BY MELANIE BUCK –
Two local Marines were honored with accolades while attending the Arkansas Department of the Marine Corps League’s annual convention in Conway, Arkansas in early May. Representing local Marine Corps League Detachment #1261 were Commandant George O’Daniel, Sergeant at Arms Hank Todaro, and Judge Advocate Jim Christie.
O’Daniel was awarded the Marine Corps League Distinguished Service Award in appreciation for his efforts and interests in the United States of America, the United States Marine Corps, and the Marine Corps League.
Todaro was awarded the Arkansas Department Recruiter of the Year for his outstanding efforts in recruiting new members to both the local detachment, as well as detachments in Texas.
Also, the Mena Detachment has accepted the honor of hosting the 2018 state conference in Mena – making it the first time the county has hosted the event. The conference will be held at Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge on May 4-5, 2018.
The local Detachment is becoming more and more involved in the community and have an upcoming Troop Train event on May 27th. They also recently donated shadow boxes to detachments across the state with flags inside that were donated by Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena. Nathan Roth, member of the Detachment said the donations were made to ‘foster enthusiasm and espirit de corps’ to all Marine Corps League members.
The League meets each 4th Tuesday of the month at Lighthouse Fitness Center on Hwy. 71 South in Mena, at 7 p.m. All former Marines, Navy Chaplains, and Corpsmen are encouraged to attend and join. Other service veterans are also encouraged to join as an associate member. If you are interested in attending or joining the Detachment, contact their Jr. Vice Commandant Michael McKinnis at 479-234-6533 or any Marine Corps League member.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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