250TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
All who are attending the Mesquite NV Marines 250th Marine Corps Birthday Celebration, sponsoring the Celebration, or donating to the Celebration please send an email to info@mesquitenvmarines.org so that you receive all our updates, announcements, and opportunities to support this historic celebration.
- Please include in your email your contact telephone number and the names of those in your party.
- If you have not or do not receive a response from reservations@mesquitenvmarines.org please call our contact telephone number: 702.343.7070.
- If you have any questions these two email addresses are the most effective and speedy way to get answers.
CasaBlanca Hotel Reservation Information:
Reservations: 702-343-7070
Group Name: 250th Marine Corp Birthday Celebration
Group Code: 1CORP25
Payment at check-in.
All hotel reservations must be completed prior to cutoff date 10 October 2025 (10/10/25)
If sharing a room, please add the second person to the reservation for check in purposes.
The offer code is #1CORP25
https://book.rguest.com/onecart/wbe/offers/691/mg-casablancaresort?offerCode=1CORP25
Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
our 250th Marine Corps Birthday Celebration
Guest of Honor
Col. Gerald "Gerry" Berry
MARINE CORPS PILOT
Colonel Berry is a 1983 graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. LtCol Berry then was the Commanding Officer of VMO-1 from July 1985 – February 1987. He is also a 1988 graduate of the Naval War College, with follow-on assignments as Executive Officer of the Basic School, G-3 of the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, and as the Commanding Officer of both MAGTF 1-90 and 4-90.
He participated in multiple operations, including Operations Frequent Wind and Eagle Pull, during his tenure in Vietnam supporting the Marine Corps. His most memorable operation was on April 29-30, 1975, as part of Operation Frequent Wind. He flew a CH-46 helicopter (known as “The Lady Ace”) non-stop for over 18 hours during the evacuation of Saigon. His mission culminated with the successful airlift of U.S. Ambassador Graham Martin out of Saigon, signaling the end of the Vietnam War.
Returning from Vietnam in February 1970, Colonel Berry was ordered to OV-10 transition training at Meridian, Mississippi. He served in multiple positions afterward, including Assistant Director of Training, Flight Instructor, Operations Officer of MAG-24, and Assistant Director for Procurement. Colonel Berry is a 1983 graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and a 1988 graduate of the Naval War College, with follow-on assignments as Executive Officer of the Basic School, G-3 of the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, and as the Commanding Officer of both MAGTF 1-90 and 4-90.
In July 1991, he assumed command of Marine Aircraft Group 36, overseeing 60 aircraft and 3,000 men to support fleet operations during Operation Desert Shield. Throughout his career, he continued pursuing excellence by training Marines and sharing his story into retirement.
Colonel Berry’s military decorations include three Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Single Mission Air Medals, the Air Medal (46 awards), and the Navy Commendation Medal.
The Mesquite NV Marines 249th US Marine Corps Birthday Celebration was held at the 1880 Grille Sun City Mesquite, NV on 10 November 2024. LtGen H.S. Clardy III was our Guest of Honor.
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