Detroit Area Marines Foundation

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Harrison Township, MI
Detroit Area Marines Foundation

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Fundraising efforts include raffles, the biennial Selfridge Air Show and the annual golf outing.

As a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Detroit Area Marines Foundation aims to honor local veterans, support current service members and their families, and foster military awareness among future generations through community outreach.

10/26/2026

MEDAL OF HONOR MONDAY

Army 1st Lt. Victor Leonard Kandle

Victor Leonard Kandle was born June 13, 1921, in Roy, Washington. He graduated from Puyallup High School in 1939, and after his family moved to Redwood City, California, he enlisted in the Army in September 1940.

He was assigned to the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, and his war took him across three continents' worth of battlefields: the Operation Torch landings at Fedala, French Morocco, on November 8, 1942; Sicily in July 1943; Salerno and the push north through Italy; and the Operation Dragoon landings on the French Riviera on August 15, 1944.

Along the way, he earned a battlefield commission to second lieutenant in December 1943, then promotion to first lieutenant in May 1944. He married Marigene Lee in January 1942, and their son Terry was born two years later.

On October 9, 1944, near La Forge, France, Kandle was leading a 16-man reconnaissance patrol through mountainous terrain. He had already captured five enemy prisoners and killed a German officer in a point-blank duel.

His battalion had been held up for two days by heavy enemy resistance. To break the stalemate, Kandle rushed forward ahead of his assault elements. Harassed by machine-gun fire from a position he had bypassed in dense fog, he moved to within 15 yards of the enemy, killed a German machine gunner, and led his men in destroying another machine-gun crew and its r***e security.

Then he led his small force against a fortified house held by two German officers and 30 enlisted men. After establishing a base of fire, Kandle rushed forward alone through an open clearing, in full view of the enemy, smashed through a barricaded door, and forced all 32 Germans inside to surrender.

That day's actions resulted in the capture or killing of three enemy officers and 54 enlisted men, the destruction of three enemy strongpoints, and the seizure of positions that had halted his battalion's attack.

Kandle did not live to receive his award. On December 31, 1944, while leading his platoon against a German attack in the Colmar Pocket, he was killed in action. He is buried at Epinal American Cemetery in France.

On May 11, 1945, Maj. Gen. Henry C. Pratt presented the Medal of Honor to his widow, Marigene, at the Presidio of San Francisco.

His hometown never forgot him. Kandle Pool in Tacoma is named for him, Puyallup High School dedicated a memorial to him in 2019, and in 2024, the lobby of Puyallup City Hall was dedicated to him.

Honor the brave. Remember their sacrifice.

10/22/2026

BUDDY CHECK • OCTOBER 22

The seasons change, it is a meaningful reminder that many battles people face are not always visible.

Today is Buddy Check Day. We encourage you to take a few minutes to reach out to a fellow veteran, friend, or loved one. A quick phone call, text, or visit can make a world of difference.

Today's Goals:
* Check In: Contact a veteran, friends, or family members.
*Listen & Support: Let them know you are thinking of them and encourage them to pass it on
*Stay Connected: Remind them that no one has to face life's challenges alone.

Need Support?
If you or a veteran you know needs immediate, confidential support, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7:
- Call: 988 (Press 1)
- Text: 838255
- Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net

One small act of connection can create a chain of support that reaches farther than you may ever know

