Welcome to the Marine Corps League Department of California Website

Mary Pitts Has Passed Away

We are all sad to hear of Mary's passing, but as we mentioned when you first informed us that considering her failing health,pain, and suffering with the fighting of her cancer she's in a better place now. As most whom knew Mary are aware that she was very involved with the Marine Corps League and other veterans organizations. In addition she was MCL Past Department Auxiliary President, and MCL Southwest Division Auxiliary, National Vice President. Mary, as many knew, was also a Gold Star Mom who lost her son PFC Eddie Pitts, USMC, KIA Vietnam.

All those wishing to send sympathy cards to Mary's family may do so by mailing to:

Mary Pitts Family
2840 Jasper Rd.
Rescue, Ca. 95672

MCL Forms Available On-Line

There are now four MCL Forms available that may be completed on-line, they are: Dues Transmital, Request for Transfer, Report of Officer Installation, and Death Notices. The Forms are located on the Official Forms page.

Important News Item from the National Convention

Effective with the close of the Marine Corps League’s 86th National Convention (August 7, 2009) held in Rochester, MN, the KHAKI (tan) SHIRT is no longer authorized for wear as a part of the Marine Corps League Uniform for any purpose.  The members in attendance voted overwhelmingly to remove the “Khaki” (tan) shirt as an authorized part of the Ceremonial Uniform.  It has not been authorized for wear with any other MCL uniform for several years.  All Detachment and Department Color Guards and Honor Guards are to suspend wearing of the Khaki Shirt and change over to the “Casual” uniform or “Undress” uniform as prescribed in National Bylaws Enclosure Three (3).

Commandant's Message

Fellow Leaguers:

Rob Jackson Dept. of California Commandant

For those who visit this Department of California website frequently, oohrah. To those here for the first time, welcome. Here you will find, arguably, everything you need to know about the Department: A listing of Officers and how to contact them; a calendar of events, conferences, convention, birthday balls and other important Marine Corps League events. Here you will find locations of Detachments and contact information for officers. We also include pictures of past events, forms you may need to use and links to other Marine related sites including the MCL National website.

From Six Rivers in Eureka, to the San Diego Bulldogs, from Monterey Bay to Antelope Valley, there are fifty Marine Corps League Detachments throughout the State that join together in camaraderie for the purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the interests of the United States Marine Corps.

Activities include care packages for our overseas Marines, care for widows and orphans, Birthday Balls, participation in parades, Honor Guards, Burial Details,  Toys for Tots, fundraising for Wounded Warrior and Semper Fi, and on and on. I am proud of our California Detachments and all you do for your communities, your MCL, and your Country. We are a strong voice for upholding and protecting the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.

To the visitors at this site, if you are a Marine and possess a DD-214, or a Corpsman who served with an FMF unit for more than 90 days, I urge you to join us by contacting your nearest Detachment. If you have not served as a Marine or Corpsman and wish to join us as an Associate Member, please do. Among our Associate Members are spouses and relatives of Marines.

To Marine Corps League members: once a Marine, always a Marine. Stay involved. If you are not a Life Member, keep up your membership when it comes due every year. Bring in new members, ensure they feel welcome, and get them involved in your activities.

I quote Cpl Jeff Sornig from Navy Times, I love the Corps for those intangible possessions that cannot be issued: pride, honor, integrity and being able to carry on the traditions for generations of warriors past.

Semper Fidelis.

Rob Jackson
Commandant, Department of California

Commandant's previous articles

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 and those who have been honorably discharge from that service; voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to all Marines and former Marines and to their widows and orphans, and by perpetuating the history of the United States Marine Corps through fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines.

Marine Corps League Overview: General John A. Lejeune founded the Marine Corps League in 1923. The Charter was granted by an act of Congress on August 4, 1937. The Department of California is in the Southwest Division under the MCL National Headquarters. The Department of California is organized into seven Regions that contain forty-five detachments plus the Department of California Auxiliary with four Units.

Who Can Join? The league is comprised of honorably discharged as well as reserve and active duty Marines and FMF Navy Corpsmen with over 90 days of service. Those individuals that want to participate with the Marine Corps League but do not otherwise qualify may join as Associate Members.