Marines, MCL Associate Members, and Family
Last Monday November 10th was a busy day across the department. The morning began bright and early as I picked up the cake at 06:30. Vikki from “The Post” in Penacook did a great job supplying 5 cakes for all of the events. She accompanied me to the State Capital and insured the cake arrived safely.
We formed up at 7:30AM as we always do and the MCJROTC from the Winnacunnet High School (https://www.winnacunnet.org). They performed flawlessly and reflect great credit on LtCol Eric Drown MSgt Derrick Wise.
After the colors were posted, the traditional Commandants messages were read, followed by Governor Kelly Ayotte’s proclamation and a birthday message from Navy Veteran and member of Congress, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander.
For the evening, we had a huge turnout. Please accept my extreme gratitude to everyone in attendance at our 250th Marine Corps Birthday Ball. This project has been one of the most rewarding projects of my life.
As I visited each room, I witnessed the Marine Spirit that LtCol Hubacher described in her speech. I saw Marines sharing sea stories and tall tales. I saw the young Marines connecting with the older Marines. I saw spouses witnessing the history of their Marine in a way they may not have experienced before.
Many family members shared with me that this was their first experience at a Marine Corps Ball. The family members were able to see the unifying eternal spirit of the Marines that binds us all.
We were able to join with Leathernecks Motor Cycle Club, Marines from the New Hampshire Veterans Home, Marine Corps League, VFW, American Legion, and the Navy League. Showing that as Marines, Veterans, Patriots, and NH Citizens that we all share a common bond in the Esprit De Corps, that feeling of pride, fellowship, and common loyalty shared by the members of our Corps.
I wanted to provide some statistics for the evening. We had 197 attendees, we had 48 MCL members and their guest (96), we had 35 USMC tickets and their guest (70) and roundly 30 additional guests and community members. Maureen Beauregard (President and CEO of Easterseals NH & VT) joined us, along with Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (Navy Veteran), NH Representative Michael Moffett (LtCol, USMC), Paul Barahona (Shultzy) leader of the Leathernecks, and Lynne Blankenbeker (Capt, U.S. Navy, Ret). There were many former officer and enlisted Marines alike, all sharing together in the traditions of our Corps.
During my awards presentation, Past Department Commandant Monnell made a motion to raise money for the New Hampshire Food Bank, in support of their mobile food bank mission. In the motion, she asked that the Department match any funds collected, and all MCL members present voted in favor. The funds raised were $704.00, therefore I am directing our Paymaster to send a check to the New Hampshire Food Bank in the sum of $1,408.
I know there were some technical issues as this was Easterseals NH first big event. I am truly sorry for this. During the registration process there was a little chaos, as we added a third room to meet the high number in attendance. As the President of Easterseals NH was present, these problems have been identified and after many discussions with staff on site, there are new plans in the works to address these issues. I ask that we all have grace for each other, and revel in the celebration that we all shared.
Once again, thank you all for grace, kindness, Esprit De Corps, and participation in this momentous event. I hope you all had a very happy Veterans Day, as for me, I did, as I slept until 9:30 AM.
Semper Fidelis
