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Buddy Bowl raises money for military CAMP PENDLETON – The All Star Buddy Bowl will raise money for military personnel and their families through a community-based flag football tournament that includes both physically challenged and able-bodied participants. The Buddy Bowl will be played from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 28 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. To attend this event on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, RSVP by contacting Camp Pendleton Public Affairs at (760) 725-5044. The proceeds of the 2009 All Star Buddy Bowl will benefit educational funds for the children of Marines who have been killed in recent conflicts, as well as troops who have become disabled in the lineof-duty. Sgt. Sam Cila, who lost his hand in Iraq and whose family was featured in the Sesame Street special “Coming Home-Military Families Coping with Change,” will play in this year’s All Star Buddy Bowl. The All Star Buddy Bowl is open to male and female participants both child and adult. The tournament will also feature a wheelchair bracket. The All Star Buddy Bowl provides male and female members of the U.S. Armed Forces and the local civilian community an opportunity to interact and compete in a friendly athletic event for a worthy cause. For additional information visit www.buddybowl. org.
Base Marines honor copter crash victims Associated Press
CAMP PENDLETON — About 300 people gathered at Camp Pendleton’s chapel Nov. 19 to honor two Marines who were killed in a collision with a Coast Guard airplane off the San Diego coast in October. Four Cobra helicopters flew in formation in clear skies after Thursday’s memorial service . One broke off— an exercise to pay tribute to the fallen Marines. Marines spokeswoman Lt. Cassandra Gesecki said the memorial was attended by the families of both victims, Maj. Samuel Leigh of Belgrade, Maine, and 1st Lt. Thomas Claiborne of Parker, Colo. The two men died on a training exercise Oct. 29 when their AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter collided with a Coast Guard C-130 plane on a mission to rescue a missing boater about 50 miles offshore. Seven Coast Guard members also died. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
NOV. 27, 2009
THE COAST NEWS
Midway now home to famous WWII plane By Lance Cpl. Manuel F. Guerrero
SAN DIEGO — One of the aircraft that played an important role in the United States involvement in World War II and is a direct predecessor of the F/A-18D “Hornet” was given a proper dedication ceremony on Veterans Day. The carrier’s celebration brought together veterans from Marine Fighting Squadron 225 with the last two commanding officers of
Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225 from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, to dedicate the aircraft. Col. Douglas W. Pasnik, former commanding officer of VMFA (AW)-225, shared the squadron’s rich history and presented a plaque for “Miss Understood,” the Corsair to be displayed at the museum. Pasnik also introduced John Mitchell, retired Marine Corps colonel, who excited the crowd with stories
about his active involvement during WWII aboard a Corsair. Marine Fighting Squadron evolved to the current VMFA (AW)-225 because of advancement in aircraft. “The stories of these pilots have shaped the legacy of the squadron,” said Pasnik, during his speech. “The donation of the aircraft will help preserve our squadron’s history.” Veterans present knew the dedication was a fitting
one for the aircraft they flew with. The Corsair veterans smiled and welled up with pride remembering their involvement with the Corsair during the speeches and the lifting of the aircraft, explained retired Marine Corps Brig. Gen. George E. Dooley, who flew combat missions over the Pacific during WW II aboard a Corsair. The dedication was fantastic for the aircraft because it brought back a lot of memories, Dooley said.
Crown, who donated the aircraft, also showed her gratification for the men and women who served with the Corsair. “I am thrilled beyond belief to be able to show this to future generations so they can see this incredible aircraft.” After the guest speakers finished, a crane lifted the Corsair aboard the USS Midway Museum to conclude the ceremony. The aircraft will be on display for many generations to come.
NASCAR festival to be held Nov. 30 CAMP PENDLETON — The base theater will feature the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup series champion’s tour and fan festival starting at 3 p.m. Nov. 30 with free food and beverages for the first 1,000 visitors. The event offers inter-
active activities, tire changing units and other racerelated fun. Fans can take part in a question and answer session with 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion drivers and a concert will be held with rock band Saving Abel at 5:45 p.m.
