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Fallbrook residents show appreciation to Marine families

FALLBROOK — On Saturday, June 28, a group of Fallbrook residents led by Mary Ann Hillery produced an event for the families and Marines of Helicopter Squadron HMLA-267.

There were pony rides, children’s dance contests where everyone was so good they all got prizes, face-painting, a bouncy room, balloon animals and a few magic tricks, all provided by volunteers. And, of course, there was the barbecue, including luscious guacamole and salsa dishes.

Three car clubs – the Fallbrook Vintage Car Club, the Rods & Relics Car Club and the Shafters Car Club – brought dozens of their vehicles to a “show ’n tell” parade at the picnic site at Lake O’Neil on Camp Pendleton.

Earlier that day, the helicopter squadron provided some very exciting entertainment of their own: a “live fire” demonstration at a training site on base, using Cobra and Huey helicopters showing a typical mission. This was a rare opportunity, something even the squadron’s ground crew and families seldom get to see.

HMLA-267 is the largest squadron in the Marine Corps and also has the heaviest operational tempo. It supports five continuously deployed detachments per year, providing humanitarian assistance and military capability where needed across the globe.

Each detachment deploys for six to eight months aboard US Navy amphibious ships then is only back at Camp Pendleton for four to six months before their next deployment cycle commences. The high operational tempo, and short time between deployments, places great strain on the Marines and their families.

Buses transported about 300 event attendees out to the viewing site and returned them to the picnic in plenty of time for the barbecue and games.

The Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce, Fallbrook Rotary and more than 80 businesses and individuals, including Major Market and Zebu Construction, generously donated loads of food and drinks for almost 700 people, gift certificates and the grand prize, a family trip to Disneyland. They also donated money for event expenses, plus a check for $1,000 for the military families’ needs.

Miss Fallbrook Lynita Hernandez graciously assisted Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Hudson and Capt. Woodward to give out the numerous raffle prizes. She also served up food and drinks alongside Bob Leonard, the Fallbrook Chamber CEO, and Bob Hillery (Mary Ann’s husband, a retired Marine Colonel and fighter pilot) under the supervision of the barbecue maestro himself, Delos Eyer, owner of La Caseta restaurant.

The Family Day gave Fallbrook residents a chance to demonstrate their appreciation for squadron members and their families’ dedication and sacrifice.

 

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