ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MONTFORD POINT MARINE ASSOCIATION, INC.

Beaufort, South Carolina Chapter

P.O. Box 1772
Beaufort S.C. 29901-1772
Mr. Elijah Abram, President

Telephone. (843) 838-5475

Twenty years following World War II, during August 1965, a reunion was organized by a group of enterprising Marine veterans and active duty Marines from Philadelphia. The purpose was to renew old friendships and share experiences of former comrades who received recruit training at Montford Point Camp Camp Lejeune, New River, N.C. This group, chaired by then Master Gunnery Sergeant, Brooks E. Gray, USMC, held a meeting in Philadelphia, Pa., and formulated and developed plans for a National Reunion. Thc response was overwhelming and consequently 400 Marines from all over the country convened at the Adelphia Hotel in Philadelphia; hence the establishment of the Montford Point Marine Association, Inc. a non-profit Veterans" organization; subsecluently chartered in Pennsylvania, in 1966. Brooks E. Gray (founding father) was elected as the Association"s first National President.

Today the Association has 23 bona-fide Chapters throughout the various regions of the United States and Japan additionally the Ladies Auxiliary boasts several Chapters. The MPMA Inc. is an affiliate member of the Marine Corps Council (a family council of Marine Veteran Groups). Annual reunions are held to affirm their bonds to Marine Corps; present awards and testimonials; expand its interest and service in civic programs; provide fiscal scholarship support and other benevolent essentials. Our creed amply reflects "TO PROMOTE AND PRESERVE THE STRONG BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP BORN FROM SHARED ADVERSITIES AND TO DEVOTE OURSELVES TO THE FURTHERANCE OF THESE ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO ENSURE MORE PEACEFUL TIMES." For our fallen comrades, servicemen and servicewomen in other branches of the military, who have sacrificed their lives for the defense and freedom of America, we pay a special homage, now and in the future. For their worthy sacrifices we proudly express.

"SEMPER FIDELIS !"

REGIONAL OFFICERS

Nathaniel W. James (Southern Region)
119 Robin Hood Dr.
Jacksonville, North Carolina 28540

Wendell Ferguson (Central Region)
9928 S. Green Street
Chicago, Ill. 60643

James S. McCargo (Western Region)
2376 Kenwyn Street
Oceanside, Ca. 92054

Kenneth Rollock (Northern Region)
53 Fox Run Dr.
Englewood, NJ 07631

Category: Current Organizations | Subcategory: MPMA | Tags: Beaufort Chapter , World War II , South Carolina
Related Topics / Keywords / Phrases: 1772, 1965, 1966, Chicago (Illinois), Hood, Jack, Japan, Marine, NJ, Pennsylvania, Sergeant, South Carolina, World War II,