Holiday hours on base CAMP PENDLETON — Some offices and facilities will be closed or feature special hours during the Thanksgiving weekend. Camp Pendleton Pass and ID offices and the Police Records section Section will be closed Nov. 26 and Nov. 27. Offices will reopen with normal busi-
ness hours Nov. 30. Thanksgiving Holiday Commissary hours during the Thanksgiving holiday at the Main Store will be closed Nov. 26 and open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 27. The San Onofre store will be closed Nov. 26 and Nov. 27 but open Nov. 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
MEMORIAL RUN More than 1,100 Marines from Assault Amphibian School Battalion, 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch and Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle Team participated in the second annual amtracker run at Camp Del Mar, Nov. 20. The run is a tradition among amtrackers to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa, one of the first major assaults for amtrackers during WW II. “It is good to see all the trackers come out and let the Marine Corps know we are still amphibious,” said Lt. Col. John B. Atkinson, commanding officer, Assault Amphibian School Battalion, MCB Camp Pendleton, who lead the formation run. Photo by Sgt. Vitaliy Rusavskiy
November honors Native American heritage By Pfc. Daniel Boothe
CAMP PENDLETON — Native American Heritage Month not only commemorates a culture shared by nearly 5 million Americans, but honors a heritage with the highest record of military service, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s polls. Today, more than 160,000 Native American veterans carry on a legacy of service seen in every U.S. war, according to the Department of the Navy’s Naval Historical Center. Military service that dates back before 1924, when the U.S. granted our nation’s indigenous people citizenship. Camp Pendleton’s 220square-mile base shares a past full of Native American heritage and culture dating back nearly 1,000 years. Two major tribes, the Luiseno and Juaneno, settled on present-
NATIVE HERITAGE Pottery made by Camp Pendleton’s two native tribes, the Luiseño and Juaneño, remain on display at the base’s historic Santa Margarita Ranch House. As Native American Heritage Month continues throughout the month of November, the display reminds local residents of the base’s rich American Indian heritage. Photo by Pfc. Daniel Boothe
day Pendleton. “My family has served in every U.S. war that has ever been fought,” said Abel
Silvas, local Juaneno Tribal Council leader. “The base has done a great job preserving the land of our ancestors.”
Pendleton continues to preserve, protect and support Native American ancestry with archeological displays at Pendleton’s historic Santa Margarita Ranch House Museum and ceremonial events. “Our debt to our first Americans is immense,” said President Barack Obama in his Native American Heritage Month proclamation. “From the American Revolution to combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, they have fought valiantly in the defense of our nation as dedicated servicemen and women.” The first American Indian Day was celebrated in 1916, but a month-long Native American recognition would not be adopted for another 74 years. It wasn’t until 1990 that former President George H.
W. Bush approved a joint resolution that declared November as National Native American Heritage Month. Since then, similar proclamations have been issued every year. “Long before European explorers set foot on the North American continent, this great land has been cultivated and cherished by generations of American Indians,” said former President George H. W. Bush, in 1990’s first National American Indian Heritage Month proclamation, Public Law 101-343. “Native American voices have echoed through the mountains, valleys, and plains of our country for thousands of years, and it is now our time to listen,” said Obama in his proclamation’s closing remarks.
Open house held for Skyhawks Squadron 47 OCEANSIDE — “Skyhawks” Composite Squadron 47, will host an open house from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Army Reserve Center, Building 201545, on Camp Pendleton. Directions and a map are available on the squadron Web site at www.sq47.cawg.cap.gov. At the event, visitors will learn about the Civil Air Patrol and its missions
through displays and demonstrations about Search and Rescue, Aerospace and the Cadet program. The Cadet program will be showcased during the open house. Cadets have a wide range of opportunities and can participate in activities ranging from aviation and aerospace education, to search and rescue. Boys and
girls age 12 to 21 years of age are eligible for membership. The cadet program has more than 26,000 young members. With advice and assistance from CAP members at national, regional, state and local levels, and the United States Air Force, cadets are exposed to a structured program of aerospace education, leadership, physical fitness, and moral
and ethical values. Senior members participate as aviators, ground support and communications personnel and as Cadet program leaders. Founded in 1941, Civil Air Patrol is the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force, with local squadrons in all 50 states, the national capital, and Puerto Rico. As a nonprofit
federal corporation, the Civil Air Patrol has been chartered by Congress with three missions: Emergency Services, Aerospace Education and the Cadet Program. For more about CAP in California, visit www.cawg.cap.gov. To learn more about Squadron 47, visit www.sq47.cawg.cap.gov.