Military Articles and Press Releases Options

[Marine]

United States Marine Corps

Press Release
Division of Public Affairs
Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps
Washington, D. C. 20380-1775
Telephone: 703-614-4309 DSN 224-4309 Fax 703-695-7460
Contact: CONTACT: Elaine Krackau, ekrackau@austin.rr.com, (512) 733-5145

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Release # 0421-05-0650
April 21, 2005

Vietnam Vets finally welcomed home

BRANSON, Mo.--When troops arrive from Iraq after being deployed for a year, they are welcomed home to fanfare, television cameras and large parties. However, the Vietnam War was the only war in American history whose participants were never welcomed home. For the most part, the soldiers were deployed as individuals, not as units, and they came home alone - not to a welcome, but to bricks, taunts and protests.

This summer, as American soldiers fight the Iraqi war overseas, there will finally be a true homecoming for Vietnam veterans. Branson, Missouri, a town with a history of honoring veterans, is hosting Operation Homecoming USA June 13-19. With seed money provided by Ross Perot and other generous corporations, this event, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, will host many of the USO acts who performed in-country, including The Beach Boys, Creedence Clearwater, Tony Orlando and a dozen more.

Decorated Vietnam veteran, Robert Vaughan, is a spokesperson for the event . Vaughan is the author of Brandywine's War: Back in Country (Skyward Publishing, April 2005, $19.95), an iconoclastic novel about helicopter flying inVietnam. This book is a sequel to his 1971 best selling novel, Brandywine's War, which he wrote while serving in Vietnam.

"This will be a true homecoming for those of us who carried the flag through the longest war in America's history - then came home to radical groups of people who threw bricks and spat upon us," says Vaughan. "Through the welcome home celebration we will finally be able to say out loud that we, too, served our country with dignity, pride and honor."

Vaughan is a sought-after speaker and author of more than 250 books. He is currently writing a documentary film about the Vietnam veteran for The History Channel.

For more information on the event, please visit www.operationhomecomingusa.com.

[Marine]

United States Marine Corps

Press Release
Public Affairs Office
Marine Corps Systems Command; ; Marine Corps Systems Command,
Capt. J. Landis
2200 Lester Street
Quantico, Virginia 22134-6054
Comm: 703-432-3794/3785; DSN 378-3794/3785; Fax: 703-432-3486
Contact:

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Release # 0510-05-1435

Body Armor Concerns
May 9, 2005

QUANTICO, Va. -- The Marine Corps’ first concern is the safety and physical protection of our individual Marines.

The facts as presented in the Marine Corps Times article published on May 9 regarding the Outer Tactical Vest have been taken out of context and misrepresent the actual capabilities of the OTVs in question. This article casts doubt on whether or not the OTV can stop a 9 mm round fired from a standard pistol such as the M-9 Berretta. The United States Marine Corps maintains that the OTV system is capable of defeating the 9 mm and other ballistic threats, in addition to providing protection from shrapnel and fragmentation.

Additional facts on the OTV system follow:

The lots in question were urgently needed and fielded when Marines were ordered back into Iraq in spring and fall of 2004. The OTVs in every instance are a significant improvement in protection from the outdated Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops flak jacket they replaced. The decision to waive these lots was made in order to provide the best available individual protection equipment as Marines were rotating back into harm’s way. The OTV is the base component of the Interceptor Body Armor System that also includes Small Arms Protective Inserts that protect against direct fire from assault rifles, and the Armor Protection Enhancement System that guards the neck, arms, and groin.

Because we knew this article was forthcoming and could potentially sow seeds of doubt in the minds of Marines in active combat, we concluded the only way to rapidly remove these doubts was to recall the lots in question. However, we maintain these vests are effective at meeting the threat posed by 9 mm pistol rounds. Present combat operations preclude us from retesting at this time to prove to our Marines these vests are effective. Therefore, we initiated the recall.

Of the approximately 19,000 vests the Marine Corps Times addresses, 5,277 vests are subject to recall. Additionally, of the then remaining 14, 000 vests questioned by the article, 10,000 vests are from lots that have never been accepted or fielded by the Marine Corps. In turn, of the remaining 4,000 vests, approximately 3,000 vests passed all quality and testing standards without requiring a waiver. The remaining 992 vests (two lots) also passed all quality and testing standards but were held for release by the Natick contracting officer because they were in the same production run as the recalled lots. Consequently, in order to get these 992 vests (two lots) released they had to be fielded with a perfunctory waiver to expedite their delivery to the Operating Forces.

Operation Iraqi Freedom casualty data gathered from the Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner and the Navy/Marine Corps Combat Trauma Registry proves that the OTV, a part of the Interceptor Body Armor System, is highly effective in reducing the number of lethal and non-lethal wounds to the chest and abdomen. This system is the most revolutionary personal protection system fielded to warriors in the past several decades.

To date the Marine Corps has fielded more than 181,000 OTVs to Marines in the fleet. The recalled 5,277 OTVs in question represent less than three percent of the total number fielded.

We would expect the concerned mothers and fathers of America to want their sons and daughters to have the best possible protection available when they deployed and entered into combat. Consequently, we don’t believe that they would have wanted their Marines to deploy to Iraq with the obsolete PASGT vest while we wait for a 100% solution when a 99.9% solution was at hand.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...ev1TextOnly.doc

A well informed individual is ignorance's worst enemy.

