Insoul plays for troops
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story Identification #: 20057525042
Story by Cpl. C. Alex herron



AL ASAD, Iraq (July 5, 2005) -- Insoul, an R&B band from Los Angeles, preformed a two-hour set for the troops here, July 3.

The show, which was sponsored by the United Service Organization, consisted of cover songs from the 70’s to today. It gave service members a chance to take a break from the day to day operations and stressful conditions of serving in a combat zone.

“The concert was a nice break,” said Lance Cpl. Dave Gibson, a logistics clerk with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 and Brookfield, Wisc., native. “After a long week it is nice to have a show where letting loose is encouraged. It lets you forget about the stresses of being deployed for a little bit.”

Insoul is in the midst of a month long tour that has taken them to Bosnia, Kosovo, Kuwait and now Iraq. This is the second USO tour for the band in as many years.

“Last year coming to Iraq was kind of a last minute thing and we were all a little nervous, but after thinking how long all of the service members spend here a couple of weeks didn’t seem like much,” said Insoul drummer, Cale Giachello.

This year, after their previous experience, the band was excited to return.

“The response we get from the crowds here are great,” Giachello said. “We had people dancing and really enjoying themselves tonight. It was a really fun show. That doesn’t always happen.”

“Sometimes getting the crowd to get out of that combat attitude is tough,” Giachello said. “But after a few songs, they usually start to loosen up. When the crowd gets into the performance they help us put on the best show possible.”

Insoul’s stay was short, but allowed those attending to sit back, relax and reenergize.

“The two-hour break was all I needed,” Gibson said. “It is good to get away from that ‘work all the time mentality’ we get while deployed. Being able to enjoy a good show and now being able to refocus is a good way to keep our heads in the game.”


*For more information about this story please contact Cpl. Herron at herronca@acemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil*

United States Marine Corps

Press Release
Public Affairs Office
American Forces Press Service;


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Release # 0628-05-0751

America supports you: Lowe's offers military discount for July 4 weekend
June 27, 2005

WASHINGTON -- A major home-improvement store chain is offering all active, reserve and retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10 percent discount on in-store purchases made during the July 4 holiday weekend.

The discount is available in Lowe's Companies, Inc. stores June 30 to July 4 on all in-stock purchases up to $2,000 (excluding special order and on-line sales) with a valid military ID.

"The men and women who serve in the U.S. armed forces are the reason America is able to observe Independence Day," said Larry D. Stone, Lowe's senior executive vice president for operations. "Throughout our company's 59-year history, Lowe's has supported current and former military personnel in many ways. Offering a discount to active, reserve and retired military personnel is another way we at Lowe's can express our gratitude."

Lowe's also offered a 10 percent discount to military personnel during the 2005 Memorial Day weekend.

The military discount program is offered in conjunction with the Department of Defense's "America Supports You" program, an ongoing nationwide campaign that communicates America's support to men and women serving in the U.S. armed forces. In addition to the discount, Lowe's gives away free "America Supports You" bumper stickers to store customers and has sponsored a NASCAR racing exhibit and how-to clinics for military families.

Well, looks like my old buddy Marine made a step at least towards common ground by giving a clear unambiguous title to his favorite topic.
Time for this duck to keep his word and build on the progress:

GOOD JOB, MARINE !
I commend your faithful relaying !

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


cepaowo@cemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil
Contact:

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Release # 0706-05-1159

Operation Sword concludes
July 6, 2005

CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Ar Ramadi, Iraq -- Iraqi Security Forces, Marines and soldiers from Regimental Combat Team-2, 2nd Marine Division, are concluding Operation Sword and will remain in the city of Hit indefinitely to provide an ongoing security presence.

The Iraqi soldiers and Marines will man outposts at key locations throughout Hit (population 120,000), located approximately 100 miles northwest of Baghdad.

The combined force will continue to conduct joint patrolling and stabilization operations to quell the insurgent intimidation and fear campaign and deny them safe haven in Hit. Marines and Iraqi soldiers have operated from Camp Hit, a small base on the outskirts of the city, but this is the first time the ISF and Marines will live and work continuously within the city.

Hit joins the major cities of Ramadi, Habbaniyah and Fallujah in having persistent presence of Iraqi Security Forces. Hit is now the Al Anbar city furthest west to maintain a fully-trained ISF presence. There are now approximately 1,500 more trained Iraqi soldiers working in Al Anbar than there were at the conclusion of Operation Matador, May 7.

The operational forces are currently in the final stages of destroying weapons caches and clearing insurgents from the city.

Insurgent resistance throughout the course of the operation was reported by commanders in the city as ‘light’ and ‘sporadic.’ There were no fatalities among Iraqi or American forces.

No major battles or air strikes occurred. There was no disruption of basic utilities or interrupted access to medical treatment for the citizens of Hit.

United States Marine Corps

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

cepaowo@cemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil
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Release # 0705-05-1017

155th BCT soldiers catch suspected IED emplacers

July 2, 2005

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq -- Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry, 155th Brigade Combat Team, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) recently caught and detained three individuals suspected of emplacing improvised explosive devices northeast of Musayyib, Iraq.

A patrol spotted a cordless phone with wires protruding from it in a hole in the road. Explosive Ordnance Disposal team members discovered two 130mm artillery rounds wired to a long-range cordless phone.

The soldiers saw three individuals lying in a field nearby and detained them for questioning.

The 155th BCT is a U.S. Army unit assigned to the II Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

United States Marine Corps

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

cepaowo@cemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil
Contact:

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Release # 0705-05-1015

MNF-West Conducting Inquiry into Death of Iraqi near Haditha
July 1, 2005

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq -- Multi-National Force-West has been made aware of allegations that Coalition Forces caused the death of Mohammed Al-Sumaida’ie in his home near Haditha on June 25, 2005.

The events described in the allegations roughly correspond to an incident involving Coalition Forces on that day in that general location; therefore a military inquiry has been initiated to review the circumstances and the facts surrounding the incident.

“We take these allegations seriously and will thoroughly investigate this incident to determine what happened,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen T. Johnson, commanding general of Multi-National Force–West.

26th CMC
and MOH Winner General Lou Wilson Passes Away



General Louis H. Wilson Jr., USMC (Ret), 26th Commandant of the Marine Corps who won the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Battle of Guam on July 25-26, 1944, passed away peacefully at his home in Birmingham, Ala., June 21.


The memorial service and interment will take place on Tuesday, July 19. Gen Wilson will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in the general's memory to the Marine Corps University Foundation or other Marine Corps-related charity.


Gen Michael W. Hagee, Commandant of the Marine Corps, released the following, June 22:


"Today's Marines owe a tremendous debt to General Wilson. His heroic actions as a Captain leading 'F' Company, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines in repelling 11 determined counterattacks by a superior enemy force attempting to retake the key terrain of Fonte Hill during the amphibious assault on Guam in July 1944 are part of our Corps' rich heritage that continues to inspire all Marines.

"But, his professionalism, leadership, and judgment as our 26th Commandant is an equally important and perhaps more lasting legacy. He skillfully guided this institution through the crises and numerous tests of the post-Vietnam era—lack of public confidence in the military, the fall out from the transition of DoD to an all-volunteer force, discipline and leadership challenges within our Corps, chronic budgetary shortfalls, and a vigorous public debate over the Marine Corps' mission, force structure, and operational focus.


"We often cite the renewed emphasis on maneuver warfare during the 1980s for the Marine Corps' tactical successes in operations like Desert Storm in 1991 and Iraqi Freedom in 2003. The commitment, however, to professional education and warfighting excellence during that period and into the present was built squarely on the firm foundation that General Wilson laid.


"All of our later achievements would not have been possible without his strong moral leadership and his uncompromising personnel standards during the turbulent 1970s.


"General Wilson's emphasis on the readiness and modernization of our Corps as a well-trained mobile, general purpose, combined arms force with amphibious expertise prepared for low- and high-intensity combat against a wide spectrum of potential foes around the globe continues to define who we are.


"His compelling articulation within the policy development and political processes concerning the Marine Corps' value and role in our national security was masterful, and it quickly restored faith in our institution.


"The dramatic improvements to recruiting Marines and recruit training methods set a standard for quality from which the Marine Corps continues to profit with intelligent, adaptable Marines.


"His vision for demanding, combined arms training resulted in the facilities and exercises at 29 Palms and elsewhere that we have inherited and from which we continue to improve our tactical and operational agility and flexibility.


"He defined commitment to warfighting excellence that remains today our main effort.


"I believe that Col David H. White, Jr. USMCR (Ret)—in Allan Millett and Jack Shulimson's 'Commandants of the Marine Corps'—very accurately pinpoints that the success of General Wilson during his watch as Commandant was due to the fact that 'he personified the best institutional characteristics of his Corps.' This is perhaps the most fitting and highest tribute any of us can hope for.


"Thankfully, General Wilson's presence will continue to be felt throughout our Corps for many years."

General Louis Hugh Wilson, Jr., a World War II recipient of the Medal of Honor and 26th Commandant of the Marine Corps, was born 11 February 1920 in Brandon, Mississippi. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1941 from Millsaps College, Jackson, Mississippi, where he participated in football and track. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in May 1941 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in November of that year. After attending officers’ basic training, he was assigned to the 9th Marine Regiment at Marine Corps Base, San Diego, California.

Lieutenant Wilson went overseas with the 9th Marines in February 1943, making stops at Guadalcanal, Efate, and Bougainville. He was promoted to captain in April 1943. During the assault on Guam, 25-26 July 1944, while commanding Company F, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, he earned the nation’s highest honor for heroism in combat when he and his company repelled and destroyed a numerically superior enemy force. Because of wounds received he was evacuated to the U.S. Naval Hospital, San Diego, where he remained until 16 October 1944.

Captain Wilson returned to duty as Commanding Officer, Company D, Marine Barracks, Camp Pendleton, California. In December 1944, he was transferred to Washington, D.C., where he served as Detachment Commander at the Marine Barracks. While in Washington he was presented the Medal of Honor by President Truman. He was promoted to major in March 1945.

From June 1946 until August 1951, Maj Wilson had consecutive tours as Dean and Assistant Director, Marine Corps Institute; Aide-de-Camp, Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force (FMF), Pacific; and Officer in Charge, District Headquarters Recruiting Station, New York City.

Promoted to lieutenant colonel in November 1951, while stationed at Quantico, Virginia, he served consecutively as Commanding Officer of The Basic School’s 1st Training Battalion; Commanding Officer of Camp Barrett; and Executive Office of The Basic School. He completed the Officer’s Senior Course in August 1954.

After a brief tour as a Senior School Instructor, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, he departed for Korea to serve as Assistant G-3, 1st Marine Division. In August 1955, he returned to the United States with the 1st Division, and was appointed Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division.

In March 1956, LtCol Wilson was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC), serving two years as Head, Operations Section, G-3 Division. He then returned to Quantico, first as Commanding Officer of the Test and Training Regiment, and later as Commanding Officer of The Basic School.

In June 1962, after graduation from the National War College, he was assigned as Joint Plans Coordinator to the Deputy Chief of Staff (Plans and Programs), HQMC. He transferred to the 1st Marine Division and deployed with the Division in August 1965, stopping at Okinawa before going to Vietnam. As Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, 1st Marine Division, he was awarded the Legion of Merit and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star.

Upon his return to the United States in August 1966, Col Wilson assumed command of the 6th Marine Corps District, Atlanta, Georgia. Promoted to brigadier general in November 1966, he was assigned to HQMC in January 1967, as Legislative Assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps until July 1968. He then served as Chief of Staff, Headquarters, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, until March 1970, earning a second Legion of Merit.

He was advanced to the grade of major general in March 1970 and assumed command of I Marine Amphibious Force, 3d Marine Division on Okinawa, where he was awarded a third Legion of Merit for his service.

In April 1971, he returned to Quantico for duty as Deputy for Education/Director, Education Center, Marine Corps Development and Education Command. He was promoted to lieutenant general in August 1972 and on 1 September 1972 assumed command of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. During that tour, LtGen Wilson was presented the Korean Order of National Security Merit, GUK-SEON Medal, 2d Class and the Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Commander) for his service to those countries.

He was promoted to general on 1 July 1975, when he assumed the office of Commandant of the Marine Corps. As Commandant, Gen Wilson repeatedly stressed modernization of the post-Vietnam Marine Corps. He insisted on force readiness, responsiveness, and mobility by maintaining fast-moving, hard-hitting expeditionary units, each consisting of a single integrated system of modern ground- and air-delivered firepower, tactical mobility, and electronic countermeasures.

General Wilson retired on 30 June 1979 and returned to his home in Mississippi. For “exceptionally distinguished service” during his four-year tenure as Commandant, and his contributions as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster), upon retirement.

General Wilson passed away peacefully at his home in Birmingham, Alabama, on 21 June 2005.



Capt LOUIS H. WILSON JR.
Medal of Honor
1944
2/9/3
Guam


The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to
CAPTAIN LOUIS H. WILSON, JR.
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS


for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of Company F, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Fonte Hill, Guam, Marianas Islands, 25 and 26 July 1944. Ordered to take that portion of the hill within his zone of action, Captain Wilson initiated his attack in midafternoon, pushed up the rugged, open terrain against terrific machine-gun and rifle fire for 300 yards and successfully captured the objective. Promptly assuming command of other disorganized units and motorized equipment in addition to his own company and one reinforcing platoon, he organized his night defenses in the face of continuous hostile fire and, although wounded three times during this five-hour period, completed his disposition of men and guns before retiring to the company command post for medical attention. Shortly thereafter, when the enemy launched the first of a series of savage counterattacks lasting all night, he voluntarily rejoined his besieged units and repeatedly exposed himself to the merciless hail of shrapnel and bullets, dashing fifty yards into the open on one occasion to rescue a wounded Marine lying helpless beyond the front lines. Fighting fiercely in hand-to-hand encounters, he led his men in furiously waged battle for approximately ten hours, tenaciously holding his line and repelling the fanatically renewed counterthrusts until he succeeded in crushing the last efforts of the hard-pressed Japanese early the following morning. Then, organizing a seventeen-man patrol, he immediately advanced upon a strategic slope essential to the security of his position and, boldly defying intense mortar, machine-gun and rifle fire which struck down thirteen of his men, drove relentlessly forward with the remnants of his patrol to seize the vital ground. By his indomitable leadership, daring combat tactics and dauntless valor in the face of overwhelming odds, Captain Wilson succeeded in capturing and holding the strategic high ground in his regimental sector, thereby contributing essentially to the success of his regimental mission and to the annihilation of 350 Japanese troops. His inspiring conduct throughout the critical periods of this decisive action enhanced and sustained the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



/S/ HARRY S. TRUMAN
Medal of Honor

Rochester, N.Y. Marine, receives Navy Cross
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification #: 200456162723
Story by Cpl. Jeremy Vought

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (May 6, 2004) -- Marine Capt. Brian R. Chontosh received the Navy Cross Medal from the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, Gen. Michael W. Hagee, during an awards ceremony Thursday at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Training Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Three other Marines received medals for valor at the same ceremony.

Chontosh, 29, from Rochester, N.Y. , received the naval service's second highest award for extraordinary heroism while serving as Combined Anti-Armor Platoon Commander, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom March 25, 2003. The Medal of Honor is the highest military award.

While leading his platoon north on Highway 1 toward Ad Diwaniyah, Chontosh's platoon moved into a coordinated ambush of mortars, rocket propelled grenades and automatic weapons fire. With coalitions tanks blocking the road ahead, he realized his platoon was caught in a kill zone.

He had his driver move the vehicle through a breach along his flank, where he was immediately taken under fire from an entrenched machine gun. Without hesitation, Chontosh ordered the driver to advanced directly at the enemy position enabling his .50 caliber machine gunner to silence the enemy.

He then directed his driver into the enemy trench, where he exited his vehicle and began to clear the trench with an M16A2 service rifle and 9 millimeter pistol. His ammunition depleted, Chontosh, with complete disregard for his safety, twice picked up discarded enemy rifles and continued his ferocious attack.

When a Marine following him found an enemy rocket propelled grenade launcher, Chontosh used it to destroy yet another group of enemy soldiers.

When his audacious attack ended, he had cleared over 200 meters of the enemy trench, killing more than 20 enemy soldiers and wounding several others.

"They are the reflection of the Marine Corps type who's service to the Marine Corps and country is held above their own safety and lives," said Gen. Hagee, commenting on the four Marines who received medals during the ceremony. "I'm proud to be here awarding the second highest and third highest awards for bravery to these great Marines."

"These four Marines are a reflection of every Marine and sailor in this great battalion," said Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. John L. Estrada.

"I was just doing my job, I did the same thing every other Marine would have done, it was just a passion and love for my Marines, the experience put a lot into perspective," said Chontosh.

In effect since April 1917, and established by an Act of Congress on Feb. 4, 1919, the Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself/herself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor.

