Combat Center Marines volunteer at annual car show

Twentynine Palms -- The Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce hosted the show, consisting of vendors, music, food, a soapbox derby and hot air balloon rides.

Marines with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, and Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School set up static displays of different military vehicles for street fair attendees to board. Marines also answered questions on what the used the vehicles for and how to operate them.

“The base is part of the city, and the city is part of the base,” said Gunnery Sgt. Adam Creel, vehicle commander, 3/11. “To the civilians this is magic; to the Marines working with these vehicles it is normal. It shows appreciation when people come up and ask us what we do.”

Retired military personnel, civilians and Combat Center patrons also brought a wide variety of antique vehicles to display to other car enthusiasts. For Marines aboard the installation, it was an opportunity to enjoy an afternoon with the community.

“It’s essential for us to get along with the community, especially the one we operate and live in,” said Cpl. Johnothan Dowden, 3/11. “It’s important to let them know who we are and what we can do to help them in the community.”