Marine Corps League-Westchester County Detachment

07/07/2026

It is with a deep sadness that we announce the passing of Past National Commandant / Past Department Commandant Robert E. “Bob” Becker Jr., 87 born in Niskayuna, NY on October 12,1939 passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026.

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert(Sr.) and Mabel (LoeƯler) Becker, sister Grace MacFee and brother John S. Becker. He is survived by his son, Robert E. Becker (Deidre); Deborah (Becker) Danz; Catherine St. Clair (Lee); and his three exceptional granddaughters Jessica, Jennifer and Janet Danz.

Bob was a member of the first graduating class of Niskayuna High School in 1959. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1960-1966 and then joined the USMC Reserves in Albany, where he served until retirement as First Sargeant in 1982. After a thirty-year career, he retired from the US Postal Service in 1996 having worked in carrier and management roles across Schenectady and Scotia.

First Sergeant Becker’s legacy is as a tireless advocate for fellow Marines and Veterans. In 1973 he was a founding member of Marine Corps League Electric City Detachment #222, serving as Commandant for five terms, and helped to form seventeen new MCL detachments across New York. He is the past Commander of American Legion Post 1092, DAV Chapter 88 and Toys-For-Tots Chairman. His lifetime of service included eighteen years as Legislative Chairman for the National Marine Corps League, President of the Schenectady County Veterans Council and Chairman of the Rotterdam Veterans Committee.

In 1990-1992 he was elected and served as Commandant of New York State Marine Corps League. In 1997 he was honored with the Four Chaplains Humanitarian Award and from 1997-1999 served 50th National Commandant of the Marine Corps League which brought his advocacy to the National level and across many States to further aid and assist fellow veterans for their service to America.

Bob was recognized for his veterans advocacy in 2011 when he was named National Marine of the Year and in 2019 inducted into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame as well as being recognized with many other distinctions in his lifetime of charity and service.

He also made time to be a member of the Fleet Reserve Association and AMVETS and even in his later years regularly drove the “VA VAN” to bring fellow veterans to the Albany VA Center. He is also enjoyed his service as an usher at St. Luke’s Church.

Visitation will be held on Monday July 13, 2026 at 6:00-8:00p.m. at Bond Funeral Home, 1614 Guilderland Avenue, Schenectady with Funeral Service starting at 11:30 on Tuesday July 14, 2026.

Bob will be interred at the Gerald B. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marine Corps League Electric City #222, P.O. Box 3456, Schenectady, NY 12303 or the VETERANS MIRACLE CENTER in Albany https://www.vmcalbany.org/

The original obituary can be found at https://www.bondfuneralhome.com/obituaries/robert-becker-jr

This post can be viewed at https://www.mclwestchester.org/2026/07/passing-of-past-national-commandant-past-department-commandant-robert-e-becker-jr/

07/04/2026

As we gather to celebrate Independence Day this 4th of July, we also pause to honor the enduring legacy of the United States Marine Corps. Though we marked the Corps’ historic 250th birthday last November, the spirit of that milestone continues to inspire us all. Semper Fi!

On this Independence Day, we remember the courage and sacrifice that secured our nation’s freedom. The Marine Corps has been at the forefront of that fight since its very beginning. On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the raising of two battalions of Marines in Philadelphia—soldiers of the sea ready to fight both afloat and ashore. Just months later, in March 1776, Continental Marines conducted their first amphibious raid, capturing New Providence in the Bahamas. They stood with General Washington at Princeton and helped forge the path to American independence.

Since that founding, Marines have played a pivotal role in every major conflict in our nation’s history. From the shores of Tripoli in the First Barbary War, to the “Halls of Montezuma” in the Mexican-American War, to the bloody beaches of Iwo Jima and Inchon, and countless operations since, Marines have served as America’s expeditionary force-in-readiness. Whether storming enemy positions, securing naval victories, or answering the call in far-flung crises, the Corps has embodied adaptability, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the nation.

The importance of the Marine Corps in American history cannot be overstated. As a maritime land force, Marines have projected power where and when it mattered most—often as the first to fight. Their legendary esprit de corps, discipline, and fighting spirit have turned the tide in critical moments and upheld the highest traditions of honor, courage, and commitment. Today, that same legacy endures in our active-duty Marines, veterans, and all who wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor with pride.

On this 4th of July, let us celebrate the birth of our Republic and the Marines who have defended it for over two and a half centuries. We wish you and your families a safe, joyful, and meaningful holiday filled with gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy and the brotherhood we share.

Semper Fidelis!

06/06/2026

06/05/2026

It is a with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Marine Corps League-Westchester County Detachment LIfe Member Joseph Germano.

Marine Germano celebrated his 100th birthday on 19 June 2025 (https://www.mclwestchester.org/2025/06/a-centennial-celebration-for-marine-veteran-joseph-germano/). He passed 28 days shy of his 101st birthday.

Marine Germano participated in pivotal World War II operations, including the landings at Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the Philippine Islands. He was present during the iconic flag-raising on Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945, captured in the famous photograph by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal.

We invite all Marines to pay their respects on Friday 19 June 2026. The Detachment will be conducting the MCL ritual at the wake at 19:00 hrs.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Detachment Life Member Joseph Germano, who passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026. He is known as qu

06/05/2026

The Marine Corps League-Westchester County Detachment is proud to announce the 2026 Corporal James Jackowski Marine Memorial Scholarship recipient. Please see the article below for complete details.

The Marine Corps League Westchester County Detachment is proud to announce that Matea Milich is the 2026 recipient of the Corporal James Jackowski Marine Memori

06/05/2026

The Marine Corps League-Westchester County Detachment is proud to announce the 2026 Lance Corporal Craig Wyche Marine Memorial Scholarship recipient. Click the article below for complete details!

The Marine Corps League Westchester County Detachment is proud to announce that Martin Fernandez is the 2026 recipient of the Lance Corporal Craig Wyche Marine

05/24/2026

Marines and Associates,

On this solemn Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave Marines and Navy Corpsmen who answered the call of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Nation.

From the beaches of Iwo Jima and the frozen hills of Chosin, to the jungles of Vietnam, the streets of Fallujah, and the mountains of Afghanistan — their courage, honor, and unwavering commitment to the Corps and our country will never be forgotten. They gave their lives so that others might live in freedom.

Today, we remember them not only with gratitude, but with a renewed promise: that their legacy of service and sacrifice will continue to inspire every generation of Marines who follow. We will carry their memory in our hearts and live by the values they embodied — honor, courage, and commitment.

To all Gold Star families, our brothers and sisters who carry the heaviest burden, know that the Marine Corps League stands with you today and always.

May God bless our fallen heroes, their families, and the United States of America.

Semper Fidelis

Lest We Forget!

03/25/2026

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing Marine Corps League-Westchester County Detachment Life Member John M. Ruggiero. Please see the article for complete details.

The Family has requested if any Marine can stop by to pay their respects, it would be appreciated, Please identify yourself as a Marine and fellow Member of the Marine Corps League.

 Posted in Detachment News, Taps Passing of Detachment Life Member John M. Ruggiero  WebSgt  March 24, 2026 It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Detachment Life Member, John M. Ruggiero, a cherished husband, father, grandfather (Poppy), brother, uncle and friend, passed away p...