First State Detachment News - page 2

 October 14, 2022

Retired Marine Al Soto Sworn in as New Member of First State Detachment

When retired Marine Al Soto, a U.S. Navy Academy graduate who saw service in the Gulf War and the Far East, moved from Orlando, FL to Milton, DE, he had no idea there was a Marine Corps League detachment near his new home. That changed when Al and his wife, Rhonda, who is retired from the U.S. Air Force, attended the Bethany Beach Arts Festival. It was there he ran into members of the First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League, who, as usual, were volunteering to help out at a community event. 

A few weeks later, Al attended a monthly meeting of the First State Detachment at the Ocean City American Legion Post, and was sworn in as a new member. 

 Soto began his career as a Navy enlisted man in 1976, and attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School, graduating in 1977, the same year he reported to the Naval Academy. On graduation he chose to join the Marines, was trained as a helicopter pilot and served more than 24 years before retiring in 2000 as a Major. Rhonda, his wife, retired as a Colonel from the Air Force in 2014. 

In the photo, First State Detachment Commandant Bob Broderick (L) swears new member Al Soto into the First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League.
October 3, 2022

Don Coffin Named Judge Advocate of First State Marines

Don Coffin of Berlin has been sworn in as Judge Advocate of the First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League. As Judge Advocate, Coffin is responsible for advising the unit on matters of rules and regulations. Coffin was installed in the office by Frank Del Piano of Ocean City, Commandant of the Department of Delaware Marine Corps League, at the detachment’s monthly meeting held at Ocean City American Legion Post 166. 

Photo Caption Right hand raised, Don Coffin takes the oath of office as Judge Advocate from Frank Del Piano of the Marine Corps League First State Detachment
 September 15, 2022

First State Detachment Presents $10,000 Donation to Semper Fi & America Fund

The First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League held its 16 th annual Frank Conlon Memorial Golf Tournament at Ocean City Golf Club this summer to raise money for the Semper Fi & America's Fund that provides programs to assist combat wounded severely ill veterans and their families in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. 

In the attached photo, First State Detachment Commandant Bob Broderick and Frank Del Piano, Commandant, Department of Delaware, Marine Corps League, present a $10,000 check to Marine Corps Major Chuck Jedlicka and Command Sgt. Major Adrian Lopez, who receved the funds on behalf of the Semper Fi & America's Fund. 

Over the past 16 years the MCL golf tournament has been held in the Ocean City area. From the Golf Tournament and the Semper Fi Bike Ride, Walk or Run held on Ocean City's iconic boardwalk, First State Marines has raised more than $93,000.00 for the Semper Fi & America fund.
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