August/September, 2006 Newsletter

It is hard to believe another summer has passed, but with football season in full swing weekend life has picked up pretty quickly.  The Oklahoma Marine community has been busy and I’ll try to update you on what the Council has been doing and let you know what we have planned for the next few months.   

Our annual meeting on 27 April 2006 at the Petroleum Club North in Edmond was once again a great time to visit with those attending and let everyone know what was going on in the Council.  We also recognized the contributions that our Treasurer – Bob Lukeman – had made in helping to form the Council and bring us to the point where we are today.  Kenny Prewett – a member of the Sooner Detachment of the Marine Corps League – has accepted the Council Board’s invitation to replace Bob as our Treasurer.  We also welcomed new Board member Pam Bloustine – a member of the Women Marines Association in Oklahoma City . 

Over the summer the Council provided a collection of White Water Bay, RedHawk, and Yard Dawgz tickets to the Recruiting Station, F/2/14, Fort Sill , Vance, and NROTC Marines.  We also provided the Marines of Fort Sill the medallions and trophies for their annual Devil Dog Run which was run last Saturday, 9 September 2006.  The Marine For Life program scheduled a luncheon for eligible Marines and prospective employers and the Council sponsored the lunch.  Funds were also provided to the Young Marines this summer to sponsor two leadership camp participants.  The Sapulpa Marine Corps Junior ROTC unit also received funding to assist in the transportation costs for their rifle team’s national competition. And finally, the Council was able to purchase a pair of OU football season tickets which have been allocated among Marine units and organizations.

Three of our ex-officio members rotated out of their jobs this summer and we will miss their exceptional support of the Council, but wish them well in their new challenges.  Major Steve Sims from the Anti – Tank Training Company transferred to 2d Tank Battalion at Camp Lejeune , NC and was replaced by Major Michael Purcell.  LtCol Jerry Swepston USMC (Ret) chose to pursue a new career out of the Marine Corps Junior ROTC unit at Sapulpa and was replaced by LtCol Terry Hill USMC (Ret).   Colonel Al Pace retired this summer from Commanding the Artillery Detachment at Fort Sill (he is staying in Lawton ) and Colonel Scott Campbell assumed Command on 27 July.

The Council was very fortunate to have the Commandant spend a few hours with us at a reception on the afternoon of 27 July 2006 at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club.  We owe a special thanks to Board member Bruce Day for his offering to sponsor the Council at the Club and to the many donors who allowed us to host the reception without cost to the Council.  General Hagee and his wife, Silke, extended their planned visit in order to meet everyone and have photos taken with anyone who desired one.  The occasion provided assurance to all hands that our Corps is in great hands with leaders like General Hagee on board.  

Once again we are thankful for your membership donations that continue to finance our planned unit support.  So far this year the Council has received more than $7300.00 from our Council members.    We have also been very fortunate that a lot of support to our units is provided on a “gratis” basis from Council members.  Thanks again to those who have provided these gifts and if you would like to provide in-kind support in this manner please let us know.  Support of any kind is welcome and those Council members who can contribute financially to our efforts are deeply appreciated, we could not exist without your continued support. 

We have scheduled this year’s annual Marine Corps Birthday luncheon for Friday – 3 November 2006.  We will be having the luncheon at the same location as last year - Quail Creek Golf and Country Club.  It turned out to be a great location and we think it will work out very well again.    We are still in the process of confirming our Guest of Honor but we are confident you will be pleased with the speaker.  Be sure to put this date down on your calendar and invite your friends to join us at this great annual event.   This year’s Tradition & Lore presentation will focus on the Belleau Wood battle of World War I.  The price of the luncheon will be maintained at $25.00; however, we remain committed to ensuring that everyone who wants to attend can do so; if anyone is in need of assistance please contact us so that sponsorship can be arranged.  Be looking for your invitation – see you there.

We would like each of you to know that while your Council Board works very hard to accomplish the Council’s objectives, we never forget that whatever success we have is absolutely dependant upon your generous and continued support.  Once a Marine, always a Marine

Semper Fidelis,

Phil E. Hughes
President