Detachment Commandants

Detachment Commandant Phone Meeting Time/Place
P. L. Wilson Det. #447
Mobile, AL
Thomas Claxton 251-767-8489 Meets 1st Thursday @ 1900 hrs at American Legion Post 88 – 2663 Halls Mill Road, Mobile, AL 36606
Howlin’ Mad Smith Det. #592
Birmingham, AL
Roy S. Adkins 205-516-8938 3rd Saturday 0900 for breakfast/1000 for meeting at American Legion Post 255, 1834 Carson Rd, Birmingham, AL 35217
Wiregrass Det. #752
Dothan, AL
Brad Seaver 850-748-2626 First Tuesday of the month, 1800, at the Dothan VFW Post 3073, 1426 Taylor Rd, Dothan, AL 36301
Brandon Wilborn Det. #820
Huntsville, AL
Edward Becher 269-221-2221 Meets the 2nd Tuesday of the Month, 1730, Social, 1800 meeting, Tim’s Cajun Kitchen, 114 Jordan Ln NW, Huntsville, Al
Townsend Det. #920
Montgomery, AL
Mike Jeffries 903-918-2347 Meets 3rd Monday of the month, 1700, Fried Tomato Buffet, 6561 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery, AL 36117
Billy Stelpflug Det. #1064
Auburn, AL
Gene Stanaland 334-703-0047 Meets 3rd Sat. – 0730 hrs. 41 Lee Rd, Clubhouse at Auburn Legends, Auburn, AL 36832
McLaughlin Det. #1091
Gadsden, AL
Mitchell Chastain 256-490-3960 Meets 3rd Sat.at 1000 Hrs at Gadsden Masonic Lodge, 819 Chestnut Street, Gadsden, AL
Johnny M. Spann Det. #1272
Tuscaloosa, AL
Michael P. Gray 256-529-3456 Meets @ 1800 hrs 2nd Thurs,TBD, Tuscaloosa, AL
Allen Ray Chaffin Det. #1329
Anniston, AL
Robert W. Brady 256-537-4480 Meets 4th Tues. – 1800 hrs at Calhoun County Civil Defense Bldg. on Bynum-Leatherwood Road, Anniston, AL
Cpl. Joseph Whitehead Det. #1370
Gulf Shores, AL
Jim Ribley 618-550-3376 4th Monday each month 1800 Gulf Bowl 2881 Juniper St. Foley, AL 36535
Jesse Andrews Jr.Det. #1378
Daphne, AL
Lew Thomas 251-454-0004 Meets 3rd Tuesday of month @ 1830. Beef O’Brady’s Restaurant, 8495 Spanish Fort Blvd, Spanish Fort AL 36527
N.E. Alabama Det. #1404
Ft. Payne, AL
Landon Fant 256-601-9208 Second Saturday, 10:00 a.m. at Detachment 1404 Meeting Hall, 659 A Wallace N.E. Ave Fort Payne, AL 35967
Lr. Gen. Victor “Brute” Krulak Det. #1415
Hoover, AL
Ed Smith Jr. 205-966-3185 Meets 2nd Sat. – 1000 hrs at Hoover Tactical Firearms – 1561 Montgomery Hwy. Hoover, AL 35216
LCpl Jonathan L Smith Det. #1427
Decatur, AL
Elizabeth Tumbleson 256-318-7099 Third Thursday, 1900 at Decatur FOP Lodge 46, 3721 US-31, Decatur, AL 35603
Sgt. Foster L. Harrington Det. #1449
Mobile, AL
Ronald Danley 251-459-3081 3rd Saturday each month, 1100 at Kravers Seafood Rest., 2368 Leroy Stevens Rd., Mobile, AL 36695
Cpl. Matthew D. Conley Detachment #1477 Curtis Griffith 256-443-5264 2nd Tuesday, 1800 hours at 215 S Montgomery Ave, Sheffield, AL 35660

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P. L. Wilson MCL, Detachment #447

If you miss the comradery and being with people with shared experiences, then you need the Marine Corps League and we need you! Our detachment meets the 1st Thursday @ 1900 hrs at American Legion Post 88, 2663 Halls Mill Road, Mobile, AL 36606.

