TEAM DARKHORSE helps Marines with Operation Blues Ready
A close-cropped nape sheathed behind a rigid, red-trimmed collar. White gloves folded perfectly—left over right—across a flawless brass buckle. A scarlet stripe along the seam of blue trousers lead to a pair of black shoes polished so highly that you can count in their reflection six gold buttons leading up the broad, medal-adorned chest of a U.S. Marine. The Marine Corps dress blue uniform, as just described by USO journalist Joseph Andrew Lee, is said to be steeped in more than 240 years of tradition and is the only U.S. military uniform that incorporates all three colors of the U.S. flag.
One of Team Darkhorse’s latest efforts in supporting the 3rdBattalion of the 5thRegiment is Operation Blues Ready. The program is targeted at junior enlisted Marines to help offset the cost of maintaining their dress uniforms. In bootcamp, each Marine is required to purchase several uniforms, including “Dress Blues” or simply “Blues”. And then is responsible for keeping these uniforms in pristine condition and up to date with all their medals and ribbons they earn along the way. They are earned for such things as conduct, national defense and deployments. Regulations for affixing these items to their dress uniform are very strict, down to a quarter of an inch in placement. Uniforms are inspected on a regular basis to ensure compliance. Having these medals and ribbons professionally attached to their uniforms is the best path to a successful inspection.
“When 1stSargent Gillon was with the 5thRegiment, we were chatting about ways to best help support his Marines,“ said Robin Skiles, a Team Darkhorse volunteer. “The Marine Corps Birthday Ball, a time-honored tradition, was nearing and he mentioned that everyone was getting their dress blues ready for the event. He stated that this was a rather expensive undertaking, especially for the lower ranking Marines, as the cost could be as much as $100 to update one uniform.
“When I joined Team Darkhorse, I discussed the idea with Karen Robbins, Team Darkhorse Committee Chairman, who embraced the idea. We are now fundraising to make the program a reality for about 800 Marines of 3/5.”
Although dress bluesare like civilian black tie in the sense of formality and ceremony, the distinction is that medals represent tremendous effort, and sometimes sacrifice and risk of life for others, rather than medals representing personal gain. These are symbols of service accomplishment, not conceit. Since we civilians benefit from all the effort those symbols represent, Team Dark Horse thinks the perfect way to show our appreciation is to help them with the cost.
If you would like more information, contact Robin at 949.600.3357 (mobile) or email outreach.fightingfifth@gmail.com. Donations can be sent to Team Darkhorse (a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization), 25462 Nellie Gail Road, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.
