The mission of the Royal Gorge Marine Corps League Detachment 1318 is to promote the interest and to preserve the traditions of the United States Marine Corps. This includes strengthening the fraternity among Marines and their families, serving Marines and FMF Navy Personnel who wear or who have worn the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, and fostering the ideals of Americanism and patriotic volunteerism.

The Detachment is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families, engaging in community service projects, and upholding the values and honor of the Marine Corps.

Eligibility for membership in the Royal Gorge Marine Corps League is extended to active duty, reserve, retired, and honorably discharged Marines and Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Corpsmen. This includes those who have served a minimum of 90 days and hold a sincere interest in the ideals and mission of the Marine Corps League.

The Detachment also welcomes auxiliary members, including family members and supporters of the Marine Corps, who share a dedication to the League's objectives and wish to contribute to its community and veteran support activities.

To become a member of the Royal Gorge Marine Corps League Detachment 1318, interested individuals should first review the eligibility requirements to ensure they meet the criteria for membership. The next step is to complete a membership application.

The completed application, along with any required documentation (such as proof of service for veterans), and the membership dues should then be submitted to the Detachment for review. Prospective members may also be invited to attend a meeting or event to learn more about the Detachment's activities and meet current members. Upon approval of the application, new members will be officially welcomed into the Detachment and can begin participating in its programs and events.

The Royal Gorge Marine Corps League Detachment 1318 engages in a wide range of activities and programs designed to support veterans, their families, and the community. These include:

• Community Service Projects
  Participating in and organizing community clean-ups, fundraising events for local causes, and other volunteer activities.
  
  
• Veteran Support Initiatives
  Providing assistance to veterans in need, including help with accessing VA benefits, mentorship programs, and career counseling.
  
  
• Patriotic Events
  Participating in parades, memorial services, and other patriotic ceremonies to honor the service and sacrifice of American veterans.
  
  
• Youth Programs
  Involvement in programs like the Young Marines, JROTC support, and scholarships for local students.
  
  
• Toys for Tots
  Leading the annual holiday Toys for Tots campaign to collect and distribute toys to children in need within the community.

Yes, the Royal Gorge Marine Corps League hosts several annual events, including:

• The Will Perdue POW/MIA Tribute Softball Tournament
  An annual softball tournament to honor the memory of Will Perdue and raise awareness for POW/MIA issues.
  
  
• Marine Corps Birthday Ball
  A celebration of the Marine Corps' birthday, featuring a formal ball, cake-cutting ceremony, and guest speakers.
  
  
• Memorial Day and Veterans Day Ceremonies
  Participation in and organization of ceremonies to honor fallen and living veterans on these national days of remembrance.
  
  
• Toys for Tots Campaign
  The annual holiday drive to collect and distribute toys to children in the local community.
  
  

The Royal Gorge Detachment supports local veterans and their families through a variety of initiatives, including: 

• Honor Guard/Ceremonial Detail
  Providing honor guard and ceremonial services at veteran funerals and memorials, offering dignity and respect to the deceased and their families.
  
  
• Assistance Programs
  Offering direct assistance to veterans and their families in need, including financial aid, food, clothing, and support in accessing healthcare and benefits.
  
  
• Mentorship and Networking
  Facilitating mentorship opportunities and professional networking for veterans seeking employment or career advancement.
  
  
• Educational Support
  Offering scholarships and educational resources to veterans and their families, supporting their pursuit of higher education and skill development.
  
  
• Community Integration
  Helping veterans and their families integrate into the community through social events, support groups, and recreational activities designed to foster camaraderie and mutual support.
  
  

Yes, non-Marines can join or support the Royal Gorge Marine Corps League in a couple of ways. While regular membership is primarily for current and former Marines and FMF Corpsmen, the League also offers Associate Membership for individuals who have not served in these capacities but wish to support the League's objectives and activities.

