| Recognition
Brad S. Alsop recognized for unique IMSFF support
Lexington, Kentucky - On May 23, 2008, the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky (MCCCK) paid special tribute at the "Salute to the Legends of the Corps" to Mr. Brad S. Alsop, for his very unusual endeavor undertaken for the benefit of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund (IMSFF). By running 131 consecutive marathons (26.2 miles each) from July 4, 2007 (Independence Day) to November 11, 2007 (Veterans Day), Mr. Brad S. Alsop was able to raise awareness within the Louisville, Kentucky community for the plight of injured Marines, and in so doing raised $18,000 for the IMSFF. Most of his marathons were run during the hottest part of each day - an especially difficult task during the warmest August on record - in a symbolic gesture of solidarity with troops serving in scorching desert conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan. When interviewed by the press concerning the purpose of his daunting mission, Mr. Alsop replied "I'm not out to test the boundaries of human endurance, but I am out to test the boundaries of what one man can do to help many others. I'm convinced that putting ourselves aside and caring for someone else is what can help us reach our ultimate potential." On his final run, Mr. Alsop was joined by local Marines, some of whom were present at the "Salute to the Legends of the Corps," who cheered him on as he carried a 5' X 8' American flag for 26.2 grueling miles. For his unique and public support of the IMSFF, the MCCCK was proud to honor Mr. Brad S. Alsop of Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. David A. Jones, Co-Chairman, "Salute to the Legends of the Corps" presented Mr. Alsop with an engraved Marine Corps plaque, as the crowd echoed its approval with a standing ovation.
LtCol Mary K. Broussard, USMCR (Ret) honored by Toys for Tots Foundation Quantico, VA: LtCol Mary K. Broussard, USMCR (Ret) has been named 2007 Toys for Tots Foundation, Region II, Local Community Organization "Coordinator of the Year." LtCol Broussard has long been active with Toys for Tots in the Kentuckiana area, devoting much of her time to this worthy cause. Although she has been assisted in her efforts by many Marine Corps reservists and veterans over the years, she has been largely responsible for the success of Toys for Tots in the Kentuckiana area, through her enthusiastic embrace of this wonderful cause and exemplary leadership. During the 2007 campaign, she was ably assisted by John Peyton and many dedicated volunteers. Through LtCol Broussard's efforts, and those who regularly assist her, such as the Marine Corps League, Kentuckiana Detachment #729, thousands of needy Kentuckiana children have received shiny new toys at Christmas, as a message of hope that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. Congratulations to LtCol Mary K. Broussard, USMC (Ret) and those who labored with her on a job well done.
Major Allen D. Broussard receives 2008 Rodney Williams Jr. Memorial Award
Louisville, Kentucky, April 5, 2008: Presented annually at the Officer Selection Officer (OSO) Colonel William "Rich" Higgins Memorial Mess Night/Dining-In to an individual selected by the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky (MCCCK) Board of Directors, who has demonstrated exemplary community leadership and commitment, with a long history of dedicated service to Marine Corps related activities within the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
For almost 44 years, Major Allen D. Broussard, USMC (Ret) has steadfastly served his nation as a career Marine, military educator, and leader of veterans. Having enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1964 and serving in multiple capacities as a non-commissioned officer at Marine Barracks, London, England; Camp Pendleton, California; and the Republic of South Vietnam, where he saw combat action near the Demilitarized Zone during the Tet Offensive of 1968, he was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and subsequently attended Officer Candidate School and the Basic School at Quantico, Virginia. Upon commissioning in 1973, he served in a wide variety of assignments ranging from platoon commander and executive officer of an infantry rifle company to commander of a provisional unit charged with the emergency evacuation of personnel from the American Embassy in Saigon during April 1975, as the North Vietnamese Army closed in on the city and the long bloody Vietnam War came to a climatic end.
