Marine Corps League



The Marine Corps League is the only Congressionally chartered United States Marine Corps-related veterans organization in the United States. Its Congressional Charter was approved by the 75th U.S. Congress and signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 4, 1937. The organization credits its founding &mdash; in 1923 &mdash; to legendary Marine Corps Commandant John A. Lejeune.

The group holds a congressional charter under Title 36 of the United States Code.

Mission statement
"Members of the Marine Corps League join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the interests of the United States Marine Corps, banding together those who are now serving in the United States Marine Corps and those who have been honorably discharged from that service that they may effectively promote the ideals of American freedom and democracy, voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to all Marines and former Marines and to their widows and orphans; and to perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines."

Programs
The Marine Corps League supports various programs to promote and honor the spirit and traditions of the Marines:

Injured Marines

 * Marines Helping Marines - Wounded Marines Program: Supports injured Marines in the following
 * Brooke Army Medical Center (San Antonio, Texas)
 * Walter Reed Army Medical Center (Washington, D.C.)
 * Naval Hospitals
 * National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
 * Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Virginia
 * Naval Medical Center San Diego (Balboa Naval Hospital)
 * Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton


 * Marine-4-Life/Injured Marine Support Program: Mentors and provides support for transitioning Marines.

Youth Programs

 * Young Marines : A youth program emphasizing the core values of the Marine Corps
 * U.S. Marines Youth Physical Fitness Program: For elementary and high school students
 * Boy Scouts of America
 * Scholarship program: Provides academic scholarships to children of Marines and former Marines.
 * Toys for Tots: A program of the Marine Reserve

Veterans benefits

 * Legislative program: Participates in national and state issues which impact the military and veterans programs.
 * Veterans Service Officer Program: Assist with claims resulting from active duty service.
 * Veterans Affairs Volunteer Service Program: Volunteer assistance in VA Hospitals

Miscellaneous

 * Military Order of the Devil Dogs: Fun and honor society of the MCL.