Rotary clubs salute the military

FALLBROOK – On March 19, the Rotary Club of Fallbrook and the Oceanside Rotary Club had the privilege of honoring six of the finest military personnel from Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base at their annual Military Awards Program held at the Grand Tradition in Fallbrook. The honorees were from two Marine Corps units – Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton (MCAS CP) and Security and Emergency Services Battalion (SES Bn) and one Navy command, Assault Craft Unit FIVE (ACU FIVE).

The caliber of the Marines and Sailors recognized at this year’s event was very impressive and it was obvious that the recipients were undoubtedly deserving of the awards they received. Fallbrook Rotarians Colonel Robert James, USMC (Retired), LtCol Richard Goodlake, USMC (Retired) and Bob Franz, a Navy veteran, assisted with the award presentations.

Master Sergeant Richard Quinata introduced Sergeant Justin Mansfield, the NCO of the Quarter for Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton. Sgt Mansfield enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2005, has deployed to Iraq twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and has completed eight Recruit Training cycles as Drill Instructor, Experienced Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor. Sgt Mansfield is married and has five children.

Master Sergeant Joseph Olivas introduced Lance Corporal Tylor Weeks, the Marine of the Quarter for Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton. LCpl Weeks enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2012. He is currently serving as a RADAR Technician aboard the Air Station. He has advanced his MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program) training from tan belt to brown belt and has spent his spare time volunteering for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Both of these accomplishments contributed to his being selected as Marine of the Quarter.

Gunnery Sergeant Frank Werner introduced Sergeant Eida RinconLaines, the NCO of the Quarter for Security and Emergency Services Battalion. Sgt RinconLaines enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2010 and was initially a motor transport operator. In January of 2014, she made a lateral move and received training at the Naval Corrections Academy, graduating as a Corrections Specialist. She is currently assigned to the Brig aboard Camp Pendleton.

Staff Sergeant Frank DellaCamera introduced Lance Corporal Jenna Wackowski, the Marine of the Quarter for Security and Emergency Services Battalion. LCpl Wackowski enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2013. She currently works in the Marine Corps Police Department Traffic Division where her job consists of traffic enforcement as well as investigating traffic collisions. In her short time in the Marine Corps, she has shown great initiative and willingness to take on responsibilities well above her rank. She was meritoriously promoted to her current rank and is on track to be meritoriously promoted to Corporal. She is married to a fellow Marine who is also an MP in the 1st Law Enforcement Battalion.

Command Master Chief Gary Mendus introduced ET1 Steven Marlowe, the Shore Sailor of the Year, and QM1 David Farley, the Sea Sailor of the Year, for Assault Craft Unit FIVE, a Navy command aboard Camp Pendleton. Both sailors exemplify leadership characteristics and personal fortitude to succeed within their unit, thereby earning their respective awards.

The Rotary Club of Fallbrook and Oceanside Rotary Annual Military Awards program provides the community the opportunity to show their continued support for members of the local military aboard Camp Pendleton as well as for the nation’s finest worldwide.