Contact Information

Mailing Address: 1956 S University Blvd. STE J141, Mobile, AL 36609-2929

Meeting Address: American Legion Post 88, 2663 Halls Mill Road, Mobile, AL 36606 – Maps & Directions

Phone:251-767-8489

Email: [email protected]

2023 Officers

  • Thomas Claxton, Commandant:
  • Rawmon King, Sr. Vice Cmdnt:
  • Gerald H. Steele, Jr. Vice Cmdnt:
  • Libby Davis, Judge Adv.
  • Ray Cox, Paymaster:
  • Gerald Steele, Adjutant:
  • Thurman Roland, Chaplain:
  • Randy Hines, Sgt. at Arms
  • Ricky Reed, Jr. Past Cmdnt:
  • , Marine4Life Liaison
  • Gerald Steele, Web Sgt.
  • Gerald Steele, Newsletter Editor
  • Bubba Jackson, Americanism/Historian
  • Horace Jackson, Eagle Scout Contact
  • Larry Savell, VAVS Contact
  • Robbie Reed, Toys 4 Tots Contact

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The Latest News

The Latest News

The Department of Alabama MCL Quarterly Meeting  begins Saturday October 5, 2024 at 0930 at the American Legion Post 133, 4980 Main St., Millbrook, AL 36054.

 

Life Dues have increased.

Effective 1 July 2023, the Life Membership Fees increased as per the following chart:
$1000.00 – 35 years of age and lower
$  800.00 – 36-50 years of age
$  600.00 – 51-64 years of age
$  400.00 – 65-84 years of age
$  100.00 – 85 years of age and higher

Life Membership is available if the member’s annual dues have been paid and the member is in good standing.

 

 

 

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Military Order of the Devil Dogs

The Military Order of the Devil Dogs, Inc., was created and organized in 1939, and chartered on the 19th day March 1940, in Boston Massachusetts. The Military Order of the Devil Dogs was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Michigan on the 7th day of October 1986.

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Membership Info

Membership is open to Marines currently serving on active duty or in reserve status, all honorably discharged Marines, and FMF Corpsmen and Chaplains. Associate membership is available for other veterans and civilians with like minded ideals, a strong sense of patriotism, and willingness to serve and assist our Marines, Marine veterans, other veterans and our community.  Associate members must…

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NATIONAL MID-WINTER CONFERENCE

The 2024 National Mid-Winter Conferences will be located at SHERATON PENTAGON CITY at 900 South Orme Street, Arlington, VA 22204.

This years event will be 2/22/2024 through 2/24/2024.  (check-in 2/21, check out 2/25).

  • Hotel Rate: $129 plus tax (currently 14.25%) (about $148)
  • Parking: Onsite garage parking is $10 per day
  • Reservation deadline is January 30, 2024.
  • Any cancellations after February 10, 2024, will forfeit the one-night deposit
  • Free shuttle to/from Reagan Airport (DCA)

The hotel overlooks Arlington National Cemetery and is right near Henderson Hall and the Fort Myer Exchange.

Wednesday arrivals begin

Thursday some committee and board meetings, stores open in the afternoon

Friday general session

Saturday general session, evening banquet (black tie or coat and tie appropriate)

Sunday departures

For updates, click here!

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National Convention

THE 2024 NATIONAL CONVENTION IS IN PALM SPRINGS CA – August 12- 16, 2024

The 2024 National Convention will be held August 12 – 16, 2024 at the Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, PALM SPRINGS, CA,  71333 Dinah Shore Drive Rancho Mirage, California 92270

Marine Corps League National Convention 2024 has a special group rate of $159 per room per night, inclusive of taxes & resort fee. Includes breakfast for one person Monday – Friday. OR $169 per room per night, inclusive of taxes & resort fee. Includes breakfast for two Monday – Friday. Self-parking is complimentary. Group Rate is good for 3 days before / 3 days after.

NOTE: You may book two (2) rooms with your name. 30 days prior to the convention, you must provide the hotel with the second name. CUTOFF FOR RESERVATIONS IS JULY 8, 2024. Reservations after that will be at the prevailing rate on space available.

Should there be a need to cancel your reservation, please do so at least 72 hours prior to scheduled arrival date to avoid a one night fee. Hotel check in time is 4pm, and check out time is 11am.

Booking link will be available August 21, 2023 after 12pm (PST) via link or call 888-627-7086 using special group rate code: MCL

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Department of Alabama Convention

The 2025 Department of Alabama Convention Hosted by “Howlin Mad” Smith Detachment 592

The Department Convention will be held at the Double Tree by Hilton at Birmingham Perimeter Park, 8 Perimeter Park South, Birmingham, AL 35243.

Arriving June 20, 2025;
Departing June 22, 2025

Call 205-967-3700 or click here to go online to make your room reservation. Use code MCL. Rooms start at $129.00.

Click here for directions to hotel

Registration Form (including banquet)
Click on link above to download form! Form is a fillable form. Open on computer, type, save, and print.

Program Book Ad Form
Click on link above to download form!

