Thoughts for 2010

Marines,

2009 has been a good year for the Department of Indiana. The Department provided Leadership Training. Our activity level is up for most Detachments, we have a new Detachment and 4 more prospective Detachments in the works, our local and state wide communications are up and complaints are dramatically down.

Now the hard part, having fun in 2010 and adding all the new members it will bring.

Our activity level is up, but it is my concern that we are not taking advantage of all the opportunities that good “PRESS” provides. Getting the word out to your community of your activities is one of the best membership building tools you have. A news source on my cell phone brings me news stories about Marines. As an example, many of the Detachments across the country are in the news for their Toys For Tots efforts. We are doing a great job with Toys For Tots, Supporting the Deployed, etc., but I am not seeing much PRESS. Commandants I suggest that if you don’t have one, find a good Public Relations Officer to appoint. And make sure they send that same information to MarinesOfIndiana.com!

I know you have all heard and I will continue to suggest that we continue to provide Leadership for our Detachments, encourage Teamwork among our Officers and Members within the Detachments and between Detachments, and the whole time focusing on the Mission.

I look forward to 2010 and the great things that are going to happen in our Department. Along with the Division Vice Commandant in your area I would like to visit activities at your Detachments, please keep us in mind so we can coordinate calendars.

Happy New Year!

Semper Fidelis,
Russ Eaglin

Commandant

Department of Indiana

Marine Corps League

WW II Veterans Ceremony

The Public is Invited to Join

Mayor Gregory A. Ballard,

LtCol. USMC(Ret)

and

the City of Indianapolis

WORLD WAR II

VETERANS CEREMONY

Saturday, December 12, 2009

1300 - 1500

American Legion Post 64, 601 South Holt Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46241

Enjoy refreshments and dancing with the Big Band Sound of World War II.

VA to Study Women Viet Nam Vets mental/physical health

Image via Wikipedia

WASHINGTON (Nov. 19, 2009) -Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is launching a comprehensive study of women Veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War to explore the effects of their military service upon their mental and physical health. For detailed information click here.

Care Package Party at Marine Barracks Indianapolis

On Saturday, November 14, 2009 over 80 people gathered at the Marine Barracks in Indianapolis for a Care Package Party. Many boxes of goodies from home were sent to our forward deployed Marine Reservists. The Central Indiana Young Marines were a big part of the Care Package Party. The Marine Corps Coordinating Council, Marine Foundation of Central Indiana, Marine Corps League Hiram I. Bearss Det., and the Marine I&I Staff worked together to put on the event. There was plenty of chili, corn bread, baked goods and a lot of fun to go around. Enjoy the packages Marines!! Hope to see you home soon>>>Oorah!!!

Happy Birthday Marines!!

Image by wallyg via Flickr

On this the 234th Birthday of our Marine Corps I am thinking of those that are in harms way in Iraq, Afganistan, and around the globe. I am thinking of their safety, of their need for care packages and letters, and of the welfare of their families here at home. We should all be working to ensure that our Marines and their families are supported in the best manner we can!

As I stood at attention while the Marine Hymn was played at the Marine Corps Ball last saturday night, I could see our Marine Corps flag straight ahead and I could see the many Marines of all ages standing in joint honor and pride. Marine veterans from our nation's wars were honored as they annouced each war. The stirring, funny, and emotionally charged speach of our guest speaker SSgt Don Myers USMC (Ret) capped off a great ceremony.

As an individual I am humbled by the honor of serving my country as a United States Marine. I am honored to have served with some of the greatest men I know. And now as your Commandant I continue to be amazed at the performance and committment of Marines and former Marines continuing to work for the good of our nation and our communities.

Semper Fidelis and Happy Birthday Marines!! Oorah!!
Russ Eaglin
Commandant
Department of Indiana, Marine Corps League