OO-rah!
That’s a Marine’s reply to any challenge, and it’s a spirit continually embodied by retired U.S. Marine Capt. James L. Thompson of Felton. On Oct. 29, Thompson was named Marine of the Year by the Central Delaware Detachment of the Marine Corps League.
According to detachment Commandant George Weiss Sr., Thompson earned the honor in part for his continuous work for the league and for his efforts with the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs that resulted in construction of the Delaware Veterans Home.
“He has always volunteered for anything if he felt it would help veterans,” Weiss said.
“I was shocked, stunned,” Thompson said of the honor. “I had just sworn in some new members and then they call me up and whip out this medal.
“It’s nice to be recognized for something you’ve done,” he said.
Q You’re not from Delaware and there are no Marine bases in the state; why did you come here?
A My wife and I studied the country to figure out what where to retire. She likes it cold, and I like it hot and wanted to be near the ocean. Dover is sort of in-between.
Q What is it about the Marines that instills such devotion to the Corps?
A That’s very hard to define. People take a lot of pride in being a Marine. There’s something about it that says, “This is my niche.”
Q Describe your work with the Marine Corps League.
A We’re a veterans group, like a lot of others, but we’re restricted only to Marines and U.S. Navy corpsmen who served with the Marines. I work as the judge advocate general for the central Delaware detachment, and I represent them for the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs and serve on their legislative committee.
The Marine Corps League is a place where Marine veterans – and remember, there’s no such animal as a former Marine – can get together. We served together and we enjoy being together.
Q The Marine Corps Reserve is about to start its annual Toys for Tots campaign. It seems contradictory that a group known for its toughness should be involved in collecting toys.
A Many Marines are fathers, and Marines, generally speaking, have a soft touch for kids. I think it’s all about what we’re fighting for, fighting for our future. Kids are our future. I think if you take care of kids now, give them a toy that shows someone cares about them, it might keep them from becoming some sort of a hoodlum.