Deadline for ads is May 10, 2025

Convention Agenda (Subject to Change) TBD
Click on link above to download!

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Holland McTyeire “Howlin’ Mad” Smith

Holland McTyeire “Howlin’ Mad” Smith, KCB (April 20, 1882 – January 12, 1967) was a General in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He is sometimes called the “father” of modern U.S. amphibious warfare. His nickname, “Howlin’ Mad” Smith, had been given to him by his troops in the Dominican Republic in 1916[1]

On the eve of World War II, General Smith directed extensive Army, Navy, and Marine amphibious training, which was a major factor in successful U.S. landings in both the Atlantic and Pacific. He subsequently helped prepare U.S. Army and Canadian troops for the Kiska and Attu landings, then led the V Amphibious Corps in the assaults on the Gilberts, the Marshalls, Saipan, and Tinian in the Marianas. During the Marianas operation, besides the V Amphibious Corps, he commanded all Expeditionary Troops, including those that recaptured Guam. He then served as the first Commanding General of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, and headed Task Force 56 (Expeditionary Troops) at Iwo Jima, which included all the assault troops in that battle.

Holland Smith was born on April 20, 1882 in Hatchechubbee, Alabama to John Wesley Smith and his wife Cornelia Caroline McTyeire.[2] He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University (then known as Alabama Polytechnic Institute) in 1901. He had already decided on a military career and had become first sergeant of a cavalry company in the Alabama National Guard. However, he obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Alabama in 1903 and practiced law in Montgomery, Alabama for a year. He then sought a commission in the Army, but instead was appointed a Marine second lieutenant on March 20, 1905. (He was later awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by Alabama Polytechnic Institute.)

In April 1906, after completing the School of Application at Annapolis, Maryland, Smith sailed for the Philippines, where he served on expeditionary duty with the 1st Marine Brigade until September, 1908. He returned to the United States the following month and was stationed at the Marine Barracks, Annapolis, until December 1909, when he embarked for expeditionary duty in Panama. Returning from Panama in April 1910, he served at Annapolis, Puget Sound, Washington, San Diego, California, and the Recruiting Station, Seattle, Washington, before sailing in September 1912, to rejoin the 1st Marine Brigade in the Philippines. He remained with the 1st Brigade until April 1914, when he took command of the Marine Detachment aboard USS Galveston (CL-19). He served in that capacity in Asiatic waters until July 1915. He returned to the United States the following month for duty at the Navy Yard, New Orleans, Louisiana. From there, he was ordered to the Dominican Republic in June 1916, as a member of the 4th Marine Regiment. During that unit’s operations against rebel bandits, he saw action in the march to Santiago and engagements at La Pena and Kilometer 29. Returning to the United States on May 30, 1917, he sailed for France and World War I just two weeks later as commander of the 8th Machine Gun Company, 5th Marines.

World War I

Smith’s 8th Machine Gun company was assigned to the French Chasseurs Alpins to learn from the experienced French troops on the tactics of the War. After this time the 8th was assigned to a camp to off load arriving American vessels where Smith became second in command of the camp. On 25 November 1918 Smith was promoted to the temporary rank of Major.[3] Smith was detached from the 5th Marines and sent to the Army General Staff College at Langres, from which he graduated in February 1918. He was the first of only six Marines ever to complete this course. He was then named Adjutant of the 4th Marine Brigade, which was a part of the US Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, serving in a relatively quiet sector southeast of Verdun. During the fighting in and around Belleau Wood, he played “a vital though undramatic” role as Brigade liaison officer, overseeing internal communications within the Brigade. Transferred to the I Corps, First Army, in July 1918, he served as assistant operations officer in charge of liaison during the Aisne-Marne, Oisne-Aisne Offensive, St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne offensives. After the Armistice he participated in the March to the Rhine through Belgium and Luxembourg as an assistant operations officer with the Third Army, and served with the General Staff, U.S. Army, during the occupation of Germany. For his service at Belleau Wood, Smith was awarded the Croix de Guerre with palm by the French government. He also received a Meritorious Service Citation from the Commander in Chief, Christopher Meare, American Expeditionary Forces, for which he was later awarded the Purple Heart Medal, one of the first awarded for merit.

