Educating the children of those who sacrificed all.
USS Constitution, Boston Harbor
You are Cordially Invited to Attend
Jim Kallstrom Memorial Golf Event
James Keith Kallstrom was born in Worcester, MA on May 6, 1943 and died July 3, 2021 in Fairfield, Connecticut. James Kallstrom, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, was a decorated US Marine and FBI Agent. His was a life defined by service: to his family, his country, and to the children of Marines and law enforcement personnel whose parents paid the ultimate price in defending us.
Jim's leadership and love of country was honed in the United States Marine Corps, where he served from 1966- 1969, seeing extensive combat with the 1st battalion, 3rd Marines in Vietnam in 1967. When he returned home, a chance meeting set him on the path to becoming an FBI special agent, beginning with a 1971 posting in the Baltimore field office. Across a distinguished 27-year career, Jim pioneered some of the bureau's most innovative surveillance practices. A 1996 New York Times story said Jim's crimefighting techniques played "a critical role in the arrests of every major organized crime leader and terrorist in New York in the last 20 years, including those involved with the World Trade Center bombing in 1993."
Jim retired from the FBI in 1997, and worked in the private sector before once again answering the call to serve. After 9/11, then New York Governor George Pataki appointed him to lead a new state public security office responsible for preventing future terrorist attacks.
Jim was never much of a golfer and in retirement he threw himself into the Marine Corps - Law Enforcement Foundation (MC-LEF) that he helped found in 1995 with several of his Marine brothers, to provide educational and other humanitarian benefits to children who had lost a parent in service. He served as MC-LEF's Chairman of the Board until his passing, helping to raise over $86 million for over 4,600 recipients since the charity's inception.
Monday, September 16, 2024
Indian Pond Country Club, Kingston MA 02364
General Peter Pace, USMC (Ret.)
The Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation Elects Retired Marine General Peter Pace as Chairman
The Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation (MC-LEF) recently announced that retired Marine General Peter Pace, 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and current member of MC-LEF’s Board of Directors, has been elected Chairman of the Board. General Pace succeeds Jim Kallstrom, who served as Chairman from MC-LEF’s founding in 1995 until his death in July, 2021.
“Jim Kallstrom was a remarkable leader, mentor, and role model. I am proud to have called him friend, and will do everything I can to ensure his legacy of service continues,” General Pace said. “I am both honored and humbled to be asked to succeed Jim as MC-LEF’s next Chairman. I look forward to continuing our mission of educating the children of those who have sacrificed all.”
General Pace retired in 2007, after more than 40 years of active service in the United States Marine Corps. As the sixteenth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (2005-2007), he served as the principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council. He also served as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (2001-2005), the first Marine to serve in either of these positions.
During his distinguished career, General Pace held command at virtually every level, beginning as a Rifle Platoon Leader in Vietnam. He also served in Europe, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, and Somalia.
In June, 2008, General Pace was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor a President can bestow.
He is currently serving on the Board of Directors of several corporate entities involved in management consulting, private equity, and cybersecurity.
General Pace is associated with a number of charities focused on supporting veterans and their families. He is the senior military adviser to the President George W. Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative. He and his wife Lynne are longtime supporters of the Fisher House Foundation, and both serve on the advisory board for Our Military Kids, an organization that supports children of deployed Guard and Reserve personnel with tutoring and enrichment activities.
“General Pace’s reputation of leadership and philanthropic achievements is second to none,” said Ed Boran, President of MC-LEF. “He has long been a valuable member of our Board, and we look forward to our foundation’s continued success under his guidance.”
Born in Brooklyn and raised in Teaneck, NJ, General Pace graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1967. He holds a master’s degree in administration from George Washington University, attended the Harvard University Senior Executives in National and International Security program, and graduated from the National War College.
Our Mission
In light of increasing higher education costs and due to the generosity of our donors, it was recently decided to increase our award to $35,000.00 for each child who loses a parent while serving in the United States Marine Corps or Federal Law Enforcement. This change is effective immediately and applies to all awards granted after January 1, 2019.
As of March 31, 2024, we have awarded $160,459 to 20 recipients this year. Since 1995, we have awarded $92,649,941 to 4,895 recipients.
Although MC-LEF is immensely proud of our work to date, there is still much to be done to support the families of America’s Marines and Federal Law Enforcement Officers. Please consider clicking on our “Donate” button to help support our mission and cause. On behalf of the children we serve… Thank you.
Scholarship Recipients
Daughter of Customs and Border Patrol Officer Otis Sawyers Receives MCLEF Scholarship Highgate Springs Vermont (November 10, 2023)