We breathe a collective sigh of relief when our Marines return home from deployment. Knowing that the men and women of the Regiment are safe and sound on American soil brings immense comfort. In this edition of Semper Fi Sound Off, I’m pleased to include an update from Col. Brian Mulvihill on the recent seven-month training of Headquarters Company and elements of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines in Darwin, Australia, as part of the Marine Rotational Force. Every other year, our Regiment teams up with the Australian Defence Force to strengthen interoperability and readiness in the Indo-Pacific. Welcome home, Marines!
On October 25th, Friends of the Fifth enjoyed an unforgettable Adventure Day—a “thank you” from the Regiment. Our donors, volunteers, Board and Brigade members, and other supporters experienced what it means to be a Marine for a day. I was honored to receive a beautiful plaque on behalf of our remarkable team from Col. Mulvihill and the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group (DP5MRSG). Inscribed with words we’ll treasure forever, it reads, “In honor of your tireless efforts and steadfast dedication to improving the morale, welfare, and quality of life of the Marines and Sailors. Your
Adventure Day
SEMPER FI SOUND OFF
exemplary actions uphold our legacy and affirm your status as Honorary Members of the French Fourragere.”
DPSG’s mission of supporting the morale of the 5th Marine Regiment’s service members and families is as essential as ever, given the daunting responsibilities these courageous men and women face. Our Fighting Fifth—always prepared and highly trained—could be mobilized to any corner of the world at a moment’s notice. They’re ready to serve.
This holiday season, there are many charities you could support, and each is worthy. Our mission, however, is different. We serve honorable and proud service members who feel privileged to represent our country. They ask for nothing, yet they risk everything to protect our freedoms. As we gather to celebrate, we’re especially grateful to have them home, and in the spirit of gratitude, we’re preparing Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities for our Marines and families. If you feel called to help make these celebrations memorable, you can donate online at danapoint5thmarines.com under “Holiday Magic” or send a check using the remittance envelope.
From all of us at the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, we wish you a season filled with love, laughter, and the freedom we enjoy, safeguarded by our courageous protectors.
Semper Fi, Terry Rifkin, President
A heartfelt thank you to Col. Mulvihill and his team for creating a day we’ll never forget. More than 85 Marines contributed their time and resources to ensure an incredible experience. It was meant as a “Thank you” to us, but we are the ones who owe thanks for the security and sacrifices they provide daily. This unique event gave us an extraordinary glimpse into life as a Marine. From entering the Marine Corps base and training alongside these heroes, we shot live fire on the range, navigated military vehicles over rugged terrain, visited the Father Capodanno Chapel, and observed the hallowed ground of the 5th Marine Memorial Park. We even practiced our marksmanship in the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer and explored an extensive static display of military vehicles and weaponry.
The newsletter of the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group FALL 2024
Adventure Day,
Each Adventure Day is unique, and this one held a particularly moving moment. At the conclusion, we gathered at Memorial Park, where two young Marines showcased vintage memorabilia dating back to WWI. One Marine, dressed in a Vietnam-era uniform, read aloud the history of the Fighting Fifth. It was a powerful reminder of the legacy we support.
In the Dojo, a new Marine to the 5th, Carter, impressed us with his proficiency and praised the Dojo as the best he’s trained in nationwide. They had their equipment laid out, including rifles, bayonets, and body gear. Carter and other Sergeants performed exciting demonstrations. The story of Captain Trevor J. Yurista, for whom the Dojo is named, was shared. Trevor was a friend of DPSG’s who gave his life in Afghanistan. His mother, Donna Yurista, continues to donate to this facility. Trevor would have been so proud to see the Dojo thriving, a vision realized. It was an extraordinary day, allowing our supporters to see firsthand how their contributions impact our Marines’ lives.
A Supreme Honor
At the end of Adventure Day, Col. Mulvihill presented each DPSG Director with a French Fourragere, also known as the Croix de Guerre. Only Marines and Sailors in the 5th and 6th Regiments wear this green braided rope, awarded by the French government in 1918 to honor bravery and sacrifice in WWI battles like Belleau Wood and Château-Thierry. While we won’t wear this commendation, the pride we feel in receiving this award is one of the highest compliments to our service for the 5th Marine Regiment.