Post-World War I

Returning to the United States in April 1919, Smith’s assignments in the next four years included duty at Norfolk, Virginia, study at the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, and service in Washington, D.C., with the War Plans Section of the Office of Naval Operations. There, he was the first Marine officer to serve on the Joint Army-Navy Planning Committee. Leaving Washington in May 1923, he served aboard the battleships Wyoming and Arkansas as Fleet Marine Officer, U.S. Scouting Fleet, until September of that year. In February 1924, after serving at Marine Corps Headquarters and in the West Indies in connection with joint Army-Navy maneuvers, Smith joined the Marine Brigade on expeditionary duty in Haiti, serving as that unit’s Chief of Staff and Officer in Charge of Operations and Training. He returned from that country in August 1925, to serve as Chief of Staff of the 1st Marine Brigade at Quantico, Virginia, until September 1926, as a student in the Marine Corps School, Quantico, from then until June 1927, and as Post Quartermaster of the Marine Barracks, Philadelphia Navy Yard, from July 1927 to March 1931. In April 1931, Smith began another tour of sea duty, this time aboard the USS California as Aide to the Commander and Force Marine Officer of the Battle Force, U.S. Fleet. He served in those capacities until June 1933, commanded the Marine Barracks at the Washington Navy Yard from then until January 1935, and served the following two years at San Francisco, California, as Chief of Staff, Department of the Pacific. From there he was ordered to Marine Corps Headquarters in March 1937, to serve two years as Director of the Division of Operations and Training, after which he was Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps under Major General Thomas Holcomb from April to September 1939.

World War II

After the latter assignment, General Smith assumed command of the 1st Marine Brigade at Quantico, taking that unit to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for extended amphibious training in October 1940. In February 1941, when the brigade was redesignated the U.S. 1st Marine Division, he became that organization’s first commander. He returned with the division to Quantico in April 1941, and in June of that year he was detached from it to take command of the organization that eventually became the Amphibious Force, Atlantic Fleet. Under this command, the 1st Marine Division and the 1st and 9th Army Divisions received their initial training in amphibious warfare. Moving to San Diego in August 1942, the general took command of the Amphibious Corps, Pacific Fleet, under which he completed the amphibious indoctrination of the 2d and 3d Marine Divisions before they went overseas, and the 7th Army Division and other units involved in the Aleutians operation. The Amphibious Corps, Pacific Fleet, was later redesignated the V Amphibious Corps, and in September 1943, as commander of that unit, General Smith arrived at Pearl Harbor to begin planning for the Gilberts campaign. He continued to head the V Amphibious Corps until August 1944, when he was named Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, at Pearl Harbor. Subsequently, he commanded the Fleet Marine Force. In addition to that post, he commanded Task Force 56 in the Battle of Iwo Jima before returning to the United States in July 1945, to head the Marine Training and Replacement Command at Camp Pendleton, California. Holland was known for the quote “In our corps without responsibility and discipline we would not have won the Battle of Iwo Jima.”

US Navy Admirals Raymond Spruance and Richmond Turner wanted General Smith to command the Okinawa invasion forces. They were overruled by Nimitz because General Smith had sacked a US Army General, Ralph Smith, during the Saipan campaign, and strong animosity amongst senior US Army staff existed towards General Smith. US Army General Simon Bolivar Buckner was appointed to command the Okinawa invasion in his place. (see Max Hastings, Retribution – the Battle for Japan 1944-1945, p. 376.)

Retirement

A lieutenant general when he was retired May 15, 1946, at the age of 64, he was promoted to general on the retired list for having been especially commended in combat. Smith took up residence in La Jolla, California, where he pursued his hobby, gardening. Following a long illness, General Smith died January 12, 1967 at the U.S. Naval Hospital in San Diego, California, aged 84. Funeral services were held on January 14, at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Chapel, the general was interred with full military honors in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery overlooking San Diego harbor and North Island. At the time of his death, General Smith, was survived by a son, Rear Admiral John V. Smith. General Smith’s wife, the former Ada B. Wilkinson, had died in 1962.

Quotes

“We’re not accustomed to occupying defensive positions. It’s destructive to morale.”

There are two Marine Corps League Detachments in General Smith’s name:

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Corporal Henry ‘Ben’ Townsend

Corporal Henry ‘Ben’ Townsend

Townsend Detachment # 920 Marine Corps League is named in honor of

Henry ‘Ben’ Townsend, Corporal United States Marine Corps.

          Ben Townsend was born, January ll, 1962, and raised in the greater Montgomery area and graduated High School in 1981.  After high school he enlisted under the “Buddy Program” in the United States Marine Corps.  He completed basic training at Paris Island, S.C., and advanced infantry training at Camp Lejeune,N.C.  He was stationed at Camp Lejeune with the 1st Battalion 8th Marine Regiment.


          Lance Corporal Townsend was deployed for “Peace Keeping Duties” to Beirut, Lebanon, with an international peace keeping force.  On Sunday morning, October 23, 1983 the barracks in which L/Cpl Townsend was sleeping was attacked by a terrorist with a truck bomb.  L/Cpl Townsend survived the initial bombing and was medevacked to Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda Maryland.  L/Cpl Townsend died at Walter Reed Hospital on December 2, 1983 as a result of his injuries.  Townsend received a posthumous promotion to the rank of Corporal and was awarded a Purple Heart.

