Honoring the Past, Building the Future
Our Founding
Welcome to the First Battalion Ninth Marines Association - an organization rooted in camaraderie, support, and shared history. Founded by Roger W. Liggon Sr. in 1988, our association originated from a humble gathering of thirteen Vietnam veterans during a Welcome Home rally in Cleveland, Ohio. Initially created to serve those who had earned the moniker "THE WALKING DEAD" in the Republic of South Vietnam, we have since expanded to embrace all generations of the 1st Battalion 9th Marines and their families.
1,468 Members Strong
Our Mission
Our mission is to foster a sense of community, inclusivity, and mutual support among our members, providing a platform for engagement, historical preservation, and assistance. Our vision is to be a leading organization that empowers veterans, safeguards our unit's rich history, and cultivates lifelong connections among members.
We are more than just an association; we are a family. Our members hail from multiple generations, from the Vietnam era through OIF and OEF. Our initiatives include preserving our history and personal stories, providing humanitarian aid, offering scholarships, organizing in-person and virtual events, and hosting a bi-annual national reunion.
As veterans and families of the 1st Battalion 9th Marines, we share a legacy that extends beyond active duty. We understand the challenges of transitioning into civilian life - the longing for camaraderie, the search for new purpose, and the need to belong. We are here to ease that journey, to help you reconnect with your 1/9 brothers, and to contribute to a mission that is greater than any individual. Stand with us as we honor our past and build a future where every veteran feels seen, heard, and supported. Your journey doesn't end after service; it continues with us.