Film 'Patrol Base Jaker' Honors Local Marine

The late Lance Corporal Donald J. Hogan was honored as a hero Thursday, with an exclusive showing of the film Patrol Base Jaker at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point.

Hogan, a local Marine based at Camp Pendleton, was killed in action on Aug. 26, 2009.

Patrol Base Jaker is a captivating documentary that was produced by Dave Scantling. The film follows the deployment of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines during its tour of the Nawa District of Afghanistan in 2009 and 2010.

The film takes the viewer to the front lines where U.S. Marines stand at a wicked intersection of war, radical Islam, and international drug trafficking, reconstruction and the counterinsurgency strategies designed to re-establish the rule of law in Afghanistan.

"This is the type of movie that everyone needs to see, especially if they are questioning why we are over in Afganistan," said Terri Rifkin, Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Board Member and founder. Rifkin is also a Laguna Niguel-based psychotherapist.

"I think if people saw this movie, they would understand the success and the inroads that the troops are making. This film gives a wider perspective of why our troops are there and the accomplishments they are making."

Hogan's extraordinary heroism in saving the lives of his fellow 1st Battalion, 5th Marines from a Taliban IED in the Nawa District, Afghanistan, led to him being awarded the Navy Cross for extreme gallantry and risk of life in combat with an armed force and while going significantly above and beyond the call of duty.

This film won the "Best Documentary" award at the GI Film Festival this year. During the film, remarks are heard from the filmmaker and from Col. Robert Castellvi, who deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom and served as the chief of staff for the 1st Marine Division Forward at Camp Leatherneck.

This documentary raises awareness about the war and how the Marines are fighting and winning the Counter Insurgency Operations in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan.

The independent movie will be released across the country in November, Rifkin said.

"The sacrifices that our troops and their families are making every day are huge," she said. "I think this film is one that every citizen should see."

Rifkin added that most cities across the country have adopted a branch of the military. 

On June 3, 2003, the city of Laguna Niguel proudly “adopted” the USS McClusky, FFG 41 as part of the America Supporting Americans (ASA) Adopt a Ship Program.

The America Supporting Americans program was created to bond Americans with servicemen and women by allowing cities to "adopt" groups from the U.S. Military. 

Three years later on Feb. 7, 2006, the city “adopted” the First Battalion of the Fourth Marine Regiment.