2025 Spring Newsletter

Greetings from the Officers of your Council!

This year we mark the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps and the 23rd year of the Coordinating Council. For the Council, this has been a year of change. Last year we put out a call to our members for volunteers who would be willing to take a more active role in the operations of the council. Primarily to take over Pete Sawin’s responsibilities. Since our last annual meeting, Josh Miller and Lisa Redeker have stepped up to take on this challenge, and you may have noticed some changes in our website and digital communications. If you haven’t been to our website lately, I encourage you to take a look: www.oklahomamarines.org.

We will continue to transition to our new team as we prepare for our biggest event of the year, which is our annual lunch. Pete has graciously offered to “advise” us during this process, but our new team still needs your help, and we are still looking for a few motivated folks that are willing to help with the luncheon. If you are available, please contact the Officers at: marine@oklahomamarines.org

Speaking of the Marine Corps Birthday luncheon. This year’s luncheon will be held on Friday, the 7th of November 2025, at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club located at 7000 NW Grand Blvd, Nichols Hills (same location as last year). More details will follow as we get closer to the day, but I can assure you that we will do our best to honor our Marine Corps 250th Birthday and the Marines who have served our great nation.

Despite the leadership changes, the Council continues its long history of supporting the Marine community. Whether it is helping to sponsor family days, JROTC Shooting and Drill Competitions, various awards to recognize superior performance (Community Service, Marine and NCO of the year), or recognition awards for our top recruiters from Recruiting Station (RS) OKC, the Council has stayed true to our mission.

What makes all our efforts possible is your support. Five years ago, we introduced our Council Donor/Sponsorship Program (information included), and the response has been wonderful. We have been blessed to have many very generous and faithful sponsors who make our efforts possible. Thank you to all current donors and sponsors, and I encourage you to consider supporting the Council if you do not already.

Again, thank you for your support, and I hope to see you at the annual meeting.

Semper Fidelis,

Anthony J. (AJ) Johnson,

Colonel USMC (Ret)President, US Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Oklahoma, Inc.