By Karen Robbins
In April Members of Team Darkhorse met with the Command Team of our city’s adopted
3rdBattalion,5thMarines (commonly known as 3/5 or “Darkhorse”).
The meeting opened with a surprise visit from Col A.J. Munro (the Commander of the 5th
Regiment Headquarters). He spoke graciously, sincerely and candidly about the effects our
city’s civilian volunteers can and do have on the morale and personal growth of junior Marines.
3/5 Battalion Commander Lt Col Greco concurred, reflecting back on the number of years
Team Darkhorse has faithfully fulfilled the promise made in 2008 by the City’s adoption of the
Battalion.
“I want to express our deep appreciation for the support your group has given this Battalion
over the last 11 years. All the Marines will tell you that the level of support given this
Battalion is unparalleled at any other MC Base they’ve been stationed — whether it is Camp
LeJeune, Kaneohe, or 29 Palms. I was here shortly after the Battalion returned from
Afghanistan, during the sad difficult time following so many losses, and vividly remember your
caring support. To return this year, and find that your dedication has continued for another
decade is amazing. Everyone appreciates this. Even though young Marines find it difficult to
express this, they definitely notice and feel this.”
LCol Greco then gave us a summary of the top down changes in the Marine Corps itself,
including a “pivot East” from the Middle East to strategic competition with China; closer
integration with the Navy, advanced technological training and integration; and the need for
each individual Marine to receive more intense training to enable each to perform with ever
more expertise.
As always, the bulk of an Infantry Battalion are recently enlisted young Marines who now train
through vigorous challenges — mental ly and physically. In early May the Marines head to
29 Palms where they will engage in “warfare games.” Marines are divided into 2 teams —
each tasked with utilizing their training in order to overwhelm the opposite side. Next year,
these Marines will take that training on a MEU (Military Expeditionary Unit) likely to Japan.
Following LtCol Greco’s remarks and explanations, our new Chairman Vanessa Kon discussed
on-base events which we will support; and plans for the city’s Memorial Day Race. At the
race the Battalion will provide a Color Guard, and Static Display of Military Vehicles along with
participating Marines to engage with the community. Static Displays are always highly popular
especially among the children.
TEAM DARKHORSE GOAL AND INITIATIVES FOR 2022
Following a tour of the Battalion Barracks, and armed with an understanding of the challenges
ahead, Team Darkhorse’s goal became clear.
“Team Darkhorse toured the single Marine barracks and observed that there
are 2 computer rooms and 12 existing corrals for computers, but they were was
not IT equipment,” explains TDH Chairman Vanessa Kon.
“Our mission is to provide encouragement, relief and comfort to the Marines/
Sailors of 3/5, and accordingly we would like to improve the living conditions
for the Marines housed in the barracks by setting up these 2 computer rooms
to be fully functional computer labs.
The computer labs will be used by the over 800+ enlisted Marines who live in
the barracks at Camp Pendleton. It will give them internet access and
resources to complete research assignments and reports that they are required
to do as part of their continuing education and training.”
If you would like to make a donation toward the Computer program, you can mail a check to
Team Darkhorse 25462 Nellie Gail Road, LH 92653. Team Darkhorse is an IRS 501 (c)
organization and accordingly all donations are tax deductible.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
JOIN our BAKING BRIGADE: Our Bakers provide “a taste of home” to the young single
Marines on special “Dinner in the Barracks” nights. The next opportunity is June 16. Bakers
can drop goodies off in advance, and/or attend the event to feed, meet and greet the Marines!
REGISTER TO RUN in the City’s Memorial Day Race: Race is Monday, May 30 and race
website is LagunaHillsHalfMarathon.com. There are 5, 10k and Kids races too!
WATCH for announcements in the Friday Updates from the HOA about other opportunities that
arise.
For more information, donations or to sign up for an activity please email
VanessaKon@cox.net.