Mission
Statement
Members of the Marine Corps League join together in camaraderie and
fellowship for the purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the
interests of the United States Marine Corps, banding together those who are now
serving in the United States Marine Corps and those who have been honorably
discharged from that service that they may effectively promote the ideals of
American freedom and democracy, voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to
all Marines and former Marines and to their widows and orphans; and to
perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps and by fitting acts to
observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to
Marines.
History
The Marine Corps League perpetuates the
traditions and spirit of ALL Marines and Navy FMF Corpsmen, who proudly wear or
who have worn the eagle, globe and anchor of the Corps. It takes great pride in
crediting its founding in 1923 to World War I hero, then Major General
Commandant John A. Lejeune. It takes equal pride in
its Federal Charter, approved by An Act of the Seventy-Fifth Congress of the
The Marine Corps League is
headed by an elected National Commandant, with 14 elected National Staff
Officers who serve as trustees. The National Board of Trustees coordinates the
efforts of 48 department, or state, entities and the activities of over 900
community-based detachments located throughout the
The prime authority of the League is derived from its
Congressional charter and from its annual National Convention held each August
in different major
PROGRAMS OF THE MARINE
CORPS LEAGUE
MARINES HELPING MARINES
– WOUNDED MARINES PROGRAM
The program was created to support
injured Marine Corps personnel located at the National Naval Medical Center in
Bethesda, Maryland, Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, Brooke
Army hospital in San Antonio, as well as the Naval Hospitals at Balboa, Camp
Pendleton and elsewhere. The scope of support encompasses; financial, visits
from Marine Corps League members, off site day trips to include family outings,
dinners, short trips in support of the individual Marines’ needs and
professional sporting events as tickets and opportunities present
themselves.
YOUNG MARINES OF THE
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
A youth program emphasizing
honesty, courage, respect, industry, loyalty, dependability, and a sense of
devotion to God, country, community and family.
U. S. MARINES YOUTH
PHYSICAL FITNESS PROGRAM
The League developed and
administers a program that provides a physical fitness regimen that promotes a
healthy, drug free life style for elementary and high school students.
BOY SCOUTS OF
The Marine Corps League has long
regarded the program of the Boy Scouts of America as in support of the Preamble
of the Constitution of the League. The League supports the Boy Scouts of
America as they promote traditional family values to
SCHOLARSHIP
PROGRAM
Members of the Marine Corps League fund scholarships through donations from
individual members and subordinate units of the Marine Corps League and
Auxiliary. Children and former Marines are eligible for academic scholarships
for attendance at accredited colleges and universities.
LEGISLATIVE
PROGRAM
The
Marine Corps League is a member of The Military Coalition and participates in
National and State legislative issues that affect military readiness, benefits
and entitlements of active duty personnel as well as Veterans Benefits programs
effecting former and retired Marines.
VETERANS SERVICE
OFFICER PROGRAM
The National Headquarters retains a full-time staff member who assists
veterans in adjudicating claims against the government as a result of active
duty service. Claims are processed through the Department of Veterans Affairs
or other appropriate agencies of the federal government.
VETERANS AFFAIRS
VOLUNTARY SERVICE PROGRAM (VAVS)
Maine Corps League members
contribute thousands of man-hours each year supplementing staffs at VA Hospitals
and facilities in providing morale, comfort and assistance to institutionalized
veterans.
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
AUXILIARY
A
social and fraternal organization comprised of spouses, mothers and distaff
members of Marines and former Marines.
MILITARY ORDER OF DEVIL
DOGS
The fun
and honor society of the Marine Corps League.
TOYS-FOR-TOTS
Marine Corps League Detachments in
nearly every community take part annually in the United States Marine Corps
Reserve Toys-For-Tots campaign to raise funds and collect and distribute toys to
needy children. In communities where there is an existing Marine Corps Reserve
Unit, the League works hand in hand supporting their campaign. In other
communities, the Marine Corps League takes the lead, ensuring a successful
campaign.
MARINE-4-LIFE/INJURED
MARINE SUPPORT PROGRAM
The League works very closely with
the Marine Corps’ M-4-L program, providing mentors nationwide. In areas of the
country where there is no Marine Corps “point of contact”, the League works
directly with M-4-L Headquarters to provide services to transitioning Marines.
ANNUAL
CONVENTIONS
Members find the State and
National Conventions of the League ideal vacation venues for themselves and
family members. Held in a different city each year, many families attend year
after year and particularly enjoy the many planned activities and tours related
to these get-togethers.
The Marine Corps League is a
charter member of The Military Coalition, The National Marine Corps Council,
AdHoc Committee, Navy and Marine Corps Council, the
National Veterans Day Committee, and is represented on countless committees and
programs serving the military and veteran community.
The League participates
in patriotic functions such as the National Memorial Day Parade and the National
4th of July Parade in
Reprinted from “notes from the Director” MCL Magazine January 2006
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