STORIED LEGACY – Harold R. Cooley Marine Corps Detachment No. 841 celebrated the U.S. Marine Corps 240th birthday Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Owosso American Legion Hall.
The approximately 65-member detachment announced their Marine of the Year, Adjutant Gary Gross, shown here with detachment Commandant Bill Domby (left). Additionally, the celebration included the customary reading of General John A. Lejeune’s “Birthday Message” and the reading of a message from current U.S. Marine Corps Commandant Robert B. Neller, while Pastor John Walworth of Durand delighted the crowd as the featured speaker.
Senior Vice Commandant Ron Anderson also read the detachment’s long “brag sheet,” which lists the numerous ways the group gives back to their community. They regularly participate in parades and graveside tributes, give thousands of dollars to charitable organizations every year, participate in Toys for Tots and give out scholarships, among other services.
Another unique part of the celebration was the cutting of the birthday cake, which was performed by the oldest Marine in the room, Staff Sergeant Bill Chanda, and the first piece of cake was passed to the youngest, Gunny Sergeant Dave Smith. All leftover food from the event was donated to the Salvation Army. (Independent Photos/GRAHAM STURGEON)
