Photo By Cpl. Crystal Druery | New Marines from Company B. enjoy hot dogs, chips, soda and candy Jan. 5 during a...... read more read more
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SAN DIEGO - The University of San Diego Men’s basketball team has shown their appreciation for the military by inviting Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and other military members to watch the USD Toreros Jan. 5. For the fourth year in a row, military personnel were invited to USD’s game against Saint Mary’s at the Jenny Craig Pavilion.
The stands were filled Thursday with almost 1,000 college students, military members, the Marines of Company B that graduated from MCRD Jan. 6. The game was free for graduating Marines and their drill instructors.
“San Diego is such a great military community,” said Steve Becvar, associate director of USD department of athletics. “At USD, we have made this one of our outreach priorities, to show support for those that serve. Through athletics and basketball specifically, this has evolved into a special event, especially when we can tie this into a game that is on television.”
The game was aired nationally on ESPNU. Throughout the telecast they mentioned the graduation of the Marines of Company B and showed the recruits in the stands.
“It’s important to not forget the dedication, commitment and sacrifice the military members and families make, serving our country,” said Becvar. “San Diego has an incredible blend of military, business, tourism, education, athletics and other aspects that make it such a great place to live, work and play. None of this is possible if it were not for the freedoms we have that our military makes possible.”
This special event may have given the new Marines a taste of the appreciation and support America has for its military.
“Since the new Marines are in a public setting representing the Marine Corps this is a great opportunity to teach them how to conduct themselves while in a civilian environment,” said Gunnery Sgt. Scott Chromy, senior drill instructor. “They’re use to being recruits not Marines.”
Chromy also said he found it important for his new Marines to conduct themselves properly due to the fact the civilians at the game probably don’t see Marines very often. This gave the drill instructors a chance to show the professionalism and discipline they worked so hard to instill in new Marines, said Chromy, a 27-year-old Fremont, Calif. native.
The event also gave the Marines a chance to bond with fellow recruits and their drill instructors in a new way. For 13 weeks, the recruits saw one side of their drill instructors, training mode, which inhibited asking questions they might have pertaining to the Marine Corps. This night they were given the opportunity.
“This to me is being welcomed into the Marine Corps and the brotherhood,” said Lance Cpl. Cody Jackson, Platoon 1021, Company B, 1st Battalion. “For the whole three months we spend with our drill instructors all we experienced was yelling. By being able to talk to them shows us that they care. This also gives me a chance to bond with my brothers and for us to talk before going our separate ways.”
The Marines were allowed to buy hotdogs, chips, soda and candy while enjoying the game, which they were deprived of while in recruit training. The follow and lead series honor man were able to relax in armchairs while watching the game close to the action on the court.
Other Marines from MCRD showed up for this special experience with family and friends.
“This was a great opportunity to spend quality time with my family and watch a college basketball game,” Capt. Matthew Lamb, deputy, G-1 MCRD. “This is also a great way to show the local community we’re involved.”
Brig. Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, commanding general of MCRD, also showed his appreciation of the San Diego community by attending the game. During the beginning of the game Yoo took center court and gave a few words to the crowd thanking the community for their support.
“USD is honored to host this very special event. Our attendees at the game ask us every year if this event to honor MCRD will happen again and fortunately, it had happened four years in a row,” said Becvar. “It’s a special night for our fans and the San Diego Community to say thank you and show our appreciation.”
| Date Taken: | 01.09.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 01.11.2012 19:08 |
| Story ID: | 82289 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 114 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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