Volunteers honored for welcoming Marines

FALLBROOK – Andrew Genninger, a member of Fallbrook’s VFW Post 1924 and members of the South Bay Marine Corps League’s “Colonel Mitchell Paige [Medal of Honor] Detachment 1207,” were honored in a ceremony at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station on April 17, for their volunteering to welcome home the Marines and sailors from their many deployments over the past year.

At all hours of day or night members showed-up, long before the troops’ arrival, to set-up toy and play-dough tables, coffee service and other amenities for family members and friends awaiting the return of their loved ones.

Major General Steven W. Busby, Commanding General of the Third Marine Aircraft Wing, along with Colonel John P. Farnam, Commanding Officer of the Air Station, and Colonel John M Jansen, Commanding Officer of Marine Air Group 11, with many of their subordinate Marines, gave high praise for the Miramar volunteers.

General Busby said, “On behalf of the Marines and sailors of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and MCAS Miramar, please accept our sincerest appreciation for your contribution and your compassionate care in the role of a Marine Corps volunteer…It’s heartwarming to know such generosity exists for our Marines, sailors and families during this critical time in our nation’s history. Your volunteer service is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”