From The Oak Ridge Commandant

Hello and welcome to the Oak Ridge Detachment Website. My name is Brian Brooks, the Commandant of the Detachment. I'd like to tell you a little about us. The Oak Ridge Detachment is a non profit organization consisting of former Marines, as well as Veterans from other branches of the United States Military who are associate members. Essentially, we carry on the traditions and proud history of the United States Marine Corps. The Oak Ridge Detachment was founded on September 1st 1986.

Oak Ridge Detachment used to meet in Bernardston, however we now meet at the Moose Lodge in Greenfield at 20 School Street which works out far better for us. Our meetings are the first monday of the month from 6 pm to 7 pm, with a social hour before and after.

We very much enjoy being active in the Veteran Community. We do a lot of fundraising as again, we are a non profit organization. The funds we raise go right back into the community through free holiday dinners, as well as any form of assistance a Veteran or their family may require in times of need.

We are always actively looking to increase our ranks with likeminded Marines and Veterans. Camaraderie is important to us, and is the one thing that most Veterans miss most when leaving military service. We hope you will stop by one of our meetings, bbq's or other fundraisers to see what we are about for yourself.

On a final note:

The Oak Ridge Detachment values representing ourselves with Honor, Integrity and Honesty at all times.

The Oak Ridge Detachment has a policy regarding the actions and behavior of it's membership. Any personal conduct detrimental to the Honor of the United States Marine Corps, The Marine Corps League, or the Oak Ridge Detachment may be grounds for immediate removal from the Detachment. Examples include but are not limited to: Stolen Valor, theft, or any conduct that would make a member of the community question the Integrity of the Marine Corps League. Members are expected to conduct themselves Honorably at all times. We value our relationship with our local communities, fellow citizens and other Veteran organizations.

Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you in our local communities.

Semper Fidelis

Brian Brooks

Commandant, Oak Ridge Detachment #628

About The Oak Ridge Detachment

• -Oak Ridge provides military funeral honors to deceased veterans and their families in our local area.
• -We rely on fundraising and donations made, in order for us to give back to the community as we are a non profit organization.
• -Oak Ridge collects toys for children in our area, through the Toys for Tots program.
• -Oak Ridge likes to partner with DJ Bobby C's numerous fundraisers. This includes his Thanksgiving dinner giveaways and Franklin County Triad Ham giveaways, all to families in need.
• -Oak Ridge often gives away Christmas and Thanksgiving Dinners to families in need.
• -Oak Ridge enjoys donating to the Building Bridges Veterans Initiative.
• -Oak Ridge has purchased a new fair booth at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Greenfield. It is located in the outfield close to the grandstands. We grill full barbeque chicken dinners. Proceeds cover costs and the profits go back to worthy causes in our local communities.
• -The Oak Ridge Detachment Marine Corps League accepts all Honorably Discharged Marines, FMF Navy Corpsman, and FMF Navy Chaplains. Veterans from other branches are also accepted and entitled to Associate Member status. Verification of Honorable Discharge (final copy if multiple enlistments) is required upon membership application. The first year's membership is free paid for by the Detachment. Dues after the first free year are $35.00.

Donors to the Oak Ridge Detachment. We thank you for your support!

Kiwanis Club of Bernardston

Michael Aldrich

Upper Pioneer Valley Veterans Services

McCarthy Funeral Home

Hitchcock Brewing Company

The Gun Rack

Northfield Food Mart

Aubuchon Hardware

Ryan & Casey

Berkshire Brewing Company

Tractor Supply

Lucky Bird Thrift Shop

Absolutely Fabulous Hair

Car Quest

Kringle Candle

Millers Falls Smokehouse

Pekarski's Sausage

Terraza Restaraunt

Fosters Supermarket

Sweet Lucy's Bakeshop

Spirit Shoppe

Pine Hill Orchards

Denny's Pantry

Ninety Nine Restaurant

Hagers Farm Market

Andy's Oak Shop

About the Marine Corps League

The mission of the Marine Corps League is to promote the interests of and to preserve the traditions of the United States Marine Corps; strengthen the fraternity of Marines and their families; serve Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and FMF Chaplains who wear or who have worn the Eagle, Globe and Anchor; and foster the ideals of Americanism and patriotic volunteerism.

The Marine Corps League as a whole provides funeral honors support to over 10,000 funerals per year. This support allows the Marine Corps (Active and Reserve) to focus more of their resources on mission preparation.

The Marine Corps League also supports the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Semper Fi Fund, Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, Mack's Marines, and the Young Marines.

We have several scholarship/award programs including the Merchant Marine Academy Marine-Option Honor Graduate, Marine Corps University LtGen Lejeune (luh-jern) Leadership Award, Delta Dental Scholarship, and college scholarships through the Marine Corps League Foundation.

One of our most critical missions is assisting transitioning Marines and their families in support of the Marine Corps' Marine for Life program.

The Marine Corps League produces a quarterly publication called the Semper Fi Magazine.

We have many programs supporting our Marines, their families, and our community:
Veteran Service Officers (VSO)
Scouting/Eagle Scout Program
Marine Roses Program
POW/MIA Remembrance
Rifle and Pistol Competition Matches
Volunteer Assistance Veterans Service (VAVS)
Color Guards