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Health & Fitness

Fair Winds and Following Seas, USMC Lt. Col. J.P. McDonough and USMC FRO Nori Jackson

As a member of San Juan Capistrano’s 1/11 Adoption Committee, I was privileged to be invited as a special guest to the recent Change of Command ceremony.  Lt. Col. James P. “JP” McDonough relinquished command of the 1/11 to Lt. Col. Teague A. Pastel.  I was at the city park when San Juan first adopted the 1/11 and I remember the pomp and circumstance of that ceremony.  I went with my dachshund, Gracye.  She did fine with the marching men, she tolerated the bagpipes, and she seemed to like the brass band, but when they shot the Howitzers off….. she jumped about 3 feet off the ground and was ready to leave!

It was fun to see the pageantry associated with a change of command and to learn a lot more about the history of adopted regiment.  It was also a reminder to me as to why we do what we do for the 1/11.  In the 90 years since they were activated, the 1/11 has been to China, Cuba, Western Samoa (during WWII), Guam, Korea, Okinawa, Vietnam, Iraq, Somalia, Afghanistan….. all the hot spots that most of us have only read about.  (If you were in one of those hot spots, with the USMC or other branch of the military, thank you for your service.)  I read stories about the bravery of the men, such as Second Lieutenant Sherrod E. Skinner, Jr. and the regiment in Korea in 1950 that had a British military observer saying, “…these Marines have the swagger, confidence and hardness that must have been in Stonewall Jackson’s Army of the Shenandoah.”

The First Marine Regimental Band provided the day’s musical accompaniment (and caused me a burning desire to go home and dig out my Sousa CD’s).  However, it was also a bit disappointing… no bagpipes this time around.  I have heard our national anthem played countless times, and while I will not say this was the most moving version I have ever heard (I think that was the first time I heard it after 9/11), it was pretty special.  This was just one regiment changing commanders, but for the rest of Camp Pendleton, it was a business as usual day.  While the anthem was played, you could hear “bombs bursting in air” in the background… along with some sporadic gunshots and helicopters flying by.  It was only a very small amount of firepower, but it gave one a hint of what Francis Scott Key might have been thinking of while writing our anthem.  Several people spoke, including both of the Lieutenant Coronels, and all spoke highly of San Juan. (My fellow citizens, you would have been proud!) After all the remarks, the batteries passed by in review.  They played Waltzing Matilda, Anchors Away (because, as it was pointed out to me by a Navy man in attendance, the Marines are a branch of the Navy) and lastly the Marines Hymn.

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After the ceremony was over, it was time to head over to the Fiddler’s Green for refreshments.  At that point, Mayor Taylor presented Lt. Col. McDonough with a special commendation from the city.  After a few more good lucks and good-byes to Lt. Col. McDonough and his wife Kim, it was time for us to leave.

Some of my other observations of the day?  It was interesting to me that even though we were deep into the heart of Camp Pendleton, they still took security seriously.  From my vantage point, I could see three corners of the ceremonial area and at each corner was a fully armed, ready-for-action Marine.  I do not know what trouble they were expecting, but they were ready to take care of it should it materialize.  I also kept going back to the thought that all this pageantry and show of strength was taking place in the shadow of the little white chapel across the street from the parade grounds.  I know that for many of these young recruits, their love of God is just as strong as their love of country.  Not sure what more to make of this thought, just that I found the juxtaposition of peace and war in such close harmony something that really stood out in my memory of the day.

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San Juan is also saying good luck to the 1/11’s Family Readiness Officer Nori Jackson.  It is not good-bye, as she is not leaving the area, just moving up the ladder to another position.  I have personally known Nori for years and have heard from many people on Camp Pendleton that she stands out as one of the best FRO’s.  I feel sad for the 1/11 to lose her and for the FRO who will have big shoes to fill, but I am glad that Nori’s sphere of influence will be expanded.

I would like to close this blog by giving a warm welcome to Lt. Col. Teague Pastel, his wife Andrea and their four young sons.  I hope you get to visit us often and think of our community as your extended family.  We pledge to continue doing what we can to support you, your family and your command.  To Nori, I will just say see you later.  I know we will continue to see you around town and I look forward to hopefully having you as a neighbor in a few years.  Lt. Col. JP McDonough, Kim and your four boys, thank you for your service.  I hope you enjoy your car trip across the country and I wish you fair winds and following seas in your future endeavors.

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