Woman graduates small arms course
Submitted by: MCB Quantico
Story Identification #: 200541411622
Story by Cpl. Sara Carter
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (April 14, 2005) -- The Marine Corps is continually changing. Individual Marines like Lewis “Chesty” Puller, known for his bravery during World War I and World War II; Archibald Henderson, who served as the fifth commandant of the Marine Corps for 39 years; and Opha Mae Johnson, the first woman to join the Marine Corps, have all shaped the Corps into what it is today.
Today's Marines, who might think their endeavors go unnoticed, are changing the Marine Corps for future Marines.
One such Marine is Staff Sgt. Julia Watson, a Peacetime/ Wartime Support Team member with C Company, 4th Light Armored Reconaissance Battalion, in Riverton, Utah. Friday, Watson will make Marine Corps history, as she becomes one of the few women to graduate from the Small Arms Weapons Instructor Course here.
Although there is one known female to graduate the course before Watson, it is uncertain how many have graduated the course before her.
SAWIC is the highest marksmanship course available to Marines and teaches sergeants, staff sergeants and gunnery sergeants how to instruct other Marines on more advanced marksmanship skills.
Her love for marksmanship started long before she decided to enlist into the Marine Corps.
At the age of 16, Watson, a 1994 graduate of Timpview High School in Provo, Utah, joined the Utah State Rifle Team. According to Watson, state rifle teams were started in the early 1900s in order to get a civilian populace of marksmen. It was not developed to necessarily recruit them into the service, but to teach them marksmanship skills.
“At the Nationals every year, they had the Marine Corps Rifle team hold a rifle clinic for the top two juniors in each state. Juniors is a category for ages 12-18,” she said. “I was taught by Marines before I came in (the Marine Corps).”
Those Marines who taught her the fundamentals of marksmanship 12 years ago are part of the reason Watson is a Marine today.
“I was so impressed by the way the Marines taught me, who they were and how they carried themselves, I wanted someone to see me the way I saw them,” she said with a smile.
At 18, Watson, who comes from a family with no military background, joined the Marine Corps, where her marksmanship talent became immediately evident.
“I think the reason why some people say I have a natural talent is because I’ve learned the right way,” she explained. “I was taught the correct fundamentals at an early age.”
After spending her first two years in the Corps as an active duty heavy equipment mechanic, she became a member of the Marine Corps Rifle Team.
Watson helped her team earn two national titles in 1996 and 2003, won the Mountain Man award – given to a consistently high-scoring shooter in a total of three national-level competitions — the Women’s Rifle trophy in 1996-1999 and 2003, and the National Individual trophy in 1998, all while breaking two national shooting records.
That only names a few of Watson’s more than three-page list of marksmanship awards.
“I am more proud of my team awards than of my own personal awards,” she said.
She humbly explained, “I get more satisfaction from watching someone I taught excel than I do from walking across the stage.”
Finishing the SAWIC course is not the only thing Watson is the first female to do. She was also the first female to win the Nationals Trophy Individual and the Service Rifle Championship, both national-level competitions.
“There are quite a few women Marines who are excellent shooters,” Watson said. “I’ve just been given the opportunity early on in the Marine Corps by good senior leaders to be put in the position where I can go and shoot.”
Although she has been the first female to do an assortment of things, she doesn’t think she is any different from other female or male Marines. Her philosophy is, “We’re all Marines; we are all basic riflemen.”
“Any given day, there is a lance corporal under a truck somewhere or behind a desk that could probably beat me any day,” said Watson.
Watson didn’t attend this course to become the first female to graduate. Her love of marksmanship is what brought her to Quantico.
“I think I need this course because my goal in the Marine Corps is to keep going with marksmanship,” said Watson. “Marksmanship is a very important. It is a perishable skill. If you don’t continue the application of your marksmanship skills they will dwindle. We need good marksmen in our Marine Corps.”
Now that she has finished the highest-level course in Marine Corps marksmanship, she can teach the skills she has learned to the Marines in her reserve unit.
“I am with the USMC reserve shooting team,” she explained. “Not all reserve units have primary instructors, so that’s where [the shooting team] comes in."
“We do mobile training teams and help the units. Not just with rifle and pistol qualification, but we are leaning toward teaching more of the combat mindset of marksmanship.”
During her time attending the SAWIC course and shooting for the Marine Corps, Watson hasn’t experienced many difficulties in being the only female Marine.
“I think it is excellent,” said Bryan Smith, officer in charge of SAWIC. “She’s an accomplished marksman and she is taking the next step. She can go back to her unit and take all of those things she knows from competitive shooting and teach Marines how to effectively employ those weapons in combat.”
To Smith, Watson is like any other staff sergeant.
“She can go back to her unit and train her Marines just like anyone else who is taking this course,” said Smith.
Gunnery Sgt. Troy Schielein, a SAWIC instructor, thinks that other women Marines who see that Watson graduated from this course will realize that women can do this too.
“I think that’s the important thing she can do for females is make them realize what is out there for them and they have the same capabilities as male Marines do,” said Schielein.
Watson loves that about marksmanship.
“In high school you have football, basketball and track,” she said. “You have all of these things where you have to be fast or tall for basketball or big for football. When it comes to shooting, it’s all on a mental level. There shouldn’t be gender segregation because it is an equal sport.
“Its all up here,” she said, pointing to her head.
Watson is currently living in New Mexico with her husband and her two daughters. When she returns, she plans to put together a junior rifle clinic, in hopes of bringing a team out to the national competition.
While Watson is the first woman to become a primary marksmanship instructor in the Marine Corps and has made her mark in history, she probably won’t be the last.
“If you put the practice in, have the desire and set goals for yourself and if it is something you really want to do, it will happen,” said Watson.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...ighlight=2,utah
Full Version: Military Articles and Press Releases
Common Ground Common Sense > Issues that Affect Our Lives > U.S. Military Issues > U.S. Military Issues Archive
The California Girls play in the Iraqi sand
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story Identification #: 2005422155716
Story by Gunnery Sgt. Shannon Arledge
AL ASAD, Iraq (April 22, 2005) -- Marines from the most remote locations of Al Asad made the trip to the air base theater April 22. The all-female band known as The California Girls graced the stage for a riveting performance as the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing packed the seats.
Playing a classic blend of rock and surfer type tunes, the ladies of The California Girls moved the room with their harmonious dance moves and guitar and drum solos. The blonde haired foursome played hits like Hotel California, Sweet Home Alabama, Surfing USA, and some of their original music such as Hard to Tell and You and Malibu.
Performing as a group for the past six years this was their first trip to Iraq. Their whirlwind tour has taken them to Kuwait, Tallil and Urr, Iraq, and many forward operating bases in between. Prior to arriving in this region, they had just returned from three weeks in Afghanistan.
"Coming here is rewarding," said Sandra Walker, bass player and vocals. "My father was in the Navy for 33 years. I know what it is like to be far away. The Marines here have people who love them, and this is the least I can do."
This band, along with good looks, and long legs, had the crowd of Marines shouting for more, as the music lifted spirits and boosted morale.
"Why can't there be more of this," said Lance Cpl. Victor E. Shultis, a welder with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271. "I love it, this is awesome," added the 20-year-old, Ayden, N.C., native. "They are very brave to be doing what they are doing here."
"I appreciate what the men and women are doing here," said Barbara S. Leoni, guitarist. "This is a unique opportunity as a civilian to see this." There is a lot of support for the military back home, but you really don't understand the sacrifice until you experience it."
"I love doing this," said Lisa Haze, on vocals. "This is the most meaningful event I've ever done. My grandfather served in the military, and I think it would make him proud to see what we're doing. I'm proud."
Since arriving in Iraq the ladies of The California Girls have experienced travel by convoys, helicopters and C-130 transport aircraft. The United Service Organizations sponsored the event, and made it possible for the group to be here.
"Playing for a group like this is probably the most rewarding gig I could ever do," said Max Miller, drummer. "If I can put a smile on a Marine's face I feel complete."
"I'm glad they came," said Cpl. Jerry R. Cooke, 24, of Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 269. "I appreciate their support. We should have more events like this. A concert in the middle of Iraq can turn a bad day into a good day," added the Greensboro, N.C. native.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...ht=2,california
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story Identification #: 2005422155716
Story by Gunnery Sgt. Shannon Arledge
AL ASAD, Iraq (April 22, 2005) -- Marines from the most remote locations of Al Asad made the trip to the air base theater April 22. The all-female band known as The California Girls graced the stage for a riveting performance as the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing packed the seats.
Playing a classic blend of rock and surfer type tunes, the ladies of The California Girls moved the room with their harmonious dance moves and guitar and drum solos. The blonde haired foursome played hits like Hotel California, Sweet Home Alabama, Surfing USA, and some of their original music such as Hard to Tell and You and Malibu.
Performing as a group for the past six years this was their first trip to Iraq. Their whirlwind tour has taken them to Kuwait, Tallil and Urr, Iraq, and many forward operating bases in between. Prior to arriving in this region, they had just returned from three weeks in Afghanistan.
"Coming here is rewarding," said Sandra Walker, bass player and vocals. "My father was in the Navy for 33 years. I know what it is like to be far away. The Marines here have people who love them, and this is the least I can do."
This band, along with good looks, and long legs, had the crowd of Marines shouting for more, as the music lifted spirits and boosted morale.
"Why can't there be more of this," said Lance Cpl. Victor E. Shultis, a welder with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271. "I love it, this is awesome," added the 20-year-old, Ayden, N.C., native. "They are very brave to be doing what they are doing here."
"I appreciate what the men and women are doing here," said Barbara S. Leoni, guitarist. "This is a unique opportunity as a civilian to see this." There is a lot of support for the military back home, but you really don't understand the sacrifice until you experience it."
"I love doing this," said Lisa Haze, on vocals. "This is the most meaningful event I've ever done. My grandfather served in the military, and I think it would make him proud to see what we're doing. I'm proud."
Since arriving in Iraq the ladies of The California Girls have experienced travel by convoys, helicopters and C-130 transport aircraft. The United Service Organizations sponsored the event, and made it possible for the group to be here.
"Playing for a group like this is probably the most rewarding gig I could ever do," said Max Miller, drummer. "If I can put a smile on a Marine's face I feel complete."
"I'm glad they came," said Cpl. Jerry R. Cooke, 24, of Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron 269. "I appreciate their support. We should have more events like this. A concert in the middle of Iraq can turn a bad day into a good day," added the Greensboro, N.C. native.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...ht=2,california
State offers free tuition for disabled vets' family members
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification #: 200563162225
Story by Lance Cpl. Daniel J. Redding
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (June 2, 2005) -- Disabled veterans in California need not worry about financing their children's college education -- as long as their kids don't leave the state.
That's because most state universities provide free tuition to children of disabled or deceased veterans.
"Basically, you can send a child to any state college," said William J. Earle, the assistant director for the Riverside County Office for Veterans Services, who touted the tuition waiver as "a very valuable benefit."
Students will still incur fees for textbooks and services. But the California State College Tuition Fee Waiver will cover the vast majority of fees, according to Earle.
The waiver marks an agreement between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the schools, said Adam K. Orton, a VA work-study student. To qualify, students must be California residents and the parent must be registered as disabled with the VA, he said. The rating applies to all possible service-connected disabilities suffered during a servicemember's career, added Orton, 25, from Fair Oaks.
Family members are covered under either Plan A or B.
"Plan A is for the children and spouses of veterans killed on active duty, or the veterans who are 100-percent, service-connected disabled," said Earle, 60, from Moreno Valley.
Plan B is for children of servicemembers with a VA rating of less than 100 percent.
Plan A has no income restrictions. Students must not have income greater than $9,573 to qualify for Plan B.
Family members older than 26 are ineligible for Plan A. Spouses can tap free tuition under Plan A, but are ineligible for Plan B, Orton said.
Tuition at private or vocational schools is not covered under the program.
Orton said the program is not not well-known. "You only hear about it through word of mouth."
He'd like to see schools advertise the program.
"The only reason I can think of as to why the schools don't promote it more is due to money," he said.
Earle disagreed the program is unheralded.
"It's fairly wellknown," he said. "Each year, we seem to get more and more people taking advantage of the benefits.
"It's hard to find a veteran that doesn't known about it."
For more information, call your local County Veterans Service Office. To locate the one nearest, visit www.cacvso.org.
Or call the County Veterans Service Offices information line at (916) 503-8397.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...ht=2,california
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification #: 200563162225
Story by Lance Cpl. Daniel J. Redding
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (June 2, 2005) -- Disabled veterans in California need not worry about financing their children's college education -- as long as their kids don't leave the state.
That's because most state universities provide free tuition to children of disabled or deceased veterans.
"Basically, you can send a child to any state college," said William J. Earle, the assistant director for the Riverside County Office for Veterans Services, who touted the tuition waiver as "a very valuable benefit."
Students will still incur fees for textbooks and services. But the California State College Tuition Fee Waiver will cover the vast majority of fees, according to Earle.
The waiver marks an agreement between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the schools, said Adam K. Orton, a VA work-study student. To qualify, students must be California residents and the parent must be registered as disabled with the VA, he said. The rating applies to all possible service-connected disabilities suffered during a servicemember's career, added Orton, 25, from Fair Oaks.
Family members are covered under either Plan A or B.
"Plan A is for the children and spouses of veterans killed on active duty, or the veterans who are 100-percent, service-connected disabled," said Earle, 60, from Moreno Valley.
Plan B is for children of servicemembers with a VA rating of less than 100 percent.
Plan A has no income restrictions. Students must not have income greater than $9,573 to qualify for Plan B.
Family members older than 26 are ineligible for Plan A. Spouses can tap free tuition under Plan A, but are ineligible for Plan B, Orton said.
Tuition at private or vocational schools is not covered under the program.
Orton said the program is not not well-known. "You only hear about it through word of mouth."
He'd like to see schools advertise the program.
"The only reason I can think of as to why the schools don't promote it more is due to money," he said.
Earle disagreed the program is unheralded.
"It's fairly wellknown," he said. "Each year, we seem to get more and more people taking advantage of the benefits.
"It's hard to find a veteran that doesn't known about it."
For more information, call your local County Veterans Service Office. To locate the one nearest, visit www.cacvso.org.
Or call the County Veterans Service Offices information line at (916) 503-8397.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...ht=2,california
Marine comes out of retirement to get in the fight
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story by: Computed Name: Sgt. Stephen D'Alessio
Story Identification #: 2005724223635
CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq(July 24, 2005) -- Whoever said ‘An old dog can’t learn new tricks’ never met Maj. James Charette, who deployed here with the 2nd Marine Division after coming out of retirement.
Charette, a Goshen, N.Y., native, and liaison officer for the Marine Corps Center for Lessons Learned, is the division’s link to data concerning lessons in war fighting within the division. He mobilized for duty after nearly seven years away and found that the Corps is an ever-evolving institution.
At age 50, Charette doesn’t let the ‘20 somethings’ slow him down. Since he’s been back, he’s participated in the Corps’ new Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and earned a tan belt. It’s brought back some youthfulness in him, but he’s also found a few other changes that made him feel outdated.
“Now, the Marine Corps has a strong reliance on the internet and emails to pass information,” said Charette. “I guess it’s just showing my age.”
Charette works back home in the New York State courts system as a senior court clerk for Orange County. There, he processes and reviews official paperwork and answers questions, without giving legal advice, for customers who come in to file divorce and other legal proceedings.
“I was sitting at home one day looking at Marine Online when I saw this small advertisement for retired Marines to volunteer for mobilization,” said Charette. “So, I put my name in the hat.”
Charette retired back in 1998 after devoting about 10 years of active duty and another 10 to the Reserve Forces. Almost a year later, on April 1, he received a phone call from a staff sergeant.
“I thought it was an April fool’s joke or that the Marine Corps Association wanted to sell me something,” said Charette. “But when I looked at my caller I.D. and I saw that it came from (Marine Corps Base) Quantico. I knew it was time.”
Many of his friends and colleagues thought he was crazy for returning to the Corps after retirement, according to Charette, who dismissed them and went to his closet for his uniforms.
“You have to look at the practical reality of it,” said Charette, matter-of-factly. “The Corps said they could use me, so it was tough to sit on the sidelines. It may sound corny, but it comes down to who you are, not what you do.”
The Corps had a billet for him to fill, but it wasn’t exactly what he was looking for. They sent him to his first assignment at the F.B.I. laboratory, in the Terrorist Explosives Device Analytical Center. There, he examined the devices that Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel recovered from Iraq.
It was a fitting job for a major with a background as a combat engineer, but he wanted to be where the action was.
“I didn’t want to sit in Quantico for a year,” said Charette. “I asked to go to a forward unit and 30 days later I ended up here.”
Now, Charette is working for the Division’s Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Richard A. Huck, who was a platoon commander as a captain in his basic school class. He finds it funny that he ended up working for one of the Marines that was his instructor back in 1977.
“The Corps has changed a little, but the Marines haven’t,” said Charette. “Some of the fine points have changed, but the thought process is still the same – probably since WWII. But the bottom line is that I just like putting on my uniform again.”
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....2d?OpenDocument
I thoroughly understand how the Major feels. I retired almost five years ago, two weeks ago I threw my name back into the ring. I'm sitting here waiting on my approval/denial.
The account you requested has been created and is pending approval. You will be notified again once the request has been processed. If you have any questions, please contact the account administrators by sending an email to webmaster@manpower.usmc.mil.
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Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story by: Computed Name: Sgt. Stephen D'Alessio
Story Identification #: 2005724223635
CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq(July 24, 2005) -- Whoever said ‘An old dog can’t learn new tricks’ never met Maj. James Charette, who deployed here with the 2nd Marine Division after coming out of retirement.
Charette, a Goshen, N.Y., native, and liaison officer for the Marine Corps Center for Lessons Learned, is the division’s link to data concerning lessons in war fighting within the division. He mobilized for duty after nearly seven years away and found that the Corps is an ever-evolving institution.
At age 50, Charette doesn’t let the ‘20 somethings’ slow him down. Since he’s been back, he’s participated in the Corps’ new Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and earned a tan belt. It’s brought back some youthfulness in him, but he’s also found a few other changes that made him feel outdated.
“Now, the Marine Corps has a strong reliance on the internet and emails to pass information,” said Charette. “I guess it’s just showing my age.”
Charette works back home in the New York State courts system as a senior court clerk for Orange County. There, he processes and reviews official paperwork and answers questions, without giving legal advice, for customers who come in to file divorce and other legal proceedings.
“I was sitting at home one day looking at Marine Online when I saw this small advertisement for retired Marines to volunteer for mobilization,” said Charette. “So, I put my name in the hat.”