10/19/2026

MEDAL OF HONOR MONDAY
Army Col. Lloyd L. "Scooter" Burke 🇺🇸

Some heroes earn their place in history through a single act of bravery. Others do it through a lifetime of service. Army Col. Lloyd L. "Scooter" Burke did both.
Born on September 29, 1924, in Tichnor, Arkansas, Burke earned the nickname "Scooter" as a child because he was always scooting around the house and yard. That energy and determination would one day carry him through three wars and 30 years of military service.
After graduating high school in 1942, Burke left college to enlist in the Army during World War II. Serving as a combat engineer in Italy, he rose to the rank of sergeant before returning home, finishing college, and earning his commission as a second lieutenant just as the Korean War erupted.
Burke quickly proved himself as a fearless leader. In November 1950, while serving with the 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, he repeatedly led attacks against heavily defended Chinese positions, earning the Distinguished Service Cross.
But it was on October 28, 1951, near Chong-dong, North Korea, that Burke performed the actions that would forever define his legacy.
With his company pinned down by intense enemy fire from fortified bunkers on Hill 200, Burke left the safety of his command post and personally led the attack. Armed with grenades, a r***e, and sheer determination, he assaulted enemy positions almost single-handedly.
He destroyed bunkers, engaged enemy soldiers at close range, and even caught enemy grenades thrown toward him, hurling them back before they exploded.
When his men were again pinned down, Burke grabbed a Browning machine gun and am******on, rushed through enemy fire to an exposed position, and unleashed devastating fire that destroyed enemy positions and inflicted heavy casualties. Though wounded, he refused to stop, securing more am******on and continuing the assault until the objective was captured.
His courage inspired every soldier around him.
For his extraordinary heroism and leadership, President Harry S. Truman awarded Burke the Medal of Honor at the White House on April 11, 1952.
Unlike many who might have retired after such recognition, Burke continued serving his nation. He later commanded troops in Vietnam, surviving a helicopter crash caused by enemy fire, and ultimately retired as a colonel in 1978 after serving in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
Even after retirement, Burke continued serving veterans, helping advocate for the creation of the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Col. Lloyd L. "Scooter" Burke passed away on June 1, 1999, and rests today at Arlington National Cemetery.
His legacy lives on through memorials, buildings, highways, ROTC cadets known as "Burke's Raiders," and the countless Soldiers inspired by his example.
Duty. Courage. Leadership. Sacrifice.
Lloyd "Scooter" Burke embodied them all.
Medal of Honor recipients represent the very best of America. Their courage reminds us that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things when duty calls."

10/13/2026

Happy 251st Birthday to the U.S. Navy! Semper Fortis!

10/12/2026

MEDAL OF HONOR MONDAY:
GUNNERY SERGEANT JOHN BASILONE

Some men become heroes through a single act of courage. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone became a legend through a lifetime of service, sacrifice, and devotion to his fellow Marines.

Born on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York, and raised in Raritan, New Jersey, Basilone left school at a young age and enlisted in the Army in 1934. Serving in the Philippines, he earned the nickname "Manila John" for his reputation as a tough boxer and dedicated soldier. After returning home, he worked as a truck driver, but military service continued to call. In 1940, as war loomed across the globe, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

In September 1942, Basilone landed on Guadalcanal with the 1st Marine Division. On the night of October 24, Japanese forces launched a massive assault against Marine positions defending Henderson Field. As enemy attacks overwhelmed the line, Basilone's machine gun sections suffered devastating casualties. Refusing to retreat, he moved from position to position under constant fire, repaired damaged weapons, manned guns himself, and fought through enemy lines to deliver desperately needed am******on. His actions helped stop the attack and contributed to the destruction of an entire Japanese regiment.
For his extraordinary heroism, Basilone was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest award for valor.

After returning to the United States, Basilone became a national hero. The Marine Corps offered him a commission as an officer and a safe assignment away from combat. He declined. Although he faithfully served on war bond tours, he believed his place was alongside Marines on the front lines. He repeatedly requested a return to combat until the Marine Corps finally approved his transfer back to the Pacific.

In 1944, Basilone married Marine Women's Reserve Sergeant Lena Mae Riggi, then prepared for another deployment. Just months later, he landed with the 5th Marine Division during the invasion of Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945.
When his unit was pinned down by a heavily fortified Japanese blockhouse, Basilone charged forward through intense enemy fire, maneuvered into position, and single-handedly destroyed the stronghold with grenades and demolitions. Later that same day, he guided a trapped American tank through a dangerous minefield while under relentless mortar and artillery fire. Minutes afterward, a Japanese mortar round exploded near him, killing him instantly. He was only 28 years old.

For his gallantry on Iwo Jima, Basilone was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, making him one of the few Marines to receive both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross.

Today, his legacy lives on through memorials, roads, bridges, military facilities, the USS John Basilone, and the Marines he continues to inspire. His medals are displayed at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, where future generations can learn the story of a Marine who repeatedly chose duty over personal safety.

John Basilone was more than a war hero. He was a Marine's Marine, a devoted husband, a fearless leader, and an enduring example of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

Semper Fidelis, Gunny. Your Corps and your Nation will never forget.

