Marine Corps League at Rocky Run Y

The Americanism Team of the General Smedley D. Butler Detachment of the Marine Corps League, Newtown Square, regularly makes Americanism and Flag History presentations in local elementary schools, YMCAs, and Senior Centers.

On Wednesday July 11, the Team of Marines Earle Drake and Jim Mulhern made three Flag History presentations at the Rocky Run YMCA in Media to three groups of Y campers. The campers in two of the groups were aged 6-7 years of age, and the third group of campers were aged 8-10 years. Marines Mulhern and Drake taught them how the flag evolved from its earliest days starting with Britain's St. Georges Cross flag that explorer John Cabot planted in Labrador on behalf of King Henry VII, to our current flag, "Old Glory". The history of the Pledge of Allegiance was also part of the program. Earle and Jim were assisted by Mike Franchi who runs the summer campers programs at the Y.

The Rocky Run YMCA serves Media, Aston, Newtown Square, Edgemont and Springfield. It offers a wide variety of programs for children and teens including swim lessons, sports, fitness, childcare and day camps. For adults and seniors the Y has personal training, a wide variety of group exercise classes, wellness orientations and free babysitting services. Jim Mulhern, who is retired from West Catholic High School, works part time at the Y and at the Concord Elementary School.

Marine Mulhern was also recently featured in the Rocky Run Y’s Mission Moment Monday publication. It is reproduced here.

MR. JIM MULHERN - SUMMER CAMP COUNSELOR

Wearing his fluorescent yellow safety vest paired with his tie dye Camp Rocky Run Y T-shirt, you can't miss Mr. Jim Mulhern when you drive into our parking lot. With sometimes as many as 300 campers a week Mr. Jim, a senior camp counselor, keeps our kids safe as he helps stop traffic as they cross the road to the fields and pool.

A familiar face for many years at the Y, Mr. Jim works at Rocky Run's S.A.C.C. (School Age Child Care) programs at Bethel Springs and Concord elementary schools during the school year. He also regularly conducts "Americanism and Flag History" presentations for the kids at the Y, as well as nearby schools. As a member of the Gen. Smedley D. Butler Marine Corps League Detachment 741, Mr. Jim and a few of his fellow Marines teach campers how the flag evolved from its earliest days starting with Britain's St. George's Cross flag that explorer John Cabot planted in Labrador on behalf of King Henry VII, to our current flag. The history of the Pledge of Allegiance is also part of the program.

"His core values are consistent with the Y's core values. One of Mr. Jim's main goals in life is to benefit his local community and it shows through his tireless commitment to giving back. He helps teach the younger generations," says Mike Franchi, Rocky Run Y's Summer Camp Director.

Growing up in Southwest Philadelphia, Mr. Jim graduated from West Catholic High School in 1960. Not long after earning his college degree from La Salle University, where he was involved in ROTC (Reserves Officers' Training Corps), he was sent to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina for basic training. After a stint at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California, Mr. Jim headed overseas to Vietnam.

As a commanding officer with Transport Company, Seventh Motor Transport Battalion in Vietnam in April 1966, Mr. Jim directed convoys as they traveled the 30-mile trek from Chu Lai to Quang Nai. He would serve as convoy commander on some 25 motor marches through Viet Cong strongly held areas.

Married to his beautiful wife Anita for 53 years, the couple lives in Glen Mills. They are the proud parents of three, Jimmy, Donna and Sean. Last February, Mr. Jim's sons surprised him with the trip of a lifetime to see the Philadelphia Eagles win their first Super Bowl. The viral video of him hearing the exciting news, earned him a spot on national news programs.

With his outgoing and friendly personality, Mr. Jim is a popular summer camp counselor.

"The best part of the job is working the kids," he says.

The General Smedley D. Butler Detachment provides educational programs for children, historically relevant exhibits in libraries and museums, and Graveside Honor Ceremonies. It also provides financial and other assistance to wounded veterans and their families.

The Marine Corps League was founded in 1923 by WWI Marine hero and then Maj. Gen. and Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, John A. Lejeune. Today the League boasts of a membership in excess of 76,000. Its sponsored programs include Marines Helping Marines, the Youth Physical Fitness Program, the Young Marines of the Marine Corps League, the Veterans Service Officer Program, the Marine Corps League Auxiliary, the Toys for Tots program, the Adopt-a-Highway program, and several scholarships.

U.S. Marine Corps General Smedley D. Butler was born in West Chester and lived much of his adult life in Newtown Square. He spent many of his final years lecturing throughout the country on behalf of veterans’ causes and good government. The general was one of only two U.S. Marines awarded two Medals of Honor for heroism in two distinct military actions.

The photos depict Marines Earle Drake and Jim Mulhern with the campers they taught.