For many years the City of Dana Point has supported the Marines of this regiment and their families when they have gone overseas for a tour of duty in Iraq. In appreciation, the Marines put on quite a show for us. We toured their base at Camp San Mateo in the huge Pendleton area just south of San Clemente. Then we were treated to demonstrations in martial arts and obstacle course training, a hands-on display of weapons and equipment where we donned helmets and battle gear and fired state-of-the-art weapons, both rifles and pistols.

We ate in the regimental mess hall (after paying for our lunch, since regulations say there are no free meals!).

Finally, we were treated to a very moving ceremony that outlined the various wars fought for our country by the men of the 5th Regiment.

It was quite a day. And after handling the heavy equipment for just a little while, and bumping around in trucks for just a short distance, and standing out in the hot California sun for just a brief time ... we now have far greater appreciation for our fighting forces, especially the men of the 5th Marine Regiment of the United States Marines.

We are proud to help you and your families, gentlemen, and even more proud of what you are doing every day to protect our country.

Semper Fi.