1st Mar Div Association-Silicon Valley Chapter

or our Motto “Semper Fidelis”, always faithful, to serve our country both around the world and locally. That Motto did not disappear when we left the service. Building on that strong and lasting tie, our Attachment looks first to build and strengthen relationships with fellow Marines. Efforts to accomplish this include:

· Maintaining personal relationships among the members who often appear to have only their Marine history in common

· Providing timely information on veteran’s benefits and matters, especially those involving the VA

· Attempting to keep our members up to date on Corps activities, active and reserve

· Networking with other Attachments, active-duty Marines and other military and veteran’s organizations

Just as when we took our oath to volunteer upon entry to the Marine Corps that commitment continues years and decades later. Today we continue to support the Bay Area through monetary and social giving to causes and charities such as Wreaths Across America, the VA, Toys For Tots, SFO Recruiters Family Picnic, Scouts USA Eagle Projects, the Marines Memorial Association, the 5th Marines Viet Nam Memorial, the USMC Reserves in San Jose and Marine units in combat zones. We also both entertain and search out inquiries from Marine, Navy and veteran’s organizations, and other military oriented entities seeking support. Recent activities have included sponsoring the purchase of exercise gear, library books and computers for two newly commissioned Navy ships, donating to the Semper Fi Fund (serves all branches), and the Iwo Jima Foundation. Past donations have included the new Korean War Memorial in San Francisco. Many of our members contribute their own time, volunteering at many of these organizations and activities as well as others. For a number of years, the Chapter has worked closely with the Moffett Field Historical Society which maintains a unique military museum. We meet there at the museum monthly on the last Saturday of each month at 1000 hours for coffee, donuts, Marine talk, and to solve the world’s problems. We have a membership of around 15, both active 1st Mar Div veterans and Associates from other Marine units. And our members range in age from 50 to 90. Our membership includes a cross section of our local community from business owners, medical professionals, retired police officers, teachers, coaches and executives.