ABOUT US
The Marine Corps League (MCL) serves as the premier congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated to United States Marines and Navy Fleet Marine Force (FMF) personnel.
Founding and Early Vision (1923)
The organization was established on June 6, 1923, during an "All-Marine" caucus held at the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City. It was born from the vision of Major Sidney W. Brewster, who sought to formalize the camaraderie of World War I veterans through a national "Marine Corps Veterans Association," which was renamed the Marine Corps League during the 1923 meeting.
Early Advocacy: In 1932, the League played a pivotal role in protecting the Corps from a movement in Washington to abolish it as a cost-saving measure during the Great Depression.
- Key Founder: Major General John A. Lejeune, the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps and a hero of the Battle of Belleau Wood, is credited as the league's primary founder and served as its first National Commandant.
Congressional Charter and Legal Standing
A milestone in the League's history occurred in 1937 when it received formal recognition from the federal government.
On August 4, 1937, the U.S. Congress Congressionally Chartered the organization as a Veteran Service Organization. It maintains a 501c4 non-profit status with the Internal Revenue Service with special tax exemption.
Modern Organization and Membership (2025)
As of 2025, the League continues to fulfill its mission of preserving Marine Corps traditions and providing assistance to veterans and their families. At the 2025 National Convention held in August in Grapevine, Texas, members ratified updated National Bylaws and Administrative Procedures to ensure the organization remains relevant to its growing membership.
-
Membership: The League boasts over 60,000 members, including active-duty, reserve, and honorably discharged Marines, as well as Navy FMF Corpsmen and Chaplains with at least 90 days of service.
-
Structure: It is led by an elected National Commandant and a Board of Trustees who oversee roughly 48 state departments and more than 1,000 community-based detachments.
-
Legacy: In 2025, the League joins the rest of the nation in celebrating the 250th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps, a milestone that underscores the organization's century-long commitment to the "Once a Marine, Always a Marine" ethos.
Jack Maas Detachment 1379 (2011)
The Jack Maas Detachment 1379 was formed in June 2011 and chartered by the Marine Corps League on July 23, 2011. The Detachment meets on the 3rd Saturday of the month in Fredericksburg, VA starting at 1000. On indicated months, the Detachment has a no-host pre-meeting breakfast starting at 0900.
The Detachment is named after the late John (Jack) B. Maas Jr., Colonel, US Marine Corps (Ret), a World War II and Korean War ace. The Detachment is also extremely grateful to the Maas family for their permission to name the Detachment after Colonel Maas and for their very generous financial support.
OUR LOCATIONS
We meet the 3rd Saturday of the month at the Moose Lodge at 11917 Cherry Rd, Fredericksburg VA, 22407.
Not in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area but still want to join up? Have a look at the MCL Detachment Locator here: https://www.mcleaguelibrary.org/detachment-locator-2/