Charette retired back in 1998 after devoting about 10 years of active duty and another 10 to the Reserve Forces. Almost a year later, on April 1, he received a phone call from a staff sergeant.
“I thought it was an April fool’s joke or that the Marine Corps Association wanted to sell me something,” said Charette. “But when I looked at my caller I.D. and I saw that it came from (Marine Corps Base) Quantico. I knew it was time.”
Many of his friends and colleagues thought he was crazy for returning to the Corps after retirement, according to Charette, who dismissed them and went to his closet for his uniforms.
“You have to look at the practical reality of it,” said Charette, matter-of-factly. “The Corps said they could use me, so it was tough to sit on the sidelines. It may sound corny, but it comes down to who you are, not what you do.”
The Corps had a billet for him to fill, but it wasn’t exactly what he was looking for. They sent him to his first assignment at the F.B.I. laboratory, in the Terrorist Explosives Device Analytical Center. There, he examined the devices that Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel recovered from Iraq.
It was a fitting job for a major with a background as a combat engineer, but he wanted to be where the action was.
“I didn’t want to sit in Quantico for a year,” said Charette. “I asked to go to a forward unit and 30 days later I ended up here.”
Now, Charette is working for the Division’s Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Richard A. Huck, who was a platoon commander as a captain in his basic school class. He finds it funny that he ended up working for one of the Marines that was his instructor back in 1977.
“The Corps has changed a little, but the Marines haven’t,” said Charette. “Some of the fine points have changed, but the thought process is still the same – probably since WWII. But the bottom line is that I just like putting on my uniform again.”
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....2d?OpenDocument
I thoroughly understand how the Major feels. I retired almost five years ago, two weeks ago I threw my name back into the ring. I'm sitting here waiting on my approval/denial.
The account you requested has been created and is pending approval. You will be notified again once the request has been processed. If you have any questions, please contact the account administrators by sending an email to webmaster@manpower.usmc.mil.
Please save this email for future reference, because M&RA does not retain your password.
If your account is approved, your login information will be:
Group tasked with bringing Iraqis to the civil-affairs forefront
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification #: 2005728125911
Story by Lance Cpl. Stephen Holt
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 28, 2005) -- "Security and stabilization?"
Not so many years ago, a Marine would have been puzzled by such a phrase.
Talk of beach landings, taking territory by force and ousting despots like Saddam Hussein certainly would have lit his bulb. But public works projects and distributing textbooks while warily watching for insurgents? No way.
Indeed it's a different world, requiring a broader skill-set for today’s Marines — and specialist devil dogs with a knack for the softer side of building free, democratic nations.
One such group — the 6th Civil Affairs Group — underwent intensive training Saturday and Sunday in preparation for their deployment to Iraq in the fall.
The group’s mission is to “interface between military and civil society,” said Lt. Col. Todd W. Ryder, plans officer with the group.
The 6th — composed of Reserve Marines, mostly officers and senior staff noncommissioned officers from Marine Corps Reserve units around the country — is a special CAG. Previously, CAGs have been concerned with administering elections, rebuilding schools, rebuilding neglected or damaged infrastructure and ensuring delivery of essentials like water and medicine. But the 6th CAG will chart a new horizon by managing the handover of those responsibilities to the Iraqi government.
Lt. Col. Helen Pratt, the executive officer of 6th CAG says the unit will “help put an Iraqi face” on civil affairs’ work. The goal is to begin “focusing on the Iraqi government” so the government can begin filling the CAG’s role. The process is similar to “Iraqi police building” currently under way, she said.
Accordingly, the 6th CAG last weekend underwent unprecedented field training that may soon become standard. It ranged from how to handle civilian media to setting up the hub of the CAG’s operations — the civil military operation center.
The center resembled a Hollywood movie set. Concertina wire marked the perimeter. A run-down ranch house without power and shattered windows served as the nerve center.
The training included Marine role players masquerading as Iraqis. They sported long hair, beards, robes and headgear common in the region.
The role players met with CAG officers while others set off mock improvised explosive devices and played the role of insurgents.
In many ways, the base was a fitting training site. Temperatures teetered around 100 degrees, mimicking a sweltering Iraq summer, to the bane of Marines wearing helmets and flak jackets. Base housing — where airmen lived with their families just a few years ago — was run down and spray-painted with Arabic graffiti. Marines cleared the houses without worrying about damage.
Although wearing full gear in hot weather caused some misery, it was worth preparing for a truly humanitarian mission, Ryder said.
“One common feature is an overwhelming sincerity (to the mission) and desire to serve,” Ryder said with a smile.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...1E?opendocument
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification #: 2005728125911
Story by Lance Cpl. Stephen Holt
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 28, 2005) -- "Security and stabilization?"
Not so many years ago, a Marine would have been puzzled by such a phrase.
Talk of beach landings, taking territory by force and ousting despots like Saddam Hussein certainly would have lit his bulb. But public works projects and distributing textbooks while warily watching for insurgents? No way.
Indeed it's a different world, requiring a broader skill-set for today’s Marines — and specialist devil dogs with a knack for the softer side of building free, democratic nations.
One such group — the 6th Civil Affairs Group — underwent intensive training Saturday and Sunday in preparation for their deployment to Iraq in the fall.
The group’s mission is to “interface between military and civil society,” said Lt. Col. Todd W. Ryder, plans officer with the group.
The 6th — composed of Reserve Marines, mostly officers and senior staff noncommissioned officers from Marine Corps Reserve units around the country — is a special CAG. Previously, CAGs have been concerned with administering elections, rebuilding schools, rebuilding neglected or damaged infrastructure and ensuring delivery of essentials like water and medicine. But the 6th CAG will chart a new horizon by managing the handover of those responsibilities to the Iraqi government.
Lt. Col. Helen Pratt, the executive officer of 6th CAG says the unit will “help put an Iraqi face” on civil affairs’ work. The goal is to begin “focusing on the Iraqi government” so the government can begin filling the CAG’s role. The process is similar to “Iraqi police building” currently under way, she said.
Accordingly, the 6th CAG last weekend underwent unprecedented field training that may soon become standard. It ranged from how to handle civilian media to setting up the hub of the CAG’s operations — the civil military operation center.
The center resembled a Hollywood movie set. Concertina wire marked the perimeter. A run-down ranch house without power and shattered windows served as the nerve center.
The training included Marine role players masquerading as Iraqis. They sported long hair, beards, robes and headgear common in the region.
The role players met with CAG officers while others set off mock improvised explosive devices and played the role of insurgents.
In many ways, the base was a fitting training site. Temperatures teetered around 100 degrees, mimicking a sweltering Iraq summer, to the bane of Marines wearing helmets and flak jackets. Base housing — where airmen lived with their families just a few years ago — was run down and spray-painted with Arabic graffiti. Marines cleared the houses without worrying about damage.
Although wearing full gear in hot weather caused some misery, it was worth preparing for a truly humanitarian mission, Ryder said.
“One common feature is an overwhelming sincerity (to the mission) and desire to serve,” Ryder said with a smile.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...1E?opendocument
Boise boys with big guns keep Fallujah safe
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 200572922757
Story by Cpl. Mike Escobar
FALLUJAH, Iraq (July 30, 2005) -- The M-1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank is a powerful weapon that Boise, Id. native Lance Cpl. Trent Hinchcliff wields to turn insurgent hideouts into terrorist rubble.
“These tanks mostly serve as a deterrent, making insurgents feel incapable of opposing us,” exclaimed the 25-year-old tank crewman, who currently serves with 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. “Tanks give us the ability to provide (ground infantry personnel) excellent security and surveillance capabilities.”
Hinchcliff’s Boise-based reserve unit, Company C, was activated in January to assist their fellow Marine infantrymen throughout western Iraq’s Al Anbar province.
Hinchcliff, a former student of economics at Boise State University, arrived here in mid-March. Since then, he, his fellow tankers, and the armored juggernauts they pilot have rolled out on dozens of missions in and around Fallujah.
Approximately nine months ago, Marines fighting in Fallujah relied heavily on the Abrams’ massive firepower to subdue terrorists occupying the city. Some insurgents were allegedly pumped-up on pain inhibiting drugs, would hold up in buildings and would fight to the death. However, a well-placed 120mm round courtesy of the Abrams’ quickly breeched the insurgent fortresses.
Though insurgents continue attacking military convoys and patrols with roadside bombs, peace has largely returned to Fallujah. The Abrams’ firepower and intimidation factor continue being a key element to success on the battlefield, nevertheless.
“We’ve mostly been providing security in the city by showing our presence and watching out for people emplacing bombs,” Hinchcliff said, explaining how he and his crew frequently observe highly transited military routes cutting through Fallujah.
The tank provides gunners with excellent surveillance capabilities during these routine missions. These armored behemoths come equipped with systems permitting a stabilized night and daytime 360 degree field of vision. Once a terrorist is sighted, it’s all downhill for him.
The tank’s main armament consists of a 120mm M256 smooth bore gun, primarily used against armored vehicles. For protection against smaller targets, a tank commander wields an M2 .50 caliber heavy machinegun, while fellow crewmen like Hinchcliff man a 7.62 M240G medium machinegun.
“We’re also getting a canister round soon, which works similar to a shotgun shell,” Hinchcliff said, explaining how this anti-personnel round can be fired from the tank’s main gun.
The Abrams can inflict heavy damage on terrorists, but the insurgency fails to return the favor. These tanks come armored against even nuclear, biological and chemical assaults, as their steel-encased depleted uranium armor protect them from everything but the strongest of assaults. These defenses have already proven effective against insurgents’ roadside bombs, one of the insurgents’ primary weapons in Iraq.
“We hit a bomb once, but this tank handled it really well,” Hinchcliff explained. “All we saw was a cloud of smoke envelop us. We were thinking, ‘Wow, we hit a bomb.’ We rolled forward a few hundred meters, fixed our damaged tread, then got on the move again.”
Although these tanks may seem like unstoppable juggernauts, Hinchcliff added that he is grateful for not having to unleash the beast’s armaments.
“It’s a good thing we haven’t had much excitement. It seems like we’re doing our job well enough here, because Fallujah’s security has improved significantly. The Marines have done a good job maintaining security here.”
Several more months and missions here await Hinchcliff and his fellow tankers, where they will endure hellish heat in and out of their tanks.
“It gets to be about 130 degrees inside the tank,” Hinchcliff stated. “Sometimes it takes everything in me to not fall asleep and keep vigilant in this heat.”
These hardships have served not only to safeguard the formerly war-torn Fallujah, but to teach Marines like Hinchcliff, who is on his first deployment, valuable life lessons.
“Probably the most important thing I’ve learned is how much I love my wife (Andrea),” Hinchcliff said. “I have a much better appreciation for those who’ve come here before, and all of the sacrifices they made. I’m really proud to be serving my country, and I’m thankful for all the support people back home have given us.”
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...07?opendocument
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 200572922757
Story by Cpl. Mike Escobar
FALLUJAH, Iraq (July 30, 2005) -- The M-1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank is a powerful weapon that Boise, Id. native Lance Cpl. Trent Hinchcliff wields to turn insurgent hideouts into terrorist rubble.
“These tanks mostly serve as a deterrent, making insurgents feel incapable of opposing us,” exclaimed the 25-year-old tank crewman, who currently serves with 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. “Tanks give us the ability to provide (ground infantry personnel) excellent security and surveillance capabilities.”
Hinchcliff’s Boise-based reserve unit, Company C, was activated in January to assist their fellow Marine infantrymen throughout western Iraq’s Al Anbar province.
Hinchcliff, a former student of economics at Boise State University, arrived here in mid-March. Since then, he, his fellow tankers, and the armored juggernauts they pilot have rolled out on dozens of missions in and around Fallujah.
Approximately nine months ago, Marines fighting in Fallujah relied heavily on the Abrams’ massive firepower to subdue terrorists occupying the city. Some insurgents were allegedly pumped-up on pain inhibiting drugs, would hold up in buildings and would fight to the death. However, a well-placed 120mm round courtesy of the Abrams’ quickly breeched the insurgent fortresses.
Though insurgents continue attacking military convoys and patrols with roadside bombs, peace has largely returned to Fallujah. The Abrams’ firepower and intimidation factor continue being a key element to success on the battlefield, nevertheless.
“We’ve mostly been providing security in the city by showing our presence and watching out for people emplacing bombs,” Hinchcliff said, explaining how he and his crew frequently observe highly transited military routes cutting through Fallujah.
The tank provides gunners with excellent surveillance capabilities during these routine missions. These armored behemoths come equipped with systems permitting a stabilized night and daytime 360 degree field of vision. Once a terrorist is sighted, it’s all downhill for him.
The tank’s main armament consists of a 120mm M256 smooth bore gun, primarily used against armored vehicles. For protection against smaller targets, a tank commander wields an M2 .50 caliber heavy machinegun, while fellow crewmen like Hinchcliff man a 7.62 M240G medium machinegun.
“We’re also getting a canister round soon, which works similar to a shotgun shell,” Hinchcliff said, explaining how this anti-personnel round can be fired from the tank’s main gun.
The Abrams can inflict heavy damage on terrorists, but the insurgency fails to return the favor. These tanks come armored against even nuclear, biological and chemical assaults, as their steel-encased depleted uranium armor protect them from everything but the strongest of assaults. These defenses have already proven effective against insurgents’ roadside bombs, one of the insurgents’ primary weapons in Iraq.
“We hit a bomb once, but this tank handled it really well,” Hinchcliff explained. “All we saw was a cloud of smoke envelop us. We were thinking, ‘Wow, we hit a bomb.’ We rolled forward a few hundred meters, fixed our damaged tread, then got on the move again.”
Although these tanks may seem like unstoppable juggernauts, Hinchcliff added that he is grateful for not having to unleash the beast’s armaments.
“It’s a good thing we haven’t had much excitement. It seems like we’re doing our job well enough here, because Fallujah’s security has improved significantly. The Marines have done a good job maintaining security here.”
Several more months and missions here await Hinchcliff and his fellow tankers, where they will endure hellish heat in and out of their tanks.
“It gets to be about 130 degrees inside the tank,” Hinchcliff stated. “Sometimes it takes everything in me to not fall asleep and keep vigilant in this heat.”
These hardships have served not only to safeguard the formerly war-torn Fallujah, but to teach Marines like Hinchcliff, who is on his first deployment, valuable life lessons.
“Probably the most important thing I’ve learned is how much I love my wife (Andrea),” Hinchcliff said. “I have a much better appreciation for those who’ve come here before, and all of the sacrifices they made. I’m really proud to be serving my country, and I’m thankful for all the support people back home have given us.”
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...07?opendocument
Navy provided means for experience
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story by: Computed Name: Cpl. Michelle M. Dickson
Story Identification #: 2005729211740
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii(July 29, 2005) -- “If I was back at home, I never would have been able to gain the experiences that I have,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Anthony Knight, a Navy engineman assigned as outboard motor technician at Waterfront Operations, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. “I had never even driven a boat before I had joined the Navy.”
For the Portsmouth, N.H. native, the military was something he always had in his mind to experience. The self-proclaimed “Air Force brat,” son of a 22-year Air Force veteran, said he knew that at some point he would join one of the services.
Since he was 12, Knight worked a variety of jobs to make money, but his main hobby was painting cars.
“I worked in an auto body shop and wish I could do that kind of stuff more here,” said the 25-year-old. “I basically just work on my own car now.”
After graduating from Portsmouth High School, Knight decided to work and go to college. In 2002 he enlisted in the Navy and chose Engineman as his career field.
“My dad was happy when I told him I was going to enlist,” said Knight. “I really didn’t have the money for college and wanted to get out of the state and see and experience new things. This was the opportunity for me to do that.”
After he completed basic training, Knight attended Engineman A School in Great Lakes, Ill., before reporting to MCB Hawaii. A duty station that, according to Knight, he was extremely lucky to have been assigned to for his first tour of duty, being that most Navy Enginemen are assigned to sea-duty billets aboard ships homeported on either the East or West coasts.
His primary duty at Waterfront Operations is to maintain and repair the small boats that are used to patrol the bay, focusing on security and environmental protection. Additionally, Knight is the hazardous materials assistant; a duty-section leader, responsible for the First Response Team — a team called upon in the event of an oil spill; conducts anti-terrorism force protection patrols around the perimeter of MCB Hawaii; supports tenants commands and deploying units; and provides assistance to the Coast Guard whenever there is a need for a search and rescue vehicle.
“I’m very proficient with both driving and fixing the different boats that we have here and whatever else that comes with this job,” said Knight. “It’s a great job, and the location where I do my job is really great, too. Can’t beat the view.”
On his off time, Knight attends college and enjoys playing golf. He also plays basketball on one of the base teams.
“I would like to participate in more sports, but it can be difficult due to the challenging hours at Waterfront Operations,” said Knight. “We stand 24-hour duty and 24-hour recall, for emergencies. Sometimes it makes scheduling personal events challenging.”
Knight said he doesn’t plan to bring his military career to a close at the end of his first enlistment. He said he is re-enlisting and moving to San Diego, where he will be transferring to Inshore Boat Unit 52.
“At times, I kind of wish that I went to a ship before reporting to shore duty, so I could gain the experience of ship life, and work in my rating.” said Knight. “But you learn how to adapt to various situations that arise day to day, and in so doing it helps to foster the relationships of the Sailors and Marines who are committed to the missions of the Navy and Marine Corps.”
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....ab?OpenDocument
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story by: Computed Name: Cpl. Michelle M. Dickson
Story Identification #: 2005729211740
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii(July 29, 2005) -- “If I was back at home, I never would have been able to gain the experiences that I have,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Anthony Knight, a Navy engineman assigned as outboard motor technician at Waterfront Operations, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. “I had never even driven a boat before I had joined the Navy.”
For the Portsmouth, N.H. native, the military was something he always had in his mind to experience. The self-proclaimed “Air Force brat,” son of a 22-year Air Force veteran, said he knew that at some point he would join one of the services.
Since he was 12, Knight worked a variety of jobs to make money, but his main hobby was painting cars.
“I worked in an auto body shop and wish I could do that kind of stuff more here,” said the 25-year-old. “I basically just work on my own car now.”
After graduating from Portsmouth High School, Knight decided to work and go to college. In 2002 he enlisted in the Navy and chose Engineman as his career field.
“My dad was happy when I told him I was going to enlist,” said Knight. “I really didn’t have the money for college and wanted to get out of the state and see and experience new things. This was the opportunity for me to do that.”
