Truman Crawford Portrait Commissioning Fund Initiated

The Center House Association, an organization of former officers form historic Marine Barracks 8th & I Sts., Southeast, has proudly initiated a fund to support the commission for a portrait of Colonel Truman W. Crawford, Director of "The Commandant’s Own," The United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps from 1973 through 1998.

During Colonel Crawford’s 42 years of military service, he originally enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1969 as an arranger for the Drum & Bugle Corps and served the majority of his military career at Marine Barracks Washington. He was appointed its third director in 1972 and then received four Presidential appointments, culminating with his promotion to colonel in 1994. During his 25 years as Director of the Drum & Bugle Corps, Crawford brought this unit unparalleled notoriety by serving under six U.S. Presidents, developed several world tours, conducted some 3,000 performances and created more than 500 musical arrangements bearing his name.

Lieutenant Colonel Michael B. Kessler (USMC ret.), Vice President/Special Projects states that the Center House Association "is a not-for-profit organization of former Barracks’ Officers who are simply trying to preserve the history and traditions of the Oldest Post of the Corps." Additionally, Kessler asks that people "consider posting this request for contributions to help us preserve the legacy that was Colonel Truman Crawford." All tax-deductible donations can be sent directly to the CHA through their website www.centerhouse.org or by mailing contributions to CHA-Truman Crawford Fund, P.O. Box 6663, Arlington, Va., 22206.

The portrait is expected to be unveiled during the summer of 2008, when the dedication of the drum and bugle corps’ newly renovated rehearsal facility will officially be dedicated as Crawford Hall.