thedrifter
03-12-09, 05:59 AM
Hemet adopts Marine unit
10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, March 11, 2009
By MICHAEL PERRAULT
The Press-Enterprise
HEMET - The city of Hemet is adopting the Wolf Pack, a Marine battalion that will soon be deploying to Iraq from its base in Twentynine Palms.
Hemet city leaders will begin seeking community support for the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, a unit of light armored infantry scouts. The unit, which goes by the nickname Wolf Pack and is a part of the 1st Marine Division, has a long combat history including several tours in Iraq.
Local organizations, area students and individuals will be asked to send cards, letters and care packages. They can also participate in and help fund "welcome home" events and other activities, Hemet Mayor Eric McBride said.
"The war is kind of off the front pages. To some extent, the economy has really taken over," McBride said. "So right now is the perfect time to do this."
City officials hope residents will support deployed Marines and families left behind.
Hemet is among several cities, such as Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel, that have become a parent city to a Marine battalion as part of the America Supporting American Adopt-A-Unit Program.
McBride plans to travel to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center as early as next week to present the unit with a proclamation from the city.
Jennie Haskamp, a public affairs officer for the combat center in Twentynine Palms, said hearing from people in communities that have adopted battalions is a tremendous morale boost that can have a profound effect on Marines in far-away lands.
Hemet city officials plan to provide links and addresses on the city's Web site to the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.
"This is just letting the Marines know, 'Hey, we care about you and what you're doing,' " Youssef said.
Reach Michael Perrault at 951-763-3464 or mperrault@PE.com
Ellie
10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, March 11, 2009
By MICHAEL PERRAULT
The Press-Enterprise
HEMET - The city of Hemet is adopting the Wolf Pack, a Marine battalion that will soon be deploying to Iraq from its base in Twentynine Palms.
Hemet city leaders will begin seeking community support for the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, a unit of light armored infantry scouts. The unit, which goes by the nickname Wolf Pack and is a part of the 1st Marine Division, has a long combat history including several tours in Iraq.
Local organizations, area students and individuals will be asked to send cards, letters and care packages. They can also participate in and help fund "welcome home" events and other activities, Hemet Mayor Eric McBride said.
"The war is kind of off the front pages. To some extent, the economy has really taken over," McBride said. "So right now is the perfect time to do this."
City officials hope residents will support deployed Marines and families left behind.
Hemet is among several cities, such as Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel, that have become a parent city to a Marine battalion as part of the America Supporting American Adopt-A-Unit Program.
McBride plans to travel to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center as early as next week to present the unit with a proclamation from the city.
Jennie Haskamp, a public affairs officer for the combat center in Twentynine Palms, said hearing from people in communities that have adopted battalions is a tremendous morale boost that can have a profound effect on Marines in far-away lands.
Hemet city officials plan to provide links and addresses on the city's Web site to the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.
"This is just letting the Marines know, 'Hey, we care about you and what you're doing,' " Youssef said.
Reach Michael Perrault at 951-763-3464 or mperrault@PE.com
Ellie