The action must take place under one of three circumstances: while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
To earn a Navy Cross the act to be commended must be performed in the presence of great danger or at great personal risk and must be performed in such a manner as to render the individual highly conspicuous among others of equal grade, rate, experience, or position of responsibility.

More than 6,000 Navy Crosses have been awarded since World War I.

-30-


Photos included with story: Marine Capt. Brian R. Chontosh received the Navy Cross Medal from the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, Gen. Michael W. Hagee, during an awards ceremony Thursday at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Training Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif. Photo by: Cpl. Jeremy Vought

That fellow has a haircut just like mine.

And all this time I thought I had a unique fashion statement.

A fence won’t keep everything out, Marine Security Guards will.
Submitted by: Marine Forces Pacific
Story by: Computed Name: Lance Cpl. R. Drew Hendricks
Story Identification #: 200578201348





U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES PACIFIC, CAMP H. M. SMITH, Hawaii(July 8, 2005) -- April 18, 1983, a building in Beirut, Lebanon was bombed, killing 63 people. September 20, 1984, 24 people were killed when a bomb slams a shopping annex in Aukar, Lebanon. August 7, 1998, buildings in Kenya, Nairobe and Dar es’ Salaam were decimated simultaneously, killing 291 people.

Every one of these bombings targeted a U.S. Embassy in an attempt to disrupt America’s influence overseas, according to the U.S. Department of State.
The U.S. has embassies in order to protect and oversee American interests in foreign nations.

It is the duty of Marine Security Guards to ensure the embassies are safe from any threat, in any place at any time, according to the MSG mission statement.

Marine Security Guards are responsible for the internal security of embassies in 115 different countries.

With so many Embassies, a large number of people are needed to fill the quota.

“We need as many people as we can get right now. If a Marine qualifies, we will use him,” said Gunnery Sgt. Edward Owens, a MSG Battalion Recruiter.

Marine Security Guard is not a primary military occupational specialty, but is a B-billet, or secondary occupation. It is a special opportunity for Marines who are willing to put in a little extra work to travel the world and see a completely different side of the Corps, according to Lance Cpl. Anna Renhard, who recently graduated MSG school.

“MSG is way different than the fleet, we have a mission unlike anyone else’s. The units are small, so you get to know the people you work with real well, real quick,” added Renhard, a former military policeman here.

The school, located in Quantico, Va., is one not to be taken lightly, according to Renhard. The curriculum is broad and intense on every subject. The school is relatively short compared to the amount of information students are required to learn, lasting only six weeks.

“The training is unlike any I have received anywhere else. There is more extensive training in martial arts and close combat weapons, you also get to use almost every weapon a Marine would come across,” said Renhard.

“Marine Security Guards are the most well equipped force, prepared and ready to complete their mission anywhere,” said SSgt. Benjamin Dillon, the career planner here.

To join MSG, a Marine has to be a well-rounded individual, not just in training or physical aspects. They also have to be financially and mentally sound.

“You can’t go into MSG with a whole bunch of debt,” Dillon mentioned.

Included in the screening and interview document for MSG duty is a financial spreadsheet. The commanding officer can make a recommendation based on the financial stability of the Marine.

One requirement that cannot be wavered is sergeants and below cannot have dependents, and single parents need not apply.

Staff noncommissioned officers are allowed to have no more than three dependents. Dependents also have special requirements, which can be found in Marine Corps Order P1326.6D.

Aside from these requirements no one, except for MSG Bn and the Marine’s MOS monitor can deny a Marine’s request to join MSG.

It may be fairly simple to get accepted to MSG School, the school and the duties assigned to the MSG Marines is no easily accomplished feat, according to Renhard.

This assignment is not something you can jump into lightly. Both Dillon and Renhard agree that if your heart isn’t in it, you don’t need to do it.

“You rely too heavily on your unit members to have someone go into it half-heartedly,” said Renhard. “The quickest way to get dropped is by showing a lack of effort.”

This special duty assignment is offered openly to any Marine who wants to do it, according to the MSG recruiters. Marines just have to look into it and see if it’s for them.

“MSG is a secret everyone should know about and everyone should take advantage of,” said Dillon. “I know that if I wasn’t retiring soon, I would jump at the opportunity.”

Marines interested in MSG duty should contact their career planner, or visit the MSG website at https://ww.msgbn.usmc.mil/ for all the information and requirements concerning MSG duty.

Never settled: Iowa man forsakes sheltered Amish ways to see world
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification #: 200578172229
Story by Cpl. Edward R. Guevara Jr.



MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (July 8, 2005) -- At 18 years old, a timid Amish boy packed up a cardboard box with his coonhound puppy, Lucy, and trinkets from his childhood. Wearing his long-sleeved, teal green shirt, blue jeans, dark-leather work shoes and a straw hat, he walked to his cousin's farm a couple of miles away, where he was picked up by a friend and driven south to a small town in Iowa.

Roy A. Miller was trading in his homemade ensemble for a trucker's license and an 18-wheeler, embarking on an adventure to see the rest of the country.

Seven years after breaking through the invisible boundaries surrounding his Old Order Amish community, and driving through all 48 of the continental United States, he said he still felt closed in by the limits of the coast. He wanted to see the world.

Miller chose to see it through the eyes of the Marine Corps, attributing his decision to Marines of the past.

"A (75-year-old) friend of mine in Las Vegas was a warrant officer in the Marine Corps," said Miller, one of Company K's newest privates from Platoon 3086. "Men 10 years younger visited him. I listened to their stories, and told myself, 'That's a group I want to be a part of.'"

Each life-changing leap Miller took stands out in his mind.

"Leaving my home and family, and what's going on (globally) right now are the two most important things that have happened to me," he said.

It is customary for those who leave the Amish community to be shunned or excommunicated. His father, Atlee Y. Miller, is a bishop in the Old Order Amish community and did not agree with his son's actions, but did not keep Miller away from his family.

"With our different opinions, we get along as best we can," said Miller.

Although his family knows he enlisted in the Marine Corps, they don't fully understand what it is, according to Miller. Amish communities shelter themselves from the rest of the world as a way of life, to keep things simple and abide by the teachings of their forefathers. They are slow to make changes. There are different rules within each community that govern the level of outside accessibility.

"I am the first in my family in at least the last 200 years to join the military," he said.

Miller's upbringing on the farm helped him overcome the physical aspects of boot camp with ease.

"Putting up loose hay in the middle of summer is harder than anything that they came up with here," he said. His senior drill instructor Staff Sgt. Hector M. Flores agreed that Miller was an above average recruit.

Miller believes he had the mental toughness to complete boot camp because of the way his father raised him. Because Miller was brought up in a small, sheltered community, he was not self-confident when he arrived. He was still timid and trying to learn how things worked.

It seems Miller has had to grow up and take charge of his life on multiple occasions.

"When I was a kid, I had a terrible attitude problem," he said. "Around 17 and 18 I realized I better straighten up."

At home and in boot camp here, he said he had to go from the comfort of his parents and drill instructors taking care of him, to waking up one day and realizing he has to take care of himself.

Early on in training, Miller also had to learn to work with a team.

"During the second week (here), I was swabbing the head and asked myself why I was picking up everything," said Miller. "I am not used to dealing with 50 other people this close. I never played high school sports like most of these other guys."

The Amish generally have one schoolhouse for a three to five-mile radius, with only one room and eight grade levels. This education barrier hindered Miller's attempts to join the Marine Corps.

He had to obtain his general equivalency diploma before his recruiter from Recruiting Station Des Moines, Iowa, Sgt. Tobin J. Eckstine, could work on his contract.

"In order to enlist with a GED, an applicant must have completed the 10th grade," said Chief Warrant Officer Robert W. Laverty, assistant operations officer, Western Recruiting Region. "However, it is waiverable."

After Miller earned the GED, Eckstine gave him a sample aptitude test. Miller scored high enough that Eckstine submitted for an education waiver to his chain of command.

"He's the kind of Marine you want in the Corps," said Eckstine. "He's more medically fit than anyone else I have seen. He is polite and knowledgeable, and knows a lot about life."

Eckstine agreed with Miller that his primary reasons for joining the Corps were the intangibles offered by the Marine Corps, such as camaraderie, adventure, and self-confidence.

Beyond being a basic rifleman, Miller joined as an aviation mechanic. The field is broad and he does not know what specific job he will have yet, but he knows he wants to be near airplanes. Flying is his newest passion.

"I am about 10 hours away from my private pilot license," he said. "I plan to get a few hours in while I am on leave after boot camp."

From walking, to driving, to flying, Miller is breaking all the boundaries he sees.

On the fast track to blast mastery
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification #: 20057716917
Story by Lance Cpl. Stephen Holt



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 7, 2005) -- Three "fire in the hole" announcements ring out moments before hot shrapnel and parts of an iron I-beam rain down after the detonation of the Marine Corps' mainstay explosive -- C-4.

It's the smoking gun that combat engineers -- in this case, Company B, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion -- are doing what they do best.

The basic demolition training took place June 28-29 at Range 219.

"We want to bring the new Marines to a level sufficient to go to Iraq," said Staff Sgt. Eric G. Zolnikov, guide for 2nd Platoon, Company B.

The company is at a time of transition. Senior Marines with combat experience are reaching their end of active service while 11 new Marines from the combat engineer school have arrived in the past two weeks to fill the void.

The senior Marines shared their experience and expertise with the junior Marines to make the transition as smooth as possible.

"A lot of these guys don't know a lot about what we do," said Elisha R. Parker, a veteran of two Operation Iraqi Freedom Deployments. "They just get the real basics (at the school). It's good training (here) because they're all going to deploy."

The training covered different types of explosives and fuses. It included an introduction to expedient/improvised demolition -- or makeshift explosives. It's the first chance for the fledgling engineers to fashion their own explosives, Zolnikov said.

The jaw-dropping, split-second blast belies the time-consuming preparation that goes into an explosion.

Marines use math to calculate how much explosive is needed.

Once the equations were com-puted, the Marines exercised their creativity. Each demo team ap-proached similar obstacles with different ideas of how to get the job done.

Some opted for strategic placement of minimal explosives; others preferred massive amounts of ex-plosives to overpower the obstacle. Each idea got the job done.

Fashioning improvised explosives also provided a creative outlet. Some teams packed ammunition cans with brass casings and C-4 to improvise a claymore mine. Others lined two fence posts with C-4 to create a hasty Bangalore torpedo used to breach barbed-wire fences.

Each Marine must know his stuff -- because there may be only eight to nine engineers per company come deployment time, Zolnikov said.

Company B expects to deploy late this year or early next year. Meantime, they're scheduled for a weeklong field exercise in late July.

Marines ensure supplies, growth of Iraqi economy
Submitted by: II Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD)
Story by: Computed Name: Lance Cpl. Joshua C. Cox
Story Identification #: 200579124927




CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq(July 9, 2005) -- It takes a lot of planning and coordination to ensure service members obtain the adequate living supplies and gear needed during a deployment. A small group of Marines based here are responsible for acquiring and distributing the essential gear and services needed at installations throughout Iraq.

The Marines of the Contingency Contracting Office aboard Camp Fallujah allocate funds to provide a variety of entities such as potable water, air conditioners, generators and the workers to transport and maintain the supplies here.

The CCO does not only take care of the needs of Camp Fallujah, but also coordinates with other Marine and Army units in Iraq to provide the supplies needed to ensure good troop welfare.

The noncommissioned officers with the CCO have a huge responsibility on their shoulders. Their primary job is to allocate funds from the U.S. government and provide what the Marines need in the areas of risk using different mediums of communication.

“We are the only people authorized to financially obligate the government in any form or fashion,” said Sgt. Timothy L. Rivers, Iraqi Security Forces contingency contracting officer.

It is also the job of the CCO to follow up on the supplies and services after they are initially purchased and delivered.

In addition, the Contingency Contracting Office is not only dedicated to supporting the needs of deployed service members, but to the Iraqi forces and community as well.

“We support every single aspect of the Iraqi Forces,” said Rivers. “We establish the camps, get the services started and get everything fully functional.”

Another primary mission of the CCO is to purchase local goods and employ Iraqis to provide services for the units, said Sgt. Dewan C. Britton, contingency contracting officer.

Employing the Iraqis gives their economy a chance to grow, and provides them with new jobs and growth.

“This will help build Iraq back up, which is what we are trying to do here,” said Britton.

The Camp Fallujah Contingency Contracting Office is not only supporting the Marines deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, but is also building a new foundation for the Iraqi community and the Iraqi Security Forces.


EDITOR’S NOTE
Please feel free to publish this story or any of the accompanying photos. If used, please give credit to the writer/photographer, and contact us at: cepaowo@cemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil so we can update our records.

Pappy, a Pendleton original, dies at 97

Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story by: Computed Name: Lance Cpl. Ray Lewis
Story Identification #: 200577152940




MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(July 7, 2005) -- He was there for the flag- raising at Iwo Jima and at the opening of Camp Pendleton, but most importantly, Howard "Pappy" Young was there for his Marines.

Young, 97, died in his sleep June 22 -- but not without touching a few hearts before he left.

"He loved all people he came in contact with, and they loved him in return," said Faye Jonason, Pendleton's History and Museums Officer.

"Even in his deathbed, Pappy had Marines visiting him in the hospice where he spent the majority of his last days," said Jonason.

Young touched Pendleton in many ways during many eras, as a Marine in the base's early days and as a civilian employee and volunteer later on.

Young was born in 1907 in Rockford, Wash., but raised in Spokane until he was called to active duty from the Marine Corps Reserves in 1940. He'd just opened a butcher shop but closed its doors when the call came to report to Camp Elliot, now Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, for duty as a radio technician.

Fifty-eight years later, after his wife Betty died, he began working as a docent with Jonason, serving primarily at the historic Ranch House.

Dressed in a bolo necktie and topped off with a tilted cowboy hat, Young loved to tell stories in first person, friends and family members said.

He told of a young combat correspondent who wanted to snap a picture of him crawling up the volcanic-ash-covered beach at Iwo Jima.

"The (Marine) wanted to get closer for a better shot, but he told him no, because there was a wire," said his daughter, Mickey Urlie.

The photographer snapped the image anyway.

"He was so proud of that picture. It was in LIFE Magazine," Urlie said.

While at Iwo Jima, Young scaled a mountain to get to a downed Japanese fighter plane.

"He made bracelets out of the Zero plane scrap metal. He made about 50 of them for his Marines," she said.

Young fashioned the jewelry by etching the metal with his pocket knife; he inscribed "Iwo Jima" and the year.

He also explained how he got his position as the first mess sergeant on Camp Pendleton when it opened in 1942.

"Pappy was eating chow when he saw a young Marine trying to prepare stew by chopping up frozen meat," Jonason said.

"What are you doing?" said Young, noticing the young devil dog's mistake.

He showed the man how to do it right, Jonason said.

His culinary prowess earned him a new assignment and a quick promotion.

"Pappy loved to tell (the) story (of) how they fed the troops," Jonason said.

Young was soon called back to Camp Elliot to march in the ceremonial opening of Camp Pendleton in Sept- ember 1942.

Not long thereafter, he was off to Iwo Jima.

After the war, he served at Marine Corps Recruit District Parris Island, S.C., and Camp Lejeune, N.C., where he applied to become an air traffic controller.

He made the cut, serving at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, and later returned to Japan.

After his 20 years of service, Young returned to Pendleton, where he worked for 10 years as a meat cutter at the commissary.

Young later started a Plexiglas business. He manufactured coin holders and other custom items for solid currency.

He traveled throughout the world with his wife until she became ill.

After she died, Young took to volunteering and other pursuits.

"He became good at so many different things," Jonason said, adding, "he'll always have a place in our hearts."

He told lots of stories and made lots of cards to show he cared, Jonason said.

Despite his advancing age, he even became a bit of a technology buff, she said.

"He would share those paintings and cards by scanning them and sending them over the Internet to friends and family," Jonason said.

Friends and family gathered Wednesday at the Oceanside Elk's Club to celebrate his life.

"Pappy never wanted a funeral. He finally agreed to a (party) before he passed," Urlie explained.

"We're all richer for having known him. We'll miss him," Jonason said.

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 # 0705-05-1024

Operation uncovers insurgents, weapons, explosives
July 1, 2005

CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Ar Ramadi, Iraq -- Iraq Security Forces and approximately 1,000 Marines, sailors and soldiers from Regimental Combat Team-2, comprised of elements of 2nd Marine Regiment and the Army’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 2nd Marine Division, continue conducting security operations along the Euphrates River between the cities of Haditha and Hit.

Operation Saif (Sword) began early Tuesday morning and is currently focusing on clearing insurgents and foreign fighters who intimidate the populace from the city of Hit.

Resistance is still being reported by commanders in the city as ‘light.’

There have been no reported fatalities among Iraqi or American forces.

