National Montford Point Marine Association Atlanta Chapter #5

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National Montford Point Marine Association Atlanta Chapter #5

Established to promote the legacy of the first African Americans who entered the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942 to 1949, at Montford Point Camp, New River, NC S.

The Montford Point Marine Association, Atlanta Chapter 5 is a nonprofit 501c3 Veterans organization, established to perpetuate the legacy of the first African Americans who entered the United States Marine Corps from 1942 to 1949, at the segregated training facility known as Montford Point Camp, New River, North Carolina. Their success led to the end of segregation the Armed Forces and paved the way for future generations to serve in our nation's military. Membership in the Association is open to veterans and active members of all branches of the U. Armed Forces regardless of race, creed, or national origin. The mission of the Association is to preserve the legacy of the Montford Point Marines by conducting community engagement activities aimed at educating the public on their service and sacrifice. Through this education, we hope to find additional Montford Point Marines. Approximately 20,000 African American men served at Montford Point Camp between 1942 and 1949. They were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal (the highest civilian award that can be bestowed by Congress) for their sacrifice to the nation. Of the approximately 20,000 that served, our association has found just over 3000. We aim to ensure all of this Trail Blazers are identified so that they or their families can receive the Congressional Gold Medal and finally receive the gratitude of a grateful nation. Montford Point Marine Association also consists of the an Auxiliary. Membership in the Auxiliary is open to family members of Montford Pointers as well as families of veterans who want to support our efforts in the community.

09/18/2026

A Legacy of Service. A Life Well Lived.

With heavy hearts, the National Montford Point Marine Association, Inc. Atlanta Chapter 5 mourns the passing of Corporal James “Jim” Pack, one of our beloved Montford Point Marines, at the remarkable age of 102.

Mr. Pack was more than a part of history. He was a treasured member of our Montford Point family whose life embodied faith, service, perseverance, and love of country. We extend our deepest condolences to the Pack family and thank them for sharing this remarkable Marine with us.

The Celebration of Life services are on Saturday, September 19, at Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Douglasville Chapel, 8312 Dallas Highway, Douglasville, GA 30134. Viewing will be from 10:00–11:00 a.m., followed by the Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at 581 Veterans Memorial Highway, Mableton, GA.

Rest well, Mr. Pack. Your legacy is secure, and we will carry it forward. Semper Fidelis.

09/11/2026

For some of us, September 11 is a memory. For others, it is history. It is our responsibility to make sure it is never just a date.

Twenty-five years later, many still remember exactly where they were when the world seemed to stop. We remember the disbelief, the lives lost, the heroes who answered the call, and the extraordinary way Americans reached for one another in the days that followed.

But an entire generation has now grown up without a personal memory of September 11, 2001. To them, we owe more than remembrance. We owe the story.

Today, we honor those we lost, those who served, and the families who still carry that day with them. And we pass its lessons forward so that future generations understand not only the tragedy of 9/11, but the courage, compassion, and unity that followed.

We remember. We teach. We carry it forward.

09/07/2026

THE NEXT GENERATION.
The legacy of the Montford Point Marines is not only about remembering those who came before us. It is also about investing in those who will carry the legacy forward.

At our Montford Point Marines Day Gala, we were proud to recognize our 2026 scholarship recipients and welcome young men and women preparing to become tomorrow’s leaders.

With Montford Point Marines, veterans, active-duty service members, and our youth all represented in the same room, the connection between generations was impossible to miss.

They opened the doors. We have a responsibility to make sure the next generation keeps moving forward.

This is how a legacy lives.

Where History Began. Where Legends Continue.

08/31/2026

A LEGACY FINALLY RECOGNIZED.

One of the most meaningful moments of our Montford Point Marines Day Gala came as we welcomed the family of Montford Point Marine Ernest H. Lyons into the Congressional Gold Medal family.

After serving his country as a Montford Point Marine, Mr. Lyons continued breaking barriers at home as one of Atlanta’s first Black police officers, helping pave the way for the integration of the Atlanta Police Department.

With his family in attendance, National President Ronald C. Johnson presented the Congressional Gold Medal recognition earned through Mr. Lyons’ service, a recognition decades in the making.

Nearly 20,000 African American men trained at Montford Point between 1942 and 1949, yet thousands remain unidentified today. Every newly discovered Marine represents another name restored to history and another family given the opportunity to learn what their loved one helped accomplish.

Another Montford Point Marine discovered. Another family connected. Another story restored to history. Now you know his name. Now you know his story. And history known cannot be erased.

City of Atlanta Police Department

08/29/2026

BECAUSE THEY WENT FIRST

The Montford Point Marines showed us what it means to go first, to step into spaces where no path existed and create opportunities for generations who would follow.

