Iraq Vet's "Bastards" bar brews controversy

Iraq War veterans brewing controversy after naming bar 'Bastards' in honor of legendary Marine battalion By SNEJANA FARBEROV
PUBLISHED: 11 June 2012

A pair of former U.S. Marines were surprised to find themselves in the middle of a controversy after naming their new Downey, California, bar 'Bastards.'

'Bastards' had its grand opening last week to coincide with Memorial Day.

Former Marine Corporal Nick Velez and his best friend and business partner Calvin Spencer were proud to be able to fulfill their dream of opening a bar after leaving the service, but say they did not expect the public's response to the name of the eatery.

According to the Marine Corps Times, 'Bastards' is a nod to the ‘Magnificent Bastards,’ the official nickname of 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, where both friends served at Camp Pendleton, California.

‘I’m a vet. I served my country, and I’m here to serve my community,’ said Velez, a rifleman who deployed to Iraq with the legendary battalion and served four years before his discharge in 2009.

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