This post has been edited by Marine: May 19 2005, 06:05 AM

[Marine]

United States Marine Corps

Press Release
Public Affairs Office
Multi-National Force-West;

cepaowo@cemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil
Contact:

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Release # 0518-05-0630

Fallujah Holds Its First City Council Meeting

May 17, 2005

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq -- The first democratically-elected city council of Fallujah held its inaugural meeting today at the Civil-Military Operations Center in Fallujah.

The 20-member council met for approximately two hours, during which time they elected the chairman, vice chairman and secretary of the council. Imams, sheiks, engineers, lawyers, educators, administrators and businessmen are among those who make up the council.

Sheik Khalid Hammoud Mahal al-Joumaily, newly-elected chairman, said “We are happy with the free democratic process which led to a successful election.”

Mohamed Hussain Alzobai, representative of the Provincial Council, attended the meeting and offered words of encouragement to the Fallujah City Council. “You are the ones selected to represent the people of Fallujah and we hope your intent is good for the people of Fallujah,” said Alzobai. “You must do what you can to encourage the people to vote in the upcoming election.”

[Acebass]

United States Marine Corps
 
Press Release
Public Affairs Office
Marine Corps Systems Command; ; Marine Corps Systems Command,
Capt. J. Landis
2200 Lester Street
Quantico, Virginia 22134-6054
Comm: 703-432-3794/3785; DSN 378-3794/3785; Fax: 703-432-3486
Contact: 

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Release # 0510-05-1435

Body Armor Concerns
May 9, 2005

QUANTICO, Va. -- The Marine Corps’ first concern is the safety and physical protection of our individual Marines.

The facts as presented in the Marine Corps Times article published on May 9 regarding the Outer Tactical Vest have been taken out of context and misrepresent the actual capabilities of the OTVs in question. This article casts doubt on whether or not the OTV can stop a 9 mm round fired from a standard pistol such as the M-9 Berretta. The United States Marine Corps maintains that the OTV system is capable of defeating the 9 mm and other ballistic threats, in addition to providing protection from shrapnel and fragmentation.

Additional facts on the OTV system follow:

The lots in question were urgently needed and fielded when Marines were ordered back into Iraq in spring and fall of 2004. The OTVs in every instance are a significant improvement in protection from the outdated Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops flak jacket they replaced. The decision to waive these lots was made in order to provide the best available individual protection equipment as Marines were rotating back into harm’s way. The OTV is the base component of the Interceptor Body Armor System that also includes Small Arms Protective Inserts that protect against direct fire from assault rifles, and the Armor Protection Enhancement System that guards the neck, arms, and groin.

Because we knew this article was forthcoming and could potentially sow seeds of doubt in the minds of Marines in active combat, we concluded the only way to rapidly remove these doubts was to recall the lots in question. However, we maintain these vests are effective at meeting the threat posed by 9 mm pistol rounds. Present combat operations preclude us from retesting at this time to prove to our Marines these vests are effective. Therefore, we initiated the recall.

Of the approximately 19,000 vests the Marine Corps Times addresses, 5,277 vests are subject to recall. Additionally, of the then remaining 14, 000 vests questioned by the article, 10,000 vests are from lots that have never been accepted or fielded by the Marine Corps. In turn, of the remaining 4,000 vests, approximately 3,000 vests passed all quality and testing standards without requiring a waiver. The remaining 992 vests (two lots) also passed all quality and testing standards but were held for release by the Natick contracting officer because they were in the same production run as the recalled lots. Consequently, in order to get these 992 vests (two lots) released they had to be fielded with a perfunctory waiver to expedite their delivery to the Operating Forces.

Operation Iraqi Freedom casualty data gathered from the Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner and the Navy/Marine Corps Combat Trauma Registry proves that the OTV, a part of the Interceptor Body Armor System, is highly effective in reducing the number of lethal and non-lethal wounds to the chest and abdomen. This system is the most revolutionary personal protection system fielded to warriors in the past several decades.

To date the Marine Corps has fielded more than 181,000 OTVs to Marines in the fleet. The recalled 5,277 OTVs in question represent less than three percent of the total number fielded.

We would expect the concerned mothers and fathers of America to want their sons and daughters to have the best possible protection available when they deployed and entered into combat. Consequently, we don’t believe that they would have wanted their Marines to deploy to Iraq with the obsolete PASGT vest while we wait for a 100% solution when a 99.9% solution was at hand.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...ev1TextOnly.doc

A well informed individual is ignorance's worst enemy.

I'll bet these are the same articles they send to Stars and Stripes.

[Marine]

Muxsters keep communications flowing throughout Iraq
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story Identification #: 200552175934
Story by Cpl. Rocco DeFilippis


AL ASAD, Iraq (May 21, 2005) -- In today’s Marine Corps, communication between the separate entities is essential for planning and executing operations. The ability of units to communicate across the vast expanses of Iraq becomes crucial to operations throughout the country.

The Marines of Marine Wing Communication Squadron 28’s multi-channel radio
operators platoon ensure the constant flow of data throughout the 2nd Marine Aircraft
Wing (Forward) area of operations.

The multi-channel radio, or MUX, operators allow service members at outlying
posts to communicate with higher headquarters here and throughout the area of
operations.

“We provide the ability for everything from tactical data transfer to non-secure
telephone,” said Lance Cpl. Ryan J. Tower, multi-channel radio operator and native of
Parsippany, N.J. “We allow the distant ends to communicate.”

Basically, communications Marines in a forward operating base combine all the
forms of communications, internet and phones, into one signal through a process called
multiplexing.

Satellite transmitters then bounce the signal off the troposphere, a layer of the
atmosphere that extends 46,000 feet above ground. The MUX Marines here receive the
combined signal and route it to another section in MWCS-28 who decodes it and passes it
on to the agencies within the wing who need it to plan and coordinate the mission.

“Because the MAW is spread throughout Iraq, open lines of communication are
essential,” said Sgt. Michael T. Fitzgerald, multi-channel radio operator and native of
Owensboro, Ky. “Without the capabilities we provide, Marines out there could not
coordinate air and ground support, plan and track missions or even make a phone call
home.”

One of the challenges the Marines face is the fact that the troposphere adjusts
throughout the day. In order to get maximum efficiency for transmission the equipment
must be able to reach the troposphere.

“The troposphere lowers each night,” said Lance Cpl. Bradley E. Ellis, multi-
channel radio operator and native of Bismark, Ill. “We have to adjust the signal and the
equipment to ensure the data continues to flow.”

In addition to providing communication to remote areas, the Marines of the MUX
platoon allow units across Al Asad to communicate with the command center here.

The communications Marines use the transmitters to provide wireless
communication here.

“Instead of having to run miles of wire or fiber optic cable, our equipment
provides wireless avenues of communication across the air base,” Tower said. “Not only
do we ensure Marines hundreds of miles away can communicate with the command
center, but Marines on the other side of the base too.”

As operations continue throughout the Marine Corps’ area of responsibility, the
efforts of the communications community remain paramount to the success of the
mission. From MUX and wire, to radio, data and maintenance — each section ensures the
communications light is green.

“[In communications,] everyone has their part,” said Staff Sgt. JohnDavid S.
Acuff, MUX staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge and native of Kings Mountain,
N.C. “Each part is equally important — because without each piece, the entire chain will
go down.”

“The whole point is to support the Marines on the ground,” Ellis said. “We take
great pride in our job, knowing that what we do allows the MAW to perform like it does
each day.”

*For more information about the Marines or news reported on in this
story, please contact Cpl. Rocco DeFilippis by e-mail at defilippisrc@acemnf-
wiraq.usmc.mil*



I see a couple of names of folks I used to work with, glad they are doing such a fine job. OOOOOHHHHRAHHH!

[Marine]

Field radio operators are division’s information foundation

Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story by: Computed Name: Sgt. Stephen D'Alessio
Story Identification #: 200551933157




AR RAMADI, Iraq(May 19, 2005) -- In the age of information, emerging technology is ever more present in the military’s combat theater. But sometimes it’s old tech that keeps the tempo high – especially for Marines of Radio Platoon, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division where Sgt. Janna Klehm works.

Klehm, a 20-year-old field radio operator from Brenham, Texas, and her platoon of approximately 40 Marines are responsible for the exchange of information between units outside the camp’s wire and the command post here. Their jobs aren’t just limited to speaking over a radio handset though. These Marines are integrated within many of the units working out of Camp Blue Diamond.

The platoon has a main cell that monitors all radio traffic and feeds it to the combat operations center. The transmissions come from all over the division’s area of responsibility in the Al Anbar Province. In turn, the Marines, sailors and soldiers who work in the COC can use the information to shape their battle plans.

“Radio platoon is just a small piece of the communications pie,” said Klehm, a 2002 Brenham High School graduate. “But we’re one of the most needed,” she added.

Her Marines are scattered throughout the camp filling jobs as radio operators for convoys that pick up personnel and equipment from other bases. The journeys take them along dangerous highways often lined with improvised explosive devices and insurgent attackers.

Some of the Marines are trained to venture into that dangerous territory to reestablish communications should the computer network shut down. These Marines are part of a subunit of the platoon simply called the ‘Forward.’ It is comprised of radio operators who set up a provisional communications section wherever the commander needs it on the battlefield.

It may be dangerous, but her Marines are constantly learning. Some of them have even been through combat situations in the past, which makes her unit well suited for the job.

“The MOS (military occupational specialty) has slightly evolved recently,” said Klehm. “We use a system that is half radio, half computer to retrieve and send information – rather than the traditional VHF or UHF radio transmissions that are often fuzzy and slow to use.

“Email is faster and more efficient – and that seems to be where everything is going.”

Despite the need for quickness and efficiency, Klehm believes that radios are the foundation for battlefield communications. When email is out of commission, radios are always operable, according to Klehm.

“Even when people are sleeping, the radios are always up,” said Klehm. “And Marines are always with those radios, whether they’re on a convoy, a quick reaction force or any other company operating from here.”

With the mix of new and old technology, the Marines have been recently cross-training with their counterparts in the data sections, who manage the computer network that connects the entire division.

“We naturally become proficient in different MOSs within the communications field as we work together,” said Klehm. “We also extend that opportunity to all Marines here with weekly classes teaching radio operation. Email is great, but radios are the base for all of the division’s lines of communication.”

[Marine]

United States Marine Corps

Press Release
Division of Public Affairs
Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps
Washington, D. C. 20380-1775
Telephone: 703-614-4309 DSN 224-4309 Fax 703-695-7460
Contact: Sara Grosvenor, Saragro@aol.com
202-255-1318

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Release # 0525-05-1301
May 24, 2005

TAPS helps military families cope with loss during Memorial weekend

WASHINGTON--The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors holds its 11th Annual TAPS National Military Survivor Seminar and its companion program, the Doof Grief Camp for young survivors May 26 to 30.

Located at the Double Tree Hotel in Arlington, Va., the seminar assists families facing the loss of loved ones who served in the Armed Forces.

