Thank you for all the support with Easter Basket donations and gift cards, this year's event was a great success.
Sylvania Holiday Lighting Ceremony
U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Derrick Poteat’s Family from the 13th MEU along with the Anaheim 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit Adoption Committee at Disneyland's Holiday Lighting Ceremony on November 14, 2011.
13th MEU Homecoming September 29, 2011
Thank you to everyone that welcomed home over 2300 Marines and Sailors from the 13th MEU after seven months at sea
On February 22, 2011 more than 2,500 Marines and sailors with the 13th MEU left Naval Base San Diego aboard the USS Boxer, USS Green Bay and USS Comstock for their 2011 western Pacific deployment.
To learn more about how you can support the families during the deployment of their loved one, click on the donations button on the left.
BP representative Robert Motley presents the check to Anaheim's 13th MEU Adoption Committee (left to right: Greg Garcia, Robert Motley, and Jerry Zomorodian).
Bryan Vaughn, Family Readiness Officer presents Robert Motley BP representative a certificate of appreciation for BP's Donation. (left to right: Greg Garcia, Jean Coffman, Robert Motley, Jerry Zomorodian and Bryan Vaughn).
This year Cpl Chavez's became a U.S. Citizen. Without the support of Jerry Zomorodian of the Anaheim Adoption Committee, this process would have been much more difficult for this Marine and his family.
On July 1, 2010 quarterly awards were awarded to Cpl Raymond Watkinson, LCpl Jeremy Tefft, Cpl Christopher Leone. Congratulations!
On June 18, 2010 Jeff and Margaret Sparks welcomed their beautiful and healthy baby girl named, Melanie Marie Sparks to the world. To celebrate this occasion, the Anaheim Adoption committee prepared a newborn gift basket for the family.
About Us
History and Background
On October, 9 2007, the Anaheim City Council formally adopted the 13th MEU, stationed out of Camp Pendleton, in order to show support for the military personnel and their families. This ceremony will honor the traditions and history of the 13th MEU, including a performance by the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar band and the Presentation of Colors by the 13th MEU Color Guard.
The mission of the Marine adoption program is to support a United States Marine Corps (USMC) unit and their families on an ongoing basis, both when the unit is at home and deployed. In return, the USMC will provide community support by participating in local school programs and various city functions. The goal is to encourage mutually beneficial interaction between the community and military personnel.
Comprised of approximately 2,200 Marines and Sailors stationed at Camp Pendleton and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, the 13th MEU supports a variety of operations in the Global War on Terrorism.
On March 29, 2008, the City of Anaheim, the Adoption Committee and the 13th MEU celebrated this partnership with a formal adoption ceremony. The ceremony honored the traditions and history of the 13th MEU, including a performance by the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar band and the Presentation of Colors by the 13th MEU Color Guard. To view the entire ceremony, please click here.
In 2008, the 13th MEU Adoption Committee established a Board to provide leadership and guidance with ongoing and future activities to support the families of the 13th MEU.
Anaheim Adoption Committee Board Members:
Chair-Carolyn Thomas Walters Vice Chair & Secretary- Kelly K. Buffa Treasurer-Richard Farace, Business Management Consultant Jerry Zomorodian, All American Petroleum Corporation, President Greg Garcia, City of Anaheim, Deputy City Manager-Administration Sally Feldhaus, Community Leader Sheila Woodrome, Registered Nurse
Additional Committee Members:
Debbie Boulanger Doreen and Jim Job Robert Garoutte
To learn more about joining the 13th MEU Adoption Committee or how you can support the 13th MEU please click here
There are many opportunities to get involved and donate to the 13th MEU Adoption Committee.
The Committee provides a variety of items to the Marines and Sailors and their families, ranging from baby gift baskets for expectant mothers, welcome home bags for deployed Marines and Sailors, furniture, food and other items that support the families. The Committee encourages any and all donations, whether you would like to donate baby items to create a baby gift basket, monetary donations, cookies, visit an injured Marine or write a letter to a Marine, all donations are welcomed. If you would like to volunteer your time at an upcoming event, the Committee welcomes your support. To learn more about upcoming events, please click on Newsletter to the left.
If you would like to learn more about donating your time or items, please feel free to call (714) 637-5575 or (714) 765-4925.