George C. Leber Detachment Commandant William “Bulldog” Sump (R) accepts Detachment of the Year Award from Oregon Department Commandant Benjamin Quen.
George C. Leber Detachment #1481 was named Detachment of the Year at the Department of Oregon Summer Convention.
The Detachment participated in a diversity of activities that benefited the local community while promoting the Marine Corps League. At the 2023 National Convention, the Detachment received the National 2d Place Membership Award for achieving 316.67 percent in membership growth. Additionally, in 2023, the Detachment stood up a new Military Order of Devil Dogs Pound.
Lou Neubecker named Marine of the Year by Oregon Department Commandant Benjamin Quenn.
For the past 10 years, Lou Neubecker has served as the commandant of the Daniel E. Crockett Detachment, and for the past five the Toys for Tots Coordinator, has run the Welcome Home Veterans program at the Lums Auto Center and hosted the annual Marine Corps birthday celebrations.
During the July 4th festivities, he barbeques hot dogs at the Detachment’s annual fund raiser and raises thousands more dollars for the Detachment through their annual raffles. He is also involved with the community’s veterans organizations, where he strives to promote the Marine Corps League.
Lou has been the Detachment’s top recruiter for the last six years, bringing in nine new members.
He also serves as the Department’s Adjutant and the Detachment’s Paymaster for several years.
Gary Brannan receives Distinguished Citizen Award from USS Oregon Detachment Commandant Bill Allen.
Gary C. Brannan’s, USS Oregon Detachment, unparallel service was honored with the Distinguished Citizen Bronze Award. Gary represents the League on the 1st Marine Division Honor Guard and performed 198 funerals over the past 12 months. He also the current Vice President of the Marine Corps Coordinating Council and presents the USMC Officer’s Sword to the top Oregon State University NROTC/MIDN Marine graduate. Gary is also passionate and active in the Toys for Tots campaign. In the Portland metro area, Gary is known as the “Marine About Town.”
Department Commandant Benjamin Quen (L) presents Andre Wood with an Individual Meritorious Commendation.
Andre C. Wood has been a stalwart of the USS Oregon Detachment since his transfer from the Rogue Valley Detachment. He runs the Detachment’s bottle/can account, flag drop, Detachment picnic all while serving as the Jr. Vice Commandant for both the Department and the Detachment.
Cynthia Cobb, Crater Lake Detachment, is always willing to lend her time and talent. Cynthia runs the Detachment’s 50/50 raffles, assists with silent auctions and registration at the various meetings and events hosted annually.
Department Sr. Vice Commandant Frank Morello accepts Cynthia’s award from Oregon Department Commandant Benjamin Quen.
The Department of Oregon Summer Convention will be held April 26-28, 2024, in Bend, Ore.
The Convention, hosted by the Central Oregon Detachment, will be held at the VFW Post located at 1503 NE 4th St. Registrationis $20 per person before April 19th and $25 per person at the door.
Agenda:
Friday, April 26 Meet and Greet: 1700 hours. Hospitality at Waypoint: 1700 hours. Optional: Steak or Salmon Dinner at VFW 1700 hours. Cost: $22.00 (pay at VFW)
Saturday, April 27 Business Meeting at 0800 hours. Announcements: Bring all Detachments up to speed. Elections. At close of business meeting, convention is officially over. Dinner at Elks: Beef or Chicken Served by MCJROTC cadets from Redmond HS.
Sunday, April 28 MODD: Growl Business Meeting at 0800 hours.
Uniform for Meetings: Polo Shirt (preferably a MC/MCL emblem/logo), black or tan Slacks, MCL cover for salute ceremony of flag.
Nationally, in 2023, the Marine Toys for Tots organization achieved a remarkable milestone by distributing nearly 25 million toys, books, and other gifts to over 10 million children in need.
This record-breaking effort represents the largest number of donations in the organization’s 77-year history. While the holiday season has traditionally been the driving force behind Toys for Tots, the organization has expanded its impact to provide support year-round. These toys and items are donated to children in financially disadvantaged situations and households across the United States. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation continues to be a strong force for good, ensuring that children growing up in poverty receive the care and support they deserve. To learn more about this impactful program or get involved, visit the Toys for Tots website
The Central Oregon Detachment #1308 (Bend) will host the Convention. More information will be shared as it becomes available. Thanks to Commandant Respass and the members for stepping up to host the Convention.
Nine Marine Corps League Oregon Detachments achieved 100 percent or more in membership growth in 2022-2023.
According to Commandant Benjamin Quen, it was these efforts that resulted in the Department of Oregon receiving a Second-Place award from MCL National. Overall, the Department grew at a rate of 114.83 percent. This growth also propelled the NW Division to a Second-Place award as well.
Quen offers his “congratulations to those detachments for achieving such a great recognition.”
Of the 9 Detachments, two received National Awards:
Coquille River Detachment #1042 – 316.67.93% – Received National 2nd Place Plaque (Detachment Size 15-50), Certificate and 100% Ribbon
George C Leber Detachment #1481 – 269.23% – Received National 3rd Place Plaque (Detachment Size 15-50), Certificate and 100% Ribbon
The remaining will receive certificates and a 100 percent growth ribbon:
