided presents to nearly 3,000 children in our region.

For more information, contact the Detachment Commandant (Commandant@gatordet.com).

MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES AT THE LOCAL VA MEDICAL CENTER

Each Memorial Day, the Gator Detachment teams up with the staff of the Veterans Administration Medical Center to put together a program which honors the memory of those who have served our country and have since passed, whether it was in battle or back home.  The membership of the Gator Detachment has shown its support by helping where they can in preparing and attending the program.

JULY 4TH ACTIVITIES AT FANFARE AND FIREWORKS

In a partnership with the Gainesville Community Band and VFW Post 2811, the Gator Detachment has provided leadership in preparing a portion of the July 4th activities at the annual Fanfare and Fireworks.  The event is normally attended by 15-20,000 people.  During a portion of the program, all flags of all military services and the POW/MIA are presented, and the service of our veterans is recognized.  The crowd cheers as the individual services are announced and their service song played.  We employ members of the detachment to help present the colors and any other meaningful acts which can become part of the program. 

If you have any ideas for this community event, or you want further information on how to help, please contact the Detachment Commandant (Commandant@gatordet.com).

OBSERVANCE OF VETERANS DAY AT KANAPPAHA VETERANS PARK

The annual salute to our County's veterans takes place each November 11th at the Kanappaha Veterans Park on Tower Road.  Thousands of citizens are on hand as speakers pay tribute to the veterans.  A traditional laying of the wreath is extended as a wreath is layed at the foot of each monument for each major war.  The Gator Detachment is represented well by the "red hats" that attend and we are supported by our Milton Lewis Young Marines, who offer their assistance.

RAISING OF THE MARINE CORPS COLORS OVER CITY HALL ON 10 NOVEMBER

A tradition started in 1999, the Marine Corps colors is raised each year on November 10th over City Hall in Gainesville.  Members and citizens are invited to watch this annual event as the Marine Corps Colors flies under the National Ensign and the state flag. 

PARTICIPATION IN THE ANNUAL UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA HOMECOMING PARADE

This large parade, viewed each year by an estimated 150,000 people, is a community celebration.  Our obligation is to show our community that we support them and this is an opportunity for us to make our support known, as well as a chance to remind the community that the Marines represent the best in patriotism and duty and honor and courage.

THE ANNUAL BIRTHDAY BALL

One of the greatest traditions of the Corps, the annual U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ball is always a celebration of our heritage and an event which recognizes our common bond.  From the colonial days, through revolutionary and civil wars, through world wars and regional conflicts, the world has recognized the significance of the "Marine."  We are proud to claim the title which we have earned, and we celebrate as do all Marines, past and present, on the birthday of our Corps.

For more info, see our Birthday Ball page.

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT VOLUNTEERS

The Gator Detachment is listed with local emergency management.  In the past, we have been asked to help during local floods and we responded with members filling and stacking sandbags.  We were called upon when fires in eastern Florida turned a few places in Alachua County into evacuation shelters.  We responded with Marines who not only showed up to help, but also took charge when there was confusion due to lack of direction and brought organization to the effort.  We stand ready to help our community.