I read with great interest the story of the two local Marine Corps heroes, Justin Fleming and Trevor Blazso, after their return from Operation Iraqi Freedom. What a great example to the community and to Malibu High School. I applaud their decision to step up to the plate and commit themselves in service to their country. For those of you who watched, their battalion was featured on Fox News with one of their embedded reporters and the 23rd Marines represented the Corps and their country extremely well. As the only Marine Reserve battalion to see action in Iraq, they also represented the reserve force in a very professional manner and earned praise from their active counterparts. Through the embedded reporters, the whole country got an intimate look at the high degree of professionalism and discipline exhibited by our Marines and soldiers in Iraq. Whatever your feelings are about the war itself, you have to admire these fine young Americans.
One thing is for certain. These two 20 years olds have got some incredible adventure stories under their belt at a young age. When they get to college and their peers are complaining about school being tough or having to work too hard, these two Marines will probably be laughing inside because they have learned what tough is all about. School will probably be a breeze, time management skills a piece of cake, and the abundant social opportunities will be all the more precious having spent months in a desert war zone far from home. Justin and Trevor, my hat is off to you. I sincerely appreciate your service to your country. Your parents must be very proud. Your community is also proud. It’s also gratifying for me to see that I’m not the only Leatherneck in Malibu still serving the Corps. As the Commanding Officer of a Reserve helicopter squadron, let me assure the citizens of Malibu that the young Americans coming into the service these days are cut from the same cloth as Justin and Trevor. They are America’s finest.
Lt. Col. Rick Mullen
USMC Reserve