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.

VA Bill Tracking

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