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Why An Association?

Veterans who campaigned under the battle colors of the 1st Marine Division -a highly efficient, magnificent fighting unit, unsurpassed in military annals- are justifiably proud of their Division’s accomplishments in WWII, North China, Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait, Somalia, Afghanistan, during the Cold War and peacekeeping. The "esprit de corps" of their service remained when their active duty with the Division came to an end. It was this same spirit of belonging, of sharing and giving of ones self which mandated the formation of the 1st Marine Division Association. Since its beginning, the Association continued to grow steadily until the membership exceeded 14,000, and it became the largest of its kind in the United States. It is supported by both officers and enlisted men, proud of their service and association with the 1st Marine Division, desirous of continuing their contacts with their comrades and determined to perpetuate the spirit and traditions of the United States Marine Corps.

WHO CAN JOIN?

The Association incorporated in 1947 as a non-profit, now designated an IRS 501(C)(19) organization, is open to those who served in the 1st Marine Division at any time since it's formation in 1941. This applies equally to those who served with attached or supporting units, such as corpsmen, aviation units, Seabees, ships and other regiments and battalions and other uniformed services.

WHY JOIN?

There are two reasons why most members join: first, because it is a means of re-establishing and/or maintaining contact with those who served with the Division; second, to support a unique Scholarship Fund that assists in the education of dependents of deceased or totally and permanently disabled 1st Marine Division veterans.

REUNIONS!

An annual reunion of the Association provides the ideal opportunity for members to find, see and visit with former “Cobbers” or fighting hole buddies and to perpetuate the memory and the spirit and comradeship in arms of those who served together. Reunions are rotated throughout the United States to accommodate our widespread membership. A Memorial Service and smaller unit reunions or "mini-reunions", are an important part of each Association reunion. In addition, an annual, multi-day commemoration of the Division's activation is held at Camp Pendleton around 1 February.

PASS THE WORD!

Members are kept well-informed on matters of interest in the Association and the active duty Marine Corps through "THE OLD BREED NEWS" magazine which is mailed to members free of charge every other month. PX mail order and reunion information is automatically furnished all members with several issues carrying plans and the reunion schedule of events. A Directory of Members is published every other year with new member updates posted in each of The Old Breed News issues.

TAKING CARE OF OUR OWN

As a Memorial to fallen comrades, the Association established a Scholarship Fund in 1953. This is supported by income from reunions and the PX/Book Store, by investment interest and by gifts from our members and friends. Not one penny of donations to the Scholarship Fund has been used for any purpose but Scholarship grants. Over 540 students have received grants in excess of $1,600,000 since the inception of the Fund. All administrative expenses are met by the Association.