Bylaws

Section 500-National Bylaws
Under section 500 of the National By-Laws of the Marine Corps League, the following Detachment By-Laws is set forth.

Article I - Name

The name of this Corporation will be the Riverfront Marines, a Detachment of the Department of South Carolina Marine Corps League, and incorporated, hereinafter called “The Detachment”.

Article II - Purpose

Section 1
To preserve the traditions and to promote the interests of the United States Marine Corps; to band Active Duty Marines and those who have been honorably discharged or retired from that service in fellowship that may effectively promote the ideals of American freedom and democracy; to fit it’s members for the duties of citizenship and to encourage them to serve as ably as citizens as they have served the Nation under arms; to hold sacred the history and memory of the men and women who have given their lives to the Nation; to foster love for the principles which they have supported by blood and valor since the founding of the Republic; to maintain true allegiance to American institutions; to create a bond of comradeship between those in service and those who have returned to civilian life; to aid voluntarily to render assistance to all Marines and to former Marines, as well as their widows and orphans; to perpetuate the history of the U.S. Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines.

Section 2
This detachment is formed not for profit, but is formed for promoting the ideals and purposes enumerated above. The net earnings shall be devoted exclusively to charitable, educational, operational and recreational purposes, as defined by state and local statutes, and also set forth in the National Bylaws of this organization.

Section 3
Net earnings are defined as monies in excess of that required in the service and discharged of any and all financial obligations.

Article III - Meetings

Section 1
Regular monthly meetings will be held each month.

Section 2
All meetings, Membership, Officer and Trustee, shall be conducted with the order and precedence of the National Marine Corps League By-Laws and Roberts Revised Rules of Orders.

Section 3
Regular Officer meetings will be held Quarterly unless, otherwise directed by the Commandant.

The Board of Trustees shall meet Quarterly prior to holding a regular detachment meeting in January, April, July and October at a location determined by the existing board members.

Section 4
The Detachment Commandant or a majority of the Board of Trustees will have the power to call a special meeting of the detachment at any time, meeting the same requirements of advance notice be given the membership as specified in Article III, Section 1.

Section 5
A minimum of five (5) members of the Detachment must be present, including a majority of the elected officers, to constitute a quorum at a monthly meeting.

Section 6
The Board of Trustees shall meet at the Call of the Commandant as often as he deems necessary. The Commandant shall call a meeting of the Detachment Board of Trustees and all elected and appointed officers, upon the joint written request of three (3) or more members of said Board. Three (3) members of the Board shall constitute a quorum thereof.

Section 7
The Detachment Charter, or a copy thereof, the National and Marine Corps Colors, and an open Bible shall be displayed at all regular business meetings. The POW/MIA table shall be set-up on special occasions at the pleasure of the Commandant.

Section 8
Only active, paid up members shall attend detachment business meetings and activities. Individuals not holding an up to date MCL membership card will be excused from the business meeting. The only exception to this rule is a visitor with an expressed interest in becoming a member of our detachment.

During the good of the league portion of our meeting it is permitted for the Support Group to make any reports, or express any concerns and participate in the 50/50 raffle. The “Support Group” will be composed of Riverfront Marine Family members.

Article IV - Officers

Section 1
The governing and management of the Detachment are entrusted to a Board of Trustees.

Section 2
The Board of Trustees for this Detachment shall consist of the following elected officials: Commandant; Senior Vice-Commandant; Junior Vice-Commandant, Judge Advocate and immediate Past Junior Commandant. The Paymaster, and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Trustees may act as consultants to the Board.

Section 3
All elections of officers shall be by written ballot and the candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall become elected member from the list of candidates. Any regular member in good standing nominated and unopposed for a position as an officer of the Detachment may be elected by either a show of hands or voice vote at the discretion of the Commandant, or in case the Commandant is unopposed at the discretion of the presiding officer.

