Wednesday, February 9, 2011

13th MEU Marines help Anaheim community with car wash














ANAHEIM, Calif. - The Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, armed themselves with towels and vacuums during a car wash at the Arco AM/PM in downtown Anaheim, Sept. 9.

Their mission: to help raise donations with the Anaheim 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit Adoption Committee. The Marines and the committee finished the day collecting more than $2,700 in funds with 100 percent going directly to “the Fighting 13th” and their families through numerous support projects.

“Right now we are trying to raise money to support upcoming needs, like the Marine Corps Birthday Ball and the Christmas Party,” said Carolyn Walters, chairwoman of the committee. “While the Marines are gone on deployment the funds will help support the families. We never know when there will be a request. Recently we were able to put aside $1,500 for children’s toys and a jump house at a beach bash.”

The Marines and car wash staff spent the day helping vacuum and hand dry dozens of vehicles.

“It was really great seeing all these people come to help the Marine Corps,” said Lance Cpl. Midori Fabricante, a personnel clerk with the Fighting 13th. “Helping our fellow Marines and their families is what we do well, even if it translates to working at a car wash.”

Jerry Zomorodian, owner of the gas station and car wash, dedicated the day’s car wash earnings to the committee.

"I come from the Middle East and I see these young men and women risk their lives …this is the least I can do for them,” said Zomorodian. “I am honored to be a part of this committee and I would like to do this every year.”

People from the community came in droves to show their support, including members of the Anaheim Police Department, Anaheim Fire Department and military veterans.

“It’s good to see the Marines out here in the community doing good work like this,” said Ray White, a former sailor who had his Ford F-250 washed. “My truck wasn’t really dirty, but this is a good cause. Anyone in the military I support.”

Even though the Marines and sailors will be thousands of miles from home next year, the community and committee will continue to support them and their families just as the Fighting 13th will continue to support them as warriors and ambassadors.

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