With the survivor seminar as an integral part of its mission and services, TAPS is the sole, nonprofit organization to provide any military survivor with outreach assistance and companionship. Recognized by the Departments of Defense and Veterans’ Affairs as a Veterans Service Organization, TAPS is a 501c3, charitable corporation. TAPS receives referrals from government agencies, but no federal funding; it relies instead on corporate and private donations.

Expecting more than 100 children and 350 participants, the 2005 seminar will provide trauma and loss experts, counseling workshops, coping strategies, mentoring instruction, peer support and special events.

Chairman Bonnie Carroll founded TAPS in 1994 after gaining solace from other military wives. Her husband, Brig. Gen. Thomas Carroll, along with seven others, recently had died when their Army C-12 transport plane crashed in Alaska. Grateful for the support she’d found, Carroll, along with the TAPS team, is passionate about providing round-the-clock access to a network of peers, grief counselors, benefits’ information and crisis intervention.

Many seminar participants like Shelly Hall return annually to mentor others in bereavement. Hall had been left to raise five children under seven when her pilot husband perished in a C-12 accident in Germany The entire Hall family plans to attend, including eldest daughter Tyler, who connects with old friends while mentoring newly bereft children.

A member of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, Association of Death Education and Counseling, and Military and Patriotic Service Organizations, TAPS provides support 24/7 at 1-800-959-TAPS (8277). At its online site, www.taps.org, TAPS hosts a weekly grief-support group. TAPS sponsors include CACI, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Intellidyne, Militec-1, DoubleTree, Stewart and Stevenson.

[Marine]

St. Augustine native is back for more
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story Identification #: 2005524113827
Story by Cpl. Rocco DeFilippis



AL ASAD, Iraq (May 24, 2005) -- His whole life, James C. Saurman knew he wanted to be a military man — shoot guns, play in the mud, go to war.

After graduating from Alan D. Nease High School in May 2002, the St.
Augustine, Fla., native chose a path for his future that would allow him to do just that.

Saurman was a part of his high school’s Junior ROTC program and through the
mentorship of his instructors, chose to join the Marine Corps in early September 2001.

“I always knew I was going to be in the armed forces,” Cpl. Saurman said.
“However, after meeting my ROTC instructor, who was a retired Marine first sergeant, I
knew I wanted to be a Marine.”

Drawn to the history, discipline and traditions of the Corps, Saurman walked into
a Marine Corps recruiting office, a recruiter's dream.

“I told them I wanted to be a Marine and I wanted to be in the infantry,” he
recalled.

A bold and focused leader from the start, Saurman had a goal while at Marine
Corps recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.

“I told my recruiters from the start, that I was going to become company honor
man, and graduate with a meritorious promotion,” Saurman said. “I said I wasn’t leaving
that island until I did.”

That is exactly what he did. On October 4, 2002, Saurman graduated Marine
recruit training as the honor man for Company F and earned a meritorious promotion to
the rank of lance corporal.

Later that month, he reported to the School of Infantry at Marine Corps Base
Camp Lejeune, N.C., where he spent three months learning the basics of infantry tactics,
techniques and procedures.

“The School of Infantry was a fun time, but learning was behind it all,” he said. “I
learned a lot from the instructors and staff.”

Saurman earned a Meritorious Mast after graduating from infantry training and
reported for duty with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment on December
6, 2002.

After a few short days of settling in and learning the ropes from the
noncommissioned officers and senior men in the company, the men of Company L found
out they were going to war.

“We found out during Christmas leave that we were going to Iraq,” he recalled.
“At the time, we were doing cold-weather training. So, we turned in all of our cold
weather gear for desert gear.”

During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Saurman was a light machine gunner for L Co.
first platoon. The company rolled out of Kuwait and into the Iraqi desert on March 20,
2003 in the back of 7-ton trucks.

Fresh from the School of Infantry, Saurman said it wasn’t his training he relied on
as much as it was the Marines he fought with.

“Training from SOI kicked in a little, but it was the leadership that got us
through,” he said. “Our NCOs and staff NCOs shared their knowledge and experience
with us.”

Pushing up from Kuwait through An Nasiriyah and finishing up in An
Numaniyah, Saurman said it was amazing to be a part of the historical operation that
toppled the regime of Saddam Hussein.

“It was a great experience, we made history,” he said. “Not many people can say
they were part of something like that.”

After six months in Iraq, his unit returned home to North Carolina for a well-
deserved but brief rest. Saurman’s battalion became designated as an anti-terrorism
battalion, and the men of Company L were packing for a deployment to Afghanistan.

According to Saurman, their tour in Afghanistan was the complete opposite of
their tour in Iraq. Saurman and the Marines of Company L guarded the American
Embassy in Kabul for six months as part of their new anti-terrorism role.

“It was definitely a change,” he recalled. “In Iraq, we were always on the move,
on the road or in combat. There, we were manning a tower or post. It was a different task,
but as our mission, we gave it our all.”

Returning home from his second deployment to support the Global War on
Terrorism, Saurman was chosen to attend the Advanced Infantry Squad Leaders School
at the School of Infantry. The two-month course is designed to teach and reinforce
leadership skills to infantry Marines preparing for the squad leader position.

“It was an awesome opportunity,” Saurman said of the course. “The instructors
taught us everything we needed to know to be a small unit leader and a leader of
Marines.”

After the course, Saurman and his company got word of a second deployment to
Afghanistan. However, Saurman would not go on this deployment due to a knee injury
from a motorcycle accident.

“I was in crutches, with all my gear and my pack, ready to go,” he said. “They
wouldn’t let me go, and it was hard to see everybody leave without me.”