Section 4
Annually, the Commandant shall appoint a Nominating Committee from the regular membership of the Detachment at the regular March meeting each year. The nomination committee shall prepare a recommended slate of officers for presentation during the April meeting each year. The election of officers shall be held during the May meeting each year. Additional nominations may be made from the floor during either the April or the May meeting prior to a vote by the membership. Newly elected or appointed Detachment Officers may be administered the oath of office at either an installation banquet subsequent to their election or appointed or at the regular June meeting of the Detachment each year or as soon thereafter if said member is unable to attend. The Detachment Adjutant shall submit the list of the newly elected and appointed officers to the National Marine Corps League annually prior to the June 30th of each year or within 30 days in the case of a vacancy should any officer be replaced for any reason.

Section 5 - Duties of Commandant

	a.	To preside at all meetings of the Detachment and Board of Trustees, as set forth in these By-laws.

	b.	Direct the affairs of the Detachment as prescribed by the Board of Trustees.

	c.	Appoint committees as deemed necessary, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees.

	d.	Serve as a member of all committees, ex-officio.

	e.	Shall appoint a committee to review and recommend any changes deemed necessary to the bylaws.

	f.	May appoint a member on an interim basis to fill the position of any officer, which has become vacant for any reason until an election can be scheduled.

Section 6 - Duties of the Senior Vice-Commandant

	a.	In case of the absence of the Commandant, to serve as acting Commandant.

	b.	To perform other duties as requested by the Commandant and/or the Board of Trustees.

Section 7 - Duties of the Junior Vice-Commandant

	a.	Shall assist the Commandant in the discharge of his official duties.

	b.	Shall assume the duties of the Commandant in the absence or disability of both the Commandant and the Senior Vice-Commandant.

	c.	Shall be responsible for entertainment and social events of the Detachments.

	d.	Shall also perform the duties delegated by the Commandant and/or the Board of Trustees.

	f.	Shall serve as chairperson of the membership committee.

Section 8 - Duties of the Judge Advocate

	a.	The Judge Advocate shall be in charge of the administration of all legal matters of the Riverfront Detachment.

	b.	Shall interpret and advise on any matter or questions concerning the Bylaws of the Marine Corps League and this Detachment.

	c.	Shall be available to all Detachment officers, Trustees and committees for legal opinions pertaining to their duties and responsibilities.

	d.	Shall serve as chairperson of Detachment Bylaws committee.

Section 9 - Duties of the Adjutant

	a.	Shall keep charge of and keep a full and correct record of all proceedings of all meetings, keeping such records as Department and National organizations may require.

	b.	Render reports of membership annually or when called upon at a meeting.

	c.	Keep current lists of names, addresses and telephone numbers of all current and previous members.

	d.	Under direction of the Commandant, read and handle all communications and correspondence of the Detachment.

	e.	Perform any additional duties assigned by the Commandant or the Board of Trustees.

	f.	Shall read all communications, documents and applications for membership.

	g.	Shall record and maintain for posterity, a full and complete account of all Detachment business meetings.

	h.	Shall ensure that each member of the Detachment meets the minimum requirements of membership in the Detachment.

Section 10 - Duties of the Paymaster

	a.	Shall have charge of all finances and see that they are safely deposited in a local bank or banks, as designated by the Board of Trustees.

	b.	Shall prepare a monthly report for the Detachment body, reflecting the condition of the finances of the Detachment, with such recommendations, as he/she may deem expedient or necessary for raising funds with which to carry on the activities of the Detachment.

	c.	Shall sign all checks disbursing the monies of the Detachment, in conjunction with the Commandant. In the absence of either the Paymaster or the Commandant, then the Senior Vice-Commandant is authorized to sign checks. Two (2) signatures are required on all checks.

	d.	Shall be responsible for ensuring that all checks written on the Detachment account(s) be signed by two (2) officers. The Paymaster and at one (1) other designated Detachment officers, the Commandant, Senior Vice-Commandant, Junior Vice-Commandant, or Adjutant should be legally qualified to sign checks by bank records.

	e.	Retain and produce, upon request, all financial records, vouchers, and papers required for the proper maintenance of the Detachment account, or for the required annual audit.