Blockbuster Evening of Laughs
Thanks to the generosity of Stanley W. Ekstrom Foundation and many other Friends of the Fifth, around 135 Marines and their guests enjoyed an unforgettable evening at our 9th Laughs for Leathernecks comedy show. Free raffle tickets and a “1st drink on us” was provided to each Marine and their guest as they entered the Improv. We are grateful to the generous Friends of the 5th and our business community for the abundance of gifts for the raffles and silent auction which added to the success of the evening.
Our fantastic emcee, Tom Riehl, delivered a stellar lineup of comedians who kept us laughing all night. We thank Tom, Vince Harper, Frances Dilorinzo, Brian Kiley, and James P. Connolly for graciously donating their time entertaining our Leathernecks.
James, a proud veteran of the Fighting Fifth during Desert Storm, wrote comedy for his superior, (now Major General Roger B. Turner) back in the day. He has been a loyal supporter of this event since its beginning. This signature event is always priceless. Our heroes get to enjoy a night of well-deserved belly laughs and our civilian guests get to see the faces of the young men and women who wear our country’s uniform and willingly fight for them every day.
From the Command Post
Friends and family,
Greetings from San Mateo and Grizzly Nation!
After a 7-month deployment, the Marines and Sailors of 5th Marine Regiment are back together. The Regiment has been extremely busy since the last newsletter. The Headquarters Company, along with 2nd, Battalion, 5th Marines completed the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin deployment. Below is the YouTube link to our end-of-deployment video. The accomplishments of the Regiment and subordinate units during the deployment will have lasting effects on stability in the IndoPacific region. We also welcomed home the Marines and Sailors of 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, from their successful and impactful deployment aboard the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
While the Alpha Command was deployed to Australia, the Bravo Command led by Colonel AJ Munro and Lieutenant Colonel JP Larkin supported the training requirements of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines and 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines as they prepare for upcoming deployments. We will say farewell to the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines this month when they deploy to Okinawa as the Battalion Landing Team for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
There have been numerous changes around Camp San Mateo/62 Area. The new chow hall is under construction, the pool has been refinished, and we will soon have a 24-hour unmanned Marine Corps Exchange in the Hogans Barracks. The additional beautification of the area through the efforts and support of Dana Point Support Group has added to the professionalism of the camp and the esprit de corps of the Regiment, most notably with the enhancements to Task Force San Mateo.
Recently, the Marines and Sailors of the Regiment enjoyed supporting the DPSG Adventure Day, always happy to showcase their capabilities and how the support from DPSG increases our combat readiness.
The future remains bright (and busy) for the Fighting Fifth. Thanks again to everyone who supports our Marines and Sailors and their families.
Semper Fidelis, Grizzly 6
Check out the “End of Deployment” video at https://www.youtube. com/watch?app=desktop&v=GKKyBuGWm9I&d=n
Operation Holiday Magic
With the Regiment back from Australia, we want to make this season festive and memorable for our Marines and their families. Holiday Magic will take place from Thanksgiving through the New Year. We aim to make our single Marines in the barracks feel special with a catered Thanksgiving dinner, games, karaoke, gift cards, and other treats.
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, our Marines will train in Twenty-Nine Palms, and we look forward to welcoming them back with a grand holiday celebration. Santa will join us for “Holiday Magic” late December at Dave & Buster’s for a merrymaking event with with dinner and game cards for over 350 Marines and their families. Santa’s workshop will be filled with toys for small children and lots of gift cards for our teens, single Marines, and families.
Because some of the 5th Marine battalions don’t have an adoptive city, “No Marine kiddo is left behind” and we provide toys to children across the Regiment.
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP:
d PURCHASE A TOY FOR A MARINE CHILD and drop it off at any Dana Point location listed on our website.
d TOO BUSY TO SHOP? We will do the shopping for you! Donate at DanaPoint5thMarines.com under “Holiday Magic” or mail a check in the enclosed envelope.
Let’s remember our military families this holiday season—families whose sacrifices secure our greatest gift: freedom.
