Marine Corps Celebrates Birthday, Scholarship Winners Announced

The Colorado Valley Detachment No. 1028 Marine Corps League celebrated the 247th birthday of the Marine Corps on Friday, Nov. 11 at The Texas Czech Center. In time honored tradition, the first piece of birthday cake was presented to the eldest Marine, Jack Elvig. The second piece of birthday cake was presented to the youngest Marine, Montana Olle.

Following the ceremony, guest speakers were eight of the 19 Harvey D. Dannhaus Scholarship winners from 2011-2022. This scholarship supports students with a relative who served in the Marine Corps. Winners graduated from high schools in La Grange, Schulenburg, Fayetteville, Brenham and Carmine.

Chosen paths of the scholarship winners included kinesiology, social work, web design services, welding, forensic psychology, EMT/paramedic, police officer, heart doctor and managers in public and private sector organizations. Achievement and ambition ran high among these winners. The scholarship winners were Bryn Colon, Liberty Killion, Adam Faske, Michela Ruth Hart, Katie Gray, Trevor Beyer, Ashley Pesl, Brayden Duarte, Hailey Machac, Justin Shimek, Victoria Hart, Jamison Davis, Garrison Mueller, Caleb Parks, Brandon Muske, Brittani Craft, Katie Faulk, Corporal James Robinson and Bailey Karisch.

One winner offered these words: “First I would like to say thank you to all Veterans and their families tonight. You have given your time and service to allow the rest of us to freely choose what we want to do with our lives. I am currently in my second year at Texas A&M in College Station. I started out thinking I wanted to major in Forensic Science and Investigation. Like many my age, I am rethinking my path and switching majors to Construction Science. College is a journey of not just learning for a career but also figuring out who I am and aspire to be. I am very grateful for the scholarship I received in 2021. As the oldest of three children, the funds lessened the financial burden for my family. In the future with a construction degree, I hope I can build a better future for our ever changing world. I am sorry I was unable to attend tonight. Illness never seems to ask us when it’s a good time to get sick, it just comes to visit. That is life. As much as I would have liked to say “thank you” in person, I know you would appreciate it more that I keep my germs to myself.” Adam Faske.

In their own ways, each recipient acknowledged the support of the Marine Corps League and the Harvey D. Dannhaus Scholarship for significant impact. Half of the winners have chosen paths to give back to their communities. “Because I was supported by the Marines early on, now I want to support others.”

To learn more about the service projects of this Marine Corps League, please contact Bobby Bedient at bobbymcl1028@ gmail.com.