The majority of the units are conducting cordon and knock operations in and around Hit (population 120,000) approximately 100 miles northwest of Baghdad.

During the operations, Marines search buildings and local businesses. If a business is locked or closed, Marines will cut the lock to gain entry for their search. Instructions for the owners on receiving payment for damages caused by either Marines or Iraqi Forces are left at the building. Approximately $3,500 for minor property damage claims has been paid out to the residents of Hit during the course of the operation. Sixteen Marines from 2nd Marine Division have been tasked to help process any claim for property damage.

“The 2nd Marine Division always tries to mitigate damages caused during our operations,” said Capt. Richard D. Belliss, operational law attorney, 2nd Marine Division. “Some damage is inevitable; therefore we have systems in place to address the needs and concerns of local citizens affected by military operations.”

Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion-2, 2nd Force Service Support Group (Forward) discovered 15 roadside bombs located one kilometer north of Hit. Thirteen of the bombs were found within 800 meters of each other on both sides of the road. The insurgents had attempted to attach several of the bombs together in order to make a larger explosion and increase the blast radius of the bombs. The Marines followed a wire from the bombs to a nearby school house, where all the explosives were connected.

Twenty-three suspected of insurgent activity are being detained for questioning, most in connection to weapons caches.

Marines training in Texarkana
Sunday, July 10, 2005 1:46 PM CDT




By JOHN FOOKS
Texarkana Gazette



U.S. Marines out of the Bulk Fuel Battalion in the D.A. Carson Reserves Training Center on College Drive, Texarkana, Texas, will have to find another place to land if Red River Army Depot is closed.


"We could, if we had to, go to Fort Chaffee, Ark., for our annual exercises," said First Sgt. William "Bill" Chaffin. "But Red River Army Depot is so much closer and more convenient. And it offers great training opportunities, and they (RRAD) are always very supportive."



Some 50 marines from the D.A. Carson Unit began their day of training at 5:30 Saturday morning when they loaded up their trucks at the unit and took off for a specified training area in the northwest area of RRAD.


The primary mission of the exercise was to conduct convoy operations, practice immediate action drills in the event of an assault, learn about improvised explosive devices, learn how to handle enemy prisoners of war and learn how to set up and operate a Command Operation Center.



"The Command Operations Center is the where the battlefield is run at every level," Chaffin said. "The Command Operations Center gathers information and puts that information into a full operations plan on the battlefield."




Saturday's training also consisted of convoy maintenance in the field, mock battles, general military exercises and tear gas M40 Field Protective Mask training and readiness.



It's this last one-gas mask instruction and training-that brings even the toughest Marine to tears, literally.


Once a year, Marines go through gas chamber training, perhaps more appropriately termed "gas mask training," with the M40 Field Protective Mask.



They endure the training in order to learn how to become effective and comfortable wearing the M40 mask.



"We have every Marine walk into the tear gas chamber with their masks on, and if they don't have them on properly they'll find out right away," Chaffin said. "Then we have them do things like move around and shake their heads. We even teach them how to take a drink of water.



"Then we have them remove their masks and open their eyes so they can get a 'taste' for what its like not having your mask on. After about 10 seconds, we allow them to don their masks and get a good breath of air. It makes one really appreciate those masks."



Chaffin said the annual training is of vital importance to Marines because it enables them to always be ready and able, if and when they have to go into a combat theater.



"The No. 1 thing this training provides and proves is that these Marines are training and working hard to do their jobs in logistics and convoy operations," Chaffin said. "Whenever any of us watch on the news where a convoy has been attacked, we realize how important it is that we learn exactly what to do in the event of an attack.



"It (Saturday's training) ain't easy, especially in the heat we've had today. But what our Marines are learning here is convoy operations and reacting to any type of convoy assault. It's what saves lives."

U.S. Marines, Iraq Soldiers Launch Raids
By FRANK GRIFFITHS, Associated Press Writer
July 9, 2005 0709AP-IRAQ



BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Hundreds of U.S. Marines and Iraqi soldiers have launched new raids against insurgent strongholds in a volatile Sunni province, officials said Saturday.

Iraqi soldiers and Marines began the operation on Thursday with raids in the village of Zaidan, 20 miles southeast of Fallujah, the military said. So far, 22 suspected insurgents had been detained.

Fallujah, a western Anbar province city 40 miles west of Baghdad, was a major insurgent bastion until U.S. forces overran the city in November.

The military did not announce the offensive earlier because commanders did not want to tip off insurgents. The campaign includes 500 Marines from the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team-8, stationed in Okinawa, Japan, the military said.

Also on Saturday, masked gunmen wounded Yahya al-Haidari, a local chief of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, as he drove in Mosul, hospital officials said.

Al-Haidari is a provincial chief in Iraq's largest Shiite Muslim group. Sunni Arab insurgents have been targeting Shiites, who dominate Iraq's government.

The head of Iraq's karate association, meanwhile, was kidnapped south of Baghdad, sports officials said Saturday. Ali Shakir was abducted Thursday in Latifiyah, about 20 miles south of Baghdad, said Ahmed Hashim, an Iraq Olympic committee official.

It was not clear why Shakir was taken. Hundreds of Iraqis have been abducted during the last two years - some by insurgents for political and sectarian reasons and some by criminal gangs for ransom.

His abduction came two days after a Web site claimed that al-Qaida in Iraq had killed Egyptian envoy Ihab al-Sherif, who was seized by up to eight gunmen on a street in western Baghdad last weekend.

On Saturday, Egypt demanded that Iraq explain remarks made by its government spokesman Laith Kubba that al-Sherif was likely on his way to meet with insurgents when he was abducted.

It has been reported that al-Sherif was kidnapped while buying a newspaper in Baghdad a week ago and al-Qaida in Iraq claimed responsibility for killing Egypt's top envoy to the country. The claim had not been independently verified and there has been no photographic evidence proving his death.

Al-Sherif's abduction and attacks against Pakistani and Bahraini envoys have sent shockwaves through the diplomatic community in Iraq and raised concerns about a possible exodus of diplomats, especially Arab delegations. But the king of neighboring Jordan said the country would not bow to fears.

Jordan will send its ambassador to Iraq "sooner rather than later,'' King Abdullah II said in a CNN interview aired Saturday. "We are not going to allow again these limited extremists that are trying to destabilize the future of Iraq to have any effect,'' he said.

Jordan, a moderate Arab state and a close U.S. ally, has previously said it will return its ambassador to Baghdad, but Abdullah's confirmation was Amman's first since al-Sherif's disappearance.

Egyptian and Iraqi officials said Egypt would temporarily close its mission in Iraq and recall its staff.

Pakistan's Ambassador Mohammed Younis Khan left the country Wednesday after his convoy was fired on in a kidnap attempt. Bahrain's top envoy, Hassan Malallah al-Ansari, was expected to leave soon after he was slightly wounded in a separate attempt.

In London, The Mail on Sunday reported that British Defense Secretary John Reid drafted a secret paper for Prime Minister Tony Blair outlining how most of the country's 8,500 troops could be sent home from Iraq within three months, with the rest by the end of the year. The document also said the U.S. was looking to cut back its own troop levels to 66,000, down from the 135,000 there now.

But in a statement released by Britain Defense Ministry, Reid said the document was one of several periodic updates examining possible scenarios for the war in Iraq.

"We have made it absolutely plain that we will stay in Iraq for as long as is needed,'' Reid said. "No decisions on the future force posture of UK forces have been taken.''

South of Baghdad, meanwhile, pamphlets were slipped under doors of 22 Shiite families warning them to flee the area or face decapitation. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the fliers on Saturday.

The pamphlets were signed by the "Mujahedeen Brigades'' and distributed in the religiously mixed town of Youssifiyah. They accused the families of links to the militia of the Shiite Supreme Council.

Sunni Arabs, who dominated Iraq until Saddam Hussein was ousted in 2003, boycotted January elections and are believed to make up the core of an insurgency that has killed more than 1,475 people since the Shiite-led government took office on April 28.

Elsewhere, a remote-controlled Predator drone conducted a strike Friday against militants near Qaim, an Anbar province town on the Syrian border, the U.S. military said. The Predator fired a missile at a truck carrying rocket-propelled grenades and suspected insurgents.

Two insurgents were killed, said Marine 1st Lt. Pamela Marshall, a spokeswoman.

SMU fastest warehouse to warfighter unit in the Corps
Submitted by: 2nd Force Service Support Group
Story Identification #: 20057943539
Story by Cpl. C.J. Yard



CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (July 9, 2005) -- Stocking everything from spare tires and Marine Armor Kits for humvees to camouflage utility uniforms and boots to hazardous material handling gear and fire extinguishers to office supplies, the Marines of the Supply Management Unit of Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2d Force Service Support Group (Forward), liken themselves to one of the largest chain of retail stores.

“We’re like a big Wal-Mart,” said Master Sgt. Brian K. Pennington, staff noncommissioned officer in charge of general accounts at the SMU. “It’s like Wal-Mart because you see what’s on the shelves and you can get it. That’s what it is like here. If we have it, we can get it to the units, but sometimes we have to special order some things.”

Despite the fact that more than half the Marines are not supply administration Marines, the SMU continues to be number one in the Marine Corps with requisition objective fill rates at 94 percent, according to Pennington, a Harman, W.Va., native

“What that means is we can fill 94 percent of orders that come through on any given day,” said Chief Warrant Officer Tikisha Smiley, officer in charge of general accounts. “Most of these Marines were together on [Camp Lejeune, N.C.] and are very good at what they do. We haven’t done it yet, but we’re getting close to beating our own numbers while we were at Lejeune.”

After reducing the stock on the storage lots by nearly $65 milllion worth of gear, the Marines have been able to fill requisitions faster.

In order to keep track of gear on the storage lots the Marines had to do some reorganizing, said Smiley. “There was a lot of gear in the way and it is just easier to identify gear if it is less cluttered.”

Reducing the amount of gear on the storage lots was also crucial to quality control of the gear.

“Because of the climate the gear was deteriorating,” said the Mobil, Ala., native, Smiley. “We moved it back to Kuwait where they have a better climate-controlled area to store the gear.”

Not only are the Marines of the SMU filling gear requests nearly as fast as they were while stationed at Camp Lejeune, but they are also doing it cost-effectively.

“When I order gear I also have to figure out if it is cheaper for us to ship the gear [by ship] or fly it over,” said Lance Cpl. Kevin J. Burge, general accounts operations clerk and Raleigh, N.C., native. “Basically, I get a budget of whatever it takes to accomplish the mission, but we’re always trying to save as much money as possible.”

Though flying the gear over is faster than sending it by “slow boat,” which takes nearly 45 days, sometimes it could cost up to 16,000 dollars to fly a piece of gear, said Smiley.

“Forty-five days is a vast improvement from the start of the war,” said Burge. “It used to take 75 to 85 days to get from the U.S. to our warehouses here.”

Having a daily budget of nearly $300,000, Burge is not only responsible for buying the gear, but also responsible for tracking it from the United States until it gets to the unit.

However, one of the difficulties the Marines of the SMU face is the time difference.

“Our job requires us to make a lot of phone calls,” said Cpl. Jaime Salazar, documents due in status file noncommissioned officer in charge. “We have to have a night shift and that’s pretty much their job. To make calls and find out why items are backordered, not shipped or cancelled.”

Getting the gear in country is sometimes a difficult task for the Marines of the SMU, therefore they also look at past months usage to determine how much stock to keep on hand, predict what is needed and estimate the shipping time.

“Lance Corporal Burge generates the buys with the programs and parameters that are in place,” said Cpl. Michael Hodina, noncommissioned officer in charge of special projects. “I review and validate the transactions which are then submitted. To put it more simply I design the processes of buys, stocking levels, forecasting demand and database management. Lance Corporal Burge and others run those processes and make them work on a daily basis.”

The Marines rely on small-unit leadership to ensure all orders are filled and the SMU runs smoothly.

“We put a lot of emphasis on NCO leadership here,” said Smiley. “We empower our NCOs here to make the day to day decisions. Our sections are run by the NCOs, and they are doing an outstanding job.”

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:

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

Release # 0712-05-1113
July 12, 2005

Calling all actors, extras for movie casting call

WASHINGTON--The Central Casting company are looking for actors and extras for the upcoming film 'Flags of Our Fathers' directed by Clint Eastwood and produced by Stephen Spielberg.

The open casting call is from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday, July 19, at the Crystal City Sports Pub. The Crystal City Sports Pub is loacted at 529 South 23rd Street, Arlington, Va. For questions call 703-521-8215.

The film follows a story of a man who tries to reconstruct the events of his father's involvement as one of the six service members who raised the flag in Iwo Jima at the end of World War II.

Requirements: Must be 21 years or older. Bring a photo (Does NOT have to be a professional shot). Looking for persons available for an August 8, 2005 shoot date as well as previous date for wardrobe fitting.

Men: Clean cut men with short hair (to fill roles of Marines and sailors of all ages and ranks)

Women: Little or no highlighted hair (preferably long). Cast will need to have a look that will translate into 1954 Washington. Visible tattoos and piercings that can not be removed will not fit into the specifications for background actors on this project.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...65?opendocument

Have You Seen These Men?





The United States government is seeking information about the eight suspected terrorists above. They were observed in videotapes recovered from Al Qaeda terrorist Mohammed Atef's house in Afghanistan. U.S. officials believe the men may be planning suicide terrorist acts. They have been identified as Ramzi Binalshibh, Abd Al-Rahim, Muhammad Sa'id Ali Hasan, Khalid Ibn Muhammad Al-Juhani, and Al Rauf Bin Al Habib Bin Yousef al-Jiddi.
If you have information about the whereabouts of any of these men, please contact the nearest FBI office, the FBI website www.ifccfbi.gov, or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

