MEET OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM SINGERS CeremonialStarter

Julie Perry & BarBara Powell

are twin sisters and long-standing members of the Fredericksburg Music Community, proud to be back for the second time to sing the National Anthem at the Marine Corps Historic Half Events. Barbara has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with a concentration in piano and voice from James Madison University and is currently the Choir Director at Walker Grant Middle School in the City of Fredericksburg. Julie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Industry with a concentration in voice, also from James Madison University. She is the Assistant Director of Economic Development and Tourism for Orange County. Both Julie and Barbara have been active performers, church musicians and adjudicators in the Fredericksburg area for many years. Local audiences will recognize one or both of them from performances at the Riverside Dinner Theater, Salem Baptist Church, Wilderness Community Church, the Spotsylvanians, the Fredericksburg Chamber Chorale, Maranatha Music Ministries, and Shiloh Baptist Church in King George. Barbara has conducted All-County and All-District Choral events in the region and both sisters are regular adjudicators for All-District and All-State Choir events annually. More than anything, Julie and Barbara love the opportunity to make music together and with their families – including their very talented children Christian Powell, Andrew Powell and Rosey Perry.

Craig has over 30 years of leading robust logistics products and services across a global network. He served as the president of Claxton Logistics Services. He spent many years in leadership roles in the United States Marine Corps and retired as a Major General. Craig served as the Senior Executive of Logistics and Supply Chain Management and prior to that he was the Director of Manpower Management for the United States Marine Corps.

Craig also served as the Commanding General of Marine Corps Logistics Command and the Director of Logistics Plans and Policy for the United States Marine Corps. Additionally, he served as the Vice Director for Logistics at the Joint Chiefs of Staffs.

Craig received his B.A. in Political Science from Southern University and A&M College. In addition, he has an M.A. from Webster University and an M.S. from the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy.