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Pour One Out for Pete
- Lisa Redeker
- Apr 14
- 2 min read
It is with profound sadness that we share of the passing of our beloved charter member and longtime Secretary, Captain Peter Benjamin Sawin, USMC (Ret.). Pete passed on April 9, 2026, at the age of 82, leaving a void that will be deeply felt by every Marine, friend, and supporter connected to the Council.
Pete was more than a founding member of our organization—he was a steady guiding hand and institutional memory from the very beginning in 2002. For more than two decades, he served as Secretary with unwavering dedication, keeping our records meticulous, our traditions alive, and our mission on course. He remembered every detail: the early challenges, the hard-won successes, the stories that shaped who we are, and the quiet decisions that kept us focused on supporting Marines, their families, and the Corps’ values of honor, courage, and commitment here in Oklahoma.
When he stepped down in 2025 and handed the torch to new leadership, he did so with the same precision, integrity, and quiet excellence that defined his entire life. His thoughtful counsel, steady presence at our meetings, and deep commitment to the “Marine for Life” spirit helped turn a small group of dedicated Marines into the active, supportive Council we are today—coordinating events, assisting transitioning Marines, backing recruiting efforts, and strengthening the bonds of camaraderie across the state.
To those of us who sat across the table from him at gatherings, worked with him on Council business, or simply shared a drink and a sea story, Pete was more than a Secretary. He was a mentor, a steady hand, and a living link to our beginnings. He embodied Semper Fidelis in everything he did—quiet excellence, loyalty, and a genuine care for every Marine in our community.
Pete’s contributions extended far beyond his title. As a retired Captain who served through two Vietnam deployments and played a key role in the 1975 Evacuation of Saigon, he brought the real Marine Corps to our Council. After hanging up his uniform, he chose Oklahoma as home and continued serving—first through his civilian career and then by pouring his energy into building and sustaining this organization.
We will miss his wisdom, his institutional knowledge, and his presence at our events. But his legacy lives on in the way we conduct our meetings, the support we provide to Marines and families, and the camaraderie we share because of the foundation he helped lay.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the US Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Oklahoma or to a veterans’ organization of your choice. This is the tribute Pete would value most—continuing the mission he cared about so deeply.
To our membership: Please keep Pete’s family in your thoughts and prayers. If you have memories of Pete—from Council meetings, his years as Secretary, a shared laugh, or words of advice—please reach out. We will collect and share these tributes on our website and in future communications so his spirit continues to guide us.
Semper Fi, Captain Sawin.
Rest easy, Marine. We have the watch.
You can read the complete obituary and leave condolences for his family here:
