The morning of November 1, 1995 was just an ordinary in the life of a young Marine Corporal. I got up and got ready for PT – Wednesday was the Company First Sergeant’s turn to take us on a 3-4 mile jog. After PT, I went home, took a quick shower and headed into work. As soon as I walked through the shop door, Gunnery Sergeant Anthony Carter whisked me into his office; this was not unusual, as I was the Platoon’s computer representative, and this often happened. This day, however, was much, much different.
Ten minutes later, I was on my way home, devastated by the message my leader had delivered: my 9-year-old cousin Caitlin was killed in a car accident Halloween night. It was one of the hardest things I have had to deal with in my 31 years on the planet. I had not seen her in months and, in hindsight, I wish that I could have seen her more before that fateful day.
Her father was also a Marine. He was the stage manager for the United States Marine Band, known as the President’s Own, stationed at Marine Corps Headquarters in D.C., and on tour with the band when the accident occurs. I can only imagine the pain he must have felt.
Since that time, Earl Hurrey has left the Marine Corps and started a scholarship in Caitlin’s name. He is currently the Executive Vice President at a not for profit organization called The National Association for Music Education, and this organization has picked up her scholarship and run with it.
Each year, they hold a golf tournament, called the Caitlin Classic, to raise money for the scholarship funds. This year’s tournament will be held September 18, 2006 at Twin Shields Golf Club, and will feature people many THN members are familiar with: the Hogettes and Isaac’s Restaurant. There are several other sponsors as well.
Said Earl about Caitlin Merie Hurrey Scholarship Fund and Golf Tournament, “It’s a great honor for me to provide these scholarships each year to deserving young people to assist them in their continuing education. Caitlin loved music and everything about learning. I’m sure she would have been overjoyed by this Golf Tournament in her memory. With the participation of all of the tournament participants and especially the Famous Hogettes, this year’s event will be better then ever.”
If any THN members are interested in playing in the tournament, please contact the MENC Special Projects Department at (703) 860-4000 extension 324. If you tell them THN sent you, your foursome will get $100 off the registration fee. The first foursome to mention THN will get $200 off the fee.
Come on out for a good day of golf, and support a cause that is not only a great one, but also one near and dear to my heart.
-Scott Hurrey
Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Scott Hurrey