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Frederick J. Seitz RWMA 2015

FREDERICK J. SEITZ HONORED WITH 2015 RODNEY WILLIAMS, JR. MEMORIAL AWARD

Lexington, Kentucky, March 28, 2015: Presented annually at the Officer Selection Officer (OSO) Colonel William “Rich” Higgins Memorial Mess Night/Dining-In to an individual selected by the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky (MCCCK) Board of Directors, who has demonstrated exemplary community leadership and commitment, with a long history of dedicated service to Marine Corps related activities within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The presentation of a personalized engraved Marine Corps plaque was made by Mr. Stanley H. Jones, Vice President, MCCCK to Mr. Frederick J. Seitz of Versailles, Kentucky.

Following his honorable service as a captain in the United States Marine Corps from 1969 – 1974, during which he piloted CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters in the Republic of Vietnam, Frederick J. Seitz embarked on a very successful career in the thoroughbred breeding and racing industries, through which he developed and nurtured many long-standing friendships. Like many of those who have undergone the “change that lasts forever,” his Marine Corps experience would leave an indelible mark on how he was to live his life. His many contributions to the thoroughbred racing industry were formally recognized in 1996-1997 by his election and installation as president of the Thoroughbred Club of America, as well as his 2001 election as president of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association.

Being an adoptive son of Kentucky, he silently partnered for many years in the financial support of a truly unique breakfast celebration at Lexington, Kentucky, commemorating the founding of the United States Marine Corps, so that active duty, reserve and veteran Marines could partake in a traditional complimentary observance of this most important event in Marine Corps history. As one of the original founders of this event in 1991, he continues to actively participate in ceremonies annually culminating in a traditional toast of fine Kentucky bourbon, surrounded by both young and old Marines, who share the core values of honor, courage and commitment, imbued in all who have served in the Marine Corps.

During his long association and support of the Marine Corps community in Kentucky, he has both championed and labored for the success of four separate “Salute to the Legends of the Corps” events held at Lexington, Kentucky for the benefit of the Marine Corps University Foundation and the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.  For many years, he has actively supported the Col William R. “Rich” Higgins Memorial Mess Night, both through his generous donations and active participation, whether the event be held in Louisville or Lexington, thereby helping significantly to ensure its continuing success and annual renewal.

Whenever there has been a call to assist a fellow Marine in need of support to help him or her through a crisis, he has stepped forward to contribute and has urged others to do likewise. Through his association with many in the thoroughbred racing industry, he has frequently hosted Marine Corps personnel – active, reserve and veteran – at Keeneland Race Course, where he serves as a director, in a gesture of gratitude and respect for their service. His hospitality and kindness toward his fellow Marines, both locally and nationally, have been exemplary.


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