Navy and Marine Corps Birthday Ball
NOVEMBER 8, 2008
On Saturday November 8 the San Diego Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps held their Annual Fall Military Ball Commemorating the 233 Birthdays of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The event provided an opportunity for members of the battalion to join together in celebration while enhancing unit comradery. The ceremony began with traditional respects given to the nation’s Colors and guests of honor. Next the birthday messages were played from both the Chief of Naval Operations and Commandant of the Marine Corps. Finally, the traditional birthday cake was cut with pieces given to the youngest and oldest Sailors and Marines present.
The guest speaker for the evening was RADM Garry Bonelli. While a Gunnery Sergeant with the 2nd Marine Division in the initial push into Iraq, Gunnery Sergeant Lehew helped evacuate and save the lives of four wounded Marines and helped recovery the remains from a destroyed armored personnel carrier of nine killed Marines while under intense enemy fire. Sergeant Major Lehew motivated the guests by recalling the events of the night that he earned the Navy Cross. Further, he detailed the bravery and heroisms by other Marines who fought with him that night. He closed by thanking everyone who was in attendance saying it’s the families and friends providing the support at home that allows the members of the Armed Forces to fight overseas.
After the guest speaker there was a night of celebration and dancing. Over 300 members of the NROTC unit and their guests attended the event and it was pronounced a rousing success.
-Battalion PAO
