Gov. Napolitano Joins National Marine Corps Museum

Gov. Janet Napolitano announced she has officially joined the Governors Council of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, & appointed Patrick F. Chorpenning as the state’s liaison to the Museum. The Museum, located in Quantico, Virginia (outside of Washington, DC), opens later this year.

The Governors Council is taking on a nationwide, state-by-state initiative to locate every member of the U.S. Marine Corps, past & present, & their families, so that all Marines can be directly involved with the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The project will also provide every Marine the opportunity to be included on the Museum’s Roll of Honor & participate in the Museum’s activities. More information about the museum can be found at www.usmcmuseum.org/Programs_Museum.asp.

Chorpenning serves as Director of the Az. Dept. of Veterans’ Services, a cabinet position, & as the Governor’s Policy Adviser for Military Affairs. Chorpenning was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Marine Corps upon graduating from Frostburg, & later seriously wounded in combat in 1970 during the Vietnam War.

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is under construction on a 135-acre site adjacent to the U.S. Marine Corps Base & will serve as the centerpiece of the Marine Corps Heritage Center. Construction of the building is more than 75% complete, with several major artifacts, including aircrafts, tanks, landing vehicles, & artillery pieces already installed. The Museum’s dedication is set for Nov. 10th, with a public opening to follow on November 13th. Marines interested in becoming involved in the project should contact Patrick Chorpenning by e-mail at usmcmuseum@azdvs.gov or by calling (602) 255-3373.