Gene Rivers Candidate Statement for the Office of Southwest Division Assistant Vice Commandant

Gene Rivers

I am formerly announcing my candidacy for Assistant National Vice Commandant for Southwest Division. Therefore, I am requesting your support in this endeavor to represent all of you. It has been my privilege, and honor, to serve Marines, Marine Corps Leaguers, and their families over the years at various levels.

It is my desire to continue to work with all of you Marines and FMF Corpsman in seeking the above mentioned position. Your support has, and continued support is, greatly appreciated. 

MARINE CORPS/MARINE CORPS LEAGUE EXPERIENCE/BACKGROUND:

I was born March 13, 1946 in Amarillo, Texas, and with family moved to California while I was in grade school. I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1963. My primary MOS was as a Field Radio Operator which I served as initially with A-1-11 (105 Howitzers) at 16 area, Camp Pendleton. After volunteering for service in Vietnam in 1965 I was transferred to 1st BN, 5th Marine Regiment at Camp Margarita (Camp Pendleton) where soon we were to embark aboard ships at Long Beach, California to Pearl Harbor (MCAB Kaneohe), Hawaii to train and replace the Marine Brigade there whom had already mounted out for Vietnam. After training for approximately eight months, putting on mock demonstrations for foreign militaries, and at the start of 1966 we once again boarded ships, at Pearl, for Vietnam, via P.I., for dry run operations prior to Vietnam. My tour in Vietnam was finished with 1st Bn., 7th Marine Regiment. I Honorably ended my enlistment in 1967 (short timer) at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina after completion of NCO Leadership School.

Linda, my wife, and I have six children and six grandchildren. We have lived in the rural countryside of El Dorado County (Northern California) for thirty years where we have raised our children, horses, and other livestock including American Bison (buffalo), plus many dogs and cats.   

After moving to El Dorado County, California in 1979, and around the 1990's I transferred my VFW membership to Post 2680 in Placerville, California where we went through the chairs and became their Commander, and then became active with VFW District as well.

My previous VFW Post did not have a Marine Corps League Detachment, nor did I have knowledge of the Marine Corps League. At some point after being  at Placerville I was approached and asked about joining Hangtown Detachment 697 in the 1990's which I did. I might add it was the best thing I ever did, because I not only had the camaraderie of veterans but now that included a lot of Marines. 

After joining the Marine Corps League I went through the detachment chairs, and subsequently became the Detachment Commandant. During this time I became active with the Department of California, and ultimately became the Department's Commandant for two terms starting in June of 2006 and ending in June 2008. After this time and in June of 2008, I was elected to the position of Jr. Past Commandant and was reelected in June 2009 which will end in June of 2010. 

In January of 2007 National Commandant, John "Jack" Ryan, appointed me his west coast National Aide de Camp, and has the current National Commandant James "Jim" Laskey.

Since joining the MARINE CORPS LEAGUE, I have been actively involved in our brotherhood with our primary concern and involvement in recruitment and retention of our membership, new detachments, interaction (personal contact) with members and officers at our detachments, departments, division(s), and national by attending their respective meetings, conferences, and conventions that entail the involvement in the League's myriad of Programs. The involvement of all of you Marines, and myself, and our desire to promote a larger and more prosperous MARINE CORPS LEAGUE by being active with those active duty Marines in our communities across this great country which strengthens the fabric in our respective communities through our joint leadership that encourages all to adhere to our Marine Corps League Goals ad objectives (Programs).

My above involvement, as well as that of being Folsom Bulldog Pound 71 Pack of California, Pound Keeper, Military Order Devil Dogs (MODD), since June of 2008, as well to which I am currently the Pack Leader for California. As many know this is the "Fun and Honor Society" of the Marine Corps League. Obviously we have "fun", but we also donate to charitable causes with our primary emphasis on Marines, Marine Families, and children's hospitals.

WORK EXPERIENCE: 

My career after leaving the Marine Corps began in 1968 as a peace officer, and ended in retirement in 1993 with twenty-five years. During this time I was a Patrolman, Investigator, Sergeant, and Special Agent. I then became an Investigator for a major California Law Firm (F.E.L.A.) for a couple of years prior to my permanent retirement in 1995.

Education:

While as a Peace Officer I attended Sacramento City College where I obtained my Associate Degree in Administration of Justice, and also attended California State University Sacramento (CSUS)  as a Criminal Justice major, until my senior year ended due to family needs, and requirements of a job promotion. During my Law Enforcement career I attended a myriad of Law Enforcement Schools during my twenty-five year career.

In conclusion, the Marine Corps and the Marine Corps League have allowed me the honor of serving with Marines (YOU), Corps, and Country.

REMEMBER: MARINES SERVE WITH HONOR-COURAGE-COMMITMENT!

Semper Fidelis,
PDD Gene Rivers

Commandant 2006-2008
Jr. Past Commandant 2008-2010
Department of California
National Aide de Camp 2007-2010, To
National Commandant
MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
MODD: Worthy Pack Leader California Pack