Equitatus Caeli

The First

The Greyhawk Legacy Foundation provides educational opportunities to the alumni and family members of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161.

JOIN AS A MEMBER

A Legacy to Pass on…

The VMM-161 Greyhawks maintain a legacy of combat history dating back to January 15, 1951 when the Squadron designated HMR-161, entered the fleet with 15 Sikorsky HRS-1 “Chickasaw” transport helicopters. The Greyhawks were the first in the Marine Corps to use vertical lift in tactical support later that year. On September 1, 1952, the Greyhawks became distinguished as the first Marine helicopter squadron in the world to use vertical envelopment in combat operations overseas, proving the utility of Marine air assault support to the world. HMR-161 was the first helicopter squadron deployed to foreign shores, accomplishing over 60,000 troop movements during the Korean War prior to its receipt of the Sikorsky H-34 “Seahorse” in 1960. In 1962, the Greyhawks were re-designated HMM-161 and then in 1965, deployed to the Republic of Vietnam, conducting extensive combat operations during the Vietnam War.

  • In 1966, the squadron received the Boeing Vertol CH-46 “Sea Knight” tandem-rotor helicopter. The Greyhawks conducted multiple Unit Deployment Programs (UDP) and Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) deployments during the 1970s and 1980s. In 1990, HMM-161 deployed to Iraq in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The squadron conducted multiple deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003-2009. In 2009, the squadron became the first MV-22 squadron on the West Coast, gaining the designation VMM-161. The Greyhawks accomplished another historic “First”; a West Coast combat deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan where they conducted over 200 named operations. The squadron most recently accomplished another historic “First”; the establishment of the East Africa Aviation Combat Element where the squadron supported the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. The squadron has been awarded the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron of the Year, The Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron of the Year, the Commandant’s Aviation Award, and the Chief of Naval Operations Safety award on numerous occasions. The Greyhawks have been officially called “The First,” after a long history of being at the forefront of professional air assault support, participating in every major conflict since their inception as a squadron.

Greyhawk Legacy Foundation hosts events that contribute to a lasting community for the alumni of VMM-161 and conducts fundraising to support vocational, community college, and university scholarships. Greyhawk Legacy Foundation seeks to improve opportunities for the military community. The military community has often been the path to a better life for many young men and women. The Greyhawk Legacy Foundation fosters camaraderie with our Greyhawk family and supports the efforts to improve the life of our past, current, and future members and their families through education.

To Our Next Generation.

VMM 161 ALUMNI

Once a Greyhawk,
always a Greyhawk.

Become a member of the Greyhawk Legacy Foundation. Contribute to the Greyhawk Legacy Foundation with a $50 annual contribution and receive access to the Greyhawk Legacy Foundation newsletter, invitations to annual events, and an annual gift on behalf of the Greyhawk Legacy Foundation. Your contributions will go directly to supporting past and present Greyhawk members and their families with scholarships supporting vocation, community college, and university scholarships. All contributions to the Greyhawk Legacy Foundation are tax deductible. You will receive a verification letter for all contributions.

CALL FOR ALUMNI

If you are an alumni of the Greyhawks, let us know by submitting your email address. The Greyhawk Legacy Foundation is seeking to grow the Greyhawk Legacy, and you are a significant part of that.

Now accepting select lifetime members

A Bond to
last a lifetime

The Greyhawk Legacy Foundation Lifetime Membership is the foundation of a lasting legacy and a hallmark of your service. Lifetime members will receive a gift that includes a commemorative coin with a member number certifying your legacy as a lifetime member. Lifetime membership will provide invitations to special events sponsored by the Greyhawk Legacy Foundation. Lifetime members are the bedrock of financial giving for the foundation and provide scholarship opportunities for Greyhawk Alumni and family members.

Gallery Block
This is an example. To display your Instagram posts, double-click here to add an account or select an existing connected account. Learn more
Porta
Etiam Ultricies
Vulputate Commodo Ligula
Elit Condimentum
Aenean eu leo Quam
Cursus Amet
Pellentesque Risus Ridiculus
Porta
Etiam Ultricies
Vulputate Commodo Ligula
Elit Condimentum
Aenean eu leo Quam

Acts of Service

The Greyhawk Legacy Foundation is looking for volunteers to assist with different functions supporting the Greyhawk Legacy Foundation.

  • The Greyhawk Legacy Foundation is looking for someone that can assist with managing the Greyhawk Legacy Foundation Website.

    Billet Description:

    • Accept and process scholarship applications

    • Manage alumni accounts

    • Coordinate with marketing company for additional web design requirements

    • Distribute newsletter

    • Field requests, correspondence, and email memos through the website

  • The Greyhawk Legacy Foundation is looking for someone that can assist with managing alumni relations.

    Billet Description:

    • Manage fundraising campaign

    • Correspond with alumni on behalf of the Greyhawk Legacy Foundation

    • Provide annual notice of contribution to donors

    • Send invitations for Greyhawk Legacy Foundation events

    • Recruit Greyhawk Alumni

    • Assist in Greyhawk Legacy Foundation events.

  • The Greyhawk Legacy Foundation is looking for someone that can assist with fundraising, financial management, asset allocation, trust coordination, and tax filings.

    Billet Description:

    • Develop a fundraising campaign.

    • Establish Greyhawk Legacy Foundation Trust

    • Plan financial allocations for events

    • Asset management for fixed returns to support scholarship distributions

    • Annual tax filings

    • Financial audits

    Experience with financial management is required.

  • The Greyhawk Legacy Foundation is looking for someone that can assist with planning and executing events sponsored by the Greyhawk Legacy Foundation. Events will range from black-tie to informal social gatherings.

    Billet Description:

    • Collaborate with Greyhawk Legacy Foundation members to plan events

    • Plan the annual alumni banquet

    • Coordinate with the Financial Specialist on funding events

    • Schedule speakers for the annual banquet and alumni events

  • The Greyhawk Legacy Foundation is looking for someone to assist the Secretary with corporate governance and compliance.

    Billet Description:

    • Reporting

    • Annual Filings with the State of California

    • Filing meeting minutes

    • Risk Management

    • Policy management

    • Equal Opportunity Assessments

    • Internal Audits

  • The Greyhawk Legacy Foundation is looking for someone that can assist with managing the various social media accounts for the Greyhawk Legacy Foundation.

    Billet Description:

    • Design Greyhawk Legacy Foundation Social Media plan.

    • Manage content on social media platforms. Platforms include LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

    • Develop content for approval by the Greyhawk Legacy Foundation Secretary for publication

    • Collaborate with other social media accounts and Non-Profit Organizations for cross-organization events and sponsorships

    • Team with Alumni Coordinator, Event Coordinator, and Website Manager to promote the Greyhawk Legacy Foundation brand

Support a kinship that extends beyond your years of service by building a lasting community and educational advancement.

Donate

Meet the Team

Bios