ALMAR 030/05


Date signed: 06/24/2005 MARADMIN Number: 030/05
Subject: DEATH OF GENERAL LOUIS H. WILSON, JR. FORMER COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS
R 240013Z JUN 05
FM CMC WASHINGTON DC(UC)
TO AL ALMAR(UC)
UNCLASSIFIED//
ALMAR 030/05
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC CMC//
SUBJ/DEATH OF GENERAL LOUIS H. WILSON, JR.
/FORMER COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS//
REF/A/ALMAR 029-05/CMC WASHINGTON DC CMC/221530ZJUN2005//
AMPN/REF A IS ALNAV NOTIFICATION OF GENERAL WILSON'S DEATH//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. THE REFERENCE ANNOUNCED THE DEATH ON 21 JUNE 2005
OF GENERAL LOUIS H. WILSON, JR. U.S. MARINE CORPS, RETIRED, WHO
SERVED AS THE TWENTY-SIXTH COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS AND
RECEIVED THE MEDAL OF HONOR FOR HEROISM DURING THE BATTLE OF GUAM IN
JULY 1944.
2. GENERAL WILSON WAS BORN FEBRUARY 11, 1920 IN BRANDON, MISSISSIPPI
AND GRADUATED FROM MILLSAPS COLLEGE IN 1941. HE WAS COMMISSIONED A
SECOND LIEUTENANT OF MARINES IN NOVEMBER 1941. FOLLOWING OFFICER
TRAINING, HE WAS ASSIGNED TO 9TH MARINES, SERVING IN SAN DIEGO AND
ON BOUGAINVILLE. DURING THE RE-OCCUPATION OF GUAM, WHILE IN COMMAND
OF COMPANY F, 2D BATTALION, 9TH MARINES, HE EARNED THE MEDAL OF
HONOR FOR THE SUCCESSFUL ATTACK AND DEFENSE OF THE CREST OF FONTE
HILL ON 25-26 JULY 1944. POST-WAR TOURS INCLUDED MARINE BARRACKS,
WASHINGTON D.C.; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MARINE CORPS INSTITUTE;
AIDE-DE-CAMP TO THE COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC;
OFFICER-IN-CHARGE, DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS RECRUITING STATION, NEW
YORK CITY; AND EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE BASIC SCHOOL AT QUANTICO.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE OFFICER'S SENIOR COURSE IN 1954, HE SERVED AS
THE ASSISTANT G-3, 1ST MARINE DIVISION IN KOREA, AND ON THE RETURN
OF THE DIVISION TO THE UNITED STATES BECAME THE COMMANDING OFFICER
OF 2D BATTALION, 5TH MARINES. FOLLOWING A TOUR AT HEADQUARTERS,
MARINE CORPS, HE COMMANDED THE BASIC SCHOOL AT QUANTICO. HE
GRADUATED FROM THE NATIONAL WAR COLLEGE IN JUNE 1962 AND AFTER
ANOTHER TOUR AT HEADQUARTERS, HE RETURNED TO 1ST MARINE DIVISION AT
CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA AS THE ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, G-3,
DEPLOYING WITH THE DIVISION FIRST TO OKINAWA AND THEN TO VIETNAM.
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY DUTY AS COMMANDING OFFICER, 6TH MARINE CORPS
DISTRICT IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA. FOLLOWING PROMOTION TO BRIGADIER
GENERAL IN NOVEMBER 1966, HE WAS THE LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE
COMMANDANT IN 1967 AND 1968. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY A TOUR AS CHIEF
OF STAFF, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC AND COMMANDING GENERAL, I
MARINE AMPHIBIOUS FORCE AND 3RD MARINE DIVISION ON OKINAWA. GENERAL
WILSON BECAME DIRECTOR OF THE EDUCATION CENTER AT QUANTICO IN 1971,
AND IN 1972, HE ASSUMED COMMAND OF FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC. HE
WAS APPOINTED COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS ON 1 JULY 1975. IN
OCTOBER 1978, GENERAL WILSON ACHIEVED FULL MEMBERSHIP ON THE JOINT
CHIEFS OF STAFF. GENERAL WILSON RETIRED ON 30 JUNE 1979. WHILE
RETIRED, HE RESIDED IN MISSISSIPPI, CALIFORNIA, AND ALABAMA.
GENERAL WILSON SKILLFULLY GUIDED THE MARINE CORPS THROUGH THE
TURBULENT AND CHALLENGING POST-VIETNAM ERA. DURING HIS COMMANDANCY,
HE LAID A FIRM FOUNDATION OF HIGH STANDARDS AND DEMANDING TRAINING
THAT ENSURED THAT THE MARINE CORPS REMAINED A MODERN, MOBILE,
GENERAL PURPOSE, COMBINED ARMS FORCE WITH AMPHIBIOUS EXPERTISE
PREPARED FOR LOW AND HIGH INTENSITY COMBAT AGAINST A WIDE-SPECTRUM
OF POTENTIAL FOES AROUND THE GLOBE.
3. A COMPLETE LIST OF GENERAL WILSON'S MEDALS AND DECORATIONS
INCLUDE: MEDAL OF HONOR; DEFENSE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL WITH
OAK LEAF CLUSTER IN LIEU OF SECOND AWARD; THREE AWARDS OF THE LEGION
OF MERIT, ONE WITH COMBAT "V"; NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL; PURPLE HEART
WITH TWO GOLD STARS IN LIEU OF SECOND AND THIRD AWARD; COMBAT ACTION
RIBBON, PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION WITH ONE BRONZE STAR; MERITORIOUS
UNIT COMMENDATION; AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL; ASIATIC-PACIFIC
CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH THREE BRONZE STARS; WORLD WAR II VICTORY MEDAL;NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL WITH ONE BRONZE STAR; VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL WITH TWO BRONZE STARS, AND KOREAN DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL. HE WAS ALSO AWARDED THE NATIONAL ORDER OF VIETNAM, 4TH CLASS, GALLANTRY CROSS WITH PALM, AND GALLANTRY CROSS WITH GOLD STAR BY THE REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM; ORDER OF NATIONAL SECURITY MERIT, TONG-IL MEDAL AND ORDER OF NATIONAL SECURITY MERIT, GUK-SEON MEDAL, SECOND CLASS BY THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA; TWO AWARDS OF THE LEGION OF HONOR (DEGREE OF COMMANDER) BY THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES; SPANISH GRAND CROSS OF NAVAL MERIT; BRAZILIAN NAVY DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL; AND THE ARMED FORCES MERITORIOUS UNIT CITATION (GALLANTRY CROSS COLOR), MERITORIOUS UNIT CITATION (CIVIL ACTION COLOR, FIRST CLASS), AND THE CAMPAIGN MEDAL FROM THE REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM. 4. A MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR GENERAL WILSON WILL BE HELD AT 0945 ON JULY 19, 2005 ON FORT MYERS, VIRGINIA. BURIAL WILL FOLLOW AT ARLINGTON, NATIONAL CEMETERY. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, THE FAMILY REQUESTS DONATIONS IN THE GENERAL'S MEMORY TO THE MARINE CORPS UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION OR OTHER MARINE CORPS RELATED CHARITY.

5. PER THE REFERENCE, ALL SHIPS AND STATIONS ARE DIRECTED TO
MAINTAIN HALF-MAST OF THE NATIONAL ENSIGN UNTIL SUNSET ON THE DAY OF
INTERMENT.
6. M.W. HAGEE, GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS, COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE
CORPS.//

3/4 engineer lost a lot to join the fight
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 200571643952
Story by Lance Cpl. Paul Robbins Jr.



FALLUJAH, Iraq (July 16, 2005) -- After watching the twin towers collapse from his college classroom in Tennessee, Andrew T. Ledbetter decided to join the fight, but first he had a lot of work to do.

Standing 6’2” and weighing approximately 300 pounds at the time, Ledbetter needed to lose almost 100 pounds to meet his goals.

“I wanted to do it for my health, my upcoming marriage, and after Sept. 11, happened, the Marine Corps became a motivation,” said Cpl. Ledbetter, a native of Rickman, Tenn.

With only his personal motivations to help him along, Ledbetter set out to lose the weight through exercise and a strict diet.

He began running seven days a week, conducted high intensity workouts at the gym, and started a low fat diet.

“I had encouragement from family and friends,” said Ledbetter, a graduate of Livingston Academy. “But I didn’t use a personal trainer or anything like that.”

After seven months of intense training and his strict diet of chicken, tuna, fruits and vegetables, Ledbetter had lost 125 pounds and was ten pounds below the maximum weight allowed to join the Marine Corps.

Ledbetter attributes most of this achievement to God, and a pact made before his journey to become healthier.

“Before I started, I prayed to God and said ‘If I’m supposed to join the Marine Corps, you have to help me,’” said Ledbetter. “Obviously I’m supposed to be here.”

Ledbetter is currently serving his first deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom in Fallujah as a team leader with 3rd platoon, Company D, 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, which is attached to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment.

Although mentally and spiritually trying, Ledbetter feels his past difficulties have prepared him for the task at hand.

“I feel like I’ve matured more because of it,” he said. “It definitely prepared me for the hardships of deployment.”

Ledbetter continues to work diligently through the long hours and hot sun of the Iraqi desert, driven to keep the shape he worked so hard to attain.

“I still physically train every day.”

Emboldened by his great accomplishment and laden with the natural confidence of a Marine, Ledbetter looks to meet all of his future challenges head on.

“I realized that if I can do what I did, I can do pretty much anything,” he said.

Provisional rifle detachment applies knowledge
Submitted by: 2nd Force Service Support Group
Story Identification #: 200571592330
Story by Lance Cpl. Joel Abshier



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC (July 15, 2005) -- Walking along a chain-link fence in the blistering heat, a Marine performs a radio check while scanning the area outside the compound for any possible enemy threat that could affect the lives he is protecting.

This was the scene here July 13 where more than 93 active duty and reserve Marines with Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2d Force Service Support Group, recently completed a three-day basic security guard mobile training team course, which was conducted by Training Company, Marine Corps Security Forces out of Chesapeake, Va.

These Marines make up the 2d FSSG provisional rifle detachment that will deploy to Iraq in order to provide security for one of the many installations during Operation Iraqi Freedom III, according to 1st Lt. Milinda J. Benitez, provisional rifle detachment commanding officer.

“This is the best training these Marines have received so far,” Benitez said. “This is exactly what we will be doing once we step off the plane.”

Throughout the exercise the Marines were given instruction on armed and un-armed manipulation, ground fighting, vehicle inspection, patrolling, controlling entry points, searching personnel, communication and how to operate a reaction team, according to Staff Sgt. Giovanni F. Maza, team leader for Training Co., MCSF.

“Normally this training is five days long,” Maza said. “However, because these Marines are not infantry they were very eager to learn anything new.”

The final day of training was a simulated exercise to help the Marines retain the knowledge they learned during the previous days, according to Staff Sgt. Phillip W. Wyman Jr., who is the defensive tactics instructor for Training Co., MCSF.

During the simulation the Marines were given free reign on how to handle situations that the instructors would throw at them, including mock riots outside the compound fences.

“We would help the Marines if they required it,” Maza said. “But mostly we let them work on their own and later we would explain what they did correct as well as wrong.”

Working on their own, the provisional rifle detachment Marines successfully set up a command operations center, an armory and a reaction team that was used throughout their final training day, according to Pfc. Raphael M. Garcialopez, a guardsman with the provisional rifle detachment.

“I love this stuff,” Garcialopez said. “I understand that this training will directly affect me and the other Marines in Iraq. This training will save our lives.”

All of the Marines in the provisional rifle detachment have jobs that don’t usually require them to use infantry tactics, explained 1st Lt. John L. Roach, commanding officer for Training Co., MCSF.

“These Marines have jobs that range from wire pullers to wrench turners,” Roach said. “We pulled these Marines from their comfort zones and taught them from the ground up how to protect themselves, fellow Marines and also the area they are guarding. I know this training will pay off in the end.”

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...1E?opendocument

Cannoneers shift gears on indirect-fire tactic
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification #: 2005714103656
Story by Lance Cpl. Stephen Holt



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 14, 2005) -- It’ll be a different artillery mission next time in Iraq. Instead of a “move-and-shoot” approach to indirect firepower in support of an advancing fighting force, the big guns will be targeting insurgents in fixed firing positions.

With the reality of guerrilla warfare in Iraq squarely in mind, Marines from Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, broke in a new firing base July 7 — a range tailored to what they’ll face in Iraq — in preparation for an OIF deployment later this summer.

The new fire base — located near 11th Marines’ home at Camp Las Pulgas — was christened July 1.

The unit overlooked no detail during the eight-month-long construction process, said Lt. Col Alan L. Orr, the commanding officer of 1 Bn., 11th Marines. He noted that the base is perched uprange from a big sandbox that serves as a target.

“(The fire base lies) parallel to the long axis of the impact zone,” he said.

The fire base consists of eight depressions into which an artillery piece like an M-198 howitzer can be placed. The depressions deliberately are placed beyond the howitzer’s range by just a few meters. Artillerymen — it takes at least six — must physically pick up the howitzer by its legs and move it slightly to try to extend its range. It’s powerlifiting jargon, it amounts to a dead lift.

The base is unglorified. Two humvees backed up against one another serve as a command post.

Officers from the battalion were sent over to Iraq to gather information on current operations so they know what to prepare for, Orr said.

Because insurgent activity is so sporadic — relying primarily on the element of surprise — warfare in Iraq ebbs and flows like ocean tides.

Marines joke that artillery is a prefect example of “hurry up and wait,” leading one Marine to speculate, “I’ll be fighting boredom more than the enemy.”

However, once the words “fire mission” ring out on the radio, “hurry up and wait” goes right out the window. The fire base comes alive as if a baseball bat has struck a hornets’ nest.

Marines begin by processing the fire mission data. Then they load the howitzer and fire away. It seems simple enough — but several variables can slow the process, such as how much charge to use or tracking fellow Marines or “friendlies.”

But Company B makes it look easy.


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...6F?opendocument

Marine helps unit cross language barriers
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 200571581312
Story by Cpl. Ken Melton



AL ASAD, Iraq (July 15, 2005) -- The language barrier is often the hardest part of any mission in any foreign country. A simple misunderstanding can often make potential friends become enemies and break down the line of communication for peaceful solutions to problems.

Fortunately for the Regimental Combat Team-2 Command Security Team, it has Cpl. Ahmad M. Ibrahim, an infantryman and linguist who uses his knowledge of languages to help deal with the local populace.

“I wanted to make a difference and I needed a harder challenge,” the 27-year-old said. “Being a Marine and doing a job like this, I get the maximum benefit of all my skills.”

Ibrahim, who joined the Marine Corps after a short stint in the Army, speaks five languages --Arabic, Farsi, Spanish, Portuguese and German -- in addition to English, which is his second language.

He spent his childhood in Syria and Kuwait, where he learned Arabic and Farsi, before moving to America when he was 12.

His first three years in the U.S. were spent learning the English language and adjusting to a vastly different culture and society.

“I was shocked because there were girls in my school,” the 1995 George Washington High School graduate said with a smile. “Besides that I was worried about asking questions due to religious concerns.

“Growing up here definitely opened my eyes to different views of the world which I hadn’t been exposed to previously.”

Although Ibrahim was a resident of three countries, he was never an official citizen of any until two years ago. It was then he decided to defend his country, the United States of America, by joining the Marine Corps.

“It feels right to be here because this is the only place that truly accepted me,” the 2003 Temple University graduate said. “I have never been anywhere after the September 11 tragedy where I didn’t feel discriminated against except with the Marines.”

Ibrahim’s job in the security team, which is the colonel’s personal security detail, is to assist the interpreters in understanding the intents and actions of the Marines when translating, in addition to providing security for the colonel.

He also translates information for the intelligence Marines and translates for other RCT-2 elements during missions that involve hurt citizens and Iraqi soldiers.

Ibrahim’s job is crucial as he helps bridge communication between local residents and Marines, and he knows that through his actions he is helping win the war in Iraq.

“We’re not only fighting a war against insurgency, but we are also trying to win the Iraqi’s people favor and build up their country,” said Ibrahim whose family background is Sunni Muslim. “We are destroying the image that we as Americans are evil and that people view the Muslim people as evil.

“Neither of these could be further from the truth, as most people of the Muslim faith are disgusted and most Americans see this as an opportunity to extend an olive branch and help a nation and her people,” he said.

Though the mission can be tough at times, Ibrahim knows that his actions and those of his brothers-in-arms are correct and the result will prove positive.

“Even though I have learned many languages, traveled extensively, and earned two bachelor degrees, this is one of the best accomplishments in my life,” Ibrahim said.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...86?opendocument

Combat veterans attend transition workshop
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 2005717201052
Story by Pfc. C. Warren Peace



CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA Japan (July 8, 2005) -- The III Marine Expeditionary Force Chaplain’s Office hosted a Warrior Transition Program here July 8 for Marines and sailors who recently returned from combat operations.

Marines and sailors participate in the program within 60 days of returning from a combat environment to ensure a smooth transition to a non-hostile environment.

According to Lt. Cmdr. Glen Wood, the deputy group chaplain with 3rd Force Service Support Group, it was only offered at Marine Corps bases in the continental United States, until Lt. Gen. Robert R. Blackman, the commanding general, III MEF, institutionalize the program throughout the III MEF Nov. 5, 2004.

Camp Courtney Chapel hosts the transition workshop the first Friday of each month. Camp Kinser Chapel hosts the transition workshop the third Friday of each month.

“If we can catch problems now we stand a better chance of preventing post traumatic stress syndrome,” said Navy Lt. Philip D. King, a chaplain with 3rd Material Readiness Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, III MEF.

The program begins with a brief. Following the brief, attendees break into small groups where chaplains and qualified personnel such as counselors lead an open discussion with peers.

“We discuss where they were, where they are, and where they are going (mentally and spiritually),” said Wood.

The program addresses four main topics during the workshop. The chaplains and counselors discuss each service members’ individual readiness, family reunion, combat stress and effective communication.

Family members are not allowed to accompany their sponsors; however, attendees receive resources and referral information to take home for family members.

Some chaplains attend professional development workshops to learn critical intervention and stress management techniques and the latest techniques for trauma prevention, explained Wood.
According to Wood, the counselors use many cutting edge techniques in the workshops. The techniques have been used with victims of the Sep. 11 terrorist attacks and the Oklahoma City Bombing.

The program has supported more than 2,100 service members since its inception.
To schedule a class or make an inquiry about counseling, service members should call their local Chaplain’s Office.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...FD?opendocument

Flying Tigers” crew chiefs train to engage enemy
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 200571721351
Story by Lance Cpl. Scott M. Biscuiti



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan (July 15, 2005) -- The training scenario: A squad-sized element of enemy troops, armed with anti-aircraft missiles inhabit an island off the coast of Okinawa. Helicopter pilots must attempt to keep their “Phrogs” concealed during the flight to the hostile island, engage targets of opportunity, and insert troops to take out the enemy. The crew chiefs will engage multiple targets on the island using M2 .50 caliber machine guns.

The “Flying Tigers” of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (reinforced), currently attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, stormed the island during a training exercise that took place June 28. Pilots and crew chiefs worked hand-in-hand during the training. The training counted as aircraft division leader training, aimed at developing pilots leadership in the air and aerial gunnery, intended to improve the crew chiefs marksmanship.

All flight operations require a strong sense of teamwork. When it comes to overall readiness of a helicopter squadron, the pilots control where the helicopter flies, and the crew chiefs work long hours, making sure the helicopters are ready for the mission.

“In Iraq, I saw firsthand how important crew chiefs are to overall mission success,” said 1st Lt. Alex T. Kushnir, flight equipment officer, HMM-262 (REIN). “A crew chief is a jack of all trades. They are the guys who get the helos ready for us.”

Before a helicopter can fly, crew chiefs inspect the helicopter, prepare the cabin in accordance with mission requirements, fuel it, and acquire all needed equipment, said Cpl. Leif D. Skredsvig, a CH-46E crew chief with HMM-262 (REIN).