In September, when his company returned from their third combat tour, a fully
recovered Saurman and his Marines began training for yet anther combat deployment. In
November, Saurman was promoted to his present rank.

Before the Marines shipped out, they were told that they would be serving a non-
traditional infantry role here in Al Asad.

That role was to augment the base defense operations center here. Since his
arrival, Saurman, and the Marines of Company L, have been conducting patrols through
the areas surrounding the base, guarding the ammunition supply point and serving as the
base’s quick reaction force.

Currently Saurman is serving with the quick reaction force, a team of Marines that
respond to emergencies on the base. The Marines are also the designated tactical recovery
of aircraft and personnel team in the event that an aircraft goes down.

“We are ensuring that the Marines here can do their job,” Saurman said. “The job
they do supports the Marines on the ground, and we allow them to do that without the
worry of base defense.”

“Those guys in the air are awesome,” he said. “Having air support is one of your
best assets. The air side is the infantrymen’s best friend, always has been, always will
be.”

Now half-way through his third deployment, Saurman said he is focusing on the
tasks at hand and training Lima’s next generation of leaders.

“We are focusing on doing our job the best we can,” he said. “This is also a great
environment to pass on the knowledge and experience we gained in the previous
deployments to the new Marines in the company.”

A solid leader, and overall good Marine, Saurman has earned the respect of his
peers and leadership.

“[Saurman] is a good Marine, extremely solid mentally and physically,” said
Capt. Sean M. Hankard, Lima Co. commanding officer. “As a man and a leader, he is
well respected by the Marines in his squad.”

This deployment should be the last for Saurman, who is planning to finish his four
year enlistment and become a firefighter in Martin County, Fla.

*For more information about the Marines or news reported on in this
story, please contact Cpl. Rocco DeFilippis by e-mail at defilippisrc@acemnf-
wiraq.usmc.mil*

[Marine]

Two Marines get big bucks, big news coverage for reenlisting
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story by: Computed Name: Cpl. Tom Sloan
Story Identification #: 2005524235555




CAMP HURRICANE POINT, AR RAMADI, Iraq(May 20, 2005) -- A reenlistment is a high point in a Marine’s career because it means they continue their dedicated service to Corps and country. A fat check and coverage by major TV news makes raising that right hand and swearing to support and defend even more special.

Such was the case for Lance Cpl. Michael P. Neal and Cpl. Nathan S. Southwick during their reenlistment ceremony here.

The two warriors with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, each received a bonus of approximately $20,000 and time on Fox News with Oliver North.

Oliver North and his two-man camera crew happened to be on their base – living here briefly while covering military operations in Ramadi – and got wind of their reenlistments.

The cameramen eagerly squeezed into the conference room, which was filled by more than 50 Marines who’d gathered to honor their comrades, set up their equipment and recorded the entire event. Both Marines had their photo taken shaking hands with the celebrity war correspondent after taking their oath of reenlistment.

Neal and Southwick are both machinegunners on their third deployment with the infantry battalion supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Money and 15 minutes of fame aside, both combat veterans were pleased to sign on for four more years and continue wearing the Eagle, Globe and Anchor.

“I love my job,” said Neal, a 21-year-old from Country Club Hills, Ill., who serves in the battalion commander’s Jump Platoon, which regularly travels about the urban battlefield in a convoy of humvees.

The 2001 Hillcrest High School graduate rides in the turret of an armored vehicle and is in charge of providing security with his M240G machinegun.

“I’m doing something very few people have a chance to,” said Neal. “At my age, I have a lot of responsibility. In the civilian world it’s rare for a 21-year-old to be trusted with the same level of responsibility.”

Neal was working as a freelance computer programmer designing web pages for small businesses when he decided to change professions in 2001.

“I literally woke up one morning and said to myself, ‘Hey, I’m going to join the Marines,’” he recalled. “I was getting bored with my job and wanted to do something the total opposite.”

Neal enlisted as a machinegunner and transitioned from typing on computers to pulling triggers. “I chose the infantry because I wanted to be in the action.”

Neal will leave his present unit and serve as an instructor at Edson Range on Camp Pendleton, Calif. when he returns stateside in September.

Neal collected $19,692 in tax-free bonus money, which will be paid in a lump sum. He plans to use it to support his family, he said.

Neal and his wife, Ciera, are expecting a girl in less than a month. “Her name is McKenzie Rose.”

Southwick shared Neal’s pleasure in reenlisting.

“I want to continue being an infantryman,” said the 21-year-old from El Cajon, Calif., who serves as a team leader in 1st Squad, 4th Platoon, Company A. “I like the fighting, the action and the brotherhood. The camaraderie with my fellow Marines is great.”

[Marine]

United States Marine Corps
Press Release
Public Affairs Office
2nd Marine Division Camp Blue Diamond, Ar Ramadi, Iraq; 2nd Marine Division

Camp Blue Diamond, Ar Ramadi, Iraq


cepaowo@cemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil
Contact:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Release # 0525-05-0927

Operation New Market update
May 25, 2005

CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq -- Marines and sailors from Regimental Combat Team 2 and members of the Iraqi Security Forces are continuing operations in and around the city of Haditha.

Marines from 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines are conducting operations in and around the city. The current operation, New Market (Souk Jadeed), is focused on disrupting insurgent activity in the vicinity of Haditha and maintaining the pressure on insurgents begun with Operation Matador, conducted in Western Iraq May 7-14.

