2007 Department of Alabama Convention

After Action Report 

8-10 June 2007

Marines, if you did not attend the Department of Alabama Marine Corps League Annual Convention that was held in Birmingham from the 8-10 June 2007, then you missed a great Convention. All Marine Corps League Members throughout the state were invited. The Department conventions are only held once a year and this year it was in Birmingham. It was held at the Doubletree Hotel at 8th Ave and 20th Street in downtown Birmingham.

The following Department of Alabama Detachments were represented Service Awards at this years convention: Howlin Mad Smith Detachment, Birmingham, Commandant John Burks; McLaughlin Detachment, Gadsden, Commandant Willard Hart; Townsend Detachment, Montgomery, Commandant Richard Davis; Brandon-Wilborn Detachment, Huntsville, Commandant Al Orillion; P. L. Wilson Detachment, Mobile, Commandant Joe Fell; and Billy Stelpflug Detachment, Auburn-Opelika, Commandant Chester Tankersley. The Johnny M. Spann Detachment, Tuscaloosa and the Kenny Black Detachment, Athens did not have their Commandants attend the Department of Alabama Convention. We hope that at next year?s convention, all Detachments will be represented.

On Saturday, the Department of Alabama held its annual regular meeting. Each Detachment Commandant gave the status of their Detachment and numerous other subjects were discussed. The Marine Moms of Alabama gave a short brief of their events. The Marine Moms make Memory Books and presents these books to the family of ?Fallen? Marines who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Look for more information of this Program in the near future. In the afternoon, Department of Alabama elections was held. The following Marines will be representing each of you at the Department of Alabama. Dept of Ala Commandant RC Smith was reelected for another year; Senior Vice-Commandant Johnny Baker was also reelected for another year. The newly elected Junior Vice-Commandant was Bob Arnwine from the Birmingham Detachment; and newly elected Judge Advocate is Walter Williams from the Birmingham Detachment. All of these Marines were elected by their peers from all Detachments that attended the Convention.

On Saturday night, there was a great banquet held. The Guest of Honor was Colonel Kenneth T. Taylor USMC (Ret). The Colonel gave a great speech that provided great insight on our nation and great stories of World War II battles.

And finally Marines from throughout the Department of Alabama received numerous Awards. The most important award was presented to Marine Robert "Bob" Spence. Marine Spence was nominated and was selected as the Department of Alabama Marine of the Year. Bob was selected for the Marine of the Year because of his dedicated service to our Detachment and the Marine Corps League for the past year. Please congratulate Bob when you see him. Bob also received a Certificate of Appreciation for serving as the Detachment Commandant.

Marines, if you missed this convention, you really missed a great event. Next year the Department of Alabama State Convention will be held in Mobile, Alabama in June 2008. PLAN TO BE THERE!!