2025
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 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
Olde Tyme Sack Race
Stand By for Announcements
Bob Jones, the Committee’s President, was there flipping burgers, and Bill was taking pictures.
April 21
On 21 April GSA Troop 7152 made their annual pilgrimage to Camp Del Mar to deliver cases and cases of COOOKEEES for the 11th MEU Command Element. Thank You Scouts!
May 18
nom nom nom nom nom nom nom nom nom nom nom
Committee members on the serving line
Betty & Jenn
The Adoption Committee members attending: Jenn, Betty, Bill, and Bob.
Col Hyatt, Bob, Bill
December
Grillers in the Mist
It has been a tradition for the past several years of the Yorba Linda Sunrise Rotary, to invite some Marines from Camp Pendleton to partake in their annual Lobsterfest fundraiser.
Our 11th MEU Command Element was the lucky unit to participate this year. The 40 single Marines and Corpsmen were “sponsored” by our Committee and the Yorba Linda community.
May 27
June
The Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial Association held their annual Memorial Day Ceremony at YL Veterans Park on Monday, May 27.
The 11th MEU Color Guard was honored to present the Colors for the opening Salute to our nations flag.
Colonel Thomas Siverts, the current 11th MEU Commanding Officer, was one of the featured speakers.
Several members of the Yorba Linda 11th MEU Adoption Committee were also attending.
Every Marine Expeditionary Unit (there are currently seven) is disbanded, then reconstituted with new members approximately every year and a half. There is official USMC protocol for disbanding and reorganizing these units starting with the Change of Command ceremony.
Outgoing CO, Colonel Thomas Siverts (right), hands the 11th MUE’s battle colors to incoming CO, Colonel Caleb Hyatt to mark the beginning of a new 11th MEU.
July
Just like clockwork, July 4 again visited Yorba Linda. The Fair-like atmosphere, food vendors, and live bands set the stage for the evening’s fireworks spectacular.
Final Prep
Dottie, Donna, and Linda brunching before the onslaught
“U.S. Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, escort the ceremonial cake during the 11th MEU’s 249th Marine Corps Birthday Ball ceremony at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California, Nov. 9, 2024. The Marine Corps Birthday Ball is an annual celebration of the history, achievements, and sacrifices of past and present Marines.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Oliver Nisbet)
There are currently only about 100 Marines and Sailors in the 11th MEU Command Element. All 100-plus and their dates dined on steak AND chicken (with birthday cake for dessert) and danced the night away. A good time was had by all.
Santa looking GOOD in his finest fabrics and furs.
SgtMajor Guzman, XO Lt Col Spriggs, Bob, Betty, Jenn, Bill
Col Hyatt, Mrs. Hyatt, Bob, Bill
On 18 December several members of The Adoption Committee were pleased to assist with the 11th MEU Command Element’s Christmas party. Santa and one of his elves made their appearance to deliver gifts and pose for photo-ops. (Note: Former YL Mayor, Gene Hernandez subbed for Santa.) (Note #2: Louise subbed for Santa’s elf.)
Louise the Elf helping to prepare for the Kiddos.
Jenn and Betty
Foggy Foggy Brunch
Linda leads it off!
COME AND GET IT!
Bob and Bill with guest speaker, Rear Admiral Peck.
Col. Siverts, Linda, Dottie, Louise
Colonel Siverts awards the Navy Civilian Service Commendation Medal to Kyp Hughes in recognition of her herculean efforts in support of the troops and families of the 11th MEU. The award is presented to Department of the Navy civilians for sustained performance, or specific achievement of a superlative nature and is a rare award.
Taste of Yorba Linda 26 July
The annual Chamber of Commerce fundraiser was very well attended this year, bolstered by the presence of 20 Marines of the 11th MEU who were sponsored for the evening of food and fun.
October
SUPPORT THE TROOPS
Colonel Hyatt, Tom Lindsey, Kyp, and Bob. Tom was Mayor Pro Temp and represented the city in the adoption ceremony.
And also like clockwork, the 11th MEU Color Guard was standing tall to present the opening salute to our nation’s flag.
Committee members attending: Gail, Hunter, Leisha, Linda, Pam, Tim, and Bill
August
Immediately after the change of command ceremony, a significant number of the 11th MEU Command Element were deployed to a major, multi-national exercise in the Pacific that involved 29 countries. They got home on August 3. Kyp organized their traditional Family Day Picnic for August 9, where members and families got to know each other better in a relaxed, informal setting.
The picnic was at Lake O’Neill again, which is a perfect venue for this large gathering. The Adoption Committee provided food-a-plenty to meet everyone’s expectations and fun activities for all ages: volleyball, kickballs, footballs, fishing, horse shoes, corn hole, scavenger hunt, mini golf, and of course, a bounce house.
In addition to the committee’s contribution of food and fun, we also provided timely back-to-school supplies plus games/toys/projects for dependents of all age groups.
The month started with a new tradition that Kyp called the Barracks Bash on 3 October. There are only about 20 junior enlisted Marines in the Headquarters Element living in barracks at this time. Colonel Hyatt gave them the day off to have fun, while senior NCOs cleaned and swept and generally squared away the junior enlisted barracks.
The “fun” included over a thousand water balloons, squirt guns loaded with water-based poster paint, and Pugil Stick bouts. What are Pugil Sticks, you may ask. Pugil Stick bouts happen in Marine Boot Camp and there, they do not use marshmallow sticks and foam ground covering.
We were invited to have an information booth at Patriots & Paws warehouse in Anaheim during their Open House on 26 October.
Hunter in the House and Bob directing the band
And Off They Go
Hunter and Colonel Hyatt
ALSO in July and August, some committee members sold snacks at Yorba Linda’s Summer Concerts in the Park at Hurless Barton Park. They also handed out brochures and offered 11th MEU Committee collectables.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINE CORPS
On 10 November 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the formation of a Corps of Marines to support the Naval ships during the war for independence. Every year on November 10 Marines and FMF Corpsmen everywhere will celebrate the date as the USMC Birthday. (FMF = Fleet Marine Force)
It looks like the Adoption Committee is present.
11th MEU Color Guard
In this race, Marines blow up a balloon in a Solo cup to create friction so the cup can be picked up and placed in another cup without using hands.
Guess who won.
Looks like you can’t win ‘em all.
We scored the premium spot at the front of the driveway.
PatriotsAndPaws.org
They do amazing things!
Neil, Bob, Louise, Darwin, Pam, Bill, Donna, Hunter (taking pictures)
Damien, Addison, and Betty
The 11th MEU Adoption Committee donated funds for goodies so some single Marines could participate in the Unit’s Trunk-Or-Treat on 27 October.
Change of Command
June 11, 2024
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.
Damien and Addison ready!
The Yorba Linda Knights of Columbus have become regular partners - Thank You!
Giant Jenga
And a fun day was had by all.
The Taste of Yorba Linda is fast approaching. Please consider sponsoring an 11th MEU Marine.
