Newport hospitality

Often when soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines get hurt in Iraq and return to base to rehabilitate it’s not uncommon for them to get quarters without furniture or any other comforts of home.

That’s when Newport Beach steps in. The city, which has adopted the 1/1, helped spearhead a golf tournament and fundraiser Monday at the Newport Beach Country Club to collect money and some other creature comforts for the troops.

“For cities to adopt units isn’t a new deal, but nobody does it like Newport Beach,” said adoption Committee Chairman Richard Kurth.

Kurth isn’t exaggerating.

While it has been on the table for some time, direct planning for the golf tournament and fundraiser didn’t tee off until about two months ago.

Organizers worried they wouldn’t attract enough golfers, tournament chairman Dan Marcheano said.

But they did just fine.

The tournament was sold out by last Wednesday and, according to Marcheano, more than 100 organizations donated good or services to the tournament.

Marcheano saluted all of the donors, saying they “showed their true colors of patriotism.”

“The citizens of Newport Beach not only have opened their hearts, but their wallets,” Marcheano said.

The 1/1’s color guard led the opening ceremonies, followed by an introduction of a number of Marines. Bagpipes sung in the background during portions of the ceremony that honored the soldiers. Ed Arnold emceed and former Ms. America Debbie Nelson made a special guest appearance.

Golfers got a chance to win many prizes, including dinner for eight at the fire department, a ride-along with police and dinner at Marcheano’s restaurant, the Arches. Silent and live auctions were held and 100% of the proceeds from the event go to the 1/1 program, which provides necessities and help to servicemen and their families.

“Guys come back injured and wives travel cross country to meet them, and base housing (can have) nothing,” said Jeanne Conner, who is a volunteer for 1/1 and is the wife of Jeff Conner, the commanding officer. “We get them furniture, money to buy DVDs, sheets, robes, anything to make them feel at home.”

Staff Sgt. Joseph Dyas read a letter from Conner citing the support they receive from Newport Beach as “touching beyond description.”

“No other unit is sponsored like this,” Dyas said.

Team ‘Georgia for Bentley Continental Cup’ — Ron McMackin, Ralph Hughes, Charles Kavnaugh, Darrell Mitchell — shot a 55, earning first place and a trip to Sea Island.

DANIEL TEDFORD may be reached at (714) 966-4632 or at [email protected].