DAPHNE, Ala. — The newly formed Jesse Andrews Jr. detachment of the Marine Corps League held its official chartering ceremony on May 14 at John Word’s Restaurant. The detachment, as approved by the National Headquarters of the Marine Corps League in Washington, D.C., received an official charter from Cal Walters, commandant of the Department of Alabama Marine Corps League. 

Besides swearing in elected officers, members, and associate members, the detachment also paid honor to its namesake and former Marine, the late Jesse Andrews Jr.

Andrews, a Daphne native, served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He participated in the famed Marine battles of Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima, where he was wounded by a hand grenade and evacuated to a military hospital in Pearl Harbor. He was awarded numerous accolades, including the Purple Heart ribbon, and received a commendation for his efforts during the invasion of Saipan and Tinian.

The family of Jesse Andrews Jr. was in attendance at the chartering ceremony and was honored by Marines and detachment members.

 The Jesse Andrews Jr. detachment is based in Daphne and draws its membership from throughout Baldwin County. The detachment holds its regular meetings on the third Tuesday of every month on the campus of the United States Sports Academy off Highway 98.

The Marine Corps League is open to Marines of all ages who have served honorably, as well as FMF Navy Corpsmen. The league also accepts associate members who have served in other branches of service or who hold true to the same values and patriotism. If you have questions about joining the Daphne detachment, call 251-802-0882.