Section 11 - Duties of the Chaplain

	a.	Is charged with the spiritual welfare of the members and will offer divine, but non-sectarian services in the event of dedications, funerals, public functions, meetings, etc.

	b.	Adhere to such ceremonial rituals as are recommended by Department or National Marine Corps League officials.

	c.	Perform any additional duties assigned by the Commandant or the Board of Trustees.

Section 12 - Duties of the Sergeant At Arms / Deputy Sgt. At Arms

	a.	Assist the Commandant in keeping order at all meetings.

	b.	Assure that only paid-up members of the Marine Corps League and authorized guests are admitted to the meeting of the Detachment.

	c.	Be responsible for the proper arrangement of the meeting area, to include but not limited to the placement of the Colors and be responsible for the conduct of balloting.

	d.	Perform any additional duties assigned by the Commandant or Board of Trustees.

Section 13 - Duties of the Service Officer (VAVS)

	a.	Shall be responsible for bringing to the attention of all members and their dependents, the rights and benefits granted to them by law.

	b.	Will also serve as chairperson of the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation or Service Committee.

	c.	Perform such other duties as may be required by the Commandant or the Board of Trustees.

Section 14 - Duties of the Junior Past Commandant

	a.	The immediate Past Commandant shall assume this office automatically, without further election as the new Commandant is installed and takes office.

	b.	Shall be the chairperson of the Nominating Committee and supervise the election of officers.

	c.	Serve as the Assistant chairperson of the Membership committee.

	d.	Perform any additional duties assigned by the Commandant or Board of Trustees.

Section 15

That in addition to the Duties Of Officers outlined in the By-laws, the Duties of the Detachment Officers shall be included and augmented by the National Duties of Detachment Officers.

Section 16 - Duties of a First Year Trustee

	a.	Shall have three (3) years remaining on their tenure.

	b.	Shall serve on the Audit Committee.

	c.	Shall serve on the Budget Committee.

	d.	Perform any additional duties assigned by the Commandant or Board of Trustees.

Section 17 - Duties of Second Year Trustee

	a.	Shall have two (2) years remaining on their tenure.

	b.	Shall serve on the Audit Committee.

	c.	Shall serve on the Budget Committee.

	d.	Shall assume the duties of the Three Year Trustee in their absence.

	e.	Perform any additional duties assigned by the Commandant or Board of Trustees.

Section 18 - Duties of Third Year Trustee

	a.	Shall be in the final year of their tenure.

	b.	Shall serve as the Chairperson of the Audit Committee.

	c.	Shall serve of the Chairperson of the Budget Committee.

Section 19 - Vacancies of Elected Offices

	a.	Resignation, death, or un-excused absences of three (3) consecutive meetings by any Elected or Appointed Officer shall constitute a vacancy of said office.

	b.	The Board of Trustees shall hold a special election to replace said vacancy for the remaining term of office at the next regular meeting of the membership.

	c.	Shall serve of the Chairperson of the Budget Committee.

Article V - Membership Eligibility

Section 1 - Regular Membership

	a.	Persons who are serving, or have served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps for not less than ninety (90) days and persons who are serving or have served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and have earned no less that ninety (90) Reserve Retirement credit points, shall be eligible for regular membership in the Marine Corps League.

	b.	All regular members shall be entitled to vote, but to be eligible to vote, a member must have a current membership card, indicating all dues have been paid.

	c.	Applications for membership shall be accepted and processed in accordance with the provisions set forth in the National Bylaws. (Marine Corps League application form, verified proof of service, signed by a sponsor, including cash or checks for the full amount required.).

	d.	FMF Corpsmen, meeting all Membership criteria, will be considered as Regular Members. Proof of service with an FMF unit MUST be provided with application for membership.

	e.	Unless sponsored by an active member an applicant for membership must be present at two League meetings, functions or activities after applying for membership prior to being voted on by the detachment members. This will permit the Detachment membership to get to know all individuals prior to voting on their request for membership in keeping with the good of the league. In order to be granted membership, a majority of the members present must vote “yes” to accept the new member.