Today, insurgents attacked Marines and ISF forces with small arms fire at 4 a.m. in central Haditha. Six insurgents were killed in the battle and two Marines were reported wounded. Local citizens identified one of the attackers killed as an imam. The imam was firing on Marines and ISF with an AK-47 assault rifle.

During separate engagements throughout the area four more insurgents were killed. Marines and ISF searched targeted areas, buildings and businesses in an effort to locate insurgents, weapons and ammunition caches. Checkpoints have been established around the city to interdict insurgents leaving the city.

One weapons cache consisting of a RPG launcher, machinegun and ammunition was discovered buried in a palm grove north of the city.

Neither Marines nor Iraqi Forces have entered or damaged any mosques in the course of the operation.

Insurgent presence and activity has recently increased in the area. Over the course of the three months of the Marines’ presence, numerous roadside bombs have been discovered in the vicinity of Haditha and numerous indirect fire attacks have been launched against Coalition forces assigned to protect the Haditha area.

Approximately 1,000 Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces are participating in Operation New Market.

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

[Marine]

United States Marine Corps

Press Release
Public Affairs Office
Multi-National Force-West;

cepaowo@cemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil
Contact:

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Release # 0524-05-0850

Iraqi Police, U.S. Soldiers repel attack on police station
May 24, 2005

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq -- Iraqi Police and Soldiers from the 155th Brigade Combat Team, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) repelled an attack by insurgents on an Iraqi police station in Jurf As Sakhr, Iraq Saturday.

155th BCT Soldiers responded to a report of a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) at the police station. The VBIED exploded when they arrived and an exchange of small-arms fire erupted between insurgents and the Iraqi Police.

The Soldiers stopped two vehicles and a motorcycle attempting to flee the area and detained 10 suspected insurgents.

An explosive ordinance team investigated the scene and found four 160mm artillery rounds wired with timed fuses as well as an Iraqi Police vehicle that appeared to be tampered with. The building was evacuated and secured. The explosive ordinance team moved the munitions and vehicle to a secure area and destroyed them.

No U.S. Soldiers were injured during the attack. Very little damage was done to the police station.

The 155th BCT is assigned to II MEF (Fwd) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

[Marine]

United States Marine Corps

Press Release
Public Affairs Office
Multi-National Force-West;

cepaowo@cemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil
Contact:

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Release # 0524-05-0847

Coalition Forces capture Ramadi-based insurgent leader
May 24, 2005

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq -- Coalition Forces dealt a serious blow to insurgent activities in Ramadi and throughout Iraq Monday, capturing the Ramadi-based insurgent leader of Al-Naman Brigade, an extremist organization that targets the citizens of Ramadi and Coalition Forces.

Multiple intelligence sources and tips from Iraqi citizens led Multi-National forces to a location in Baghdad, resulting in the capture of Muhammad Daham Abd Hamadi.

Intelligence sources have confirmed his criminal activities in Ramadi directly support terrorist operations.

Daham is responsible for numerous attacks against coalition and Iraqi forces and has provided weapons, funds, and foreign fighters to numerous small cells operating under his control. He has been linked to several kidnappings in the Ramadi area. Daham and his organization kidnap local businessmen and governmental officials to fund terrorist operations.

He is also the suspected leader of several insurgent groups that have been linked to the smuggling of weapons and money into Iraq, from neighboring countries. He has ties to other highly sought after insurgent and terrorist leaders and is possibly linked to the AMZ network.

Daham is being detained for questioning.

[Marine]

United States Marine Corps

Press Release
Division of Public Affairs
Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps
Washington, D. C. 20380-1775
Telephone: 703-614-4309 DSN 224-4309 Fax 703-695-7460
Contact: Charlie Roakes
Team Rensi Motorsports
704-906-5466

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Release # 0525-05-1052
May 25, 2005

Team Rensi motorsports reminds race fans to join in for national moment on remembrance on monday

MOORESVILLE, N.C.--Team Rensi Motorsports has joined forces with the White House Commission on Remembrance to help honor our fallen heroes.

The two Team Rensi Motorsports NASCAR Busch Series Fords, the No. 25 Team Marines Ford driven by Ashton Lewis, Jr. and the No. 35 McDonald’s Ford driven by Jason Keller will carry decals this weekend reminding race fans of the National Moment of Remembrance.

Congress passed Public Law 106-579 in 2000, establishing The White House Commission on Remembrance as the sole coordinating authority for the National Moment ofRemembrance. The Commission honors America’s fallen and recognizes our veterans and those who continue to serve our country to preserve our liberties. Its purpose is to promote the values of Memorial Day by acts of remembrance throughout the year and encourage Americans to demonstrate their gratitude by giving back to our Nation.

The National Moment of Remembrance is an act of national unity to honor America’s fallen. All citizens, alone or with family and friends, wherever they are at 3 p.m. are asked to pause for a Moment of Reflection honoring those who dies for our country. The goal is to put “Memorial” back into Memorial Day and rededicate the nation to giving back to our country – recently a Gallup Poll indicted that only 28 percent of Americans realize the meaning of this noble holiday.

On Memorial Day at 3 p.m. local time train whistles around the nation will blast, trumpets will resonate, baseball games will be stopped and Americans throughout the country will fall silent to pause for the National Moment of Remembrance in honor of those who gave their all to America. Other participants include thoroughbred racing, military institutions, The National Constitution Center, Pennsylvania Turnpike Authority, hospitals, The Liberty Bell, United Spinal Association, retirement communities, shopping malls, National Parks, grocery stores, airports, bus lines and The International Space Station.

