Sherman Honors Marine Corps Reservists

Encino - Congressman Brad Sherman on Sunday saluted a Marine Corps Reserve unit that includes troops sent to Iraq after they were mobilized in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

œI am grateful for your service and appreciate the sacrifices of those who were called up for duty in the war, Sherman told the Marines. He called the reserve unit œa credit to California.

Sherman spoke at a Family Day ceremony for about 140 Marines in the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division and their families and guests.

Sherman presented a flag flown at the U.S. Capitol to Lt. Col. Paul Lebidine, who next month will relinquish his command of the unit. He also presented a flag to Maj. Stefan Dirghall on behalf of his company.

The mission of the Marine Corps Reserve division is to provide trained combat and combat support personnel during war and at times of national emergency.