PROGRAMS
Wreaths Across America - Wreaths Across America is committed to teaching all generations about the value of their freedoms, and the importance of honoring those who sacrificed so much to protect those freedoms. In 2022, the organization launched its expanded TEACH program and collaboration with like-minded organizations focused on character development and service projects for young people of all ages, with lesson plans for all grade levels and learning abilities. Our Detachment is an official fundraising group which participates in the "3-for-2 Program" with Wreaths Across America. This means 100% of all funds raised go directly toward the purchase of wreaths for our fallen at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.
MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO DONATE AND / OR ASSIST IN OUR 2024 FUNDRAISING EFFORTS!
In 2024, Washington County Detachment 1138 completed its 10th year of fundraising for Wreaths Across America to benefit the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. We are excited to announce that ALL graves were covered for the tenth year in a row!
The Detachment members raised a total of $14,025 in 2024. With our participation in the "Match Program" and the "3-for-2 Program," the funds raised purchased 1,359 wreaths for veterans' graves at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Total funds raised from 2015 through 2024 to honor our Fallen have grown to $114,422. Detachment 1138 members are extremely proud of their efforts!
To make an online donation, click here. To make a donation by mail, send a check payable to "Wreaths Across America" to: MCL 1138, P.O. Box 137, Washington, PA 15301.
Marine for Life - A transition assistance program that helps Marines and their families get settled back in the community when they leave active duty. The program taps into the network of Marine veterans and Marine-friendly businesses, organizations and individuals that are willing to lend a hand to a Marie who has served honorably. The Marine For Life Network exists to enable Marines, who served honorably and are returning to civilian life, to connect with people in the community who can aid them with access to opportunities and resources that can help them achieve their career and life goals. The goal of the network is to harness the skills, knowledge, experience and personal and professional networks of Marine Corps veterans and others veteran-friendly individuals in the community—to form a network of support for our Marines.
The Marine For Life Network offers Marines and family members connections to military-friendly employment, education, and other Veteran and community resources. To connect to the LinkedIn network, please click here. To access other resources, please visit Marine for Life Network - Marine Corps Community
You can also contact our Detachment Liaison and Senior Vice Commandant, Kevin Zaffino, by clicking here.
Community Outreach Initiative - Every veteran took an oath upon enlistment. At the heart of this vow, was to ensure our freedoms remain intact. Considering this as an ongoing commitment after the end of active service, the responsibility shifts from military operations to community service. This is the goal of the COI Program. Many at home, our neighbors, and community need help to varying degrees. It is the mission of the volunteers of the detachment who partake in this program to reach out and provide this support. Many of the opportunities are out of the box. One of the unique aspect of this initiative is how transformative it has been for detachment members. From veteran's outreach to mental health support to assisting with the agency on aging, the program has enabled service providers to introduce an element of nurturing that was not previously available.
Military Order of Devil Dogs (MODD) - Are you ready to up your Marine Corps League game? Do you like having fun while assisting great causes? Then the MODD is the place for you! The MODD promotes good fellowship amongst the members of the different Marine Corps League Detachments. It provides amusement and entertainment at all gatherings of the League, when and where advisable. It preserves and strengthens the principles and ideals of the League and maintains true allegiance to the United States of America and its Constitution and laws. The MODD is very active in raising funds for different charities with an emphasis on children's charities. This year, the pound undertook missions to benefit The Chief Devil Dog’s Children’s Hospital Fund, Animal Friends for Veterans-Major Ben Follansbee Memorial Fund, and Breast Cancer Awareness. For more info on the Kennel, click here.
Four growls (meetings) per year, are held at the “barking” of the Pound Keeper on designated Tuesdays at 1900 hours at our doghouse: Glenfield Valley Vets, 8 E. Beaver Street, Sewickley, PA 15143.
ACTIVITIES
Color Guard - Our Color Guard is recognized as one of the largest and most active in the region. We can be seen at numerous parades, sporting events and ceremonial events throughout Washington County.
Honor Guard - provides services for all fallen Marines in Washington County.
Marine Corps League Good Citizenship Award - Eagle Scouts are presented with this award in recognition of their achievement and to present them as future leaders.
Newsletter - The newsletter, sent out every other month, presents pertinent current news and information from the Marine Corps League, the Marine Corps and the Veterans Administration.
Toys for Tots - Detachment members can be found volunteering with Toys for Tots of Washington-Greene Counties and the Mon Valley Toys for Tots.
Scholarships - Scholarships are available to high school graduates and current college students. The member-applicant or the applicant's father, mother or grandparent must be a member in good standing the Marine Corps League or Auxiliary.
Sick / Distressed Comrades - Assistance is provided to members in need. We also support the MCL Department of Pennsylvania Foundation which assists Marines, FMF Navy Corpsmen and FMF Navy Chaplain throughout the Commonwealth.
Veterans' Affairs - The Detachment actively works to protect and keep its membership informed of the rights and benefits of veterans.
Collections - Volunteers conduct multiple collections throughout the year which allow the Detachment to make donations and do our good work. Donations have included Wreaths Across America, SWPA Wounded Warriors and the MCL Department of Pennsylvania Foundation.
Marksmanship - Range time events ("Guns and Grub") with members of the Detachment to keep skills sharp and build comradery among our brotherhood and sisterhood.
