From the Department of Massachusetts Commandant

Welcome to the Department of Massachusetts Marine Corps League website.

As the Department Commandant, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about myself. I served from 2004 to 2008, with two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. When I exited the Marine Corps, I was fortunate to already know several Marines in my area that belonged to a local Detachment. Joining the Oak Ridge Detachment was just what I needed, as I wanted to have that continued camarderie and sense of belonging. The Oak Ridge Marines also made my transition to civilian life much easier. Thus, I understand the importantance of Detachments. It is with this understanding that I and my Department officers will continue to do everything we can to actively search for Marines who have recently exited the Marine Corps in order to help provide them that same sense of belonging and camaraderie that I was fortunate enough to receive. This also has the added benefit of ensuring the future of the Marine Corps League as a whole.

Between myself and my Senior Officers, we strongly believe in Detachments First. Detachments are boots on the ground, and they are what the public sees and interacts with on a regular basis. As you know, the Marine Corps League Detachment strives to be an active part of our communities and to make a positive difference in them. Thus, Massachusetts Detachments can count on the Department doing everything in it's power to assist them. We want our Detachments to feel supported, so we are always open to hearing feedback or ideas on how to improve in this regard. We want to hear directly from the Detachments and our door is open at all times. For those who don't know, we have 23 located throughout the Commonwealth. We aim to grow this number moving forward.

Additionally, I personally place a heavy emphasis on camaraderie, fun, and especially shenanigans. I and my staff would like to attend your Detachment functions, meetings and fundraisers. Please inform me of any so that I may help advertise your events also.

I am of the belief that all members should be treated with respect and common courtesy at all times regardless of their current position in the Marine Corps League, how long they have been in the Marine Corps League, their former rank, what they did while in the Marine Corps, or what era they were in the Marine Corps. We are all adults, here to work together to advance the interests of the League and enjoy ourselves in the process.

The Department of Massachusetts enjoys donating to many different organizations and non profits. Examples include the Young Marine's Program, Scouting programs, Wreaths Across America, NROTC programs, Women's Shelters, The Holyoke Soldiers Home, injured Marine fund, Wounded Warrior Project, and Veteran’s Hospitals. If it is for a good cause and supports our veteran community or community as a whole, we try to be there.

Our Department meetings are due to be rotated throughout the state. This hopefully makes it fair for all Detachments members to attend. It is of course vital that we have Detachments volunteer to host in order to accomplish this.

To non League members, we are always looking to add to our membership, and can help you track down a local Detachment closest to you. Contact information is available at the top of the website under Detachments. If you have reached out to a Detachment but have not heard back in a reasonable time frame, please reach out to a Department Officer or myself for assistance. The Marine Corps League accepts all honorably discharged Marines, FMF Corpsman or Navy Chaplains. However, if you cannot join at this time, perhaps you could make a donation. Any and all donations can be made to our Department Paymaster by contacting Bernard Heaney at Bernieandnancy1@comcast.net.

We hope you consider joining the Marine Corps League, and once again wearing the Eagle, Globe and Anchor.

Semper Fidelis,

Brian Brooks
Commandant & Web Sergeant, Department of Massachusetts Marine Corps League