2019 Semper Fidelis Award Ceremony and Dinner and Gala honoring LtCol Oliver L. North, USMC (Ret)
Distinguished guests, from L-R: Medal of Honor Awardee Col Harvey (Barney) C. Barnum, Jr.,USMC (Ret); MCUF President LtGen Richard P. Mills, USMC (Ret); Semper Fidelis Guest of Honor, LtCol Oliver North, USMC (Ret) and CMC representative LtGen John M. Jansen, USMC
On March 16, 2019, the Foundation honored Lieutenant Colonel Oliver L. North, USMC (Ret) the American political commentator, television host, military historian, author, and retired United States Marine, and President of the National Rifle Association at our annual Semper Fidelis Award Dinner and Black-Tie Gala.
The Marine Color Guuard poses with Sgt Maj Jim Booker, USMC (Ret). He is a proven combat warrior of 2d Bn, 4th Marines. a recipient of Silver and Bronze Stars who served under Commandant General Joseph Dunford’s senior enlisted adviser at International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.
The Semper Fidelis Award Dinner and Gala was held at the Ritz-Carlton in Pentagon City. Celebrating with LtCol North was his wife, Betsy, and his family. He humbly spoke not of his career but of those who held great importance to his military career and those important people that followed after. He spoke about life long friends that were instrumental in inspiring where he was going and how he was going to get there. The stories were so enjoyable you walked away with a better understand of not only LtCol Oliver North but of the company he surrounded himself with to include a “war hero bible thumper”. Most guests in attendance had fond memories of serving with LtCol North and were there to help us honor him with this prestigious award.
Our Marines enjoyed the event as well! LCpl Patrick Bringas, LCpl Reyna Diaz, Sgt Edin Peraza and Mrs Jeanette Peraza, SgtMaj Bryan Marzzarella & Mrs. Ann Marzzarella, LCpl Elies Montoya & Mrs. Maria Montoya with our Guest of Honor, LtCol Oliver North, USMC (Ret)
Photos are available at the below link. Please use the code MCUF19 at checkout to receive a 10% discount in appreciation of your service to our country. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Foundation.
Members of Meggitt: Mr. Jeff Murphy, Andres Czop, Kelly Jamisson, Andrew Dornan, Jim Napier, Darren Shavers, Matt Cunningham, Steve Piccirilli and Barney Barnum pose with LtGen John M. Jansen, USMC during the even festivities.
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.
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!
