Delaware Department Mid-Winter Report 25 January 2011
Gentlemen, the Delaware Department has been quite busy since the Annual Conference. To begin with its Junior Past Commandant, Robert Galvin, has shown little improvement since he entered Beebe Medical Hospital in Lewes, DE in early August suffering from a mild stroke. He was initially transferred to the Harbor Healthcare & Rehab Center in Lewes, DE where he began his struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Today he is residing in the Renaissance Healthcare Facility in Millsboro, DE. His battle with Alzheimer’s has deteriorated and he is now in a secure lock-down environment. As a result he is unable to be transferred to the local VA Medical Center located in Millsboro, DE as that facility does not yet have a full lock-down capability. We continue to visit with him and to assist his family.

Recruiting. The Department continues to work on its recruiting efforts and has attained moderate success. Each Detachment has developed its own program ranging from handing out cards or flyers to potential members when they spot a vehicle displaying some kind of USMC sticker/logo or meet them at some point. Others incorporate this technique as well as establish a booth at Conventions held at the Ocean City, MD Convention Center. This booth is manned by local detachment members in appropriate MCL uniform attire. Applications are available at the show and a HD television has been donated in which USMC videos are run displaying various actions conducted by Marines. This technique has been successful to a degree in obtaining names and contact information, but many of those who stop by are just visiting from out of town and hence do not complete the membership form.

The Department’s strength over the past year has held fairly steady. It started out at 354 members and ended up at the same level. However, within the department we had a total of 20 new members from new members/transfers and a like number of losses from transfer outs, non-paid, and deaths. Each detachment speaks of a mentoring program they carry out for their new members and each does a good job of getting their new members involved in their various programs.

Professional Development. To date the Delaware Department has not instituted a formal professional development program. However, as previously stated, each detachment has instituted a mentoring program for its new members covering such things as uniform requirements and the proper way to wear the uniform and getting them involved in their various programs. At the upcoming Mid-East Division Conference, there will be several breakout sessions covering topics such as recruiting, uniforms, duties and responsibilities of elected and appointed officers.

Disciplinary Action. In accordance with current National Marine Corps League policy which forbids the wearing of any part of MCL uniforms while publicly participating in any political campaign or program, an associate detachment member who serving in an appointed position was found Have violated this policy. Upon hearing of this infraction, the Detachment Commandant took appropriate and immediate corrective action. He investigated the allegation, called the member in and upon hearing his admitting to this infraction, relieved him from his appointed position. The member expressed remorse for this offense and has been performing well since.

Activities. Each Detachment hosts several activities which are different than the other four. As an example, the Thomas Holcomb Detachment mans a concession stand at the Delaware Blue Hens baseball stadium during the season and sells food and beverages to the game attendees. This is a major annual fundraiser for the Detachment. In addition they are busy with their VAVS program and provide lunches and holiday programs at the local VA facility. The Central Delaware Detachment is actively involved in the Boy Scouts Eagle program. The Department as a whole has begun to promote this program in response to the recent emphasis published by National. Central is also active in supporting the Veterans Home in Milford, DE. The Department Judge Advocate has also been reappointed as the Commissioner of the Delaware State Commission on Veterans Affairs. Diamond State maintains a continuous monitoring program on the progress of Immediate Past Commandant Galvin and continues to assist his wife during these trying times. Delaware Devil Dogs joined ranks with the First State Detachment to decorate all grave sites located at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery in Shockly, DE. In all approximately 30 Marines and several wives placed/removed over 1,000 flags on all of the gravesites just prior to and following Veterans Day. The First State Detachment played a major role at the 7th Annual Veterans Day Tribute honoring WWII and Korean War veterans in Worcester County, Maryland. They provided escorts for veterans of those conflicts as they laid wreaths at the foot of the American flag; they presented flowers to 7 Gold Star Mothers whose kin had died in Afghanistan or Iraq. The Detachment made significant contributions to the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund over the year totaling $1,500; the highlight of their activity was adopting the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines during their recent deployment to Afghanistan. Through the efforts of the Detachment’s Adjutant, Steve Siltman, assisted by the daughter of one of the members, the Detachment sent over 1,700 Christmas cards, candy, gum and geedunk sufficient for the Battalion Chaplain to stuff over 3,000 Christmas stockings and distribute and share all of these goods not only with his unit but with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines who just arrived in country to relieve 2/6; the Regimental Headquarters and several other commands located near this battalion. Finally, during the month of December, the First State Detachment was able to assist a young Marine veteran with a sick wife and infant who were threatened with eviction. The Detachment donated $500 to him, and through the combined efforts of two Past Detachment Commandants, was able to arrange for another $500 from the MCL Foundation.

Toys for Tots. Every Detachment had a great year with its individual Toys for Tots program. In excess of 58,000 toys were collected and distribution went to over 20,400 children and needy families. Additionally, more than $5,000 was collected and forwarded to the National Toys for Tots Foundation.

Mideast Division Conference. The Delaware Department is busily engaged in planning for the upcoming Mideast Division Conference. It is now scheduled for the first weekend in June 2011. It will be held at the Fredericksburg Hospitality House Hotel and Conference Center. The First State Detachment has the lead in the planning with assistance being provided by all of the other detachments.

That concludes my report, Sir Commandant.

R. T. Tanner Commandant, Delaware Department

"Welcome Home and Thank You to all veterans returning home"

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