Photo By Maj. Joseph Odorizzi | Soldiers and community Temple leaders eat and socialize at the annual Temple Military...... read more read more
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TEMPLE, Texas – Soldiers from the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), 1st Medical Brigade and the Texas Army National Guard, along with Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets from Temple High School, were treated to a military appreciation luncheon Sept. 16.
The annual event, sponsored by the Temple Chamber of Commerce, was held at Temple’s Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center. Approximately 500 to 600 military members, local veterans and community leaders attended the luncheon. The Temple High School Air Force JROTC presented the colors, and musical performances were conducted by the Belton High School Jazz Ensemble and the Temple High School Polyfoniks.
“The Chamber wanted to build upon the solid foundation established over the years and take the event to a level above,” said G. Roderick Henry, president and CEO of the Temple Chamber of Commerce. “We wanted it to be a true reflection of Temple's and the Temple Chamber's appreciation to the military – past, present and future.”
The guest speaker at the luncheon was Keifer Marshall Jr., who spoke about the historical relationship between the City of Temple and Fort Hood, his own military experience, and the importance of service and patriotism. Marshall was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and fought with the 3rd Marine Division at the Battle of Iwo Jima.
“For those of you who protect our country, our nation owes you a large and grateful thank you for your service,” said Marshall. “We must keep the flame of patriotism burning in the hearts of all our people, young and old alike.”
A lifelong resident of Temple, Marshall served as mayor from 1998 to 2002. He served as the president of the Temple Chamber of Commerce in 1960 and founded the Keifer Marshall Insurance Company in 1950. Marshall was a standout on the Temple High School football team and also played football at the University of Texas.
On Feb. 19, 1945, Marshall waded ashore with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 9th Regiment, 3rd Marine Division onto the island of Iwo Jima. At one point during the more than month long battle, his company was cut off from reinforcements and supplies for 36 hours. Out of the 250 men in his company, he was one of four to survive the fighting.
“I’m reminded of what someone had chiseled outside of the 5th Marine Division cemetery as we were leaving the island of Iwo Jima,” said Marshall. “When you go home, tell them for us and say for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”
Following Marshall’s address, retired Gen. Michael Hagee, 33rd Commandant of the Marine Corps, presented him a framed photograph of himself fighting during the battle. The photograph is one of five official photographs of the 3rd Marine Division depicting their service on Iwo Jima.
The annual luncheon began over 25 years ago with the ultimate goal of reinforcing and facilitating partnership between the city of Temple and the Fort Hood and Central Texas community. Overall responsibility for the event falls under the direction of the Temple Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council.
“It is very humbling to know that the Temple community appreciates us and that they take the time to honor us in this way,” said Sgt. Maj. Richard Carullo, 13th SC(E) operations sergeant major. "I thought the event was a great opportunity to bring the Military members and the local community leaders closer together.”
| Date Taken: | 09.16.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 09.23.2014 19:03 |
| Story ID: | 143075 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 112 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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