News

Marine ball celebrates heritage, legacy

  • Published
  • By Jenny Gordon
  • 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Each year as part of celebrating the Marine Corps birthday, a ball is held to commemorate the heritage of those who served and continue to serve our country.

At Robins, members of Marine Aircraft Group 49, Detachment A, enjoyed an evening gala Nov. 5 at the Museum of Aviation.

The Marine Corps celebrated its 236th birthday Nov. 10.

"I look forward to the Marine Corps Ball every year as it allows us to gather together and celebrate our brotherhood as Marines," said Lt. Col. Michael Johnson, MAG-49 Det. A commanding officer. "Since 9/11, the Marine Corps has written an amazing chapter in its history with combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. All of these Marines should be extremely proud to be a part of it during such a critical time in our country's history."

Distinguished guests included Maj. Gen. Robert McMahon, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center commander, and Lt. Col. Paul Fagan, commanding officer of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773. The guest speaker was retired Marine Col. Avery Chenoweth.

The detachment currently has about 120 active-duty members and 200 Reservists.

Evening festivities began with a social hour, followed by ceremonies which included a special birthday video message from Gen. James F. Amos, 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Since 1921 during every ball, a special message is read that was written by Gen. John A. Lejeune, 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps. Created by a resolution of the Continental Congress in 1775, the message reflects on the Marines' storied history, mission and Corps tradition.

Another tradition is the cutting of the birthday cake. A piece is given to the oldest member of the unit, who then passes it on to the youngest, signifying the passing of experience and knowledge from the old to the young.

The Marine unit relocated to Robins in July of 2010, and supports Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, which also relocated to Robins, and flies AH-1W Super Cobra and UH-1N Huey helicopters.