Ten-hut! Marine foundation raises funds at golf tournament
There was no mistaking the theme of the day for the golfers arriving at the Old Ranch Country Club on Sept. 18. The sold-out field of golfers from Long Beach and nearby communities was greeted by the visual of two gigantic Howitzers facing each other. The barrels touched at the apex, 10 feet above the greeters, a cadre of Marines and organizers.
The show of arms didn't stop there at the 39th Annual Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Golf Tournament. The 221 golf- ers walked to their carts, where they encountered a “LAV-AT” (that looks very much like a tank), staffed by uniformed Marines who stood by to answer questions.
At the putting green, golfers were greeted by a bagpiper in full regalia. Another “LAV-AT” was positioned on the 18th hole. An interesting exhibit of weapons was on display, located near the food stations.
The event raised more than $200,000.
The foundation honors Marines and their families by helping cover the cost of attending post-high school, undergraduate, and career and technical education programs.
“We will not leave an eligible student of a Marine family behind. We honor Marines who have fallen by educating their children,” stated tournament Vice Chair Gordon Hanscom.
Over 60 years, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation has given more than 55,000 scholarships, to the tune of $200 million dollars. Nearly 3,000 scholarships helped change the lives of Marine families this year, with $10.8 million in scholarship support.
Gold Star Mothers, whose military child was killed in active-duty, receive a plaque indicating the perpetual scholarship certificate in the deceased's name.
Devil Pups is a special program for 400 teenagers who attend Camp Pendleton for a few weeks of “basic training” teaching Marine standards and philosophy. Long-term golf tournament volunteer, Mike Joseph, said with a smile, “someday they may want to become a Marine.”
Underscoring the uniqueness of this golf tourney, the evening program was opened with a Color Guard presentation of arms.
The guests of honor were heavily decorated Col. Patrick Eldridge USMC and Lt. General Jon Davis USMC (Ret.), who is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rolls Royce North America. Mary Hargrove, a mother from the
Gold Star Manor was introduced and presented with a perpetual scholarship plaque certificate honoring her 21-year-old Marine son who was killed in Afghanistan.
“Semper Fi” (shortened from the Latin “Semper Fidelis,” meaning always faithful), is not just a motto for the Marines — it's a way of life.
The appropriate response is OORAH!
MAJOR SPONSORS »
Toyota and Penfed Credit Union
SEEN AT THE SCENE » Tournament Chair Doug Hamlin, Vice Chair Gordon Hanscom, Mike Joseph, Frank Quattrochi, Paul Wendler, George Ellis, Fred Sisneros, Steve DeLeon, Rick Green, Pete Nabuda, Mallory Staley, Joy Bevan, Don Esmond, Heather Ham, Rich Lindsay, Tim Mincarelli, James O'Neill, Sgt. Major Leo Rothove, James Carter, Lt. Col. Sal Syed USMCR, Cpl.
Jenrich, Cpl. Matias.
News of Social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at spwild@verizon. net or by fax to (562)5949468. Please include a contact phone number. Send high-resolution jpeg photos, by attachment, to spwild@verizon.net and include group name and identification of individuals from left. Call Shirley at (562)594-9468 for more information.