The Rotary Club of Temecula is an active club with over 100 members and an incredible number of existing service projects implemented over their 40-year history. The Club and its members are constantly seeking ways to support the needs of the community. Therefore, about 5 years ago a Military Support Committee was formed. Becoming aware of overbearing needs of both active and veteran members of our US military and the tremendous influx of military families that populate our community along with our close proximity to Camp Pendleton, the club took on a challenge. The issue of active and retired veterans who suffered from life long disabilities and PTSD was an overwhelming unmet need. Knowing that they could not do everything the Military Support Committee stepped in to accomplish as much as they could. Along with the services they could provide to local community member veterans they discovered a plight of Enlisted Military families and created a relationship with a Family Readiness Officer (FRO) of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) at Camp Pendleton.
The committee has been primarily supported by a coin funnel located just inside the Promenade entrance located under the escalators across from the Edwards Cinema.
The committee has supported the following endeavors in the last 12 months:
- Sponsor of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Family Christmas Party at Camp Pendleton
- Supported a local non-profit, Warfighter Made, http://www.warfightermade.org , whose mission is to provide unique support veterans who suffer from PTSD and physical disabilities
- Support to All From The Heart, http://allfromtheheart.org/, specifically for their Wheels For Warriors and Equine Divine projects
- Sponsor military participants in the W.A.V.E.S. Project, http://wavesproject.org/ . The W.A.V.E.S. Project’s mission is to provide Scuba instruction to Combat Wounded Veterans. The Scuba diving experience can help the wounded warrior by promoting independence and self-confidence
- Sponsorship of participant goodie bags for the Lake Elsinore Bass Fishing Club Tribute Veterans Bass Fishing Tournament
- In December 200 Marines returned to Camp Pendleton from deployment and the Military Support Committee provided funds to purchase 200 new pillows to replace the ravaged travel pillows
- Held the 4th annual Christmas Turkey and Toys Holiday event where the committee provided 40 local military families with a complete holiday food basket and gift cards with deserts donated by Nothing Bundt Cakes and Truly Madly Sweetly.
- Provided monetary emergency support to a local veteran’s widow after he lost his life in a crash returning from Afghanistan
- Participated in Retired Military Recognition “Pinning Ceremonies” at local senior retirement communities
- “Baby Shower In A Box” which provides basic needs and clothing for new mothers in the 15th Marine Expeditionary at Camp Pendleton
- Waiting to distribute funds to Operation Silver Star who support veterans caregivers and financial needs
The Rotary Club of Temecula, http://rotarycluboftemecula.com/, meets every Wednesday, 12:00PM – 1:30PM at the Temecula Claim Jumper, 29540 Rancho California Rd, Temecula 92591. Please visit us and find out about all the other incredible things we do.