Welcome to the Marine Corps League Department of California Website

Commandant's Message

My Fellow Marines:

Gene Rivers Dept. of California Commandant

On behalf of the Department of California Staff and I, we would like to inform all that we have all been busy with a myriad of projects and duties involving our Marine Corps League Programs by attending memorials, presenting awards to Detachments and their members, working on the establishment of new detachments within our Department, some of which will be listed below.

We also attended our National Convention at Albuquerque, New Mexico, August 4 through 12, 2007. The Staff, and I, would like to thank those members who took the time to attend the Convention with the various National Business Meetings, Southwest Division Meetings, MODD Supreme Growl (with 120 Devil Dogs that moved up to PDD) and it's Luncheon, many tours for members and family, and the culmination with the National MCL Banquet. It is with great pride that on August 6th the MCL Convention was recognized with an opening speech by Vice President Richard "Dick" Cheney.

On September 15, 2007, we attended General J.C. Breckinridge, Detachment #010, Commandant Glenn Adams, monthly meeting where the Detachment/Staff/ Membership, accepted their detachment award. This is oldest currently active Detachment within the Department of California. Our kudos to Detachment #010 on this exemplary milestone!

Our Fall Conference held October 12 & 13, 2007, at Grass Valley, California, hosted by Gold Country Detachment #885, and headed by their Commandant Stephan Povio. Our thanks and gratitude go to all of you at Gold Country.

On October 27, 2007, we attended the California Commanders Council (Cmdrs. CA. VSO's) at Fresno California where we addressed the situation concerning the directive put out previously, by the National Department of Veterans Affairs, involving the flag folding ceremony for veterans at our Veterans Cemeteries. In essence all the VSO's were in opposition to the directive with the NDVA ultimately nullifying their directive with a stipulation that the families of deceased veterans (memorials) be asked how they would like the ceremony conducted.

For the month of November we commend the membership for their attendance at their respective luncheons, dinners, Marine Corps Birthday Balls, on or near our beloved Marine Corps Birthday. We also commend the fine efforts of our Marines with our Detachments involved in our Veterans Day Parades. This involvement gives the much deserved recognition of our Marines, FMF Corpsman, and all MCL members, in their respective communities.

Our MCL National Commandant, John Ryan, on November 11, 2007 (Veterans' Day), led the nation in the Pledge of Allegiance at the Arlington National Cemetery prior to the laying of the wreath, all of which were broadcast on national television.

We all hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving Day, Merry Christmas, and of course a Happy New Year's Day.

The Department Staff and I, wish to invite all of you to Camp Pendleton, Staff NCO Club, for Marine Expo West and Southwest Division Meeting on January 16 and 17 (Expo), and 18, (SW Division Meeting). We also invite all of you to our Spring Conference to be held at San Luis Obispo in March, and hosted by Central Coast Detachment #680, Commandant John P. O'Connell. For further details and accommodations refer to our Department Website Calendar page.

It is the hope the Department Staff and I, that all of you will continue to do the great things you do in your respective detachments and communities. Hopefully you will find the MCL Program that interests you, and you become involved with it.

In conclusion, the staff and I wish extend our hand of help in the future to the current and new detachments to insure success. Marines let us make sure to obtain proof of HONORABLE SEPARATION is obtained from all New Regular Applicants, and All APPLICANTS upon being sworn it is recommended that a "Membership Packet" be developed/given that will include, at a MINIMUM, copies of Marine Corps League Ritual, Detachment Bylaws, Uniform Regulations and their Membership pin. At This time, we encourage Detachment Officers and members to visit the Department of California and National Marine Corps League websites frequently. The information is easily located, our website provides links to Detachments within the Dept. of California, National, National Divisions and Departments, Marine Corps League related sites, other veterans organizations, U.S. Marine Corps Related Links, U.S. Government & Education Site, State and Local Government that includes the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Commercial & Miscellaneous Links.

We look forward to the future. God Bless all Marines, past, present, and those presently serving in harm's way.

PDD Gene Rivers
Commandant
MCL, Department of California

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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.