During this Wednesday’s Service Member of the Quarter Luncheon, held at the Bell Center Community Room at Copper Mountain College, the Armed Services YMCA Twentynine Palms proudly recognized three extraordinary community organizations for their unwavering commitment to fighting food insecurity among military families.
The Satellite Rotary Club of Military Family Support, San Dimas Masonic Lodge No. 428, and Stars and Stripes Ministry of Holy Name of Mary Church were formally honored for their leadership in the Feeding Military Families initiative, which has now provided more than 30 tons of food and essential supplies since 2022 to military food pantries and families in need.
This recognition was delivered in front of a full room of service members, families, and supporters gathered to honor Sergeant Richard B. Tamiso, II, USMC and Corporal James D. Pitts, III, USMC for their exemplary service with Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command (MAGTFTC) and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC).
The event began promptly at 11:30 AM, with heartfelt words delivered by Brigadier General Mark H. Clingan, Commanding General of MAGTFTC and MCAGCC, and Vice Admiral William French, USN (Ret.), President and CEO of the Armed Services YMCA. Both leaders offered personal thanks to the community organizations for their outstanding service to those who serve.
The honorees’ efforts have supported military food pantries such as Pelican Pantry at Twentynine Palms, Camp Pendleton Food Pantry, and families at Fort Irwin and Los Angeles Air Force Base. This mission addresses a critical need: food insecurity remains a pressing concern for over 22,000 active-duty families, 213,000 National Guard and Reservists, and more than 1.2 million veterans nationwide.
The Feeding Military Families initiative is powered by tireless volunteers who inspect, sort, and prepare food for distribution, ensuring that every item is ready to meet a need.
This milestone event was not just a celebration of past achievements but a call to continue the mission. The next Feeding Heroes Food Drive is set for August 23, 2025, and community participation is vital.
For more information or to join the effort, visit www.feedingmilitaryfamilies.org, email info@feedingmilitaryfamilies.org, or call 909-667-2721.
Because when we come together as a community, no military family stands alone.