“We’re responsible for the mechanics of the aircraft, as well as operating all crew-served weapons,” Skredsvig said. “We make sure the weapons are in working order and set up so they fire when we pull the trigger.”

During the scenario, 12-14 enemy troops threatened the helicopters with anti-aircraft missiles. The objective was to fly to Idesuna Island undetected, conduct troop insertions, and eliminate or capture any enemy personnel and equipment.

“The training helps us build combat readiness and flight leadership,” said Kushnir. “Flying is a perishable skill, and we need to train constantly to be proficient. Since we are with the MEU, we are focused on readiness because we can leave at a moment’s notice.”

Crew chiefs need to train on a daily basis, so that they can operate fluently when they are on a mission, said Lance Cpl. Brandon P. Pratt, a CH-46E crew chief with HMM-262 (REIN). They must be able to handle everything inside the helicopter and be conscious of other wingmen.
“Our job is to train constantly until we go to combat,” Pratt said.

Crew chiefs have a great sense of dedication and responsibility to their fellow Marines. They put in long hours of hard work to ensure every aspect of the aircraft is prepared to complete any mission, Skredsvig said.

“Some days we pull 13 or more hours a day, but it’s worth it,” Skredsvig said. “I love this job. I can’t see myself doing anything else in the Marine Corps.”

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...46?opendocument

Compton, Calif., Marine wears many hats
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 2005724221553
Story by Sgt. Stephen D'Alessio



CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq (July 24, 2005) -- When Cpl. Cesar Vera joined the Marine Corps out of Compton, Calif., he was glad to find out he’d become a heavy machine operator – but little did he know he’d be wearing more than just a hardhat.

Vera, a 21-year-old with the 2nd Marine Division Headquarters Battalion wears many hats – to include being in charge of the supply warehouse, working on diesel generators and communications gear. But it always comes down to just being a Marine.

“Being a noncommissioned officer you never know when you’re going to fill another job,” said the 2002 Compton High School graduate. “I try to keep myself occupied. If I’m not down here (the supply warehouse), I’m probably out moving around gear or sand with the front end loader.”

The battalion’s logistics section chose Vera because of his aptitude to accomplish myriad tasks. The direct product of that leads to other sections getting their supplies faster and more efficiently in order to accomplish the mission.

“Working in the supply section is good because I’ve gotten to help a lot of people and I’ve made a lot of connections,” said Vera. “But being a combat engineer is the best job because I get to build and break things.”

Originally Vera asked his recruiter for a job as a communicator with the Marines, either as a field radio operator or a wireman. But he didn’t pass his color test in the eye exam so he got his second choice to operate heavy machinery. Now, he’s gaining experience not only in his field of work, but in other aspects of logistics that will build his resume.

“I have no regrets,” said Vera, “It’s a pretty rewarding job. Without us, stuff wouldn’t get moved around.”

This isn’t Vera’s first time serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was here last year with Combat Logistics Bn. 8 as a combat engineer. This time around, he’s rounding out his experience as he’s traveled to Fallujah, Ramadi, Baghdad, Taqqadum, Al Asad and the Hadithah Dam.

“When I joined I wanted something challenging and this is it,” said Vera. “The cool thing about it is that every time I go back home my family asks me all kinds of questions about what it’s like to be a Marine.”

Vera actually inspired his cousin and brother to join the Marines as well. His father was in the Mexican Army before he immigrated and he remembered hearing stories about a soldier’s life while growing up. But now he has stories of his own.

His plans are to either re-enlist and continue his professional education in the corporal’s course or maybe join the local sheriff’s department and stay on as a Reserve Marine. Either way, Vera has gained some clout with his brothers and sisters in the Corps and with his family back home.

“I may not be the only serviceman in my family, but I’m the first war veteran . . . not that I wanted to be, but I am,” said Vera. “This life is challenging and I plan to take it by the horns.”

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...21?opendocument

MPs patrol local roadways, ensure safe passage
Submitted by: 2nd Force Service Support Group
Story Identification #: 200572514110
Story by Cpl. John E. Lawson Jr.



CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (July 25, 2005) -- The sun has not yet even begun to rise as the Marines begin to gather on the benches in the motor pool. Some lay down their body armor and try to catch a few more minutes of sleep. Some smoke cigarettes. Some are already getting to work, checking their trucks’ communications equipment, loading water and meals ready-to-eat and any other gear they might need.

Everyone knows it is going to be a long day. And it’s supposed to be a hot one too.

These Marines have a job to do: ensure the security of a predetermined section of a major roadway in the Fallujah area to allow for the safe and uninterrupted passage of Coalition Forces and the Iraqi people and disrupt any insurgent activity on that roadway.

These men, the Marines of Military Police Detachment, Combat Logistics Battalion 8, 2nd Force Service Support Group (Forward), routinely provide security for CLB-8 assets during convoys and other operations throughout their Area of Operations in Western Iraq. They have also been assisting Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division, with security on the roadways.

Huddled around the front of a humvee, the headlights illuminating the patrol leader, Staff Sgt. Jamie M. Lybrand, the Marines listen as he briefs the mission at hand.

“The bottom line out there is our mission: to rid [the roadway] of insurgent activity and to ensure the safe passage of Coalition Forces,” said the Pace, Fla., native. “We have to stay alert and be wary because as we change our tactics, they change theirs. As we adjust, they adjust.”

After the briefing and a final communications check, the Marines mount their vehicles and stage in “marching order,” waiting to depart the camp.

The security of this particular route is the responsibility of 1st Bn., 6th Marine Regiment, RCT-8.

“We provide support which allows 1/6 to move their operations,” said Lybrand. “As they need to move to do their ops we are there to fill in and cover the [route]. If 1/6 moves they call on us to support.”

With weapons loaded and everyone’s eyes alert, the military policemen begin the potentially dangerous task of ensuring the route’s security. The six vehicles break into two teams and patrol back and forth along their section of the roadway, approximately five kilometers long with multiple overpasses and access roads.

“We drive the first time and inspect any debris, removing what we can,” Lybrand said. “This way we know to be extra alert if any new debris shows up while we are out there.”

Insurgents have established a steady habit of attacking Coalition Forces with Improvised Explosive Devices and mines, so this is one of the main concerns facing the MPs on their patrols.

Today the Marines brought a special tool in combating mines and IEDs: a combat engineer armed with an Army Navy Portable Search System 14, equipped with ground-penetrating radar, and the training of a sapper.

“Mines and IEDs are a tremendous threat,” said Lybrand. “We use every asset we have and do everything in our power to find mines and IEDs, anything that explodes, before they explode on someone.”

The military policemen have used engineers and military working dogs to help combat the IED threat in the past. They also use binoculars and rifle scopes to look for anything suspicious.

The Marines do more than just patrol while running these security missions; they also set up observation posts and run vehicle checkpoints.

There are two types of VCPs, deliberate and snap. Deliberate VCPs are when the patrol stops and sets up a checkpoint to search vehicles for an extended point of time. Snap VCPs are when the convoy abruptly stops and searches a few suspicious vehicles before remounting and continuing on their way.

During the checkpoints the MPs stop and search random and suspicious vehicles on the roadway.

“We run VCPs to screen what’s on the road,” Lybrand said. “If we see a vehicle acting suspicious we block traffic and check the vehicle.”

Despite the temperatures exceeding 118 degrees Fahrenheit, the Marines remain diligent in accomplishing their mission.

“If a Marine’s mind is not on the mission because they are sweating out and it slows them down… [leading to a potentially dangerous situation]… well we prevent that by staying hydrated,” said Lybrand. “As long as they hydrate their minds are in the game.”

The military policemen of the detachment, call sign “warthogs,” do more than just patrol the roadways and assist 1/6; they provide security to CLB-8 for convoys, Explosive Ordnance and Disposal and vehicle recovery missions and conduct other security missions as the situation requires.

Of the 61 Marines in the detachment, 26 are provisional, meaning they are not military policemen by military occupational specialty. Twenty of the Marines are reserve communications Marines mobilized to augment the MPs.

“We train them and integrate them,” said Lybrand.

Sergeant Chris L. Epps, 4th squad leader and military policeman by trade, has deployed to Iraq three times. The Richmond, Va., native has seen Operation Iraqi Freedom develop since the beginning, and passes that knowledge on to his fellow MPs, provisional or not.

“[Provisional MPs] are no different. They know their jobs. They sweat like us; they work like us; it’s their necks on the line out there, just like us,” he said. “Marines are Marines; we all bleed green.”

While the provisional MPs work right alongside the other MPs, it took some training and experience to get them up to speed.

Sergeant Thomas M. Litton is a data communications Marine by MOS. He left his billet at the Mobilization Command Kansas City Technology Service Organization to deploy to Iraq earlier this year with the Marines of the Military Police Detachment.

“When I got out here all I knew was computers,” the El Paso, Texas, native said. “Now I’m dealing with all the weapons systems and all types of humvees. It’s pretty much a complete 180 from what I was doing.”

It was a challenge learning all the weapons systems and how the MPs do business, he said, but the teachings of the staff noncommissioned officers and squad leaders in the detachment made overcoming that challenge possible.

“We learned from the experience of all the active duty regular MPs,” he said. “We absorbed their knowledge and kept rolling with it.”

The experience of many Marines within the detachment shows the progression of the conflict in Iraq and gives a broad spectrum of information to the less experienced Marines.

“The first time [OIF I] was more conventional; the enemy stood and fought us,” said Epps. “The second time [OIF II] the enemy acted more like an insurgency, attacking with engage-and-withdraw tactics. Now [OIF III] the enemy uses mostly IEDs and terrorist-like tactics. Their tactics are evolving based on their defeats; we keep killing them so they try something different.”

Corporal Andres U. Florentino, 1st fire team leader in 3rd squad and Newport News, Va., native, agrees with Epps. He also deployed to Iraq three times, but his second deployment was cut short when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his vehicle, littering his body with shrapnel.

Florentino volunteered for this third deployment to Iraq, citing his desire to pass his knowledge and experience to his fellow Marines as his motive.

“I’m trying to make it to where [something similar to what happened to me] doesn’t happen to someone else,” he said. “Maybe something I know can help someone else.”

“When I’m driving and I see something – a defilade, highrise or overpass – I tell the Marines what the enemy used to do,” he said. “It broadens their lookout; instead of just looking for mines and IEDs they are aware of what else could happen. Right now the war is mostly IEDs and mines, but who knows what’s next?”

The Marines exude a knowledge that their efforts are directly impacting the future of Iraq.

“We’re just trying to make a difference; get the insurgents off the road,” said Cpl. Derrick R. Colclasure, 3rd fire team leader in 4th squad. “[The Coalition] is helping [the Iraqi people] establish a government so they can have more say in what happens within their own country.”

“We’re also teaching them how to enforce their government,” said Florentino. “If we weren’t here they’d have a leader who’d be overthrown and another dictator would fall into place.”

“We can bring some semblance of peace and democracy to these people after their history, but there’s a long road ahead of them,” said Epps. “The simple fact that Saddam Hussein is not in power is the best thing anyone could have done for this country.”

Drenched in sweat, the Marines pull back into the safety of Camp Fallujah as the sun starts to set in the sky. Another day’s work finished; another step closer to a secure and stable Iraq.

“The efforts of the Marines here are what make this a success; the hard work, sweat and blood they put into everything they do,” said Lybrand. “They’re doing a damn fine job.”

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...19?opendocument

Columbus, Ohio, native, Sunni Muslim fights in Global War on Terrorism
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 200572741650
Story by Cpl. Ken Melton



HADITHA DAM, Iraq (July 27, 2005) -- As the Marines with 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment continue their fight in the Global War on Terrorism, most of them think of it as business and not personal.

However, for some Marines who are of the Islamic faith, the war in Iraq hits a personal note. Cpl. Mohammed N. Rahman, who is a Sunni Muslim, fights not only to free the people of Iraq from the insurgents grip and to protect his country (America), but also to redeem his beloved religion.

“This is a personal offense, not only to me but others who share my faith,” said the 23-year-old infantryman with 2nd Platoon, Company L. “The insurgents have scarred the image of my religion.”

Rahman was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh where he learned to speak Bangla, Hindi, Urdu, and Arabic during his childhood, before moving the United States with his family at age 12.

Upon arriving in America, he strove to learn the English language while adjusting to the busy and culturally different society.

He joined the Marine Corps in 2001 because of its discipline and its tradition that closely mirrored the practices of his beliefs.

Rahman was shocked to learn later in the year that the terrorists of the Sept. 11 attack announced that they were Sunni Muslims and that their faith had led them to attack.

“I was outraged by this ludicrous image that the insurgents portrayed about my faith,” the Columbus, Ohio native said. “No one really feels the same way they feel.”

Now Rahman is working to redeem his faith and putting his linguistic skills to good use while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On missions, Rahman, in addition to being a rifleman, acts a linguist for his squad. As a linguist he informs the local community he comes in contact with about the Marines mission here and helps them understand that the service members are here to help them.

“Most of these people don’t know or understand things outside their society,” the 2000 Worthington-Kilbourne graduate said. “Most people don’t understand that the reason we are here is to help them have a better life and to remove these dangerous insurgents.”

Many of the people he talks to do not follow the insurgents’ belief in a jihad (holy war) on America and they do not believe in any religious wars between the Sunni and Shia.

Sometimes people even give him useful information that they think could help them, because of their shared religion.

Even though he is a Sunni Muslim, he is not allowed in the local mosques, which are of the same faith as he is for political reasons. Instead, he finds time to worship in his own way.

“As we go on missions during prayer times I go through the prayer process in my head,” Rahman said. “I try to find time to pray when I’m back at the dam.”

Rahman understands the importance of the missions he goes on and he knows that his small part in a bigger war is not overlooked and he hopes it will be over soon.

“I trust in our leaders’ decisions,” Rahman said with a smile. “I will continue to do my job the best I can, through my actions, my faith will be redeemed, and my country will be safe.”

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...CF?opendocument

Kentucky infantryman serves for a better Iraq
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story by: Computed Name: Cpl. Mike Escobar

Story Identification #: 200572703249




FALLUJAH, Iraq(July 27, 2005) -- Matthew Higginbotham is one of many Marines who spend their days staring out at vast expanses of wasteland and urban ruins. He peers out at the desolation through a rifle-mounted scope, with only a thin covering of camouflage netting to provide him shade from the summer’s blistering Iraqi sun.

“I feel like I’m in hell right now, because it’s so hot out here,” stated the 19-year old infantryman from Greenup, Ky. “You’re sweating constantly, especially your feet, because you’re wearing boots all the time, sometimes almost 24 hours a day.”

As the mid-July temperatures reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the 2004 Greenup County High School graduate’s unit has not relented in continuing their efforts to rid Fallujah of a persistent insurgency. If anything, Higginbotham’s unit, Company C, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, has raised its operational tempo right beside their thermometer’s mercury level.

Since arriving here in mid-March, Higginbotham and the Marines from the unit has operated alongside Iraqi Security Forces to conduct continuous patrols, raids and humanitarian missions throughout the once-embattled city.

“We do patrols for three days, stand guard posts for three days, and go out to work with the Iraqi soldiers to help them out and teach them things,” stated Higginbotham, describing his typical work week.

He spends much of his time here serving sentry duty in various posts around Company C’s base of operations, an abandoned train station outside northern Fallujah.

Higginbotham explained. “Imagine standing for hours, staring off at something that never, ever changes. All you see is maybe one or two people walk in front of you. You can’t sit down or take any of your gear off, either.”

As he and fellow Marines vigilantly observe their surroundings, they wear 30-pound anti-fragmentation vests with bullet-proof armor plating, Kevlar helmets, and ballistic eyewear.

“Your shoulders and neck start to hurt, but you get used to it after awhile,” Higginbotham added. “The best thing to do to pass the time is to talk to the other guy on post with you while still paying attention to what’s going on around you.”

The Marines remain dressed in the same fashion while performing missions in downtown Fallujah. However, conducting these operations is what he likes best about his job.

“I’d rather be out patrolling than standing post, because then, you’re actually moving around and interacting with other people. It gives you more to keep your mind busy.”

Along with physical discomfort, boredom is another issue Higginbotham and fellow Marines battle here daily.

“You play cards and listen to music in my off time, and that’s how you make it through the days,” he said. “I just keep thinking about when the next chow time is, living from chow to chow.”

However, Higginbotham added that these everyday hardships serve a higher purpose and a noble goal.

“I think we’re helping out the Iraqi people by making their lives a little nicer, and making it safer for them by getting rid of the insurgents, so the people don’t have to worry about getting messed with while they go about their day-to-day lives,” he stated.

In addition to patrolling the city streets with Iraqi soldiers and local police forces, Higginbotham’s battalion participated in Operation Blackboard in May. During Blackboard, ISF personnel and Marines distributed hundreds of new chalkboards and school desks to many of Fallujah’s schools.

