Marine Corps celebrates 238th birthday
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POLSON — The Marine Corps League Hellroaring Detachment #1041 held their Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Sunday, Nov. 10, the 238th birthday or the Corps.
The traditional cake cutting ceremony honored the guest of honor as well as the oldest and youngest Marine in attendance. The oldest Marine, 83-year-old Hal Samsel of Polson, passed his piece of cake to the youngest Marine, 20-year-old Lucas Dalton of Polson, symbolizing the carrying on of Marine Corps values throughout generations. Chuck Lewis of Ronan was the guest of honor for the event.
The League also presented awards for outstanding citizenship and outstanding service. Four people shared the Citizen of the Year award this year. Jennifer Holt, a physical therapist from Missoula and Meg Olsen, a physical education instructor from Whitefish, were both honored for saving the life of a Lake Mary Ronan fisherman by taking turns giving the victim CPR. Also awarded was Lewis for his 3,300-mile walk across America to raise money for wounded veterans and Jim Sohm of Polson for service beyond the call of duty.
Marine of the Year — the highest award possible in the organization — went to Jack Mitchell, and Recruiter of the Year was Mauri Morin.
Sgt. Glen Miller of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department was selected as Law Enforcement Officer of the Year with honorable mention to Polson Police Officer Jim Atkins.
Firefighter of the Year was awarded to Bob McCrea, CS&KT Tribal Fire Management with an honorable mention going to Patrick Gembala of the Polson Fire Department.
Community Service Awards for fundraising, Honor Guard duties, event planning, etc., were presented to Rick Marquart, Jack Mitchell, Dennis Corbitt, Ernie Butt, Tim Orr, Sid Rundell, Marshall Bjork, Mike Dennison, Allison Dennison, Keith Miller, Steve Reum, Lucas Dalton and Lewis.
The Marine Corps Birthday Ball silent auction raises money toward a yearly college scholarship. This year’s $500 scholarship recipient was Payden Alexander. Payden is currently studying wildlife biology at the University of Montana, where he runs with the Grizzly cross-country team.
