Friday, November 13, 2026
Clockwise: Joe Mealey, event organizer (standing), Jim Olmes, Preston Stiner and son, Matthew Stiner (both USMC), Jason Cooper, Keely Stiner and Linda Dolinger. Photos by Maria Lamb
Brothers, Jim Sida and Nick Sida, both USMC, with grandson/nephew Cole in the middle.
Youngest Marine in the room, Jason Cooper with two tours in Iraq and oldest Marine, Jack Stringer, Korean Warera veteran.
Father, Dale Nash (right) with son, Cory Nash, both USMC.
Today, brave U. S. Marines are deployed around the world to “fight our country’s battles on the air and land and sea.”
In celebration of the 242nd birthday of the Marines, Preston Stiner shared birthday remarks made by Lieutenant General John LeJeune, the 13th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. The poignant message, from November 1, 1921, still rings true today:
“In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our Corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term ‘Marine’ has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.”
To the Marines gathered at the Marco Island Brewery to celebrate the 242nd Marine Corps birthday, the term “Marine” was indeed a very distinguishing and special term. They were part of the “few and the brave.”
A big oohrah to Joe and Linda Mealey for organizing this annual event for the last six years and their efforts were appreciated by everyone present during the celebration. Thank you to Marco Island Brewery owners, Frank LaCava and Jamie Shea for their generosity in providing the food for this special occasion.
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