Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky

Message from the Chairman of the Board and President

February 15, 2011 What began in 1991 as an effort by some local former and retired Marines to financially assist local Marine Corps units and veterans’ organizations, has grown into a strong and viable cadre of Marines dedicated to promoting an integrated and unified presence of the Marine Corps to communities throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Given the limited personal time available to most of us for activities such as this, we have chosen to remain connected to our beloved Corps through the administrative, logistical and financial support of various group and individual Marine Corps related activities within Kentucky, such as recruiting efforts, recognition of service and sacrifice, assistance to those in need, and proliferation of Marine Corps values through individual example and leadership.

In order to accomplish these goals, while encouraging widespread participation, the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky (MCCCK) was incorporated as a tax exempt, non-profit charitable IRS 501 (c)(3) organization, similar to those operating in other states and communities throughout the nation, in compliance with guidance provided by Headquarters Marine Corps.

During 2010, the MCCCK continued to touch the lives of not only local Marines and their families, but also those marines throughout the nation, who are rehabilitating from serious injuries and wounds received in Iraq and Afghanistan as combatants in the Global War on Terrorism. Moved by a terrible personal tragedy suffered by an active duty Marine assigned recruiting duty in Kentucky, the MCCCK marshaled its greatest strength, the compassion and generosity of its members, to totally satisfy all costs associated with the funeral of his young son, whose life was lost when struck by an alcohol impaired motorist. Families of three (3) Marines, who were killed in action in Afghanistan, were presented with Marine Corps memorabilia boxes in recognition of their extraordinary sacrifices. Scholarships were funded for Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps units in several Kentucky high schools, as well as the Montford Point Marine Association. On Memorial Day, the MCCCK sponsored the enshrinement of a Marine recruit from Covington, Kentucky, who died during training at Parris Island, SC, in the Patriots Peace Memorial at Louisville. Ever mindful of the great sacrifices made by our World War II veterans, the MCCCK sponsored the participation of two (2) former Marines in the Honor Flight Bluegrass program, wherein World War II veterans are transported free of charge to Washington, DC to visit their magnificent World War II National Memorial. The MCCCK and its members continued to support the Marine Corps recruiting Station Louisville through funding of an Officer Candidates mess night, enlisted recruiting family nights, and recruiter incentive awards. Through our Web site, the MCCCK provided assistance to former Marines seeking employment in Kentucky, as well as those seeking to reconnect with former brothers in arms. Through an out-of-state contact initiated through our Web site, several Marines were afforded an opportunity to attend both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, as guests of a large nationally recognized corporation. Former Marines and the general public living outside Kentucky continue to call on the MCCCK for assistance in various sundry matters.

Through your generosity this past year, the MCCCK was able to establish, what hopefully will be an annual academic college scholarship of $3,000, to be awarded to a worthy daughter or son of a son of a Marine from Kentucky, who has served or who is serving honorably. This scholarship, funded by the MCCCK, will be administered by the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, with which the MCCCK is partnering in this endeavor. In a reaffirmation of our commitment to Marines who have suffered severe combat related injuries and wounds, the MCCCK continued its financial support of the nationally recognized Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, with a $5,000 grant on December 8, 2010. With this contribution, presented to Ms. Kathy Huck during an informal holiday gathering, total funds generated by the MCCCK on behalf of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, which was the sole benefactor of our “Salute to the Legends of the Corps” in 2008, now exceed $259,400. In response to this latest grant, a beautiful handwritten note was received by the MCCCK, from Ms. Huck, who represents the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund in Kentucky, which we believe goes to the very essence of our existence and should be a source of pride and renewed commitment for all our entire membership:

Dear Marines,

From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank all of you at the MCCCK for your amazing and generous gift to the Semper Fi Fund. Those who receive its benefits will never  know you, but it will change and possibly save lives. They know you are out there in their corner. May God bless all of you for never forgetting where you came from.

Fondly , Kathy Huck

Grateful for the experience gleaned in our service together as Marines, we seek no applications with regard to this organization – only commitments. For many of us, our Marine Corps training and leadership experience have been defining moments in our lives. We ask you to familiarize yourself with our mission through a review of our Web site (www.KentuckyMarines.org) and join with us again this year, as we try to make a difference in the lives of fellow Marines during these challenging economic times. We ardently hope that you will join us in affirming or renewing your commitment as a Sustaining Member for 2011. Although we have established a suggested minimum tax-deductible annual contribution of $100 (more if you like) to fund MCCCK efforts, we recognize that for some this may pose an economic hardship; hence, a lesser amount would certainly be welcomed, as long as the commitment to serve is present. Please see below for additional information. We sincerely thank you for your continuing support of the United States Marine Corps and its entire family throughout Kentucky.

Semper Fidelis,

James E. "Ted" Bassett III

General Chairman

David J. Clement

Colonel, USMCR

President

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