HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2014-97 - Adopt 7th Marine Regiment 1st Marine DvsnCITY OF PALM DESERT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF THE 7TH MARINE
REGIMENT, 1st MARINE DIVISION, MARINE CORPS AIR
GROUND COMBAT CENTER OF 29 PALMS, CALIFORNIA
SUBMITTED BY: Donna Gomez, Tourism & Marketing Manager
DATE: December 11, 2014
CONTENTS: Resolution 2014-97
Recommendation
By Minute Motion:
CITY COUNCILA ON
APPROVED
RECEIVED
DENIED
OTHER 1)4 Nr
MEETING DATE --%/ - i-1.
AYES: ••� -
NOES. l` fir 0
ABSEN11t A) 5)7 f'
ABSTAIN:
VERIFIED BY: li/`
Original on File with City Clerk's Office
1. Approve Resolution No. 2014-97adopting the 7th Marine Regiment,
1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center of 29
Palms, California.
Background
lay f VG ' -r
In early September, the City of Palm Desert was approached by representatives of the
Desert Cities Mitchell Paige Medal of Honor Chapter, 1st Marine Division Association
(Desert Cities Association) requesting the City consider adopting a regiment from the 29
Palms Marine base. The Desert Cities Association, chartered in 1998, currently
supports the 7th Marine Regiment through fundraising efforts that supply food, toys and
assistance to 29 Palms enlisted Marines and their families. Their efforts include:
• Holiday meals for families with enlisted Marines overseas (174 families last year)
• Toy collections that are distributed directly to children of Marines overseas
• Gift cards for needy enlisted families during the holidays
• Hosting of picnics for units and their families before deployment and upon
returning from deployment
The 7th Regiment commanding officer, Colonel Jay Bargeron has confirmed the needs
and priorities are to assist junior marine families with food and gifts at the holidays, as
well as hosting of picnics and family events for those units being deployed or returning
from deployment.
Resolution No. 2014-97
Staff Report
Adoption of 7th Marine Regiment
December 11, 2014
Page2of2
Research found that dozens of communities throughout California have formally
adopted a military unit or regiment with varying levels of support. Staff proposes the
City's initial efforts include supporting the current programming and efforts of the Desert
Cities Association. The following concepts are additional ideas to be considered as part
of the adoption program:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Article in the Brightside newsletter announcing the relationship and
encouraging individuals to support
Support current efforts of the Desert Cities Association and consider
providing staff assistance, volunteers and possible funding of future
events and activities hosted by this group
Offer resources such as parks and other City facilities
Allow for placement of toy collection boxes at City buildings
Consider one-time promotions or offers at facilities such as Desert
Willow and the Aquatic Center
City will add a section to its website supporting the relationship and
encouraging individuals to join efforts
Allow the Desert Cities Association an opportunity to partner in the City's
Veteran's Day activities for the purpose of fundraising
The 7th Marine Regiment is one of the most decorated fighting regiments in the Marine
Corps. They recently deployed a battalion into the Middle East for positioning in Kuwait,
Quatar, UAE, and are sending a company of Marines into Baghdad to increase security
for the U.S. Embassy. Adopting this regiment will demonstrate the City's support and
appreciation for American military forces engaged in defending the freedoms and
principles of the United States.
No funding is being requested at this time.
Submitted by:
onna Gomez
Tourism & Marketing Manag
Approved:
John F. Wohlmuth Rudy Acosta
City Manager Assistant City Manager
Martin Alvarez
Director of Economic Development
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-97
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT ADOPTING THE 7TH MARINE REGIMENT, 1ST MARINE
DIVISION, MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER AT
29 PALMS, CALIFORNIA
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert was approached with the concept of adopting the
7`h Marine Regiment at 29 Palms; and
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert would like to support and show appreciation for
American military forces that are engaged in defending the freedoms and principles of the
United States; and
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert has an opportunity to be a catalyst by facilitating
and channeling community support for military personnel and their families; and
WHEREAS, the Palm Desert community has a long history of enthusiastic community
involvement and dedicated volunteerism to support programs for the betterment of the city; and
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert is pleased to participate in a community -wide effort
and hopes that residents, businesses, service clubs, nonprofit organizations, and others will
become involved in supporting military personnel and their families.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Palm Desert
will adopt the 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
at 29 Palms, California.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Palm Desert at
its regular meeting held on the 11th day of December, 2014, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
VAN G. TANNER, MAYOR
ATTEST:
RACHELLE KLASSEN, CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT