CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Marines and sailors of Regimental Combat Team 5 enjoyed a summer brunch with their families and friends during the regiment’s pre-deployment family day at Camp San Mateo, July 1.
The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group hosted the event at the 5th Marine Regiment Memorial Garden, providing food and refreshments for the guests. Other support organizations, such as the American Red Cross, Marine Corps Community Services and Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society, set up booths to provide information about their services for Marines, sailors and their families.
“Today was a great time to get all the Marines, sailors and their families together one more time before they deploy,” said Kimberly Merkel, the RCT-5 family readiness officer. “It’s a chance for everyone to sit back, relax, and take it all in.”
Headquarters Company recently returned from Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twenty-Nine Palms after completing the Enhanced Mojave Viper portion of their pre-deployment training.
“We were really blessed to have a great group of people that went through all this training,” said Col. Roger Turner, RCT-5 commanding officer. “Everybody came together as a team, and it’s a great organization.”
Dana Point is the regiment’s adoptive city. Since 2004, their mission has been to provide support and outreach to the RCT-5 Marines and sailors when deployed, and to take care of their families living in the Camp Pendleton area. From fundraisers to family day events, the adopted city has shown tremendous support for the regiment.
“The support to the families doesn’t happen without extended networks, resources and families relying on each other,” said Merkel. “This event gives us a chance to get to know each other better.”
"This was a great event,” said Turner. “It really allowed everyone to come together after the 90-day or so training days that we’ve had.”
RCT-5 is set to deploy to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in August.