Cerritos Car Wash Raises $3,200 to Support 1st Combat Engineer Battalion Marines

The Friends of the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion (CEB) and the Marine Corps of the 1st CEB joined together for a car wash on Aug. 13 that raised $3,200 to help with the funding for the Marines' attendance at the upcoming Marine Corp Birthday Ball later this year.

The ball will be held in Las Vegas on Nov. 12 to celebrate the Marine Corp's 236th birthday and the festivites include cocktails, dinner, an official ceremony, dancing and other traditions that are held every year. The funds raised from the car wash will help offset some of the high costs of the tickets and trip, allowing more Marines to have the opportunity to attend.

“It’s a brotherhood,” said T.V. Murray, who has been in the 1st CEB for three years. “And the birthday ball is such a tradition that celebrates our birthday as the Marines.”

Since the Cerritos City Council formally adopted the 1st CEB headquartered at Camp Pendleton, CA on November 11, 2007, the non-profit Friends of the 1st CEB has worked to raise funds for programs that support the Marines and their families. The organization's mission is to “enhance the morale and well-being of the CEB and to express Cerritos’ appreciation for their service to our country.” Through fundraisers and events held throughout the year, these group of volunteers are able to send care packages with home baked goods and letters, and they also organize welcome home ceremonies and special events for the Marines. Each year they’ve raised an estimated $10,000 to $15,000 to support the 1st CEB. 

“We are glad to support them in their social activities, since they don’t have the opportunity to do that many,” said Chuck Sooter, founding president of Friends of the 1st CEB. “It gives them a chance as a cohesive unit to celebrate their heritage, their accomplishments, and it makes the event a little bit better than it would be otherwise.”

The Friends of the 1st CEB has been able to put together many events to support the 1st CEB through the help of the Cerritos community.  For last Saturday's car wash, the hoses were provided by the City of Cerritos and the parking lot area was provided by the ,  while Chronic Tacos provided food and snacks.

For some of the new Marines, it was encouraging to visit the Cerritos community for the first time and have the opportunity to contribute to the event.

“It’s an honor to be able to be helping the community,” said Cam Phomphasy, who recently joined 1st CEB a few months ago. “It’s also comforting to know there is a community supporting us. We know we’re loved.”

Anyone is welcome to join the Friends of the 1st CEB to support programs for the Marines and their families, to help send gift packages, and to help plan fundraisers and ceremonies. For more information, visit the organization's website.