United in Honor to Celebrate Our Heroes
Join Us in Paying Tribute to Our Brave Veterans and Marines
Celebrating the US Marine Corps
This year, we proudly celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps' selfless service and sacrifice for our great nation. Join us on November 10th at the Casa Blanca Casino and Resort for an evening of honor, unity, and celebration.
The evening (with elements of a traditional Birthday Ball) will include:
- Happy Hour at 5PM – 3 cash bars inside the ballroom
- A formal program and sit-down dinner featuring salad, main course, and dessert
- Remarks from Guest of Honor, Col Berry, USMC (Ret.)
- Socializing and dancing with a live DJ and dance floor
- Last call at 9:45PM
We will capture the evening with informal pictures during the Celebration and have a photographer taking individual, couple, and group pictures with the National and Marine Corps colors (Price to be determined).
Dress Code:
This is not a formal event – business casual attire is welcome. Marines and veterans are encouraged to wear their uniforms (Uniforms must meet with service standards, and individuals must adhere to personal appearance guidelines.).
Seats Available:
our 250th Marine Corps Birthday Celebration
Guest of Honor
Col. Gerald "Gerry" Berry
MARINE CORPS PILOT
Colonel Berry is a 1983 graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. LtCol Berry then was the Commanding Officer of VMO-1 from July 1985 – February 1987. He is also a 1988 graduate of the Naval War College, with follow-on assignments as Executive Officer of the Basic School, G-3 of the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, and as the Commanding Officer of both MAGTF 1-90 and 4-90.
He participated in multiple operations, including Operations Frequent Wind and Eagle Pull, during his tenure in Vietnam supporting the Marine Corps. His most memorable operation was on April 29-30, 1975, as part of Operation Frequent Wind. He flew a CH-46 helicopter (known as “The Lady Ace”) non-stop for over 18 hours during the evacuation of Saigon. His mission culminated with the successful airlift of U.S. Ambassador Graham Martin out of Saigon, signaling the end of the Vietnam War.
Returning from Vietnam in February 1970, Colonel Berry was ordered to OV-10 transition training at Meridian, Mississippi. He served in multiple positions afterward, including Assistant Director of Training, Flight Instructor, Operations Officer of MAG-24, and Assistant Director for Procurement. Colonel Berry is a 1983 graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and a 1988 graduate of the Naval War College, with follow-on assignments as Executive Officer of the Basic School, G-3 of the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, and as the Commanding Officer of both MAGTF 1-90 and 4-90.
In July 1991, he assumed command of Marine Aircraft Group 36, overseeing 60 aircraft and 3,000 men to support fleet operations during Operation Desert Shield. Throughout his career, he continued pursuing excellence by training Marines and sharing his story into retirement.
Colonel Berry’s military decorations include three Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Single Mission Air Medals, the Air Medal (46 awards), and the Navy Commendation Medal.
The Mesquite NV Marines 249th US Marine Corps Birthday Celebration was held at the 1880 Grille Sun City Mesquite, NV on 10 November 2024. LtGen H.S. Clardy III was our Guest of Honor.
honoring our veterans
The Heartbeat of Patriotism in Mesquite
Military service is both an honor and a duty that sustains, strengthens and safeguards our natural and constitutional rights as Americans. This service helps define and mold the men and women of this great country into good and productive citizens, afford personal investment in the life of our great nation, and provide a legacy for those to follow in future years. Many have served and go on to a life of service as first responders, business owners, medical and mental health providers, business managers and employees, and elected public servants.
The cost bore by our nations veterans is great relationally, emotionally, physically, and financially. The cost is no less for their families: spouses and children, parents and siblings, friends, and neighbors and co-workers. It is good, right, and salutary that we should pause and honor our veterans and those who love them for the sacrifices made and time given at duty stations, training exercises, and deployments to foreign lands and combat zones. Our veterans’ legacy extends beyond their individual service as siblings, children, nephews and nieces and neighbors join our military services because of them and the lives they live.
Our local and national businesses generously support our veterans in a number of ways. We also recognize that they are taking their hard-earned money to support our veterans with programs and discounts. Our local, county and state businesses generously and selflessly support our veterans and this Celebration effort.
The Mesquite NV Marines Celebration’s genesis is the result of two Marine corporals (NCOs are the backbone of the Corps) who grieved there was no Mesquite Marine Birthday celebration for them to participate in 2024. They began planning and recruiting others to join them in this effort. Soon they had a sailor and a rabbi (served in the Israeli Defense Force during the 1967 War), another Marine, and a sister as part of the planning committee. The first Mesquite NV Marines Birthday Celebration was on 10 November 2024 at the 1880 Grille in Sun City Mesquite, NV. 96 Marines and veterans, their families, and local officials celebrated the 249th Birthday of our beloved Corps. Since them more Marines and family have joined in the planning for the 250th Marine Corps Birthday Celebration.
Mesquite NV Marines
- is a Nevada registered Domestic Non-Profit Corporation and listed on Silver Flume Nevada Business Portal (nvsilverflume.gov/home).
- is working to get its 501.c.3 designation through the IRS and then a Nevada Tax Exempt Letter.
- has a IRS EIN.
Patriotism in Action:
The Spirit of the Marine Corps Birthday
Patriotism is not a ritual but a core element of Americans. Pride in the accomplishments of those who have preceded us, those who have struggled with us to preserve and promote life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and those who will follow us in the years, decades, and hopefully centuries in the future.
Our Marine Corps Birthday Celebrations embrace these three groups. We welcome and support all who have a selfless love for our great nation and work as they are able to preserve and protect it while instilling that love in the lives of others.
Supporting Our Heroes
Businesses That Supported Us
CasaBlanca Resort and Casino
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Clark County Printing and Mailing
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Danielle's Chocolates & Popcorn
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The Power of Your Contribution
Your Support Makes a Tremendous Difference
Supporting our mission is as vital as ever, and we warmly invite you to become a generous donor. Our future efforts will expand to include enhancing the Marine Corps Birthday Celebration experience with additional events and help veterans' families with scholarships. Your financial support allows us to continue honoring those who served and provide a welcoming community for veterans and their families.
Help us perpetuate the proud legacy of the Marine Corps, enriching lives and ensuring their brave stories continue to inspire future generations.
Timeless Snapshots of the event
Our gallery showcases the powerful moments from past events—each image representing the strength, unity, and camaraderie shared at our gatherings. These photos reflect the heart of our community, and we invite you to be part of future memories.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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