After he completed basic training, Knight attended Engineman A School in Great Lakes, Ill., before reporting to MCB Hawaii. A duty station that, according to Knight, he was extremely lucky to have been assigned to for his first tour of duty, being that most Navy Enginemen are assigned to sea-duty billets aboard ships homeported on either the East or West coasts.
His primary duty at Waterfront Operations is to maintain and repair the small boats that are used to patrol the bay, focusing on security and environmental protection. Additionally, Knight is the hazardous materials assistant; a duty-section leader, responsible for the First Response Team — a team called upon in the event of an oil spill; conducts anti-terrorism force protection patrols around the perimeter of MCB Hawaii; supports tenants commands and deploying units; and provides assistance to the Coast Guard whenever there is a need for a search and rescue vehicle.
“I’m very proficient with both driving and fixing the different boats that we have here and whatever else that comes with this job,” said Knight. “It’s a great job, and the location where I do my job is really great, too. Can’t beat the view.”
On his off time, Knight attends college and enjoys playing golf. He also plays basketball on one of the base teams.
“I would like to participate in more sports, but it can be difficult due to the challenging hours at Waterfront Operations,” said Knight. “We stand 24-hour duty and 24-hour recall, for emergencies. Sometimes it makes scheduling personal events challenging.”
Knight said he doesn’t plan to bring his military career to a close at the end of his first enlistment. He said he is re-enlisting and moving to San Diego, where he will be transferring to Inshore Boat Unit 52.
“At times, I kind of wish that I went to a ship before reporting to shore duty, so I could gain the experience of ship life, and work in my rating.” said Knight. “But you learn how to adapt to various situations that arise day to day, and in so doing it helps to foster the relationships of the Sailors and Marines who are committed to the missions of the Navy and Marine Corps.”
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....ab?OpenDocument
Aviator breaks 2-year-old rifle record
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story by: Computed Name: Lance Cpl. Alec Kleinsmith
Story Identification #: 2005728133728
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(July 28, 2005) -- Cpl. Drue Tyson Overby says he never fired a weapon before he entered the Marine Corps. Now, he may never meet a Marine who fires as well as he did on the last day of June.
Overby, 24, a UH-1N Huey crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 here, squeezed off a record-breaking day when he scored 64 out of a possible 65 during annual rifle qualification June 30 at Wilcox Range.
Overby shattered the previous range record of 59, recorded Aug. 14, 2003, by Sgt. B.T. Jacobs.
“I’m surprised at how well I did, because I didn’t get a lot of sleep the night before, and I forgot to eat breakfast the morning of the shoot,” said Overby, from Moon Township, Penn.
Marines on the firing line can either be blessed with clear skies and zero wind or harassed by rain or a strong breeze. Overby faced nearly perfect conditions on his way to a nearly perfect score. He shot early before the wind woke up.
“Fortunately, I was on the first morning relay, which greatly benefited my final score,” he said.
Moreover, the weather cooperated throughout the week, allowing Overby to zero-in nicely in preparation for the big day.
“On the practice days before the final qualification, there wasn’t any breeze at all, and I was scoring in the high- 50s all week. But on qualification day, there was a slight breeze with some clouds in the sky,” Overby said.
Overby’s new score — a big improvement on his previous mark of 52 — will get him some pats on the back — but may not get him promoted. In fact, his cutting score will climb only 10 points, he said.
“Even though I have a first-class physical fitness test, I’m still about 60-80 points away from picking up sergeant,” said Overby.
Reactions from Overby’s unit have ranged from playful sarcasm to support and even disbelief.
“Everybody at the shop was extremely impressed and surprised by his performance,” said Sgt. Marcello J. Oliveri, a power plant mechanic with HMLA-367.
“Nobody thought that he had it in him to do as well as he did, but he’s an excellent Marine, so we’re all proud of him,” Oliveri said.
“This whole experience has been extremely overwhelming, and all of my co-workers have been very supportive,” Overby said.
Although Overby would seem to be an ideal candidate for a marksmanship instructor, he doesn’t plan on teaching any time soon.
“The instructors there were helpful, but I honestly developed my own habits and stuck with them during my time at the range, so I don’t think I would be a good instructor.
“But I have considered joining the base marksmanship team,” Overby said.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....75?OpenDocument
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story by: Computed Name: Lance Cpl. Alec Kleinsmith
Story Identification #: 2005728133728
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(July 28, 2005) -- Cpl. Drue Tyson Overby says he never fired a weapon before he entered the Marine Corps. Now, he may never meet a Marine who fires as well as he did on the last day of June.
Overby, 24, a UH-1N Huey crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367 here, squeezed off a record-breaking day when he scored 64 out of a possible 65 during annual rifle qualification June 30 at Wilcox Range.
Overby shattered the previous range record of 59, recorded Aug. 14, 2003, by Sgt. B.T. Jacobs.
“I’m surprised at how well I did, because I didn’t get a lot of sleep the night before, and I forgot to eat breakfast the morning of the shoot,” said Overby, from Moon Township, Penn.
Marines on the firing line can either be blessed with clear skies and zero wind or harassed by rain or a strong breeze. Overby faced nearly perfect conditions on his way to a nearly perfect score. He shot early before the wind woke up.
“Fortunately, I was on the first morning relay, which greatly benefited my final score,” he said.
Moreover, the weather cooperated throughout the week, allowing Overby to zero-in nicely in preparation for the big day.
“On the practice days before the final qualification, there wasn’t any breeze at all, and I was scoring in the high- 50s all week. But on qualification day, there was a slight breeze with some clouds in the sky,” Overby said.
Overby’s new score — a big improvement on his previous mark of 52 — will get him some pats on the back — but may not get him promoted. In fact, his cutting score will climb only 10 points, he said.
“Even though I have a first-class physical fitness test, I’m still about 60-80 points away from picking up sergeant,” said Overby.
Reactions from Overby’s unit have ranged from playful sarcasm to support and even disbelief.
“Everybody at the shop was extremely impressed and surprised by his performance,” said Sgt. Marcello J. Oliveri, a power plant mechanic with HMLA-367.
“Nobody thought that he had it in him to do as well as he did, but he’s an excellent Marine, so we’re all proud of him,” Oliveri said.
“This whole experience has been extremely overwhelming, and all of my co-workers have been very supportive,” Overby said.
Although Overby would seem to be an ideal candidate for a marksmanship instructor, he doesn’t plan on teaching any time soon.
“The instructors there were helpful, but I honestly developed my own habits and stuck with them during my time at the range, so I don’t think I would be a good instructor.
“But I have considered joining the base marksmanship team,” Overby said.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....75?OpenDocument
Orlando reservist cools, protects Marines in Iraq
Sgt. A.J. Mueller (MARINE CPL. CODY J. YARD)
Jul 31, 2005
If they ever have a popularity contest at Al Taqaddum Air Base in Iraq, Marine Staff Sgt. A.J. Mueller of Orlando would be a good bet to finish near the top: Mueller fixes the air conditioning on the base and installs the armor on the vehicles.
Both skills are in big demand in Iraq these days, as temperatures soar into the 120s and roadside bombs continue to take a heavy toll on U.S. troops.
Welding and bolting the steel armor onto trucks and Humvees is hot, heavy work. And insurgents frequently target the base with mortars and rockets. But Mueller, a Windermere police officer and Marine reservist who volunteered for a year in Iraq, said Wednesday that he's glad he's there.
"We feel like we're pretty important to the mission," said Mueller, 29, in a phone interview from the air base about 45 miles west of Baghdad.
Mueller has met some of the Marines who were saved by armor he installed on their vehicles when they were hit by roadside bombs the troops call "improvised explosive devices," or IEDs.
"It makes you feel really good when you meet these Marines who drove into an IED and walked away from it," Mueller said.
Mueller, who grew up in Orlando, ended up in Iraq after a chance meeting last year.
He joined the Marines in 1994 after graduating from Cypress Creek High School. During four years on active duty, he was deployed to Bosnia and Liberia, and he joined the reserves when he left active duty.
Mueller opened an auto-repair shop in Orlando, learned air-conditioning repair and became a police officer.
In November, he was at a military technology conference in Orlando when he ran into a Marine colonel who told him the service was looking for air-conditioning technicians willing to volunteer to serve in Iraq.
By February, Mueller was in Iraq. The work has been nonstop since.
"When I first got on deck here, I was the only Marine who had air-conditioning experience," Mueller said.
When not fixing air conditioners, he oversees Marines installing armor on vehicles, wrestling steel plates into place.
On a typical day, he wakes at 5 a.m., exercises, eats breakfast about 6 a.m., is at work by 7 a.m. and quits about 6 p.m. They work seven days a week, Mueller said. "But we try to take a half-day off on Sundays."
The summer heat is almost too miserable to describe.
"We saw on the news that back home the Midwest was suffering with a heat wave, but we were saying, don't tell us about the heat," Mueller said. "We're out here working in full-body armor."
The rocket and mortar attacks come and go.
"It's sporadic," Mueller said. "Sometimes we'll go a week with no attacks on the base. Sometimes they'll come day and night. You never know."
Mueller said he misses his family but skipped a chance for a two-week leave to visit home so he can finish his tour sooner and come home for good.
His mother, two brothers and sister still live in Orlando. His wife and their two children are staying with her parents in New York.
His 4-year-old daughter seems to think he's still at the airport, where she remembers dropping him off the day he left for Iraq.
"She keeps telling her mom to go out to the airport and pick me up," Mueller said.
His 8-year-old son understands all too well where he is and worries when he hears about the violence in Iraq, Mueller said.
"My wife tries to keep him away from the news" about the war, he said.
Mueller's Marines are busy enough, and tired enough, that they don't follow all the news, either.
Back home, the cable TV series Over There, which premiered this week and dramatizes the war in the Iraq, has stirred controversy.
But Mueller didn't know about it, and when he asked a group of Marines standing nearby, they also drew a blank.
"None of us have heard of it," Mueller said.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orl-lo...-news-headlines
Sgt. A.J. Mueller (MARINE CPL. CODY J. YARD)
Jul 31, 2005
If they ever have a popularity contest at Al Taqaddum Air Base in Iraq, Marine Staff Sgt. A.J. Mueller of Orlando would be a good bet to finish near the top: Mueller fixes the air conditioning on the base and installs the armor on the vehicles.
Both skills are in big demand in Iraq these days, as temperatures soar into the 120s and roadside bombs continue to take a heavy toll on U.S. troops.
Welding and bolting the steel armor onto trucks and Humvees is hot, heavy work. And insurgents frequently target the base with mortars and rockets. But Mueller, a Windermere police officer and Marine reservist who volunteered for a year in Iraq, said Wednesday that he's glad he's there.
"We feel like we're pretty important to the mission," said Mueller, 29, in a phone interview from the air base about 45 miles west of Baghdad.
Mueller has met some of the Marines who were saved by armor he installed on their vehicles when they were hit by roadside bombs the troops call "improvised explosive devices," or IEDs.
"It makes you feel really good when you meet these Marines who drove into an IED and walked away from it," Mueller said.
Mueller, who grew up in Orlando, ended up in Iraq after a chance meeting last year.
He joined the Marines in 1994 after graduating from Cypress Creek High School. During four years on active duty, he was deployed to Bosnia and Liberia, and he joined the reserves when he left active duty.
Mueller opened an auto-repair shop in Orlando, learned air-conditioning repair and became a police officer.
In November, he was at a military technology conference in Orlando when he ran into a Marine colonel who told him the service was looking for air-conditioning technicians willing to volunteer to serve in Iraq.
By February, Mueller was in Iraq. The work has been nonstop since.
"When I first got on deck here, I was the only Marine who had air-conditioning experience," Mueller said.
When not fixing air conditioners, he oversees Marines installing armor on vehicles, wrestling steel plates into place.
On a typical day, he wakes at 5 a.m., exercises, eats breakfast about 6 a.m., is at work by 7 a.m. and quits about 6 p.m. They work seven days a week, Mueller said. "But we try to take a half-day off on Sundays."
The summer heat is almost too miserable to describe.
"We saw on the news that back home the Midwest was suffering with a heat wave, but we were saying, don't tell us about the heat," Mueller said. "We're out here working in full-body armor."
The rocket and mortar attacks come and go.
"It's sporadic," Mueller said. "Sometimes we'll go a week with no attacks on the base. Sometimes they'll come day and night. You never know."
Mueller said he misses his family but skipped a chance for a two-week leave to visit home so he can finish his tour sooner and come home for good.
His mother, two brothers and sister still live in Orlando. His wife and their two children are staying with her parents in New York.
His 4-year-old daughter seems to think he's still at the airport, where she remembers dropping him off the day he left for Iraq.
"She keeps telling her mom to go out to the airport and pick me up," Mueller said.
His 8-year-old son understands all too well where he is and worries when he hears about the violence in Iraq, Mueller said.
"My wife tries to keep him away from the news" about the war, he said.
Mueller's Marines are busy enough, and tired enough, that they don't follow all the news, either.
Back home, the cable TV series Over There, which premiered this week and dramatizes the war in the Iraq, has stirred controversy.
But Mueller didn't know about it, and when he asked a group of Marines standing nearby, they also drew a blank.
"None of us have heard of it," Mueller said.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orl-lo...-news-headlines
Corporals’ Course instills leadership qualities in NCOs
Submitted by: 2nd Force Service Support Group
Story by: Computed Name: Cpl. C. J. Yard
Story Identification #: 200582105259
AL ASAD, Iraq(Aug. 2, 2005) -- The culmination of two weeks chocked full of uniform inspections, two Physical Fitness Tests, close order drill, sword manual and Techniques of Military Instruction was a graduation ceremony held for 26 Marines of Combat Logistics Battalion 2, 2nd Force Service Support Group (Forward).
The Marines’ sections allowed them to report to Corporals’ Course and concentrate solely on bettering themselves as future leaders of the Marine Corps, said Staff Sgt. S. E. Scoopmire.
“I thank the sections for allowing them to do this,” said Scoopmire, CLB-2 force protection chief and Honolulu native. “Not only are you getting your Marines back, but you are getting back the sergeants and corporals of the future.”
The Marines had one planned uniform inspection and four surprise inspections requiring them to ensure their uniforms are in top condition at all times, which could be very difficult to do in an austere environment such as the hot, dusty climate of Iraq.
The heat was bothersome, but the Marines drew support from each other when times were hard.
“[The heat] was frustrating,” said Cpl. John R. Pain, class distinguished honor graduate. “We could just look to our left and right and know the Marines standing there were going through the same thing. It gave me the motivation to continue and strive to do my best.”
Pain, an air delivery specialist with Transportation Support Company, rose above the rest of his peers in the class. However, Pain gives the credit of his accomplishments to the Marines who helped him get there.
“It wasn’t me,” said the Pacifica, Calif., native. “I had a lot of help from my platoon. They let me drill them around and my squad leader helped me quite a bit. It didn’t all fall on my shoulders. I give a lot of credit to my platoon.”
Pain said he enjoyed the course because it enabled him to learn different styles of leadership from his peers.
“In a class like this, it is easy to learn how others lead, as well as learn from the instructors,” said Pain. “We came together very well as a unit within the two weeks. We formed new friendships and learned a lot of stuff from each other.”
Lance Cpl. Cade E. Carlton, a Tucker, Ga., native with Mortuary Affairs, was voted the most motivated in the class and received the Gung Ho Award.
“It’s an honor,” said Carlton. “The Marines around me motivated me to be there and strive to be a better Marine. Just being a Marine, we all have that potential.”
Carlton said the best thing he learned in the course was leadership skills and how to not only be a better Marine, but a better person in general.
For Sgt. Brian K. Long, chief instructor of the class, the changes in the Marines were very exceptional and he was happy to see those changes.
“I like to see Marines excel,” said Long, wire chief for CLB-2 and native of Winston-Salem, N.C. “Now these Marines have a better understanding of why some sergeants and corporals act the way they do. They can see how things fall in place administratively as well.”
Scoopmire was an instructor for the Corporals’ Course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and is also a former drill instructor. When the word was passed asking for a volunteer to teach the second course he volunteered.
“I enjoy teaching the Marines,” said Scoopmire. “It’s great to see that these Marines want to go back to their units and take charge. Some of them want to take over [physical training] for their unit. After this class they have a better understanding of what a [Noncommissioned Officer] does.”
Colonel William S. Aitken, battalion commander and guest speaker at the graduation ceremony, gave his full support of the course.
“We want our young Marines to learn about leadership,” said Aitken, a Salem, Ore., native. “We are United States Marines and that’s what we do; we lead.”
For more information about the Marines or news reported in this story, contact by e-mail cssemnfpao@cssemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....83?OpenDocument
Submitted by: 2nd Force Service Support Group
Story by: Computed Name: Cpl. C. J. Yard
Story Identification #: 200582105259
AL ASAD, Iraq(Aug. 2, 2005) -- The culmination of two weeks chocked full of uniform inspections, two Physical Fitness Tests, close order drill, sword manual and Techniques of Military Instruction was a graduation ceremony held for 26 Marines of Combat Logistics Battalion 2, 2nd Force Service Support Group (Forward).
The Marines’ sections allowed them to report to Corporals’ Course and concentrate solely on bettering themselves as future leaders of the Marine Corps, said Staff Sgt. S. E. Scoopmire.
“I thank the sections for allowing them to do this,” said Scoopmire, CLB-2 force protection chief and Honolulu native. “Not only are you getting your Marines back, but you are getting back the sergeants and corporals of the future.”
The Marines had one planned uniform inspection and four surprise inspections requiring them to ensure their uniforms are in top condition at all times, which could be very difficult to do in an austere environment such as the hot, dusty climate of Iraq.
The heat was bothersome, but the Marines drew support from each other when times were hard.
“[The heat] was frustrating,” said Cpl. John R. Pain, class distinguished honor graduate. “We could just look to our left and right and know the Marines standing there were going through the same thing. It gave me the motivation to continue and strive to do my best.”
Pain, an air delivery specialist with Transportation Support Company, rose above the rest of his peers in the class. However, Pain gives the credit of his accomplishments to the Marines who helped him get there.
“It wasn’t me,” said the Pacifica, Calif., native. “I had a lot of help from my platoon. They let me drill them around and my squad leader helped me quite a bit. It didn’t all fall on my shoulders. I give a lot of credit to my platoon.”
Pain said he enjoyed the course because it enabled him to learn different styles of leadership from his peers.
“In a class like this, it is easy to learn how others lead, as well as learn from the instructors,” said Pain. “We came together very well as a unit within the two weeks. We formed new friendships and learned a lot of stuff from each other.”
