The Young Marines of the Marine Corps League is an organization that the members of this League can be proud of. The National Senior Vice Commandant Vic Voltaggio and I just returned from the 2010 National Young Marines Adult Leaders Conference. I can truly say that this conference was one of the best that I have attended.

Mike Kessler and his staff at the Young Marine Headquarters put together one of the most memorable conferences of all time. The group "Homeland" (Larry Tidwell, Carl Jones, Boyce Smith and Ed Jones) performed a medley of patriotic songs dedicated to the support of our troops and veterans. During their entire performance, the audience was mesmerized by their music and songs. The conference was both exciting and educational. My sincere thanks to Gene Overstreet, the 12th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, for his insight; Officer Joe Lusignan for a great class on "Drug Demand Reduction Education"; and Col. Charles Tyrian, USMC (Ret.) on self-improvement and leadership. The highlight of the Grand Banquet was a performance by the singing duo of Massachusetts State Trooper (retired) and Marine Dan Clark and his wife, Mary. The entertainment was nothing short of electrifying. Marines, you can be proud of your Young Marine of the Year for 2009, Kayle Hill: Her demeanor and presentation during her remarks were exemplary. The climax of the evening was the naming of the Young Marine of the Year for 2010-Casey Scott of Quantico, VA. My congratulations go out to Casey on a job well done. As your National Commandant, I am extremely proud of the work that this wonderful youth organization has accomplished over the years.

As most of our members are aware, I have placed a high priority over the last two years on establishing new revenue streams. One program that I wanted to redevelop was the corporate sponsorship program. I am pleased to announce that Glock Inc. has become the first member. My sincere thanks to Marine veteran and Vice President Gary Fletcher of Glock Inc. for his support of this dynamic program. I have sent out some additional letters to offer other companies an opportunity to join with us in supporting our mission and our veterans.

Additionally, I have instituted a new award to recognize those active duty Marines and other individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership to our Corps. The National Commandant's Award for Leadership Excellence was presented at Marine South to our first recipient, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Ronald Coleman. We would like to thank Glock for its support of the League in this venture by donating an engraved Glock pistol to our first recipient.

As my second term as your National Commandant comes to an end, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Executive Director Mike Blum, your Board of Trustees, staff at Headquarters and the many committees members for all their guidance and support throughout the past two years. It has been a great tour, and I want to especially thank the membership of the Marine Corps League for their kindness and help.

Please keep our Marines who are serving in harm's way in your thoughts and prayers. I ask you to please continue to support our United States Marine Corps and its programs that are so vital to their overall mission.

Semper Fi -
James R. Laskey
National Commandant
Marine Corps League - National Headquarters