Blue Heart Journey: 239th Marine Corps Birthday Ball

Our last Birthday Ball overseas while on the MSG program; it was the perfect finale. Douglas has always been accustomed to working at the annual Birthday Ball celebrations while in the fleet because he is a musician in the Marine Corps Band. Working as a musician at the Ball, however, is very different than working as its coordinator and host. That is the job of all Detachment Commanders on the MSG program. They are responsible for planning and organizing every single detail of the Birthday Ball. Preparations for the current year’s Ball begin in January of the same year. In fact, due to the constant changeover of personnel in the detachment, the Marines who began preparations for this year’s Ball are not the Marines who actually executed it. In the fleet, each Squadron or Battalion has a Birthday Ball committee, consisting of several Marines who work together to plan their unit’s Ball celebration. Douglas did it with a team of seven Marines from MSG Detachment Hanoi. That is one of the biggest differences between Ball celebrations on and off the program. Most detachments have no more than five to seven Marines total to plan the Ball for their city. It is a large task but each Detachment Commander at their assigned post does it year after year.

Douglas and the Marines of the detachment did an excellent job with this year’s Birthday Ball, and I’m not just saying that because I clearly have a biased opinion towards my husband. Douglas has organized and hosted three Birthday Ball celebrations while on this program, and this one was by far the best. I am so proud of my husband and all the Marines for their hard work and dedication to making the 239^th Birthday Ball in Hanoi a spectacular event. Even three weeks later, the positive feedback about that night is still pouring in.

As each year passes, I am more and more honored to be a part of this incredible Marine Corps family and community. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d one day marry a man in the military. And I must say, though I have great respect for every branch of the armed services, there is no doubt that I am keen on the best of the best – my United States Marine Corps.

Happy 239^th Birthday Marines!

Douglas speaking with the Chef for the event.

The Fallen Comrades Table pays respect to all Marines who could not attend the Ball because they had given their lives in defense of the nation. For the first time, I looked at the table differently because I now know a fallen hero and think of him and his family every single day. SSgt David Stewart, thank you for your service and your protection. Today and always, we honor you.

The official party consists of the senior member of the embassy community (who is also the guest of honor), the gust speaker, and the Detachment Commander. Charge d'Affaires Claire Pierangelo is the Deputy Chief of Mission, second in seniority to the Ambassador. Our former Ambassador had departed post back in August and his replacement had yet to arrive. The guest speaker, Major General H. Stacy Clardy III, is currently the commanding general of the Third Marine Division.

The cake detail pays respect to the guest of honor, the oldest Marine present, and the youngest Marine present.

Ryan Hardin was promoted from Corporal to Sergeant at the Birthday Ball, an honor not often seen in the Corps.

Charge Pierangelo was presented with a custom Marine oar.

Major General Clardy was presented a Vietnamese gong as a token of appreciation.

Pictured here was each Marine in attendance, past and present.

Major General Clardy and Douglas were able to share a moment of peace after the ceremony.

The guest speaker's wife, retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Alison Clardy, was a joy to be around.

The first two people we met in Hanoi, our wonderful sponsors, Antonette and Jeff. They are such a beautiful couple, inside and out.

Myself with the Marine maid, Ms. Loan. She is such a sweetheart.

Extremely grateful this beautiful girl arrived in Hanoi. Sunny and I.

Another darling woman I have the pleasure of being friends with in Hanoi, Aundra.

Ms. Trang works in the procurement section of the General Services office of the embassy. She negotiated the contract for the Ball extensively, saving the detachment hundreds of dollars from the final bill.

Great group of people!


We just love these two!

The Marines toast to another successful birthday celebration.

Sergeant Matthew Gaffey is easily the craziest member of the group...he was not allowed to drink that night, so all of this was done while sober.

"Gangnam Style" came on and Douglas caught the fever!

Douglas putting his moves down on the dance floor!

Yep, that's my husband!

I had to put my moves on as well. But I stuck with the two step.

After mulling it over for a couple months I finally decided to get my Ball dress made about a month prior to the event. I am beyond elated about my decision. This was my first time designing my own dress, from choosing the material, to the cut, and down to the smallest details of adding that black satin sash above the waist. I'm also very thankful I had my friend Sunny there to help with the selection and details of this dress as well as two others I had made. I sure will miss Vietnam after we leave.