Yellow Footprints Detachment becomes official with charter

6 Feb 2003 | Cpl. Jennifer Brofer Marine Corps Training and Education Command

After months of organizational meetings and membership drive socials, the Marine Corps League Yellow Footprints Detachment became official in a chartering ceremony at the Peatross Parade Deck Saturday.

The detachment's charter members were sworn in and presented with their official charter by the MCL Department of South Carolina, formally inducting them into the Marine Corps League.

According to Retired Capt. Ron Tucker, the detachment's junior vice commandant, chartering the detachment had been long overdue.

"I thought it was kind of ironic that this is the place 'where it all begins' and we didn't have a local detachment, so I'm glad to see it finally get off the ground," he said.

A local detachment once existed, but disbanded years ago due to lack of participation, said Yellow Footprints Detachment Comman-dant Master Gunnery Sgt. Donald Garland, who first began taking steps to charter the detachment in October 2002.

After gauging interest for a local detachment for six months, he coordinated three membership drive socials to recruit potential charter members. After having gained enough members, Garland signed the application for charter in November 2003, which was processed through the MCL Department of South Carolina and approved by the league's National Headquarters in Fairfax, Va.

Garland, who came up with the idea to charter a detachment, also came up with the idea for the name. He said he had heard of detachment names like Iron Mike, Iwo Jima and Chesty Puller, but wanted a name that would set them apart from the rest. Thus, the idea for the Yellow Footprints Detachment was born.

"One of the most important things people see about making Marines is the yellow footprints," he said. "Even if they don't make it through training and they're sent home, I can't think of anybody who would ever forget those yellow footprints."

Garland said the detachment will continue to accept members and, since the detachment has been officially chartered, there will most likely be a significant increase in interest and membership.

Membership into the MCL is open to all active duty and reserve Marines with at least 90 days of service, including retired and honorably discharged Marines, as well as Navy corpsmen who have served with the Fleet Marine Force.

The MCL was formed to provide camaraderie and assistance to Marines and their survivors, preserve the traditions and promote the interests of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Garland said the detachment has already begun its community involvement, starting with the Adopt-a-Highway program. Volunteers will pick up trash along a two-mile stretch of highway, beginning at Parris Island Gateway and ending at Shell Point.

The detachment also plans to visit hospitalized veterans, participate in parades, sponsor Toys for Tots and other community programs, as well as serve as hosts for visiting MCL and Young Marines detachments, said Garland.

Another goal Garland hopes to accomplish within the first year is for the detachment to garner enough funds to sponsor a college scholarship for family members of Marines and league members.

"I am taken aback at the generosity and the esprit de corps the Marine Corps League has," said Garland. "The Marine Corps League is the epitome of Marines taking care of their own. I really believe that the establishment of a Marine Corps League here will not only serve the community, but be able to enhance morale and provide benefits to the Marines and their families here."

To learn more about the Yellow Footprints Detachment, or to become a member, contact Garland at 228-3165.

Marine Corps Training and Education Command