What is the Marine Corps League and what does it do?
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