"It's a real privledge for Team Rensi Motorsports to be asked to be a part of creating awareness for the National Moment of Remembrance,” said Team Rensi Motorsports Co-owner Sam Rensi. “With our long standing relationship with the United States Marines Corps, we continue to learn about the dedication of our fallen heroes and give thanks for their service to our great country. Our entire organization will participate in helping to put the "Memorial" back in Memorial Day on Monday."

All three Armed Services cars (Unites States Marine Corps, United States Coast Guard and the United States Navy) participating in the NASCAR Busch Series will have a National Day of Remembrance Decal on their cars in the Car Quest Auto Parts 300 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Saturday.

[Marine]

United States Marine Corps

Press Release
Public Affairs Office
Multi-National Force-West;

cepaowo@cemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil
Contact:

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Release # 0516-05-0829

Coalition Forces destroy insurgent command center
May 14, 2005

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq -- Coalition aircraft today bombed two unoccupied buildings outside Fallujah that had been used as an insurgent command center, weapons hide site and detention and possible torture facility.

The two structures were located approximately 30 kilometers northwest of the city, in an agricultural area. The buildings were destroyed by precision-guided munitions to prevent future use by anti-Iraqi forces.

Coalition forces discovered the site during routine operations.

Weapons and munitions found and subsequently destroyed include:

(34) 155mm mortar rounds

(25) Rocket accelerant tubes

(10) 155mm warheads

(10) 120mm warheads

(8,000) rounds, machine gun ammo

In addition, assorted rifles, sights, detonation cord, explosives, detonators, and IED-making materials were found and destroyed.

Coalition forces also collected training manuals, anti-Iraqi force documents and anti-coalition propaganda.

[Marine]

MSSG Marines maintain 26th MEU capabilities
Submitted by: 26th MEU
Story Identification #: 20055255233
Story by Capt. Will Klumpp



CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait (May 25, 2005) -- Intense heat, blowing sand, miles of unimproved roads... these conditions would spell disaster for the hardiest equipment if not for the efforts of the Maintenance Platoon, MEU Service Support Group 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable).

The MSSG maintenance Marines have been working 16 hours a day or longer here to keep the MEU's equipment in proper working condition and ready for operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. But, if you think their work is limited to keeping vehicles rolling, think again. The Maintenance Platoon is comprised of about 40 Marines spanning more than 22 military occupational specialties.

"We fix everything from telephones to tanks," said Chief Warrant Officer Samuel D. Hammonds, Maintenance Platoon commander.

At any given hour of the day, Marines can be found repairing items such as floodlights, small arms, optics systems and armored humvees. Hammonds said the Marines are at work by 7 a.m. and continue at their jobs until about midnight. Although they are given the opportunity to take a break from the 100-plus degree heat in the middle of the day, many Marines opt to continue working straight through to ensure equipment is back "on line" as quickly as possible.

Most of the vehicle and heavy equipment maintenance is conducted in the shade of a steel "garage", while work on more sensitive equipment requiring diagnostics or special electronic tools is done in "maintenance vans." These vans are large air-conditioned shipping containers with surge-protected electrical outlets.

Each van serves a specific maintenance specialty. These include an infantry weapons van for repairing every weapon in an infantry company's inventory; a van for repairing electrical components of tanks, light armored vehicles, assault amphibian vehicles and missile systems; and a van for repairing radio and communications equipment.

The conditions in the desert here pose a challenge to keeping each type of equipment in good working order. "Sand gets into everything," said Hammonds.

The most physically challenging maintenance for the Marines may be that required to the keep the MEU's vehicles in top operating condition. They are susceptible to the combined effects of the harsh Kuwaiti desert and the weight stress from recently installed Marine Armor Kits.

"We are fighting three different elements... austere environment, heat and the added weight of the armor," said Hammonds. He stated that the sand slows airflow to the engine and gets into the transmission. Factor in the weight of the armor, and the humvees get pushed to their limits, he said.

The maintenance Marines have been able to keep vehicles up and running through hard work and the availability of replacement parts at nearby Camp Arifjan, a U.S. Army base in southern Kuwait.

The base is a retrograde point for damaged equipment and has proven a valuable source for items such as humvee motors and transmissions. MSSG has Marines pulling useable parts for shipment here. Hammonds said that the maintenance Marines have been able to complete about 60 percent of their repairs with supplemental parts from the salvage inventory at Camp Arifjan.

The repair rate for equipment coming to the maintenance platoon has been impressive. Hammonds said that in the previous 48 hours, the maintenance Marines were able to get seven of nine "hard-down" vehicles back up and running.

Although there are designated specialists such as heavy equipment mechanics, tank mechanics and motor transport mechanics within Maintenance Platoon, there are no lines drawn when it comes to making needed repairs to broken equipment.

"We all help each other out," said Cpl. Andrew T. Cain, a motor transport mechanic from East Liverpool, Ohio.

"He's not even a humvee mechanic - he's a heavy equipment mechanic," said Cain, referring to Cpl. Christopher H. Miller from Pelion, S.C.

Miller, busy installing an alternator on a nearby armored humvee undergoing engine replacement, said they can handle any maintenance thrown at them.

MSSG 26 and the 26th MEU (SOC) will continue training at the Udairi Range until the end of the month in preparation for follow-on operations as the theater reserve for U.S. Central Command.

For more information on the 26th MEU (SOC), log on to http://www.usmc.mil/26thmeu.

