Mike Bickford, owner of Miracle Springs Resort & Spa in Desert Hot Springs, was honored for his support of local Marine Corps organizations during a Jan. 23 luncheon at the resort.
The luncheon was arranged by Marine Corps League Cpl. Jason L. Dunham Medal of Honor Detachment #1156 in recognition of Bickford’s support of the detachment, the Marine Corps Jr. ROTC cadets at Desert Hot Springs High School, and members of the Wounded Warrior Battalion at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms.
Bickford, a Marine veteran who served during the Vietnam War, was presented with a special plaque from the detachment.
Ret. U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col Carl Lewke — detachment commander and senior Marine instructor at Desert Hot Springs High School — reports that seven of the school’s Marine Corps JROTC cadets have enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps — and all were present at the luncheon: Rigoberto Arce, D-metri Gardenshire, Joseph Madrid, Franciso Ruiz, Luis Patino, Juan Alvarado, and Luis Vargas.
This is a school-year record number of students who have signed enlistment papers to join the Marines.
“Three additional Marine Corps JROTC cadets have already signed their enlistment papers to enter the U.S. Army this summer as well,” Lewke said. “Those cadets are Bobby Carter, Jonathan Logan, and Tyler Shupe. “Thus far, ten 10 of the Desert Hot Springs High School Marine cadets will be entering active duty this summer.”
Last month, members participated in a drill competition held at Desert Hot Springs High School. The competition gauges participants’ military excellence and allows for units to demonstrate their drill preparations and ceremonial excellence.