“We’re helping the people out as much as we can, and I feel good knowing that I’m playing a part in it,” Higginbotham stated.

Deployment experience has also left this young Marine with more than a lingering satisfaction for having helped others.

“I definitely appreciate things back home more,” Higginbotham stated. “I miss having running water, water that comes out of a sink that you can actually drink. Back home, I wouldn’t worry about how much water I use, but here, we’re limited.”

Despite these hardships, Higginbotham added that he looks forward to continue serving the Marine Corps.

“I’m looking to re-enlist, although I might change my MOS (military occupational specialty),” he said. “I’m going to try to do a full 20 years in the Marines. Here, it gets hard sometimes, but I’m guaranteed food and a roof over my head. It’s a rock-steady job.”


http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....79?OpenDocument

Tennessee Marine, EPLRS chat system keep 1/6 connected
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story by: Computed Name: Cpl. Mike Escobar

Story Identification #: 200572705014




CAMP BAHARIA, Iraq(July 27, 2005) -- Chat programs like America Online and Yahoo! Instant Messengers may often be considered the stuff of teenagers, online dating, and web surfers’ entertainment.

One Murfreesboro, Tenn., native and his unit here use this type of communication not to acquaint themselves with possible romantic prospects, but to wage war against insurgents in and around Fallujah.

Sergeant David Slocum, a 30-year-old former computer science major at Middle Tennessee State University, currently serves as the data section chief with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. He helps fellow data Marines here troubleshoot the Enhanced Position Location Reporting System chat network, more commonly known as EPLRS chat.

“The EPLRS chat system consists of a little network of laptops at the bases that get a wireless signal from the radios,” Slocum explained. “This system enables units at all levels of command in Iraq to communicate with each other.”

The concept is similar to that of EPLRS’ online chat program counterparts, he added. Whereas programs like AIM and Yahoo! Chat use the Internet to communicate with one another, EPLRS chat uses radio waves to transmit data.

All of 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment’s bases of operation house radios and antennas, which Marines have traditionally used for voice communication alone. EPLRS chat, however, enables the Marines to send text, image and video data via secure, encrypted radio waves. Troops at bases miles apart from each other may chat with other units from their laptop computers, as each Marine unit in Iraq currently maintains several chat rooms which users can join to speak with them.

Although the military has used less advanced versions of this system since Jan. 2003, this is the first time Slocum’s battalion has utilized EPLRS chat.

“It helps us tremendously to conduct operations,” Slocum stated. “It’s a quick way to send intelligence and casualty reports, as opposed to having to call things in over the radio. Say an IED (improvised explosive device) goes off somewhere in town. We’ll know about it here right away.”

Staff Sgt. Joe Hankal, the battalion’s administration chief, said he uses this system daily to send personnel accountability reports, and agreed with Slocum’s positive assessment of EPLRS chat.

“It frees up manpower and saves time,” Hankal continued. “Everything is done by text, just like on instant messenger programs. When the admin shop needs to get a hold of one of the infantry companies that aren’t in Baharia, we just jump on chat and ask them for what we need, admin wise. It beats the way we’ve communicated in the past with radios, because you can actually see what each person is saying, so it prevents any misunderstandings.”

Even while on the move, EPLRS chat assists unit personnel keep “in the know.”

The vehicles can be equipped with a Mounted Data Automated Communication Terminal, or MDACT. These small, green tactical laptops can connect to the EPLRS network, enabling unit leaders to maintain situational awareness and manage their units while on the road.

Commanders and unit personnel may also share sensitive information freely on the EPLRS network, Slocum added. This data remains secure from the enemies’ prying eyes and ears thanks to encryption data, known as crypto, he and his data Marines input into the radio waves used to transmit the information.

“Crypto scrambles the data in between points A and B,” Slocum said, explaining how only the sender and recipient’s radios and computers can decode the data. Any insurgent listening in will hear only static as the message travels to its destination, he added.

Slocum’s battalion and Marine units across Iraq will continue using the EPLRS chat network to coordinate their efforts in ridding the country of insurgency.

“This system is great, because it provides everyone here instantaneous communication capabilities,” Slocum said. “We’ll always have radios; this just brings the data world into how we conduct operations.”

http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....af?OpenDocument

Twinsburg, Ohio, native keeps 3/25 communications open
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story by: Computed Name: Cpl. Ken Melton

Story Identification #: 200572743454




HADITHA DAM, Iraq(July 27, 2005) -- When a user error appears on a computer screen here, a variety of problems will arise that could affect the productivity of the entire unit.

Rosters cannot be updated, troop movements are halted, and other important information vital to a mission’s success is lost.

Fortunately, with a quick call to the communications shop, Lance Cpl. Marco S. Lentini, the battalion’s assistant data chief, will fix the problem.

The Twinsburg, Ohio, native chose his job in the communications field because he always had a fascination with computers. He admits that never having one while growing up only fueled his interest in computer systems and their functions and he strove to learn everything possible about them.

However, Lentini was not able to apply his knowledge of computer systems in his civilian job as a carpenter. It wasn’t until he was activated and deployed to Iraq that he finally had his chance to shine.

“The dam is such a huge structure that it’s hard to add more lines for computers,” the 1999 Twinsburg High School graduate said. “We are still trying to find ways to expand our Internet capabilities to the outlying buildings.”

Not only does Lentini keep the Internet service running inside the dam. He also maintains both government networks (secret and unclassified), rebuilds computers, run network lines and troubleshoots any user problems.

Lentini does not work a certain shift, but he works all day and is on call at night. He knows communication is the key to the mission’s success as well as troop morale.

“If the network goes down in the middle of the night, I won’t sleep until it’s been fixed,” the 24-year-old said. “I love doing this type of work and I don’t have to sit in an office all day because I go all over the dam.”

Even though he views his job as stressful, he hopes to continue working with computers when his time in Iraq is finished.

“I can see the look on the owner’s face when I fix their computer, and that’s the best because nobody likes a slow computer.”

http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....16?OpenDocument

Louisiana patriot, ISF combine arms to battle terrorism
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 200562945311
Story by Cpl. Mike Escobar



FALLUJAH, Iraq (June 29, 2005) -- Good grades, an aptitude for soccer and a future career in athletic training were all things Lance Cpl. Brad McKee gave up to pursue other goals half a world away from his beloved Hammond, La., home.

“I joined the Marines to give back to my country, because my country has given so much to me,” stated the 20-year-old infantryman, who currently serves in Iraq with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.

“I got good grades in high school,” continued the 2003 St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School graduate. “I went to college (Southeastern Louisiana University) for a year, and I had a 3.8 GPA, but I always felt like I had to give something back to my country. When I decided to join the Marines, people said ‘Hey, you’re crazy for joining the military with your almost-perfect grades.”

McKee did not see it that way, however. He put his plans to attend physical therapy school on hold in favor of proceeding to Marine recruit training in May 2004.

Approximately 90 days after coming to Fallujah, McKee and his teammates are seeing the fruits of their labors.

Since his battalion arrived here in mid-March, unit personnel have performed every offensive and humanitarian operation alongside Iraqi soldiers and policemen. It began with four local soldiers who would accompanying the Marines on patrol and has progressed to a few Marines patrolling with 10-man squads of Iraqis.

If McKee and his teammates could not see this sort of progress before, the morning if June 11 would drive the point home.

“Today was the first day I saw them totally coordinate a patrol all on their own,” McKee said. “The (Iraqi Security Forces soldiers planned out the route. All we did was walk with them to supervise.”

Day by day, he added that he sees the Iraqi soldiers working toward manning their own nation’s security affairs.

“They’re doing an excellent job, and they’re getting better everyday,” McKee continued. “On a lot of the patrols I’ve been on, the soldiers have found most of the weapons and improvised explosive devices. Obviously, they know this place and the people better than we do, so they help point out the things we might miss otherwise.”

The soldiers too are seeing marked improvements in their once-embattled city’s security.

“I’m happy to be helping give the people here security,” said Sgt. Falah Saeed Mahalhel, a soldier with the ISF’s 2nd Company, 1st Battalion. “Security has gotten much better here during the past few months. The soldiers and I are happy to work with American forces in doing these missions.”

Fallujah’s own residents have also played a role in the combined forces’ operational success, McKee added.

“The people have helped us out almost as much as the Iraqi army,” he stated. “When we’re setting up a cordon (defensive position), we’ll have kids helping us stop traffic. The other day, a teacher here told us where an IED was.”

Several more months worth of operations await McKee’s Marines, during which they will work long hours underneath Iraq’s scorching sun.

“We’re thankful for all the good people back home who support us by sending their letters and prayers. They’re our motivation,” McKee said.

He continues serving his country alongside his fellow Marines by helping provide security to a now-democratic Iraq.

All the while, McKee looks forward to returning home and enjoying life’s simpler pleasures.

“I don’t think I’m going to stay in (the military), but it has nothing to do with the Marine Corps,” he explained. “I think, after I get out having done maybe three combat tours, I’ll have definitely given something back to my country.”

His quest to make an impact on society will not end with his enlistment, however.

“I’m a very goal-oriented person; that’s one of the reasons I joined the Marines,” McKee said. “I’d like to go back to Louisiana and make a difference there. I’m really into politics, and it’s been on my mind to run for mayor of Hammond, and then someday, be a Louisiana state senator.”

Whatever career path he chooses to walk, McKee said he will always keep his love for family and country in his heart.

“I love my hometown of Hammond, the people and my family back there. I just want to get back there and start a family. I’d love to see my kids go to the same schools I went to.”

For now, he said the mission here remains foremost on his mind.

“I’m having a good time over here, and I think the Marines are doing a good thing. We’re doing this for the people back in America, and I support it one hundred percent.”

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...ght=2,louisiana

Arkansas Marine moves up in the Corps
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story Identification #: 200572032019
Story by Gunnery Sgt. Shannon Arledge



AL ASAD, Iraq (July 20, 2005) -- As a young man, Matthew Aaron Wagner loved the outdoors. In his hometown of Fort Smith, Ark., Wagner enjoyed hunting, fishing, and simply, cruising the country roads. He was by all accounts a good student growing up, but as he puts it, “I was always country, and did everything a country boy should do.”

Wagner is a 2002 graduate of Southside High School, but it wasn’t until December 2003 that he made his decision to join the armed forces. His service of choice was the United States Marine Corps.

After graduating from boot camp in early 2004, he began training as an avionics technician for jet aircraft. The Arkansan specializes in the F/A-18 Hornet, and spends his days troubleshooting communication and navigation equipment. The young Marine is familiar with 36 different systems on the Hornet, and he considers his team the eyes, ears, and voice of the F/A-18. If something is wrong, he can find it and fix it.

When many people join the armed forces they join for the education benefits. Tensions today with the Global War on Terrorism require a stronger commitment to the military, and today’s Marines understand they may deploy more than in the past. Just one week after joining his first Marine Corps unit, fresh from school, Matthew Wagner learned he was deploying to Iraq.

“It was a little crazy being thrown into the [fast paced] work schedule at first, but it helped me learn my job better and faster,” said Wagner, a lance corporal with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224.

His unit deployed from Beaufort, S.C., in January 2005. The squadron provides close air support for units fighting the enemy in the Al Anbar province and also captures reconnaissance imagery for Marines and coalition forces.

“I have a great sense of pride in being part of this operation,” said the Arkansas native. It has been tough at times, but it is worth it, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. There were four bombings recently in London and that basically shows the world that the war on terrorism is real, and it is going to take everyone to make things better.”

The young Marine has done well in the military. Outstanding is a word commonly used when referring to Marines of his caliber. Wagner’s performance has been recognized by his superiors, and he has reaped the benefits. He was nominated to go before several oral boards, competing with other Marines in various subjects such as Marine Corps history and current events to name a few. His confidence and pride took him to the top of not only his unit board, but of the entire deployed Marine Aircraft Wing. He was recently named the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) Marine of the Quarter.

“There was some tough competition at the board but I prepared about as much as possible,” said Wagner. I know my performance shows a reflection of my squadron. We are some of the hardest working and best performing Marines around. It was a lot to uphold and I couldn’t let them down.”

The accolades for this young Marine just keep coming. After his hard work and success as the Marine of the Quarter, his squadron nominated him for a meritorious combat promotion board. It is safe to say that Wagner seized the day, and will soon join the noncommissioned officer ranks when he is promoted to the rank of corporal.

Wagner plans to attend the Corporals’ Leadership Course when he returns to South Carolina and later apply for a commissioning program. “Becoming a Marine Corps officer is a goal that I have had for a long time,” said Wagner. “I am going to do everything it takes to make sure that I accomplish this goal.”

As the young Marine nears the end of his deployment he remains focused on the mission as his unit finishes a seven month deployment here. His squadron has flown in excess of 6,000 hours, including more than 2,000 combat sorties. Wagner’s efforts and the team who works with him directly contributed to the unit’s success by ensuring the aircraft were ready to fly.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...ight=2,arkansas

Alabama native deploys for first time, serves in Al Asad
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story Identification #: 2005769251
Story by Cpl. C. Alex Herron



AL ASAD, Iraq (July 6, 2005) -- Since the age of seven, Cpl. Allen Jones, the air tasking order production chief with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2, has been involved in athletic competition. From Pop Warner football in his hometown of Decatur, Ala., to starring in three sports at Austin High School and earning a scholarship to play college football, Jones’ life has revolved around sports.

“While growing up sports kept me out of trouble,” said the 2001 graduate of Austin High School. “Even now, I’m constantly playing [basketball] trying to improve my skills. When I get out of the military, I want to try and play junior college basketball before I get too old to compete.”

Jones missed out on his first chance to play college sports during his senior year of high school when he broke his collar bone and lost his scholarship to play football at Southern University in Louisiana.

Prior to earning the scholarship, Jones joined the Delayed Entry Program and had aspirations of becoming a Marine.

“Missing out on my scholarship was hard, but I had already enlisted in the Marines my junior year. After I healed I left for boot camp four days after I graduated high school,” Jones said.

Jones decided on the Marine Corps after looking into other services and wanted something the other services couldn’t offer him.

“I wanted a challenge, both physical and mental,” Jones said. “The Marine Corps was the only service that I felt could offer me a unique challenge.”

After graduating boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., and initial combat training, he reported to Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, Calif., to work in the base operations office.

“Miramar was good for me. I was able to play for the base basketball team for three straight years and was selected to the all-Marine team in 2004,” Jones said.

In November 2004, Jones completed his tour in California and reported to Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, S.C. After only four weeks in the Palmetto State, Jones was sent to Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, N.C., to prepare for his current deployment.

“Being able to deploy is what I wanted to do after not being able to for three years. When I was asked to deploy soon after my arrival I jumped at the chance,” he said.

From the start, Jones has been excited about supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and working in the future operations section.

“Our mission is to track everything that flies in the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing area of operations,” Jones said. “Having a hand in the planning of operations is a job I’m proud to be a part of. Our mission is to provide air support for the units operating on the ground. This is something I’ve always wanted to have a hand in. It is a privilege to be here.”

Jones, who is filling a staff noncommissioned officer billet, has proven he can be relied on by his superiors and subordinates.

“He is a good leader of Marines. He takes every responsibility and challenge as a new way to improve. I knew after Jones attached to us in January that he and our other corporal would be able to handle the responsibility,” said Master Sgt. Curtis Clark, the future operations chief with the forward deployed 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom doesn’t come without sacrifice. Jones is no different, leaving behind a wife and young daughter.

“My wife is supportive, but is ready for my return,” Jones said. “The hardest part is my daughter. She just turned three and is at the age where she realizes I’m not around and she asks about me every time I call home.”

With the support from his family and a solid work ethic, Jones has all he needs to keep focused on his mission and continue to move aircraft and support the units on the ground that demand first rate air support to accomplish their mission.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...light=2,alabama

Mississippi native lends shoulder to the push
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story Identification #: 20054191192
Story by Cpl. Rocco DeFilippis



AL ASAD, Iraq (Feb. 28, 2005) -- On a daily basis, Cpl. David E. Booth, a D'Lo, Miss. native, protects the lives of the pilots and aircrews of Marine Aerial Transport Refueler Squadron 252 as they transport troops and cargo throughout Iraq and the area of operations.

The KC-130J Hercules communications and navigations technician has been working on defensive electronic countermeasures equipment since his arrival here at Al Asad air base, Iraq, on Feb. 10.

"We get out there and work as hard as we can to make sure our gear is up and running," said the Mendenhall High School graduate. "We work hard because we know that this gear can and will save someone's life."

Booth joined the active duty Marine Corps on Feb. 25, 2002, and went to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. for basic training. After boot camp and Marine Combat Training, he attended a course in basic avionics technology at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., where he learned the basics of communications and navigations technology.

