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thedrifter
12-01-06, 06:31 AM
Marines visit Fallbrook Village Rotarians

By: PATTI MAGEE - Staff Writer

FALLBROOK ---- During their time in Iraq, the Fallbrook Village Rotary kept the Combat Logistics Battalion Unit 5 supplied with food, toiletries and other touches of home.

Representatives from that unit, now home after seven months, came to Rotary's meeting to express appreciation for that support.

They didn't arrive empty-handed either. They presented the organization with an American flag that flew over the maintenance compound there, along with a citation from President Bush.

They said they were glad to come as a way to thank the Rotarians for the support.

"This was a day-to-day reminder that someone cares and we appreciate what we do. It is our responsibility to serve, the same way that the Rotary motto is Service Above Self," said Maj. Steve Svendsen.

Throughout the past few months, Rotarians have sent the Marine unit an ongoing supply of toiletries and snacks and letters from home.

Another element of support included 20-foot by 10-foot boxes each jammed with up to 1,000 pieces of mail.

"You have no idea how much we appreciate the support," said Svendsen.

"Sometimes things arrived when the unit was feeling especially down, such as immediately after one member was killed that while a care package didn't completely eliminate the sadness, it did bring a measure of comfort," Svendsen said.

He also said that many of these men are in a combat zone and away from their families for the first time.

"This brings them a little bit of home," he said.

Letters the unit representatives brought along echoed the sentiment repeatedly. Some were signed by several members of the unit. They wrote of how meaningful the support was.

One letter signed by 15 Marines, mentioned appreciation for snacks and hygiene products, stated in part: "Being away from home is tough. These care packages are a big morale booster."

Another Marine wrote of how the packages were uplifting and a reminder that most people in the United States support what the Marines are doing in Iraq.

Rotary President Paul Leehey said it is the people here who need to be grateful and helping out by sending a care package is minor to what the Marines do.

"We cannot thank them enough," he said. "They are protecting our country and protecting us."

The Marines said they now have a renewed appreciation for life in the United States, despite its problems. Examples are the freedom to go where they want and to go without having to wear a bullet-proof vest, as well as being able to vote for the candidate of their choice.

Contact staff writer Patti Magee at (760) 731-5797 or pmagee@nctimes.com.

Ellie