Marine Corps League volunteerism invaluable to community
Honor. Courage. Commitment.
These are the core values of the United States Marine Corps and through a variety of community projects that often go unnoticed, but mean the world to local community members, the Lake Blue Ridge Detachment #1438 Marine Corps League exemplify these values.
“One of the things that we learn as marines is service,” Commandant Jeff O’Neill said when discussing the formation of the league detachment. “We determined that yes we wanted to be together as marines and enjoy the comradery and fellowship but we also wanted to be members of the community and contribute to the community in the way of community service. That is also part of our mission, as a Marine Corps League, is to be good citizens of Blue Ridge and Fannin County and contribute where we can.”
When one thinks of the league in Fannin County, the Toys for Tots program and Christmas may come to mind, but what many don’t know is that the league actually collects and donates toys to children all year long through a variety of avenues and not just during the holiday season.
Outside of collecting Christmas gifts, they contribute toys to the Appalachian Court Appointed Special Advocacy (CASA), the Kid’s Corner in Ellijay, and they also give stuffed animals to law enforcement officers to give to children in stressful situations.
“Our annual budget in toys, cash, everything is around $65,000, so it’s a huge undertaking,” Jim Brumbelow said. “There’s probably 30, 35 people involved in bagging toys and picking up toys and it’s basically all Marine Corps League people.”
The league uses the new Fannin County Family Connection building, a building they volunteered much of their time to help renovate, to store the toys and for their meetings.
Executive Director Sherry Morris says she often calls on members of the league for help with different things and always receives the help she needs.
She said, “At Family Connection, we call the group ‘Our Marvelous Marines.’ But here’s the thing, these guys are all over the community, quietly and effectively helping in many ways at many organizations. We’ve just celebrated the season when they are publicly seen the most through Toys for Tots. I get to see the elation on parents faces when they pick up that bag full of toys for their children who would have otherwise had nothing. That joy was handed out by a Marine. I’m honored to know these gentlemen and doubly honored that they choose to help Family Connection.”
One of the many other projects the league worked on in the community this past year was Habitat for Humanity’s new home for the Haley family.
Kristen Haley, a marine and mother of three, is currently pursuing nursing school and explained that between the build, moving and school, things can get a little overwhelming. She credits the league for often helping her in those overwhelming times.
“From the beginning of the build, the Marine Corps League was a constant presence and great help,” Haley said. “I believe there was only one weekend when I did not have at least one member from the league present, and volunteering their Saturday. The amount and love and support from all of them has been astounding. Not only did they assist with the build, several of them offered to help with moving, furniture, and even helped me with child care when I had to work.”
The league members were ecstatic for Haley and her family’s opportunity to build a new home.
“From the time we knew she had applied, we were very hopeful that she would get selected and when she did we were probably just as excited as she was,” Greene said. “We decided, as a Marine Corps League, that where and when we could, either collectively or individually, we would be there to help her build that house and we’ve done that. … She’s one of us. She’s a marine and we don’t draw distinction between male or female. If you’re a marine, you’re a marine and we take care of our own.”
Haley echoed Greene’s dedication to the Corps’ bond, stating, “Once a marine, always a marine. These men and women love their fellow marines and their community. There is no doubt that they are an invaluable asset to our community.”
The league has also been involved with the Fannin County Special Olympics, the Shepherd’s Men program, The Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby, helping with construction for the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall and a variety of other projects.
The league meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in Family Connection’s Community Room. Those interested in joining the detachment or finding more information can contact O’Neill at oneilljs@etcmail.com.