Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky

Message from the President

Adapt. Improvise. Overcome.

Such is a treasured hallmark...a measured cadence of consistent, unspoken example set by Marines from the first muster at Tun Tavern, 10 November 1775, until today.

It was President Ronald Reagan who gave lasting tribute to our band of brothers and sisters when he acknowledged "Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem." Every one of us knows this to be true, in our heart of hearts.

Each of us has served nobly and with honored distinction the hallowed cause of freedom for which our forefathers and many of our brothers and sisters up and to this day, have given their last full measure of devotion. "All gave some; some gave all." We may have personally retired our arms from the field but our hearts and souls can never relinquish "the cause" and our calling in defense of it - for which each of us, if called upon again, would, though perhaps a bit more gingerly with age, still rally and deliberately close with intrepid conviction to the sounds of the guns.

Marines, our brothers and sisters are today in harms way, in the field, literally in every clime and place, having faithfully received the hand-off each of us successfully rendered to them. They are met in a battle-space that sorely tests not only their resolve on our behalf, but also stretches their resources beyond sustainability - lacking reinforcements.

To succeed, they must... Adapt. Improvise. Overcome.

Ladies and gentlemen, I submit for your candid consideration, prudent review and ask your wisdom of judgment to concur with me, that we here assembled as the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky (MCCCK), are a key and therefore, crucial force multiplier component of those reinforcements!

In my experience and studied observation, there is NOTHING that cannot be accomplished when Marines muster their considered resources to serve and seek to take care of fellow Marines, that they might be turned loose to focus on and accomplish the mission.

To serve them effectively and efficiently, the MCCCK has to date been faithful to that calling. To meet and command the dynamics, and subdue the devil in the details of the future, we must continue to... Adapt. Improvise. Overcome.

Today, we are all privates here - private, as in citizens - who, not by coincidence, but rather by commitment, happen to be blood brother and sister Marines, compassed together to draft from our ranks, a synergy of purpose that seeks only to selflessly serve our fellow Marines in the pursuit of their mission. It is altogether fitting then I think, drawing on our valiant and storied Kentucky past (e.g. Presley O'Bannon to the shores of Tripoli....Franklin Sousley to the pinnacle of Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima), and boldly pressing to secure a glorious future, that "in the now," we in 2008, emerge, restructured and reinvigorated, to muster our membership rolls with a Kentucky distilled and branded "Spirit of 76" council members to carry forward the commitment of "Marines serving Marines" (i.e. your MCCCK motto), in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

We have achieved some notable successes in 2007 and have some ambitious opportunities to excel in 2008, but as all good Marines know, the good fight is never finished. Of us, "who have been given much, much is expected."

I ask you to review information within this site, especially, the sections relating to our "Events" and "Beneficiaries," to learn more of our mission and impact on our Marine Corps community. Please honor us with either your blessing or written critique on our custodianship of your very generous time and treasure support of our efforts in 2007. If judged favorably, I ask your endorsement in the form of renewal of your sustaining membership commitment matching or exceeding your previous generous financial support for our 2008 opportunities and objectives.

May God bless each of you and your loved ones and "Long live the United States and Success to the Marines!"

Semper Fidelis, Marines!
David J. Breen
President

Message from the Chairman of the Board

January 1, 2008

In recent years a small group of former and retired Marines has made a concerted effort to build a Marine Corps family in Kentucky that was capable of providing support to Marine Corps activities and requirements as necessary. Initially focused on supporting recruiting efforts through publicity, incentive programs, and visible leadership, we are now restructured, so as to encompass a greater mission of promoting an integrated, unified presence of the Marine Corps throughout Kentucky. Given the prior interest indicated, we have incorporated the U.S. Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky as a tax exempt, non-profit charitable organization, with stated goals of (a) supporting Marine Corps activities, (b) facilitating the furtherance of Marine Corps values, and (c) coordinating Marine Corps support and activities throughout Kentucky. Our efforts in this regard are similar to other communities and states throughout our nation.

We would be honored if you would accept our invitation to become a sustaining member of our restructured Council. We deeply respect your life accomplishments and believe that you feel as strongly about supporting the values of our Corps in the state of Kentucky as we do. For many of us, Marine Corps training and leadership experience have been defining moments in our lives. We have limited the number of invitations to individuals who have demonstrated leadership and shown a willingness to support our efforts in the past. We ask only that Council members, through their annual financial commitment, support various Marine Corps activities (mess nights, awards ceremonies, annual Council meeting, memorials, birthday ball, birthday luncheon, Toys for Tots, Marine for Life, etc) and participate whenever convenient.

It is our hope to serve as an umbrella organization dedicated exclusively to enhancing the total Marine Corps image throughout Kentucky, through the support of Marine Corps active duty and reserve components, veterans' organizations, ROTC and Junior ROTC programs, Marine for Life initiatives, Toys for Tots annual community action program, and individual Marines in need. We sincerely hope that you will join us and become a sustaining member of the restructured U.S. Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky, Inc. We have established a minimum tax-deductible annual contribution of $100 (more if you like) to fund the Council's efforts. Please indicate your acceptance of our invitation by completing, signing and returning the "Acknowledgement of Acceptance" form found on this site.  We sincerely thank you for your continuing support of our beloved Marine Corps throughout Kentucky and look forward to working with you on this worthy effort, as Marines continue to take care of their own.

Semper Fidelis,

James E. Bassett III
Chairman

Membership in the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky, Inc. (MCCCK) is comprised of individual Marines, former Marines, and friends of the Marine Corps, who have voiced and/or demonstrated a desire to support its stated mission.

Periodically the Executive Committee of the MCCCK will consider all those who have been nominated for membership in the MCCCK (either by personal request or through nomination by current member). Following a review by the Executive Committee, a nominee may be extended a membership invitation.

Prior to accepting an offer of membership, each prospective member should read the stated purpose and mission of the MCCCK and be willing to accept personal responsibility to support those activities, as permitted by his or her personal schedule, finances, and health. Any offer of membership must be affirmatively accepted by the nominee.

While no dues or fees are required to become a member of the MCCCK, each prospective member should understand that our stated objectives are funded only through the annual donations of our membership. A suggested minimum annual donation of $100.00 will allow us to pursue our goals and establish a viable statewide presence so vital to our overall success.

Once offered and accepted, membership is to be held until resignation, disqualification, death, or removal by the Board of Directors. Anyone may resign at any time by giving written notice to any member of the Executive Committee and/or Board of Directors, to be effective on the date of receipt of such, or at any later time therein specified. Members can be removed with or without cause by an affirmative majority vote of the duly elected Board of Directors. It is contemplated that all members will be reviewed by the Executive Committee prior to the renewal of annual financial commitments.

Membership Process