[Marine]

Springfield native helps keep aircrews safe in Iraq
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story Identification #: 200552833433
Story by Sgt. Juan Vara



AL ASAD, Iraq (May 28, 2005) -- An intelligence specialist with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465, Lance Cpl. Liz S. Rohrer doesn’t let the "Groundhog Day effect" of serving here interfere with the quality of her work. Skipping over even the smallest detail could cost several lives.

As an intel specialist in an assault support helicopter squadron, Rohrer keeps track of enemy movement and passes that information to pilots and crewchiefs. The aircrews use it to plan their routes throughout the Al Anbar province and either fly around or push through certain regions, depending on the level of enemy activity.

After the mission she receives information from the pilots and crewchiefs and shares it with the rest of the intel specialists in the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) to track what the enemy is doing and help aircrews avoid flying over danger zones.

“Somebody told me once ‘the pilots are your pilots,’” she said. “Every time I brief them my main goal is to make sure I give them all the information they need. I want to brief them on everything they need to know so the flight is safe and I want to have them come back so I can debrief with them.”

A native of Springfield, Mo., Rohrer thought of joining the military or becoming a missionary after graduating from a private Christian school two years ago. Her long-term plan during that time was to become an FBI agent.

Serving in the intelligence field of one of the armed forces looked like a good stepping-stone and after researching the Internet to learn about the military, Rohrer decided on becoming a Marine. “I like to be the best at whatever I do,” she said. “The Marines are the best.”

In November 2003 Rohrer reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., and left after enduring 13 weeks of arduous physical and mental training. Having completed Marine Combat Training and intelligence specialists’ school, Rohrer joined her current unit, based at Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, Calif., in August 2004.

The squadron deployed here seven months later to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom, bringing Rohrer among its ranks. “It’s part of the job,” she said. “Some of the cool things about being a Marine are that we get to travel a lot and learn about other people. We also learn a lot about ourselves and how to deal with certain situations.”

To deal with the stress of working a 12-hour shift every day, Rohrer lifts weights and does cardiovascular exercises regularly. As a child she played basketball, soccer, Futsal (indoor soccer), ran and studied martial arts. “I love to work out,” she said. “It releases natural endorphins and becomes addictive.”

Working on getting as much of her education completed while in the Corps, Rohrer is taking a sociology class here, which she juggles with work and the limited free time she has. Her plans of working for the bureau have changed and now she wants to become a doctor and help those in need.

“I still want to complete the mission and being a doctor is one of the things I think would be good,” she said. “I’d like to study sports medicine or something like that.”

Whether as a Marine in a combat zone or as a missionary, Rohrer’s focus stays the same, doing her best to help save the lives of those around her.

[Marine]

Having been a radioman for thirty years in the Marines this young man's accomplishment really means something to me. Few people appreciate the radioman until they need him. Back when I started in radios the radios where bigger and the aeriels were taller and no one wanted to be any where near the radioman because in a firefight guess who they try to shoot first.


Combat meritorious promotion for division radio operator
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story by: Computed Name: Sgt. Stephen D'Alessio
Story Identification #: 2005528121325




CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq(May 28, 2005) -- Corporal Tyrone Richmond wanted a challenge when he joined the Marines. When he made it to Iraq for his second tour he found it.

Richmond recently received a combat meritorious promotion to the noncommissioned officer rank of corporal. He was awarded the rank from among his peers who were vying for the promotion.

Richmond’s experience was well beyond his years in the Corps, which are surprisingly few. The field radio operator and 2002 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School joined the Corps nearly two years ago. There, he was a percussionist with the school’s band.

“I enlisted to make my mother proud and to give myself a challenge,” said Richmond. “After high school, I was just looking see what my options were.”

And he’s had plenty so far.

“When we arrived here in March, we had a lot of work to do setting up the communications network, rewiring the radios and organizing the gear. No matter how much work there is, it’s always a challenge just being here.”

The 21-year-old East Bank, New Orleans, La. native is part of the camp’s quick reaction ‘Forward,’ responsible for setting up communications outside the camp’s perimeter or in a combat situation. His job is part of the foundation for information entering and leaving the combat operations center where the battle plans are made before they’re put to action. Without Marines like Richmond, the command would be in the dark.

Unlike many of the Marines in his platoon, this isn’t Richmond’s first time in Iraq. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom last year and served in the insurgent-held city of Fallujah with Marines of 1st Marine Division.

“I was the only radio operator for an army battalion that supported the division during the fight,” said Richmond. “We also patrolled through Iskandariyah to the south.”

Richmond’s combat experience helps him train his fellow Marines in Radio Platoon for what they may experience during the coming months of their deployment here. While some of them remain on camp, monitoring the radio transmissions that go in and out of the division, others like him are attached to smaller subunits.

“We have a lot of Marines pushed out to places like Truck Company and the quick reaction force,” said Richmond. “There are a lot of great people here who volunteer to go out on convoys as radio operators for the companies and I like to be part of that kind of unit.”

Though Richmond isn’t spending as much time outside of the wire, he plans to make the most of his newest experience in Iraq. He’s recently been cross training with Marines from other sections in Headquarters Battalion’s Communications Company in the realm of computers and networking.

“If nothing else, you can always learn something new,” said Richmond. “I plan to do as much as I can out here and when I get back, enroll in some college courses. Above all else, I’m just proud to serve my country.”

[Marine]

Heritage, find some Marines and tell them you think their government "bribes" them to do their duty. Do it face to face with them

[Marine]

Thanks for you guys kind thoughts here on the day before memorial day.

[Sandra]

Several off-topic posts have been moved to this thread:
http://www.commongroundcommonsense.org/for...T&f=103&t=26548

A couple of very derisive posts have been removed completely.