Marines sink toes into gift. A San Clemente company donates hundreds of pairs of sandals to thank the troops.
CAMP PENDLETON – More than 300 Marines with the 1st Battalion, 11th Marines at Camp Pendleton stuck their toes into new leather sandals on Wednesday, courtesy of Rainbow Sandals.
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/article_1587264.php
Thursday, February 22, 2007
By NELLENE TEUBNER
The Orange County Register
Employees from the San Clemente-based company placed the sandals, by size, on tables at the base, and the Marines stampeded to grab a pair.
"These guys don't get the recognition they deserve," said Ray Cherrier of Rainbow Sandals, who helped distribute the footwear. "Whether they're from the East or Midwest, they're now part of our community. What better way to give them something they can take (to Iraq) that reminds them of home?"
The popular footwear manufacturer, which cultivates an image of earthiness, opened in San Clemente in 1974 and will post more than $40 million in sales this year, Cherrier said.
Sgt. Maj. JB Edwards Jr. said the gesture makes the Marines feel appreciated.
"It tells the Marines that the community cares about what they do," he said. "They're doing a job where they could lose their lives, and they feel appreciated."