David Epps, Senoia, has been named the 2019 Marine of the Year by the Sgt. Clyde Thomason Medal of Honor Detachment #1325 of the Marine Corps League.
Nominations were taken from the detachment membership and the selection was made by a committee composed of previous Marines of the Year.
Epps, who served on active duty from 1970-73 has been a member of the Marine Corps League (MCL) since 1993. On the national level, Epps served two tours as Chaplain of the Southeast Division, made up of seven southern departments, or states.
On the department (state) level, he served a tour as Georgia Senior Vice Commandant and several tours as the department chaplain.
On the detachment level, he has served as Commandant, Senior Vice Commandant, Junior Vice Commandant, chaplain, and Public Affairs/Information Officer. Currently he serves as Jr. Past Commandant and as Public Affairs/Information Officer.
Epps’ detachment service includes the Fallen Marine Program, Toys for Tots, and the Flag Distribution programs which raises thousands of dollars each year for detachment supported Marine and veteran charities.
His community service has included the Fayette County Veteran’s Leadership Council, keynote speaker at several veteran community functions, and author of numerous articles promoting the MCL and its various activities. He has received numerous medals and ribbons for his work and service in the Marine Corps League.
One of Epps’ three sons served in the U.S. Air Force, and two grandsons are currently serving with the U.S. Marine Corps.
The presentation was made at the 244th Birthday Celebration of the Marine Corps held in Tyrone and was presented by Past Commandant Guy Mitchell, Peachtree City, 2018 Marine of the Year, and by Thomaso Coursey, Newnan, Past Commandant and 2017 Marine of the Year. There are 26 MCL detachments in Georgia with #1325 serving Coweta and Fayette counties.
Epps has been a weekly opinion columnist for The Citizen newspapers since 1996.
