How often do you thank the men and women that serve this country?

For more than 240 years, the Marine Corps has been defending America.

I myself never served, but have great respect for those who do.

I have a lot of family with military background including two cousins who served in Iraq, a father who was in the Army during the Vietnam War, and two grandfathers that served in the Air Force and Navy at Pearl Harbor during World War II.

Ten years ago, the City of Newport Beach decided it would show its gratitude for our heroes, and it adopted the 1st Battalion 1st Marines.

The 1st Battalion 1st Marines is one of the most decorated and distinguished units in the Marine Corps. The members of the (1/1) are some of the bravest men and women alive and they represent an integral part of America’s premier force-in-readiness that has historically been first to fight whenever conflict arises.

Saturday, September 28th, the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina and volunteers from 1st Battalion 1st Marines will hold a car wash fundraiser.

This is a terrific opportunity to say thanks, salute the heroes, and help their families financially.

Seriously, these guys do so much to defend our freedom; we really should be washing their cars.

The suggested donation is $20.

Of course it’s tax deductible.

Having a clean car is just one of the benefits of attending the fundraiser.

You are helping out the family of a hero.

The donations are primarily used to assist family members of the Battalion, especially the families of younger enlisted men, with unexpected expenses while their Marines are away on deployment.

The event is being held at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Marina and Resort, and people can access the car wash by using the second entrance on Back Bay Drive.

So if the car seems a bit dirty, and you feel like supporting a great cause, the Newport Dunes is the place to head on Saturday the 28th.