2018 California Semper Fidelis Award Ceremony honoring Judge David O. Carter

On November 12, 2018 at the Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, California, The Marine Corps University Foundation was honored to present this year’s Semper Fidelis Award (West) to the Honorable David O. Carter.  Judge Carter, his wife, Mary Ellen graced the Pelican Hill Mar Vista Patio as their many friends and admirers spent time meeting with the Marines in attendance.  It was a special moment for all to see a great friend, Marine, and American receive the Semper Fidelis award.

The November 10^th Association in partnership with the Marine Corps University Foundation hosted the Association’s 234^th annual Marine Corps Birthday celebration and presentation of the Semper Fidelis Award by the Marine Corps University Foundation to Judge David O. Carter of the United States District Court, Central District of California at a gathering attended by approximately 350 people.  The Marine Corps University Foundation was honored by the attendance of prior Semper Fidelis Awardees former California Governor Pete Wilson, Mr. Donald Bren, Chairman of the Irvine Company and Mr. Anthony R. Moiso, Chairman of Rancho Mission Viejo.  These three former award recipients represented a long line of past awardees including Presidents, former Commandants, Secretaries of State and other notables who earned the award through their adherence to the principles of our motto, Always Faithful.

The prestigious Semper Fidelis Award is presented annually by The Marine Corps University Foundation to noteworthy Americans.

Past recipients include Presidents George H.W. and George W. Bush; Clint Eastwood, George Will, General James Mattis, the Honorable Antonin Scalia and Mr. Ted Williams.

See the list of former Semper Fidelis Award Recipients.

Events like the Semper Fidelis Award Dinner and Black-Tie Gala help support the Professional Military Education of Marines around the world.  You can make a difference in the lives of active duty Marines!

Please contact the Foundation’s Director of Events, Ms. Mattrice Williamson if you wish to attend future events,  She may be reached at (703) 640-6835 or by email.

The Marine Corps University Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on tax deductible gifts, is the only Marine Corps charity solely dedicated to supporting the Professional Military Education (PME) of Officer and Enlisted Marines at the Marine Corps University and throughout the Operating Forces. Special events, such as the Semper Fidelis Award Ceremony and Dinner provide funding that supports Marine Leaders and their Professional Military Education worldwide.  The University leadership’s vision has been twofold – to prepare Marines at all levels to address complex security challenges in a rapidly transforming world through an unparalleled education in security and warfighting studies, and to groom the next generation of decision makers within the Marine Corps, government, and the private sector, equipping them with the critical thinking skills that will enable them to achieve success in any number of career paths. The Foundation relies on tax-exempt contributions from our Semper Fidelis Award Ceremony and Dinner, and those who support Marine Corps causes, including Corporate Members, Marine friends, former Marines helping Marines and donations in memory or in honor of someone special. We are grateful for your tax-deductible donation to support the Professional Military Education of active duty and reserve Marines. Semper Fi!