41°
The detachment assists active duty Marines, reserve Marine units, as well as all service veterans in our local area. The Marine Corps League is a veterans service organization and helps all branches of the military connect with veteran's affairs and other organizations.
“This is what we do until the day we die. There is no such thing as an ex-Marine,” said Sr. Vice Commandant Mike McNulty of Oakland.
The 150-member group, which previously had its headquarters in Pompton Lakes, celebrates its 25th anniversary on Dec. 15.
There will also be a separate holiday pancake celebration with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Five members will be receiving a special certification for the Toys For Tots program for collecting hundreds of thousands of toys for needy children.
With so many big events around the corner, detachment members have been busy renovating the kitchen and fixing up parts of the legion hall while continuing with dozens of scheduled activities.
The detachment primarily assists Marine Corps reservists and various retired members of the military connect to services through VA Offices.
“Some of them need our help," McNulty said. "Otherwise, if they don’t speak out at the offices and leave without getting the services they need, they won’t get it, which is why many end up committing suicide.”
The group also looks out for those with disabilities -- especially veterans. All of the donations collected from their paper rose sales go back to veterans, including the purchase of 50 televisions for those living in a care center.
"We want to show others that we are serious and professional in what we do," McNulty said.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Wyckoff-Franklin Lakes and receive free news updates.
