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 and have some ambitious opportunities to excel in the future, 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. 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 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 (1999-2000, 2006-2008)

Message from the Chairman of the Board and President

February 4, 2010

A small group of former and retired Marines began some years ago in their efforts to build an organization capable of providing financial support of a specific nature to Marine Corps units and veterans' organizations within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. While initially the thoughts were to provide financial support of a nature seen by those units as related to non-appropriated funds for activities crucial to mission accomplishment, yet not authorized for the expenditure of appropriated (US Government) funds, over time the level of commitment resulted in the creation of what today is the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky (MCCCK). The MCCCK has grown into a strong and viable cadre of Marines dedicated to promoting an integrated and unified presence to the Marine Corps and as proof sources and trusted tellers of "The Marine Corps Story," to communities throughout the Commonwealth. 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, as well as collective organizational efforts and mutually agreed upon projects.

In order to provide a practical vehicle to encourage widespread participation, the 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 2009, the MCCCK touched the lives of many Marines and their families. Examples of some non-philanthropic efforts of the MCCCK in 2009 include the commendation of a New York City Police Department officer, who on her own initiative, marshaled the support of fellow officers to provide a dignified funeral and burial to a Marine veteran of World War II, who was living alone without any known family and limited financial resources; participation with the Governor of Kentucky during a formal "Medal of Freedom" ceremony in the capitol rotunda honoring the families of five Marines from Kentucky who were killed in action during combat operations in Iraq; facilitation of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Louisville participation in a Naval Junior ROTC unit rededication of a memorial  to an alumnus, who lost his life in Desert Storm as a Marine Corps aviator; hospitable support of a severely wounded quadriplegic Marine veteran and his immediate family, during a visit to Louisville for the college graduation of his sister; cooperative assistance to a local university professor and playwright seeking Marine Corps combat veterans for authentication consultations relative to a stage play set post invasion Iraq; facilitation of Lexington Legends minor league baseball club salute to the Marine Corps, during which active duty, reserve, retired and former Marines were honored; intercession with Marine Corps Recruiting Station Louisville on behalf of a Lexington high school teacher seeking motivational assistance for a troubled student contemplating premature cessation of studies; and recognition of both individual citizens and organizations for their  voluntary preparation and shipment of food and personal items to deployed Marines.

In addition to the foregoing, the MCCCK Web site has been used to request assistance in the location of former Marine Corps comrades; identify Toys for Tots coordinators in various locations throughout Kentucky; secure advice on post-service civilian employment; establish contact with local veterans organization in anticipation of post-service relocation to Kentucky; as well as reconnection of a young widow, whose Marine Corps husband was killed in action in Iraq, with Marine Corps organization and support groups within Kentucky. None of this would have been possible without the firm, uncompromising and dedicated support of MCCCK members throughout Kentucky.

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. As further proof of awareness of our outreach at a national level, the MCCCK is recognized by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation as a "partner organization" and has been granted membership in the Marine Corps National Council. As a follow-up to the extremely successful "Salute to the Legends of the Corps" in 2008, an additional grant of $4,251.00 was made during 2009 to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund (IMSFF).

It is our hope to continue serving 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 programs, and individual Marines in need, as such qualifying needs are made known to us.

We have enclosed a copy of our 2009 "Summary of Beneficial Grants" for your review. We ardently hope that you will again join us in renewing your commitment as a Sustaining Member for 2010. 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 indicate your acceptance of our invitation by completing, signing and returning the enclosed "Commitment" form at your convenience. We sincerely thank you for your continuing support of the United States Marine Corps and its entire family throughout Kentucky.

Semper Fidelis, 

James E. Bassett III 
General Chairman

David J. Clement
Colonel, USMCR
President

Acknowledgement of Commitment

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.

Related Documents

MCCCK Commitment Form

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