One thing every Marine has in common is that none will ever forget that they are a Marine first and foremost, regardless of any other title or position that they hold, ever held, or ever will hold.
MOS? Irrelevant. Duty Station? Irrelevant. EGA? Totally relevant.
I would imagine that if the first Marines were able to meet the Marines of today, they would give today’s Marines a hard time, because that is just what the old salts do. But I am also sure that the first Marines would be proud to see that the very essence of a Marine stands today as it did in 1775.
A Marine is a Marine is a Marine.
It is not the gear, gadgets, types of weapons, or trucks that make any difference in the Marine. The Marines do with what they have to get done what needs to be done, regardless of where it needs to be done. It is the Marine, not the things or places that matter.
The Essence of a Marine.
Marines never leave the Corps. Sure, the end of active service may come for some. Others may have given their lives in duty, but none ever leave the Corps. The Corps is instilled and hardened in Marines as if sealed in amber. Those who live on past their service days might no longer run a perfect fitness test, or be able to carry the heavy packs that they carried many moons prior, but their hearts beat with the values of the Marine Corps, and those with enough left to give, still give every day to others.
The essence of a Marine is that Marines don’t believe that they are better than anyone else, or stronger, or faster. Marines just know that they will do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission first. A key point is that the missions are never for the individual Marine, but missions for others. For the Brotherhood. For the Corps. For the country. That is what makes Marines different: giving all for others. The essence of a Marine.
Duty Day, July 17, 2018 at Tahoma National Cemetery rendering military honors for comrades in arms.
Members of U.S. Marine Corps Evergreen State Platoon 3041 take part in a ceremony in the rotunda at the Capitol in Olympia, Wash., Thursday, July 12, 2018. The event was held to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of when members of the platoon joined the Marines in 1968. Many of the platoon served in the Vietnam War, including six who were killed in action. The Spokesman-Review
Be sure to check out your detachment's new website and if you are a current member, register here: REGISTER HERE (you can leave the "details" section blank if you prefer). Once approved, you can also subscribe to the newsletter. By signing up for the newsletter, we will email you reminders for the general membership meetings, events, and other topics pertinent to you.
Once your membership status has been verified, you will have access to detachment file downloads and the social group for communications with members. We want you involved in the detachment, and to be involved, we will work to keep you up to date with everything we are doing in our community to support our fellow Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and FMF Chaplain. There are few greater things you can do in your life than that of helping others succeed, support those who would fall otherwise, and to be a pillar for which to be leaned on.
If you are transitioning out of the Corps, make the Marine Corps League your first stop. Don't wait. Don't postpone. Find the nearest detachment and go to the next meeting.
Let me tell you now that I know the reason you are not thinking about going. Coincidentally, your reason to not go is the primary reason that you should go.
You just spent years in the Corps. Everything you did was for someone else. Your company. Your platoon. Your squad. Your Fireteam. Your buddy. You are instinctively supportive of others, and that is a good thing. But now let us help guide you on your new life. Let the Marine Corps League help put you on a path of success, or pull you out of a pit of despair. The League is here for you. I am talking to the FMF Corpsmen and FMF Chaplains too. The US Congress chartered the Marine Corps League for you, so take advantage of it.
I am going to spoil a few things for you, so stand by.
When you go to your first meeting, you will be overwhelmed with hugs and handshakes from the most gentle, but fierce-some veterans you'll ever met, young and old. MOSs don't matter, combat service or not, and nor does any prior rank held make a difference. The common bond is the EGA held by all.
Once you get set up in your new life, met and made a few good friends from your detachment, consider becoming a regular member at the detachment. Consider giving a hearty handshake to that next transitioning Marine, FMF Corpsman, or FMF Chaplain who just walked off base into their new life. Be that Marine.
And if you are in the Greater Seattle area, make no mistake: I want to meet you at our next League meeting to greet you on your new life.
For those who have been out more than a day (or many years!), you are as welcome and we wait for you to come on in too. In fact, we kinda expect you to be there next meeting so that we can share in this thing called Brotherhood.
Semper Fi.
Brett Shavers, Public Affairs Officer, Marine Corps League, Detachment 336
http://www.pugetsoundmarines.org
Detachment 336 spent Saturday morning at the West Coast Armory range in Bellevue, WA (http://www.westcoastarmory.com/the-range.html) with a pistol qualification.The weather was nice, the range was nicer, and the West Coast Armory staff were superb.
