National Marine Corps League Auxiliary
National Convention 2025, Grapevine, Texas
Mid – Winter Conference 2025
Message from Our National President:
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to all the Board of Trustees members who joined our Zoom gathering at the end of October. It’s always valuable to connect between the National Convention and the Midwinter Staff Meeting. With our in-person meetings limited to twice a year, technology allows us to stay connected and informed. Just as you meet frequently within your units and departments to track progress and support one another, it’s equally important for the Board of Trustees to come together, ensuring we stay aligned in our efforts to assist our members nationwide.
In October, a few of us from the auxiliary had the opportunity to gather for a relaxed Gathering of the Dogs in North Charleston, South Carolina. Although we’re not Devil Dogs, it was a wonderful chance to unwind, reconnect, and explore the city. I also had the honor of signing the charter for our newest unit, the Choctaw Unit in Louisiana. Wouldn’t it be great to see a new unit forming in your area? Remember, the Presidents Council topic from the last National Convention was on recruiting. Have you tried any of the ideas that we discussed? The holiday season is the perfect time to invite potential members to your next meeting while attending craft festivals or other community events. Offering a “no-pressure” welcome packet when they attend can help newcomers understand what our auxiliary is all about.
November brought some meaningful opportunities to represent the auxiliary. I had the privilege of attending the Marine Corps Birthday Ball, hosted by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and attending the Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Our Banner Bearers, Tammy Rivera and Karen Mastriania, always do an outstanding job at the Parade of Flags—a central part of the ceremony. I was joined by Department of Maryland President Patricia Smith and her husband, as well as our dedicated secretary Ramona Smith and her husband. It was truly a patriotic and inspiring event.
As we go through December, I encourage you to make time to reconnect with members you haven’t seen in a while. Whether in person, by phone, email, or zoom, maintaining those connections is essential.
Wishing you all a blessed Christmas season filled with joy and peace.
Warm regards,
Dotty Sanning
We Are:
- Patriotic – Preserving the traditions and promoting the interests “of the United States Marine Corps”, maintaining true allegiance to American institutions.
- Historic – Holding sacred the history and memory of the men and women who have given their lives to this Nation; perpetuating the history of the United States Marine Corps by observing the anniversaries of historical occasions of interest to the Corps.
- Fraternal – Creating camaraderie between the Marine Corps League and Auxiliary; voluntarily aiding and assisting Marines and veterans as well as their families; decorating graves of deceased Marines whenever possible.
- Educational – Striving for passage of legislation favorable to the United States Marine Corps and the Marine Corps League and its personnel.
- Eligibility –
- Regular Members– Wives, Widows, Mothers, Grandmothers, Sisters, Daughters, Granddaughters, Stepmothers, Stepsisters, Daughters-in-Law, Aunts, Nieces, Mothers-in-Law, Sisters-in-Law of a (current or former) Marine or a US Navy FMF Corpsman or FMF Navy Chaplain, eligible to belong to the Marine Corps League, Inc., and Women Marines. Must be over 16 years of age.
- Associate Members – Women not meeting the above requirements may join as associate members. Must be over 16 years of age.
Check out Facebook!
Check out our Facebook page to see what’s going on with events. As in most cases I am sure there will be plenty of discussion regarding the convention and many other things. You can also catch the info on the home page of site. Click the link below for the Facebook page.