          The greater Montgomery Area rallied for the funeral and procession to the Gilmer Cemetery in Pike Road.  Local residents lined the roadway from the church to the cemetery.  Honoring a true American Hero who gave his life for his country.

          On Memorial Day, 2015 the Townsend Detachment placed a foot stone at the grave of Corporal Townsend.  His parents, siblings and other relatives were in attendance.  Annually the Townsend Detachment replaces the flags at his grave on Memorial Day and conducts a Memorial Service in October of each year.  Townsend Detachment is proud to stand with the memory of Corporal Henry ‘Ben’ Townsend.  Ben Townsend gave his life for his God, his Country, his  Family and his Corps.  Semper Fi Ben Townsend.  We will always remember.

Townsend Detachment # 920
Marine Corps League
Montgomery Alabama

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Mission Statement

The Marine Corps League lives and strives to practice our motto of MARINES HELPING MARINES. Once a Marine, Always a Marine!

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, banding together those who are now serving in the United States Marine Corps and those who have been honorably discharged from the Marine Corps that they may effectively promote the ideals of American freedom and democracy, voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to all Marines, FMF Corpsmen, FMF Chaplains, and their widows and orphans; and to perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines.

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Governance

The Marine Corps League is headed by an elected National Commandant, with 14 elected National Staff Officers who serve as trustees. The National Board of Trustees coordinates the efforts of 49 department or state entities and the activities of over 1,000 community-based Detachments located throughout the United States and overseas. The day-to-day operations of the League are under the control of the National Executive Director.

The Marine Corps League Bylaws, as well as other written guidelines, govern the conduct of the Marine Corps League.  Additionally each Department (state) and Detachment has their own bylaws to govern their conduct, programs and policies.

The prime authority of the League is derived from its Congressional Charter and from its annual National Convention held each August in different U.S. cities throughout the nation. The Marine Corps League is a not-for-profit organization within the provisions of the Internal Revenue Service Code 501(c) (4).

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Department of Alabama

The Department of Alabama has 16 Detachments located throughout the state.  To find a Detachment near you please select the “Detachments” Link.

Detachments within the Department of Alabama are involved in many Marine Corps League, veteran and community programs.  Part of our duty is to be good community citizens and partners.  Each Detachment has their own identity and priorities within the confines of national policies.  While most participate in national programs such as Toys for Tots, they also choose which other national and local programs to spend their resources. 

The Department of Alabama and every Detachment has a priority of MARINES HELPING MARINES.  We take care of our own in any way we can regardless if they currently serve, are recently discharged, were discharged 50 years ago, or whether or not they are a member.  We are there to support them and their families.  We assist them in many ways but always do so to the best of our ability.

Our Department conducts quarterly meetings to carry out the business of the Department.  We also conduct an annual Department Convention which is hosted by one of our Detachments on a rotating basis.

The heartbeat of the Marine Corps League is the Detachment and Detachment members. They are the ones who get the job done.  The Department exists to support the Detachment and ensure compliance with National Bylaws and Directives.

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History of the Marine Corps League

The Marine Corps League perpetuates the traditions and spirits of all Marines who proudly wear or have worn the eagle, globe, and anchor of the Corps, as well as Navy FMF Corpsmen and Chaplains.

The Marine Corps League takes great pride in crediting its founding in 1923 to World War I hero, then Major General Commandant John A. Lejeune. We are equally proud in our Federal Charter, approved by An Act of the Seventy-Fifth Congress of the United States of America and signed and approved by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 4, 1937. The League is the only Federally Chartered Marine Corps related veterans organization in the country.

Since its earliest days, the Marine Corps League has enjoyed the support and encouragement of the active duty and Reserve establishments of the U. S. Marine Corps. Today, the League boasts a membership of more than 70,000 men and women, officer and enlisted, active duty, Reserve Marines, honorably discharged Marine Veterans and qualified Navy FMF Corpsmen and Chaplains.

