Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where are your meetings held?

Our meetings are held at the Bett-Toomey Marine Corps League Clubhouse located at 1794 Electric Ave. Lackawanna, NY 14218. We hold our meetings on the second floor. Just walk up and state who you are. Don't worry, we'll know that your on your way up.

DIRECTIONS FROM THE 90: Get off the 90 at exit 55 and then immediately look for the Ridge Rd. WEST Lackawanna Exit. Follow Ridge Rd. West into Lackawanna (Pass Abbott Rd. Pass SouthPark Ave.) Take a left on Electric Ave.

DIRECTIONS FROM THE 219: Look for the Ridge Rd. WEST Lackawanna Exit. in West Seneca. It is the one right before you get on the 90. Follow Ridge Rd. West into Lackawanna (Pass Abbott Rd. Pass SouthPark Ave.) Take a left on Electric Ave.

DIRECTIONS FROM RT 62: If coming from the North take a right on Keever Ave and a right on Electric Ave. If coming from the South take a left on Keever Ave and a right on Electric Ave.

DIRECTIONS FROM RT 5: If coming from the city (East) take a left on Lake Ave and if coming from Hamburg (West) take a right on Lake Ave. Cross the railroad tracks and take a left on Electric Ave. NOTE - this turn is hard to see. It's the 2nd street right after the tracks though.

2. When are your meetings held?

Our meetings are held every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 1900 hours (that's 7:00pm for those of you who have forgotten your military time). Make it there on time because we try to keep our meetings short. We usually stick around for a bit to have a beer though.

3. What are the prerequisites for joining?

There are only two prerequisites. The first is that you are a United States Marine (active, reserve, retired, or just plain did your time and got out) or a FMF Corpsman. An Honorable discharge IS REQUIRED if you are not active. The only other prerequisite is that you must own a motorcycle (any make, model, or cc within reason will do) and have a valid motorcycle license. Once you have met all the prerequisites, introduce yourself to one of our members and ask about joining. You will then be required to hang around the club for a period of time so we can get to know you and you know us. See FAQ #4 if you do not meet these requirements.

4. What if I don’t meet the requirements?

That would mean that you are not a Marine (or FMF Corpsman) and/or do not own a motorcycle. We are not accepting any auxilary membership at this time. Our suggestion would be to go talk to your local recruiter and come back in 4 years or if you are already a Marine, go buy a motorcycle. Mind you that you are ALWAYS welcome at anything we do and to hang out or ride with us. Please read FAQ #7 though. We do have Support Tee-shirts available for yourself or anyone else who wants to buy them.

5. Can I go to a meeting?

Before you show up at a meeting, contact one of our Officers or if you know a Full member contact one of them and they will contact one of our Officers. You will need to prove who you are and your qualifications before you are allowed in. If you are not already a prospective member then you WILL be asked to leave the meeting for most topics and issues. We will make sure the beer is flowing for your wait though.

6. What is involved with joining and when do I get the back patch?

First off, YOU don’t just join. It’s much more involved than that. We require everyone to hang around the club for awhile. We use this time to see if you will participate, represent the club properly, and more importantly, to check your attitude. Once you have hung around the club for awhile and we consider you good prospect material you will be approached by the President to start prospecting for the club. You will be assigned a sponsor and they will guide and educate you on the MC world and proper protocol within that world. We take this time very seriously. We are always watching and evaluating you during this "hang around" and prospect time. We DO NOT want people who lack commitment to the club, have attitudes, or just want to wear a set of colors to look like a “bad ass”. The time it takes for all this is up to the club. It is absolutely NOT a short process. It is usually a year or more. If your looking to just get a patch, don’t waste our time. If your looking for brotherhood and people you can always count on, then show up, participate, and carry yourself like a Marine, and you might eventually become a part of that brotherhood. One note about hanging around. Showing up at meetings is good but that alone will NEVER get someone prospected. We will want to see you participating in our functions, other MC functions, and out and about with us. In other words, participate, participate, participate, and then participate some more. Ask a member where we will be and then SHOW UP.

7. Can I hang out or ride with your club if I am not a member?

Sure. Just approach a member, introduce yourself, and ask to hang out or ride with us. Make sure you know proper MC protocol and are not of “questionable character” while hanging out or riding with us. Show us respect and you will get respect in return. Be disrespectful and you will get the same back a hundred fold.

8. What is your relationship with other clubs in the area?

We are an absolutely neutral club. We do not officially support any club nor do we claim any territory. Will you see us riding with any of the clubs in the area or showing up at any of their events? Absolutely. We participate in all local area club events and any local area club is welcome at any of our events. We have met many club members from other clubs and have always had an open and cordial relationship with them and will continue to do so in the future.

9. What does your chapter do?

We are present at many events, runs, fundraisers, and other functions in our area. We are dedicated to supporting Veterans, Marine Corps related functions, charitable veterans organizations and to keeping POW/MIA awareness alive. We try to help out in any way we can the veteran or active duty personnel and their families. We are a tight knit group of Marines and FMF Corpsman that relish the camaraderie that we had when we were still active duty. We promote a strong sense of brotherhood to all our members within the chapter and other chapters. Once someone joins our ranks they will know that they will NEVER be alone and can always count on their brothers and sisters within the chapter and organization.

10. If I become a member is my family welcome at your meetings and events?

Absolutely. We encourage their participation as well. Mind you that children are welcome as well but they should not be the source of any distractions. Also some of the other MC club events we go to are only open to age 21 and above.

11. How many members do you have and are you a part of a National Organization?

If you had to ask the first part of the question then you really need to learn some protocol. Come in and do some "hang around" time and we will make sure you know your protocol. Especially if we think you are good prospect material. As far as the second question, yes, there are many chapters, states, and regions throughout the United States.

12. What is your Chapters Mission Statement?

To recognize, strengthen and promote brotherhood among our chapter members and with other chapters in our club and to support these members whenever there is a need. To emphasize and solidify the principles of Honor, Integrity, Brotherhood, and Courage as instilled in each member through past, current, and future associations with the United States Marine Corps. To support Veterans in our community. Of particular concern are Club functions, Marine Corps related functions, charitable veterans organizations, and keeping alive the issues of POW/MIA awareness.