For the first time since the COVID-19 Pandemic struck the world, the Marine Birthday Ball is returning to Alliance, offering Marines an opportunity to celebrate the 248th birthday of The United States Marine Corps.
Dr. Cork Taylor is organizing the celebration, which is set to take place on Nov. 10 at the VFW, with a social hour beginning at 5:30 p.m. and supper starting at 6:30 p.m. The celebration is open only to Marines, their spouses, or their guests, and corpsmen. Dr. Taylor explained that he is excited to have the opportunity to celebrate once again.
“I returned to Alliance in 1976, and we’ve had it every year except for the COVID years,” said Taylor. “It’s rewarding. One of the things we do after the meal is we stand up individually and tell where we served and what our MOS was, and a little bit about what they remember. Whether they served in combat or not, it doesn’t make any difference. They still enjoy rubbing shoulders with others who have served active duty in the Marine Corps, that includes Reserves as well. Once a Marine, always a Marine. I want this word to get out in the most desperate way, so that people realize that we are up and running again.
“It’s a brotherhood of man,” Taylor said. “We are so very well trained. We are the first to fight, first ones in. We’re not there to hold an island for the duration of the war; our job is to go in and capture that island, and then turn it over to the Army and the Navy, primarily the Army. We’ve celebrated everywhere, no matter where you are.”
Marines are encouraged to call Dr. Taylor at 308-760-1523 to specify whether they would like steak or shrimp. He encourages everyone to spread the word about the return of the Marine Corps Birthday Ball returning to Alliance.
He explained that the Marine Corps is primarily an all-volunteer service, with the exception of Vietnam, where they had to rely on conscriptions. Dr. Taylor explained that recruiters for the Marine Corps have already filled their quota for 2024, and are actively working to recruit for 2025.
“It’s a proudful organization, it truly is, and it always will be,” said Taylor. “It’s not for everybody, it truly isn’t.”
Dr. Taylor explained that among the Marines from Box Butte County is Medal of Honor Recipient Private First Class Ronald Coker, who gave his life while serving in Vietnam. According to Coker’s Citation, he risked his life above and beyond the call of duty, pursuing enemy soldiers on a narrow jungle trail with his squad until they reached a cave. When they reached the cave, they encountered hostile fire, which seriously wounded one Marine.
“Observing the wounded man lying exposed to continuous enemy fire, Pfc. Coker disregarded his safety and moved across the fire-swept terrain toward his companion,” the Citation states. “Although wounded by enemy small-arms fire, he continued to crawl across the hazardous area and skillfully threw a hand grenade into the enemy positions, suppressing the hostile fire sufficiently to enable him to reach the wounded man. As he began to drag his injured comrade toward safety, a grenade landed on the wounded marine. Unhesitatingly, Pfc. Coker grasped it with both hands and turned away from his wounded companion, but before he could dispose of the grenade it exploded. Severely wounded, but undaunted, he refused to abandon his comrade. As he moved toward friendly lines, two more enemy grenades exploded near him, inflicting still further injuries.”
His actions inspired his fellow Marines to take aggressive action to suppress the enemy fire, according to the Citation. Others were able to reach him and carry him to an area, where he succumbed to his wounds.
“Pfc. Coker’s indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country,” the Citation states.