It was a raucous evening of tradition at the Balboa Bay Resort as Newport Beach’s 1/1 Marine Foundation celebrated its 20th year supporting the Camp Pendleton battalion.
More than 100 officers and staff non-commissioned officers from the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment celebrated a Mess Night with the foundation – a sort of roast of Marines that follows only second to the Marine Corps Birthday as one of the branch’s oldest traditions.
The Marines appeared in dress Blues with ornate medals and followed a sort of script that was meant to build camaraderie, brotherhood and Esprit de Corps. The hour-long event was filled with pomp and circumstance, but was also entertaining, drawing boisterous hoots, oohrahs and a regular chorus of “Say it ain’t so” from those gathered.
The fun and roars came when charges were levied against anyone who violated the “rules of the mess,” which represent standards of etiquette that must be followed. For example, a photo of a Marine with his hands in his pockets was circulated among the group, a violation of the uniform code, and he was “charged” to everyone’s amusement.
“The Newport Beach 1/1 Foundation has supported us through everything we’ve done,” said Lt. Col. Tom Morrow, commanding officer of the battalion who was among those sitting at the head table along with longtime foundation supporter Steve Bromberg, Mayor Noah Blom and Newport Beach Police Chief Joe Cartwright. The head table was immune to any fines or charges.
“I thought it was important to build rapport not just internally, but also recognize the foundation,” Morrow said. “The fines and toasting are unique for us. It makes it a fun event because we’re building togetherness with the community, too.”
Typically, a Mess Night is held before or after a major event, such as a deployment. The Marines of the 1/1 have spent the last year preparing for their deployment later this fall with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
The night…
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