The Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee is collecting monetary donations to support the 2/11 Honor Guard, which is currently watching over the body of fallen 2/11 Marine Lance Cpl. Ruben Velasco. Lance Cpl. Velasco was one of three Marines killed Aug. 5 in the Osprey crash off the coast of Australia. He was returned home to Whittier on Aug. 25, and his funeral is Aug. 31. It is Marine Corps tradition to stand in Dress Blues and guard a deceased Marine 24 hours a day from the time of death until they are buried.

To support the 2/11 Honor Guard as it services its fallen Marine brother, donate online at irvinemarines211.org or mail a check payable to: Irvine 2/11 Marine Adoption Committee, 17595 Harvard Ave., Suite C2270, Irvine, CA 9264.