Lance Cpl. Cade E. Carlton, a Tucker, Ga., native with Mortuary Affairs, was voted the most motivated in the class and received the Gung Ho Award.
“It’s an honor,” said Carlton. “The Marines around me motivated me to be there and strive to be a better Marine. Just being a Marine, we all have that potential.”
Carlton said the best thing he learned in the course was leadership skills and how to not only be a better Marine, but a better person in general.
For Sgt. Brian K. Long, chief instructor of the class, the changes in the Marines were very exceptional and he was happy to see those changes.
“I like to see Marines excel,” said Long, wire chief for CLB-2 and native of Winston-Salem, N.C. “Now these Marines have a better understanding of why some sergeants and corporals act the way they do. They can see how things fall in place administratively as well.”
Scoopmire was an instructor for the Corporals’ Course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and is also a former drill instructor. When the word was passed asking for a volunteer to teach the second course he volunteered.
“I enjoy teaching the Marines,” said Scoopmire. “It’s great to see that these Marines want to go back to their units and take charge. Some of them want to take over [physical training] for their unit. After this class they have a better understanding of what a [Noncommissioned Officer] does.”
Colonel William S. Aitken, battalion commander and guest speaker at the graduation ceremony, gave his full support of the course.
“We want our young Marines to learn about leadership,” said Aitken, a Salem, Ore., native. “We are United States Marines and that’s what we do; we lead.”
For more information about the Marines or news reported in this story, contact by e-mail cssemnfpao@cssemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....83?OpenDocument
Hi Marine -
I just saw your postings and wondered if you could help me out. My husband's former marine reserve unit was the Third Battalion, 25th Marines based in Cleveland. He was trying to find out where he can get more information on the men that were lost today. Would you happen to know a website or anything we can look at to get some more info? We found a few things this evening, however we were only able to verify that it was his former unit that suffered the loses. He would still be in the reserves but he was medically discharged.
We would appreciate any direction you can give us at all.
Thanks
I just saw your postings and wondered if you could help me out. My husband's former marine reserve unit was the Third Battalion, 25th Marines based in Cleveland. He was trying to find out where he can get more information on the men that were lost today. Would you happen to know a website or anything we can look at to get some more info? We found a few things this evening, however we were only able to verify that it was his former unit that suffered the loses. He would still be in the reserves but he was medically discharged.
We would appreciate any direction you can give us at all.
Thanks
QUOTE(Pkemp22402 @ Aug 3 2005, 11:31 PM)
Hi Marine -
I just saw your postings and wondered if you could help me out. My husband's former marine reserve unit was the Third Battalion, 25th Marines based in Cleveland. He was trying to find out where he can get more information on the men that were lost today. Would you happen to know a website or anything we can look at to get some more info? We found a few things this evening, however we were only able to verify that it was his former unit that suffered the loses. He would still be in the reserves but he was medically discharged.
We would appreciate any direction you can give us at all.
Thanks
I just saw your postings and wondered if you could help me out. My husband's former marine reserve unit was the Third Battalion, 25th Marines based in Cleveland. He was trying to find out where he can get more information on the men that were lost today. Would you happen to know a website or anything we can look at to get some more info? We found a few things this evening, however we were only able to verify that it was his former unit that suffered the loses. He would still be in the reserves but he was medically discharged.
We would appreciate any direction you can give us at all.
Thanks
The first place names and hometown will show up will be here. They will not post anyone's name or home town from a multiple casualty incident until all families have been notified, I hope you understand why.
QUOTE(Marine @ Aug 4 2005, 08:19 AM)
The first place names and hometown will show up will be here. They will not post anyone's name or home town from a multiple casualty incident until all families have been notified, I hope you understand why.
Of course the families have to be notified first. Thanks alot for the link we appreciate it very much.
Marine,
I am glad to see that you got a forum to post on. Being from a Marine family, I am also proud of their achievements. I am also aware of their limitations and the swirl of controversy over the use of force to create change. I encourage you to also allow room for dissent without becoming engaged in personal attacks. Good luck to you on your efforts to refocus on the positive aspects! Don't give up. The good news must be reported with the bad or hope dies.
I am glad to see that you got a forum to post on. Being from a Marine family, I am also proud of their achievements. I am also aware of their limitations and the swirl of controversy over the use of force to create change. I encourage you to also allow room for dissent without becoming engaged in personal attacks. Good luck to you on your efforts to refocus on the positive aspects! Don't give up. The good news must be reported with the bad or hope dies.
Marines Find Car Bomb Factory in Iraq
Source: Associated Press/AP Online
Publication date: 2005-08-08
BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. Marines discovered a car bomb factory Monday in a western Iraqi town near where 20 members of the American unit were killed last week, the U.S. military said.
Six vehicles rigged with explosives were found in the hideout in the northern part of Haqlaniyah, one of a cluster of towns in western Anbar province long believed to be a stronghold of Iraqi insurgents and foreign fighters.
"All of the rigged vehicles were destroyed and secondary explosions were observed by the Marines," a Marine statement said.
U.S. and Iraqi forces also found five roadside bombs Monday on a road in Haqlaniyah, the statement said. All were detonated in place, it said.
Marines have been pressing a sweep of Haqlaniyah and other communities in the area despite the deaths of 20 of their comrades last week. Six members of a Marine sniper team died in a firefight Aug. 1, and 14 Marines and a civilian translator were killed by a huge bomb two days later.
There have been no small-arms attacks on Iraqi soldiers or Marines in the area in the last two days, the U.S. statement said.
On Sunday, U.S. Marines and Iraqi soldiers discovered a bomb in a building in Haqlaniyah. Three 155 mm artillery rounds, weighing more than 100 pounds apiece, were wired to a desk inside the building, the U.S. statement said.
Marines destroyed the bomb where it was found after determining it was too dangerous to remove it.
Publication date: 2005-08-08
Source: Associated Press/AP Online
Publication date: 2005-08-08
BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. Marines discovered a car bomb factory Monday in a western Iraqi town near where 20 members of the American unit were killed last week, the U.S. military said.
Six vehicles rigged with explosives were found in the hideout in the northern part of Haqlaniyah, one of a cluster of towns in western Anbar province long believed to be a stronghold of Iraqi insurgents and foreign fighters.
"All of the rigged vehicles were destroyed and secondary explosions were observed by the Marines," a Marine statement said.
U.S. and Iraqi forces also found five roadside bombs Monday on a road in Haqlaniyah, the statement said. All were detonated in place, it said.
Marines have been pressing a sweep of Haqlaniyah and other communities in the area despite the deaths of 20 of their comrades last week. Six members of a Marine sniper team died in a firefight Aug. 1, and 14 Marines and a civilian translator were killed by a huge bomb two days later.
There have been no small-arms attacks on Iraqi soldiers or Marines in the area in the last two days, the U.S. statement said.
On Sunday, U.S. Marines and Iraqi soldiers discovered a bomb in a building in Haqlaniyah. Three 155 mm artillery rounds, weighing more than 100 pounds apiece, were wired to a desk inside the building, the U.S. statement said.
Marines destroyed the bomb where it was found after determining it was too dangerous to remove it.
Publication date: 2005-08-08
3/4 commanding officer led troops to success in Fallujah
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 20058622551
Story by Lance Cpl. Paul Robbins Jr.
CAMP MERCURY, Iraq (Aug. 7, 2005) -- It is the dream of infantry commanders to lead their troops in a combat zone, eliminate the enemy threat and bring their Marines safely home.
For Lt. Col. Andrew R. Kennedy, the 40-year-old commanding officer of 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, Regimental Combat Team-8, that dream is a reality. He credits the Marines and their superb training for this accomplishment.
“Looking at everything we’ve been asked to do, the Marines have done a magnificent job,” said Kennedy, a native of Mt. Vision, N.Y.
Upon their arrival here in January, the Marines of the battalion took over daily stability and security operations within the southern half of Fallujah and the outlying peninsula. To provide security for such a large and populated area, the Marines were called upon to complete a number of daily missions and tasks to keep the citizens and each other safe.
“They did it all, from working with the people, to manning entry control points, to daily patrols and collecting information," Kennedy said. "They’re the guys who got it done."
In addition to the daily operations inside Fallujah, the battalion conducted seven offensive operations to disrupt terrorist cells in the area. As a result of these operations and the daily activities in the city, the battalion detained more than 400 suspected insurgents in and around Fallujah.
“We’ve taken a lot of bad guys off the street since we got here,” Kennedy said.
Another measurable achievement of the deployment was the amount of weapons and explosives found by the battalion. In April, Marines of the battalion uncovered the largest cache of weapons and explosives found by the 2nd Marine Division in Iraq.
As an added highlight to the battalion’s efforts fighting insurgency in Fallujah, only one Marine was seriously injured and no Marines were killed in combat.
“Every commander wants to bring all of his boys home,” Kennedy said. “It’s not always something you can do.”
Despite the battalion’s commendable efforts during the deployment, one Marine was lost to a tragic accident in the city. Lance Cpl. Juan C. Venegas, a scout sniper for the battalion, died in a vehicle accident almost halfway through the deployment.
“It was a terrible thing what happened to Venegas,” Kennedy said.
Despite the loss, the Marines of the battalion can look back on the deployment positively, with the city itself standing as a monument to the efforts of the battalion, according to Kennedy.
“All you have to do is take a look at the city,” Kennedy said. “The competence of the Iraqi forces, the population, the improved standards of living; all of it reflects what we’ve done here.”
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...02?opendocument
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 20058622551
Story by Lance Cpl. Paul Robbins Jr.
CAMP MERCURY, Iraq (Aug. 7, 2005) -- It is the dream of infantry commanders to lead their troops in a combat zone, eliminate the enemy threat and bring their Marines safely home.
For Lt. Col. Andrew R. Kennedy, the 40-year-old commanding officer of 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, Regimental Combat Team-8, that dream is a reality. He credits the Marines and their superb training for this accomplishment.
“Looking at everything we’ve been asked to do, the Marines have done a magnificent job,” said Kennedy, a native of Mt. Vision, N.Y.
Upon their arrival here in January, the Marines of the battalion took over daily stability and security operations within the southern half of Fallujah and the outlying peninsula. To provide security for such a large and populated area, the Marines were called upon to complete a number of daily missions and tasks to keep the citizens and each other safe.
“They did it all, from working with the people, to manning entry control points, to daily patrols and collecting information," Kennedy said. "They’re the guys who got it done."
In addition to the daily operations inside Fallujah, the battalion conducted seven offensive operations to disrupt terrorist cells in the area. As a result of these operations and the daily activities in the city, the battalion detained more than 400 suspected insurgents in and around Fallujah.
“We’ve taken a lot of bad guys off the street since we got here,” Kennedy said.
Another measurable achievement of the deployment was the amount of weapons and explosives found by the battalion. In April, Marines of the battalion uncovered the largest cache of weapons and explosives found by the 2nd Marine Division in Iraq.
As an added highlight to the battalion’s efforts fighting insurgency in Fallujah, only one Marine was seriously injured and no Marines were killed in combat.
“Every commander wants to bring all of his boys home,” Kennedy said. “It’s not always something you can do.”
Despite the battalion’s commendable efforts during the deployment, one Marine was lost to a tragic accident in the city. Lance Cpl. Juan C. Venegas, a scout sniper for the battalion, died in a vehicle accident almost halfway through the deployment.
“It was a terrible thing what happened to Venegas,” Kennedy said.
Despite the loss, the Marines of the battalion can look back on the deployment positively, with the city itself standing as a monument to the efforts of the battalion, according to Kennedy.
“All you have to do is take a look at the city,” Kennedy said. “The competence of the Iraqi forces, the population, the improved standards of living; all of it reflects what we’ve done here.”
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...02?opendocument
Gosh, if you believed all what the Vietnam Vets on this forum say about Vietnam Vets you'd think they are all screwed up. Hey guys, how come this one seems, you know, kind of normal?
Vietnam vet shows recruits value of honor, teamwork
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification #: 200584183130
Story by Pfc. Kaitlyn M. Scarboro
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (August 5, 2005) -- A retired Vietnam veteran, who served as the team leader for a Medal of Honor recipient, addressed the recruits of Company I at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Monday.
Retired Maj. Steven M. Lowery narrated the heroic actions of a 12-man reconnaissance team fighting against a North Vietnamese Army platoon. Recruits reenacted the firefight around Lowery's podium.
Lowery told his account of the firefight and incorporated tactical techniques, leadership and teamwork skills the recruits would need to make it through the Crucible.
"It's easier for the platoon to work together. It touched everyone and made everyone want to work together," said Recruit Joshua B. Barber, Platoon 3098. "At this point in training, it's getting hard. We've been here two months, and now we are finally on the downhill. It was nice to finally get a motivational speech. It made me feel like I could accomplish something."
Lowery told tales of heroism and of many men who received the highest honors of military service including Bronze Stars, Silver Stars, Navy Crosses, and a Navy Commendation Medal.
"It was an honor and a privilege to know that a retired major would take time out of his day to talk to recruits," said Recruit Andrew J. Comtis, Platoon 3102 guide.
Lowery told the recruits stories of injured Marines who fought until they could fight no more, corpsman who repeatedly revived fallen Marines and a story of one Marine who's selfless actions almost went unnoticed.
Pfc. Robert H. Jenkins Jr., a machine gunner with Company C, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, Third Marine Division, received the Medal of Honor after sacrificing his life for a fellow Marine when a North Vietnamese soldier threw a hand grenade at them. Jenkins used his body to shield the other Marine and absorbed the full impact of the grenade, according to Lowery. This action allowed the machine gun to fight off the enemy and kept other Marines from being injured or killed.
Lowery and the survivors of the firefight went to great lengths to ensure Jenkins received the accolades he deserved for his actions.
Lowery said the story of Jenkins is appropriate for the recruits because of an obstacle they would have to overcome during the Crucible. Jenkins Pinnacle, like many of the Crucible obstacles, was designed to instill teamwork into the recruits.
"When they go through the Crucible, they go through in small teams. The whole effort is to build teamwork," said Lowery.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...09?opendocument
Vietnam vet shows recruits value of honor, teamwork
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification #: 200584183130
Story by Pfc. Kaitlyn M. Scarboro
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. (August 5, 2005) -- A retired Vietnam veteran, who served as the team leader for a Medal of Honor recipient, addressed the recruits of Company I at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Monday.
Retired Maj. Steven M. Lowery narrated the heroic actions of a 12-man reconnaissance team fighting against a North Vietnamese Army platoon. Recruits reenacted the firefight around Lowery's podium.
Lowery told his account of the firefight and incorporated tactical techniques, leadership and teamwork skills the recruits would need to make it through the Crucible.
"It's easier for the platoon to work together. It touched everyone and made everyone want to work together," said Recruit Joshua B. Barber, Platoon 3098. "At this point in training, it's getting hard. We've been here two months, and now we are finally on the downhill. It was nice to finally get a motivational speech. It made me feel like I could accomplish something."
Lowery told tales of heroism and of many men who received the highest honors of military service including Bronze Stars, Silver Stars, Navy Crosses, and a Navy Commendation Medal.
"It was an honor and a privilege to know that a retired major would take time out of his day to talk to recruits," said Recruit Andrew J. Comtis, Platoon 3102 guide.
Lowery told the recruits stories of injured Marines who fought until they could fight no more, corpsman who repeatedly revived fallen Marines and a story of one Marine who's selfless actions almost went unnoticed.
Pfc. Robert H. Jenkins Jr., a machine gunner with Company C, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, Third Marine Division, received the Medal of Honor after sacrificing his life for a fellow Marine when a North Vietnamese soldier threw a hand grenade at them. Jenkins used his body to shield the other Marine and absorbed the full impact of the grenade, according to Lowery. This action allowed the machine gun to fight off the enemy and kept other Marines from being injured or killed.
Lowery and the survivors of the firefight went to great lengths to ensure Jenkins received the accolades he deserved for his actions.
Lowery said the story of Jenkins is appropriate for the recruits because of an obstacle they would have to overcome during the Crucible. Jenkins Pinnacle, like many of the Crucible obstacles, was designed to instill teamwork into the recruits.
"When they go through the Crucible, they go through in small teams. The whole effort is to build teamwork," said Lowery.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...09?opendocument
Lt. Gen. Sattler assumes MARCENT command
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story by: Computed Name: Sgt. Luis R. Agostini
Story Identification #: 2005810184857
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(Aug. 10, 2005) -- Lt. Gen. John F. Sattler, commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force, assumed duties as commander of the Tampa, Fla.-based Marine Corps Forces Central Command Aug. 3.
Sattler, who led more than 25,000 I MEF Marines and sailors in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom last year, now leads the component command responsible for the planning, deployment, employment and redeployment of Marine forces, according to Col. Michael N. Daily, a MARCENT spokesman.
The decision, made by commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Michael W. Hagee, in March 2004, was based on the reasoning that the MARCENT command should be run as the same commander as the MEF.
"MARCENT's main role is to set the conditions for success for the warfighter. This includes advising Gen. Abizaid and other CENTCOM commanders on the proper employment of Marine forces in the CENTCOM area of responsibility. Once Marine forces are employed in the CENTCOM AOR, MARCENT is responsible for sustaining them," Daily said.
The mission of the Camp Pendleton-based expeditionary force remains unaffected by the transition of command.
"I MEF remains the warfighter, and its staff focused on warfighting tasks. The I MEF staff will not assume any MARCENT duties in this transition," Daily said.
When the commandant made the decision to transfer command of MARCENT to the CG I MEF, he also made the decision to create a stand-alone MARCENT staff in Tampa.
This resulted in the MARCENT Tampa staff tripling in size to 106 active duty Marines and sailors. "Prior to this increase, the MARCENT staff had to reach back and rely on selected staff members at MARFORPAC, who were "dual-hatted" as MARCENT staff, to include the deputy commander of MARFORPAC, who divided his duties between MARFORPAC and MARCENT.
"This creation of a stand-alone staff that does not have to reach back to a staff in Camp Smith (Hawaii) or a staff in Camp Pendleton, and a full-time deputy commander located at Tampa has streamlined efficiency and enhanced unity of effort," Daily said. "Transferring command to the CG I MEF also enhances efficiency because it moves the commander three time zones closer to his staff and the commander of USCENTCOM."As of now, the decision to assign the MARCENT leadership duties to the I MEF CG is permanent.
"The commandant can always revisit (the decision) if we find "dual hatting" the MEF commander is not the most effective," Daily said.
The previous commander of MARFORPAC and MARCENT was Lt. Gen. Wallace C. Gregson, who is retiring.
