2nd BN, 1st Marines “The Professionals”

 

Dear Friends,

I am sorry to report on Thursday, August 26th there was a suicide bomb blast at the Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan that killed 182 people of which 13 were United States Service Members providing parameter security for US Citizens and Afghan Friends evacuating the country. At least 18 other Service Members were wounded in the explosion.

Nine Marines and One Navy Corpsman who perished were part of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines (2/1-1,000 Marines Strong) located at Camp Horno-Camp Pendleton. Since the 2/1’s deployment to the Middle East in Late March-Early April as part of the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-SPMAGTF (Approx. 2,300 Marines-Ground & Air Support-Our 911 Emergency Force) your Marine Corps League South Coast Detachment has shipped the Battalion loads of Care Packages, Magazines, Books and other needed items.

With this horrific loss, and the 2/1 returning home towards the end of September, our Care Package Campaign & Mailings have now concluded and our efforts have refocused on providing Care and Comfort to our Fallen Marines Families and Wounded.

Our Fallen 2/1 Comrades in Arms are as follows:

  • Cpl Hunter Lopez (22)-Coachella Valley, California
  • LCpl Kareem Nikoui (20)-Norco, California
  • Navy Hospitalman-Maxton Soviak (22)-Berlin Heights, Ohio
  • SSgt Taylor Hoover (31)-Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Cpl Humberto Sanchez (22)-Logansport, Indiana
  • LCpl Jared Schmitz (20)-Wentzville, Missouri
  • LCpl David Espinoza (20)-Rio Bravo, Texas
  • LCpl Rylee McCullom (20)-Jackson Hole, Wyoming
  • LCpl Dylan Merola (20)-Ranch Cucamonga, California
  • Cpl Deagan William-Tyler Page (23)-Omaha, Nebraska

When called upon by command, we are ready to provide Home & Restaurant Prepared Meals, Commissary, Ralph, Albertson’s, Walmart, Target Gift Cards, Gas Gift Cards, Memorial-Flowers plus Food & Beverages, and anything more that may be requested.

The Battalion most likely will return in Marine Company sized waves, flying into a nearby Air Force Base then being bussed to the 1st Marine Regiment’s Parade Deck at Camp Horno-Camp Pendleton. As the Families await the return of their loved ones, we’ll be on site keeping them company while serving Food & Beverages. We’ll also have plenty of Snacks & Food packaged and ready for our Single Marines to take back to the Barracks. Our aim is to make everyone’s wait go as quickly as possible while being sure our Families, Relatives, and Friends are well taken care of.

Our Hearts & Prayers go out to the Families who are now receiving their loved ones at Dover AFB, then proceeding on to their respective Hometowns and Final Resting Place. At the 2/1 Memorial atop the 1st Marine Regimental Landing Zone, your MCL-SCD will be providing two beautifully decorated floral wreaths for the Tribute, and joining with Mary & Marty Wells-Owners of” Bad To The Bone” to provide over 500 attendees a bountiful BBQ’ d Meal at the Reception. To make sure no one goes home hungry they will be serving there World Famous Bread Pudding, Brownies and Cookies.

We stand at the ready, 24/7 to be of service to our Fallen Marines, their Families, and the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines.

If you wish to join us in the support of those who are so deserving, please feel free to do so via our secure PayPal Link. If you prefer, send your Check to our Marine Corps League-South Coast Detachment, P.O. Box 3775, San Clemente, CA 92674-3775. (Memo Section: 2/1 Family Support).

Semper Fidelis

With Remorse, Respect & Condolences,

Pete Hammer-Commandant

Marine Corps League-South Coast Detachment