Assault amphibian Marines make a splash for lawyers

Courtesy Photo | Amphibious assault vehicles from the Assault Amphibian School Battalion make a surprise landing at Del Mar beach during an event held for the employees and families of the Jackson Lewis law firm, June 25. The Marines gave the families tours of the vehicles to help express their gratitude for the $100,000 donation the company made to the Armed Services YMCA. "We thought it would be appropriate to have a fundraiser for the military families," said Ed Cherof, a partner with the law firm. "We really respect what those in the military are doing to defend this country and we really respect the families that support them."  

CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

06.24.2011

Courtesy Story

1st Marine Division

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines with the Assault Amphibian School Battalion provided excitement and entertainment for a gathering of lawyers and their families at Del Mar beach, June 25.

The lawyers of the Jackson Lewis law firm spent a weekend with their co-workers and families, and presented the Armed Services YMCA with a donation of $100,000.

The weekend began with an assembly at La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, Calif., where Maj. Gen. Michael Regner, the commanding general of 1st Marine Division, expressed his gratitude to the attendees.

“When we see this type of generosity come from you, I will drop everything I am doing to come and thank you,” Regner said.

Jackson Lewis is a law firm that specializes in workplace law. They are a nation-wide law firm with 46 offices and almost 700 lawyers. Ed Cherof, a partner at Jackson Lewis, was glad his company was giving back to the armed service and their families.

“We thought this was a terrific cause,” Cherof said. “We really respect what those in the military are doing to defend this country and we really respect the families that support them.”

Money from the donation will go toward buying bicycles for military families of Camp Pendleton and funding the ASYMCA and the many programs it operates in support of the Marines, sailors, and families of the 1st Marine Division.

The following day the families went to Del Mar beach on Camp Pendleton, where the Marines of AAS Bn. were there to give them a closer look at the equipment and vehicles that they use in the field. Participants were allowed to try on personal protective equipment like flak jackets and Kevlar helmets.

The families were even able to tour the insides of vehicles used by the Marines, including a Humvee, a seven-ton truck, and two amphibious assault vehicles.

“They have been climbing the vehicles, talking with the Marines, and they’re just totally enthused about this, so it has been a great event,” Cherof said. “We’re really proud to be here and proud to be working with the 1st Marine Division.”

The guests also got a special surprise when Marines simulated a beach landing with three more AAVs. The crowd cheered as the vehicles cruised through the waves and onto the shore.

“I think its good for the American population to come out here and meet the Marines and heroes who are coming back and forth from deployments and see that they’re real people,” said Lt. Col. Michael Kennedy, the commanding officer of the Assault Amphibian School Battalion. “They get to share their appreciation for the Marines and the Marines get a chance to talk and tell their story.”

The employees and families of Jackson Lewis spent the rest of the afternoon laughing and enjoying themselves on the beach before wrapping up their company retreat and heading home.

• Date Taken: 06.24.2011
• Date Posted: 06.29.2011 13:20
• Story ID: 72956
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US