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

  1. To preside at all meetings of the Detachment and Board of Trustees, as set forth in these By-laws.
  2. Direct the affairs of the Detachment as prescribed by the Board of Trustees.
  3. Appoint committees as deemed necessary, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees.
  4. Serve as a member of all committees, ex-officio.
  5. Shall appoint a committee to review and recommend any changes deemed necessary to the bylaws.
  6. 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

  1. In case of the absence of the Commandant, to serve as acting Commandant.
  2. To perform other duties as requested by the Commandant and/or the Board of Trustees.
      3. Section 7 – Duties of the Junior Vice-Commandant

      1. Shall assist the Commandant in the discharge of his official duties.
      2. Shall assume the duties of the Commandant in the absence or disability of both the Commandant and the Senior Vice-Commandant.
      3. Shall be responsible for entertainment and social events of the Detachments.
      4. Shall also perform the duties delegated by the Commandant and/or the Board of Trustees.
      5. Shall serve as chairperson of the membership committee.

      Section 8 – Duties of the Judge Advocate

      1. The Judge Advocate shall be in charge of the administration of all legal matters of the Riverfront Detachment.
      2. Shall interpret and advise on any matter or questions concerning the Bylaws of the Marine Corps League and this Detachment.
      3. Shall be available to all Detachment officers, Trustees and committees for legal opinions pertaining to their duties and responsibilities.
      4. Shall serve as chairperson of Detachment Bylaws committee.

      Section 9 – Duties of the Adjutant

      1. 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.
      2. Render reports of membership annually or when called upon at a meeting.
      3. Keep current lists of names, addresses and telephone numbers of all current and previous members
      4. Under direction of the Commandant, read and handle all communications and correspondence of the Detachment.
      5. Perform any additional duties assigned by the Commandant or the Board of Trustees
      6. Shall read all communications, documents and applications for membership
      7. Shall record and maintain for posterity, a full and complete account of all Detachment business meetings
      8. Shall ensure that each member of the Detachment meets the minimum requirements of membership in the Detachment.

      Section 10 – Duties of the Paymaster

      1. 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.
      2. 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 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) 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 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

      1. 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.
      2. Adhere to such ceremonial rituals as are recommended by Department or National Marine Corps League officials.
      3. 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

      1. Assist the Commandant in keeping order at all meetings.
      2. Assure that only paid-up members of the Marine Corps League and authorized guests are admitted to the meeting of the Detachment.
      3. 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.
      4. Perform any additional duties assigned by the Commandant or Board of Trustees.

      Section 13 – Duties of the Service Officer (VAVS)

      1. Shall be responsible for bringing to the attention of all members and their dependents, the rights and benefits granted to them by law.
      2. Will also serve as chairperson of the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation or Service Committee.
      3. Perform such other duties as may be required by the Commandant or the Board of Trustees.

      Section 14 – Duties of the Junior Past Commandant

      1. The immediate Past Commandant shall assume this office automatically, without further election as the new Commandant is installed and takes office.
      2. Shall be the chairperson of the Nominating Committee and supervise the election of officers.
      3. Serve as the Assistant chairperson of the Membership committee.
      4. Perform any additional duties assigned by the Commandant or Board of Trustees.

      Section 15

      1. 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

      1. Shall have three (3) years remaining on their tenure.
      2. Shall serve on the Audit Committee.
      3. Shall serve on the Budget Committee.
      4. Perform any additional duties assigned by the Commandant or Board of Trustees.

      Section 17 – Duties of Second Year Trustee

      1. Shall have two (2) years remaining on their tenure.
      2. Shall serve on the Audit Committee.
      3. Shall serve on the Budget Committee.
      4. Shall assume the duties of the Three Year Trustee in their absence.
      5. Perform any additional duties assigned by the Commandant or Board of Trustees.

      Section 18 – Duties of Third Year Trustee

      1. Shall be in the final year of their tenure.
      2. Shall serve as the Chairperson of the Audit Committee.
      3. Shall serve of the Chairperson of the Budget Committee.

      Section 19 – Vacancies of Elected Offices

      1. Resignation, death, or un-excused absences of three (3) consecutive meetings by any Elected or Appointed Officer shall constitute a vacancy of said office.
      2. 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.
      3. Shall serve of the Chairperson of the Budget Committee.