Savannah Native Crowned National Montford Point Marine Association Queen

[Gilbert Taylor]

Savannah Native Crowned National Montford Point Marine Association Queen

• Wednesday, September 04, 2013

Savannah Native Crowned National Montford Point Marine Association Queen Savannah’s own Dr. Stacy L. Henderson, has been crowned National Montford Point Marine Association Queen. She is the daughter of the late Staff Sergeant Robert Henderson, Sr., U. S. Marine Corps and the late Mary Scott Henderson. Stacy is a Life Member of the Montford Point Marine Association; a 501(c)(3) non-profit veteran organization which perpetuates the legacy of the first African-Americans Marines who entered the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942 to 1949 at Montford Point Camp, New River, NC. In June 2012, President Obama awarded 400 of them with the Congressional Gold Medal in Washington, DC. Four very distinguished gentlemen from the city of Savannah were among that group: Reginald Brown, Samuel Berksteiner, John White and Willie Outler. Ms. Dawn Baker of WTOC-11 News provided extensive news coverage of the event. 

During her year-long reign as National Queen, Stacy will promote the Montford Point Marine Association, Inc. at Chapter functions, make personal appearances on behalf of the National body or the local host Chapter at civic, social, veterans and military affairs as required. She will continue to educate others on the Montford Pointers’ contributions to military history and the U. S. Marine Corps. In addition, she will spearhead and promote fundraising campaigns which generate funds needed to carry out the Association’s educational assistance programs for our youth; boost the morale of wounded service men and women; provide assistance to veterans; aid service personnel with their transition to civilian life; and to support programs that up-lift the quality of life in the Marine Corps community. 

Growing up in Savannah, Stacy attended Little Bryan Baptist Church (currently under the leadership of Pastor Marvin and First Lady Jerri Lloyd). She attended Heard Elementary, Hubert Middle, Savannah High (freshman year) and graduated from Beach High School in 1989. She attended Savannah State on a Youth Futures Authority Academic Scholarship, and then began her naval career on August 5, 1991. She served 10 years as an enlisted Dental Technician and was commissioned as a naval officer in December 2001. Highly decorated, her awards include: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2 Gold Stars); Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4 Gold Stars); National Defense Service Medal (Bronze star); Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal; Navy Good Conduct Medal (2 Bronze Stars); Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal (4 Bronze Stars) just to name a few. Stacy retired from active duty in January 2012. Her professional associations include: National Naval Officers Association; Veterans of Foreign Wars; National Women Veterans United; American Legion; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; The Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club Alumni Association; The NAACP and others. She is the proud mother of one daughter, KeiSha; and one son, William. 

In her quest for the title of National Montford Point Marine Association Queen, Dr. Henderson and her Campaign Sponsor Eugene Campbell, U. S. Marine Corps Veteran travelled extensively raising funds and promoting the contest which mainly consisted of Raffle Ticket sales. In a few short months more than $10,000 in scholarship contributions was raised. The Coronation was held on August 23, 2013, at the 48th Annual Montford Point Marine Association Convention in San Diego, CA. To learn more about the Montford Point Marines, log onto: www.montfordpointmarines.org. Dr. Henderson can be reached at: slhende...@aol.com. “Congratulations Stacy. The city of Dr. Stacy L. Henderson • Wednesday, September 04, 2013 Savannah is very proud of you!” — Savannah Herald