The 2011 Dept of Alabama Convention held 10-12 June at the Hilton Garden Inn and Suites in Oxford was a productive weekend for all in attendance. The Convention, jointly hosted by the McLaughlin and Allan Ray Chaffin Dets, brought together around 190 Marines and guests from around the state and the southeast.

The weekend began with a great evening in the hospitality suite and generous „camaraderie‟ on the patio, while Det Commandants joined together for the Cmdt‟s Council.

Saturday‟s business session included the passage of a revised set of Bylaws for the Dept after a spirited debate on the issue and the presentation of a check for over $8,000 from the P.L. Wilson Det to the Dept for its Disaster Relief Fund. Coming out of retirement, Johnny Baker was elected to serve as Department Commandant, while Cal Walters moved into the Jr. Vice position. Jack Hopping from Birmingham was elected to fill the position of Sr. Vice and Dan Long from Anniston was elected to Judge Advocate.

Saturday evening‟s banquet began with a reception with members of the League, their spouses, and numerous guests on hand to socialize before the evening‟s events started. Dinner followed with a great meal, while the guest speaker, Col John W. Schmidt, USMC (Ret), Senior Vice Chancellor of Troy University and member of the League, shared his experiences in the Corps and beyond.

The evening included the presentation of numerous awards, including the Dept Recruiter of the Year to Tom Claxton from the P.L. Wilson Det with 21 new members for 2010! By all reports, a great time was had by all and your Dept continues to be the best in the Southeast! If you were not there, you missed a great weekend!

Next year‟s Convention will hosted by the Brandon-Wilbourn Det. in Huntsville. More information to follow as it develops.