Detachment to serve Fayette and Coweta counties

Peachtree City, Ga., Nov. 19, 2008 — The Marine Corps League is looking for a few good men: Specifically, Fayette and Coweta County Marines. Membership is open to all active duty, reserve, retired, or honorably discharged Marines.

The proposed detachment will be the first of its kind in metro Atlanta’s south suburbs. “We are definitely filling a need,” said George Dienhart, who is the lead organizer for the detachment. “We will strive to provide service to our local Marine population, as well as the community in general.”

The Marine Corps League has an array of ongoing programs designed to help Marines and the communities that they live in.

Marines Helping Marines — Wounded Marines Program — The program was created to support injured Marine Corps personnel located at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Brooke Army hospital in San Antonio, as well as the naval hospitals at Balboa, Camp Pendleton and elsewhere.

The scope of support encompasses financial, visits from Marine Corps League members, off-site day trips to include family outings, dinners, short trips in support of the individual Marine’s needs and professional sporting events as tickets and opportunities present themselves.

Young Marines of the Marine Corps League — A youth program emphasizing honesty, courage, respect, industry, loyalty, dependability, and a sense of devotion to God, country, community and family.

The Young Marines program receives funding from Congress and the United States Marine Corps primarily because of their drug interdiction focus on drug education and prevention.

U.s. Marines Youth Physical Fitness Program — The League developed and administers a program that provides a physical fitness regimen that promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle for elementary and high school students.

Scholarship Program — Members of the Marine Corps League fund scholarships through donations from individual members and subordinate units of the Marine Corps League and Auxiliary. Children and former Marines are eligible for academic scholarships for attendance at accredited colleges and universities.

Legislative Program — The Marine Corps League is a member of The Military Coalition and participates in national and state legislative issues that affect military readiness, benefits and entitlements of active duty personnel as well as veterans benefits programs effecting former and retired Marines.

Veterans Service Officer Program — The National Headquarters retains a full-time staff member who assists veterans in adjudicating claims against the government as a result of active duty service. Claims are processed through the Department of Veterans Affairs or other appropriate agencies of the federal government.

Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service Program (VAVS) — Marine Corps League members contribute thousands of man-hours each year supplementing staffs at VA hospitals and facilities in providing morale, comfort and assistance to institutionalized veterans.

Toys-For-Tots — Marine Corps League detachments in nearly every community take part annually in the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys-For-Tots campaign to raise funds and collect and distribute toys to needy children. In communities where there is an existing Marine Corps Reserve unit, the League works hand in hand supporting their campaign. In other communities, the Marine Corps League takes the lead, ensuring a successful campaign.

Marine-4-Life/Injured Marine Support Program — The League works very closely with the Marine Corps’ M-4-L program, providing mentors nationwide. In areas of the country where there is no Marine Corps “point of contact,” the League works directly with M-4-L Headquarters to provide services to transitioning Marines.

The League also participates in various patriotic functions, locally and at a national level. Such events include the National Memorial Day Parade and the National 4th of July Parade in Washington. “I’d like to see us participate in local parades and events, too” added Dienhart.

Interested parties should contact George Dienhart, at 770-629-1836.

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