He will be replaced by Maj. Gen. John F. Goodman, the deputy commanding general of MARFORPAC, who is nominated for a third star along with assignment to the new post.
The central region is an area larger than the Continental U.S., stretching more than 3,100 miles east to west, and 3,400 miles north to south.
The region contains the major maritime trade routes linking the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the Western Hemisphere.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....ea?OpenDocument
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story by: Computed Name: Sgt. Luis R. Agostini
Story Identification #: 2005810184857
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(Aug. 10, 2005) -- Lt. Gen. John F. Sattler, commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force, assumed duties as commander of the Tampa, Fla.-based Marine Corps Forces Central Command Aug. 3.
Sattler, who led more than 25,000 I MEF Marines and sailors in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom last year, now leads the component command responsible for the planning, deployment, employment and redeployment of Marine forces, according to Col. Michael N. Daily, a MARCENT spokesman.
The decision, made by commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Michael W. Hagee, in March 2004, was based on the reasoning that the MARCENT command should be run as the same commander as the MEF.
"MARCENT's main role is to set the conditions for success for the warfighter. This includes advising Gen. Abizaid and other CENTCOM commanders on the proper employment of Marine forces in the CENTCOM area of responsibility. Once Marine forces are employed in the CENTCOM AOR, MARCENT is responsible for sustaining them," Daily said.
The mission of the Camp Pendleton-based expeditionary force remains unaffected by the transition of command.
"I MEF remains the warfighter, and its staff focused on warfighting tasks. The I MEF staff will not assume any MARCENT duties in this transition," Daily said.
When the commandant made the decision to transfer command of MARCENT to the CG I MEF, he also made the decision to create a stand-alone MARCENT staff in Tampa.
This resulted in the MARCENT Tampa staff tripling in size to 106 active duty Marines and sailors. "Prior to this increase, the MARCENT staff had to reach back and rely on selected staff members at MARFORPAC, who were "dual-hatted" as MARCENT staff, to include the deputy commander of MARFORPAC, who divided his duties between MARFORPAC and MARCENT.
"This creation of a stand-alone staff that does not have to reach back to a staff in Camp Smith (Hawaii) or a staff in Camp Pendleton, and a full-time deputy commander located at Tampa has streamlined efficiency and enhanced unity of effort," Daily said. "Transferring command to the CG I MEF also enhances efficiency because it moves the commander three time zones closer to his staff and the commander of USCENTCOM."As of now, the decision to assign the MARCENT leadership duties to the I MEF CG is permanent.
"The commandant can always revisit (the decision) if we find "dual hatting" the MEF commander is not the most effective," Daily said.
The previous commander of MARFORPAC and MARCENT was Lt. Gen. Wallace C. Gregson, who is retiring.
He will be replaced by Maj. Gen. John F. Goodman, the deputy commanding general of MARFORPAC, who is nominated for a third star along with assignment to the new post.
The central region is an area larger than the Continental U.S., stretching more than 3,100 miles east to west, and 3,400 miles north to south.
The region contains the major maritime trade routes linking the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the Western Hemisphere.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....ea?OpenDocument
Maj. Gen. Kramlich weighs in on future of logistics
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story by: Computed Name: Sgt. Luis R. Agostini
Story Identification #: 2005810184340
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(Aug. 10, 2005) -- Fresh out of The Basic School, Richard S. Kramlich handled supply accounts for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing 31 years ago as a young second lieutenant.
Maj. Gen. Kramlich will now decide how the Marine Corps will logistically support current and future conflicts and operations throughout the world.
Kramlich relinquished command of the 1st Force Service Support Group to Brig. Gen. David G. Reist Friday. During his time as commanding general of the 8,900 Marines and sailors of the 1st FSSG, Kramlich led the logistical effort for I Marine Expeditionary Force units throughout Iraq's Al Anbar province during an 11-month tour last year.
He's recently been selected not only for a third star by the U.S. Senate, but for deputy commandant of Installation and Logistics at Headquarters Marine Corps, where he will act on behalf of the commandant of the Marine Corps in designated matters of logistics policy and management, and coordinate logistics actions with other agencies.
From the beginning of his career as an officer in charge of air wing supply accounts in the mid-1970s, through leading a major subordinate command in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004, Kramlich credits his many and varying experiences on different levels - both planning and operational - to his success throughout his 32-year career.
"I think the Marine Corps is good in preparing you for challenges you might face as you're promoted through the ranks. The schools I went to were very rigorous and set up in a way that I got to learn how the MAGTF operates," said Kramlich, a Whitehall, Penn., native. "During my time at Headquarters Marine Corps, I helped develop supply and maintenance policies, got to know program managers at (installation and logistics), got to see (maritime prepositioning force) aspects and maintenance capabilities," a background that helped him to understand how those elements in the Marine Corps exist to bring combat power onto the battlefield, and make the (Marine Air-Ground Task Force) what it is.
He now hopes that his time as a combat and operational leader as commander of the 1st FSSG will enable him to better fulfill logistical requirements throughout the Marine Corps in future missions and challenges at the headquarters level.
"Having that experience, I hope I have a better understanding and perspective of what that MAGTF needs from that element of HQMC (I&L), and how we can continue to support what the Marine on the ground needs."
Drawing from his combat experience during Operation Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom, Kramlich realized it's the Marines and sailors on the ground who win wars.
"When you're in that type of environment and everything is at stake, you find yourself very dependent on the abilities of your young leaders," said Kramlich.
"You will never be surprised at what a Marine on the battlefield is capable of. No matter how tough the task is, or brutal the conditions are, they will find a way."
Despite the unprecedented push from Kuwait to Baghdad in March 2003, when the I MEF pushed inland nearly 600 miles to defeat Saddam Hussein's forces, Kramlich says that the MAGTF won't rest on its laurels, and will continue to look for new ways to improve warfighting capabilities.
"I think we want to continue to hone our ability by looking at other ways we can introduce combat power into a theater of war. That includes enhancing MPF capability, the way we use the Osprey, current technology and the way we control visibility of assets so we can lighten our footprints. We just have to find ways to do it better," he said.
As the I Marine Expeditionary Force looks at a third tour in Iraq next year, it will face two challenges - providing stability and support, as well as making the Iraqi security forces self-sufficient - something that combat service support training and education will greatly enhance.
"We're going to find as we go back, the focus is going to be on bolstering, training and turning (the mission) over to the Iraqi security forces. I think we will view that with our MAGTF glasses on," said Kramlich.
The FSSG will also place an added emphasis on the of importance of logistics, and teach them distribution, accountability and mobile maintenance, he added.
Kramlich doesn't believe that the Iraqis will develop an expeditionary MAGTF equal to that of the Corps, but still believes there are rudimentary, basic combat service support functions important for the Iraqis to develop.
"One advantage we have with logistics is that even if you're doing training, you're still providing real-world support," Kramlich said. "They (Iraqi security forces) will have maintenance requirements, so we can turn those mobile maintenance teams and perform maintenance alongside Iraqis. We'll show them techniques and the command and control required to complete those combat service support missions."
Back on the homefront, Kramlich says that now is the time for small-unit leaders to prepare for a return to Iraq, and take advantage of the opportunities available to enhance their leadership.
"These NCOs need to be ready to accept responsibility as soon as they get there, and need to prepare before they get there," he said. "This is a small-unit leader's war."
Although the operational tempo of the Global War on Terrorism has allowed for waiver extensions from professional military education resident and nonresident courses, Kramlich urges noncommissioned and staff noncommissioned officers to pursue military school seats.
"I think we are at a point now where (professional military education) courses have never been more important," he said. "Some of us feel that as we prepare for combat, we don't have time. This is when you need to make time. We can't afford not to do those things."
Kramlich led the logistical support for both Fallujah assaults in April and November, respectively, and said the lessons learned from the first attempt led to greater success in the fall of 2004.
"We had a noose around the town, but the attack was halted. But from a logistics point of view we were going to be able to sustain such an attack," he said.
Following the withdrawal from Fallujah in the spring of 2004, enemy forces bolstered their defenses in the city and continued their havoc on the locals and coalition forces, which led the I MEF to meticulously plan a return into the restive city - this time, supplied through readily available supplies -- dubbed an iron mountain.
"We built stockpiles of key supplies and for units of the 1st Marine Division. There wasn't much the enemy could do to impede our combat power," he said.
When Kramlich returned from Iraq in February, he brought home wisdom, experience and memories he will never forget.
"I don't think I'll ever forget being promoted by Lt. Gen. Sattler in front of FSSG Marines, or my relationship with Sgt. Maj. Cole, who was out there the whole time with me. He's a great leader and I learned a lot from him."
The homecomings have also reserved a special place in his heart.
"It recharges your batteries when you see how well your Marines and sailors are received when they come back, not just here but in the local community," he said.
Now it's time for Kramlich to recharge his own batteries.
As Kramlich returns to the East Coast, where he played four years of high school football for the Whitehall Zephyrs, he looks forward to a fall season full of pigskin - from the Philadelphia Eagles to his alumni high school team.
"There's something about fall weather in Pennsylvania that makes you crave football," said the 1969 Whitehall High School graduate.
Returning to the east will also allow him to once again attend family gatherings, picnics and holiday dinners with friends and family.
Believe it or not, generals do have parents - parents just as proud of him as when he first pinned on his golden bars more than 30 years ago.
"I am still their son, and they are proud of what I do," he said.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....30?OpenDocument
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story by: Computed Name: Sgt. Luis R. Agostini
Story Identification #: 2005810184340
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(Aug. 10, 2005) -- Fresh out of The Basic School, Richard S. Kramlich handled supply accounts for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing 31 years ago as a young second lieutenant.
Maj. Gen. Kramlich will now decide how the Marine Corps will logistically support current and future conflicts and operations throughout the world.
Kramlich relinquished command of the 1st Force Service Support Group to Brig. Gen. David G. Reist Friday. During his time as commanding general of the 8,900 Marines and sailors of the 1st FSSG, Kramlich led the logistical effort for I Marine Expeditionary Force units throughout Iraq's Al Anbar province during an 11-month tour last year.
He's recently been selected not only for a third star by the U.S. Senate, but for deputy commandant of Installation and Logistics at Headquarters Marine Corps, where he will act on behalf of the commandant of the Marine Corps in designated matters of logistics policy and management, and coordinate logistics actions with other agencies.
From the beginning of his career as an officer in charge of air wing supply accounts in the mid-1970s, through leading a major subordinate command in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004, Kramlich credits his many and varying experiences on different levels - both planning and operational - to his success throughout his 32-year career.
"I think the Marine Corps is good in preparing you for challenges you might face as you're promoted through the ranks. The schools I went to were very rigorous and set up in a way that I got to learn how the MAGTF operates," said Kramlich, a Whitehall, Penn., native. "During my time at Headquarters Marine Corps, I helped develop supply and maintenance policies, got to know program managers at (installation and logistics), got to see (maritime prepositioning force) aspects and maintenance capabilities," a background that helped him to understand how those elements in the Marine Corps exist to bring combat power onto the battlefield, and make the (Marine Air-Ground Task Force) what it is.
He now hopes that his time as a combat and operational leader as commander of the 1st FSSG will enable him to better fulfill logistical requirements throughout the Marine Corps in future missions and challenges at the headquarters level.
"Having that experience, I hope I have a better understanding and perspective of what that MAGTF needs from that element of HQMC (I&L), and how we can continue to support what the Marine on the ground needs."
Drawing from his combat experience during Operation Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom, Kramlich realized it's the Marines and sailors on the ground who win wars.
"When you're in that type of environment and everything is at stake, you find yourself very dependent on the abilities of your young leaders," said Kramlich.
"You will never be surprised at what a Marine on the battlefield is capable of. No matter how tough the task is, or brutal the conditions are, they will find a way."
Despite the unprecedented push from Kuwait to Baghdad in March 2003, when the I MEF pushed inland nearly 600 miles to defeat Saddam Hussein's forces, Kramlich says that the MAGTF won't rest on its laurels, and will continue to look for new ways to improve warfighting capabilities.
"I think we want to continue to hone our ability by looking at other ways we can introduce combat power into a theater of war. That includes enhancing MPF capability, the way we use the Osprey, current technology and the way we control visibility of assets so we can lighten our footprints. We just have to find ways to do it better," he said.
As the I Marine Expeditionary Force looks at a third tour in Iraq next year, it will face two challenges - providing stability and support, as well as making the Iraqi security forces self-sufficient - something that combat service support training and education will greatly enhance.
"We're going to find as we go back, the focus is going to be on bolstering, training and turning (the mission) over to the Iraqi security forces. I think we will view that with our MAGTF glasses on," said Kramlich.
The FSSG will also place an added emphasis on the of importance of logistics, and teach them distribution, accountability and mobile maintenance, he added.
Kramlich doesn't believe that the Iraqis will develop an expeditionary MAGTF equal to that of the Corps, but still believes there are rudimentary, basic combat service support functions important for the Iraqis to develop.
"One advantage we have with logistics is that even if you're doing training, you're still providing real-world support," Kramlich said. "They (Iraqi security forces) will have maintenance requirements, so we can turn those mobile maintenance teams and perform maintenance alongside Iraqis. We'll show them techniques and the command and control required to complete those combat service support missions."
Back on the homefront, Kramlich says that now is the time for small-unit leaders to prepare for a return to Iraq, and take advantage of the opportunities available to enhance their leadership.
"These NCOs need to be ready to accept responsibility as soon as they get there, and need to prepare before they get there," he said. "This is a small-unit leader's war."
Although the operational tempo of the Global War on Terrorism has allowed for waiver extensions from professional military education resident and nonresident courses, Kramlich urges noncommissioned and staff noncommissioned officers to pursue military school seats.
"I think we are at a point now where (professional military education) courses have never been more important," he said. "Some of us feel that as we prepare for combat, we don't have time. This is when you need to make time. We can't afford not to do those things."
Kramlich led the logistical support for both Fallujah assaults in April and November, respectively, and said the lessons learned from the first attempt led to greater success in the fall of 2004.
"We had a noose around the town, but the attack was halted. But from a logistics point of view we were going to be able to sustain such an attack," he said.
Following the withdrawal from Fallujah in the spring of 2004, enemy forces bolstered their defenses in the city and continued their havoc on the locals and coalition forces, which led the I MEF to meticulously plan a return into the restive city - this time, supplied through readily available supplies -- dubbed an iron mountain.
"We built stockpiles of key supplies and for units of the 1st Marine Division. There wasn't much the enemy could do to impede our combat power," he said.
When Kramlich returned from Iraq in February, he brought home wisdom, experience and memories he will never forget.
"I don't think I'll ever forget being promoted by Lt. Gen. Sattler in front of FSSG Marines, or my relationship with Sgt. Maj. Cole, who was out there the whole time with me. He's a great leader and I learned a lot from him."
The homecomings have also reserved a special place in his heart.
"It recharges your batteries when you see how well your Marines and sailors are received when they come back, not just here but in the local community," he said.
Now it's time for Kramlich to recharge his own batteries.
As Kramlich returns to the East Coast, where he played four years of high school football for the Whitehall Zephyrs, he looks forward to a fall season full of pigskin - from the Philadelphia Eagles to his alumni high school team.
"There's something about fall weather in Pennsylvania that makes you crave football," said the 1969 Whitehall High School graduate.
Returning to the east will also allow him to once again attend family gatherings, picnics and holiday dinners with friends and family.
Believe it or not, generals do have parents - parents just as proud of him as when he first pinned on his golden bars more than 30 years ago.
"I am still their son, and they are proud of what I do," he said.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....30?OpenDocument
Marines and sailors endure heat wave in Afghanistan
Submitted by: Marine Corps Base Hawaii
Story Identification #: 200581155842
Story by Sgt. Robert M. Storm
JALALABAD, Afghanistan (July 27, 2005) -- Marines must adapt and overcome. For Marines and sailors from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, adapting to the weather in Afghanistan is no different.
“My girlfriend in Phoenix tried to write me and complain about the heat. I just laughed and told her not to even go there,” said Lance Cpl. Jeremy T. Hooee, infantryman with 2/3. “We have to drink a case of water every time we go out on patrol just to keep from passing out.
“Your head pounds, and your cammies are completely soaked like you took a shower in them,” said the Zuni, New Mexico native. “You just tough it out because that’s the job we do.”
Jalalabad is experiencing a heat wave in an area already notorious for its heat. With average temperatures during July exceeding 100 degrees, the Marines and sailors suffer through each day.
When the Marines and sailors go out on patrol, they must wear flak vest, Kevlar helmet, and ammo pouches along with other necessary gear like first aid kits. The resulting load is usually about 60 pounds and must be worn throughout the day and night while outside the forward operating base.
“When we go outside the wire and have to put on all our gear it’s like putting on a sweater in the middle of summer to go jogging,” said Lance Cpl. Garfield, infantryman with 2/3, from Columbus, Georgia. “The patrols aren’t physically challenging to your muscles, it’s just the heat that kills you.”
The daytime temperatures are so high that water must be left in the shade, or it becomes too hot to drink. More than one Marine has complained of burning his tongue on the water left out in the sun. The water for the shower is solar heated, and Marines and sailors find that during the middle of the day when many would like to shower for some relief from the heat, finding that relief is impossible because the water is so hot it hurts.
“The showers can’t be used during the day; it’s crazy because you’ll actually be sweating in the shower it is so hot,” said Hoee.
Medical personnel for the battalion report very few heat casualties, and most of the cases are from the beginning of the deployment. The outside temperature is monitored and rated by a system of flag colors. Every hour of every day is recorded so that battalion leaders can adjust workloads to prevent heat casualties.
“We haven’t had a day in Afghanistan that hasn’t been black flag, (referring to the highest level accorded for daytime temperatures). The leadership in this battalion -- officers, staff noncommissioned officers, and noncommissioned officers -- are doing a good job of making sure the Marines aren’t overworked and that they stay hydrated,” said Chief Petty Officer Joseph R. Burds, senior medical department representative with 2/3, from El Paso, Texas. “We would know if they weren’t.”
E-mail Sgt. Robert M. Storm at robert.storm@usmc.mil
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...18?opendocument
Submitted by: Marine Corps Base Hawaii
Story Identification #: 200581155842
Story by Sgt. Robert M. Storm
JALALABAD, Afghanistan (July 27, 2005) -- Marines must adapt and overcome. For Marines and sailors from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, adapting to the weather in Afghanistan is no different.
“My girlfriend in Phoenix tried to write me and complain about the heat. I just laughed and told her not to even go there,” said Lance Cpl. Jeremy T. Hooee, infantryman with 2/3. “We have to drink a case of water every time we go out on patrol just to keep from passing out.
