Commandants New Year's Message
2023
Dear Rhode Island Marine Corps League Members,
I truly hope everyone had a great Christmas and Happy & safe New Year!!!
Let’s look back at 2022 and what your department has accomplished as well as a few of the events that were hosted/planned.
First off, Quad State. There are members from other Departments still talking about Quad State. How well it was planned, the events, the meal choices, the gift bags, the raffles, bagpipers and especially the guest speaker, 12th SgtMaj of the Marine Corps, SgtMaj Gene Overstreet. We had a good team that made sure that everything was thought through, and it was going to add a little something to Quad State. The statement was even made, “this was the best Quad State I’ve ever attended”. That is all because of those that took the time to assist and for that, “Thank you”. 2026 isn’t that far away, I know we can make the next one we host even better.
Along with the Young Marines, which I will be saying a lot, we participated in the Aquidnick Police
Parade. It’s been more than a few years since we’ve done that. It was successful, since we had a
different part of the state looking at us and the RIYM’s. Some of the league members went with the YM’s to the Sea Bee Museum, had our own personal tour and meet and greet.
Members of the league along with the YM”s attended and assisted with the RI Gold Star Dedication ceremony. Another event that we have done for many years is the Gaspee Day parade but this year was different. Our very own PSC/Chaplain Jane Deptula was the grand marshall and she was a big hit. Several members attended the IRR muster at the Omni in Downtown Providence. Our goal was to get the word out about the League and sign up any potential members. We were successful, the Bucci-Atwood detachment got a new member. Welcome Aboard.
With the help of the YM’s the Detachments as well as the Department held quite a few rose collections which were very successful. Kent County thought outside the box and held a cornhole tournament, it was the first one and word has it they will be planning one for 2023. Bucci-Atwood organized a golf tournament where League members from all over the Division came and played in to help raise money. The ball was done a little different this year. It was the department of Rhode Island Marine Corps Ball and Kent County Det. took the lead on the planning. It was a very successful turnout with a great guest speaker, Capt. M.J. Majors, USN Ret. There was a raffle put together and the committee decided to do something special with the monies raised, more on that in a little bit. This upcoming year the Bucci-Atwood Det. is going to take the reins for the ball, and I am sure they will do just as good of a job.
The Department requested the RI State House be lit up purple in coordination with the National Flag Foundation, on November 11th , 2022, the 240th anniversary of the establishment of the Purple Heart was observed in cities across the United States. It was officially called “Light to Unite”. Our request was granted, and the state capitol was lit up with red, white, and blue along with purple around the lower half as well as the dome of the capitol. It was rather impressive.
Back to the raffle. The money raised was used to purchase a backpack type bag which each contained much needed personal items along with a Christmas card. We wanted to wish the Veterans a Merry Christmas and to let them know they are not forgotten, and we wanted to “Thank” them for their service. They all were very appreciative, and I believe each of them felt extraordinary that the Marine Corps League took the time to recognize them and let them know we are thinking of them. It was a humbling experience that’s for sure.
During the year there were some challenging times, but as a department we got through them. The Department was able to recruit more members in 2022 than in years past, the number of new members is close to 30. With the many rose collections, we have made contact with more Marine veterans who have shown interest in the League. We can and we will grow this Department to make an even bigger impact on the Veteran community here in Rhode Island, that is what we are here for, and we must take care of our own.
The goals for 2023 is to continue our relationship with the YM’s. Working together supporting each other is a win win for both organizations. We will continue to fundraise, and we will be looking into other unconventional ways to get funds for the Department. We need to do different things to draw in interest. We are continuously updating/upgrading our website with different ideas for our visitors to be interested in what we do and how. We have been looking at maybe getting office space in order to have a” HQ” for the League, an actual physical address where potential members can come down and speak with members of the League. Midwinter (Norfolk) is in February, Quad State (Vermont) is in April and the National Convention is in Oklahoma City in August. There will be several members attending, if you’re interested in attending check out the National website for exact dates.
As a Department I believe we are going to be more successful in 2023. With some new ideas and how we proceed this year we will definitely make an impact on the Veteran Community. Having said that we will be planning some type of event (cookout/picnic) where our members and their families can come out, relax and enjoy themselves. I want every member to know, you are an asset to the League. If it wasn’t for you there would not be a League, please reach out if there is anything that you need or if you have any questions.
HAPPY NEW YEAR MARINES, MEMBERS AND VISITORS OF OUR WEBSITE.
SEMPER FIDELIS!!!!!!!!!!!
Patrick Maguire
Commandant
Marine Corps League
Department of Rhode Island
