Since 1985, We Have Led the Effort to Help Our Veterans and their Families in Ventura County and the Greater Los Angeles Area
Our Story
The story of 597 goes back beyond the Charter date to September 1984. Paul Molé, Sr. along with Staff Sergeant Steve Hodowanic and Staff Sergeant Peter Cordera (both Marine Recruiters) sought former and active duty Marines from the local area to establish a charter membership with the required number of members. In June 1985, the Charter was granted. Then on February 6, 2011, through the efforts of Mark Shuster, the detachment was renamed from the Ventura County Detachment #597 to the President Ronald Reagan Detachment #597 to coincide with the 100th birthday of Ronald Reagan.
Our Mission
Members of the Marine Corps League join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the interests of the United States Marine Corps, banding together those who are now serving in the United States Marine Corps and those who have been honorably discharged from that service that they may effectively promote the ideals of American freedom and democracy, voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to all Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and FMF Navy Chaplains and former Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and FMF Navy Chaplains and to their widows and orphans; and to perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines.
“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don’t have that problem.
-Ronald Reagan