The primary mission of the Marine
security guards is to provide internal security services
at designated U.S. diplomatic and consular facilities to
prevent the compromise of classified information and equipment
vital to the national security of the United States. The
secondary mission of MSG’s is to provide protection
for U.S. citizens and U.S. Government property located within
designated U.S. diplomatic and consular premises during
exigent circumstances (urgent temporary circumstances which
require immediate aid or action). These detachments will
be prepared to execute plans for the protection of the mission
and its personnel as directed by the chief of mission or
principal officer. Under certain emergency situations, they
will provide special protective services to the chief of
mission or principal officer.
Marines assigned to
the Marine Security Guard program also provide assistance
to the Department of State during visits to foreign countries
by the President, Vice President, Secretary of State and
other designated dignitaries.
The Marine Corps Birthday
is celebrated on or around November 10th of each year. It
is typically one of the most anticipated events of the year
within the embassy community. The traditional celebration
includes a cake cutting ceremony, dinner and dancing. Additionally,
Marines also participate in events such as 4th of July &
Memorial Day celebrations. Such participation usually includes
a flag raising ceremony.
The Marines also participate
in a variety of charitable events. The most notable of these
events is the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve “Toys for
Tots” Program. Toys for Tots began in 1947 when Major
Bill Hendricks, USMCR and a group of Marine Reservists in
Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy
children. The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys
for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during
October, November and December each year and distribute
those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community
in which the campaign is conducted. The primary goal of
Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at
Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will
motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic
citizens and community leaders. Last year, the Marine Detachment
distributed hundreds of toys to local orphanages in Montevideo.
Additionally, during June 2003, Sgt Robert L. Snyder organized
a fund-raiser known as “Relay for Life” for
the American Cancer Society. He raised approximately $1,300.00
dollars and forwarded the proceeds to the American Cancer
Society.
For further information
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