<Shout out to Tyler for giving a great safety brief.>
Although we were ranked by score, the more important score was getting together as a Brotherhood to spend time together and meeting new people. Of course, it's always cool to see a wide range of firearms used by a wide range of members for the qualification, from 1911s to Glocks to 38 Specials. Not that a Glock is better than any other firearm...but a Glock did take 1st Place today :)
If you missed the qualification shoot this time, be sure to make it the next time. It's about the comradery. It's about getting together with fellow Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and FMF Chaplains. It's about being together for each other to support Marines.
Be sure to make time to check out West Coast Armory if you haven't yet. The facilities are really nice and they have a great selection of firearms. As far as the West Coast Armory staff….they are a bunch of Devil Dogs. Ooh Rah!
We send our thoughts and prayers to his wife, Thelma and family and friends. Jack was a good Marine. Rest in peace.
Bob O'Neil, Dual Member of Pierce County Marine Corps League Detachment 504 and Puget Sound Marine Corps League Detachment 336 passed last Tuesday. Bob was ever present at detachment meetings and events and his cheerful and unassuming manner endeared him to his brother Marines. Rest in peace.
We will pass along the internment schedules as they become available. All Detachment members should make every effort to attend, for Bob O'Neil, Max Diamond and Jack Colman, so far as your availability permits.
Max William Diamond passed away June 3, 2017 at the age of 91 with his two boys at his side in Federal Way. A beloved husband, companion, father, grandfather and great grandfather who was born in Auburn, Washington on October 12, 1925. He was a member of the 1st, 4th and 6th Marine Divisions as well as a survivor of the "Chosin Reservoir Campaign." He was also a member of the Puget Sound Leatherneck Honor Guard and Marine Corps League. He served in World War II Pacific Theater and Korean War. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/obituary.aspx?n=max-william-diamond&pid=185773341#sthash.YEldE8h8.dpuf
Max was a witness to the raising the Flag on Iwo Jima which is an iconic photograph taken by Joe Rosenthal on February 23, 1945, which depicts six United States Marines raising a U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi, during the Battle of Iwo Jima, in World War II. Semper Fidelis
I have to admit, I have seen the Marine Corps League over the years, mostly associated with Toys for Tots. I am also sure that I have seen the Marine Corps League uniform in news stories. But for the life of me, I never really connected the dots of the Marine Corps League and how it relates to me as a Marine veteran.
It wasn't until I had been out of the Marines for three decades did I even really notice the local Marine Corps League detachment in my home area. Once I looked into the league, my first question was "Marine Corps League, where have you been all my life?". The answer: It has always been there. I just never took notice.
After I joined Detachment 336, I questioned why I never saw the Marine Corps League before. I even looked up some old Hawaii Marine newspapers for when I was stationed at KMCAS in the late 80s. Guess what I found... I found more than a few articles about the Aloha Detachment seeking members. During my time at KCMAS, I read that newspaper regularly when it came out (except when I was deployed…) and I overlooked the Marine Corps League every time. Yet there is was; it just never caught my eye.
Now, I see the Marine Corps League everywhere. I see the league at community events, supporting the VA, and supporting all things that directly help Marines, and of course those who served as a FMF Corpsman or FMF Chaplain.
My point is that the Marine Corps League has always been there and I just never saw it. When I was active duty in the Marines, I certainly never thought of spending my free time in more Marine Corps. After leaving the Marine Corps, my focus was transitioning into the private sector. But I realize now that I could have (should have!) started my Marine Corps League time way back then. I realize that now because only recently did I understand the importance of the MC League to veterans and to the members, including myself.
I write this in hopes that when you speak with other Marines, that you be sure to tell them about the Marine Corps League. They may hesitate to commit any time to "the Marines" again, especially as a volunteer member, but you know how Marines are. When they start something, they go at it hard until it is finished. That is what we are looking for. We are looking for Marines. We are looking for FMF Corpsmen. We are looking for FMF Chaplains. We are looking for you.
You already stood on the yellow footprints. Now all you have to do is…
Show up.
Swear in.
Serve again.
If you live in the Greater Seattle Area, I personally invite you to join in any of our regularly scheduled meetings. There is no need to call to reserve a seat. No tickets to buy. Nothing to do except show up. Be prepared to join because once you see what your Marine Corps League is doing, you will want to be a part of something great again. And trust me. It is never too late to get involved.
Semper Fi.
