MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, San Diego -- Active duty service members and their families were invited to a free college basketball game at the University of San Diego’s third annual Marine Night, Jan. 13.
The depot color guard presented the National Colors and the Twenty-Nine Palms Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Calif., band played the National Anthem before the USD Toreros played the visiting Santa Clara University Broncos.
The school also conducts youth clinics and other events with Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego to build a relationship and provide support, said Steve Becvar, associate athletic director, USD.
Also in attendance were the Marines of Company L, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, who were in their final week of training and graduated Jan. 14.
“These events are great because it gives the young men the opportunity (to go to civilian events) when they get closer to graduating,” said 1st Sgt. Luis Silva, company first sergeant, Company L, 3rd RTB. “It gives them more confidence while easing them back into the civilian society.”
“The event was a way we could recognize and honor MCRD to the community,” said Becvar. “By conducting this event at a basketball game, we could recognize MCRD at the Jenny Craig Pavilion, on television and radio.”
The Toreros’ cheerleaders had their own way of showing their support by walking through the bleachers before the game to pass out and sign posters for the Marines.
In order to show their gratitude, MCRD brought a strong showing of Marines, along with sister services and their families from the depot.
Buses were also provided by USD for the families of the Company L Marines to attend the game.
“This is great, anything to spend time with my son,” said Candia Dorman, mother of Pvt. Cameron Dorman, Platoon 3250, Co. L, 3rd RTB.
Despite the Santa Clara Broncos defeating the USD Toreros 61 – 52, many of the new Marines said they enjoyed their outing.
“We found out we were coming just after the Crucible,” said Pfc. Fritz Ball, Platoon 3251, Co. L, 3rd RTB. “This doesn’t seem real after you’ve been enclosed for three months.”