“Your head pounds, and your cammies are completely soaked like you took a shower in them,” said the Zuni, New Mexico native. “You just tough it out because that’s the job we do.”
Jalalabad is experiencing a heat wave in an area already notorious for its heat. With average temperatures during July exceeding 100 degrees, the Marines and sailors suffer through each day.
When the Marines and sailors go out on patrol, they must wear flak vest, Kevlar helmet, and ammo pouches along with other necessary gear like first aid kits. The resulting load is usually about 60 pounds and must be worn throughout the day and night while outside the forward operating base.
“When we go outside the wire and have to put on all our gear it’s like putting on a sweater in the middle of summer to go jogging,” said Lance Cpl. Garfield, infantryman with 2/3, from Columbus, Georgia. “The patrols aren’t physically challenging to your muscles, it’s just the heat that kills you.”
The daytime temperatures are so high that water must be left in the shade, or it becomes too hot to drink. More than one Marine has complained of burning his tongue on the water left out in the sun. The water for the shower is solar heated, and Marines and sailors find that during the middle of the day when many would like to shower for some relief from the heat, finding that relief is impossible because the water is so hot it hurts.
“The showers can’t be used during the day; it’s crazy because you’ll actually be sweating in the shower it is so hot,” said Hoee.
Medical personnel for the battalion report very few heat casualties, and most of the cases are from the beginning of the deployment. The outside temperature is monitored and rated by a system of flag colors. Every hour of every day is recorded so that battalion leaders can adjust workloads to prevent heat casualties.
“We haven’t had a day in Afghanistan that hasn’t been black flag, (referring to the highest level accorded for daytime temperatures). The leadership in this battalion -- officers, staff noncommissioned officers, and noncommissioned officers -- are doing a good job of making sure the Marines aren’t overworked and that they stay hydrated,” said Chief Petty Officer Joseph R. Burds, senior medical department representative with 2/3, from El Paso, Texas. “We would know if they weren’t.”
E-mail Sgt. Robert M. Storm at robert.storm@usmc.mil
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...18?opendocument
Marines roll in with thunder
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story by: Computed Name: Lance Cpl. Daniel J. Redding
Story Identification #: 2005811104429
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(Aug. 11, 2005) -- More than 200 Marines with Combat Logistics Company, 119 Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Force Service Support Group, spent the week enduring constant, extreme temperatures while conducting convoy operations training July 24-29 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz.
The exercises were the last evolution in the unit’s training before deploying once more in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The deployment is expected to occur in the next month.
“The overall aim of the training exercise is to make sure all the Marines are qualified over there in Iraq,” said Staff Sgt. Sydney Morrison, platoon sergeant, 3rd platoon, CLC - 119, not just to handle the high temperatures, but more importantly, a crew-served weapon as well.
“In case they get hit by an improvised explosive device or an enemy ambush, they can suppress them [the enemy, if they are properly qualified],” he said.
In light of what the unit has learned during its last deployments, “we’ve geared our training on how to supply the Marines best over there,” said 1st Lt. Mark Minella, platoon commander, 2nd platoon, CLC - 119.
“The unit’s first two tours were kind of trial and error,” Minella said, adding the majority of the unit’s Marines have all endured two tours.
“For the most part, training has change [based] on how we’re operating right now in Iraq,” he said.
“Prior to the Marines going over in 2003, a lot of this type of training was conducted. We didn’t really know what the enemy was going to be like over there,” said Minella.
Morrison, 29, from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., agreed.
“The Marines have learned to identify the good from the bad,” he said, adding that the enemy’s skills have improved, while their tactics have become more advanced.
In addition to the training, the time spent in Yuma proved to be good for an additional purpose.
The amount of experience in the senior lance corporals and corporals allowed for the newer Marines to learn the lessons the veterans of Iraq could pass on, Minella said.
“A lot of the noncommissioned officers are stepping up,” he said.
“Now they have the opportunity to really stand out and shine, because they have that experience, and they aren’t afraid to speak up.”
“For those that haven’t been over there, it’s a new experience,” he added. “They look up to the veterans that have been there for advice.”
As the unit prepares for it’s third deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, it’s overall mission remains the same, Morrison said.
As goes the old adage, “Beans, bullets and band-aids,” the unit’s goal is to keep Marines in Iraq as best supplied as possible.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....6d?OpenDocument
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story by: Computed Name: Lance Cpl. Daniel J. Redding
Story Identification #: 2005811104429
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(Aug. 11, 2005) -- More than 200 Marines with Combat Logistics Company, 119 Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Force Service Support Group, spent the week enduring constant, extreme temperatures while conducting convoy operations training July 24-29 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz.
The exercises were the last evolution in the unit’s training before deploying once more in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The deployment is expected to occur in the next month.
“The overall aim of the training exercise is to make sure all the Marines are qualified over there in Iraq,” said Staff Sgt. Sydney Morrison, platoon sergeant, 3rd platoon, CLC - 119, not just to handle the high temperatures, but more importantly, a crew-served weapon as well.
“In case they get hit by an improvised explosive device or an enemy ambush, they can suppress them [the enemy, if they are properly qualified],” he said.
In light of what the unit has learned during its last deployments, “we’ve geared our training on how to supply the Marines best over there,” said 1st Lt. Mark Minella, platoon commander, 2nd platoon, CLC - 119.
“The unit’s first two tours were kind of trial and error,” Minella said, adding the majority of the unit’s Marines have all endured two tours.
“For the most part, training has change [based] on how we’re operating right now in Iraq,” he said.
“Prior to the Marines going over in 2003, a lot of this type of training was conducted. We didn’t really know what the enemy was going to be like over there,” said Minella.
Morrison, 29, from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., agreed.
“The Marines have learned to identify the good from the bad,” he said, adding that the enemy’s skills have improved, while their tactics have become more advanced.
In addition to the training, the time spent in Yuma proved to be good for an additional purpose.
The amount of experience in the senior lance corporals and corporals allowed for the newer Marines to learn the lessons the veterans of Iraq could pass on, Minella said.
“A lot of the noncommissioned officers are stepping up,” he said.
“Now they have the opportunity to really stand out and shine, because they have that experience, and they aren’t afraid to speak up.”
“For those that haven’t been over there, it’s a new experience,” he added. “They look up to the veterans that have been there for advice.”
As the unit prepares for it’s third deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, it’s overall mission remains the same, Morrison said.
As goes the old adage, “Beans, bullets and band-aids,” the unit’s goal is to keep Marines in Iraq as best supplied as possible.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....6d?OpenDocument
II MHG Marine realizes dream to serve country, Corps
Submitted by: II Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD)
Story by: Computed Name: Lance Cpl. Evan M. Eagan
Story Identification #: 200581152353
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq(Aug. 11, 2005) -- “I felt bad about the fact that there were Marines who have been over here two or three times and I had never been here once,” said the II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (Forward), Marine. “I wanted the chance to come out here and serve the Marine Corps and do what I was trained to do.”
Corporal Daniel H. Williams, 21, the Marine Integrated Maintenance Management System noncommissioned officer-in-charge at the II MHG Motor Transportation Maintenance garage, was activated from his reserve unit, 4th Maintenance Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, based in his native city of Sacramento, Calif., in late February in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“I was in Coronado, Calif., at the Marine Combat Instructor Water Survival School when I got a call from my commanding officer and he told me I was getting activated,” he said. “After I graduated from the school I got the weekend off and I was activated two days later on February 25.”
Williams’ desire to serve his country has been a long held ambition instilled in him at a young age. Now, as he finds himself deployed here, he has realized a dream.
During his senior year in 2001 at Jesuit High School, in Carmichael, Calif., Williams decided to take a different path than most of his peers. Although he had a desire to become a Marine Corps officer he decided to first become an enlisted Marine while attending classes at California State University, Sacramento.
“I didn’t really know much about the Marine Corps until my senior year of high school,” said Williams, who has served in the Corps for more than four years. “Once I learned more about the traditions I realized they were the best. If I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it all the way. I wanted to be a part of the best.”
Entering the Delayed Entry Program April 13, 2001, and shipping to boot camp three days after his high school graduation, Williams was in a hurry to become a Marine as soon as possible, he said.
Williams arrived at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., in March with a group of more than 100 reservists from around the country to conduct predeployment training.
Since arriving in Iraq April 1, Williams has played a vital role within II MHG’s Motor Transportation Maintenance Office.
He tracks all vehicles inducted in the maintenance cycle, reconciles and validates with supply for all parts and tools that are on order for vechicles, and also tracks vehicles for the armoring program.
“We do the uparmoring for most of the vehicles on Camp Fallujah,” said Williams. “We make sure the vehicles get the ballistic glass, hardened door and armored undercarriages. I think it’s important because they help protect Marines from IED’s [improvised explosive devices] and small-arms fire.”
Williams also goes on convoys to Baghdad International Airport for resupply runs and Camp Taqaddum for armor runs and to see how they operate their armoring program.
When Williams returns home he plans on spending a lot of time with family and friends, and returning to school to finish his degree in criminal justice.
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.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....19?OpenDocument
Submitted by: II Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD)
Story by: Computed Name: Lance Cpl. Evan M. Eagan
Story Identification #: 200581152353
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq(Aug. 11, 2005) -- “I felt bad about the fact that there were Marines who have been over here two or three times and I had never been here once,” said the II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (Forward), Marine. “I wanted the chance to come out here and serve the Marine Corps and do what I was trained to do.”
Corporal Daniel H. Williams, 21, the Marine Integrated Maintenance Management System noncommissioned officer-in-charge at the II MHG Motor Transportation Maintenance garage, was activated from his reserve unit, 4th Maintenance Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, based in his native city of Sacramento, Calif., in late February in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“I was in Coronado, Calif., at the Marine Combat Instructor Water Survival School when I got a call from my commanding officer and he told me I was getting activated,” he said. “After I graduated from the school I got the weekend off and I was activated two days later on February 25.”
Williams’ desire to serve his country has been a long held ambition instilled in him at a young age. Now, as he finds himself deployed here, he has realized a dream.
During his senior year in 2001 at Jesuit High School, in Carmichael, Calif., Williams decided to take a different path than most of his peers. Although he had a desire to become a Marine Corps officer he decided to first become an enlisted Marine while attending classes at California State University, Sacramento.
“I didn’t really know much about the Marine Corps until my senior year of high school,” said Williams, who has served in the Corps for more than four years. “Once I learned more about the traditions I realized they were the best. If I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it all the way. I wanted to be a part of the best.”
Entering the Delayed Entry Program April 13, 2001, and shipping to boot camp three days after his high school graduation, Williams was in a hurry to become a Marine as soon as possible, he said.
Williams arrived at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., in March with a group of more than 100 reservists from around the country to conduct predeployment training.
Since arriving in Iraq April 1, Williams has played a vital role within II MHG’s Motor Transportation Maintenance Office.
He tracks all vehicles inducted in the maintenance cycle, reconciles and validates with supply for all parts and tools that are on order for vechicles, and also tracks vehicles for the armoring program.
“We do the uparmoring for most of the vehicles on Camp Fallujah,” said Williams. “We make sure the vehicles get the ballistic glass, hardened door and armored undercarriages. I think it’s important because they help protect Marines from IED’s [improvised explosive devices] and small-arms fire.”
Williams also goes on convoys to Baghdad International Airport for resupply runs and Camp Taqaddum for armor runs and to see how they operate their armoring program.
When Williams returns home he plans on spending a lot of time with family and friends, and returning to school to finish his degree in criminal justice.
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.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....19?OpenDocument
3/8 Marines testify against detainees
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story by: Computed Name: Cpl. Athanasios L. Genos
Story Identification #: 2005810225750
BAGHDAD, Iraq(Aug. 10, 2005) -- Corporal Matthew B. Cree and fellow Marines with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, went to the Central Criminal Court of Iraq to testify against detainees they apprehended earlier in their deployment.
Coalition forces throughout Iraq, to include Marines in the battalion, have apprehended suspected insurgents and processed them through the Iraqi legal system from unit temporary holding areas all the way up to the CCCI in Baghdad.
“The Marines are going to the hearing where they will be witnesses in the cases against those they have detained,” explained Capt. Carlos M. Davila, Judge Advocate for the battalion.
Cree and many of the Marines patrolled through many local towns, villages, and cities throughout the deployment. They detained people for possession of illegal weapons, ammunition, mortar systems and anti-coalition propaganda. Marines like the New Kent, Va., native have apprehended and processed over 500 detainees.
“We usually sweep through berms to find weapons caches,” explained the 2002 New Kent High School graduate. “You think to you yourself, where would I hide these things.”
Cree’s unit has put away insurgents on a regular basis with the help of the local population. Lately, Iraqi citizens have taken more initiative to turn in insurgents and help the Marines in their process of finding and detaining these individuals. This effort has helped bring more detainees to justice while making the streets safer for citizens and coalition forces alike.
“Depending on the nature of what you find, you will detain them,” Cree explained. “At the minimum, you at least take photos of what is there.”
The detainees who are moved to Abu Ghurayb are held until it is time for their day in court.
“Each detainee’s case is looked over by many lawyers before they actually get to their hearing,” said Davila, a 1997 University of Wisconsin Law School graduate.
The final phase for the Marines is the trip to CCCI where they meet with a judge and the evidence is laid out at an investigative hearing. Questions are asked of the Marines as the judge sorts through all that is presented to him.
“It (the hearing) will be more like a deposition for the Marines who are witnessing in the case,” Davila explained.
Keeping up on the little details is required when processing the detainees through the system. It is what the judges look for when going over the evidence and ask questions concerning the circumstances that lead to the detention.
“Everything we do here is important for the entire case we present,” explained Sgt. Christopher F. Smith, a Mastic, N.Y., native. “If we mess up on the evidence or anything else we do here, it could mean a bad guy goes free.”
The time between when the detainee is first brought in and when he goes to court is currently separated by about four months. Careful handling and tracking of all evidence is one of the many jobs the Marines do during this process.
The Marines of the battalion continue to detain individuals and keep the process going as they fight the Global War on Terrorism.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....47?OpenDocument
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story by: Computed Name: Cpl. Athanasios L. Genos
Story Identification #: 2005810225750
BAGHDAD, Iraq(Aug. 10, 2005) -- Corporal Matthew B. Cree and fellow Marines with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, went to the Central Criminal Court of Iraq to testify against detainees they apprehended earlier in their deployment.
Coalition forces throughout Iraq, to include Marines in the battalion, have apprehended suspected insurgents and processed them through the Iraqi legal system from unit temporary holding areas all the way up to the CCCI in Baghdad.
“The Marines are going to the hearing where they will be witnesses in the cases against those they have detained,” explained Capt. Carlos M. Davila, Judge Advocate for the battalion.
Cree and many of the Marines patrolled through many local towns, villages, and cities throughout the deployment. They detained people for possession of illegal weapons, ammunition, mortar systems and anti-coalition propaganda. Marines like the New Kent, Va., native have apprehended and processed over 500 detainees.
“We usually sweep through berms to find weapons caches,” explained the 2002 New Kent High School graduate. “You think to you yourself, where would I hide these things.”
Cree’s unit has put away insurgents on a regular basis with the help of the local population. Lately, Iraqi citizens have taken more initiative to turn in insurgents and help the Marines in their process of finding and detaining these individuals. This effort has helped bring more detainees to justice while making the streets safer for citizens and coalition forces alike.
“Depending on the nature of what you find, you will detain them,” Cree explained. “At the minimum, you at least take photos of what is there.”
The detainees who are moved to Abu Ghurayb are held until it is time for their day in court.
“Each detainee’s case is looked over by many lawyers before they actually get to their hearing,” said Davila, a 1997 University of Wisconsin Law School graduate.
The final phase for the Marines is the trip to CCCI where they meet with a judge and the evidence is laid out at an investigative hearing. Questions are asked of the Marines as the judge sorts through all that is presented to him.
“It (the hearing) will be more like a deposition for the Marines who are witnessing in the case,” Davila explained.
Keeping up on the little details is required when processing the detainees through the system. It is what the judges look for when going over the evidence and ask questions concerning the circumstances that lead to the detention.
“Everything we do here is important for the entire case we present,” explained Sgt. Christopher F. Smith, a Mastic, N.Y., native. “If we mess up on the evidence or anything else we do here, it could mean a bad guy goes free.”
The time between when the detainee is first brought in and when he goes to court is currently separated by about four months. Careful handling and tracking of all evidence is one of the many jobs the Marines do during this process.
The Marines of the battalion continue to detain individuals and keep the process going as they fight the Global War on Terrorism.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....47?OpenDocument
26th MEU trains with Saudi Forces
Submitted by: 26th MEU
Story Identification #: 20058135393
Story by Capt. Will Klumpp
ABOARD USS KEARSARGE (Aug. 13, 2005) -- Approximately 200 Marines and sailors from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) recently concluded a month-long training evolution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia designed to enhance the cooperative abilities of U.S. and Saudi forces in combating terrorism and setting conditions for security and stability in the region.
Forces from the MEU that participated in the exercise included a portion of Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Bn., 8th Marines, reinforced with a combined anti-armor team (CAAT), light armored vehicles, a squad from the 81mm mortar platoon and a detachment from India Battery; Force Reconnaissance Platoon; a detachment from MEU Service Support Group-26; a rotary-wing detachment from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-162; and a detachment from the MEU's command element.
The training detachment disembarked from the ships of the Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group in the Arabian Gulf June 19 to begin training events with Saudi forces that included staff planning, close-quarters battle, heavy machine gun live fire, mortar live fire, helicopter operations, convoy operations and sniper live fire.
Marines from Echo Co. joined with their Saudi counterparts to conduct a progressive series of tactical training events beginning with basic live-fire familiarization on the full array of weapon systems organic to the MEU's ground combat element. The combined training progressed through squad and platoon size fire and movement ranges and assaults in urban combat ranges.
Force Recon Marines from the MEU had an opportunity to display some of their techniques in weapons employment and urban assault. They worked closely with the Saudi forces, sharing their experience in breaching, close-quarters battle and other specialized tactics.
Marines from MSSG-26 helped maintain the entire force ashore by coordinating and managing the surface flow of supplies and personnel between USS Ponce and the eastern shores of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the service support Marines provided overland support for forces operating in two separate locations ashore. Their expertise was utilized to provide the combined forces training in convoy operations.
Throughout the exercise, a detachment of helicopters from HMM-162 supported the forces from ashore and aboard USS Ponce by transporting troops and supplies, providing fast rope and assault support, and maintaining a medical evacuation capability in the event of injury to any of the Marines ashore.
