Capt. Jennifer J. Harris, USMC Memorial Scholarship Program

Jennifer J. Harris was a 1996 graduate of Swampscott High and upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 2000 was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. She attended The Basic School in Quantico, VA, and then flight school in Pensacola, FL, earning her Aviator Wings of Gold on September 13, 2002.

Jennifer was then assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron (HMMT-164) in Camp Pendleton, CA where she learned to fly the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter and upon completion of training was assigned to the Purple Foxes Squadron (HMM-364) immediately deploying for Operation Iraqi Freedom. HMM-364 is a legendary squadron known since the Vietnam War for repeatedly answering the call of duty flying in and out of active combat areas where imminent danger was always present. During her time in HMM-364, Jennifer attended The Weapons and Tactics Instructor’s Course (WTI), the Marine equivalent to Top Gun training. Captain Harris was the first female pilot in the Purple Foxes Squadron.

A commitment to serve others was a core value guiding Jennifer and was most evident in her decision to serve our country. As a Marine, she combined this commitment with her sense of compassion to be one of the best CH-46 pilots in the Marine Corps. She performed her duties as a Casualty Evacuation pilot flying in and out of combat areas for the emergency evacuation of injured Marines and Iraqi citizens, saving countless lives. Captain Harris served three tours of duty in Iraq and was killed in action on February 7, 2007, when the helicopter she was piloting was downed by enemy fire.

In 2008, the Detachment began hosting an annual motorcycle ride to raise money to support scholarships to local high school students in Jennifer’s name. We continue to honor Jennifer’s memory each year with events such as Cornhole and Golf Tournaments, most recently awarding scholarships totaling $6,000.

MCL Detachment #1302 has designated a group of its members who are active motorcycle riders as the Riding Platoon. This group is an integral component of the public face of the Detachment and has as its primary focus the raising of awareness of the Marine Corps League and the recruiting of new Detachment members. The Riding Platoon champions MCL ideals and activities such as the advocacy of veterans’ issues, MCL events and functions, and other charitable organizations that support all veterans past, present and future. Through its activities, the Riding Platoon fosters the camaraderie that was instilled while serving as members of the United States Armed Forces and is committed to maintaining a high and visible profile for both the Detachment and safe motorcycle riding. Six months of MCL Detachment #1302 membership in good standing is required prior to application to join the Riding Platoon.

Leadership of the motorcycle riders falls under the responsibility of the Riding Platoon XO who is appointed by the Detachment Commandant and the Executive Board.  The XO manages all Riding Platoon activities including the assessment of the qualification of potential members as well as an annual calendar of meetings, rides, and fund-raising events.