2025
Retired AF Colonel Wayne Scott, Chair of the Veterans Memorial Association.
Photo by USMC L/Cpl Aimee Jordan
January 21
On January 21, Colonel Caleb Hyatt, the new Commanding Officer of the 11th MEU introduced himself to the Yorba Linda City Council and presented an overview of their task in 2025. This was also the Committee’s regular meeting night and several members were in attendance.
Colonel Hyatt
March 21
On 21 March the members of the 11th MEU Command Element met at Lake O’Neill for the annual Family Day Festival picnic so the families could get to know each other in a relaxed setting. The wind was blowing too hard for us to set up our awesome canopy. ☹️
March 22
On March 22, some members of Yorba Linda Girl Scout Troop 7152 made their annual trek all the way to Camp Pendleton to deliver COOOKEEES! The ladies delivered a record 338 boxes for the single Marines this year! THANK YOU SCOUTS
Also in March, the Committee reminded the community that, several years ago, the City Council had proclaimed that 13 April would be recognized as Yorba Linda 11th MEU Day. Damien and Addison moved this banner to eight different locations around town leading up to April 13. We are thankful and proud to have several people and businesses support our efforts, as well as the City. Special Thanks to Wild Birds Unlimited, Lone Wolf Brewery, and the long-time residents who volunteered their back fences!
April
On April 4 our DRC arranged an educational field trip to the Mission San Juan Capistrano for 22 dependents. A docent supervised tour of the Mission and a discussion of its history were included in the trip. A full lunch was donated by Chick-Fil-A, and the children were also supplied with “goodie bags” courtesy of the Richard Nixon American Legion Auxiliary Unit 679. 💙
April 15
May 17
Grillers in the Mist
May 26
August 1
The Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial Association held their annual Memorial Day Ceremony at YL Veterans Park on Monday, May 26.
The 11th MEU Color Guard was honored to present the Colors for the opening Salute to our nations flag.
Several members of the Yorba Linda 11th MEU Adoption Committee were also attending.
Colonel and Mrs. Hyatt
July
August 6
Just like clockwork, July 4 again visited Yorba Linda. The Fair-like atmosphere, food vendors, and live bands set the tone for the evening’s fireworks spectacular.
July 9
Colonel Hyatt, Tom Lindsey, Kyp, and Bob. Tom was Mayor Pro Temp and represented the city in the adoption ceremony.
April has been designated as the official Month of the Military Child by the DoD since 1986.
It has been reported that military children can move six to nine times during their K-12 years. This means leaving friends and friendly surroundings more frequently than other children. Also, the uncertainty and anxiety of having family members transferred or deployed into harm's way can weigh heavily on a young life.
In April, the Yorba Linda 11th MEU Adoption Committee takes special pride in recognizing and celebrating the sacrifices, courage, and resilience of military dependent children during the Month of the Military Child.
The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) was organized on April 13, 1979. After the Cty Council adopted the HQ Unit they proclamed that 13 April will be recognized as 11th MEU Day in Yorba Linda. On April 15, Kyp Hughes and Colonel Hyatt drove up from Camp Pendleton to receive the official 2025 Proclamation at the City Council meeting.
The Yorba Linda Sunrise Rotary held their annual LobsterFest fundraiser on May 17. The Committee was able to sponsor some single members of the 11th MEU Command Element.
June
And, also like clockwork, the 11th MEU sent a Color Guard all the way up to Yorba Linda to dazzle the assembled masses with their precision.
Photograph by USMC L/Cpl Aimee Jordan
On 9 July Kyp arranged a half-day ocean fishing trip for three dozen dependents. This was an amazing outing for these young kiddoes.
July 25
The Taste of Yorba Linda welcomed 29 single Marines and Sailors courtesy of the 11th MEU Adoption Committee. A Good Time was had by all.
Kyp partnered with another DRC for the annual Back-To-School supplies give away to dependents this year. She reported that over 500 Kidlets got stocked up with almost more 🖍️📕✏️✂️📏 than they could carry.
July - August
For the past few years, the Adoption Committee has sold refreshments at the city’s Concerts In The Park on Sundays in July and August. This has become a nice fund raising project for our group. This year Betty and Jenn and their sons took the lead to organize, schedule, and purchase the snacks with several other Committee members helping.
National Night Out occurs on the first Tuesday in August all over the country. NNO is a national community-building compaign that promotes community partnerships. The original and primary purpose is to allow law enforcement and neighbors to gather and build a sense of community. T. Arthur and Bill staffed our awesome booth to with brochures.
