Marines celebrate birthday with annual awards dinner
Pictured left to right are: Past Detachment Commandants John Miller; Rick Marquart; Mauri Morin; Jay Maddern; Detachments Sgt. at Arms Lisa Stover; Service Officer Henry Pieper; and Commandant Ernie Butt. Maddern was presented the rifle last week after he won the gun through a raffle. (Ashley Fox/Lake County Leader)
Awards were handed out last week in Polson on the 242nd birthday of the Marine Corps. (Ashley Fox/Lake County Leader)
Veterans and civilians alike attended an annual event in Polson, weaving tradition and recognition together through the evening.
Upwards of 70 people attended the dinner at the VFW Post 2986 in Polson on Friday, Nov. 10, where students from Mission Valley Christian Academy served the food.
At the gathering, which is held each year on the birthday of the United States Marine Corps, customs ensued for the 242nd anniversary of the Marines.
During one tradition, cake is sliced with a sword.
The first piece of the confection is presented to the oldest Marine present at the dinner, while the second piece is given to the youngest.
Symbolism is shown as the elder Marines pass on the traditions and customs and mentor” younger Marines, explained Marines Corps League Hellroaring Detachment 1041 Manager John Miller.
The event is not restricted to those who can attend, and neither is the dress code.
Those who go to the dinner, however, are asked not to wear sweatpants.
“We’ll ask you to leave then,” Miller said.
Each year, “a handful” from the public show up to the dinner, he added.
While at the annual dinner, attendees can partake in a silent auction, which Miller said helps fund scholarships.
This year, Kane Shenyer of Charlo High School and Peter Matt of St. Ignatius High School, each received checks $500 to be used at their discretion for college.
Applications for the scholarship are passed out to high schools in November, and students have until May 25 to complete the process.
The scholarship isn’t the only award handed out for the evening.
Other awards are handed out each year, which are chosen by committees.
Those awards included:
- Law enforcement officer of the year, Gus Bliese, of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Detention Center,
- Citizen of the year, Anne Engebretson,
- Associate of the year, Lisa Stover, Sergeant at Arms,
- Department of Montana Marine of the year, Maurice Morin,
- Marine Corps League Community service award, John Miller, Rick Marquart, Ernie Butt, Henry Pieper, Mauri Morin, Greg Hudowalski, Kevin Elwood, Lisa Stover, Mike Dennison and Keith Miller.
Organizations of each committee, including law enforcement and civilians, nominate and vote.
The MCL also has projects to help the community year round.
There is a Lake County Veteran’s fund, which Miller said helps pay for gas, food, and other necessities for veterans.
The group also supports the Spokane Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, donating each year.
Hams and turkeys are donated to the local food pantry, when needed during the holidays, in addition to other needs the pantries need to help the community through the year.
Eagle Scouts are recognized in February, Miller relayed, for 18 years, and last year a dinner was started.
In the weeks leading up to the bustle of the holiday season, Miller said that the Hellroaring Detachment will be out in the county, offering services to citizens.
On Dec. 2 and 3, “we’ll be gift wrapping at Murdoch’s” Ranch and Home Supply in Polson, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
A week later on Dec. 9, volunteers will be on Highway 93 in Polson, boots in hand, for the annual “street drive,” between the liquor store and bridge, Miller said, which benefits Toys for Tots.