You and your guest are invited to attend the banquet in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Marine Corps League, Department of NC, at our Annual Convention. The venue is the Hilton Charlotte University Plaza on Saturday, June 26. The COVID lockdown prohibited our intended 50th Anniversary Convention last year so we are celebrating it this year, our 51st year as a Department. We have had an extra year to plan and this will be a great celebration banquet.
The dress is formal so show your pride and get your friends to join in the celebration. It is time to get out and party. The social begins at 6:00 pm followed by the banquet. Getting your reservation in early to be assured of preferred seating. There are two important factors that will affect your decision to respond to this informal invitation. The first factor is the speaker lineup.
The first speaker is TShane Johnson. You might know about him because of his recent notoriety in the Charlotte Observer as breaking the 1-hour record of 2,919 with 3,050 push-ups but at a cost. He was unsuccessful at his attempt to do 20,00 push-ups in 12 hours and break the 19,325 world record because of his first-hour push. He only did 16,500. But that is not his story; his life as a Marine and how his life-altering experience has shaped him to become very successful (https://TShaneInspires.com). His compelling story from the depths of homelessness to his current life is just the beginning for what comes.
As an exciting and dynamic speaker, TShane is the perfect lead-in to Marine Kyle Carpenter, MOH, and his inspirational story of recovery and resiliency. Jumping on a grenade to protect his fellow Marines and being brought back to life three times and enduring years of physical therapy, have taught him what is important in life. His compelling story and his presentation is a must-experience event. Thank you, General Amos, for making his appearance possible.
Rounding up the evening is the most energetic speaker you will witness. Evangelo "Vann" Morris will present his unique "Old Glory" rendition that you can see at https://youtu.be/BKALciRVgBI and with some additional production, you will experience a most entertaining presentation.
The second factor is timing. The Hilton can seat 272 in the banquet hall in our configuration. I anticipate that there will be 150 - 175 Marine Corps League members and their guests in attendance and my goal is to fill up the room. The members in the MCL Department of NC have been forewarned to get their banquet reservations in by May 31. Today, you as well as members from all Charlotte area veteran organizations (VFW, Am Leg, DAV, Purple Heart, etc), the Charlotte Recruiting RSS (70-80 area recruiters), the Charlotte I&I Staff and Reserves, area police, fire and sheriff departments, the list supporters and players in the Charlotte Detachment's golf tournament for past 10 years, and as many veterans in the area we can notify.
The Hilton needs the meal count by Monday, June 14, so there is a 2-week window for those wanting the available seats. It will be first emails we receive, first reserved.
The cost is $65 per person ($600 for an 8-round table; $55 each and $500 for a table for active-duty Marines) and all is needed is an email indicating how many seats to reserve and your meal selection(s) to Robert.KellamJr@hotmail.com to be assured of seats. He will respond with payment options. The menu options are attached.
Whether you elect to join us or not, you might want to forward this to someone, preferably a Marine, you believe would want to join in for an inspiring evening.
================
For this 50th Anniversary, we are also producing a 4-color program book that individuals and organizations can place an ad or congratulatory message in the book. More info is on the attached form.
Additionally, sponsorship opportunities still exist for those organizations wanting to realize the benefits. NUCOR Steel, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, Hearst Corporation, and The Independence Fund are already sponsors. Get your company to join these sponsors by contacting me before June 11 for more information in time to get your full page in the program book.
===================
Please forgive this informal notification, but this is the fastest method to get this information to you. Call me if you have any questions.
Semper Fi,
Denny Mathias, Convention Committee Chair
5323 Courtfield Dr
Indian Trail, NC 28079
C) 704-451-1397
Marine Corps League Charlotte Detachment 750, Adjutant
Judge Advocate, Southcentral District Vice Commandant, AV Team Leader
Treasurer, Carolina Marines
The longer you can look back, the farther you can look forward. Winston Churchill