Brett Shavers
Public Affairs Officer
Marines sometimes think they are leaving the Corps when their EAS comes up or when "RET" is an acronym after their name. They take off the uniform and stop shaving for a month (or two…). They don't look back and start to enjoy their new-found freedoms as they make new friends and work new jobs. For many, the only remnants of the Marine Corps are the skills, attitude, and confidence earned through years of being "in the Corps".
But there comes a day when this changes in all of us. Marines eventually realize that they never really left the Corps. The Corps is deeply instilled in all facets of our lives. We may not see it every day, but every day we are positively affected by our experiences in the Marine Corps. At a certain point, we experience a revelation of the freedoms that we enjoy daily in that we actually were an instrumental part of protecting these freedoms.
More than that, we eventually realize that our worst days in the Corps were worth it, sometimes even more so than the best days, because we endured. We persevered. We did our best. We rose to the challenges and overcame obstacles placed in front of us. These worst days sometimes claim much of our being and the being of our fellow Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and FMF Chaplains. The burden of our sacrifices is many times unknown by the citizens we served, yet we did it with Honor, without regret, and without complaint. We carry it in our souls every day. <During hard times, how often have you said to yourself, "This is nothing. I was a Marine.">
Some of us realize these things quickly. But many of us don't fully recognize this until we are older (and I argue, wiser). When we reach this point, whether young or old, regardless of rank or service period or MOS, we realize that we are still in the Marine Corps, both in heart and soul.
You will be there eventually. You may even be there right now. And when you reach that point, consider serving again in a capacity that makes as much of a difference now as it did back then. The Marine Corps League serves much more than a gathering of Marines. The Marine Corps League exists because of Marines like you to help Marines and our FMF Corpsmen and FMF Chaplains.
Now it is the time in your life to serve again. To recharge the Brotherhood in your life. To engage in serving Marines and your community as only you and the Marine Corps League can do. You are that kind of person because you made the decision to earn the EGA when you could have done anything else. It is in the nature of a Marine to keep moving forward, and to keep taking the initiative to do what is right.
Join your local Marine Corps League. Simply show up for one meeting to see what the fuss is about. I promise you, it is not what you are expecting it to be. It is so much more. If you are a Seattle area Marine, seek me out at a meeting. I look forward to meeting you and introducing you to your fellow Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and FMF Chaplains. So don't put it off any longer. Your Marines need you.
Because if not you, then who?
Semper Fi.
Brett Shavers, Public Affairs Officer
Marine Corps League | Detachment 336
The Puget Sound Marines observed the most revered US Marine Corps tradition with their 242nd Marine Corps Birthday Dinner. The event was held on November 11, 2017, at Billy Baroos, Foster Golf Links, Tukwila, Washington. The evening was presided over by Commandant Mark Gorman and Senior Vice Commandant Rick Flath. Music was provided by DJ Kruser.
The Pierce County Marine Corps League Detachment 504 and their guests, the Republic of Korea Marines (ROK), were well represented. The camaraderie among Marines could only be described as “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.” The brotherhood is alive and well.
The “Mess Night” themed affair was celebrated by a sold-out banquet room of US Marines and FMF Corpsmen, family and friends. The evening’s Honored Guest and featured speaker was Lieutenant Colonel Tinson, Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Security Force Battalion Bangor.
Longstanding traditions began with “Roll Call” by Era and the solemn “Fallen Comrades” table observance. General Lejeune Message was delivered, and Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Birthday Video reinforced the proud Marine Corps values of honor, courage and commitment through history and tradition.
The “Cutting of the Cake” Birthday Ceremony honoring the oldest and youngest Marines in attendance symbolized the passing of Marine Corps tradition from the old to the new.
Lieutenant Colonel Tinson’s, message that today’s Marine and Corps maintains the highest level of combat readiness in the finest traditions of the Corps. His report that the fitness of the modern US Marines upholds the 242-year tradition to excellence was well received by all.
By all accounts, the evening was a huge success. The voluntary dress code of regulation Marine Corps League uniform combined with the “call and response” of the Mess Night format infused the revered observance with good will, humor and traditional observances. Many attendees ended the evening in good cheer and looking forward to the 243rd Marine Corps Birthday celebration! All guests received a 242nd Maine Corps Birthday souvenir glass with the detachment logo. All military also received a USA/USMC mini flag with base.
Our appreciation goes out to Billy Baroos for supporting our event and especially the banquet crew whose customer service excellence contributed to the event’s success.
Kudos to Steve Knox, Adjutant/Paymaster for keeping the digits in order and staffing the Check-In table.
Special thanks go to Jennifer Flath and Carine Martenson for the creative and beautiful “Dress Blues” themed table decorations and US Marine Corps themed gift baskets.
