thedrifter
12-04-08, 07:21 AM
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
8 Marines again honored for motel fire heroism
Sheriff's officials present certificates at Lake Forest council meeting.
By ERIKA I. RITCHIE
The Orange County Register
LAKE FOREST – Sheriff's officials joined city officials Tuesday night at the City Council meeting in praising eight Marines for bravery.
Eight Marines – just out of boot camp and in Infantry School at Camp Pendleton – were awarded Certificates of Commendation by the city of Lake Forest for their lifesaving efforts in a recent motel fire.
Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson presented each Marine with an honor from the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
"I'm honored to recognize these true heroes who stepped forward and saved lives," Anderson said. "Thank you for what you've done. I know the fire department recognized you for your efforts. If you decide not to make the Marine Corps your career, we're always looking for heroes."
Among the eight Marines honored were three hometown boys – Pfc. Adam Reidling, 19, Joshua Hernandez, 18, and his twin Jeremy Hernandez, 18. Others were Pvt. John Mick,18, of Brush, Colo., Pfc. Thomas O'Brien, 19, of Irving, Texas, Pfc. Jed Stock, 19, of Ramona, Pfc. Jessie McLaughlin, 19, of Salem, Ore., and Pvt. Colton Oliver, 18, of Hampton, Ark., all assigned to Company B, Infantry Training Battalion.
Just a little more than a week ago, the eight were awarded certificates of heroism by the Orange County Fire Authority.
The Marine Corps will also award Joshua Hernandez The Navy and Marine Corps medal something rarely given out. The medal honors those who saved lives in non-combat situations. Hernandez is the youngest to receive the medal.
All eight were staying at America's Best Value Inn when electrical failure on the second floor appears to have sparked a fire, leaving more than 50 people without a place to stay.
The Marines, who had celebrated the Marine Corps 233rd birthday party at the Hernandezes' family home, were in their rooms when the fire broke out. O'Brien was the first to spot the flames spreading along the second-story balcony.
Reidling, an Eagle Scout and graduate of El Toro High, said the fire spread quickly, engulfing the motel. Eventually, it would burn down three of the four buildings and cause $5 million in damages.
Contact the writer: 949-454-7307 or eritchie@ocregister.com
Ellie
8 Marines again honored for motel fire heroism
Sheriff's officials present certificates at Lake Forest council meeting.
By ERIKA I. RITCHIE
The Orange County Register
LAKE FOREST – Sheriff's officials joined city officials Tuesday night at the City Council meeting in praising eight Marines for bravery.
Eight Marines – just out of boot camp and in Infantry School at Camp Pendleton – were awarded Certificates of Commendation by the city of Lake Forest for their lifesaving efforts in a recent motel fire.
Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson presented each Marine with an honor from the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
"I'm honored to recognize these true heroes who stepped forward and saved lives," Anderson said. "Thank you for what you've done. I know the fire department recognized you for your efforts. If you decide not to make the Marine Corps your career, we're always looking for heroes."
Among the eight Marines honored were three hometown boys – Pfc. Adam Reidling, 19, Joshua Hernandez, 18, and his twin Jeremy Hernandez, 18. Others were Pvt. John Mick,18, of Brush, Colo., Pfc. Thomas O'Brien, 19, of Irving, Texas, Pfc. Jed Stock, 19, of Ramona, Pfc. Jessie McLaughlin, 19, of Salem, Ore., and Pvt. Colton Oliver, 18, of Hampton, Ark., all assigned to Company B, Infantry Training Battalion.
Just a little more than a week ago, the eight were awarded certificates of heroism by the Orange County Fire Authority.
The Marine Corps will also award Joshua Hernandez The Navy and Marine Corps medal something rarely given out. The medal honors those who saved lives in non-combat situations. Hernandez is the youngest to receive the medal.
All eight were staying at America's Best Value Inn when electrical failure on the second floor appears to have sparked a fire, leaving more than 50 people without a place to stay.
The Marines, who had celebrated the Marine Corps 233rd birthday party at the Hernandezes' family home, were in their rooms when the fire broke out. O'Brien was the first to spot the flames spreading along the second-story balcony.
Reidling, an Eagle Scout and graduate of El Toro High, said the fire spread quickly, engulfing the motel. Eventually, it would burn down three of the four buildings and cause $5 million in damages.
Contact the writer: 949-454-7307 or eritchie@ocregister.com
Ellie