Celebrating The Marine Corps’ 250th Birthday on November 10

The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation (MCHF) celebrates Minnesota Marines as part of the organization’s Marines Across America program, leading up to the Marine Corps’ official 250th Anniversary on Monday, Nov. 10. In addition to spotlighting notable Marines, MCHF has partnered with each of the 50 states for a cake-cutting ceremony in November to mark the occasion.

The Marines Across America program highlights Marines who embody the values of honor, courage, and commitment within their communities and showcases the contributions Marines make in their local communities or nationally following their active-duty service. Minnesota’s Marines include one of the flag raisers at Iwo Jima, a celebrated actor, and other Marines who contributed to their community.

“Marines have always made their mark on the battlefield, but it’s important to remember they’ve also made their mark in their hometowns and communities,” said retired Marine Major General James Lukeman, president and CEO of MCHF. “As we celebrate 250 years of the Marine Corps, we honor the significant contributions that Minnesota Marines have made to our nation.”

Notable Marines with Minnesota ties include:

• Charles W. Lindberg, Edina, Minn.: A decorated World War II veteran who received the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his valor as a flamethrower operator on Iwo Jima, Lindberg was among the Marines who raised the first American flag atop Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945, an event captured in Joe Rosenthal’s iconic photograph which gave the inspiration for the design of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. After the war, he dedicated his life to sharing his experiences with students across the country, preserving the legacy of his fellow Marines until his passing in 2007.

• Mike Farrell, St. Paul, Minn.: an acclaimed actor best known for his role as Captain B.J. Hunnicutt on the television series M*A*S*H*, Farrell has used his platform to advocate for human rights and veteran causes throughout his career.

• Daniel Crawford, Austin, Minn.: Crawford walked from Austin, Minn. to Austin, Texas in 2024 to raise awareness for veteran recovery and mental health support, promoting the mission of the nonprofit 23rd Veteran.

• Charles Hawkins Sr., Coon Rapids, Minn.: The state junior vice commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Minnesota, Hawkins works to uphold veterans’ rights and strengthen the VFW’s mission across the state.

• Andrew McCormack, Detroit Lakes: With a service record of 18 years in the Marine Corps, decorated veteran McCormack is currently the department commander for the Marine Corps League of Minnesota, McCormack has also served as Owner and Chief Instructor at the firearm academy Precision Firearms Training since 2002.

“The list of notable Marines from Minnesota is impressive and showcases how they used the values and skills they learned in the Marine Corps to become leaders in their communities,” said MajGen Lukeman. “Today marks a special opportunity to recognize these extraordinary men and women for their service to our nation as well as their communities.”

Members of the public are encouraged to join the anniversary celebration and Marines Across America by sharing stories of Marines they know, both active and retired, who make a difference in their communities and their professional lives. Submissions may be made through the www.Marine250.com website.

Mike Farrell

Actor, Producer | St. Paul, Minn.

Mike Farrell is an actor, producer, and lifelong activist whose career reflects both creative success and deep personal conviction. Born in St. Paul, Minn., in 1939, he moved to Hollywood as a child and later served two years in the U.S. Marine Corps, reaching the rank of private first class. That time shaped a quiet discipline that would follow him through life.

Farrell is best known for his role as Captain B.J. Hunnicutt on “M*A*S*H,” one of the most iconic television series in American history. Off-screen, he went on to produce films like “Patch Adams” and starred in the NBC drama “Providence.” But his influence extends well beyond entertainment.

For decades, Farrell has been a fearless voice on issues like human rights, veterans’ care, and abolishing the death penalty. He served as president of Death Penalty Focus and worked internationally in places like Somalia and Bosnia as a humanitarian and advocate. 

Whether onscreen or on the ground, Farrell’s career has always pointed in one direction: toward justice, compassion, and service, values rooted in his Marine Corps past and lived out every day since.

Andrew McCormack

firearms instructor and community Lleader | Detroit Lakes

Andrew McCormack is a decorated Marine Corps veteran and lifelong firearms educator whose career reflects a deep commitment to service, safety, and community. Born and raised in Minnesota, McCormack served 18 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, rising to the rank of staff sergeant. His military tenure included roles as a motor transport maintenance chief, combat weapons instructor, and head of personal security for the commander-in-chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. He also served as a security forces cadre assistant instructor at Pearl Harbor, training thousands of Marines in firearms proficiency and personal protection techniques.

After retiring from active duty, McCormack channeled his expertise into founding Precision Firearms Training LLC in Detroit Lakes. As a certified gunsmith and instructor, he offers comprehensive firearms education, emphasizing safety and responsibility. His certifications include NRA Pistol and Rifle Instructor, Civilian Marksmanship Program Master Instructor, and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Firearms Safety Instructor.

Beyond his instructional roles, McCormack serves as the department commandant of the Marine Corps League in Minnesota, leading 15 detachments statewide and advocating for veterans’ affairs. He holds a BA in criminal justice with concentrations in homeland security and forensic psychology, integrating this knowledge into his teaching to provide a holistic approach to firearms training.

McCormack’s dedication to service extends to his family life. He and his wife Kate, who also holds a leadership position within the Marine Corps League, reside in Detroit Lakes with their children. Their son, Connor, serves as sergeant-at-arms for the League, exemplifying the family’s commitment to community and service.

From the battlefield to the classroom, Andrew McCormack embodies the Marine Corps ethos of “Semper Fidelis,” remaining always faithful to his mission of educating others and serving his community.

About the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation

Dedicated to the preservation and promulgation of Marine Corps history, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation was established in 1979 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation supports the historical programs of the Marine Corps in ways not possible through government funds. 

The Foundation provides grants and scholarships for research and the renovation, restoration and commissioning of historical Marine Corps artifacts and landmarks. The Foundation secured the necessary funding for the construction of the National Museum of the Marine Corps and Heritage Center, located in Triangle, Virginia, and continues to expand programs at the National Museum of the Marine Corps and beyond its walls. 

For more information, visit www.MarineHeritage.org.