Page 6 - 2022 Marine Corps League Journal

From the Commandant
First State Detachment,MCL

This year we proudly celebrate the 247th birthday of the United States Marine
Corps. We take pride in our service as Marines and recognize the contributions of
Marines and Navy Corpsmen that have faithfully served since our founding at Tuns
Tavern in 1775. As members of the Marine Corps League, we continue to provide
aid comfort to those veterans in need and stay focused on our mission of community
service and the tenants of Semper Fidelis.

It’s been a busy summer the First State Detachment, beginning in June with
our 16th annual golf outing, and supporting our Marine recruiters with the Fitness
Challenge at the Jellyfish Festival. In July we were at the Jolly Rogers Amusement
Park on 29th Street in Ocean City to celebrate Christmas in July for the Toys for
Tots program, and in August we participated at the Ocean City Convention Center
for the Jeep Week event. In September First State Marines volunteered to help the
Bethany Fenwick Chamber of Commerce out at the Bethany Beach Arts Festival.
On October 16th we held our third annual Semper Fi Bike Ride, walk or Run, on
Ocean City’s Iconic Boardwalk. Funds raised at this year’s events went to benefit
the Semper Fi & America’s Fund and The Believe in Tomorrow Foundation, two
worthy charities that benefit Veterans and their families regardless of their branch
of service. It was a non-stop summer for First State Marines who provided Color
Guard and Honor Guard service at veteran funeral services.

Since May of this year, members of First State Marines accumulated 1345
volunteer hours of community service in Worcester and Sussex Counties. We’ve
joined the chambers of commerce in Bethany Fenwick and Ocean City to integrate
into the local business communities who support our fund raising events and
recognize First State Marines to be a valuable local resource.

The Detachment has been around since 1989 supporting veterans and charities in
the Ocean City area and lower Sussex County Delaware. With over 160 members,
the men and women of First State Marines continue to honor us with their
commitment to community service and the selfless giving of time and resources.

I couldn’t be prouder of the support and work of First State
Detachment Marines for the volunteer hours of community
service in Worchester and Sussex Counties, the communities
we live in.

Happy 247th Birthday Marines!
Bob Broderick, Commandant
Commandant@firststatemarines.org Bob Broderick

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