News Details (Posted: May 27, 2008):

City Approves New Plans to Support Camp Pendleton Marines

Full Description:

The support plan was developed based on input from 2/5 and includes various ways for the community to become involved. Rancho Santa Margarita, CA –The City of Rancho Santa Margarita’s adopted Marine unit - 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment (2/5) – is once again deployed to the Middle East. This time the City has a detailed plan to provide support to the Marines and their families. The City adopted 2/5 in January of 2007 to provide year-round assistance to military personnel and their families. The City has facilitated donations and coordinated the efforts of volunteers and service groups to provide care packages, banners and cards for the Marines. The work plan was developed after City officials visited Camp Pendleton to discuss support opportunities with 2/5’s newly appointed Commanding Officer, LtCol. Todd Eckloff. Tour attendees included Rancho Santa Margarita Mayor Pro Tempore Gary Thompson, City Manager Steve Hayman, Chief of Police Services Lt. Chuck Wilmot and Senior Management Analyst Megan Walz. The first project in the work plan is a Care Package Drive to help provide Marines with personal care items while they are overseas. Unlike the last deployment, where the Battalion flew directly to Iraq, 2/5 will travel by sea stopping in several countries before reaching Iraq. They will be gone approximately six to nine months. Other support projects include helping to organize a Holiday Toy Drive to benefit the children of Marines and coordinating a drive for supplies that the Marines will need when returning to the U.S. Megan Walz, the primary liaison between the City and the Battalion, says the parties agreed that the most important goal is to create activities that will engage the community. “We brainstormed ways to get the entire community involved. This is such a wonderful opportunity for our City and we would like to have as many people participate as possible.” To further strengthen the relationship between the City and 2/5, the City will sponsor a table at the 2008 Marine Corps Ball. This will provide assistance for young Marines to attend the Ball who otherwise may not be able to afford it. Marines and their families will also receive tickets to the City’s Celebrating Family and Friends New Year’s Eve Event and Taste of Rancho Event. 2/5 is the most decorated Infantry Battalion in the Marines. Since this Battalion was activated in 1917, its members have proudly served our nation all over the world in virtually every major military campaign, including World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Shield and Desert Storm. 2/5 is comprised of over 1,000 brave Marines and Sailors protecting our great nation. If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about the program, email Megan Walz at mwalz@cityofrsm.org.