Marine Corps Birthday Ball
Saturday November 10, 2018, Schererville, Indiana
Join the Calumet Detachment, Marine Corps League as we celebrate the 243rd<span style="background-color:transparent"> Birthday Ball. Each year Marines, other servicemen from all branches, their families, friends, neighbors, and those who are generally patriotic gather to celebrate the birthday of our beloved Marine Corps with a traditional birthday ball celebration. </span>
Most "newcomers" are amazed that we have such a fabulous birthday ball here in Northwest Indiana. Every year our attendee list grows, this year we expect 400 people to attend.
This year's guest of honor and speaker is Sergeant Major Scott D. Grade. His presentation is guaranteed to motivate as he shares his views and experiences.
Included in the evening will be:
- Traditional Marine Corps Birthday Ceremony and Cake Cutting
- Demonstration by Marine Corps JROTC Rifle and Drill Team
- Delicious Dinner and Dessert
- Open Bar
- Dancing
- Many Incredible Raffles (many overnight stays and a 7 day Hawaii Vacation)
- Marine Corps Brotherhood
Please know that although this event is a Marine Corps themed ceremony and evening, you DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MARINE to attend. We love celebrating with other servicemembers or members of our community who want to support our military.
All are welcome.
Agenda:
6:00 PM Open bar cocktail hour
7:00 PM Marine Corps Birthday cake cutting ceremony, bar closes
7:30 PM Sergeant Major Scott D. Grade
8:00 PM Dinner
8:30 PM Bar reopens until 11:30 PM
9:00 PM Dancing, open bar
10:00 PM Raffle Drawings (many incredible prizes including a 7 day Hawaii trip)
10:15 PM Dancing resumes
11:30 PM Bar closes
11:59 PM Ball activities conclude
About our guest of honor Sergeant Major Scott D. Grade:
Sergeant Major Scott D. Grade was born on 11 November 1970 at Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital. Sergeant Major Grade enlisted into the Marine Corps on 16 June 1990 and was subsequently shipped to Recruit Training at MCRD San Diego on 16 July 1990, where he was a member of Fox Company, Second Recruit Training Battalion. Private Grade was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class at the completion of recruit training.
Upon Completion of Marine Combat Training, Private First Class Grade volunteered to give up the MOS of 0311 and move into the new MOS of 1833, Assault Amphibian Vehicle Crewman. After completion of 21 days of schooling, he was assigned to Combat Replacement Company 17, where he was trained as a 0311 in support of the Gulf War. After the Gulf War, Private First Class Grade joined Bravo Company, Third Assault Amphibian Battalion. He participated in a West Pac Float from January 1992 until July 1992. Upon Returning, Lance Corporal Grade volunteered to join the brand new Mobility-Counter Mobility platoon where he participated in CAX 01 and CAX 02 from September to November 1992, before volunteering to join Echo Company 3rd AABN in Okinawa for a six month UDP. During this period, Lance Corporal Grade was promoted to Corporal on 1 January 1993. Upon arrival back in the United States Corporal Grade volunteered for the Fleet Assistance Program where he was the NCOIC of the brand new MOUT Facility from July 1993 to July 1994. During this time period, he was promoted to Sergeant on 1 January 1994. Upon returning back to 3rd AABN he was assigned to Echo Company as Headquarters Section Leader for West Pac Deployment from October 1994 to April 1995. Sergeant Grade participated in operation United Shield where he earned his first Combat Action Ribbon, and his first Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
After Returning from West Pac, Sergeant Grade was assigned to Assault Amphibian Schools Battalion. During this time, he served as Crew Chief, Podium Instructor, and Platoon Sergeant. Sergeant Grade was promoted to Staff Sergeant on 1 July 1997.
On 1 April 1998, Staff Sergeant Grade received orders to Drill Instructor School Class 3-98 where he graduated as one of the Honor graduates. He did his tour with Lima Company Third Recruit Training Battalion, and served one year as a MCIWS/MCITWS at the Depot swim tank.
