Bahia Corinthian YC member earns Spirit of Hope Award

NEWPORT BEACH — The Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club announced its member, Richard (Dick) Stone, was named the recipient of the Spirit of Hope Award at the Pentagon.

General Paul J. Selva, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Brigadier General Dennis A. Crall, Director, C4/Chief Information Officer of the US Marine Corps, presented the award.

Stone, since 2004, headed up Bahia Corinthian YC’s Special Forces Home for Christmas Fund, received donations from club members and arranged transportation to send 653 Marines home for the holidays.

The Spirit of Hope Award is presented for outstanding service to the United States of America.  It is awarded to men and women of the United States Armed Forces, entertainers and other distinguished Americans and organizations whose patriotism and service reflect that of Bob Hope.

Hope was designated as the first honorary veteran by the United States Armed Forces for his decades of entertaining the troops, both in peacetime and in combat zones. This honor was bestowed by the United State Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton.

Cathy Jensen photo