Semper Fi!

The Bobby Ray Detachment #1377 of the Marine Corps League will mark a major milestone this fall, hosting its annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Manchester Coffee County Conference Center.

The event commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps, celebrated each year around Nov. 10 — the date the Continental Marines were established in 1775.

Organized by Commandant James Ramsey and the McMinnville-based detachment, this year’s ball carries added significance, not only for the historic anniversary but also for the local namesake it honors — Navy Hospital Corpsman Second Class David Robert “Bobby” Ray. A native of McMinnville, Ray was killed in action in Vietnam on March 19, 1969, and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism in saving wounded Marines during an enemy assault. His valor continues to inspire the detachment that bears his name.

The Marine Corps Birthday Ball is one of the Corps’ oldest traditions, dating back to 1925, when the first formal celebration was held in Philadelphia. Today, Marines across the globe gather annually to honor the service’s founding with a ceremonial cake-cutting, formal dinner, and toasts recognizing Marines past and present. Locally, the Bobby Ray Detachment has made the event both a celebration and a community effort, inviting local businesses and residents to sponsor tables, advertisements, or make donations to support the cause.

Proceeds from sponsorships help fund a variety of local initiatives, including scholarships for JROTC programs in Warren and Coffee County high schools, Christmas programs for Kids of the Community and Hamilton Street Center, and support for families in need across Warren, White, DeKalb, and Van Buren counties. The detachment, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, also assists with Toys for Tots, military funeral honors and veteran services throughout the region.

Entertainment at the Nov. 8 ball will be provided by country music recording artists Charlie Allen and Buddy Jewell, who was the first winner of the “Nashville Star” reality competition and is best known for the 2003 hit, "Sweet Southern Comfort."

As part of the 250th birthday observance, the Bobby Ray Detachment is also partnering with the City of McMinnville to establish a dedicated parking space and commemorative sign honoring Marines and sailors who have served. Donations of $500 or more will receive a certificate, challenge coin, and souvenir from the detachment in appreciation of support.

Sponsorships and event program ads are currently being accepted at various levels, ranging from name-only listings to full-page advertisements and recognition plaques. Contributions can be sent to B.R.D. #1377, c/o Commandant James Ramsey, P.O. Box 7302, McMinnville, TN 37110. For more information, visit www.mcltn.org or follow Bobby Ray Detachment #1377 on Facebook.

As the Marine Corps marks 250 years of service, the local detachment continues to uphold its mission — “Once a Marine, always a Marine” — while strengthening the bond between Marines, their families, and the community they serve.