We sincerely hope that you find this site enjoyable and informative. Our intentions are to showcase our Detachment, and the people that make it up, and all the wonderful things they do.

As an organization, we carry on quite a few programs within our community, such as the well known Toys For Tots. Our Honor Guards are constantly on the go to help with funerals, parades and other requests, and they are known as one of the best units in the area. We also have a very active Women's Auxiliary within the detachment that raises money for all sorts of programs in the the community, such as donating toys to the Fisher House which supports the loved ones of those injured in the line of duty in Iraq, while visiting them in a VA hospital. Our Young Marine's program is outstanding and wins many awards for being so well trained. They are a joy to watch as they move through their various maneuvers. The Devil Dogs, the elite, fun part of the Marine Corps League, does all sorts of projects giving back to the community, while at the same time laughing a lot. The Devil Dogs joined the Women's Auxiliary in donations to the Fisher House.

We have the Dr. Harry Smith scholarship program for those attending colleges and universities.

We also host numerous community programs that use our facilities for meetings and meals.

On top of everything else, of course, we have our own Leatherneck Lounge, and Gunny's Galley for food preparation and service. Our meeting hall can afford up to 125 people to comfortably sit and eat, in either a sit-down configuration, or a buffet-style setting.

Our entertainment committee is always trying to revamp old ideas and come up with new programs to entertain our members and the public. They work hard and long, and as is with most volunteers, they don't get much in the way of public thanks, but do take great pride in what and how they do things.

Speaking of volunteers, like most volunteer organizations, we are always looking for new folks to help out with the various programs, from working in the Galley or Lounge, to working as an Officer of the Day, and helping out with the Toys For Tots or Entertainment committees. We have a number of members that already help out, but we like to help new folks meld in to the organization by helping out. This helps the new members learn what is available within the detachment, as well as giving each new member a feeling of accomplishment by helping and working with others.

The officers for the detachment are a mixture of World War II, Korean, and Vietnam Veterans, as well as peace time Marines. In addition, new members coming in now have seen conditions in southwest Asia, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Our organization is made up primarily of Marines and Navy Fleet Marine Force Corpsmen who have served in direct support of Marines in the field. In addition to those folks though, 20% of our members come from the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard. We have both permanent residents of Florida, as well as many members who are our "snow bird" brethren, who spend the winters in Florida. Our members come from all sorts of different walks in life, and yet, they combine to make up a very smooth running and viable community service group.

We invite all active duty and former Marines to come down and join us in giving back to the community that has nurtured our families and friends. We also invite all other members of the public to stop by and have lunch or a drink with us. We may be Marines, but we are open to the public to make new friends and associates.

Stop by and see us. If you value your freedoms, you can even thank a Marine in person. I like to believe that we have a very fine Detachment that we all can take pride in having in the community.

- Bob Ross
Commandant

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From the Sr Vice Commandant

The Senior Vice Commandant's position is important to Detachment for three general reasons, to assist and support the Commandant, to prepare for succession to the Commandant's office and to back up the Commandant when absent. The SVC should be a major contributing force to the success of the Detachment. He should provide knowledge and influence in assuring the achievement of Detachment goals and operations.

In conjunction with the above mentioned items I'm also the coordinator for Marine Corps Ball; which preparations have already began. I'm inviting all members who desire to be part of the ball committee to contact me ASAP. The Marine Corps Ball is the grandest and formal place where the young and old come together for a time honored tradition of past and present Marine Camaraderie. Join us on 6 November 2011, tickets on sale in July.

Semper Fi
Senior Vice Commandant
Marion Kelley