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After over 20 years as Commandant of Marine Corps League Detachment #113, former Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner recently stepped down. 

Fortunately, the group remains on solid ground. 

Richard Doughty, a veteran who had worked in Clark County for a long time, was recently named in the position. 

“It’s the highest office you can hold locally, and you always want to try to go up the chain of command in whatever organization you belong to,” said Doughty. “The opportunity was there, so I decided to take it.” 

According to its website, https://www.mcleaguelibrary.org, the Marine Corps League is comprised of “active, reserve, retired, and veteran Marines [who] continue the tradition of looking out for the Marines to their left and right [by] providing mentorship, career counseling, Veteran Service Officer VA support, assisting with transitions, and providing opportunities for family.” 

The local chapter has broadly recognized Harold G. Epperson, a recipient of the World War II Medal of Honor who is buried at Winchester Cemetery. 

Doughty first became involved with the military in 1971 when he joined the Marine Corps. 

Eventually, he would serve much of his time at Camp LeJeune, a military training facility located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. 

“I stayed there for a real long time [in] different positions,” Doughty said. “I was on guard duties, detachments, [and more].” 

Later, he would join the military police. 

“I was a sergeant when I got out,” he said. 

After military service, he worked as a police officer in Lincoln County. 

However, he would soon find Clark County to be home. 

“I read in the paper one day [that] they were looking for firefighters in Winchester,” he said.

After being accepted, he worked with the Winchester Fire Department position for approximately 20 years until late 1997.

“[I] did a whole bunch of jobs there,” he said. “I was an engineer, firefighter, EMT. I did almost anything I could.” 

He also worked with the Clark County Fire Department. 

With the Marine Corps League, Doughty previously served roles such as Junior Vice Commandant, gaining experience in the role of an officer. 

Looking ahead, Doughty hopes to see the Marine Corps League grow locally. 

“I’m hoping to see the Detachment really grow,” he said. “The Marine Corps can pretty much sell itself…we’re hoping they can get that pride back in them and say…’ That’d be something I’d like to do.’” 

The Marine Corps League also looks to stay active in Winchester. 

“We try to get involved in some community projects too,” he said, noting that the organization has donated monies to Operation Happiness, the local JROTC program, and more.