ABILENE — The Kansan who modernized the Marine Corps’ war plans is the focus of the next Lunch & Learn program.

Lunch & Learn is scheduled for noon Thursday in the Eisenhower Presidential Library Visitors Center Auditorium, 200 SE 4th, Abilene, and is open to the public at no charge. A light lunch is included on a first-come, first-served basis.

Troy Elkins, Registrar at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, is scheduled to present this month’s Lunch & Learn topic.

In 1920, Marine Corps senior staff selected LTC Earl Hancock “Pete” Ellis to modernize its war plans. Originally from Pratt, Kan., Ellis developed a strategy for Marine response in case of a future war in the Pacific. That plan served as a guide, preparing Marines for operations in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

In addition to his role as registrar, Elkins is a Ph.D. candidate at Kansas State University, studying education and doctrine development in the Marine Corps between WWI and WWII. Ellis figures prominently in his study. Elkins was drawn to Ellis’s story because because of his Kansas connection as well as Elkins’ own service with the Marines.

The Lunch & Learn series is made possible courtesy of the Eisenhower Foundation and the Jeffcoat Memorial Foundation.