WAYNE EGGLESTON, former San Clemente councilmember and mayor
On Aug. 26, during the devastating evacuation of U.S. NATO military and Afghan civilians, an explosion occurred outside the Abbey Gate of the Hamid Karzai International Airport.
The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan Province (ISIL-K) claimed responsibility for the attack. ISIL-K is a sworn enemy of both the United States and the Taliban.
The attack was perpetrated by a suicide bomber, who detonated a 25-pound explosive vest hidden under clothing, close to a group of U.S. military personnel who were performing security screenings of Afghans hoping to enter the airport.
Thirteen U.S. military personnel—11 Marines, one Soldier, and one Navy Corpsman—were killed in the attack.
Of the 13 killed were nine Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, Camp Pendleton, and a Navy Corpsman, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton. The 2/1 is located at the north side of Camp Pendleton, our military neighbors.
On Memorial Day at The Marine Monument at Park Semper Fi, we will dedicate a large, beautiful Memorial Plaque to honor all those killed in the unforgettable tragedy.
When this battalion returned from Afghanistan, they found their Recreational Common Area ill-equipped to provide off-duty recreational activities. The South Coast Detachment of the Marine Corps League has provided many of the family services desperately needed and has done a wonderful job of assisting them in every way possible.
But what is now needed for their Recreational Common Area are the following: couches, sofas, lounge chairs, coffee tables, and cabinets, all in good condition. The USMC and U.S. government do not provide this furniture.
So, we are reaching out to the generous San Clemente community for the above donations.
Should you have such items for the Marines, please contact us directly at 949.280.7752 or email heritage@marinemonument.com. Since we are a 501c3, nonprofit organization, your donation is tax-deductible.