Section 2 - Associate Membership

	a.	The Riverfront Marines Detachment will permit spouses and children of League members to become Associate memberships.

	b.	Those individuals not qualified for regular membership in the Marine Corps League who espouse the principles and purposes of the Marine Corps League as contained in its Congressional Charter may upon application to this Detachment, be accepted for associate membership in the Marine Corps League. Associate members, upon acceptance, will pay dues in the same amounts as prescribed for regular members, including initiation fees. A membership pin and membership card, indication “Associate Member” will be issued by the National Uniform Committee. An Associate Member shall be entitled to the right, privileges, and benefits of a regular member, however, such member shall not vote on a membership application of other members to include the election of officers in the Detachment nor may they hold elective office in the Riverfront Marine Detachment. Said member may hold an appointed office and vote on the Detachments internal affairs provided such vote does not affect policy of the Marine Corps League.

Section 3 - Proof of Service

	a.	Each new request for membership must be accompanied by a completed application for membership, their original DD-214 OR honorable Discharge Certificate. A copy of the DD-214 will be made for Detachment records. All members of the Detachment must have their original DD-214 reviewed by the Commandant, Senior Vice Commandant or Junior Vice Commandant along with the Adjutant. The certifying officer will be required to initial the copy of the DD-214 or Honorable Discharge Certificate. Active duty Marines shall be admitted upon presentation of their Military I.D. cards as a verifying document. Retired Marines shall be admitted upon presentation of their Military I.D. card showing their status to that of a Retired Marine as a verifying document. Either the Commandant, Senior Vice Commandant or Junior Vice Commandant along with the Adjutant shall review all certifying documentation. A copy of the certifying document(s) will be made a part of the detachment records and must be initialed by the certifying officer. All documents aforementioned will be kept in a confidential manner.

	b.	Unless sponsored by an active member of the Detachment anyone requesting transfer from another Detachment shall attend two meetings, functions, or activities before the membership can vote to accept them into the Detachment. In addition, a proposed transfer member shall present a copy of their DD-214 and/or a copy of their discharge certificate prior to their application being accepted and approved by the Commandant. The Detachment will use the same procedure to accept transfers of Associate Members.

Section 4 - Honorary Membership

That the Riverfront Marines Detachment 1132 through its financial officer shall pay the annual dues to the National Marine Corps League for any member of Detachment #1132 while in good standing is called or recalled to active duty and sent to a War Zone. That the payments by the Detachment shall be made for so long as the member is so assigned. That while so assigned the Detachment dues shall be suspended.

The Detachment may issue Honorary Membership with discretion, as prescribed by the National Bylaws and upon acceptance by the membership. *See National Bylaws for qualifications.*

Section 5 - Membership Dues and Fees

	a.	The payment of annual National membership dues entitles all members in good standing an automatic subscription to the Marine Corps League publication and enrollment privileges in any National Group Insurance Program that may be in effect.

	b.	The Detachment Board of Trustees shall present its suggested dues rate to the Detachment membership following the National Convention, or no later than the October regular meeting.

	c.	The membership year and the annual dues shall expire on the last day of the anniversary month of each member’s original dues having been received by the National Headquarters.

	d.	At present dues are set by The National Marine Corps League at Twenty (25) Five Dollars annually. This is subject to change at the direction of the National Marine Corps League and membership will be notified as soon as practical by the Detachment. The dues set forth in this bylaw is directory and may and will be changed at the discretion of the National Marine Corps League; they sall also direct the distribution of said dues.

Section 6 - Non-Payment of Dues

	a.	Any member shall be dropped from the membership list when required dues are not paid and transmitted on or before the membership expiration date shown on the membership card.

	b.	A delinquent member must pay all dues current and in arrears to be re-instated.

	c.	Any member delinquent in their dues shall not be able to participate in meetings after a 30 day grace period.

	d.	Members will be reminded at detachment meetings that their dues are expiring and they need to see the detachment paymaster to stay up to date. If any member is having financial difficulties he needs to bring this to the attention of one of the Commandants, and then the board of trustees will determine how to address each issue on an individual basis.

	e.	Any member that is delinquent in their dues may not halo any elected or appointed office. Said member will be given the opportunity to pay said dues prior to the start of the next meeting, if not paid then said officer shall be immediately removed form office and pursuant to these guidelines a new officer elected to complete the remaining term.

