Meet Our Donors
Steve Shaw Enlisting in the Corps was the best decision I could have made in 1956. I was accepted into the band and enjoyed it more than I could have known. My drum major was the ideal role model. What I learned from this Gunnery Sergeant and other Marines guided me professionally and personally my entire life.
In my two years in the Corps, I learned more about life and how to live it than ever before. It was knowledge that I used throughout my career at GM. I also found out that people treat you with respect if they know you’ve been in the Marine Corps. And, I gained three lifelong friends — fellow Marines with whom I’ve been close for over 50 years.
Preserving our history is important to me and to Marines everywhere. When I finally got to see the Museum I was blown away by it — it is truly awesome and does justice to the Corps. I couldn’t be more satisfied — my legacy gift is an ideal way to support the mission of the MCHF.
Jack Dufour, USMC (Ret) Early on, Jack Dufour wanted to be a
Physical Education teacher and a coach.
However, like many boys his age,
he lacked the maturity and drive
to make a successful transition
into college. But when a Marine
encouraged Jack to enlist, it was
the turning point in his life.
Three years later, young Corporal
Dufour had gained the skills to
pursue his dream. He went on to retire
after a successful teaching and coaching
career spanning more than 30 years.
“Motivation and confi dence–
that’s how the Corps helped me
achieve my goal”. Jack is active
in the Marine Corps League
Detachment 711 Monterey
Bay, and served the past
three years as their
Commandant.
Col Sara "Sally" J. Pritchett, USMC (Ret) When suicide bombers attacked the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon on 23
October 1983, it was the Corps’ deadliest single-day death toll since Iwo Jima.
Colonel Sara Pritchett, usmc (ret), joint public affairs officer for the 4th Marine Division and the 4th
Aircraft Wing, had overall responsibility for the media. Sally is proud that she played a role in such
an important historical event, and it is one of her fondest memories. "Enlisting in the Marine
Corps changed my life and shaped who I am today. I can’t imagine my life without the
Corps." She continued to serve as a public affairs officer until her 1987 retirement.
RON CHRISTMAS' USMC (RET) Marine Corps service spans 34 years, culminating with retirement as Lieutenant General. In 1968 Christmas took part in the battle for Hue City and was subsequently awarded the Navy Cross for his actions. He is the past President and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, where he led the charge to expand the National Museum of the Marine Corps. "I could not be involved in the building of this extraordinary Museum without caring about its long-term prosperity. By including the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation in my estate plan, I've made a commitment to the Museum's future."
