You are invited to help us honor Gold Star Mother Nancy Smith on Sat. March 29, 2025 at our annual Mess Night.
See the attached invitation for more details and ticket ordering information.
What: The 48th Annual Bethlehem Detachment 284 Marine Corps League Mess Night honoring the Citizen of the Year.
(What is a “Mess Night”? It is a traditional military dinner featuring military traditions and good natured fun, all designed to raise money for worthy causes. We support the Marine Youth Program and scholarship programs.)
When: Saturday March 29, 2025
Time: Cash Bar opens at 1700 (5 P. M.)
Where: West Coplay Meannerchor, 3326 N. Ruch St., Whitehall, Pa.
Attire: MCL or Military Uniform or Business Suit, Business Casual
Ticket cost: $35
Sponsorships welcomed. See the attached flyer.
Items for the Silent Auction needed.
Who is Nancy Smith?
The Citizen of the Year for Bethlehem Detachment 284 MCL is Nancy Smith, a Gold Star Mother and honorary member of Detachment 284 of the Marine Corp League. Nancy has been an integral part of the veteran’s community in Lehigh Valley for over five years. In her capacity as a Community Ambassador for Mission BBQ out of Whitehall. PA she has touched the lives of hundreds of veterans. It is her mission to bring donated meals to veteran-related activities and organizations around the Lehigh Valley. She has delivered donated meals to 20 to 25 separate organizations and met hundreds of veterans in the process. Her service is always accompanied by her unfailing smile, enthusiasm, and concern for the veterans that she serves.
She has been actively involved with the community for many years. She has supported the Patriot Guard, the Belleau Wood Chapter of Leatherneck Nation, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club, veteran-related events at DeSales University, the Bethlehem Detachment 284 of the Marine Corps League. Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council, Honorary First Defenders. She has also provided donated meals to Bethlehem, Fullerton, Hokey, Palmer and other American Legions, and to the Egypt, Macungie and other VFWs.
Nancy has also supported the Fleet Reserve, Tails of Valor, and the Veterans Brotherhood.
Nancy and her husband, Brian Smith, lost their son, Joshua, to PTSD after he was honorably discharged from the U, S. Marine Corps.
Nancy and Brian have been married 42 years. Nancy and Brian are a Gold Star Family. Nancy is a Gold Star Family liaison for Mission BBQ. In that capacity she travels around the country unveiling the Gold Star Mother’s wall at Mission BBQ‘s locations around the country.
In 2023 Nancy was granted Honorary Membership in Detachment 284 of the Marine Corps League.
Hope to see you there!
Douglas Graves, Immediate Past Commandant Bethlehem Detachment Marine Corps League
For tickets contact: Senior Vice Commandant George Borman at
P. O. Box 317, Schencksville, PA 18074 – Telephone 484-664-8862
Bethlehem Detachment 284 is a member of the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LMAC), all of whom are encouraged to attend.