Section 7 - Life Membership

Any member of the Marine Corps League who is in good standing may become a Life Member, upon proper payment of fees, as required herein.

A Life Member shall be subject to the payment of no further dues to a Detachment, or Department, and/or National Headquarters.

Life Membership dues are as follows:

	Marine Corps League 2004
	Age 35 and under	$250.00
	Age 36 to 40	$250.00
	Age 41 to 50	$200.00
	Age 51 to 60	$150.00
	Age 61 and over	$ 75.00

	Marine Corps League 2005
	Age 35 and under	$325.00
	Age 36 to 40	$300.00
	Age 41 to 50	$275.00
	Age 51 to 60	$200.00
	Age 61 and over	$100.00

	Marine Corps League 2007
	Age 35 and under	$400.00
	Age 36 to 40	$350.00
	Age 41 to 50	$350.00
	Age 51 to 60	$250.00
	Age 61 and over	$125.00

	Marine Corps League 2009
	Age 35 and under	$500.00
	Age 36 to 40	$400.00
	Age 41 to 50	$400.00
	Age 51 to 60	$300.00
	Age 61 and over	$150.00

The full Life Membership fee shall be paid to National Headquarters, through the Paymaster, with no discounts, no rebates, and no installment plan, whether such fee is paid by the individual or awarded by a Detachment.

All Medal of Honor recipients who are members of the Marine Corps League shall be carried on the rolls as paid up Life Members.

Article VI - Subsidiaries and Subordinate Groups

National Bylaws, Article seven (7) shall be applied as needed by this Detachment.

Article VII - Grievance and Discipline

National Administrative Procedures, Chapter nine (9) shall be applied, as needed.

Article VIII - Amendements

Section 1
These Bylaws may be amended or altered in whole or in part at any regular or special meeting of the Detachment by a two thirds vote of the members present and voting, provided that such action has been announced a minimum of fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting.

Section 2 - Administrative Resolutions Attached to the Bylaws of the Detachment

	a.	The Detachment Commandant shall have the power to request emergency funds up to $100.00.

	b.	No member shall obligate the League for any funds without prior approval of the Commandant or his designee as provided for in the bylaws.

	c.	The Commandant in August of each calendar year shall order the Budget Committee to prepare and submit to the Detachment, a proposed budget for the upcoming calendar year.

	d.	The Budget Committee shall submit the proposed budget to the Detachment at the September meeting.

	e.	The Budget Committee shall consist of the elected officers, the three (3) appointed Trustees and the paymaster.

	f.	That shall be no smoking, profanity or alcoholic beverages during any meeting of the Detachment.

	g.	Any member involved in an unprovoked physical altercation (fight) at any Marine Corps league function will immediately be suspended from the Detachment pending proceedings filed pursuant to the National By-Laws. Should said member be found to have violated those provisions of the Nation By-Laws pertaining to the incident complained of a penalty may be imposed to include expulsion from membership.

Section 3 - Bylaws Effective Date
These By-Laws shall become effective upon approval of members of the Detachment, subject to approval of the Department Judge Advocate.

Adopted by the Riverfront Marines Detachment on:

Signed On This Date:

Commandant___________________________________
Ted Hornback

Adjutant_______________________________________

Judge Advocate_________________________________
                                          James Blanchard, Jr.

Approved:__________________________ Date:______________
                 Department Judge Advocate
                    Department of South Carolina

Section 4 - Detachment Approval
Submitted to the Detachment Upon Motion Duly Made and Seconded On The ( )Day of ( ,200_ ) and APPROVED By The Members Of The Riverfront MARINES.

DETACHMENT 1132
Signed Off By:

Commandant____________________________________________
Ted Hornback

Senior Vice-Commandant__________________________________
Paul Brewer

Judge Advocate___________________________________________
James Blanchard, Jr.