IDAHO MARINE DELEGATION TO ATTEND OPENING
OF NATIONAL MUSEUM

POCATELLO – A delegation of five Idaho Marines plus guests will represent Idaho at the opening of the National Museum of the Marine Corps on November 10 in Quantico, Virginia. The date is the 231st birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps.

“It is with great honor we represent the Marines and State of Idaho at the dedication of the National Museum of the Marine Corps,” said Ron Tapia. “I am honored to be a part of the Idaho delegation and to attend this once in a lifetime event.” Tapia was appointed September 25 by Governor Jim Risch to serve as the Idaho Liaison for the National Museum of the Marine Corps Governor’s Council.

The official delegation representing Idaho at the dedication program include:

•  Daniel Scarborough of Roberts – combat veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam;
•  James Grimm of Idaho Falls – combat veteran, Purple Heart recipient and Bronze Star with V for
   Valor;
•  Majorie Hoffman of Idaho Falls – female Marine from WWII;
•  Major Ronald Storer of Boise – combat veteran of Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and still on active duty; and
•  Michael Bernard of Boise – Marine from the All Idaho Marine Platoon sworn in on the steps of the
   Idaho Capitol in 1968.

Guests attending the dedication ceremony include:

•  William Pretzer of Pocatello – combat veteran of Vietnam;
•  Josh Bernard of Nampa – a Marine who served in the 1990’s and son of delegation member
   Michael Bernard;
•  P. Magee of Boise – a female Marine who served in the 1980’s;
•  Roy Shreve of Post Falls – a Marine who served in the late 1970’s; and
•  Ron Tapia of Blackfoot – a Marine who served in the mid 1970’s and serves as the Idaho Liaison
   for the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

The Idaho Marine Project is raising funds to cover the cost of the trip for the official delegation. Contributions can be sent to the Military Affairs Committee of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 50498, Idaho Falls, ID 83405. Checks should be made out to the Military Affairs Committee and noted for the Idaho Marine Project.

Questions can be directed to Ron Tapia at 208-251-3364 or rttapia@myexcel.com. As the Idaho Liaison Tapia’s goal is to identify all Marines in Idaho to ensure them an opportunity to be enrolled on the Museum’s Roll of Honor.

The 100,000 square foot museum is a tribute to the U.S. Marine Corps and features a 210-foot tilted mast and glass atrium that displays suspended aircraft and other large military artifacts. The museum is situated on a 135-acre site adjacent to the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia. Visitors can experience the intensity of boot camp, test their rifle skills at a practice range and view thousands of Marine artifacts, including the flag raised over Iwo Jima.

The National Museum of the Marine Crops is a joint effort between the Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. Information about the museum can be found at www.usmcmuseum.org.

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