Happy Hour: A Brief History of Toys for Tots

About Major Gunnar Spafford, USMC (Ret.)



Major Spafford joined the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in August 2023 as the Deputy Vice President of Business Development working within the Marketing & Development department. Major Spafford served in the United States Marine Corps as both an enlisted infantryman and a military police officer before being competitively selected for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program to receive education and training to become a Marine Corps Officer.

As a Military Policeman, he served in multiple billets to include Assistant Special Operations Chief, Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of a weapons storage facility, Watch Command, Patrol Supervisor, Special Reaction Team (SRT), and SRT sniper. As an officer, Major Spafford served as Deputy Provost Marshal, Executive Officer, Operations Officer, and Senior Operations Officer before fulfilling his final role as a Manpower Program Manager for Headquarters Marine Corps, Manpower & Reserve Affairs.

After 25 total years of service, Gunnar retired from the Marine Corps and continued as a strategic and innovative Project Management Professional with a diverse background in program leadership and process improvements, most recently working as the Deputy Director for Manpower & Personnel for the Assistant Secretary of the Navy Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

This Month’s Cocktail:
Chambord Lemon Drop Martini.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 Oz Vodka
2/3 Oz Chambord Black Rasberry Liqueur
1 Oz Simple Syrup
2/3 Oz Lemon Juice
Crushed Ice

Steps:
1) Fill Cocktail Shaker with crushed ice
2) Add all ingredients except Chambord and shake until completely chilled
3) Strain into chilled champaign glass
4) Slowly pour chambord over mixture and garnish with a lemon wheel