Vice Chief | Devil Dog

While trying to talk some delinquent Dogs into paying their dues I was asked a couple of times, “Why should I belong to the Dogs?” “What do you do?” The implication is that we already support the projects of the detachment, so we’re just being asked to double dip. The simple answer; there is no simple answer.

Look around at the next detachment function. Those marines who are regularly working on projects probably have a MODD patch on their cover if there is a Pound close by. Those who are hard workers and don’t have the patch have been invited to be members.

The answer is, you were INVITED to join the Military Order of the Devil Dogs because you are a productive member of the Detachment and you are special. Where ever you go in the Marine Corps League wearing that symbol you are recognized as a hard working, productive Leaguer. You are one of the ten percent who contribute to the success of your Detachment. As we look around we see that the majority of Marines involved in the trike program are Devil Dogs. Our community service never stops.

Now that you have joined The Order it is essential to attend every growl in your area. All of the passport money collected goes into the Children’s Hospital Fund to be donated to a children’s hospital in the National Convention host city. We were able to give over $13,000.00 the past couple of years. Every time we miss a growl, or don’t get our passport stamped we cheat that fund. This is a way of having fun and supporting a great cause.

Pounds and Packs around the country adopt special projects in their areas. We are not locked into just National programs. It’s doubtful that any of us will be out publicly proclaiming that “we are Devil dogs and here is our goal”. We will be telling anyone who will listen, while we proudly wear our MODD patch, that we are Marine Corps Leaguers trying to serve the community.

Finally, this is The Fun and Honor Society of the Marine Corps League. It’s a place where you will have fun and do great work just by belonging. You will meet other lighthearted Marines. It’s a place where you can be a little crazy, and it’s expected. Every Leaguer is a special human being. In The Order it is just recognized more. Being a Devil Dog doesn’t make you special. Being special makes you a Dog.

Semper Fi,
Dave Gardner, Pound Keeper
Music Pound #155