(Steven D. Merrell Marine Corps League Detachment 698 Press Release, June 1, 2023; Photo Credit: Merrell MCL Detachment)
Pocatello’s Merrell Detachment #698 of the Marine Corps League (MCL) is a local service organization of former Marines and Fleet Marine Force Corpsmen. The main purpose of the MCL is to “aid voluntarily and to render assistance to all present and former Marines and (FMF) Corpsmen as well as to their spouses, orphans, and parents.” MCL also supports Toys for Tots, provides burial services for veterans and works with all veteran service organizations (VSO’s) to support veterans from all branches of the military.
The Roy Weaver Memorial Fund was established at the Idaho MCL’s Department Convention in 2011. The purpose of the Fund is to present Scholarships to local students seeking post-secondary education.
Marine Gunnery Sergeant Roy Weaver was a WWII prisoner of war for 3 ½ years. He served in the Marine Corps Reserves for 2 ½ years after which he rejoined the Corps. He retired in 1964 after 21 ½ years. Following his retirement, he served as a Liaison for the Young Marines, was an active member of the Coeur d’Alene MCL Detachment and held several offices in the Department of Idaho MCL.
Pocatello’s Steven D Merrell MCL Detachment recently had the privilege of presenting Lindsey Williams, a valedictorian graduate of Snake River High School with one of this year’s Roy Weaver Memorial scholarships. Not only is Lindsey an excellent academic student, she is also an active participant in many school and community activities. She served as the school’s Chamber Choir president and Honor Society Junior Representative. Business Professionals of America, Snake River Theater Company, Pep and Concert bands, Bella Voce and a Capella Choir are some of the Snake River extracurricular activities that benefited from Lindsey’s participation. Lindsey’s volunteer list is long and includes: Community Dinner Table; Salvation Army; Blackfoot Food Pantry; American Red Cross; Pennies by the Inch for Primary Children’s Medical Center; The Village which is a foster care closet that collects and prepares clothing for foster children; and helping install a frisbee golf course at State Hospital South.
Lindsey’s goal to attend BYUI and work towards a degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant is shaped from her experiences with family members that are experiencing serious health challenges. In her essay, Lindsey wrote, “I have seen how my loved ones have benefitted from physical therapy and I want to provide that to as many people as possible. I feel a great responsibility to spend my life building up others and making their lives better.”
Selection of Lindsey Williams for receipt of this scholarship is a very fitting commemoration of the memory of Gunnery Sergeant Roy Madison Weaver. It is our pleasure to present this Department of Idaho MCL Scholarship to Lindsey Williams.