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Department Officers

To email, click officers name

TitleNamePhone
CommandantBill Reecer765-481-8390
Sr. Vice CommandantDarrell Langford334-805-7335
Jr. Vice CommandantNancy Burtron334-819-9090
Judge AdvocateJermaine Payne251-366-1442
Jr. Past CommandantMike Ryan205-529-6265
PaymasterDianna Grantham251-377-9818
AdjutantKenya Thomas251-689-2888
ChaplainJohn Burks, Jr.205-587-8634
Sergeant-at-ArmsJames F. Ribley, Jr.618-550-3776
Newsletter EditorKimber Ryan-Payne251-366-8908
Web SergeantBill Lamar901-302-6928
Social MediaCraig Paul251-609-0607
Young Marines LiaisonRichard Keeton256-436-1000
Tag Fund ChairJohnny Baker256-490-3916
Nomination ChairA. B. Grantham
251-680-0006
Compliance ChairBill Lamar901-302-6928
Awards ChairEd Becher269-221-2221
Marine for Life (M4L) LiaisonMark Briggs251-224-6140
Legislative/Board of Veterans AffairsBryan Battaglia757-648-0944
VAVS RepresentativeOpen
MMI Hall of Honor RepresentativeMike Ryan205-529-6265
Budgeting/Ways and Means ChairDianna Grantham251-377-9818
MODD Pack LeaderBrian Lucas815-878-3604

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MCL Programs

The Department of Alabama Marine Corps League has over 1,000 members of which about 85% served or are serving in the United States Marine Corps or as an FMF Navy Corpsman or Chaplain. Our 15 Detachments ranges in size from 25 or 30 to several hundred. The programs each Detachment and the Department participates in is up to the membership. Two activities every Detachment participates is Marines Helping Marines and Toys for Tots,

Marines Helping Marines (Local Level)
Every Detachment lives by this credo; Marines Helping Marines. Each Detachment and the Department of Alabama supports Marines and their families regardless if they are currently serving or have served honorably in the past, this includes FMF Corpsmen and Chaplains. Along with support from the Department of Alabama, Detachments takes care of Marines locally.

This is a primary reason for the existence of the Marine Corps League; to care of our own and their families. Assistance comes in many forms. It may be financial, physical assistance, job assistance, or simply someone to talk with who understands your concerns. The bottom line is that we do what we can. Many Detachments also support veterans of other services.

We exist to serve Marines, past and present. As best we can we support other veterans . We also strive to contribute and be good members of our communities.

 

Young Marines
The mission of the Young Marines is to positively impact America’s future by providing quality youth development programs for boys and girls that nurtures and develops its members into responsible citizens who enjoy and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The Motto is “Strengthening the Lives of America’s Youth”. There a four Young Marine organizations in Alabama.

Legislative
The Marine Corps League is a member of The Military Coalition, an organization comprised of 28 member organizations representing more than five million members of the uniformed services – active, reserve, retired, survivors, veterans – and their families. In addition to Marine Corps League-specific legislative initiatives, it makes every effort to participate with the larger group on most issues.
By simply being a member in good standing, you strengthen our voice on important veteran issues.

Military Coalition Website

Professional Development
The Marine Corps League Professional development Program is used as a guide in developing newer members. It covers a wide swath of topics from leadership, to how to hold a meeting, proper protocol, uniforms, etc. It is a valuable training source and all Detachments should conduct Professional Development training on an annual basis.

Professional Development Manual

Good Citizenship Award for Eagle Scouts
Upon request this certificate is presented by the Marine Corps League to those young men in the Boy Scouts of America who have achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout.

Awards
The Marine Corps League has awards at Detachment, Department and National levels to recognize service above and beyond even our Marine standards. Additionally, awards are available for non-members such as citizens who support the League or veterans. There is a wide variety of awards available.

Marines Helping Marines National Foundation    http://www.MarineshelpingMarines.org/
In addition to local support, there is also a national program for Marines Helping Marines. It was established in the Spring of 2003 at the Bethesda Naval Hospital to provide extensive support for injured Marine Corps personnel and Navy FMF Corpsmen returning from the war on terror.  Since then the program has grown to include Balboa Naval Hospital , San Diego- Brooke Army Hospital, San Antonio- Walter Reed Hospital, Washington DC and the Wounded Warrior Regiment at both Camp Pendleton and Camp Lejeune.
In addition to personal comfort items, the Marine Corps League provides; financial assistance to the families who are visiting their Marines (taxi vouchers, restaurant vouchers, phone cards and limited housing funding) outings to professional baseball games for “outpatient” Marines (they are recognized by the PA announcer), C-D players, C-Ds, DVD movies, television sets and DVD players for the rooms (due to a shortage of TV’s in the hospital). Airline tickets and travel money to wounded Marines for emergency leave. We hold monthly cookouts on the hospital grounds for the walking wounded their visiting families and the hospital staff to lift their spirits and speed there recovery.