In July 2001, Staff Sergeant Grade was reassigned to Bravo Co. 3rd AABN where he served as Platoon Sergeant for Third Platoon. Staff Sergeant Grade was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant on 1 October 2001. Gunnery Sergeant Grade deployed with Bravo Co. in June 2002 to Okinawa Japan. At this time, his Platoon was attached to BLT 2/4, in support of the 31st MEU. He spent the following 12 months doing various operations in the III MEF area of operations. Upon his return to CONUS, he was assigned as Company 1stsgt for Bravo Company for two months and then was assigned as the Headquarters and Service Company First Sergeant, Third Assault Amphibian Battalion.
Upon being selected to First Sergeant in December 2004, he was assigned to Echo Company, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines as the Company First Sergeant. From January 2005 to December 2005, he was attached to the 31st MEU, Okinawa, Japan doing various operations in III MEF area of operations. Upon return to CONUS, First Sergeant Grade was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company 2/4 as Company 1stSgt. He participated in OIF 02-07 from November 2006 to April 2007, where he earned his second Combat Action Ribbon. First Sergeant Grade also served as the BLT Sergeant Major for 7 weeks during the unit’s deployment to Iraq.
In July 2007, First Sergeant Grade was assigned to I&I Staff, Company D, 4th Tank Battalion 4th MarDiv as the I&I First Sergeant where he conducted over 450 funerals and 8 Casualty Assistance Calls along with many Toys for Tots events.
On 23 March 2009, First Sergeant Grade was promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major. He was then assigned to MACS-23, MACG-48, 4th MAW in Aurora, Colorado on 18 April 2009 to be the Site-Support Sergeant Major, where he conducted over 700 funerals and 30 Casualty Assistance Calls along with many Toys for Tots events. He was also hand selected by the 4th MAW Sergeant Major to be the Senior Enlisted Leader for 10 Commanding General Inspections throughout the 4th MAW.
On 18 November 2011, Sergeant Major Grade was assigned to Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2 (VMU-2), Marine Air Control Group 28 (MACG-28), 2D MAW as the Squadron Sergeant Major. Sergeant Major Grade participated in OEF 12.1 and 12.2 from April 2012 until October 2012, where he served as the Air Combat Element Sergeant Major at Camp Dwyer and also as the Senior Enlisted Marine aboard the camp.
On 14 February 2013, Sergeant Major Grade was assigned to Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 where he served as the Squadron Sergeant Major.
On 9 May 2014, Sergeant Major Grade was assigned as Marine Air Control Group-28 SgtMaj where he served as the Group SgtMaj.
On 19 May 2016, Sergeant Major Grade was assigned as Marine Corps Installations- East, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune SgtMaj, where he served as MCI East and Marine Corps Base Camp LeJeune Sergeant Major.
On 2 Feb 2018, Sergeant Major Grade was assigned as the Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North Sergeant Major where he currently serves.
Current Personal Decoration – Legion of Merit, 3 Meritorious Service Medal, 3 Navy Commendation Medals, 2 Navy Achievement Medals, 2 Combat Action Ribbons and other campaign awards.
Sergeant Major Grade is married to the former Christina Ann Wootton of Vista, California. They live in Belle Chasse, Louisiana and have one daughter, Sarah, 17 and one son William “Liam”, 6 years old.
Past Attendee Comments:
"I have not been to a ball since I was on active duty, I've missed the celebration but won't miss another! Great job guys!" Corporal Rathers
"As a Navy guy I have deep respect for the Marines. I've always heard about their birthday balls, but this is my first. Holy Cow." B. Sanders
"I buy a table of 10 every year. My friends actually fight to see who will come with my wife and I. Where else can you meet a real Navajo Code Talker?" Mark and Amy Prescott
"Our family loves America but none of us were in the military. We were nervous about attending because we did not think we knew anyone. It turns out we were welcomed immediately, people loved that we came just to support the Marines. Our son and his wife want to come next year. What is the date? Susan Conover
"The ball was awesome. What a night for me. I met a real Navajo Code talker AND won a trip to Hawaii. Ummm, can I do that again? I'll be the guy wearing the Hawiian shirt. Robert
This event will sell out.
We are expecting 400 people to attend this year and interest is at an all time high.
Please purchase your tickets asap to secure your place.
