The 2023 Marine Corps Distinguished Shooters Association Reunion/Cookout
BACKGROUND:
Since 2013 members of the Marine Corps Distinguished Shooters’ Association (MCDSA) have been gathering at the Marine Corps Match (MCM) site (mostly at Stone Bay, Camp Lejeune, NC). Sometime prior to that first Reunion/Cookout, the late Capt. Frank E. Hensel USMC (Ret.) suggested to Capt. David A. Luke USMC (Ret.) that it would be a good idea for the Association to meet during the MCM to make the Association better known to the MCM competitors. Over the years the Competition-in-Arms Program (CIAP) has gone through several changes to the conduct of the matches, courses of fire, and schedule…not to mention different locations. Also, it is no longer referred to as the MCM. It is now called the Marine Corps Marksmanship Championships (MCMC). There are still matches conducted at the old familiar locations each year, but now the MCMC finale is being conducted at Weapons Training Battalion (WTBN), Quantico, VA.
The Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition schedule has been posted, and the Marine Corps Marksmanship Championships (MCMC) this year will be held from 28 March thru 7 April 2023. Therefore, our annual Reunion/Cookout this year will be on Saturday, 1 April 2023 from 1200 – 1700 and will be hosted by CWO3 Randy Allen USMC (Ret.) at his home near Lake Anna.
COOKOUT LOCATION:
Randy purchased a large tract of land and a beautiful mansion that once served as a Union Hospital during the Civil War. He’s also hosted many gatherings at his place, so he is no stranger to putting on a great shindig. Robin and I plan to be there several days in advance, and will be there early on Saturday morning to help set up. As in the past, if anyone else would like to help out with preparations (setting up coolers, tents, tables and chairs, etc.), please contact me directly. The menu this year will include Pecan Smoked Brisket, Boston Butts, and Chicken with Corn on the Cob, Slaw, and Baked Beans as sides prepared by JW Johnson. Vince Sulik will also be cooking lots of Catfish for us to enjoy as well. I recently spoke to Col Willis, and he stated that he plans on making this Reunion/Cookout.
Cost: The cost of the Cookout this year will be $25.00 per person and includes all food and drinks. There will also be a Silent Auction, a 50/50, and several other raffles throughout the afternoon. If by chance you have any items that you would like to donate for the auction, please bring them. We’ve auctioned many different items – paintings, shooting gear, gun belts and holsters, ammunition, wood carvings. plaques and clothes…you name it. All proceeds will go directly toward the funding and operating costs of the MCDSA. The second edition of “The Red Book – The History of Marine Corps Competitive Marksmanship” has been a big success. The first edition was printed in 1961 and covered the period from 1901 – 1959. As I’m sure you are aware, the second edition covers from 1960 to 2010. Both editions will be available at the Reunion/Cookout, along with our fraternal items for sale. The next big publication our association is gearing up for is a “Coffee Table” picture and story book of our association members. This was the brainchild of Capt Don R. “Dumpy” Bartlett. USMC (Ret.). We have to capture our marksmanship heritage over the years, and just as our members responded to the call for support for the Red Book project, I’m sure we’ll get the same for this one. Also, if you would like to contribute an article for the upcoming Badge Newsletter, please forward to Ms. Carole Ellison at caroleellison5@msn.com as soon as possible. We would like to have the next Badge available at the Reunion/Cookout.
LODGING IN THE AREA:
- Best Value Inn, Dumfries: 703-221-1115
- Candlewood Suites, Dumfries: 571-659-9987
- Comfort Inn, Dumfries: 703-445-8070
- Comfort Inn, Stafford: 540-659-8999
- Country Inn, Stafford: 540-659-4330
- Courtyard Marriott – Stafford-Quantico: 703-221-6293
- Crossroads Inn (aboard MCB Quantico): 703-630-4444 or 800-962-0662
- Best Western Aquia, Stafford: 540-659-0022
- Hampton Inn, Stafford: 540-657-0999 or 1-800-HAMPTON
- Hampton Inn, Dumfries: 703-441-9900 or 1-800-HAMPTON
- Holiday Inn, Dumfries: 703-441-9001
- Ramada Inn, Quantico/Triangle: 703-221-1181
- Sleep Inn, Dumfries: 703-445-0900 or 1-800-SLEEP INN
- Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Stafford: 540-522-4810
- Staybridge Suites, Stafford: 540-720-2111
- Towne Place Suites, Stafford (Marriott): 540-657-1990
- Quality Inn, Dumfries: 703-221-1141 or 1-800-4-CHOICE
Note: From I-95: Dumfries (Exit 152), Triangle (Exit 150),
National Museum of the Marine Corps (Exit 150),
MCBQ (Exits 150 & 148), Stafford/Garrisonville (Exit 143)
SPECIAL NOTE: Members that will be arriving by plane, check flights carefully. Richmond International Airport, Dulles International Airport, and Reagan National Airport are three options.
IMPORTANT! Please RSVP (with guests and children) to Danny Burke, via email: b12daniel@aol.com or text to 540-287-3833 by 24 March 2023, so we can properly plan food, drinks, and entertainment. Of course, no one will be turned away if you cannot RSVP till the last minute.
Semper Fidelis!
Danny Burke, MGySgt USMC (Ret.)
President, MCDSA
540-287-3833
PICTURES: If you have any old photos from your time on the team, please bring them. We are organizing an historical photo data base. We will have a photo scanner. All photos will be scanned and returned to the owners (please identify them). If you would like to scan your own photos and bring them to the reunion, we can copy them. Semper Fidelis! Joe Moreno.