2010 WINE COUNTRY MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY BALL FACTS:
NEW DATE
The 2010 "Wine Country Marine Corps Birthday Ball" celebrating the 235th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps will be held on Friday, November 5, 2010. This will also be the 25th Anniversary of the Wine Country Marine Corps Birthday Ball. The event includes traditional Marine Corps Birthday Ceremonies and dancing to a live band.
NEW TIME
The Cocktail Reception starts at 7:00 p.m. followed by the Ceremony at 8:00 p.m. A traditional Prime Rib Dinner will be served during the Dance immediately following the Ceremony.
NEW LOCATION
The 2010 Birthday Ball will be held at the Jacuzzi Family Vineyards located at 24724 Arnold Drive in Sonoma, California. Visit the Web site at:
The Cocktail Reception will be held within the Courtyard. The Ceremony, Dinner/Dance will be held within the Barrel Room. See photos below:
Courtyard of Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
Barrel Room of Jazuzzi Family Vineyards
MajGen. Christopher Cortez, USMC (Ret.)
2010 GUEST Of HONOR:
MAJOR GENERAL CHRISTOPHER CORTEZ, USMC (RET.)
We take great pleasure in announcing that Major General Christopher Cortez, USMC (Ret.), will be our Guest of Honor at the 2010 Wine Country Marine Corps Birthday Ball.
After 33 years of military service as a Marine Corps infantry officer, Major General Christopher Cortez retired on 1 January 2005. His final assignment was Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command, with the overall responsibility for successfully recruiting nearly 40,000 new Marines annually.
A native of Vacaville, California, and the son of Spanish immigrants, upon his retirement he was the highest-ranking Hispanic American serving in the Corps. He was also one of only three Hispanic Americans to become a two-star general in Marine Corps history. See General Cortez's distinquished biography at: www.winecountrymarines.org/birthdayballfacts/2010guestofhonor.html
TICKETS
Tickets to this popular event are limited and reservations are required. The price per person is $125.00 or $250.00 per couple. Without question, this very elegant Ball is one of the best 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 5, 2010 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. The Lodge at Sonoma is located at 1325 Broadway at Leveroni & Napa Roads Sonoma, CA 95476. Phone: (707) 935-6600. Web site:
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.
