Giving Thanks for a Mother's Love

We had the great pleasure of meeting Dawn Adair last week.  Dawn, a local resident, signed up to volunteer with Team 2/5 RSM on Monday, November 18, 2013, the last of the deployments of RSM's adopted Marine Battalion, the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines.  It was particularly special because her son, Private First Class Michael Regan, would be boarding the white bus that morning to deploy with the 2/5.

Dawn had hoped to volunteer with us a few weeks earlier, at Operation Snack Pack.  But Michael wanted to take her to the San Diego Zoo that Saturday.  He called it his pre-deployment date day.  Dawn added:  "What a good kid that he makes time for his mom before he leaves."  Michael, you see, is a keeper.

Dawn arrived at Camp Pendleton at 3:30 a.m. on that Monday morning, ready to get to work.  She signed up to work that day, Monday, deployment day, because she knew Michael would be leaving that morning and she wanted to help out in whatever way she could.  Doing so, Dawn explained, would keep her from being sad to say goodbye.

Talking with Dawn in the dawn's early light, we learned that Michael grew up with us, right here, in Rancho Santa Margarita.   Michael went to our local schools, Trabuco Mesa and RSM Intermediate, and graduated from Trabuco Hills in 2012.  Dawn shared, Michael had been adamant about becoming a Marine since he was about 13.  He had investigated all branches of military service but said when you join the Marines, you ARE a Marine.  Michael is very proud to be part of the 2/5.

We're very proud of Michael, as well.  He is serving our country in its most highly decorated Marine Battalion, the 2/5, under the exceptional leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Tim Bairstow and Sergeant Major Lonnie Travis. 

We cannot wait to welcome Michael home when he returns.

At Thanksgiving, when I think about the many things for which I am thankful, at the top of my list will always be a Mother's Love.

Retreat Hell!