Flying Leathernecks storms the sands of Encinitas
Legendary Vietnam Veteran, Colonel John R. Bates, USMC, (Retired) with the Flying Leathernecks and the Tsunami Sky Divers stormed Moonlight Beach in Encinitas for the inaugural ‘Moonlight Surf, Wounded Warrior’ event. The Veteran’s Day event was sponsored by the American Legion San Dieguito Post 416. Over 400 spectators and veteran supporters were captivated as the Skydiving teams landed on Moonlight Beach. Ray Hollowell, founder of Plansea.org captured the exciting footage and is creating a video to help with the “Save our Legion” effort.
Country artist, Amy Scruggs sang the National Anthem during the opening ceremony. Surfers from across San Diego and the United States came to surf with our wounded veterans in the open waters of Encinitas. Veteran surfer and event organizer, Alan Lerchbaker stated, “My initial thought was to create an event to help support the “Save our Legion” campaign, where veterans help veterans. I wanted to do something that would connect Veteran’s Day with something I love so much.” Alan has been surfing for over 35 years and lives in Encinitas with his wife Amy.
Post Commander Steve Lewandowski, “Save our Legion” Chairman, Ralph Bettencourt and concerned members of Post 416 started the campaign to re-build a more sustainable structure to continue to support our veterans and the Encinitas community. The American Legion, San Dieguito Post 416 was chartered in 1933 and it became the meeting place for all veteran affairs. Since that time, the American Legion has continued the tradition of supporting our veteran community. Post 416 is in need of donations and sponsorships to re-build. If you would like to donate to the “Save our Legion” campaign, please visit: http://calegionpost416.org/
Following the Moonlight Beach event, the community was invited to have lunch at the Post, where veterans and citizens were welcome to enjoy the savory makings of “Boomer’s” Brisket, Ribs and sausage. Musician, Doug Benson, entertained the Post playing Johnny Cash tribute music. His band ‘Cashed Out’ plays Johnny Cash tribute music from Alaska to New York City. Post Commander Steve Lewandowski honored our veterans and mentioned how the Post has helped so many of our displaced vets find a safe haven to relax and enjoy the company of other veterans. Among the honored guests were Encinitas Mayor Kristin Gaspar and County Supervisor Dave Roberts. Mayor Gaspar and County Supervisor Roberts spoke of the importance of honoring our veterans and preserving the historical Post. Mayor Gaspar announced the plan to implement a veteran awareness and support program and she proposed to allocate an interactive site for veterans to gather, stay active, converse and heal.
The event ended with the auction of a donated surfboard from Avasin, Gravity Skateboard and Matuse Wetsuit. Many sponsors were there to support the event including Ballast Point Brewery, a loyal sponsor of Post 416.
The American Legion is the most influential non-profit organization in the country for veterans. With their Operation Comfort Warriors, they raise funds for troops that are in hospitals recovering. They lobby Congress for better military support and on behalf of veteran causes as well as provide scholarships for children of service members killed on or after September 11, 2001. Nationwide, the Boys and Girls State events have been presented by the American Legion since 1935 to teach them leadership skills and to appreciate their citizenship by creating and running a working government.
The American Legion San Dieguito Post 416 provides many activities and resources for the community. Please visit their calendar and plan time to stop by and have a good time. http://calegionpost416.org/calendar.html
By, CJ Machado-Photojournalist Homeland Magazine
