STANLEY H. JONES (VETERAN MARINE) HONORED WITH JAMES E. “TED” BASSETT III SPIRIT OF THE CORPS AWARD

Established in 2014 by the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky as the “Spirit of the Corps Award,” but renamed in 2024 by unanimous action of both the Executive Committee and Board of Directors as the “James E. “Ted” Bassett III Spirit of the Corps Award” in honor of its namesake, a World War II combat veteran and long-time chairman of the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky, whose leadership and vision propelled statewide growth during the period 2007- 2022. This award recognizes sustained demonstrable dedication to a core value of the United States Marine Corps – Honor, Courage or Commitment. Following executive action renaming this award in his honor, Ted Bassett was so informed. Although humbled, he was indeed visibly pleased that his fellow Kentucky Marines would remember him in this very special manner. With his passing on January 23,2025, this award was again renamed as the “James E. “Ted” Bassett III Spirit of the Corps Memorial Award.”

Following his honorable service in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 – 1957, he was employed in various administrative capacities and eventually practiced as a certified public accountant with various firms in Lexington, Kentucky, before being hired in 1971 by the Keeneland Association, where he manifested a strong work ethic and high degree of discipline, honed by his Marine Corps training and service. Working as controller, treasurer, chief financial officer, and eventually vice president, all of which required the highest standard of honesty and integrity, he gained the respect and admiration of his many colleagues. His widespread respect within the thoroughbred racing industry was formally recognized in 1986-1987 by his election and installation as president of the Thoroughbred Club of America.

Always mindful of his strong Marine Corps roots, he sought a leadership role in the establishment and perpetuation of the traditional Marine Corps Birthday Breakfast held annually at Lexington, Kentucky, enjoyed by hundreds of regional active, reserve and veteran Marines for 32 years. His quiet and effective leadership in the planning and execution of this unique celebration of Marine Corps heritage, often went unrecognized by those in attendance, but was critical to the continuity, longevity, and success of this event, which has been instrumental in forging an important bond of mutual respect and cooperation, between Marines throughout Kentucky.

Since 1998, he has labored tirelessly in the shadows on four (4) separate gala evenings, each known as a “Salute to the Legends of the Corps,” honoring Marine Corps leaders and Medal of Honor recipients, while helping to raise over $2,300,000, for such noteworthy causes as the Marine Corps University Foundation and the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. These events were enjoyed by Marines and friends of the Corps from throughout Kentucky, while serving to educate hundreds of patrons and the general public in the rich heritage and history of the Marine Corps.

With the 2007 restructuring of the Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky as a state-wide organization, he served in both advisory and leadership capacities. Following his elected term as a member of the Board of Directors (2008), he enthusiastically embraced a leadership role as Vice President, which he held until his retirement in 2024, providing valuable advice and guidance on Marine Corps related matters impacting the Lexington and central Kentucky regions.

Like the gentleman for whom this award has been named, with whom he worked at the Keeneland Association for over 35 years and whose close friendship and daily association followed them both into retirement for an additional 17 years, he remains dedicated to the perpetuation of Marine Corps values. It has been said by many who know him, that without his vision and dedication neither the “Salute to the Legends of the Corps” nor the annual “Kentucky Marine Corps Birthday Breakfast” would be remembered today as truly unique events reflecting the spirit of the Marine Corps, which continues to thrive today within all Kentucky Marines, as 2025 marks the 250th Anniversary of its founding.

Presented on November 10, 2025, during the Kentucky Marine Corps Birthday Breakfast at the Thoroughbred Club of America, Lexington, Kentucky, “In Recognition of Extraordinary Commitment to Marine Values.”