Join Us for the Feeding Military Heroes Food Drive

We believe in the power of community and compassion, and we invite you to be a part of something truly meaningful. The Satellite Rotary Club of Military Family Support is proud to announce our upcoming event, the Feeding Military Heroes Food Drive, scheduled for March 9, 2024. This event holds a special place in our hearts as it addresses a critical issue affecting our military families: food insecurity.

A Growing Crisis

When we think of the brave men and women who serve our nation, we often don't realize the challenges they face behind the scenes. Shockingly, over 22,000 active-duty families, 213,000 National Guard/Reservist families, and 1.2 million Veterans struggle with food insecurity. This is a crisis that demands our attention and action.

Our Commitment to Change

Since 2022, the Satellite Rotary Club of Military Family Support has been tirelessly dedicated to making a difference in the lives of these families. We've already achieved significant milestones, providing over 13 tons of food and essential supplies to the Pelican Pantry at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms.

Expanding Our Reach

Now, on March 9, 2024, we're gearing up for our semi-annual Feeding Military Heroes Food Drive, and this time, we're extending our efforts. In addition to Twentynine Palms, we'll also be supporting the Food Pantry at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, where the Armed Services YMCA operates the Pendleton Pantry. We believe in leaving no one behind, and our commitment knows no bounds.

How You Can Help

We're calling upon our community, our neighbors, and our friends to join us in this noble endeavor. There are several ways you can make a difference:

1. Donate Food and Supplies: We're collecting food staples, hygiene products, and baby supplies like diapers and formula. Every contribution counts.

2. Make a Monetary Donation: Your financial support is crucial in keeping these pantries well-stocked. Write "FEEDING HEROES" in the memo line and send your donation to PO Box 713, San Dimas, CA, 91773.

3. Volunteer Your Time: Explore volunteer opportunities and make a direct impact by lending a helping hand.

4. Spread the Word: Share this message with your friends, family, and colleagues. Together, we can raise awareness and inspire change.

Join Us in Making a Difference

We believe that change begins with us, and it starts right here in our community. Your support is invaluable in our mission to combat food insecurity among our military families. Join us on March 9, 2024, from 9 AM to 3 PM, at the San Dimas Masonic Temple, located at 220 N. Monte Vista Avenue, San Dimas, CA 91773.

For more information or to get involved, please contact the Club at 909-599-7530 or email us at sandimasrotary@gmail.com. Let's stand together and make a positive impact on the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. We look forward to your support and participation in this important event. Together, we can truly make a difference.

'Twas the Night Before Deployment

 

'Twas the night before Christmas, on a Marine Corps base, Not a Marine was stirring, in this peaceful place. The rifles were hung by the barracks with care, In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.

The Marines were all nestled, snug in their beds, While visions of missions danced in their heads. And the Gunnery Sergeant, and I in my cap, Had just settled down for a long winter's nap.

When out on the parade ground there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bunk to see what was the matter. Away to the window, I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave the lustre of midday to objects below. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature Humvee, and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment, it must be Saint Nick. More rapid than Eagles, his coursers they came, And he whistled and shouted and called them by name.

"Now, Chesty! Now, Semper! Now, Leatherneck and Devil! On, Jarhead! On, Leatherman! On, Marine and Rebel! To the top of the barracks! To the top of the wall! Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, So up to the housetop, the coursers they flew, With a sleigh full of toys, and Saint Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof, The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head and was turning around, Down the chimney, Saint Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in camo, from his head to his boot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. A bundle of MREs he had flung on his back, And he looked like a Marine, just opening his pack.

His eyes, how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like desert sand, weathered and hairy! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a cigar he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a belly like a tank, That shook when he laughed, like a big battle rank.

He was rugged and rough, a true warrior elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself. A wink of his eye and a nod of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk. And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprang to his Humvee, to his team gave a yell, And away they all drove, like a bat out of hell. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, "Semper Fi to all, and to all a good night!"

The Bicentennial Bell

The Bicentennial Bell: A Gift of Freedom Cast in London's Whitechapel Foundry, bell symbolizes unity in freedom between nations. Queen Elizabeth II's moving speech at Independence National Historical Park's Visitor Center in 1976 still resonates today. The bell's echoes will return in 2026 at Rush Gardens, connecting our past and future.  #BicentennialBell #FreedomBell #SanDimas2026 #2026

https://www.sandimas2026.com/post/from-1976-to-2026-the-bicentennial-bell-s-continuing-journey

USAF: Bicentennial Flashback

Celebrate the Skies with the USAF: Bicentennial Flashback!  In 1976, the United States Air Force took to the skies to commemorate our nation's 200th birthday in spectacular style! From breathtaking aerial displays to patriotic parades, they soared to new heights in celebrating freedom and unity.

Join us in revisiting this remarkable chapter in our history, where the USAF played a vital role in making the bicentennial unforgettable. #USAFBicentennial #USAirForce #SanDimas2026

https://www.sandimas2026.com/post/flying-high-the-united-states-air-force-s-role-in-the-bicentennial-celebration-of-1976