December 2005

The El Camino Rotary Club held their annual Christmas Party at El Camino Country Club in Oceanside. The guests of honor were 13 Marine wives and 14 of their children. The ladies' husbands are presently serving in Iraq with The First Reconnaissance Battalion, First Marine Division.

The wives were asked to submit a wish list of items for themselves and their children. The Rotary Club with assistance of friends, as well as members, raised enough funds to fulfill the wish list. Santa Claus made a visit to the Club with gifts for all. His presence was the high light of the evening.

The El Camino Real Rotary Club will continue to support these wonderful women and their families as their loved ones continue to walk in harm’s way.

Read the history of Fallbrook Village Rotary's support of the Second Battalion, First Marine Regiment (2/1) and the Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton.

November 2005

San Marcos Rotary is now working with the Third Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment (3/5) aboard Camp Pendleton. In a discussion with the Family Readiness Officer, an offer to provide some Thanksgiving meals was offered. 25 military families were identified that would benefit from this gift. Funds were raised and 25 families sat down to Thanksgiving turkey and all its trimmings, mashed potatoes, a yam casserole, dinner rolls, and Ralph’s market threw in pumpkin pies. Each meal served some 9-10 people, so there should have been a lot of leftovers. What makes it special is that those young Marines know people care even before they deploy in January 2006.

From the Left: Sergeant Major Rudy Resco USMC, Darrell McMullen, Bill Wood, John Forst (President San Marcos Rotary), Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Looney (CO of 3/5), and Bob Watson (District Governor)