[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 165 (Friday, November 6, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2734]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CONGRATULATIONS TO THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 6, 2009

  Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the more than 100 
members of the Marine Corps League Rogue Valley Detachment 386 of 
southern Oregon on the occasion of the Marine Corps' 234th birthday. 
Since 1921, all Marines--past and present--have heeded the order issued 
by Major General John A. Lejeune to come together each November to 
remember the history, honor, and traditions of their Corps.
  Next week, on November 10, I will have the honor and the privilege of 
joining with the Rogue Valley detachment to celebrate and commemorate 
the founding of the United States Marine Corps when, in 1775, the 
Second Continental Congress resolved to raise two battalions of 
Continental Marines.
  For the 234 years that have followed, the United States Marine Corps 
has stood as the epitome of America's military strength. From the 
Battle of Belleau Wood to the Battle of Khe Sanh, from the sands of Iwo 
Jima to the streets of Fallujah, from Grenada to Beirut, the Marine 
Corps has never failed in answering the call to defend this Nation and 
its interests around the world. Marines truly have served in every 
clime and place in defense of freedom.
  It is this tradition of service and commitment to freedom that most 
impresses me whenever I meet a Marine or former Marine.
  Proving that ``Once a Marine, Always a Marine'' is more that just a 
slogan, the members of the Marine Corps League Rogue Valley detachment 
are dedicated to the purpose of preserving these traditions and 
promoting the interests of the United States Marine Corps. They do this 
by promoting the ideals of freedom and democracy throughout their 
community and by volunteering aid and assistance to all current and 
former Marines and Fleet Marine Force Corpsman and their families.
  In the past year, the Rogue Valley detachment, led by Commandant 
Loren Otto, organized its first annual ``Tee It Up for Local Heroes'' 
golf tournament and raised $2,100 to support Toys for Tots, the Marines 
Helping Marines Wounded Warrior program, and to provide care packages 
for deployed service members. A portion of these funds also went to 
support the three local Young Marine units that the detachment sponsors 
in southern Oregon.
  I am very pleased to note that the Rogue Valley detachment is the 
only Marine Corps League unit in the country that sponsors this many 
Young Marine units. The detachment's commitment to making a positive 
impact on America's future is without question and we are indeed 
fortunate to have members Dave Dotterrer and Anthony Guillory serve on 
the National Board of Directors for the Young Marines.
  Other detachment members have sent out nearly 100 comfort packages to 
deployed Marines and soldiers. The detachment also recently volunteered 
to support their local community when the Cycle Oregon tour came 
through the Rogue Valley and in return raised over $500 to put toward 
future fundraising efforts. In addition, the detachment regularly 
offers an Honor Guard detail to the Eagle Point National Cemetery to 
provide funeral honors for their fallen brethren. Finally, in probably 
their most fulfilling service to community, the Rogue Valley detachment 
collects and distributes toys for the yearly Marine Toys for Tots 
program throughout Jackson and Josephine counties.
  By their actions and deeds, the men and women of the Marine Corps 
League Rogue Valley Detachment 386 have demonstrated the honor, 
commitment, and values that Marines have been renowned for since their 
inception. While our gathering next Tuesday to mark this auspicious 
occasion in the Corps' 234-year history may be small compared to 
others, I am extremely honored to share this time with such a dedicated 
group of veterans, constituents, and friends.
  Madam Speaker, I encourage all Members of Congress seek out their 
local Marine Corps League detachments or active duty Marines on 
November 10 and raise a glass to celebrate the world's finest fighting 
force. Semper Fidelis, Marines, and Happy Birthday.

                          ____________________