THE NORTH BEACH SUN - SPRING 2007

ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE:

THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE OUTER BANKS DETACHMENT RECEIVES THEIR OFFICIAL CHARTER

By Michelle Madden Smith 

Kill Devil Hills, NC—The Eagle, Globe and Anchor of the Marine Corps flew over the Colington Harbour Yacht Club on a sunny morning this past February.  Inside, wearing red blazers and covers, the newly elected Commandant Doug Wendling, and the officers of the Outer Banks Detachment of the Marine Corps League received their official charter from the National Headquarters.

The Semper Fidelis motto of the U.S. Marine Corps, meaning "always faithful", was apparent in those attending the charter presentation.  Yet, in spite of the seriousness of purpose, there was also a deep sense of camaraderie—a testament to the continuing solidarity of the Corps.  Serving as a fellowship for the Marines that choose to join, the League is a way for these former soldiers to continue to uphold their pledge of honor and duty.

The Marine Corps League was founded in 1923 by World War I hero, Major General Commandant John A. Lejeune.  The League received its Federal Charter by an act of congress and was signed and approved by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in August 1937.  It is the only Federally Chartered Marine Corps veterans organization in the country with a membership of nearly 61,000  active duty and reserve Marines, honorably discharged veterans, and qualified Navy FMF corpsmen.  It is one of the few veterans organizations that experiences in its membership each year.

An all-volunteer organization, it bands together with current and honorably discharged Marines and promotes the ideals of freedom and democracy, to aid all current and former Marines and their families, and to preserve the traditions of the Marines—such as observing the anniversaries of historical occasions of interest, and the Marine Corps birthday, every November 10.

The Outer Banks Detachment was initiated by Commandant Wendling months ago.  After a tremendous turnout for the Marine Corps Birthday luncheon he hosted in 2005, he discovered there were more Marines in the area than he had initially realized.  Someone suggested a League detachment, and the rest, as they say, is history.

In addition to activities with the League, Commandant Wendling is also involved in the Marine Corps Memorial Association, the American Legion, and other military organizations.  A veteran of the Vietnam War and with service on Okinawa, after six years of active duty, he left the service with a rank of corporal.

Upon returning home from the war and completing his education, Commandant Wendling joined the administration of San Jose City College.  In 1978 he went to work for Phillips Semiconductors and retired in 2005 after 25 years with the company.  He and his wife, Elizabeth then relocated to the Outer Banks.

First and foremost, the League is a service organization.  Asked what the mission of this detachment would be, Commandant Wendling responded "There are many community services being performed very well here in the Outer Banks right now.  But we intend to take care of Marines and their families, veterans, and other in need of our help.  We have implemented a volunteer driver program in which members have volunteered to drive fellow Marines and other veterans up to the Hampton Roads V.A. hospital for appointments, to the airport, or whatever transportation assistance they may need."

Additionally, both Commandant Wendling and Sergeant-at-Arms Robert Yanacek cited the Outer Banks Boy Scout troops as representing the ideals of courage and honor the mirror those of the Marine Corps.  "The Boy Scouts have a neat linage established with the Veterans History project, operated by the Library of Congress," he said.

The league my also become involved in supporting the Marine Corps Reserve with their annual Toys for Tots program.  Ultimately, what activities the detachment chooses to support is a member decision and the members will further define those initiatives it will pursue with classic Marine Corps diligence.

For the Charter Presentation, Commandant Steve Wilson from the National Headquarters and Commandant Peter Meletis of the North Carolina Department presided over the ceremony.  A photo of Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller was also proudly displayed.  In a ceremony rich in tradition, Commandant Meletis presented the Marine Corps Colors to Commandant Wendling, symbolizing the transfer of authority.  Commandant Wilson presented the official charter that was signed by all 26 charter members.

Those present and inducted into the League served from the 1940s to the present.  The oldest member inducted, Mr. Robert VanZee, served during the Second World War, and other veterans have served in Vietnam, Korea, and Desert Storm.  There was one Naval Fleet Marine Force Corpsman, Kevin "Doc" McGrath.  The elected officers and members inducted this day include:

Commandant - Doug Wendling

Senior Vice Commandant - John Jumet

Junior Vice Commandant - Paul Strehan

Judge Advocate - Lee Baronet

Chaplain - Pastor John Strauss

Adjutant/Paymaster - Bob Messinger

Sergeant-at-Arms/Web Sergeant - Robert Yanacek

Members - Dan Beall, James Buckley Jr., F. Kelly Chamberlain, Frank D. Draper, Kurt A. Duncan, Thomas Fentress, Dan Fillmore, Ron Gibson, Matthew B. Greene, Arthur T. Hildebrand, Ron Mason, Kevin J. McGrath, Joseph T. Montgomery, Bill O'Brien, Dan Robertson, Leonard Stone, Chuck Straub, Richard Sulik, and Robert VanZee.

Those interested in supporting (donations are always welcome) or joining this detachment of the Marine Corps League should contact Adjutant/Paymaster Bob Messinger at www.obxmarines.com/contact.html or 252-441-6559.  Their website, www.obxmarines.com was voted one of the top 10 Marine Corps websites on the Internet and is full of useful information about the League and this detachment specifically.

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