Wounded Marines Sent to Birthday Ball in Memory of Son

Grieving father sends wounded soldiers to the Marine Corps Birthday Ball
Star Telegram
Sandra J Engelland
Posted Saturday, Nov. 08, 2014

Ryan Robinson of Keller loved the Marines and dressing up
in his uniform to celebrate the Marines Birthday Ball.

For Doug Robinson, the arrival of the Marine Corps Birthday Ball each November carries a duffel bag’s worth of bittersweet emotions.

The formal affair was beloved by his son, Ryan — a Marine who delighted in the pomp and circumstance of the ball until his death in 2008.

Ryan can’t go to the ball anymore, his father says, but others can — with his help. Taking up the banner, Robinson started a nonprofit organization called Ryan’s Project in 2010 and began raising funds that have sent six to 10 soldiers a year to one of the local Marine Corps balls.

“The Marine Corps is different from the other services,” the Keller resident says. “They’re a family. Once a Marine, always a Marine.”

The United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball is the formal gala that takes place on or around Nov. 10 each year to celebrate the establishment of the Continental Marines in 1775. The balls honor Marine Corps history, traditions and accomplishments.

This year, Ryan’s former unit, the 14th Marine Regiment, celebrates Saturday at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, while the Marine Aircraft Group 41 will throw a party Friday at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
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