Join the Marine Corps League and see how your life continues as a Marine!

Who We Are!

WE ARE MARINES “Once a Marine, always a Marine” is familiar to us all. It is that feeling you get when you see a Marine Corps sticker on a car or a home proudly displaying the Marine Corps flag. All we need to do is knock and that Marine will be there for you. It is not just a tagline for a commercial. That flag is the embodiment of our soul. Despite our many years of service to different causes and in various times, we all have that one tangible thing in common: It is the knowledge that we have all earned the privilege to wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor; a symbol that will forever be seared into our hearts.

WHAT WE DO: Promote USMC, history, & traditions Strengthen the fraternity of Marines Serve Marines and FMF Navy Personnel Foster ideals of Americanism and patriotic volunteerism Active, reserve, retired, and veteran Marines continue the faithful tradition of looking out for the Marines to their left and right, providing mentorship, career counseling, Veteran Service Officer.

He Gave His Life for Our Freedom

In honor of

LCpl Louis W. Qualls

Louis W. Qualls was born on June 25, 1984 in Temple, Texas. Qualls was born and raised in Temple. He graduated from Temple High School in 2002. Louis Qualls spent his life preparing to join the military. He learned to shoot a rifle at a young age, competed in martial arts, and wore the Air Force blue uniform of the Junior ROTC. Mostly, though, he wanted to be like his father, who had served in the Army and the National Guard for years.

Louis learned about leadership in the JROTC Program. He was a linebacker in football, a member of the track team, and a top 10 percent graduate. Louis was a Boy Scout and grew up attending the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Qualls was also a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, winning championships at the regional, state, national and junior Olympic levels. In addition, he and his father shared a passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles and went riding together often.

Lance Corporal Qualls joined the Marine Corps at the age of 18. He served with the United States Marine Corps during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Corps Reserve, Grand Prairie, Texas. While serving on active duty during the second battle for Fallujah, Al Anbar Province, Iraq, Lance Corporal Qualls was killed in action by enemy forces on November 16, 2004. Qualls was the first Temple resident in the military to die in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was 20 years old.

“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But the Marines don’t have that problem.”

Ronald Reagan

Semper Fidelis

Our Detachment

Our Detachment is dedicated to helping the Marines in Bell County, Central Texas. We are a 501c (4) nonprofit organization. Members of The Louis W. Qualls Detachment, as good citizens and in our virtue of service, help support many groups and individuals in the Temple and Killeen Urbanized Areas of Texas. (Copperas Cove, Killeen, Harker Heights, Nolanville, Salado, Morgan’s Point, Belton, Temple, Academy, Rogers. Heidenheimer, etc.) Every year, we donate to different charitable organizations such as:

Toys for Tots
Veteran's Assistance Day at Horney Toad Harley Davidson
Blue and Camo Santa Programs
Annual Military and First Responder's Luncheon
Belton High School JROTC, Top Cadet Merit Award
Temple High School JROTC Louis W. Qualls Award
Belton Chamber Fourth of July Parade
MCL Relief Fund
Joint Operations with local Veteran's Groups
Members of the Military Order of Devil Dogs sponsored "Tun Tavern" Events
Department of Texas Programs and Events

If you are a Marine who is new to the area or exploring the possibilities within the league, we warmly invite you to join us! This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow Marines from various generations who share a common bond and passion. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or just starting your journey, you'll find a welcoming community that values camaraderie and support. Engaging with others who have walked different paths in their Marine careers offers invaluable insights and friendships that can enrich your experience. Don’t hesitate to step forward—come and be part of this inclusive and vibrant network where stories are shared and new memories are made. Together, we can uphold the proud tradition of our service while fostering connections that last a lifetime.

Detachment Meetings

Social Gathering meet every Wednesday Black Rifle Coffee Temple 10-12 and 3rd Sunday of month Black Rifle Harker Heights.

Breakfast Gathering 2nd Saturday of the month at Black Bear Diner, Harker Heights

Monthly General meeting 3rd Tuesdays @VFW 3892 Harker Heights at 1830 for dinner and 1900 for meeting.

Marine Corps League Officers 2023 - 2024

Commandant: Dan Dahlgren Jr

First Vice Commandant:

Second Vice Commandant: Mike Webb

Judge Advocate: Dale Schnackel

2026 Officers

In 2026, the Officers of the Marine Corps League Detachment 1249 proudly took their positions, with each member bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to their roles. Dan Dahlgren Jr will continue as Commandant guiding the detachment with strong leadership and vision. From left to right, Dale Schnackel serves as the Judge Advocate, Made sure all operations followed the organization’s legal and ethical standards. Mike Webb, Junior Vice Commandant, Brings fresh ideas, energy, and a boost to the team’s recruiting efforts. Together, these officers exemplified teamwork and commitment to the Marine Corps values, fostering a sense of camaraderie and service within the detachment.