The MEU's command element detachment, comprised primarily of communications Marines and liaison personnel, were a key piece in the Saudi training as they kept the MEU command aboard USS Kearsarge appraised of the ongoing training while coordinating the ongoing training with the Saudis.
"I think the key benefits that both sides took away from the bilateral training was a much better understanding of each other as individuals as well as a significant overall increase in exposure to the respective cultures," said Lt. Col. Dean E. Craft, the MEU's detachment commander in Saudi Arabia. "Prior to the training, very few partisans on either side had any first hand knowledge of the other. We left, however, realizing that in many ways we are all alike."
The training concluded July 18 with a final exercise that involved the informal evaluation of U.S. and Saudi forces conducting a coordinated attack on a company objective. Following the final exercise was a completion ceremony attended by the MEU commander, Col. Thomas F. Qualls, Amphibious Squadron-8 commodore, Capt. Edward Barfield, and several senior ranking military officers and officials from Saudi Arabia.
The 26th MEU (SOC) is now continuing its mission as the theater reserve for U.S. Central Command.
For more information on the log on to www.usmc.mil/26thmeu.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...D6?opendocument
Submitted by: 26th MEU
Story Identification #: 20058135393
Story by Capt. Will Klumpp
ABOARD USS KEARSARGE (Aug. 13, 2005) -- Approximately 200 Marines and sailors from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) recently concluded a month-long training evolution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia designed to enhance the cooperative abilities of U.S. and Saudi forces in combating terrorism and setting conditions for security and stability in the region.
Forces from the MEU that participated in the exercise included a portion of Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Bn., 8th Marines, reinforced with a combined anti-armor team (CAAT), light armored vehicles, a squad from the 81mm mortar platoon and a detachment from India Battery; Force Reconnaissance Platoon; a detachment from MEU Service Support Group-26; a rotary-wing detachment from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-162; and a detachment from the MEU's command element.
The training detachment disembarked from the ships of the Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group in the Arabian Gulf June 19 to begin training events with Saudi forces that included staff planning, close-quarters battle, heavy machine gun live fire, mortar live fire, helicopter operations, convoy operations and sniper live fire.
Marines from Echo Co. joined with their Saudi counterparts to conduct a progressive series of tactical training events beginning with basic live-fire familiarization on the full array of weapon systems organic to the MEU's ground combat element. The combined training progressed through squad and platoon size fire and movement ranges and assaults in urban combat ranges.
Force Recon Marines from the MEU had an opportunity to display some of their techniques in weapons employment and urban assault. They worked closely with the Saudi forces, sharing their experience in breaching, close-quarters battle and other specialized tactics.
Marines from MSSG-26 helped maintain the entire force ashore by coordinating and managing the surface flow of supplies and personnel between USS Ponce and the eastern shores of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the service support Marines provided overland support for forces operating in two separate locations ashore. Their expertise was utilized to provide the combined forces training in convoy operations.
Throughout the exercise, a detachment of helicopters from HMM-162 supported the forces from ashore and aboard USS Ponce by transporting troops and supplies, providing fast rope and assault support, and maintaining a medical evacuation capability in the event of injury to any of the Marines ashore.
The MEU's command element detachment, comprised primarily of communications Marines and liaison personnel, were a key piece in the Saudi training as they kept the MEU command aboard USS Kearsarge appraised of the ongoing training while coordinating the ongoing training with the Saudis.
"I think the key benefits that both sides took away from the bilateral training was a much better understanding of each other as individuals as well as a significant overall increase in exposure to the respective cultures," said Lt. Col. Dean E. Craft, the MEU's detachment commander in Saudi Arabia. "Prior to the training, very few partisans on either side had any first hand knowledge of the other. We left, however, realizing that in many ways we are all alike."
The training concluded July 18 with a final exercise that involved the informal evaluation of U.S. and Saudi forces conducting a coordinated attack on a company objective. Following the final exercise was a completion ceremony attended by the MEU commander, Col. Thomas F. Qualls, Amphibious Squadron-8 commodore, Capt. Edward Barfield, and several senior ranking military officers and officials from Saudi Arabia.
The 26th MEU (SOC) is now continuing its mission as the theater reserve for U.S. Central Command.
For more information on the log on to www.usmc.mil/26thmeu.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...D6?opendocument
Father makes tough journey
John Prazynski rides from Ohio to Camp Lejeune to welcome back the battalion of his fallen son
John Prazynski talks to Lance Cpl. G. Sprague, a member of his son's unit, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion.
Staff Photo by John Rottet
By JAY PRICE, Staff Writer
CAMP LEJEUNE -- On Friday afternoon, John Prazynski climbed onto his Harley-Davidson for the long, scorching ride from Hamilton, Ohio, to Camp Lejeune.
His son's unit, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, was returning from Iraq, and he had promised Taylor he would be there for the homecoming Sunday.
Never mind that Taylor himself wouldn't make it. The 20-year-old lance corporal was killed May 9. The shrapnel from an insurgent mortar shell interrupted his freshly organized life, the plans to get an apartment and enroll in college. He's buried in Arlington National Cemetery now.
"I don't know why I'm here," his father said Sunday afternoon, standing in a crowd of festive parents carrying "Welcome Home" signs and balloons, girlfriends and wives dressed to turn heads. "I don't have any sort of agenda, no expectations. My heart tells me to be here to thank each and every one of them for serving. I say thank God for each and every one of them that made it back."
First he had to find the Marines from Taylor's unit. It wasn't going to be easy: He had never met them, and the crowd was big.
About 900 Marines from the 3rd Battalion were coming home after a harsh seven months in Anbar Province, the most dangerous territory in Iraq for U.S. forces.
It was a complex homecoming, as it must be when you return from such place and after doing such a job. There were all those happy family members and friends waiting. But while in Anbar Province, where they were stationed near Fallujah, the unit lost nine Marines killed in action and about were 150 wounded. That's odds of 1 in 6 of being wounded, 1 in 100 of being killed.
For none was the homecoming more complicated, those odds more obvious, than John Prazynski, 43, a soft-spoken real estate agent who calls other men "sir."
As late as last week, he was thinking about staying home so as to not turn a happy occasion somber for the other Marines and their families, but Taylor's company commander had called and told him he should be there.
"There are a bunch of Marines who want to talk to you," the captain had said.
So he and a friend, Dewey Asbrock, climbed on their motorcycles and made the two-day trip. In one of Prazynski's saddlebags he had packed a plastic bag of photos of Taylor. Taylor in his high school football uniform. Taylor jumping into a pool. Taylor at various ages in his dad's Air Force uniforms.
When he arrived at Lejeune, though, Prazynski wasn't quite sure what to do. There are no guidelines, no clear role in such homecomings for parents of those who have been killed.
He sat in the steamy base gym -- homecoming headquarters -- for a while, eating a hamburger, talking to other parents, and looking at a list of the nine men killed in action. Taylor's name was fourth. Then he wandered the crowd awhile. Several parents walked up to offer condolences and to thank him for coming.
Taylor fought for freedom
He came without a media entourage, without making a big deal of his presence. But it was hard not to see Prazynski as a quiet counterpoint to Cindy Sheehan, the protester and mother of a soldier killed in Iraq, who has been in the news for her vigil outside President Bush's Texas ranch.
Prazynski's politics are different. He supports the war in Iraq and Bush. But he was loath to criticize Sheehan.
"I guess all I can say is God bless her," he said. "I don't know what her agenda is. I don't know is this is going to help her heal, but I'm certainly not going to say that she shouldn't be allowed to do what she feels or say what she thinks. My son died so that she could do that."
Prazynski said that he's not an emotional man but these days he has spells when he cries uncontrollably.
But he's determined, he said, that grieving won't take over. "I'll never forget him, but I can't grieve my whole life."
About 8:15 p.m., a cheer went up from the crowd and it surged forward. Prazynski hung back, still uncertain.
Then a small group walked up, several in T-shirts with Taylor's photo. It was Taylor's mother, Claudia Curati-Focke, and three of his friends, Denise, Brandon and Chelsea Kaiser, all from Fairfield, Ohio. They had gotten lost on the sprawling base and almost hadn't made it in time.
"These Marines walking around, I've done a double take three or four times," he said. "The build is the same..."
A few minutes later, another shout went up from the crowd. Another group of Marines was coming.
A woman whose son is in Lima Company ran up to him. "They're here, they're here," she said. Prazynski followed her into the middle of the crowd, where a half-dozen Marines were hugging family members.
He hung back a minute longer, and then someone told the Marines who he was. One after another, they stepped forward to embrace him.
"Your son lifted us," said Taylor's squad leader, Sgt. Craig Corsi. "He was an awesome, awesome Marine."
Then he hugged Curati-Focke, who was crying, and stepped back, his right hand on his chest.
"Your son will always be in our hearts," he said. "He was special."
Prazynski's soft voice faded almost to nothing. "I appreciate you guys and what you did," he said.
Staff writer Jay Price can be reached at 829-4526 or jprice@newsobserver.com.
http://www.newsobserver.com/nation_world/i...p-9160918c.html
Lance Cpl. Ronald Lee reunites with his wife, Anna, and their 1-year-old son, Tyler, at Camp Lejeune. Pandemonium reigned in a field across from a gymnasium on base Sunday as families greeted Marines arriving home from Iraq
Denise Rivers, holding sign, and her daughter, Samantha Craig, left, came to Camp Lejeune from Louisiana to welcome home Cpl. Michael Craig, who is Rivers' son and Samantha's brother.
John Prazynski rides from Ohio to Camp Lejeune to welcome back the battalion of his fallen son
John Prazynski talks to Lance Cpl. G. Sprague, a member of his son's unit, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion.
Staff Photo by John Rottet
By JAY PRICE, Staff Writer
CAMP LEJEUNE -- On Friday afternoon, John Prazynski climbed onto his Harley-Davidson for the long, scorching ride from Hamilton, Ohio, to Camp Lejeune.
His son's unit, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, was returning from Iraq, and he had promised Taylor he would be there for the homecoming Sunday.
Never mind that Taylor himself wouldn't make it. The 20-year-old lance corporal was killed May 9. The shrapnel from an insurgent mortar shell interrupted his freshly organized life, the plans to get an apartment and enroll in college. He's buried in Arlington National Cemetery now.
"I don't know why I'm here," his father said Sunday afternoon, standing in a crowd of festive parents carrying "Welcome Home" signs and balloons, girlfriends and wives dressed to turn heads. "I don't have any sort of agenda, no expectations. My heart tells me to be here to thank each and every one of them for serving. I say thank God for each and every one of them that made it back."
First he had to find the Marines from Taylor's unit. It wasn't going to be easy: He had never met them, and the crowd was big.
About 900 Marines from the 3rd Battalion were coming home after a harsh seven months in Anbar Province, the most dangerous territory in Iraq for U.S. forces.
It was a complex homecoming, as it must be when you return from such place and after doing such a job. There were all those happy family members and friends waiting. But while in Anbar Province, where they were stationed near Fallujah, the unit lost nine Marines killed in action and about were 150 wounded. That's odds of 1 in 6 of being wounded, 1 in 100 of being killed.
For none was the homecoming more complicated, those odds more obvious, than John Prazynski, 43, a soft-spoken real estate agent who calls other men "sir."
As late as last week, he was thinking about staying home so as to not turn a happy occasion somber for the other Marines and their families, but Taylor's company commander had called and told him he should be there.
"There are a bunch of Marines who want to talk to you," the captain had said.
So he and a friend, Dewey Asbrock, climbed on their motorcycles and made the two-day trip. In one of Prazynski's saddlebags he had packed a plastic bag of photos of Taylor. Taylor in his high school football uniform. Taylor jumping into a pool. Taylor at various ages in his dad's Air Force uniforms.
When he arrived at Lejeune, though, Prazynski wasn't quite sure what to do. There are no guidelines, no clear role in such homecomings for parents of those who have been killed.
He sat in the steamy base gym -- homecoming headquarters -- for a while, eating a hamburger, talking to other parents, and looking at a list of the nine men killed in action. Taylor's name was fourth. Then he wandered the crowd awhile. Several parents walked up to offer condolences and to thank him for coming.
Taylor fought for freedom
He came without a media entourage, without making a big deal of his presence. But it was hard not to see Prazynski as a quiet counterpoint to Cindy Sheehan, the protester and mother of a soldier killed in Iraq, who has been in the news for her vigil outside President Bush's Texas ranch.
Prazynski's politics are different. He supports the war in Iraq and Bush. But he was loath to criticize Sheehan.
"I guess all I can say is God bless her," he said. "I don't know what her agenda is. I don't know is this is going to help her heal, but I'm certainly not going to say that she shouldn't be allowed to do what she feels or say what she thinks. My son died so that she could do that."
Prazynski said that he's not an emotional man but these days he has spells when he cries uncontrollably.
But he's determined, he said, that grieving won't take over. "I'll never forget him, but I can't grieve my whole life."
About 8:15 p.m., a cheer went up from the crowd and it surged forward. Prazynski hung back, still uncertain.
Then a small group walked up, several in T-shirts with Taylor's photo. It was Taylor's mother, Claudia Curati-Focke, and three of his friends, Denise, Brandon and Chelsea Kaiser, all from Fairfield, Ohio. They had gotten lost on the sprawling base and almost hadn't made it in time.
"These Marines walking around, I've done a double take three or four times," he said. "The build is the same..."
A few minutes later, another shout went up from the crowd. Another group of Marines was coming.
A woman whose son is in Lima Company ran up to him. "They're here, they're here," she said. Prazynski followed her into the middle of the crowd, where a half-dozen Marines were hugging family members.
He hung back a minute longer, and then someone told the Marines who he was. One after another, they stepped forward to embrace him.
"Your son lifted us," said Taylor's squad leader, Sgt. Craig Corsi. "He was an awesome, awesome Marine."
Then he hugged Curati-Focke, who was crying, and stepped back, his right hand on his chest.
"Your son will always be in our hearts," he said. "He was special."
Prazynski's soft voice faded almost to nothing. "I appreciate you guys and what you did," he said.
Staff writer Jay Price can be reached at 829-4526 or jprice@newsobserver.com.
http://www.newsobserver.com/nation_world/i...p-9160918c.html
Lance Cpl. Ronald Lee reunites with his wife, Anna, and their 1-year-old son, Tyler, at Camp Lejeune. Pandemonium reigned in a field across from a gymnasium on base Sunday as families greeted Marines arriving home from Iraq
Denise Rivers, holding sign, and her daughter, Samantha Craig, left, came to Camp Lejeune from Louisiana to welcome home Cpl. Michael Craig, who is Rivers' son and Samantha's brother.
United States Marine Corps
Press Release
Public Affairs Office
Marine Corps Community Services; Plans, Policy & Analysis Directorate, Personal & Family Readiness Division, HQMC; Marine Corps Community Services, Plans, Policy & Analysis Directorate, Personal & Family Readiness Division, HQMC
Bryan Driver
comm:(703) 784-9517
Contact:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Release # 0716-05-0822
Armed Forces Vacation Club offers "nightly getaways"
July 14, 2005
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- The Armed Forces Vacation Club (AFVC) now offers the option of “nightly getaways.”
AFVC is a "Space Available" program that offers Department of Defense affiliated personnel the opportunity to take affordable condominium vacations at resorts around the world using condominium timeshares that the owners do not use.
The program is managed by RCI (Resort Condominiums International, LLC), a leader in the vacation rental industry.
Under the program, participants have the option to rent a vacation condo either in one night or more increments or stay for seven days, subject to availability. Resort properties are available in the United States and Canada, with “Nightly Getaway” rates start as low as $75 during peak season, “Last Call” weekly rentals in peak season starting as low as $199, and “Space Available” weekly rentals starting at $264. Nightly getaway reservations must be made within 60 days of travel. Weekly rentals can be made up to 12 months in advance.
Rentals come in a variety of sizes: one bedroom and larger condos, studios and cottages. Many of the vacation properties come with fully equipped kitchens, washer and dryer, living room, dining area, swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, and handicapped accessibility features.
“This is part of a continuing effort to enhance our vacation club in providing military personnel with more flexibility in choosing when and where they stay,” said Verlin Abbott, AFVC program director. “With more vacation options available we expect an increase in customer satisfaction since this program will better suit many military members who may only have short periods of time available.”
To make any AFVC reservation, members will need their AFVC installation identification number obtainable from your base Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Information, Tickets, and Tours (ITT) Office. For nightly getaway reservations call 1-888-338-0970. For weekly reservations call 1-800-724-9988 or go to www.afvclub.com.
See your local MCCS ITT office for more details.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...BD?opendocument
Press Release
Public Affairs Office
Marine Corps Community Services; Plans, Policy & Analysis Directorate, Personal & Family Readiness Division, HQMC; Marine Corps Community Services, Plans, Policy & Analysis Directorate, Personal & Family Readiness Division, HQMC
Bryan Driver
comm:(703) 784-9517
Contact:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Release # 0716-05-0822
Armed Forces Vacation Club offers "nightly getaways"
July 14, 2005
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- The Armed Forces Vacation Club (AFVC) now offers the option of “nightly getaways.”
AFVC is a "Space Available" program that offers Department of Defense affiliated personnel the opportunity to take affordable condominium vacations at resorts around the world using condominium timeshares that the owners do not use.
The program is managed by RCI (Resort Condominiums International, LLC), a leader in the vacation rental industry.
Under the program, participants have the option to rent a vacation condo either in one night or more increments or stay for seven days, subject to availability. Resort properties are available in the United States and Canada, with “Nightly Getaway” rates start as low as $75 during peak season, “Last Call” weekly rentals in peak season starting as low as $199, and “Space Available” weekly rentals starting at $264. Nightly getaway reservations must be made within 60 days of travel. Weekly rentals can be made up to 12 months in advance.
Rentals come in a variety of sizes: one bedroom and larger condos, studios and cottages. Many of the vacation properties come with fully equipped kitchens, washer and dryer, living room, dining area, swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, and handicapped accessibility features.
“This is part of a continuing effort to enhance our vacation club in providing military personnel with more flexibility in choosing when and where they stay,” said Verlin Abbott, AFVC program director. “With more vacation options available we expect an increase in customer satisfaction since this program will better suit many military members who may only have short periods of time available.”
To make any AFVC reservation, members will need their AFVC installation identification number obtainable from your base Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Information, Tickets, and Tours (ITT) Office. For nightly getaway reservations call 1-888-338-0970. For weekly reservations call 1-800-724-9988 or go to www.afvclub.com.
See your local MCCS ITT office for more details.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...BD?opendocument
Donations Can Help Bring Marines' Dog To U.S.
