This is San Clemente’s adopted unit and is scheduled to deploy within the next few weeks with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The Sailors and Marines serving in the unit will be away for more than six months. In an effort to demonstrate community support for the unit, the City Chamber of Commerce and local businesses hosted the farewell barbeque, which took place at Camp Pendleton at the San Onofre Beach.
Lt. Col. Rob Weiler, the unit’s commander, stated that the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines will be stationed on a ship in the Pacific Ocean later this spring. Weiler conveyed the importance of events like this as an opportunity for the Marines to experience camaraderie amongst their community and families before leaving for duty. He said:
“It’s also an opportunity to celebrate with the people of San Clemente and get to tell them how grateful we are for the support.”
City events and community supported activities such as the farewell barbeque typically advertise via flyer printing or poster printing prior to the occasion in an effort to alert community members about the activity. Community support for troops is often exhibited in a number of ways, including banner printing displayed throughout the city.
A variety of businesses and individual within the community helped make the farewell barbeque a success. Lynn Wood, CEO for the Chamber of Commerce, thanked the businesses and volunteers who made the event possible.