Local Marines form group to help others

Area Marines realized after active duty, there still are struggles and skirmishes they need to confront. The fighting spirit which helps them win battles during their military service stays with them as they return to civilian life.

Some in the local area have decided to come together to be a part of something, be another opinion, bring Marine Corps values to Poplar Bluff, said Jason Ruesler, local league commandant. They decided to form the Poplar Bluff Marine Corps League, which is one of the youngest leagues in the country.

While some of them traveled from across the country to live here, others grew up in Southeast Missouri. Ruesler grew up in Oak Ridge. Casey Regusci, the group’s paymaster, moved here from California.

Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Marine League Detachment 1473 officers prepare to be sworn in. They include Jason Ruesler, Casey Regusci, Danny Wilson, Jesse Wells, Joshua Holland, Kevin Edger and Justin Moyers.

Planning started when the group first met in February, Ruesler said. While they had the “ball rolling,” the group learned another veteran was working to start a Marine Corps League locally. Ruesler’s wife, who works at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center, told him veteran Eric Smith wanted to be involved. Ruesler and Smith met with a Marine League detachment from Cape Girardeau.

When Smith died, Ruesler explained, he worked with the Cape Girardeau group.

Danny Wilson of Dexter is the adjutant. He added, they all had to “pick up the flag” and carry on to form the group.

Photo provided Joshua Holland (left) signs the local charter as a member from the Cape Girardeau group watches.

Ruesler said, “the second time, we each put our best foot forward and Cape walked us through.”

They decided to honor a hometown Marine and named their group for Staff Sgt. Eric Summers, who gave his life serving his country.

Joshua Holland said, the group’s mission links to the national organization, which was founded in June 1923 in New York after World War I.

Their goals are for folks with the same values to get together.

“We are a brother and sisterhood,” Holland said. “We want to be a face for any veteran. We are cut from the same cloth.”

Agreeing, each member wants to “be a face for any veteran and help navigate muck and ire,” one former Marines said. League members “want to be the shoulder for another one to lean on. We want to be there for them.”

The group was quick to add associate members from other services are welcome to join the league. They respect other veterans organizations.

One member who is a former police officer, joined a VFW in Kennett because, “I was lost. I didn’t know what PTSD was, but I decided to drink it away. It was the VFW members who talked with me. I want to help other veterans, because of their help.”

League members want to have a positive impact on the community. A national Marine project, Toys for Tots, is goal of the members. They plan to contact the Division of Family Services or visit four or five local churches and find children less fortunate.

They are looking at volunteering to have an impact on the community.

“We are a non profit service organization and we want to make the community better,” o ne said.

Quick to sing the praises of Poplar Bluff Elks Lodge 2452, league members said the Elks have been there providing them a place to meet and helping in many other ways.

The league will have it’s first fundraiser, an indoor Cornhole Tournament benefit, Jan. 25, at the Elks Lodge as a way to build funds to use in helping the community and other Marines.

Teams may sign up beginning at 11 a.m. and bags fly at 1 p.m. ACL rules will apply. Entry fee is $20 per team, Those participating may bring their own bags or house bags will be available.

The first place winner will receive 50 percent of the entry fees. Prizes will be awarded through fifth place. There will be a 50/50 drawing and Airmail Challenge. Contact Ruesler at 573-778-6186, 573-714-4801 or Lori Smith 573-718-4972 for additional information.

The league meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at the Elks Lodge.

The group’s mission statement reads “The mission of the Marine Corps League is to preserve traditions of the United States Marine Corps, strengthen the fraternity of the Marines and their families; serve Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and FMF Chaplains who wear or have worn the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor; and foster the ideals of Americanism and patriotic volunteerism.”