THE CROWD:Mess Night 2006 honors Marines

The 1st Battalion, 1st Marines — activated March 1, 1941, at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba — became the 1st Marine Division of the Fleet Marine Force.

The battalion participated in major WWII campaigns, including Guadalcanal, Okinawa. Following the end of WWII, they were relocated to Camp Pendleton and have served in Korea, Vietnam, the Cuban Missile Crisis, Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and now Iraq.

On Oct. 27, more than 500 dedicated soldiers — past and present — converged upon the ballroom of the Balboa Bay Club and Resort in Newport Beach to take part in Mess Night.

They came in dress uniform, escorting wives in floor length gowns. Retired soldiers and friends came in obligatory black tie, while others chose the traditional Scottish kilt. It was a night of high formality and even higher revelry. For these are, after all, very serious men, facing serious world conflict.

Hosted by the city of Newport Beach and underwritten in part by the Balboa Bay Club, the evening was an expression of support from the community at large.

Local dignitaries organizing the event included chair Steve Bromberg and a committee of men dedicated to the cause. Homer Bludau, Charles Dryer, Jim Kaylor, Dick Kurth, Francis Quinlan, John Rhodes, Tim Sloat, Steven Spriggs, George Tepich and the Balboa Bay Club’s own Bob Cunningham joined with restaurateur Dan Marcheano of the Arches to ensure a perfect evening for the Marines.

Marcheano served as Mr. Vice, a name given to a man serving as an official “officer at arms” in charge of the evening protocol. And protocol is deemed most important. Anyone out of line, or improperly attired (black tie means black tie — no red tie) was fined, as “Mr. Vice” circled the ballroom in search of offenders, raising cash for Marine charities. (No fines less than $1. No fines more than $5. No change. No refunds).

It was also a night of toasts. The mess brought together friends who had been out of touch, as well as former retired Marines from the 1st Battalion meeting young soldiers. Naturally, there were stories shared, memories relived, well-wishes for the future and hope offered to return again in 2007, and for many years to come.

For those unfamiliar with military life, it is very different indeed from the civilian path. Almost hard to imagine in some ways.

For an outsider, it is a family — almost a sub-culture or separate society. The code of honor is real. The code of conduct is ingrained. The party began at 1800 with a cocktail hour. That’s 6 p.m. for civilians.

No one was late. At 1915 (7:15 p.m.), the dinner program began, followed by what is called “Shed a Tear” at 2000 (8 p.m.), a prayer of memory dedicated to a chosen military man from history.

Toasts, introductions and speeches followed.

Dinner was served. the Balboa Bay Club went all out. Henry Schielein, club president and chief operating officer, is involved in supporting the military. This was an important dinner for him. He had instructed his staff accordingly.

The hotel’s two celebrated chefs, Josef Lagader and Yvon Goetz, prepared a meal fit for a Marine. A bay shrimp cocktail began the meal. Caesar salad followed.

An entree of thick and tender roasted prime rib with a baked potato offered with and all the condiments (bacon, chives, sour cream and butter) was served. Waiters were assigned to each table. They stood at the ready. Water glasses were never empty. Wine was poured. Another waiter took orders from the bar.

Following the meal, before dessert and an address from guest of honor Maj. Gen. Michael R. Lehnert, commander of Marine Corps Installations West, the entire ballroom was adjourned to the Coconut Grove for cigars and cognac.

Returning to the ballroom, like clockwork, the major general was welcomed, and he offered an upbeat and spirited talk on the Corps.

Distinguished Marines in the assemblage included Lt. Col. Jeffrey T. Conner, Maj. Gen. Bruce G. Graler, 1st Sgt. David V. Hannon, Capt. Brandon W. Graham, 1st Lt. Sean M. Williams, 1st Sgt. Lance V. Chwan, Capt. Stefan R. Barr, 2nd Lt. Jonathan C. Pax, 1st Sgt. Terry Petersen, Col. Jeffrey J. Snow, Lt. Col. Jason Q. Bohm and Lt. Col. David J. Furness.

Also in the crowd were Lido Isle residents Kimo and Alison McCormick, who lost their nephew in the Iraq War.

As tradition dictates, more toasts were offered at 2100 (9 p.m.) as the Marine Band played on.

“The Marine’s Hymn” played, touting the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli. And it ended with the verse, “In many strife we’ve fought for life, and never lost our nerve. If the Army and the Navy ever gaze on Heaven’s scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines.”

And so it was, Mess Night 2006 in Newport Beach for the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines in Newport Beach.