WHO ARE THE RIVERFRONT MARINES?
Marine Corps League, Detachment #1132, Riverfront Marines was officially chartered on 3 April, 2003 as a non-profit 501c (4) organization. The ceremony was held on 17 May 2003 at the American Legion Hall, Post 71, in North Augusta, South Carolina. There were 51 Charter Members.
Monthly meetings were first held at a local Chinese restaurant. Subsequently, the Detachment was able to secure the use of a meeting room at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Carolina Avenue in North Augusta where meetings are still held to this day.
Riverfront Marines is involved in a number of activities which benefit various segments of the local community. Some of our major areas of involvement are...
· Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service Program (VAVS). At Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, our members donate their time at the information booth to help Veterans locate rooms. Our members also provide refreshments and plan activities such as Bingo in support of our Veterans. We support with monetary donations the Homeless Program, the Spinal Chord Unit and the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recover Program. For hours donated, the Riverfront Marines have placed first in the Nation for six (6) years (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013 and 2014)! Our total voluntary service for this period exceeded 8000 hours!
· Toys for Tots. Our members spend many hours each year before Christmas in support of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program to provide needy children with toys for Christmas.
· Support of Abused and Neglected Children. Riverfront Marines support the homeless, abused and neglected children in our local area. We donate substantially to a large home that cares for more than 50 children. We also provide toys to Children at Children’s Hospital in Augusta. And we provide assistance for other children in need.
· Scholarship Program. Since 2009, Riverfront Marines continues to award $1000 high school scholarships at the end of every school year to deserving NJROTC seniors.
· Aiken Area Council On Aging. Our members spend time delivering meals (Meals on Wheels) to seniors in our local area.
· Parkway Place. We make a monetary donation to support the Homeless shelter for women Veterans.
· Vet Center. We support the Vet Center in Augusta who provides Readjustment Counseling to Veterans and their family members.
In addition to these efforts and fund raising, we also participate in Parades, Memorial Services, Funerals, Wreath Laying Ceremony in North Augusta, Wreaths Across America and other community events. Many of our members attend National, Division and Department Conventions and our annual galas in November, the Marine Corps Cake-Cutting Ceremony and the Marine Corps Birthday Ball.
We are a very busy Detachment and enjoy making a difference in our community. We invite potential new members to check us out!
We meet every 2nd Thursday.
Time: 1900
Where: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Address: 1002 Carolina Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841