Merit Marks are USPS’ “Thank You”
for members’ efforts (both Active and Family
Members) on behalf of the organization.
A “Merit Mark” (MM) is awarded by the
chief commander to a member for substantial personal
effort in furthering the interest, programs and
objectives of USPS, its districts and squadrons. It is
a coveted award; it is by and large the only official
recognition members receive for their efforts.
Recommendations for a merit mark
should be made by activity or committee chairs, or by individual members, to the squadron's Merit Mark Committee.
They are then reviewed, and forwarded to the commander.
The "year" for a merit mark is the calendar year.
Only one merit mark may be awarded in a year to a
member, no matter how extensive the contribution.
A certificate is issued, and a special insignia may be
worn on USPS uniforms. And if enough merit marks are accumulated, the member may be designated a Life Member (Life members are not assessed
National dues; however, they may be
assessed District or Squadron dues based on
district or squadron policy or bylaws).
Examples of activities that may lead to awarding a merit mark include:
- Squadron or district officer
- Committee chair
- Committee member
- Activity chair
- Community service, such as
Beach Sweeps,
Cooperative Charting,
Holiday Parade of Boats
- Working at Boat Shows
- District meetings - credit for members only
if attending as a delegate or participating in a
workshop or seminar or exhibiting a
teaching aid.
- USPS Governing Board or Annual Meeting - credit
for members only if attending as a surrogate
for the commander or participating in an
activity such as exhibiting a teaching aid.
- Serving as Chaplain OR Law Officer OR
Port Captain
Ranks, grades and titles (past or present) do not automatically qualify a candidate for a merit mark.
This webpage is based upon information extracted from various USPS sources, including the
USPS Operations Manual 
