2024 GATOR 990 MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY BALL
1 NOVEMBER 2024  BEST WESTERN GATEWAY GRAND

Once again, it was an evening of tradition and ceremony as well as dinner and dancing.  The event began at 5:30pm with the social gathering outside the ballroom.  Guests arrived in their formal attire, some in military uniforms, checked in and had the opportunity to mingle and visit.  The ballroom opened a little after 6pm and at 6:30pm the ceremony began.  It included the Commandant of the Marine Corps' video message, the traditional reading of General LeJeune's message, and the cutting of the birthday ball cake.

Guest of Honor for the event was Lieutenant Colonel Sean BARNES, USMC, whose talk reminded us that while the Marine Corps has many very cool assets, the most valuable asset will always remain the young men and women who join to don the Marine Corps uniform and serve their country.   We presented him with a gift of our appreciation, a mahogany box for his desk with a marble inset with engraving denoting him as our guest of honor.  To make the night a little sweeter, LtCol BARNES happened to also hold the winning ticket for a Glock 43x 9mm handgun.  

The evening was punctuated by a tribute to Master Sergeant Jim Yakubsin, USMC (Retired).  Mike Murtha, Chief of Staff from the office of Chuck Clemons, Speaker Pro Tem for the Florida Legislature, read a resolution from the legislature commending Jim Yakubsin for his lifetime of service to his country and community through his Marine Corps career, his law enforcement career, and his service to his community through the Marine Corps League, the Military Support Group and the Eighth Judicial Circuit's Veterans Treatment Court Program.  Judge Philip PENA who presides over the treatment court, also presented Jim with an award for his outstanding service in establishing and maintaining the position of Veterans Treatment Court's voluntary Mentor Program.

Member Jamie Hill was presented a national award by the Young Marine program recognizing her Distinguished Service as a volunteer for the last 20 years. The award was presented by John Gionet (SgtMaj, USMC, Ret) who is currently the Southeast Division Commander as well as the Marine Corps League's Senior Vice Commandant for the Department of Florida.  Assisting in the presentation was his wife, Linda.

Everyone enjoyed a great plated meal with a variety of desserts and the band Crooked Counsel joined us again this year to provide live music for dancing.  The dance floor was active, including some pretty fancy dance moves using a motorized scooter by Jim Yakubsin as everyone gathered around and cheered him on!  

Our major sponsors for the event are (in alphabetical order) BASS ASSASSIN LURES, MELDON LAW FIRM and SKYFROG TREE SERVICE.  Their support allows us to provide a quality event for you.  We also thank the Gateway Grand for proving us once again with great facilities and services for us to have a great ball.  

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR NEXT YEAR:  SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025  BEST WESTERN GATEWAY GRAND  5:00PM.