During our Montford Point Marines Day Gala, Atlanta Chapter 5 continued that story with the Celebration of Firsts Award, recognizing trailblazers whose lives embody that same pioneering spirit.

We proudly honored:
Major James Capers Jr., USMC (Ret.) - Medal of Honor recipient and Marine Corps trailblazer whose legendary career carried the legacy of Montford Point forward.

Mayor Michael Owens - United States Marine veteran and the inaugural Mayor of the City of Mableton, forever holding the distinction of being the first to lead Georgia's newest city.

Major Elizabeth Stephens, USMC (Ret.) - Marine aviator and barrier breaker whose historic achievements include becoming the first Black woman to pilot the CH-46E Sea Knight and the first woman to pilot the MV-22 Osprey.

Different generations. Different journeys. But each reminds us of a powerful truth:

When someone goes first, they create possibilities for everyone who comes next.

We celebrate their accomplishments because they went first.

Where History Began. Where Legends Continue.

08/27/2026

ACT II: THE PIONEERS - LIVING HISTORY WAS IN THE ROOM

At 100 years young, Montford Point Marine Ambassador Theodore R. Britton Jr. gave our Gala audience something no documentary or history book could provide: a firsthand account from a man who actually walked the grounds of Montford Point Camp.

Ambassador Britton commanded the room, sharing his memories and offering a moving tribute to his longtime friend, Medal of Honor recipient Major James Capers Jr. Major Capers made the trip to Atlanta but was unexpectedly hospitalized the morning of the Gala. We are grateful to share that he has since been released and is back in Jacksonville recovering well.

We also deeply missed 102-year-young Montford Point Marine Mr. James Pack, who was unable to attend due to health concerns. Though he could not be with us physically, his presence was certainly felt as we honored the pioneers who paved the way.

For those experiencing Ambassador Britton for the first time, it was a rare privilege. At 100 years young, he provided the spark that took the evening to another level.

This wasn't simply a history lesson. We were listening to living history.

08/26/2026

TODAY IS National MONTFORD POINT MARINES DAY.
On August 26, 1942, the first African American recruits arrived at Montford Point Camp.

What began that day would help change the United States Marine Corps forever.

Nearly 20,000 men would eventually pass through Montford Point. They served despite segregation and discrimination, helped break one of the military's most significant racial barriers, and created opportunities for generations of Marines who followed.

Their story is American history.

Today, we honor the Montford Point Marines and recommit ourselves to ensuring their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.

Take a few minutes to learn why August 26 is Montford Point Marines Day.

Where History Began. Where Legends Continue.

08/24/2026

WHAT. A. NIGHT!!!
The 2026 Montford Point Marines Day Gala is in the books, and what an extraordinary evening it was.

From living history and firsthand reflections from Montford Point Marine Ambassador Theodore R. Britton Jr., to Congressional Gold Medal recognition, historic firsts, scholarships, active-duty service members, community leaders, sponsors and friends, the room represented exactly what this legacy is about: honoring those who went first while inspiring those who follow.

Thank you to everyone who joined Atlanta Chapter 5 and helped make this an unforgettable evening.

Over the coming days, we're going to take you back inside the Gala and share the people, stories and moments that made the evening so special.

Where History Began. Where Legends Continue.

Stay tuned. There is much more to come.

08/15/2026

ONE WEEK AWAY. HISTORY WILL BE IN THE ROOM.

On August 22, generations of Marine Corps history will come together in Atlanta.

The Montford Point Marines opened the door, breaking barriers beginning in 1942 and changing the Marine Corps forever.

Medal of Honor recipient Major James Capers, Jr. represents a generation that walked through that door and carried their legacy forward.

Next Saturday, they come together. Montford Point Marines. A Medal of Honor recipient. Congressional Gold Medal families. Trailblazers. Veterans. Today's service members.

This is living history, and opportunities like this are becoming increasingly rare.

If you've been waiting to register, now is the time.
August 22, 2026 | Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway

Where History Began. Where Legends Continue.

Register today: atl-mpma.org/gala

08/08/2026

The Wait Is Over...

We are honored to announce that Medal of Honor recipient Major James Capers, Jr., USMC (Ret.) will join us as the Guest of Honor for the 2026 Montford Point Marines Day Gala on August 22.

Following his historic Medal of Honor recognition, Major Capers has been traveling the country to connect with communities and fellow Marines. We are especially honored that he chose Atlanta as his Georgia stop, where he will reunite with his longtime friend, Montford Point Marine Ambassador Theodore R. Britton, Jr.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness living history as the Montford Point Marines who paved the way and Major Capers, who carried that legacy forward, come together for one unforgettable evening.

Be part of history. Register today! atl-mpma.org/event-6534239

Where History Began. Where Legends Continue.

Address

PO Box 7601
Marietta, GA
30065

Telephone

+14049390453

Website

http://www.atl-mpma.org/

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