HARLINGEN — The Marine Corps League is looking for a few good men — and women — to start a new chapter.
“We are a veterans’ organization,” retired Marine Corps Sgt. Major Robert Way said at a presentation yesterday. Way, commandant of the Department of Texas MCL, was seeking Marines to create a new Rio Grande Valley detachment.
“We are here to talk about what we do,” said Way at the presentation at Marine Military Academy, where he once served as an instructor and helped form Fox Company.
He and other MCL volunteers wore their signature red and orange caps. About 20 prospective volunteers attended to learn more.
“We support the Boy Scouts,” he said. “When they make Eagle, which is very hard to do, we have citizenship certificates we give out.”
Women in the MCL Auxiliary also recognize Girl Scouts who earn their Gold Stars.
The MCL also serves as honor guard and color guard at funerals and veterans evens. It also works with Veterans Affairs on behalf of veterans.
Way, who spent 30 years in the Marine Corps, said there used to be an MCL detachment in the Valley.
“We used to have one in Zapata,” he said.
There needs to be one again to serve the needs of not only military veterans in general and specifically Marines — once a Marine, always a Marine — but also the community.
“How many of you have kids?” Way asked.
Several hands went up.
“How many are going to college,” he added.
Hands went up again.
“How many can afford it?”
Not so many hands.
The Marine Corps League has scholarship programs set up for the children of veterans, he said.
Antonio Hernandez appreciated the presentation and hoped to become a part of the new chapter, or “detachment.”
“It’s very interesting,” said Hernandez, 38, who was active duty in the Marine Corps from 1997 through 2009.
“Marines always want to serve,” said the father of four.
“The Marine Corps League gives us an opportunity to continue to do that,” he said. “I’m looking forward to an officer position.”
Way said the presentation had a good response.
“We had about 15 people there and they asked a lot of questions,” he said. “We had a lot of signatures and things like that going.”
He said he wasn’t sure when the detachment would be officially created. That would depend on the progress of the volunteers themselves. A detachment must have at least 20 members.
“Once they get that, we can start the initial paperwork,” he said. “It’s best they have more than the bare minimum.”
WHAT IS IT?
Members of the Marine Corps League join in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving traditions. Promoting the interests of the U.S. Marine Corps, banding together those who are now serving in the Corps and those who have been honorably discharged from that service. Effectively promote the ideals of American freedom and democracy. Voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to all Marines, FMF Corpsmen and former Marines and FMF Corpsmen and 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.
WHO CAN BE ELECTED OFFICERS?
Active duty Marines
Marines no longer on active duty
Former Navy Corpsmen
Former Navy Chaplains
Anyone can be an associate member.
