Understanding The Marine Corps League

By Krystal Branch


The Marine Corps league was chartered in 1937 by the congress and approved in the same year by President Roosevelt. The organization has the mandate of addressing issues that relate to veterans and advocacy for those in active service. Its approval was done during the 75th congressional term and the leadership mantle can be traced back to Commandant John Lejeune. This happened under the congressional charter title 36 of the United States Code.

The mission of this organization is to bring together members in fellowship and camaraderie with the aim of promoting the interests of veterans and preserving their traditions. It also aims at banding together different generations including the serving and those honorably discharged. The idea is to promote ideals that define America which are democracy and freedom.

The activities of MCL target veterans, current Marines, their dependents, families, windows and orphans. Their voluntary support to these members is unlimited and diverse to meet different needs. Another central focus for the group is promoting and perpetuating the history and honor of marine traditions. They mark important occasions with honor and ensure that anniversaries are marked. Their focus on past, present and future marines has raised its profile and widened its influence.

MCL organizes and supports various programs that make their mission possible to accomplish. The organization is passionate at maintaining the spirit of the marines and ensuring that their traditions are preserved. A program for the injured marines ensures that they get the best medical assistance in hospitals located in different states. The medical centers are in Maryland, Texas, Washington and Virginia, among other cities. There is a mentor-ship program for injured marines and those transitioning called Marine-4life.

To capture the minds of young Americans at an early age, the youth program seeks to ensure that they understand and embrace the spirit of marines. This is possible through training and other programs targeting different institutions. The Boy Scouts of America is such an initiative as well as the fitness program for high and elementary schools. They have a scholarship fund to support education of needy families or relatives to veterans and toys for tots as part of their target activities.

Emphasis is laid on veteran benefits that is a wide segment with far reaching effects. The legislative program allows the veterans to participate in national debates and handling issues that affect marines or veterans. There is a Veterans Service Officer Program that addresses claims and issues affecting those who are already in active service. A volunteer program that assists in VA clinics and hospitals is also run by MCL.

The Military Order of the Devil Dogs is a fun and honor wing of the organization. It seeks to recognize outstanding services delivered by its members through award of different ranks. There is an auxiliary organization that operates alongside MCL in championing the issues of veterans and their dependents. There is a call to maintain faithfulness to the American spirit through her institutions.

The Marine Corps League has offices spread across United States and has been working to offer a unified voice for those in active service and those who have been discharged in a dignified manner. They hold sacred the history and memory of anyone who has ever joined the force. Most of the effort goes into ensuring that the welfare of veterans and those in active service is fully catered for.




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