Associate Members are valued for their support and dedication to the League's mission, and they play a crucial role in the organization's community service and veteran support initiatives. Additionally, non-Marines can support the Detachment through volunteerism, donations, and participating in public events hosted by the League, such as fundraisers, community service projects, and awareness campaigns.

The Toys-For-Tots program is a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve-led initiative aimed at collecting new, unwrapped toys during October, November, and December each year, and distributing those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community. The program's goal is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, and patriotic citizens.

To get involved with the Toys-For-Tots program through the Royal Gorge Marine Corps League Detachment, individuals can participate in several ways:

• Donate Toys
• Monetary Donations
• Volunteer
• Host a Toy Drive

For more information on how to get involved, you can visit the official Toys-For-Tots website or contact the Royal Gorge Detachment directly for local campaign details.

The Honor Guard/Ceremonial Detail service provided by the Royal Gorge Marine Corps League Detachment is a solemn tribute to honor the service and sacrifice of deceased veterans. This service is typically requested by the family of the deceased veteran or through funeral homes coordinating the veteran's funeral services.

The Honor Guard/Ceremonial Detail can include several elements, such as: Flag Folding and Presentation, Playing of Taps, Rifle Salute. Families or funeral directors wishing to request the Honor Guard/Ceremonial Detail service for a veteran's funeral should contact the Royal Gorge Marine Corps League Detachment directly.

Joining the Marine Corps League offers a range of benefits that reflect the values and camaraderie of the United States Marine Corps. These benefits include:

• Brotherhood and Camaraderie
• Community Service
• Veteran Support
• Personal Development
• Patriotic Participation
• Educational Opportunities
• Networking

Donations to the Royal Gorge Marine Corps League can be made in several ways, ensuring support for their programs and initiatives that benefit veterans and the community: Monetary Donations, In-Kind Donations, Event Sponsorship, Legacy Gifts. For specific details on how to make a donation, including the Detachment's mailing address and online donation options, please visit their official website or contact them directly.

NEED MORE INFO ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

The Student of the Month/Year program operated by the Royal Gorge Marine Corps League Detachment is designed to recognize and reward outstanding high school students in Fremont County for their academic achievements, leadership, character, and community service. Here's how it operates and the eligibility criteria:

• Selection Process
• Recognition
• Student of the Year Eligibility

For more information on the program, including how to nominate a student or details about the selection criteria, please contact the Royal Gorge Marine Corps League Detachment directly.

The Royal Gorge Marine Corps League holds its meetings at the Cañon City VFW Post on 2nd Monday of every month at 6:00 pm. The VFW is located at 215 N Cottonwood Ave, Cañon City, CO 81212

To request the Honor Guard/Ceremonial Detail for a veteran's funeral or memorial service, the following steps should be taken: Contact the Detachment, Provide Necessary Information, Confirmation and Planning, Day of the Service.

It's advisable to make the request as early as possible to ensure the availability of the Honor Guard/Ceremonial Detail and to allow adequate time for planning and coordination.

Will Perdue was a respected member of the Royal Gorge Marine Corps League and a visionary who played a pivotal role in establishing and nurturing the League's presence in Cañon City. By naming the tournament in his honor, the event pays tribute to his service, his contributions to the Marine Corps League, and his lasting impact on the community.

Will Perdue's legacy is celebrated annually, reminding participants and spectators alike of the values he embodied: dedication, service, and camaraderie. The tournament also serves an essential role in raising awareness for Prisoners of War (POW) and those Missing in Action (MIA), ensuring that their memory is kept alive and their sacrifice is never forgotten.

Through this event, the Royal Gorge Marine Corps League Detachment 1318 highlights the ongoing efforts to account for all servicemembers who have not yet returned home, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the sacrifices made by these individuals and their families.

Beyond its commemorative significance, the Will Perdue POW/MIA Tribute Softball Tournament brings together Marines, their families, and the broader community in a spirit of friendly competition and fellowship. It serves as a platform for building and strengthening relationships within the community, promoting physical fitness, and providing an opportunity for veterans and civilians alike to connect in a supportive and engaging environment.