South OC Times

This week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed H.R. 3608, a bipartisan bill introduced by Representative Young Kim to honor Major Megan McClung, who died while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The legislation proposes renaming the post office at 28081 Marguerite Parkway in Mission Viejo, California as the "Major Megan McClung Post Office Building."

Major McClung, who grew up in Orange County and graduated from Mission Viejo High School and the U.S. Naval Academy, was killed by a roadside bomb during her deployment in Iraq. She became the first female Marine officer to die in the Iraq War and the first woman graduate of the Naval Academy to be killed in action.

The House of Representatives approved H.R. 3608 on June 3, 2024. The bill now awaits President Biden's signature to become law.

Representative Kim expressed her gratitude for those involved in passing the bill: “Just as her headstone reads ‘Be Brief. Be Bold. Be Gone,’ Major Megan McClung left a lasting impact on our community through her service, integrity, and tenacity. Her life was not lived in vain,” said Rep. Kim. “I thank Sens. Padilla and Butler for working with me to get this initiative to honor Megan through the Senate and are one step closer to making the Major Megan McClung Post Office in Mission Viejo a reality.”

Senator Padilla highlighted Major McClung’s contributions: “Major Megan McClung heroically gave her life while serving our nation during Operation Iraqi Freedom,” said Senator Padilla. “A product of the Mission Viejo public school system, Major McClung bravely protected American journalists documenting the Iraq War."

Born at Tripler Hospital in Hawaii on April 14, 1970, Major McClung pursued an extensive career with significant achievements both within and outside military service before she was killed by an improvised explosive device while escorting journalists.

Throughout her military career, she served at various bases including Camp Pendleton and Parris Island and took part in operations across multiple regions as a Public Affairs Officer (PAO). Her awards include prestigious honors such as the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

An avid athlete throughout her life, she participated actively in marathons and triathlons worldwide despite injuries—organizing events like Marine Corps Marathon (Forward) held overseas during active deployments.

Major McClung is survived by parents Michael and Re McClung from Coupeville Washington.