Following post war tours at various Marine Barracks within the United Sates, and additional schooling, both civilian and military, he was posted to Louisville, Kentucky as a recruiter. Promoted to major in 1982, he served both as executive officer and then later as commanding officer of the Marine Corps Recruiting Station Louisville. Upon his retirement in 1985 at Louisville, Kentucky, he served as a Marine Instructor at Fern Creek Traditional High School for nearly 19 years, during which time he influenced the lives of numerous young men and women, many of whom went on to serve their nation as graduates of prestigious United Sates military service academies. His JROTC cadets amassed in excess of three million dollars in scholarship money during his tenure at Fern Creek Traditional High School, while garnering nine national championships in close order drill under his leadership.
Volunteerism has always played an important role in his life and he has never shirked from the opportunity to help others. During his career and throughout his retirement, he has provided needed counsel to numerous young men and women seeking scholarships and occupational direction. His service to Louisville area veterans' causes is legendary. As a long time friend of Rodney Williams, Jr., in whose memory this award has been instituted, he served with him on the USS Higgins Commissioning Committee and the Patriots Peace Memorial Committee, the latter of which he chaired through the critical years of design, construction and financing. Through his leadership, the Patriots Peace Memorial stands today on the banks of the Ohio River in testament to the honorable service of military personnel, who have lost their lives in the line of duty, but not as a result of hostile enemy actions. Through his dedication to this cause, the Louisville, Kentucky community has the unique and possibly single honor of being host to the only memorial of its kind in our nation - one which recognizes the inherent danger and sometimes fatal consequences of military training and service in our armed forces.
Active in veterans' organizations, such as the American Legion, Military Order of World Wars, and the Marine Corps League, he has provided profound comfort to families of not only deceased veterans, but also active duty Marines killed in action, as the leader of a burial honors detail. When death summons former Marines of past wars home, it is he who sounds the call for rifle volleys and taps, as they are laid to their rest and when our Marine Corps brothers and sisters pass from this life with no family or resources for a proper burial, it is he who rallies the troops on their behalf to do whatever is necessary to ensure that dignity and compassion abound.
James E. (Ted) Bassett III receives Department of the Navy Award
Lexington, KY: On the 232nd birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps, Saturday, November 10, 2007, Keeneland Association, Inc. board member and decorated World War II veteran James E. (Ted) Bassett III was presented with the Department of the Navy "Superior Public Service Award." It is the second-highest civilian honor bestowed by the Department of the Navy and recognizes significant contributions by a civilian to the Navy, Marine Corps or entire Department of the Navy. The award was presented during the 15th annual invitational breakfast celebrating the birthday of The Corps, at the Thoroughbred Club of America.
Mr. Bassett received the award in recognition of "significant contributions and unflagging support of the United States Marine Corps for 64 years." This prestigious award was officially presented to Mr. Bassett by Marine Corps Major General Richard A. Huck, who commanded the 2nd Marine Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"I am deeply honored to receive this award from the Corps," Mr. Bassett said. "It is a classic example of Marine Corps 101 -- taking a nobody and trying to make a somebody out of him." Mr. Bassett enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1943 and rose from private to first lieutenant, leading a rifle platoon in combat during the battle of Okinawa, where he was wounded. He participated in the mainland Japan landings and was discharged in 1946. Mr. Bassett has hosted three Marine Corps University Foundation fundraisers. Since 1992, he has hosted the annual Marine Corps Birthday Breakfast at Keeneland or the Thoroughbred Club of America, thereby ensuring the continuing tradition of Marines celebrating their heritage.
Most recently, Mr. Bassett assumed the duties of Chairman, Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky, an umbrella organization serving the entire Marine Corps community within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. "Throughout his distinguished career as a Marine and as a private citizen, Mr. Bassett continues to epitomize 'once a Marine, always a Marine,' " stated the Superior Public Service Award citation. "Mr. Bassett's selfless patriotism and dedication reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."
Mr. Bassett also received the coveted U.S. Marine Corps' Semper Fidelis Award in April 1990.
Mr. Bassett has been associated with Keeneland for almost four decades, serving as president from 1970 until 1986, chairman of the board from 1986 until 2001, and Keeneland trustee from 1993 through 2006. He continues to serve as a member of the Keeneland Association, Inc. board of directors.
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