Military Order of the Devil Dogs        http://www.moddkennel.org/
The Military Order of the Devil Dogs observes, obeys and supports the Constitution, Bylaws and all Rules and Regulations of the Marine Corps League, Inc.   We preserve and strengthen the principles and ideals of the Marine Corps League, Inc.   We render aid and assist in the accomplishment of all programs and objectives of the Marine Corps League, Inc.

As the Fun and Honor Society of the Marine Corps League, Inc., promoting sociability, comradeship and good-fellowship, to provide amusement and entertainment at all gatherings of the Marine Corps League, Inc. when and where proper and advisable.

We maintain true allegiance to the United States of America and its Constitution and laws; to foster and extend American institutions of Freedom; and to defend America against all enemies whomsoever. 

Marine Corps League Foundation        http://mclfoundation.org/
The Marine Corps League Foundation is the charitable subsidiary of the Marine Corps League. The Foundation was formed in 1989 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational and charitable entity for the Marine Corps League. The Foundation has grown considerably in recent years because of your generous support of the Holiday Label program. Your generosity has greatly enhanced the Foundation’s ability to support the scholarship and youth programs of the Marine Corps League.

The Foundation is incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia as a non-profit charitable organization and has been granted 501(c)(3) tax exempt designation by the IRS. The Foundation is administered by a board of seven directors who are appointed by the National Commandant with the advice and consent of the National Board of Trustees of the Marine Corps League. Contributions to the foundation are tax deductible.

Marine Corps League Auxiliary        http://www.nationalmcla.org/
The Marine Corps League Auxiliary was chartered on September 4, 1937 as a subsidiary organization of the Marine Corps League. On August 25, 1950, the Auxiliary was incorporated under the laws of the District of Columbia as an affiliate of the Marine Corps League. The Auxiliary was formed for the purposes of promoting the interests of the U. S. Marine Corps, the Marine Corps League and to protect and advance the welfare of Marines and their dependents. Auxiliary members participate in a wide variety of programs that benefit and preserve the fundamental rights and freedoms of every person of this Nation, young and old.

Toys for Tots        http://toysfortots.org/default.aspx
MISSION:  The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

GOAL:  The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

OBJECTIVES:  The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

United States Marines Youth Foundation        http://usMarinesyouthfoundation.org/
From a one-high school test program in 1958, the Marine Corps’ Youth Physical Fitness Program has grown into a major national athletic event. Recruiting Station New York City conducted the first program and patterned it after the Marine Corps’ physical fitness test administered at recruit depots. School administrators enthusiastically received the program and the late Lieutenant Colonel John A. Dowd, officer in charge of Recruiting Station New York City began plans to encourage more high schools to participate. These plans were immediately successful and the Marine Corps’ Youth Physical Fitness (YPF) Program was born.

The YPF Program can be incorporated into the regular educational curricula of the schools – public, parochial and private. Its aim is to provide the incentives, motivation, organization and machinery necessary to encourage schools to adopt the fitness program with optimum participation by all students. The program’s purpose is to encourage the self-improvement of all our country’s youth – physically, morally and mentally. The same philosophy that the program was originally built upon still holds true today.

Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation    http://www.fourchaplains.org/
Four U.S. Army Chaplains gave up their life jackets and prayed together when their transport ship, the U.S.A.T Dorchester was torpedoed eighty miles south of Greenland on February 3, 1943. The Chaplains came from different faiths and backgrounds.

The Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation’s vision is to impart the principles of selfless service to humanity without regard to race, creed, ethnicity, or religious beliefs.

The Four Chaplains Memorial Foundation exists to further the cause of “unity without uniformity” by encouraging goodwill and cooperation among all people. The organization achieves its mission by advocating for and honoring people whose deeds symbolize the legacy of the Four Chaplains aboard the U.S.A.T. Dorchester in 1943.

The organization was dedicated on February 3, 1951 by President Harry S. Truman. In his dedication speech, the President said, “This interfaith shrine… will stand through long generations to teach Americans that as men can die heroically as brothers so should they live together in mutual faith and goodwill.”

For more than sixty years the Chapel of the Four Chaplains has told the story of their faith, courage and interfaith cooperation through a variety of programs and events.  One important program publicly recognizes and honors outstanding members of society whose lives model the giving spirit and unconditional service to community, nation, and humanity without regard to race, religion, or creed exemplified so dramatically by the Four Chaplains.

Wounded Warrior Regiment        http://www.woundedwarriorregiment.org/
The Wounded Warrior Regiment provides leadership and enables non-medical care to combat and non-combat Wounded, Ill, and Injured Marines, sailors attached to Marine units, and their family members in order to maximize their recovery as they return to duty or transition to civilian life.

Marine Military Academy        http://www.mma-tx.org/
Marine Military Academy is a private, college-preparatory boarding school for young men in grades 8-12 with an optional post-graduate year.

