August 2009 Newsletter

Football is in the air and its time for the Council’s summer update.  Hope everyone had a great summer. 

As those of you who attended already know, our annual meeting on 16 April 2009 at the Petroleum Club North in Edmond turned out to be a rewarding experience for our Council members.  It is always good to see everyone in a relaxing atmosphere and update our membership on the Council activities.  Additionally, one of our donors provided limited edition Council coffee mugs for each of our Council members in appreciation of all that you do.  The mugs were similar to previous official USMC mugs that have, as time has gone by, become collector's items.  One side of the mug shows the Eagle, Globe and Anchor with "MARINES – The Few – The Proud"; the other side of the mug shows "USMC CC OK".  If you missed your opportunity to pick up your mug, you will be able to do so at our annual Birthday Luncheon discussed below.  In any event, if you have not had a chance to join us during our annual meetings, please make an effort to come to our next one. 

One of the objectives of our annual meetings is to announce changes to our Board and officer membership and this year the Board re-nominated Pam Bloustine, Kenny Prewett, and me to new three year terms.  We are honored to serve you and look forward to the continued success and growth of the Council.   The Council officers are very grateful to our Board members who continue to take the time out of their busy schedules to support the efforts of the Council.  I would encourage you to try to attend these occasions and stay informed on the operations of the Council. 

Over the summer the Council continued support to the Marines of Fort Sill with the medallions and trophies for their 16^th annual Devil Dog Run which is scheduled for 5 September and working with the great folks at Sturm, Ruger and Company, the Council was privileged to award the Department of Oklahoma Marine Corps League Marine of the Year, Terry Funk, a .45 caliber Ruger pistol in recognition of his outstanding contributions – congratulations Terry. The Council, as we have done before, also supported a Zoo Family Day for Fox Battery, 2^nd Bn, 14^th  Marines

We are also preparing to continue our purchase of tickets to the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team, this year, which will be distributed among the various Marine units in the state to recognize their outstanding Marines.  While it is a bit early we fully expect to be able to fund a minimum of two tickets again this year to continue what was a very successful effort last year to recognize our outstanding Oklahoma Marines. 

We had a couple of changes in our ex-officio members over the summer – Major Ronney Herrera took over for Major Kevin Stout as the Marine Officer Instructor at the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit at the University of Oklahoma and Major Michael Wisner has taken over as the leader of the Marine for Life program in the state.  The Council welcomes these new Marine leaders to our Oklahoma Marine Community.  

We can’t say often enough how thankful we are for your membership donations that continue to finance our planned unit support.  So far this year the Council has received more than $8,000 from our Council members.    We are also grateful to those who continue to provide support to our units in the form of a “gratis” basis.  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.

This year’s annual Marine Corps Birthday luncheon is Thursday – 12 November 2009.  We will be having the luncheon at the same location as last year -- the Midwest City Reed Center located at 5800 Will Rogers Midwest City, Oklahoma.  The Commandant of the Marine Corps – General Jim Conway  - has again confirmed his attendance as our Guest of Honor and Guest Speaker and we are expecting a large crowd.  We are also reincorporating our Tradition and Lore segment, after the number of objections to last year's omission.  This year will focus on the "Battles of Fallujah" in 2004, recognizing General Conway's position as CG I MEF during the first battle.   Be sure to put this date on your calendar and invite your friends to join us at this great annual event.   We will have another custom designed coin for this year.  Be looking for your invitation – hope to see you there.

There are a few upcoming events we would like you to know about:

     *  Fort Sill’s 15^th Annual Devil Dog Run is scheduled for 5 September.  To participate or get more information you can go to their website at - http://sill-www.army.mil/usmc/detHQ/DD_Run.htm

      *  Fox Battery 2d Battalion, 14^th Marines is sponsoring a series of car washes to assist in paying for their Birthday luncheon – if you get a chance please drop by one of these and get your car washed by some deserving Marines and don’t forget to leave a tip for their efforts since the car wash is free. 

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 dependent upon your generous and continued support. 

Phil E. Hughes
President