MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. -- Two dozen Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 Marines and their families were treated to a celebratory dinner, cooked by local retirees May 22, 2010, in Yuma, Ariz.
The event welcomed the Marines’ return from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit on April 23, 2010, and commended their service.
“We couldn’t be here enjoying the privileges of our nation without you serving our nation,” said Peggy Munger, event coordinator.
For the past four years, the residents of Coyote Ranch, a Yuma retirement community, have supported MALS-13 with care packages and social events.
This dinner is the first time most of the Marines met the people behind those packages.
“What we wanted to do was to contribute to Marines locally,” said Munger.
Munger said Coyote Ranch contacted the station about adopting a unit, and MALS-13 was the first to respond.
“It’s nice to see that the community actually appreciates what we’re doing,” said Sgt. Derek Frabizio, squadron consolidated automatic support system technician.
Many of the Coyote Ranch residents are veterans or former civilian military employees. Debi Mustain has been living around and working with the military for more than 60 years and sees her contributions as a continuation with her military relationship.
“It makes me feel warm inside,” Mustain said. “It puts a smile on my face.”
As their own way of saying thank you, the Marines signed a poster thanking the residents and presented them with a photo of the squadron family readiness team and a plaque.
“You’ve really become our extended family readiness team,” squadron commander Lt. Col. Gregory Clarke said to the Coyote Ranch residents. “We can’t say enough for the dedication you give to our squadron and our Marines.