Taking what he learned in Florida, Booth went onto more specialized training with the KC-130 at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, N.C., where he was assigned to Marine Aerial Transport Refueler Training Squadron 253.

Booth joined VMGR-252 during a time of transition, when the Marine Corps started to introduce its newest generation of the KC-130 Hercules, the "J" model. Booth quickly tackled the task of learning the new aircraft and training the Marines under him to work on the new, high-tech systems.

"We really busted our butts to learn the 'J' as best we could back home," he said. "You can sleep easy at night knowing that your hard work has kept someone safe. It motivates me to keep working so hard every day."

Before his days of "data bits" and "crypto," Booth attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College. However, even before that, he had dreams of wearing the Eagle, Globe and Anchor.

During his senior year of high school, Booth had enlisted into the Marine Corps' delayed entry program, but instead of going in right after high school, he chose to attend college when he was offered a scholarship to play baseball.

"College wasn't going well, and I wanted to learn a good job skill," Booth recalled. "I had always wanted to be a Marine, and I saw what the Corps had done for my uncle, (Randy Hays.)"

During his three years of service, Booth has established a reputation for excellence in both his job performance and military duties. In February 2004, he was named Marine of the quarter for his squadron and Marine Aircraft Group 14, and also earned a meritorious promotion to the rank of corporal in March 2004.

His wife, Staci, and their 19-month-old son, Kyle, await his return as he serves his country in Iraq. Booth said their support, and that from family and loved ones, help him carry on.

"If it weren't for the support they give me I wouldn't be where I am today," he said. "I miss them a lot, but I am proud to be out here making a difference. Being out here, participating in real-world operations, makes being in the Marines and calling myself a Marine a lot more rewarding."


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...t=2,mississippi

United States Marine Corps

Press Release
Public Affairs Office
STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA VETERANS AFFAIRS; ; STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA VETERANS AFFAIRS, ; STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA VETERANS AFFAIRS; , STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA VETERANS AFFAIRS, ; STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA VETERANS AFFAIRS; ; STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA VETERANS AFFAIRS, , STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA VETERANS AFFAIRS; , STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA VETERANS AFFAIRS,
West Virginia Division of Veterans Affairs
1321 Plaza East Suite 101
Charleston, WV 25301
http://www.wvs.state.wv.us/va/forms.htm

Contact: mailto:WVDVA@state.wv.us

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

Release # 0601-05-0947

State of West Virginia offers bonus to eligible veterans
June 1, 2005

CHARLESTON, W.V. -- Approved applicants are eligible for a six hundred dollar bonus if they served in the combat zone and received a campaign badge or expeditionary medal based on the eligibility listed below.

Applicants may qualify for a four hundred dollar bonus if they had active service outside the combat zone during the time periods specified for Afghanistan and Iraq. Surviving relatives will be eligible for a two thousand dollar bonus where a veteran's death was connected with the service and resulted from the service during the time periods specified. The person receiving the bonus shall not be required to include the bonus as income for state income tax purposes.

Eligibility:
Veterans who were bona fide residents of the State of West Virginia at the time of their entry into active service and for a period of at least six months immediately prior thereto. Veterans who were not separated from service under conditions other than honorable.

Veterans of the armed forces of the United States or who were members of reserve components called to active duty by the President of the United States.


Living Veterans:

1. AFGHANISTAN
Applicants must have served on active duty between October 7, 2001 and a date yet to be determined. Applicants will be required to fill out form A-1 and attach copy of DD-214 covering eligibility period. If applicants are still active duty and do not have a DD-214, they must also complete form A-3, Commanding Officer's Certificate.

A-1 APPLICATION FOR WEST VIRGINIA AFGHANISTAN VETERANS BONUS
A-3 COMMANDING OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE FOR AFGHANISTAN VETERANS BONUS

2. IRAQ
Applicants must have served on active duty between March 19, 2003 and a date yet to be determined. Applicants will be required to fill out form I-1 and attach copy of DD-214 covering eligibility period. If applicants are still active duty and do not have a DD-214, they must also complete form I-3, Commanding Officer's Certificate.

I-1 APPLICATION FOR WEST VIRGINIA IRAQ VETERANS BONUS
I-3 COMMANDING OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE FOR IRAQ VETERANS BONUS

3. KOSOVO
Applicants must have received campaign badge or expeditionary medal for Kosovo between November 20, 1995 and December 31, 2000, inclusive. Applicants will be required to fill out form Y-1 and attach copy of DD-214 covering eligibility period.

Y-1 APPLICATION FOR WEST VIRGINIA KOSOVO VETERANS BONUS

Surviving Relatives:

A surviving spouse or children may request an application by calling 1-888-838-2332, or by email at mailto:WVDVA@state.wv.us, or by mail at the address listed below.

All applications will be mailed to:
West Virginia Division of Veterans Affairs
1321 Plaza East Suite 101
Charleston, WV 25301

Virginia-based unit provides armored asset to infantry in Iraq
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 20055352748
Story by Cpl. Ken Melton



CAMP RIPPER, AL ASAD, Iraq (May 3, 2005) -- Lance Cpl. Chimbuoyim Okoli Jr. and his fellow Marines with 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion recently conducted operations in a unique environment.

The Virginia Beach, Va., based unit, attached to 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, is launching their armored vehicles from fortified bases, instead of ships in the ocean, to conduct operations on urban terrain here.

“We take the troops into the city so they can do their job,” said the AAV crewman and Virginia Beach native.

The vehicles that Okoli operates were adapted from the designs of an amphibious tractor used to help people during severe weather such as hurricanes and floods. The modern AAV, designed to be a ship to shore troop transport, weighs 26 tons and can hold 20 personnel.

Although a departure from their designed transport role, these armored machines are proving to be valuable asset for operations on land.

“The vehicle is much better than our seven-ton trucks because it offers better protection,” said the 2000 graduate of Salem High School. “We can travel over rougher terrain and if there isn’t any bridge we can cross, we just tighten up and go across the river.”

During missions, the Nigerian born Okoli and his fellow ‘AmTrackers’ provide security on the city streets. They are able to provide heavy covering fire as needed and an armored position from which to operate.

“We have a MK-19 (a 40 mm. automatic grenade launcher) and a M-2 .50 caliber machinegun on each vehicle. If the infantrymen need it, we can provide awesome covering fire that will send most insurgents running,” said Okoli with a smile.

While the vehicle can travel up to speeds of 50 mph on land and 12 knots in the water, there are a few drawbacks to using AAVs according to Okoli.

“The maintenance on these vehicles is high,” he said. “Every time we drive these vehicles something wears down. We have to fix it so we can stay in the fight and continue the mission.”

Even though AAV’s are high maintenance, Okoli and his fellow ‘AmTrackers’ provide a substantial asset to the units they support in Operation Iraqi Freedom. They provide a means of transportation that is safe and fast.

“It’s much safer because our vehicles are better equipped to handle major blasts from rockets or mines. We save a lot of lives by doing this.”

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...ight=2,virginia

Parris Island Instructors Mold Recruits Into Marines
Submitted by: American Forces Press Service
Story Identification #: 200411862712
Story by Mr. Gerry J. Gilmore



MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. (Nov. 8, 2004) -- Marine recruits headed for Parris know they won't be seeing the Eiffel Tower or experience
romantic strolls along the Seine River.

Instead, those young men and women will challenge themselves as never before during 12 weeks of grueling, gut-check Marine training at Parris Island.

Tucked away near the Atlantic coast in southeastern South Carolina, Parris Island is just that: an island surrounded by waterways and marshland. A recruit training facility since 1915, the base used a ferry system to transport troops and supplies until 1929, when a bridge was built to connect it to the mainland.

That history is part of the mystique of the Corps, which celebrates its 229th birthday on Nov. 10. And Marine Corps history and traditions motivate Staff Sgt. Matthew M. James, who at age 30 is one of the 500 or so drill instructors who introduce about 18,000 recruits a year to their new lives at Parris Island. Recruits from west of the Mississippi River go to San Diego for boot camp; those who enlist east of the Mississippi go to Parris Island.

James, a Riverside, Calif., native, joined the Marines at age 17, he said, "to get a new way of life." James quickly learned of the Marines' tradition of teamwork when he first spoke with a recruiter.

James recalled that he'd asked the recruiter what the Marine Corps could do for him. The recruiter, he said, was taken aback, and then asked James what he could do for the Marine Corps.

At that moment, James said, he realized the Marine Corps offered something special. The Marine Corps, he said, "made me realize to be responsible for my actions."

Now, after 13 years in the Corps, James is, in his words, "a maker of Marines" at Parris Island's 2nd Recruit Training Battalion. After having served a year and a half as a drill instructor, he observed that many recruits seem to "need somebody to mentor them, somebody they can look up to as a positive role model."

Becoming a successful Marine, James explained, requires "a deep sense of pride in what you're doing" and "in just being a Marine."

James said drill instructors work up to 120 hours a week teaching recruits marching drills, rifle marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat moves, and myriad other military skills during the 12 weeks of training. The job of teaching recruits, he noted, takes patience and professionalism.

The most difficult challenges of his job occur during the first few weeks of boot camp, James said, when he strives "to get recruits to grab the concept of teamwork" and to convince them "to accept responsibility for their actions."

The payoff for his labors, James pointed out, occurs on graduation day, when he sees his recruits become Marines.

James believes his former charges greatly benefit from their Marine training, even if they just spend a few years in the Corps.

"You're going to come out better," James asserted, "because of the discipline and because of the title of 'Marine' itself."

The Marines are the only armed service that still trains its female recruits separately from the men. At Parris Island, the women are trained at the 4th Recruit Training Battalion.

Sgt. Walquiria Tamm, 26, said she joined the Marines eight and a half years ago "to do something different" with her life. The Paterson, N.J., native said she volunteered for drill instructor duty to have a hand in molding new Marines.

Women are prohibited from serving as infantry, but, Tamm noted, "there are many other ways that females can serve and help the mission of the Marine Corps."

Tamm said some recruits arrive at Parris Island with a positive attitude. Others, she noted, require more work to instill a "passion and love for the Marine Corps."

Injuries are the major cause for recruits not to graduate with their group, Tamm said, noting most injured recruits will recover and graduate later on.

Successful recruits, she observed, exhibit self-discipline and are "committed" to complete the training.

However, not everyone is cut out to become a Marine, Tamm pointed out. Most female recruits who don't complete training because of reasons other than injury "lack maturity" and "aren't ready for the big change" in becoming a Marine.

Tamm said she strives to show recruits "that being a Marine is not only about wearing a uniform, it's about beliefs (and) a way of life."

Simply put, "there's a difference," she asserted, "in being a Marine and being a civilian."
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...4b?OpenDocument

Marines welcome North Carolina Senator
Submitted by: MCAS Cherry Point
Story Identification #: 2003221141016
Story by Cpl. Nathaniel C. LeBlanc



Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. -- Marines here welcomed North Carolina Senator, Elizabeth Dole, with open arms during her visit Feb. 20.
Dole toured the air station, speaking with Marines and family members about everyday issues, concerns, and uplifting spirits.
"I have great respect for our young men and women service members, and especially for those who are deploying," Dole said. "They use to refer to the World War II generation as the greatest generation, but these men and women of today are truly the greatest generation."
During the senator's visit, which was a fact finding familiarization tour, she visited the Naval Aviation Depot, base facilities, and flight line. She also spoke with military spouses at the Key Volunteer Center and had lunch with Marines at the mess hall.
"She was so sincere about her interests in us and all the young Marines," said Lance Cpl. Daphney Mompremier, a dispursing clerk with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, and a Brooklyn, N.Y., native. "It was a great opportunity to talk to her and tell a little bit about ourselves and what it's like to be a female Marine."
After touring various locations and speaking with Marines, Dole has gained more admiration for the young service members and military families of today.
"We want to be behind them one hundred percent and also be supportive of the military spouses and families who are left behind because of deployments," Dole said. "I am extremely proud of each and every one of them. As a part of the Committee on Armed Forces and also the Subcommittee on Personnel, I want to make sure to improve their living and give our service members the quality of life they deserve."

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...5d?OpenDocument

Marines and Sailors improve one Florida community
Submitted by: II Marine Expeditionary Force
Story Identification #: 200552173629
Story by Cpl. Edward L. Mennenga



POMPANO BEACH, Fl. (April 29, 2005) -- More than 50 Marines and sailors attending Fleet Week at Fort Lauderdale, Fl., took a break from their tasks to give back to one Florida community, volunteering time to Habitat for Humanity April 26 through 28.

The Marines and sailors, stationed aboard the USS Bataan, USS Nashville, USS Thomas S. Gates, USS Stout, and USS Laboon, assisted Habitat for Humanity of Broward County by landscaping, shingling, wall furring and framing 17 homes in three days.

“I absolutely love when the military comes out,” said Mary Lou Bowman-Cubbin, director of construction, Habitat for Humanity of Broward County. “The military accomplishes the task in about half the time that our regular civilian volunteers do. And they really seem to enjoy coming out and helping the community so they’re a great pleasure to work with.”

The Marines and Sailors worked at two building sites, the Collegiate Challenge Program site and the Women Building a Legacy site.

In all, the Marines landscaped nine homes, roofed three, and worked on other jobs throughout the remaining homes.

“This is great for the Marines and the sailors coming out doing it, it gives them a purpose, besides what they do on the ship, to get out and feel like they’re contributing,” said Gunnery Sgt. Clinton Williams, combat cargo assistant for the flight deck aboard the USS Bataan. “We’re getting out here and everyone is seeing our work. They know we’re military by our haircuts and uniforms. So they know the military is giving back their part.”

Before the Marines, sailors, and Habitat for Humanity moved into town, the neighborhood suffered from high crime and was considered a low-income community. Now, with the help of volunteers building the homes, the face of the community is changing. The neighborhood is starting to clean up with houses being painted, sod is being laid, and other residents are renovating their homes, said Bowman-Cubbin.

Building contractors, building inspectors, residents and Rear Admiral Barry McCullough, commander, Carrier Strike Group 6, all came out to express their appreciation to the volunteers said Bowman-Cubbin

“It’s giving back time, volunteering time, to help out people that are certainly less fortunate then we are ,”said Navy Chaplain Scott Cauble, chaplain for Destroyer Squadron 6 out of Pascagoula, Miss., and currently attached to USS Thomas S. Gates. “It gives sailors an opportunity to invest their lives in something that’s perhaps even bigger then the Navy.”
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...light=2,florida

VMA-223 Marines toil, train under Arizona sun
Submitted by: MCAS Yuma
Story Identification #: 200562120377
Story by Lance Cpl. Cullen J. Tiernan



2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (June 21, 2005) -- As the sun beat down on the Marines toiling at the flight line, sweat poured down their faces and, after landing on the scorching hot concrete, instantly evaporated into the Arizona air.

Marines from Marine Attack Squadron-223 worked tirelessly June 21 preparing their AV-8B Harriers for training through the intense dry heat at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., during Exercise Desert Talon.

“The blisters on our hands and arms testify to the heat,” said Cpl. Brady Barnett, an engine mechanic with VMA-223, whose gloves did little to protect from the intense heat of placing a 300-gallon aero-fuel storage tank, which had baked in the sun for days, on a Harrier. “It’s really hot outside, but that is all a part of our mission here, preparing for the heat in Iraq.”

June 21 was the first day this year MCAS Yuma has experienced black flag weather conditions. The black flag indicates a potentially lethal combination of heat, humidity and the core temperature of the earth.

“This dry heat climate is good training,” said Pfc. Kevin Butters, an engine mechanic with VMA-223 who is preparing to deploy to Iraq for the first time. “Everyday, working here in the heat, when different things go wrong you learn new things. I’m constantly learning from all the different Marines around me.”

Butters said the Marines around him have mentored him on different aspects of life in the Corps while training together at Desert Talon.

“From properly dealing with the heat to general knowledge on life, I know I can count on the Marines here,” said Butters. “We came out here to get done what we have to do. It’s a similar situation to the deserts of Iraq and it’s good training. I know I will be better prepared to go after coming out here.”

The training the Marines at VMA-223 receive at Desert Talon focuses on preparing the Harriers to fly, normally between 4 to 8 flights per day. The Marines also must account for the maintenance of the aircraft as well as the different components, including weaponry and sun-baked 300-gallon aero-fuel storage tanks.

“It’s extremely important that we are very precise,” said Gunnery Sgt. Terry “Bud” Weiser, the staff non-commissioned in charge of the engine mechanic’s at VMA-223. “These Marines are extremely motivated and a doing a great job. Correctly placing a 300-gallon aero-fuel storage tanks in this heat is extremely awkward but the Marines are doing it well here, and will do well in Iraq.”