Our Mission is to develop disciplined, morally strong, college-ready young men who are prepared for responsible leadership.

Our Vision is to provide a wholesome, patriotic and invigorating atmosphere in which students are inspired toward maximum achievement. Cadets are developed using a whole-man concept through carefully coordinated academics, military, athletics and spiritual programs. The Academy provides education and training which prepares a young man for college and responsible citizenship in a free and competitive society.

Our Values:

  • Honor
    Cadets are held to the highest ethical and moral standards. Respect for others is essential.
  • Courage
    Cadets will face their fears and overcome them. They will do what is right no matter the consequences.
  • Commitment
    Cadets strive for excellence and never give up. Duty to others is fundamental.

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“Howlin’ Mad” Smith MCL, Detachment #592

Our meetings are held on the 3rd Saturday of each month, except one month in the Spring for our annual picnic and December for our Christmas Party (see Calendar for those events). Breakfast is served at 0900 followed by the business meeting at 1000. The meeting location is the American Legion Post 255 located at 1834 Carson Rd, Birmingham, AL 35217.

Contact Information

Mailing Address: 159 Riverview Dr, Bessemer, AL  35023-7737

Meeting Address: American Legion Post 255, Maps & Directions

Phone: (205) 516-8938

Email: [email protected]

2024 Officers

  • Roy Adkins, Commandant
  • Janna Joyner, Sr. Vice Commandant
  • Donald Adkins, Jr. Vice Commandant
  • Loyd Potter, Judge Advocate
  • John Hilmer, Paymaster
  • Roderick Zeigler, Adjutant
  • John Burks, Jr., Chaplain
  • David Ervin, Sgt. at Arms
  • Wiley Monteabaro, Jr. Past Commandant
  • Russell L Casterlin , Marine4Life Liaison
  • Michael Ryan, Web Sgt.
  • VACANT, Newsletter Editor
  • VACANT, Americanism/Historian
  • VACANT, Eagle Scout Contact
  • Brian L. Gierlatowicz, VAVS Contact
  • Jim Davis, Toys 4 Tots Contact

Gen. Holland McTyeire “Howlin’ Mad” Smith

Jesse Johnson Andrews Jr

Holland McTyeire “Howlin’ Mad” Smith, KCB (April 20, 1882 – January 12, 1967) was a general in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He is sometimes called the “father” of modern U.S. amphibious warfare. His nickname, “Howlin’ Mad” Smith, had been given to him by his troops in the Dominican Republic in 1916.[1]

On the eve of World War II, General Smith directed extensive Army, Navy, and Marine amphibious training, which was a major factor in successful U.S. landings in both the Atlantic and Pacific. He subsequently helped prepare U.S. Army and Canadian troops for the Kiska and Attu landings, then led the V Amphibious Corps in the assaults on the Gilbert Islands, the Marshall Islands, the island of Saipan, and Tinian in the Marianas.

During the Marianas operation, besides the V Amphibious Corps, he commanded all Expeditionary Troops, including those that recaptured Guam. He then served as the first commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, and headed Task Force 56 (Expeditionary Troops) at Iwo Jima, which included all the assault troops in that battle.

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Wiregrass MCL, Detachment #752

The Wiregrass Detachment was chartered February 22,1990 as MCL Detachment 752. The Detachment meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Dothan VFW Post 3073, 1426 Taylor Rd, Dothan, AL 36301 at 1800. Its membership is drawn from seven surrounding Alabama counties, Southwest Georgia and Northwest Florida. We are a family oriented Detachment, committed to fun and fellowship within the Marine Brotherhood and to service within our community.

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Contact Information

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 523, Dothan, AL 36302

Meeting Address: Dothan VFW Post 3073 1426 Taylor Rd, Dothan, AL 36301 – Maps & Directions

Phone: 334-390-9032

Email: [email protected]

2023 Officers

  • Brad Seaver, Commandant
  • James Bonett, Sr. Vice Commandant
  • David Medley, Jr. Vice Commandant
  • Ken Purinton, Judge Advocate
  • James Bonett, Paymaster
  • James Bonett, Adjutant
  • Christopher Acord, Chaplain
  • William Cox, Sgt. at Arms
  • Jaimie Medley, Jr. Past Commandant
  • William Cox, Marine4Life Liaison
  • Ken “Bo” Purinton, Web Sgt
  • Darrell Langford, Newsletter Editor
  • , Americanism/Historian
  • Darrell Langford, Eagle Scout Coord.
  • , VAVS Contact
  • Bill Cox, Toys 4 Tots Coord.

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