1st Marine Division Association

Chartered in 1998 by Marine Corps Veterans including namesake Colonel Mitchell Paige USMC. Colonel Paige longtime Valley resident was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic action while a Platoon Sergeant with the 7th Regiment at the Battle of Guadalcanal, Pacific Theater of WWII. Colonel Paige marched to Heaven on November 15, 2003. He is survived by his wife Marilyn Paige who still attends our Chapter Meetings, luncheons and Marine Corps Award Ceremonies when she is able.

Our Chapter

We are a Non-Profit Association – 501C-19, Tax ID – EIN-32-0196687 affiliated with the National 1st Marine Division Association Headquartered in Camp Pendleton, CA. Our Officers and Board all serve voluntarily and are Marine Corps Veterans. Our Office and storage space is donated, the only paid personnel are an independent bookkeeping person and independent private technical support people when required. We are members of the City of Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce; where we participate jointly in Holiday Ceremonies honoring the military, Veteran and other Community Events.

PHOTO GALLERY

Steve Garvey Family-wwII Vet Dorothea Irwin, Vince Masto

OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

Harry Covert

President

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Vincent L. Mast

Vice President

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Quintin Villanueva

Secretary

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TBA

Jim Olson

Sergeant at Arms

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OTHER DIRECTORS

TBA

George Stettler

Board Member

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Bob Shepard

Board Member

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Hank Monahan

Treasurer

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David Dawgwillo

Board Member

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Our Mission

Desert Cities Mitchell Paige Medal of Honor Chapter’s primary mission is to support the Marines and their families of the 7th Marines Reinforced Regiment at USMC Base 29 Palms, CA. This Regiment consists of four Battalions–1st Battalion (Prepare to March), 2nd Battalion (Ready for All, Yielding to None), 3rd Battalion (The Cutting Edge) and Third Battalion Fourth Marines (Thundering Third).

These Marine Battalions are presently rotating deployments every seven months serving in Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Yemen. While one Batallion is deployed the other three Battalions are conducting intensive training schedules at 29 Palms.

How we support and contribute to these Marines and their families.

Our Chapter raises funds to supply Holiday (Christmas) meals, Exchange gift certificates, emergency relief funds and child care for the young Marines and their families. These contributions are distributed by the ASYMCA from recommendations by the Regimental Sgt. Major and/or the Battalion Sgt.Majors and approval from three Officers or Board Members from our Chapter. Priority is given to enlisted Marines with the rank of Corporal, Lance Corporal, Private First Class and Private.

Scuttlebutt — October 2019

by Marine1 | October 12, 2019 | Scuttlebutt | 0 Comments

ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER UPDATE | October 2019 Thank you for your continued membership and support of our chapter. Below you will find the "scuttlebutt" on recent accomplishments, upcoming missions, and other valuable information. We look forward to seeing you at...

Scuttlebutt — March 2019

by Marine1 | March 4, 2019 | Scuttlebutt | 0 Comments

Scuttlebutt — February 2019

by Vince Mast | February 20, 2019 | Scuttlebutt | 0 Comments

February 21, 20191130 HOURS Please make your reservations early by calling 760 901 5494 Speak slowly, loudly and clearly. Or email Jim Olson at Olsoncj5@aol.com to make a reservation.As usual, our meeting will take place at the Classic Club in Palm Desert. VOTE...

Scuttlebutt — January 2019

by Marine1 | January 15, 2019 | Scuttlebutt | 0 Comments

ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER UPDATE | January 2019 Thank you for your continued membership and support of our chapter. Below you will find the "scuttlebutt" on recent accomplishments, upcoming missions, and other valuable information. We look forward to seeing you at...