Senate Bill 5444, sponsored by Senator David Frockt (D-46) would impose a registration-licensing system on commonly owned semi-automatic firearms and standard-capacity ammunition magazines that bill proponents label as “assault weapons” and “large-capacity magazines” (LCM). Every person who possesses, transports, manufactures, purchases or sells a so-called “assault weapon” or LCM must have an annual state-issued license, with an updated license required every time there is a change in possession of the gun or magazine. The licensing requirement has a delay period (until 2020) before it applies to persons who currently possess such items, but these persons would be prohibited from selling or transferring any gun or magazine designated by this bill to anyone other than a licensed dealer, a gunsmith, or to law enforcement for permanent relinquishment. SB 5444 also mandates that relinquished guns and magazines “must be destroyed.”
Senate Bill 5463, sponsored by Senator Guy Palumbo (D-1), is vaguely written legislation that would require individuals to lock up firearms or potentially face Class C Felony charges. This intrusive government legislation invades people’s homes and forces them to render their firearms useless in a self-defense situation by locking them up.
Senate Bill 5992, sponsored by Senator Kevin Van De Wege (D-24) mirrors federal legislation proposed by anti-gun California U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). This bill would make it a crime to knowingly possess a firearm accessory or any other device, part or combination of parts that is designed or functions to accelerate the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm. The broad and overreaching provisions in SB 5992 could potentially criminalize firearm modifications such as competition triggers, muzzle brakes, and ergonomic changes that are commonly done by law-abiding gun owners to make their firearms more suitable for self-defense, competition, hunting, or even overcoming disability.
Senate Bill 6049, sponsored by Senator David Frockt , is yet another bill targeting so-called “Large Capacity Magazines” and would prohibit the possession of ammunition magazines holding ten or more rounds, with limited exceptions. Those allowed to continue possession of “Large Capacity Magazines” within the limited exceptions would be required to lock up their ammunition magazine or face criminal charges.
Senate Bill 6146, sponsored by Senator Rebecca Saldaña (D-37), would abolish Washington’s decades old state firearm preemption statute. The state preemption statute, which passed in 1983, helps keep firearm and ammunition laws consistent throughout Washington by establishing that the State Legislature has full authority to regulate and create laws pertaining to firearms and ammunition. These statutes help prevent a confusing patchwork of gun control laws which make it difficult for gun owners to ensure that they are following the law. Further, Second Amendment rights are guaranteed to all citizens, regardless of where they reside. State preemption statutes help protect against the infringement of rights of citizens who live in localities controlled by anti-gun elected officials.
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News Releases - Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs President Donald J. Trump signs Executive Order to Improve Mental Health Resources for Veterans Transitioning from Active Duty to Civilian Life The Secretaries of Defense, Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security will develop a plan to ensure Veterans’ mental health care for the year after ... |
Signed by the president in January 2018, the executive order directs VA, the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to collaborate to provide, to the extent consistent with law, seamless access to mental health care and suicide prevention resources for Veterans, with a focus on the first year after separation from military service.
“This collaborative effort represents a critical first step for ensuring that service members transitioning from active duty to Veteran status understand that VA, DOD and DHS are committed to easing the stress of transition by providing the best mental health care possible,” said Acting VA Secretary Peter O’Rourke. “Transitioning to civilian life is difficult and, ultimately, this effort will make it easier for our Veterans.”
Research<https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/2016suicidedatareport.pdf> has shown that service members in transition to Veteran status are at higher risk of mental health challenges and suicide. The president acted to ensure that new Veterans will receive access to VA mental health care and other services to the extent they are eligible.
Implementation of the Joint Action Plan by the three departments includes 16 important services. Below are three examples:
* Expanding peer community outreach and group sessions in the VA Whole Health initiative<https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=4059> from 18 Whole Health Flagship facilities to all facilities. Whole Health<https://www.va.gov/PATIENTCENTEREDCARE/explore/about-whole-health.asp> includes wellness and establishing individual health goals.
* Extending DOD’s “Be There Peer Support Call and Outreach Center<https://www.betherepeersupport.org/>” services to provide peer support for Veterans in the year after separation from the uniformed services
* Expanding DOD’s Military One Source<http://www.militaryonesource.mil/>, which offers resources to active-duty members, to include support to separating service members up to one year after separation.
The White House will closely monitor the outcomes of the Joint Action Plan.
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Very Respectfully,
Paula A. Paige
Office of Media Relations, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
