With so many distractions in today’s fast-paced world, not all of us take the time to realize how we got here as a country.
United States Marine Corps Vet. Sean Perish and a local group of veterans, affectionately known as the “Appalachian Warrior Tribe,” have made it their mission to never let Swain County forget.
Perish and Appalachian Warrior Tribe will host its free 250th Marine Corps Birthday Celebration and Veteran’s Day Dinner at Camp Living Water beginning at noon Monday, Nov. 10. Dinner seating will start at 5 p.m.
“It’s easy to forget the many important historical milestones that ensured life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” said Perish, beaming with all-American pride. “The Marine Corps birthday on Nov. 10, 1775, is one of those. Sometimes, our nation’s adversaries forget that a United States Marine is the most lethal fighting machine on earth, so we do remind them from time to time.”
Many local veterans seek to commemorate this special day with the community they know and love.
“One thing area veterans certainly did not want to miss was celebrating their friend and fellow Marine Corps veteran, Mr. Joseph “Gunner” Vasquez,” Perish said. “Whether or not he says it himself, Gunner is one of the most selfless, God-fearing and honorable men I have ever met. He has thrown Marine Corps birthday celebrations for all the community to enjoy on his own time and effort and often at his own expense.”
Rather than organizing his annual Marine Corps birthday celebration, Gunner has, reportedly, kept busy moving debris and splitting firewood for his neighbors.
When Perish and the Appalachian Warrior Tribe heard Gunner could not host his annual Marine Corps Birthday Celebration, they stepped up.
“We didn’t know where to start, so we threw a fundraiser dinner at the tasting room at Bryson City Wine Market, followed by a Live Karaoke Jam at Tommy’s Paradise hosted by a fellow Marine, former Principal Chief Richard Sneed of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians,” said Perish. “I haven’t got to let loose like that in years. I truly enjoy the camaraderie and brotherhood of my fellow veterans.”
US Navy Vet. Gerry Laschober, owner of Cooper’s Creek Trout Farm, reportedly dropped off a $1,000 check and even got up on stage for a little karaoke singing.
Another anonymous donor dropped off more than $1,500 in cash, topped off by an online campaign that netted an additional $565.
Appalachian Warrior Tribe successfully raised $3,000 for this year’s 250th Marine Corps Birthday Celebration and Veteran’s Day Dinner.
The Appalachian Warrior Tribe considered several venue locations, finally settling on Camp Living Water. Camp Living Water boasts large event spaces, a commercial kitchen, extensive food preparation areas, indoor and outdoor activity spaces, handicap accessibility and ample parking.
“There will be an afternoon event called “Warrior Games” for children on the grounds of Camp Living Water,” Perish said. “It is important to note that this is also a local school holiday (teacher workday). An array of activities will be available for all ages to enjoy.”
The 250th Marine Corps Birthday Celebration and Veteran’s Day Dinner agenda is as followed: dinner seating (RSVP) will begin at 5 p.m. and last until 5:30 p.m. Dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. and last until 7 p.m., at which time dinner speakers will deliver remarks, special announcements, volunteer recognition, sponsor and donor recognition, silent auction and raffle announcements and offer remarks from its guest of honor, Mr. Joseph “Gunner” Vasquez (Marine retired). Dinner will be a four-course meal prepared by on-site chefs and volunteers at Camp Living Water’s commercial kitchen.
A Swain County local and ardent veteran supporter, Jan Barton, donated a brand-new electric bike for the silent auction.
“There are many more exciting prizes, so come get your Christmas shopping done early,” said Perish.
Individuals or organizations wishing to donate to this fine event hosted by the Appalachian Warrior Tribe can use the web link below to access our fee-free donation portal: http://spot.fund/53t33t6sc.
Donation checks or other correspondence may also be sent to Appalachian Warrior Tribe PO Box 748, Cherokee, NC 28719