By Col. Mark Bortnem
Citizens of the Lowcountry, this past Friday was truly a whirlwind for the Marine Corps Air Station. The morning began with the groundbreaking for the Laurel Bay Pathway, connecting the Spanish Moss trail to the Laurel Bay Housing Area and providing both the military and civilian community along Laurel Bay Road a safe method for transportation and recreation. I am grateful to Beaufort County and the S.C. Department of Veterans Affairs for partnering to achieve this goal.
At noon, the town of Port Royal included us in a dedication of the 22 mph speed limit signs along Paris Avenue, shining additional light on the epidemic of suicides within the military community. Later in the evening, we hosted Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band for a free concert aboard the air station, completing a busy and rewarding day with some great music and fellowship among our Lowcountry community.
Each of these events has caused me to stop and reflect on something I believe in deeply: this area is uniquely special among all of the places I have served in more than 33 years in the Marine Corps. On behalf of the Air Station, I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the more than 7,000 members of our local community who made the trip and attended the concert. The team planned the event for nearly five months, and I sincerely hope that the concert was as enjoyable for the guests as it was for the Marines, sailors, civilians, and families of the Marine Corps Air Station.
The opportunity to partner with the Gary Sinise Foundation in bringing the Lt. Dan Band to the air station was a challenging task for a team normally focused on the readiness of the Marines and sailors aboard the base. With that said, the concert was a resounding success, and I hope those who attended left knowing how thankful we all are to live and work in such a special place.
From the bottom of my heart: Thank you! With your continued support, the resilient and ready Marines, sailors, civilians, and families of the air station stand ready to achieve any mission that comes our way. Your presence at the concert, your cheers, and your care for us are felt and appreciated every day.
Thank you for being an unbreakable partner in the history of the defense of our nation, and in our future.
Semper Fidelis.
Colonel Mark Bortnem is the Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
