Central Florida Chapter, 1st Marine Division Association

08/31/2026

Semper Fidelis 🫡

This is the memorial the 1stMarDiv Association and the Cpl Larry E Smedley Detachment sponsored.

08/29/2026

Happy 110th Birthday to the US Marine Corps Reserve! 🇺🇸

On August 29, 1916, the Marine Corps Reserve was established to provide trained Marines and units ready to augment and reinforce our active-duty forces when our nation calls. For 110 years, Reserve Marines have done exactly that—serving alongside their active-duty brothers and sisters in conflicts and operations around the world.

That history is deeply intertwined with the legacy of the 1st Marine Division. From World War II through Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and operations around the globe, Reserve Marines have reinforced the Corps and carried forward the same standards, traditions, and fighting spirit shared by all Marines.

Many Reserve Marines also embody a distinctive commitment: continuing to serve their country in uniform while simultaneously building careers, raising families, and serving their communities at home.

Today, our Chapter proudly recognizes all Marine Reservists—past and present—and thanks them for 110 years of service and readiness.

Semper Fidelis!

08/28/2026

The men I served with at Recon Bn in Vietnam (Thurs dinner at reunion)

08/27/2026

08/24/2026

Save the date!

The Central Florida Chapter of the 1st Marine Division Association is excited to once again bring the Marine Corps community together to kick off the Marine Corps Birthday the right way at our annual S.O.S. Breakfast.

Please join us on Tuesday, 10 November 2026 at Venue on Lake Lily - Maitland Civic Center as we continue the tradition of starting our birthday in camaraderie, fellowship, and celebration with fellow Marines, corpsmen, family, and friends of the Corps.

We are especially honored to announce that Colonel Benjamin M. Venning, USMC, Chief of Staff, Training and Education Command, will be our guest speaker for this year’s breakfast. We are thrilled to have him on hand and know his presence will make this year’s event even more meaningful.

Each year, this breakfast gives us the chance to celebrate our Corps, reconnect with one another, and carry forward the traditions that make our Marine Corps community so special. We are looking forward to a strong turnout and another outstanding morning together.

Save the date now — tickets will be going on sale soon!

- Marine Corps Birthday S.O.S. Breakfast
- Tuesday, 10 November 2026
- Venue on Lake Lily/Maitland Civic Center
- 641 S. Maitland Ave, Maitland, FL
- Doors open at 8:00 a.m. | Program 8:30–10:00 a.m.

Semper Fidelis!

08/07/2026

08/01/2026

The newest edition of The "Ooo Rah" is here!

This issue is packed with chapter news, Marine history, and upcoming events that keep our Central Florida Chapter connected.

Inside you'll find:

🇺🇸 A message from our President about strengthening Camaraderie, Community, and Legacy and a new meeting format that gives Marines more time to reconnect before our business meetings.

🍀 The story behind our special relationship with Fiddler's Green Irish Pub, which has been welcoming our chapter for more than two decades and truly feels like home.

🔥 Details on our Summer Backyard BBQ, National Reunion in San Diego, Marine Corps Birthday events, and other upcoming activities.

🎖️ A feature honoring Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Larry E. Smedley and the dedication of his memorial plaque at Mt. Soledad.

🦅 A tribute to our Marines now serving in the Corps Eternal, whose service and sacrifice will always be remembered.

We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to read the newsletter and stay connected with everything happening in our chapter.

Read the latest issue here: https://www.cfc1stmardiv.com/

Semper Fidelis! 🇺🇸

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

Today, we celebrate the birth of the United States of America and the enduring ideals of liberty, self-government, and opportunity that have inspired generations since July 4, 1776.

We recognize that the freedoms we enjoy today have been preserved through the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of countless Americans who answered our nation’s call to serve.

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate, let us also take a moment to reflect on the responsibilities that come with freedom and the shared values that unite us as Americans.

From all of us at the Central Florida Chapter of the 1st Marine Division Association, we wish you and your families a safe, joyful, and memorable Independence Day.

Happy 4th of July, and God Bless America!

Semper Fidelis

07/01/2026

Poetry for Marines