Marines Celebrate the 246th Birthday

On Nov. 14, the Colorado Valley Detachment No. 1028 celebrated their 246th Birthday at the Wine Bar at the Grand Fayette Hotel in Fayetteville. Each year, the Marine gather all over the world on the Saturday closets to Nov. 10 to celebrate their inception which began Nov. 10, 1775 and to honor the memory of the thousands of men and women who served as Marines.

John “Jack” Frithjof Elvig was this year’s honored marine. Jack was born in Huron, South Dakota but moved to Kansas shortly thereafter with his family, eventually moving to Lawrence Kansas in 1939. In May of 1959 he graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Petroleum Engineering. It was a busy time as in the space of one month, he graduated from college, married Ruth Ann Robertson (from Kansas City, Kansas and a co-ed at the University of Kansas) and was commissioned in the Marine Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant. He completed his career with the United States Marine Corps as a Captain.

Jack spoke of leadership and loyalty so well known to the Marine Corps that resonated with those attending. Jack was joined by his family, including his daughters and their spouses, along with his wife Ruth, of whom he has been married to for sixty-six years. Jack and Ruth purchased their farm in Round Top in 1977 and have been long time residents of Fayette County.

The Birthday Celebration also included honoring Paul Schenck, who at the age of ninety-two is the detachment’s oldest marine. Paul participated via Zoom and was presented a handmade quilt by the organization “Quilt for Vets”.

Marine Richard Chance, Commandant of the Detachment presided over the ceremonies with the assistance of Marine Bobby Bedient and Marine John Kana.