2011 WINE COUNTRY MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY BALL FACTS:
NEW DATE
The 2011 "Wine Country Marine Corps Birthday Ball" celebrating the 236th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2011. This will also be the 26th Anniversary of the Wine Country Marine Corps Birthday Ball. The event includes traditional Marine Corps Birthday Ceremonies and dancing to a live band.
The Wine Country Marine Corps Birthday Ball is a major fundraiser for the SEMPER FI FUND.Since 2007, this event has raised nearly $50,000 in support for this very much needed Marine Corps related non-profit organization. NEW TIME
The Cocktail Reception starts at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Ceremony at 7:30 p.m. A traditional Prime Rib Dinner will be served during the Dance immediately following the Ceremony.
LOCATION
The 2011 Birthday Ball will be held at the Jacuzzi Family Vineyards located at 24724 Arnold Drive in Sonoma, California. Visit the Web site at: http://www.jacuzziwines.com/
The Cocktail Reception will be held within the Courtyard. The Ceremony, Dinner/Dance will be held within the Barrel Room. See photos below:
Courtyard of Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
Barrel Room of Jazuzzi Family Vineyards
General P.X. Kelley, USMC (Ret.)
2011 GUEST Of HONOR:
GENERAL PAUL X. (P.X.) KELLEY, USMC (RET.)
We take great pleasure in announcing that General Paul X. (P.X.) Kelley, USMC (Ret.),the 28th Commandant of the Marine Corps, will be our Guest of Honor at the 2011 Wine Country Marine Corps Birthday Ball.
General Kelley served as the 28th Commandant of the Marine Corps and as a Member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1983 until his retirement in 1987.
During his 37-year military career, he commanded Marine Corps organizations at every echelon from platoon though division, including command of an infantry battalion and infantry regiment during two separate combat tours in the Republic of Vietnam. He also has had the unique experience of duty with the Army, Navy, Air Force, and he commanded a Commando Troop of Royal Marines in Singapore, Borneo and Malaya.
In December 1979, he was appointed by the President as the first Commander of Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force, and spearheaded the initiative, which eventually culminated in its re-designation as the U.S. Central Command. He then moved up to Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and served in this position for two years prior to becoming the 28th Commandant of the Marine Corps.
Tickets to this popular event are limited and reservations are required. The price per person is $130.00 or $260.00 per couple. Order your tickets early by calling: (707) 537-8576. Please leave a message and someone will return your call. If you have attended our Birthday Ball during the recent past, you should be on our mailing list. If so, a formal invitation will be mailed to you after Labor Day. If you do not get this invitation by September 15th, or if you have changed your mailing address, please call (707) 537-8576 and leave your name, address and phone number.
LODGING
The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa has two special room rates for or event. A "Lodge Room" for $189.00 or a "Cottage Room" for $209.00. These special rates are for Saturday, November 5th only. To receive the special rates contact must be made through their toll free Central Reservation number (888) 710-8008 and identify yourself as the "Marine Corps Birthday Ball" group. Reservations can also be made on-line (see Web site URL link below). If you are making reservations on-line, please enter the correct group code number. For a "Lodge Room" the code is: cpocpoa. For a "Cottage Room" the code is: cpocpob. The cut off date for room reservations is October 5, 2011. Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. Check out time is 12:00 Noon. Any room cancellations will be handled by the Hotel.
The Lodge at Sonoma is located at 1325 Broadway (at Leveroni & Napa Roads) Sonoma, CA 95476. Phone: (707) 935-6600. Web site: http://www.thelodgeatsonoma.com/
WHO CAN ATTEND
The "Wine Country Marine Corps Birthday Ball" is celebrated annually on or about November 10th in Sonoma, California by Marines, friends of the Corps and members of the other U.S. Armed Forces (Active Duty, Reserve, Retired, or Honorably Discharged). The Birthday Ball is open to both Officer and Enlisted men and women along with their guests.
ATTIRE
Required attire for men is black tie or "best" military uniform. A coat and tie is required. The wearing of miniature medals is encouraged. The formal evening (mess) dress uniform for both Commissioned Officers and SNCOs is a popular choice. The uniform of the Marine Corps League (the scarlet blazer or evening dress jacket with gold cummerbund) is also appropriate. Ladies' attire should meet similar standards.
