thedrifter
04-13-07, 08:45 AM
Friday, April 13, 2007
Irvine adopts Marine units
By CATHY TRAN
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
IRVINE – The city is the latest in the county to go "Semper Fi."
The City Council recently adopted the 800-member unit of the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division based at Camp Pendleton.
"There was a time that everyone was touched by war. We had a draft," said Lt. Col. Keil Gentry, Commanding officer of the 2/11 Battalion. "Now there are whole families that may have a distant cousin or maybe don't have anybody that they know in uniform."
Irvine council members say the partnership allows residents and Marines to share experiences. Similar programs exist in Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach and San Juan Capistrano.
TIMELINE
1918: Unit started at Montierchame, France, at the end of World War I.
1927: Saw their first combat action in Chinandenga, Nicaragua.
1941-45: In World War II campaigns: Guadalcanal, Finschhafen, New Britain, Peleliu and Okinawa.
1950-53: In the Korean War at Inchon-Seoul, Chosin Reservoir, East Central front and the Western front.
1966-71: In the Vietnam War from Chu Lai, Tam Ky, Hue/Phu Bai, Thon Back Thack, Cao Doi and An Hoa.
1991: In Operation Desert Storm.
2004: Deployed to Camp Ramadi, Iraq.
SOURCE: 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines unit
Contact the writer: ctran@ocregister.com
BY THE NUMBERS
800 Marines and sailors serve in the adopted battalion.
100 Marines will attend Irvine's Memorial Day event.
400 currently fighting in Iraq.
2 Marines in the battalion have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
SOURCE: Lt. Col. Keil Gentry, 2/11 Battalion
FAST FACTS
What it is: A partnership between Irvine and the Marines. Irvine's support will be decided by a committee. Other cities have supported Marines by fundraising and organizing welcome home parties. The Marines, in return, will participate in Irvine events and speak at schools.
How idea started: Tim Sloat, who has close ties with Camp Pendleton, approached the city about the adoption.
About the Marines: The 800-member group provides fire support and armed escort.
How to get involved: Call 949-724-6694 or e-mail lcowan@ci.irvine.ca.us.
Ellie
Irvine adopts Marine units
By CATHY TRAN
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
IRVINE – The city is the latest in the county to go "Semper Fi."
The City Council recently adopted the 800-member unit of the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division based at Camp Pendleton.
"There was a time that everyone was touched by war. We had a draft," said Lt. Col. Keil Gentry, Commanding officer of the 2/11 Battalion. "Now there are whole families that may have a distant cousin or maybe don't have anybody that they know in uniform."
Irvine council members say the partnership allows residents and Marines to share experiences. Similar programs exist in Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach and San Juan Capistrano.
TIMELINE
1918: Unit started at Montierchame, France, at the end of World War I.
1927: Saw their first combat action in Chinandenga, Nicaragua.
1941-45: In World War II campaigns: Guadalcanal, Finschhafen, New Britain, Peleliu and Okinawa.
1950-53: In the Korean War at Inchon-Seoul, Chosin Reservoir, East Central front and the Western front.
1966-71: In the Vietnam War from Chu Lai, Tam Ky, Hue/Phu Bai, Thon Back Thack, Cao Doi and An Hoa.
1991: In Operation Desert Storm.
2004: Deployed to Camp Ramadi, Iraq.
SOURCE: 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines unit
Contact the writer: ctran@ocregister.com
BY THE NUMBERS
800 Marines and sailors serve in the adopted battalion.
100 Marines will attend Irvine's Memorial Day event.
400 currently fighting in Iraq.
2 Marines in the battalion have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
SOURCE: Lt. Col. Keil Gentry, 2/11 Battalion
FAST FACTS
What it is: A partnership between Irvine and the Marines. Irvine's support will be decided by a committee. Other cities have supported Marines by fundraising and organizing welcome home parties. The Marines, in return, will participate in Irvine events and speak at schools.
How idea started: Tim Sloat, who has close ties with Camp Pendleton, approached the city about the adoption.
About the Marines: The 800-member group provides fire support and armed escort.
How to get involved: Call 949-724-6694 or e-mail lcowan@ci.irvine.ca.us.
Ellie