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...light=2,arizona

United States Marine Corps
Press Release
Public Affairs Office
Women Marines Association; Castle Rock Museum
420 Elbert,
Castle Rock, CO

Paula Sarlls WMA National VP
comm:303-766-9023
Contact:

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

Release # 0725-05-1006

"Women of the Corps" presented in Castle Rock, Colorado
July 25, 2005

CASTLE ROCK, Colo. -- The history of Women Marines and the Women Marines Association

The Castle Rock Historical Society and the Colorado Columbine Chapter of the Women Marines Association present “Women of the Corps” – An unprecedented historical account of women in the Marine Corps and their camaraderie.

GRAND OPENING EVENT
August 13, 2005 1:30 P.M.
Castle Rock Museum
420 Elbert
Castle Rock, CO

Features include:
◊Carol Mutter-the first female Lt. General in the
Marine Corps (among many other firsts) and Colorado’s own, Women’s Hall of Fame Member, from Greeley, CO
◊Lou Teixiera, The National President of the
Women Marines Association
◊Nancy Wilt, The WMA National Historian
◊Paula Sarlls and Pam Bloustine, The WMA National 2nd and 3rd Vice Presidents
◊Jason Murray, Colorado’s miracle Marine from Iraq.
◊Children’s area to create cards for the soldiers in IRAQ and for folks to write a note to our troops or make a donation towards gift packs for the troops.
◊MACS 23 from Buckley will have a 7 ton truck and Hummer , Color Guard, 21 Gun Salute
◊Some Marine memorabilia for sale
◊Many Marines from around the country will be present from various organizations
◊Federal and State Legislators or their representatives will be present

Kansas City Welcomes Marine Corps' Newest One-star General

Submitted by: Marine Corps Mobilization Command
Story Identification #: 20041069565
Story by Mr. Shane L. Darbonne



KANSAS CITY -- In a ceremony held Friday, at Richards-Gebaur, Lt. Gen. Dennis McCarthy, Commander of Marine Forces Reserve, promoted Col. E.G. Payne Jr., Commander of Marine Corps Mobilization Command, to the rank of Brigadier General.

Payne will now officially be known as the 15th Commanding General of Mobilization Command.

“I don’t believe that I have ever known a General Officer who was better prepared for his new duties than Gray Payne,” said McCarthy. “Circumstances have required him to serve as a general officer for at least the past year.”

Payne’s familiarity with MOBCOM is not a passing one. He reported to MOBCOM in January 2002 as the Chief of Staff. In May of the same year, he assumed the duties of Deputy Commander and, following the transfer of the Commander in May 2003, Payne became Commander of MOBCOM.

“I look forward to our continual service to MFR and the Marine Corps in the coming months,” said Payne in an address to the audience of invited guests.

After recognizing some of the invited guests and members of his own family, Payne remarked, “None of us can do what we do in the Marine Corps without the support of their family. I am one lucky man in having just a great family.”

Speaking to the Marines of MOBCOM that were in formation Payne said, “There’s no doubt in my mind that this promotion, this honor paid me today is due in large part to the incredible job you have done over the past 2 and a half years. Every time I asked something of you, you performed not only admirably, but extraordinarily, and then some.”

Continuing his remarks, Payne said, “This is the finest group of men and women that I have ever had the chance to serve with and it is the finest staff that I have ever had the chance to serve with. I want to thank you for the job that you have done, we’ve got a lot left to do, but I know that you are up to the task.”

“Of all the insignias that I wear on my uniform, including my new rank insignia, the thing that means the most to me is my Eagle, Globe and Anchor. That’s the common bond that we all share,” said Payne as he closed his remarks.

MOBCOM is the command directly responsible for the administration and mobilization of the more than 60,000 Individual Ready Reserves of the Marine Corps Reserve.

The MOBCOM of today has its roots in the old Reserve Records Branch (Class III). In 38 years, MOBCOM has changed from a custodian of inactive reserve record books to a command spread over 47 states, providing peacetime and wartime support to both the active duty Marine Corps and the families and communities of reserve Marines.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...hlight=2,kansas

ANGLICO Trains in Any Climb or Place
Submitted by: Marine Forces Reserve
Story Identification #: 20021118161923
Story by Capt. Jeff S. Pool



MOUNTAIN WARFARE TRAINING CENTER, Calif. -- From California's remote desert locations to the snow covered Sierra Nevada Mountains, a detachment of Reserve Marines are providing specialized support to their counterparts from across the "Pond".

Since late September, approximately 80 Marines from 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), Long Beach, Calif., have been instructing and supporting British Royal Marines from 40 Commando Brigade during training at a Combined Arms Exercise in 29 Palms. Another 10-man detachment provided support for training here, Oct. 26 to Nov. 17.

"This has been a great experience training with the Commandos," said Maj. Terry R. Thomas, 33, a native of Seattle and the officer in charge of 2nd Brigade Platoon-Supporting Arms Liaison Team, 3rd ANGLICO. "This directly supports our wartime mission of attaching to the U.S. Army, Allied, or Coalition forces in order to bring to bear the full capabilities of the Navy-Marine Corps combined arms punch."

Training has focused not only on traditional fire support activities such as communications, artillery, mortars and close air support, but also in such diverse areas as small unit infantry tactics, night operations, mountaineering, rappelling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

"While the Commandos were very familiar with traditional artillery and mortar fire support procedures, for most of them, this was their first time working with U.S. aircraft in a Close Air Support role," said Thomas. "In particular, we worked with them in employing air-strikes utilizing the 9-line briefing format for F-18 and Cobra aircraft as well as both the Landing Zone and Zippo brief formats for conducting heli-borne insert and extract operations in Marine Corps CH-53 and CH-46 helicopters."

Unlike the typical sea-level training environments that most Marines are familiar with, the harsh and challenging Mountain environment of the Mountain Warfare Training Center has both ANGLICO Marines and Commandos traversing sheer cliffs and 30-60 mph windswept peaks at elevations from 7,000 to 12,000 feet.

"This is the first time I've trained at MWTC with British Royal Commandos. They have excellent field skills," said Staff Sgt. Eric. C. Everts, Fire Control Team Leader. "Commandos have some of the best mountain leaders in the world."

The British shared their Mountain Warfare Training Package with the ANGLICO Marines.

"Our Fire Control Teams were pushed to their limits during their mountain warfare training packages," said Everts. "Over a one week period the Commandos moved non-stop. We ascended and descended cliffs, conducted stream crossings, humped over miles of mountainous terrain in full pack during rain, sleet and snow."

From the blistering desert heat to bone-chilling mountain cold, 3rd ANGLICO stands
ready, willing and able to lend their expertise to whoever is in need of precision fire support.


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...hlight=2,nevada

Nevada Rep. Gibbons visits CJTF-HOA
Story Identification #: 2003124133339
Story by



USS MOUNT WHITNEY -- Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., recently met with Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) Deputy Commander, Rear Adm. Donald K. Bullard and other staff members at the CJTF-HOA headquarters here in the Gulf of Aden.

Rep. Gibbons, currently on a 10-day trip in Africa visiting Zambia, Kenya and Djibouti, was accompanied on the visit to USS Mount Whitney by Mr. Donald Yamamoto, U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti.

The Congressman's stated goal for the regional tour is to gauge the effectiveness of the war on terrorism in parts of the Horn of Africa. He is also gaining insight into potential funding requirements for ongoing U.S. and Coalition efforts in support of the Global War on Terrorism within the region.

Rep. Gibbons, Vice Chairman of the House Intelligence Subcommittee on Terrorism, was briefed on the status of CJTF-HOA operations and engaged in discussions focused on intelligence matters, principally collection efforts and sharing of intelligence with Coalition partners in the region.

A former combat pilot and decorated veteran of both the Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars, Gibbons has previously stated, "We will fight terrorism wherever it lurks. No corner of the world will be safe for those who want to attack freedom, destroy liberty and instill fear. Our fight will not be won quickly or easily, however, it will be won."

The only lawmaker on the trip, Rep. Gibbons also met with Nevada constituents from several branches of the armed services engaged in the war on terrorism with CJTF-HOA. Gibbons thanked the members for their dedication and sacrifice and offered support and encouragement on behalf of Nevada's 2nd Congressional District.

Congressman Gibbons is also the Chairman of the House Intelligence Subcommittee on Human Intelligence, Analysis and Counter-intelligence, and a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

The mission of CJTF-HOA is to detect, disrupt and defeat transnational terrorist groups in the Horn of Africa region. CJTF-HOA will also work closely with Coalition partners to establish conditions leading to long-term stability within the region, thus denying the opportunity for reemergence of terrorist networks.

The CJTF-HOA headquarters staff is comprised of approximately 400 members from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, civilian representatives and Coalition-partner personnel. Additionally, CJTF-HOA has nearly 900 personnel stationed ashore at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti and a small number of liaison personnel working in other parts of the region.

The CJTF headquarters was formed to oversee operations in the Horn of Africa region for U.S. Central Command, in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The headquarters arrived in the region Dec.12 after sailing from Morehead City, N.C. Nov. 14 aboard one of the U.S. Navy's most sophisticated command and control ships, USS Mount Whitney, home-ported in Norfolk, Va.


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...hlight=2,nevada

New Mexico Marine, team root out anti-Iraqi insurgents
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 2005586511
Story by Cpl. Mike Escobar



FALLUJAH, Iraq (May 3, 2005) -- On the afternoon of May 3, Cpl. Jared Joy, his teammates and Iraqi Security Forces conducted their first daytime raid operation here.

The 22-year-old Capitan, N.M., native and team leader with 3rd Squad, 4th Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, helped detain a known insurgent supporter and capture insurgency documents near an abandoned residence they searched.

"My guys were the breaching team, the guys who actually went in and broke the doors,” the 2001 Capitan High School graduate explained. “After that, we just went through and cleared the house to make sure there were no hostiles inside. Then, we came back around to search for munitions, IEDs (improvised explosive devices), documents, basically anything that we could use for intel.”

Joy and his fellow Marines found nothing unusual during their sweep through the target building. However, fellow Marines providing security for the search recognized an Iraqi man as the target individual across the street.

“This was a guy known for emplacing IEDs and recruiting others to do the same,” explained Capt. Robert M. Hancock, Joy’s commanding officer.

ISF personnel and Marines detained him along with two other suspicious individuals.

Additionally, the troops searched nearby vehicles and discovered documents that Hancock said “may lead to future counter-insurgency operations.”

This operation marks Company B’s fourth successful cordon-search mission since their arrival here in March.

“Most of what we’ve been doing here has been security and presence patrols,” Joy added. “We’ve also been standing a lot of posts around our base and ECP-2 (Entry Control Point 2, a station where Iraqi and U.S. forces search all personnel and vehicles entering the city to keep weapons and negative propaganda out of Fallujah).”

Joy also said the Iraqi soldiers’ support has been critical in their daily missions’ successes.

“They’re always real professional, and we can interact with the locals a lot better when they’re with us,” he said. “They’ve pick up English a lot faster than we pick up Arabic.”

“Today, they helped talk to the populace and explain to them why we were doing this operation,” Hancock added.

The local soldiers also help the Marines gather intelligence on sites they visit.

“Obviously, the individual Iraqi soldier knows his country better than we, as Americans, do. So they help point out stuff we might not think was out of place,” Hancock said.

Currently, Joy’s company is working with the troops to make them an even more effective fighting force.

“One of their company commanders was out there with us today,” Hancock stated. “We’re training the ISF so they can coordinate these operations on their own down the road.”

For now, Joy and his fellow Marines continue working alongside the Iraqi soldiers to rid Fallujah of insurgent activity and provide a stable security community from which the citizens here can prosper.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...41?OpenDocument

Oklahoma National Guard engineers lay foundation for smoother Marine convoys
Submitted by: 1st Force Service Support Group
Story Identification #: 20048643713
Story by Sgt. Matt Epright



CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Aug. 6, 2004) -- Wearing desert camouflage instead of reflective orange and using armored humvees in place of traffic cones, National Guardsmen are repairing a rutted vital supply route Marines here rely on for survival.

The 120th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) is ripping out damaged sections of the road and replacing them with concrete patches, using materials bought by the 1st Force Service Support Group, which travels the route hauling supplies to Marines throughout western Iraq.

The dilapidated, single-lane road has been a bane of the 1st FSSG's truck drivers for months. Those who don't drive slow enough are forced to contend with problems ranging from blown-out tires to transmissions rattling loose. Yet, convoys that don't travel fast enough are more susceptible to attack by anti-Iraqi forces, said 1st Lt. Aaron T. Corbett, a platoon leader with the battalion and a 26-year-old Oklahoma City native.

Additionally, some of the torn up sections of pavement stretch across the entire roadway, making it easier for the bad guys to conceal makeshift explosives, or even tire-destroying "spike-strips," said Lt. Col. Bill Bartheld, 43, the battalion's commander and a native of Edmond, Okla.

The Oklahoma-based battalion, which directly supports the 1st FSSG based here, hopes their efforts will put a stop to some of these problems in Iraq's Al Anbar Province.

Almost the instant their vehicles roll up to one of the gouges, the guardsmen are out of their trucks and unstrapping the small tractors used to cut out straight-edged sections of the pavement and scour down far enough to give stability to the concrete they use, said Staff Sgt. Ralph T. Luttrell, 36, a squad leader with the battalion and native of Stuart, Okla.

After the troops clear out the old asphalt, they set in and secure wooden planks to keep the new concrete block, or "patch," the same width as the rest of the road and lay in metal screens to give the concrete something to bind to.

Then the guardsmen bring in one of two mixing trucks, which blend dry concrete, sand, gravel and water and pour the concoction into the prepared hole, where the engineers spread it evenly to form the patch.

When the concrete is poured and spread, some of the moisture from the mixture begins rising to the top. The guardsmen smooth and brush the surface to get rid of any excess water, before covering the patch with a plastic sheet to allow it to dry, or "cure," evenly.

"Normally it takes three days to cure, but we added calcium to it," said Staff Sgt. Johnny D. Hyslop, a section sergeant with the battalion.

The calcium acts as an accelerant, so that after only four hours, the concrete is solid, said Hyslop, a 47-year-old native of Quinton, Okla.

While a small team waits for the repaired section to dry and sets up warning markers to keep vehicles from driving over the patch, the rest of the guardsmen move to the next damaged portion, a short way down the road.

The troops are repairing about 500 square feet of damaged road per day, ensuring safer travel for the 1st FSSG convoys delivering supplies to units throughout the Al Anbar Province. They expect the task to take about a month to complete.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...ight=2,oklahoma

Texas Marine’s personal mission includes becoming careerist
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 200551834414
Story by Cpl. Tom Sloan



AR RAMADI, Iraq (May 18, 2005) -- Each day, Cpl. Eduardo Munoz, a team leader with 1st Squad, 4th Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, patrols the city’s streets and alleyways hunting for insurgents with his fellow Marine warriors.

Grime collects in the tiny cracks on his face and under his neck as his sweat mixes with wind-blown sand. Munoz’s 5-foot-5-inch, 150-pound frame is dirty, smelly and tired from being on his feet for three hours carrying approximately 30 extra pounds of protective gear.

Though few visualize this life of a Marine infantryman as being the ideal profession, this 24-year-old Mission, Texas, native, finds satisfaction in his chosen line of work.

“My job is rewarding,” said Munoz, who’s serving his second tour in Iraq fighting in the Global War on Terrorism. “Leading my Marines and helping the future of Iraq by fighting insurgents and ridding the city of explosives and weapons makes my job worthwhile. I like the fact that what we are doing is helping the Iraqi people. They need it.”

Determined to serve his country and make a difference in the lives of others, Munoz headed straight for the closest Marine recruiter, which was in McAllen, Texas, after graduating from La Joya High School in 1998.

“I grew up wanting to be in the military,” he said. “I was in the Army JROTC all through high school.”

Munoz had planed to be all he could be but decided to become one of The Few, The Proud instead.

Munoz stated, “I wanted something more challenging. That’s why I joined the Marines.”

According to Munoz, the Corps has given him the challenge he was looking for.

Aside from his desire to help others, the Marine works hard to put food on the table for his loved ones.

“It’s a way for me to support my family,” he said. “They depend on me.”

Munoz and his wife, Sonia, were blessed with a new addition to their family March 5.

“I have a newborn son,” he said with a smile. “His name is Eduardo Jr.”

Marines in Munoz’s squad consider him to be a little Marine with a big heart.

“He takes care of his Marines,” said Lance Cpl. Kevin B. Freiley, a rifleman with 1st Squad. “We were on a foot patrol not long ago and started taking fire. Right away, he made sure we all sought cover and were safe. He handled the situation well.

Freiley also said, “He performs well under pressure.”

According to the 24-year-old from Houston, Munoz and will have a successful future in the Marines because his love for the Corps shows in his every action and decision.

“I’m definitely in the Marines for the long haul. I like it,” Munoz said. “I made my mind up to be a careerist.

“I would eventually like to end up working in San Antonio as a recruiter so that my son can grow up in Texas.”


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...ghlight=2,texas