Samuel Nicholas was a true leader, warrior, student of his profession, and demonstrated great adaptability and character. He was the first officer commissioned in the United States Continental Marines and by tradition is considered to be the first Commandant of the Marine Corps. Known and respected by our nation's founding fathers, he was charged with the organization and discipline of a new military unit. 

Initially, Captain Nicholas led his Marines in several battles. Later, Congress promoted him and entrusted the organization, equipping, and training of this new military unit as it grew in size. Clearly, Samuel Nicholas was a man of action, but also recognized he could do more for this new Corps of Marines. Major Nicholas accepted the responsibility he was given by Congress, carried it out with efficiency, and performed the vital functions which created the foundation for the Corps we are so proud of today. 

Help us continue our mission to ensure that the values and traditions of the Corps live on in today’s and tomorrow’s Marines by including the Marine Corps Association Foundation to your will or estate plan.

An Invitation to Join the Samuel Nicholas Society

Members of the Samuel Nicholas Society have expressed their commitment to the Marine Corps Association Foundation through a very special and important form of financial support.

These donors have named the Marine Corps Association Foundation as the beneficiary of a planned gift. Their planned gifts might include a bequest, appreciated securities, gifts of retirement accounts, and gifts of life insurance.

If you have included the Marine Corps Association Foundation in your estate plans let us know by filling out our Planned Gift Statement of Intent form and send it back to us. By doing so will allow us to thank you for your generosity now while including you in the Samuel Nicholas Society.

Membership Benefits

Your membership allows us to thank and recognize you for the plans you have made, and it may inspire others to consider similar generosity.

As a member of the Samuel Nicholas Society, you will receive invitations to special events and a 1-year print subscription to one of our magazines, Gazette or Leatherneck.