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Once a Marine, Always a Marine! By: Beverly Van Gorder Photographs by: David Teague “HONOR, COURAGE, COMMITMENT”the motto of the United States Marine Corps succinctly describes the character of men and women who earn the right to be called one of the Few and the Proud. It is “commitment” which lends credence to the claim, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.” Many serve, fulfilling their contractual agreement with the government. For some, the term of duty is as few as three to four years; others make a career of military service. Regardless of the duration spent in uniform, and whether currently traveling another vocational path or entering full retirement, United States Marines will be forever committed. Bob Van Dunk, of McDonough, is one such individual. Over the span of 49 years, he served in the Marine Corps, the Army, and subsequently worked as a civilian for the government. Now, in the midst of retirement, Bob still has the drive to serve. Knowing of the Marine Corps League (former Marines meeting in detachments around the country for the purpose of promoting community service and creating state-side assistance for active-duty Marines and their families), Bob sought to become a part of such an organization. He found the closest detachment in Griffin, but the distance proved to be a hindrance. Then a brain storm hit. Why not form a detachment in McDonough? Together with friend, Russ Vermillion, Bob began scouting the town for 20 interested marines, the mini-
mum required before applying for charter. In July 2009, they placed an ad in the paper and began to use their most advantageous marketing tool, “word-of-mouth.” They also became very observant of bumper stickers and window decals on vehicles. Whenever spotting a car with a Marine Corps emblem, Bob and Russ would literally chase it down. The driver then received a quick sales pitch for membership in the new Marine Corps League Detachment. Within three weeks, having acquired 20 members, the new group applied for a charter. Upon approval, membership had reached 35. On September 26, 2009, the charter ceremony was held making Marine Corps League Detachment #1339 an official entity. Hitting the ground running, the newly formed McDonough detachment planned a formal ball in celebration of the Marine Corps Birthday. This was held on November 7, 2009 at Nash Farm Battlefield in a restored barn now used as an event venue. Eightyfive people attended the ball complete with catered meal, notable speaker and after-dinner dancing. However, Bob is quick to emphasize, “Though we like to have fun, we are not a social organization. Our purpose is to make a difference in Henry County through community service and to support our servicemen and women and their families.” Even while plans were underway for the ball, members worked feverishly to place a
multitude of “Toys for Tots” boxes throughout the county. Detachment #1339 delivered well over 1400 toys from receptacles filled by generous Henry County citizens to the folks at Connecting Henry for distribution to children in need during the month of December. “It was hectic, but we were ecstatic at the number of toys we were able to bring in on our first effort. I am very proud of these men. They are eager to volunteer, willing to get any job done,” Bob shares. Chief among chosen service projects is maintaining availability to Marine Corps families for assistance during the deployment of a family member. Additionally they hope to be an emotional support for those returning from deployment. “We want to be an extension of their family,” Bob says. “Ironically, it is often depressing when someone returns home from the fight. We can’t counsel, but we can listen as they vent a little because we have all been there, done that.” As Commandant of the detachment, Van Dunk has a personal goal of enlisting another 60 plus marines as members during 2010. For more information and an introduction to those presently in leadership capacities, visit the detachment’s website at www.mcdonoughmarines.com. Bonita Johnson, Jr. Vice Commandant, can be contacted at 678-458-5754 with additional questions. And to all Henry County Marines, McDonough Detachment #1339 sends a heart-felt “Semper Fi!”
january/february 2010 • www.hmagazine.biz
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