Washington, D.C. (November 24, 2023): In this photo by Staff Sergeant Warren Smith, Jack Lowe shows off his Eagle Globe and Anchor signifying his becoming an “Honorary Marine”, an honor he earned for his remarkable resilience. The award recognizes his ongoing fight with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, and his extraordinary courage and determination. Mr. Lowe has a long familial history of military service and always dreamed of serving in the Marine Corps.The Honorary Marine program officially began in 1992 under 30th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Carl E. Mundy, and only seventy-five individuals have been bestowed the honor in the program’s history. The title “Honorary Marine” creates a special bond between the American people and the Marine Corps by recognizing individuals in the civilian community who have made extraordinary contributions to our nation’s defense.

The criteria for the title include:

• A terminally ill child that has some unique or qualifying link to the military or the Marine Corps.
• An individual who has given extraordinary service or support to the Marine Corps, and for whom any lesser form of recognition would be insufficient.
• Deceased individuals whose actions or contributions on behalf of the Marine Corps would have merited consideration before their death.

 Some famous recipients of the award include Karate expert Chuck Norris and actor Gary Senise (Lt. Dan of Forrest Gump fame) along with the legendary comedian Bob Hope who was designated an “honorary Brigadier General of the Corps” for his numerous USO shows for the troops.