10/09/2026

Only four weeks left to purchase tickets for the Detroit Area Marines Foundation Gun Raffle, held in celebration of the Marine Corps Birthday. Tickets are $10.00 each, and availability is limited to just 800 total tickets.

Event Details:

- Date & Time: Tuesday, November 10, 2026. The event begins at 6:00 PM, with the ticket drawing taking place at 7:30 PM.
- Location: Engine House, 309 Cass Ave, Mt. Clemens, MI 48043.

Raffle Prizes:

1. GLFA .308 Wi******er AR 10
2. Wi******er SXP Waterfowl Hunter Pump-Action Sh***un
3. Fiery HDX 400 Crossbow Package
4. $500 Cash

Please note that you do not need to be present at the event to win. All participants must be of legal age and able to pass a standard background check.

All proceeds directly support the Detroit Area Marines Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to assisting local veterans and their families (Raffle License ).

10/05/2026

Medal of Honor Monday:
Army Sgt. Alvin C. York

Today we honor one of America's most legendary war heroes, Army Sgt. Alvin C. York.

On October 8, 1918, during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in France, York displayed extraordinary courage after his unit came under intense enemy fire. With remarkable leadership, determination, and marksmanship, he led a small group of Soldiers against overwhelming odds, capturing 132 enemy prisoners and helping turn the tide of battle.

For his actions, York was awarded the Medal of Honor, our nation's highest military decoration for valor.

But his legacy extends far beyond the battlefield. After the war, York dedicated his life to education, faith, and improving opportunities for future generations in Tennessee. His story remains a powerful reminder that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things through courage, service, and selfless dedication to others.

As we reflect on his legacy, let us remember all Medal of Honor recipients whose actions continue to inspire generations of Americans.

"I just did my duty as I saw it." – Sgt. Alvin C. York

10/04/2026

We did it!

Together, Team Fox Detroit and the Detroit Area Marines Foundation raised an incredible $7,950 through the Let's "Bag" Parkinson's Disease Co****le Tournament.

Thank you to every sponsor, player, donor, volunteer, and spectator who made this event possible. Your support helps advance critical research and the fight against Parkinson's Disease through The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

10/03/2026

🚨🔥 TODAY'S THE DAY, EVERYONE! 🔥🚨
The bags are ready. The boards are set. Now we need YOU!
Join us TODAY as we come together for an amazing cause and help support Parkinson's research through Team Fox Detroit and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
🎯 LET'S "BAG" PARKINSON'S DISEASE!
🕛 Doors Open at Noon
🎯 Bags Fly at 1:00 PM
📍 Great Shots Backyard Bar and Games
36901 Garfield Rd
Clinton Township, MI 48035
Whether you're a seasoned co****le player, a weekend warrior, or just want to support a great cause, come out and be part of something bigger than a tournament.
✅ Cash Prizes
✅ Raffles
✅ Great Food
✅ Cash Bar
✅ Four Games Guaranteed
✅ New Switcholio Format
✅ Walk-Ins Welcome
Every registration, raffle ticket, high five, and bag thrown helps fund critical research in the fight against Parkinson's Disease.
Bring your friends. Bring your family. Share this post. Let's pack the house and show what this community can do when we rally behind an important cause!
A huge thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who helped make this event possible. Now let's finish strong!
💙🧡 See you at NOON!
🎯 Let's Bag for a Cure!
🎯 Let's Make a Difference!
🎯 Let's Fill Great Shots Today!

10/01/2026

THIS SATURDAY!

The countdown is over and we're ready to make an impact!

On behalf of the Detroit Area Marines Foundation and Team Fox Detroit we want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all of our incredible sponsors whose generosity has helped make this event possible. Your support is helping us raise critical funds for Parkinson's research through The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

We are also grateful to all of the players, volunteers, family members, and supporters who will be joining us for a day of great competition, camaraderie, and giving back.

Great Shots Backyard Bar & Games
Saturday, October 3
Doors Open at Noon
Bags Fly at 1:00 PM

Together, we're proving that co****le can do more than bring people together... it can help change lives.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT • LET'S BAG PARKINSON'S DISEASE!

We look forward to seeing everyone this Saturday!

Address

PO Box 450003
Harrison Township, MI
48045

Telephone

+15862395137

Website

https://www.detroitareamarines.org/

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