Department of Nevada

Harry S. Hines, Department Commandant
2007-2009 Dept. Officers
2008 Convention Photos

Harry Hines
Commandant

2008 Department Convention Events:

by Paul Gaxiola
Historian

The Marine Corps League, Department of Nevada, celebrated its 34th annual convention this last weekend May 9-11, 2008 in Pahrump, Nevada. Detachments from Las Vegas, Fallon, Henderson, and Reno joined the host detachment of Pahrump in the festivities.

The USMC Cadets color guard and drill team from Basic High School in Henderson, provided a thrilling performance. Nye County Commisioners Joni Eastley and Gary Hollis as well as Kari Frilot, CEO Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Maryanne Smith, Food and Beverage Manager, Saddle West, welcomed the Marines to Pahrump.

Department Officers were re-elected, and installed by Meade Phillips, National Vice Commandant, Southwest Division, and Jim Tuohy, National Judge Advocate, Marine Corps League, and assisted by George Class, Aide de Camp, Southwest Division, also of the High Desert Detachment, who acted as Chaplain for the swearing-in ceremony.

Members of the High Desert Detachment 762 of Fallon, who were re-elected to serve another year in their Department Officer roles include, Harry Hines, Department Commandant, Steven (Chip) Kramer, Sr. Vice Commandant, Kay "Ben" Benscoter, Chaplain, and Robert Roach, Sergeant-at-Arms.

Entertainment was provided by the Nevada Silver Tappers, and the Guest Speaker was Iraqi Veteran, Corporal Reuben D'Silva, of Las Vegas. Detachment of the Year was the High Desert Detachment from Fallon. Marine of the Year was Robert Roach, of the High Desert Detachment. Devil Dog of the Year was awarded to both Cheryl Gardner of the Greater Nevada detachment, Las Vegas, and Robert Roach.

The accomplishments for the year 2006 - 2007:

Ron Mosner, Past Dept. Cmdt.
passing the colors to
Harry Hines

• Several Detachments made donations to several different state and national programs (Wounded Marines Barrack, Foster Children Care a, etc.).
• The Department of Nevada and many of its Detachment made donation to Devil Pups program as well as helped in recruiting Pups and giving PFTs.  The Greater Nevada Detachment is recognized for their donation to two JNROTC Units.
• All Detachment participated in Memorial Day Services, Flag Day Services and Veterans Day Services.  The Pahrump Detachment (our newest Detachment) was honored for the work at getting a Veterans Memorial at the Pahrump Ceremony.  The first such memorial for that town. 
• Greater Nevada Detachment Marine Gardner was recognized for her work in helping Marine Veterans and sending over 500 care packages to our Marines in harms way. 
• Several Detachments made large donations (clothes, phones. letters, time, etc.) to our Marines and Veteran within the state. 
• Five of the seven Detachments Color Guard units participated in numerous parades and memorial services.  Several of those Detachments won first place honors for their work.
• All Detachments held election and installed new officers. 
• Only one detachment from Nevada attended the SW 2007 Quinn Conference.
• The Department of Nevada developed a policy to assist the different Detachments that maintain Toys for Tots program some assistance in managing their program.  The policy also recognizes the Detachments that improved their program from past years. The purpose behind the policy is to generate the support and spirit behind the Toys for Tots program.  A lot of time Detachments don’t get recognized for the help.  The collateral duty was assigned to the Sr. Vice Commandant of the Department. 
• All the Toys for Tots Coordinators that are with Detachments within the Department of Nevada attended the Toys for Tots Conference. The High desert Detachment (Marine Hines) and USMC Reserve Unit from Reno were recognized for the efforts during the 2006 campaigns. The Pahrump Detachment was recognized for their individual efforts at getting their program off the ground and helping over 2000 children in their area.

Goals for 2007- 2008: