2009 WINE COUNTRY MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY BALL FACTS:
KEY FACTS
The 2009 "Wine Country Marine Corps Birthday Ball" celebrating the 234th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2009 at The Lodge At Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa located at 1325 Broadway in Sonoma, California. The event includes traditional Marine Corps Birthday Ceremonies and dancing to a live band. The Cocktail Reception starts at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Ceremony at 7:30 p.m. A traditional Prime Rib Dinner will be served during the Dance immediately following the Ceremony.
LtGen. John W. Bergman, USMC
2009 GUEST Of HONOR:
LIEUTENANT GENERAL JOHN W. BERGMAN, USMC
We take great pleasure in announcing that Lieutenant General John W. Bergman, USMC will be our Guest of Honor at the 2009 Wine Country Marine Corps Birthday Ball.
General Bergman is the former Commander, Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North. He will be the first active duty General officer and the first Naval Aviator to be our guest of honor.
A Naval Aviator and decorated combat veteran, he flew CH-46 helicopters with HMM-164 during the Vietnam war. As a pilot, he has flown both helicopters (CH-46 Sea Knight, UH-1 Huey) and fixed wing aircraft (T-28 Trojan, KC-130 Hercules). His distinguished career has spanned the last four decades.
General Bergman's distinguished career also included the following high-profile assignments: Commanding Officer, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing; Commanding Officer, 4th Force Service Support Group; Chairman, Secretary of the Navy's Marine Corps Reserve Policy Board; and Director, Reserve Affairs.
TICKETS
Tickets to this popular event are limited and reservations are required. The price per person is only $95. or $190. per couple. Without question, this very elegant Ball is one of the most moderately priced formal events within the California Wine Country today. Order your tickets early by calling: (707) 537-8576. Please leave a message and someone will return your call. If you have attended our Birthday Ball during the recent past, you should be on our mailing list. If so, a formal invitation will be mailed to you after Labor Day. If you do not get this invitation by September 15th, or if you have changed your mailing address, please call (707) 537-8576 and leave your name, address and phone number.
LODGING
The Lodge at Sonoma has special room rates for this event. These rates are for November 8, 2009 only. To receive the special rates you must phone the Lodge at Sonoma's toll-free Central reservation number (888) 710-8008 and identify yourself as being with "The Marine Corps Birthday Ball" group.
WHO CAN ATTEND
The "Wine Country Marine Corps Birthday Ball" is celebrated annually on or about November 10th in Sonoma, California by Marines, friends of the Corps and members of the other U.S. Armed Forces (Active Duty, Reserve, Retired, or Honorably Discharged). The Birthday Ball is open to both Officer and Enlisted men and women along with their guests.
ATTIRE
Required attire for men is black tie or "best" military uniform. A coat and tie is required. The wearing of miniature medals is encouraged. The formal evening (mess) dress uniform for both Commissioned Officers and SNCOs is a popular choice. The uniform of the Marine Corps League (the scarlet blazer or evening dress jacket with gold cummerbund) is also appropriate. Ladies' attire should meet similar standards.
