Photo Information

Courtesy Photo This photo was taken of Lance Cpl. Reggie Dellaire in 1966 when he first began working with the program in London. He said he looks back at this photo from time to time and remembers the look in the children's eyes starving for someone to love them. Since this photo, Dellaire has worked with the program for the past 42 years.

Photo by courtesy photo

Once a Marine, Always a Marine;Local Marine Veteran continues service to the Corps with Toys for Tots;

15 Dec 2005 | Sgt. Danny Patterson Marine Corps Recruiting Command

On a warm June day in 1964, five days after graduating from high school, Reggie Dellaire made a decision that would change his life. He decided to join the Marine Corps. Within the same week, he shipped to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., to begin, as he calls it, “the change that will last forever.”

Dellaire joined the Marine Corps for several reasons, including obligation to serve his country during a time of war, having a steady job, and traveling the world. However, there is one reason that was the most important to him. He wanted to prove to his father that he could make it in the same Corps that his father fought with during World War II.

“My father was always telling me that it was too hard for me and that I wouldn’t make it,” Dellaire said. “I wanted to show him that I could be a Marine and follow in his footsteps.”

After completing his service in 1970, Dellaire, now a father and husband, decided to pursue a college education. In two short years, working through both summers, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. Determined to be the best, he went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Spatial Representation.

“I owe everything I have achieved in college and in life to the discipline the Marine Corps taught me,” he explained. “Joining the Marine Corps is the proudest thing I have ever done.”

After many successes, Dellaire says the most memorable times he spent in the Marine Corps were the times he spent working with the Toys for Tots program.

“I was a lance corporal stationed in London. I had gotten in some trouble and was on restriction and extra punitive duty when my commanding officer called me into his office,” the 60 year-old said as he began his story. “He told me I was in charge of Toys for Tots that year and that I had better do a good job. I would have never thought I would be sitting here 42 years later still working with Toys for Tots.”

Although he admits he didn’t want to do the job at first, he is thankful that he was given the task. In fact, he said he liked the job so much that he came back the next year and told his commanding officer that he wanted to volunteer for the job again.

“I will never forget the look on his face when I told him I wanted to do it again,” Dellaire said. “After telling him about the children’s smiles and voices of cheer, he understood and allowed me to manage the program again.”

Over the past 42 years, Dellaire has had a hand in the program no matter where he lived. Since moving back to Olean, N.Y., 17 years ago, he has managed the program in Olean, since it is so far away from the Marine Corps Reserve Station in Buffalo.

“We started the program with about 125 toys the first year,” he said. “With the community’s support, the program has grown to what it is today. Each year we help almost 1,000 needy children in the area and collect over 4,000 toys.”

Now working as a tax consultant for a local business, Dellaire said he takes off a month and a half each year, with no pay, to organize the program. Although he admits it is hard to do, he said it is well worth it. “There is no better joy than giving,” he said.

Dellaire said that he plans to continue working with the program as long as he is able.

“This program is fantastic and the kids really need it. I am thankful for the community and the Marines for helping this to be such a great success each year.”

He has a son and daughter who are both currently on active duty, serving with the Army and Navy. In addition, he has an older son who served with the Army during Operation Desert Storm. Also, Dellaire’s wife served in the Navy Medical Corps. Dellaire is proud that his son in the Army wants to follow his father’s footsteps and join the Marines after his service in the National Guard.

Marine Corps Recruiting Command