Tina Batha began planning the decorations and silent auction for the 250th Marine Corps Birthday Ball a year ago. 

When she looked around at the results Monday night and saw some 350 people talking, laughing and smiling in the ballroom at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn, she was delighted. 

“I love it. It’s what I wanted,” she said. 

Batha’s husband, Casey, who died two years ago, served with the Marines and she knew what the annual party meant to him, so she wanted to do all she could to make it great. 

“This means a lot to celebrate all these guys,” Tina Batha said. “They helped me a lot these past two years.” 

The night was filled with cheers, praise, thank yous and “oorahs” as the spirit of the Marine Corps seemed to pour in from every corner. 

There were touching moments, too, when the POW/MIA table ceremony was held and a member of the Pappy Boyington family was introduced. 

Another highlight came when veterans were asked to raise their hands so they could be presented with a card. Inside each card was a $50 bill to pay for their dinner.

“Thank you from everyone in Kootenai County for what you’ve done,” said emcee Mike Quinn said. 

That led one veteran to wipe away a tear. 

Veteran Ben Rutherford appreciated every minute of the evening hosted by Marine Corps League Pappy Boyington Detachment 966. 

“I wouldn’t be alive today if there wasn't a Marine Corps League," he said.

Likewise for veteran Ron Barnett. 

“It’s a special deal,” he said. 

Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris presented a surprised Quinn with a Sheriff’s Citation award and said he was told to keep his speech short, to which he joked about Marines and short attention spans. 

“Good luck getting out of here alive,” yelled one man as the crowd laughed. 

On a serious note, Norris said Quinn had a heart for service, was dedicated to fellow citizens and had an “unwavering commitment” to the community. 

“His dedication stretches far beyond veterans' services," Norris said, such as being involved with Toys for Tots. 

He said Quinn does so without recognition, behind closed doors and few know of his contributions, “because that's the kind of person he is.” 

“He quietly supports those who need it,” Norris said.

“The bottom line is, when this community calls, Mike delivers,” Norris said, as the crowd rose and delivered a standing ovation.

Quinn presented a few words on the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps. 

He said it wasn’t just a branch of the military, but a “crucible character, a relentless forge that molds individuals into something greater than they thought possible.” 

He said the core values of honor, courage and commitment are not abstract ideals, but practical guides that influenced every significant decision in his life.

“The Marine Corps didn’t just shape my life. It gave me the tools to build it with purposes, discipline and an enduring sense of honor. Happy 250th, Marines," Quinn said. "Your legacy lives on in the hearts and lives of those you’ve touched.” 

    Marine Mike Quinn smiles after receiving the Sheriff's Citation from Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris at the 250th Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Monday.
  

    A banner welcomes guests to the 250th United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Monday at the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn.
  

    A veteran bows his head in prayer at the 250th Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Monday.