Thu Aug 11, 1:00 PM ET
Across northeast Ohio, families are looking to the day when they welcome the troops back home to the U.S.
But Marines from the unit that has already sacrificed so much this past week are hoping to bring back something else with them -- a very special dog.
Covering the fence at the Marine Reserve Headquarters on Dan Street are dozens of intimate messages of support, encouragement and grief, testament to the strength of the military community.
There is a tremendous support mechanism for the families that have lost someone, and for the family that is grieving.
But for those who are still in Iraq, a different support mechanism has been chosen in the form of a mixed breed pup named Beans.
Beans, who is so named because he was purchased for the price of three jelly beans, has become the unit mascot, and has become important to the Marines who are trying to cope with their losses.
"He's their constant companion. A lot of these guys aren't talking about anything right now since they've lost so many out of their unit, and this dog is their confidant. They can talk to him and he's not talking to anyone else," said Rachel Salzer.
Salzer's family is leading an effort to bring Beans back to the U.S. They have permission but it's an expensive proposition.
"The dog has to be quarantined in Iraq before it's allowed to be sent home, and then he'll have to be quarantined once he reaches the States to make sure he's disease-free, and then he'll be able to live over here," said Salzer.
Families are looking forward to the day when their sons and daughters will come home, but for the Marines themselves, bringing Beans along with them means a lot.
Right now, the dog is a tangible link to home.
"They've left family and friends behind, and their pets. So, they finally have something to hold onto," said Salzer.
If you'd like to help in the effort to bring Beans to the United States, call Jennifer Salzer at (330) 358-1739.
An On Your Side fund is also set up with Key Bank. Donations can be made to the Beans Foundation at any branch.
To find out more about how you can help assist other animals like Beans, visit www.militarymascots.org.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/w...lo_wews/2871776
Thu Aug 11, 1:00 PM ET
Across northeast Ohio, families are looking to the day when they welcome the troops back home to the U.S.
But Marines from the unit that has already sacrificed so much this past week are hoping to bring back something else with them -- a very special dog.
Covering the fence at the Marine Reserve Headquarters on Dan Street are dozens of intimate messages of support, encouragement and grief, testament to the strength of the military community.
There is a tremendous support mechanism for the families that have lost someone, and for the family that is grieving.
But for those who are still in Iraq, a different support mechanism has been chosen in the form of a mixed breed pup named Beans.
Beans, who is so named because he was purchased for the price of three jelly beans, has become the unit mascot, and has become important to the Marines who are trying to cope with their losses.
"He's their constant companion. A lot of these guys aren't talking about anything right now since they've lost so many out of their unit, and this dog is their confidant. They can talk to him and he's not talking to anyone else," said Rachel Salzer.
Salzer's family is leading an effort to bring Beans back to the U.S. They have permission but it's an expensive proposition.
"The dog has to be quarantined in Iraq before it's allowed to be sent home, and then he'll have to be quarantined once he reaches the States to make sure he's disease-free, and then he'll be able to live over here," said Salzer.
Families are looking forward to the day when their sons and daughters will come home, but for the Marines themselves, bringing Beans along with them means a lot.
Right now, the dog is a tangible link to home.
"They've left family and friends behind, and their pets. So, they finally have something to hold onto," said Salzer.
If you'd like to help in the effort to bring Beans to the United States, call Jennifer Salzer at (330) 358-1739.
An On Your Side fund is also set up with Key Bank. Donations can be made to the Beans Foundation at any branch.
To find out more about how you can help assist other animals like Beans, visit www.militarymascots.org.
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/w...lo_wews/2871776
Sailor has best of both worlds
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story by: Computed Name: Lance Cpl. Roger L. Nelson
Story Identification #: 2005812214444
MARINE CORPS HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY(Aug. 12, 2005) -- From playing war games as a child to providing medical care to Marines in Iraq, Petty Officer 2nd Class Dennis C. Astor, a Navy hospital corpsman and leading petty officer for the Family Practice Clinic, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, said he always knew he would end up in the military.
“I wanted to join the Marines, but also was interested in the medical field, so it was a tough decision,” said Astor, an Escondita, Calif. native of his decision to join the Navy.
Astor said he originally went to a Marine Corps recruiting center to join the Marines, but when he found out the Marine Corps didn’t offer any jobs in the medical field, he had second thoughts.
“The Marine Corps recruiter is actually the one who directed me to the Navy recruiter,” admitted the 23-year-old. “I knew the Army had a medical field, but also knew since the Marines were part of the Navy that he wouldn’t send me to them.”
As soon as Astor graduated high school, he was on his way to becoming a Sailor.
“Another reason I joined is because I wanted to get out of the whole high school environment,” said Astor. “I also wanted to travel, which I’ve gotten to do a lot of since I’ve been in.”
Astor said since he has been in the Navy, he has visited a variety of places and met a lot of interesting people.
“I’ve been to Okinawa, Australia, Korea, Kuwait, Iraq, Philippines and Indonesia,” said Astor. “The best part about visiting other countries or going out on deployments is the Medical Civic Action Program. This is where we get to provide medical attention to people who live in less-fortunate countries.”
Astor has two years left on his current contract and said he is unsure about what he will do when his enlistment is up.
“If I decide to get out of the Navy, I’ll take advantage of the money the Navy has given me for school and go to college,” said Astor. “I’d like to stay in the medical field. I’ve always wanted to practice medicine, so I know that’s what I’ll do the rest of my life.”
Astor said the best part of his job is working with Marines. He also said that he loves their lifestyle — a lifestyle he has lived with for so long that he has become accustom to it.
“Marines are the best, you have to get used to how they live at first,” said Astor. “I wouldn’t mind being deployed with them again, because I know I’m doing my part. Marines and Sailors need our support.”
Speaking about the satisfaction he gets from the job he does for the Navy and Marine Corps team, Astor said, “I’m all about helping people out, so what more can I ask for?”
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....0a?OpenDocument
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story by: Computed Name: Lance Cpl. Roger L. Nelson
Story Identification #: 2005812214444
MARINE CORPS HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY(Aug. 12, 2005) -- From playing war games as a child to providing medical care to Marines in Iraq, Petty Officer 2nd Class Dennis C. Astor, a Navy hospital corpsman and leading petty officer for the Family Practice Clinic, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, said he always knew he would end up in the military.
“I wanted to join the Marines, but also was interested in the medical field, so it was a tough decision,” said Astor, an Escondita, Calif. native of his decision to join the Navy.
Astor said he originally went to a Marine Corps recruiting center to join the Marines, but when he found out the Marine Corps didn’t offer any jobs in the medical field, he had second thoughts.
“The Marine Corps recruiter is actually the one who directed me to the Navy recruiter,” admitted the 23-year-old. “I knew the Army had a medical field, but also knew since the Marines were part of the Navy that he wouldn’t send me to them.”
As soon as Astor graduated high school, he was on his way to becoming a Sailor.
“Another reason I joined is because I wanted to get out of the whole high school environment,” said Astor. “I also wanted to travel, which I’ve gotten to do a lot of since I’ve been in.”
Astor said since he has been in the Navy, he has visited a variety of places and met a lot of interesting people.
“I’ve been to Okinawa, Australia, Korea, Kuwait, Iraq, Philippines and Indonesia,” said Astor. “The best part about visiting other countries or going out on deployments is the Medical Civic Action Program. This is where we get to provide medical attention to people who live in less-fortunate countries.”
Astor has two years left on his current contract and said he is unsure about what he will do when his enlistment is up.
“If I decide to get out of the Navy, I’ll take advantage of the money the Navy has given me for school and go to college,” said Astor. “I’d like to stay in the medical field. I’ve always wanted to practice medicine, so I know that’s what I’ll do the rest of my life.”
Astor said the best part of his job is working with Marines. He also said that he loves their lifestyle — a lifestyle he has lived with for so long that he has become accustom to it.
“Marines are the best, you have to get used to how they live at first,” said Astor. “I wouldn’t mind being deployed with them again, because I know I’m doing my part. Marines and Sailors need our support.”
Speaking about the satisfaction he gets from the job he does for the Navy and Marine Corps team, Astor said, “I’m all about helping people out, so what more can I ask for?”
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....0a?OpenDocument
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 # 0817-05-0734
Aug. 16, 2005
Wounded Marine receives citizenship
WASHINGTON--Surrounded by his family, 24-year-old, combat-wounded Sergeant Shurvon J. Phillip was awarded his citizenship Aug. 15 in a ceremony at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
Phillip, who has been a Marine since January 2005, was wounded when the humvee he was riding in struck an improvised explosive device in Al Anbar, Iraq.
Phillip was with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment.
The extent of his wounds left him comatose and he was medically evacuated to Al Asad then to the NNMC May 25.
Gail Ulerie, Phillip's mother, has been by his side since he arrived. As a result of her attention and care, personnel at the NNMC consider Ms. Phillip like a member of their own family, according to Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Holland, receptions section chief for the center. "Any Marine would drop whatever they are doing to help her and Sgt. Phillip," Holland said.
Since their arrival at the NNMC, many people have stopped in to visit Sgt Phillip, including President Bush.
During his recent visit to Bethesda, the president met with the Phillip's and made a commitment to Ms. Phillip that citizenship for her son would be taken care of quickly.
Phillip, a native of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, was assisted by his brother, and former Marine, Shirlon, who worked with the US Citizenship and Immigration Service to expedite the process.
The Marine Corps' legal assistance office, personnel from the US CIS, the Injured Marine Semper FI Fund, Armed Forces Foundation and family and friends at the NNMC have all played a role in helping Phillip receive his citizenship.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...6B?opendocument
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 # 0817-05-0734
Aug. 16, 2005
Wounded Marine receives citizenship
WASHINGTON--Surrounded by his family, 24-year-old, combat-wounded Sergeant Shurvon J. Phillip was awarded his citizenship Aug. 15 in a ceremony at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
Phillip, who has been a Marine since January 2005, was wounded when the humvee he was riding in struck an improvised explosive device in Al Anbar, Iraq.
Phillip was with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment.
The extent of his wounds left him comatose and he was medically evacuated to Al Asad then to the NNMC May 25.
Gail Ulerie, Phillip's mother, has been by his side since he arrived. As a result of her attention and care, personnel at the NNMC consider Ms. Phillip like a member of their own family, according to Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Holland, receptions section chief for the center. "Any Marine would drop whatever they are doing to help her and Sgt. Phillip," Holland said.
Since their arrival at the NNMC, many people have stopped in to visit Sgt Phillip, including President Bush.
During his recent visit to Bethesda, the president met with the Phillip's and made a commitment to Ms. Phillip that citizenship for her son would be taken care of quickly.
Phillip, a native of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, was assisted by his brother, and former Marine, Shirlon, who worked with the US Citizenship and Immigration Service to expedite the process.
The Marine Corps' legal assistance office, personnel from the US CIS, the Injured Marine Semper FI Fund, Armed Forces Foundation and family and friends at the NNMC have all played a role in helping Phillip receive his citizenship.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...6B?opendocument
Standing on his own 2 feet … with the help of a few Marines
Submitted by: MCB Camp Lejeune
Story Identification #: 2005819133340
Story by Sgt. Jerad W. Alexander
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Aug. 18, 2005) -- To any casual observer visiting the F-11A pistol and battlesight zero range here, 1st Lt. Charles E. Hayter, a 26-year-old native of Billings, Mont., looks like any run-of-the-mill platoon commander… standing, watching over his Marines as they zero their rifles before they deploy to Iraq.
A closer examination might reveal otherwise, but it would have to be a real close observation. The only telltale sign would be the tightness of one boot over the other and it’s rigid appearance, because inside that boot exists a prosthetic. Hayter, platoon commander for the Mobile Assault Platoon, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, has no right foot.
On July 9, 2004, Weapons Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, led by then-2nd Lt. Hayter, left the perimeter at Bagram Airbase, Afghanistan, to investigate the sight where a U.S. Army patrol received fire the day prior.
“We moved about seven [kilometers] northeast of Bagram and established a [Vehicle Check Point] for a while, we then mounted up and moved to where the firefight took place,” said Hayter.
At the supposed spot where the previous day’s fighting took place, they found what seemed to be a well-traveled foot trail, according to Hayter.
“We dismounted the Humvee’s and swept up the trail, four Marines on the left and four on the right. I made it about 15 feet and stepped on an Italian toe popper,” he said.
An Italian toe-popper is a small anti-personnel landmine. The mine shredded his foot and immediately cauterized the wound.
“It hurt like you wouldn’t believe,” said Hayter.
After the detonation, Hayter remained standing. He slowly turned around, sat down and gathered his wits about him.
At this point, the Marines around him, though constantly vigil before the explosion, took control. The Marines in the patrol immediately established security and began clearing the way for mines to Hayter to get him medical attention and evacuate him. One of his lance corporals called in for the medical evacuation, or Medevac, according to Hayter.
The whole process of getting Hayter back to Bagram Airbase was conducted professionally and quickly. According to Hayter, the 30-minute drive to get to where he was wounded took the Marines about eight minutes on the return trip.
“Things were done as they were supposed to be. My Marines did it right,” he said.
Once back at Bagram, he immediately went in to surgery and soon after was evacuated to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.
“At Germany, I had some [camouflage utilities] with me and got a hold of some crutches and went and sought out other wounded Marines,” said Hayter.
Meeting the wounded Marines, most coming out of Iraq, served as a huge element of motivation for Hayter, he said.
After spending roughly four days in Germany, he was further evacuated to the United States, namely Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. At Andrews, he again sought out Marines and teamed up with a sergeant. At one point during his stay at Andrews, Hayter and the sergeant came across a wounded Marine who cut a Mohawk in his hair, a definite breach of regulations.
“I just looked at the sergeant who knew exactly what I meant. The sergeant went over and squared the Marine away. Good order and discipline existed among the wounded,” he said.
He arrived back at Camp Lejeune soon after and was promoted to first lieutenant as well as received countless visits from various Marines aboard base including Brig. Gen. Mastin M. Robeson, currently the III Marine Expeditionary Force deputy commanding general.
However, the newly promoted Hayter had a decision to make.
“Everyone was talking to me about medical retirement and what my options are after the Marines Corps. At [Naval Medical Center Portsmouth] I met a Navy SEAL who had had a limb amputated but was working toward going back on full duty with a SEAL Team and deployed with them. That’s when I decided to stay in the Marines,” Hayter explained.
His foot, however, was still a concern. He still had his heel and after numerous reconstructive surgeries would still be able to keep his foot. The other option given to amputate his leg at mid-shin. The recovery time would be faster and would get him back to work just as fast.
Hayter did what most people would abhor, he opted for amputation.
After spending only nine days at Portsmouth, he returned to Camp Lejeune and checked in to the 6th Marine Regimental Headquarters and immediately went to conducting his own physical training… getting back in shape.
“When I would go to the gym, other Marines would come up to me and say I motivate them. To me, it was the other way around. It’s what’s instilled, the ability to adapt and overcome. I hope all Marines can do the same,” he said.
The regimental headquarters started a football team, knowing Hayter’s love for the game. Hayter had played during his days at Carroll College in Wisconsin.
Three months after his amputation, he was back on the field.
“No one felt sorry for me, they basically told me to ‘suck it up’ which really helped,” said Hayter.
Lieutenant Col. Julian D. Alford, commanding officer, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, offered Hayter the command of a platoon in the battalion if he was able to get back on full duty status. Once Hayter felt he was able to return, he made the trip to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center where he was screened.
“I met a lot of wounded Marines there who wanted to return to full duty. I drew strength from them,” he said.
At Walter Reed, they gave him the final stamp of approval to return to full duty as an amputee. He then took command of a platoon in 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines as promised, where he serves today. With his most recent run time of 26:40 on his Physical Fitness Test, he should have no problem staying in the Marine Corps as long as he’s needed.
“When a Marine gets wounded, he doesn’t want to feel alienated, he wants to feel he still belongs and that he’s still able to be a value to the Marine Corps. The biggest thing we can do for our fallen is to take these guys in, not baby them, give them a challenge, and make them feel like Marines again,” Hayter said. “I love Marines. I think God’s greatest creation is the United States Marine Corps.”
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...88?opendocument
Submitted by: MCB Camp Lejeune
Story Identification #: 2005819133340
Story by Sgt. Jerad W. Alexander
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Aug. 18, 2005) -- To any casual observer visiting the F-11A pistol and battlesight zero range here, 1st Lt. Charles E. Hayter, a 26-year-old native of Billings, Mont., looks like any run-of-the-mill platoon commander… standing, watching over his Marines as they zero their rifles before they deploy to Iraq.
A closer examination might reveal otherwise, but it would have to be a real close observation. The only telltale sign would be the tightness of one boot over the other and it’s rigid appearance, because inside that boot exists a prosthetic. Hayter, platoon commander for the Mobile Assault Platoon, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, has no right foot.
On July 9, 2004, Weapons Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, led by then-2nd Lt. Hayter, left the perimeter at Bagram Airbase, Afghanistan, to investigate the sight where a U.S. Army patrol received fire the day prior.
“We moved about seven [kilometers] northeast of Bagram and established a [Vehicle Check Point] for a while, we then mounted up and moved to where the firefight took place,” said Hayter.
At the supposed spot where the previous day’s fighting took place, they found what seemed to be a well-traveled foot trail, according to Hayter.
“We dismounted the Humvee’s and swept up the trail, four Marines on the left and four on the right. I made it about 15 feet and stepped on an Italian toe popper,” he said.
An Italian toe-popper is a small anti-personnel landmine. The mine shredded his foot and immediately cauterized the wound.
“It hurt like you wouldn’t believe,” said Hayter.
After the detonation, Hayter remained standing. He slowly turned around, sat down and gathered his wits about him.
At this point, the Marines around him, though constantly vigil before the explosion, took control. The Marines in the patrol immediately established security and began clearing the way for mines to Hayter to get him medical attention and evacuate him. One of his lance corporals called in for the medical evacuation, or Medevac, according to Hayter.
The whole process of getting Hayter back to Bagram Airbase was conducted professionally and quickly. According to Hayter, the 30-minute drive to get to where he was wounded took the Marines about eight minutes on the return trip.
“Things were done as they were supposed to be. My Marines did it right,” he said.
Once back at Bagram, he immediately went in to surgery and soon after was evacuated to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.
“At Germany, I had some [camouflage utilities] with me and got a hold of some crutches and went and sought out other wounded Marines,” said Hayter.
Meeting the wounded Marines, most coming out of Iraq, served as a huge element of motivation for Hayter, he said.
After spending roughly four days in Germany, he was further evacuated to the United States, namely Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. At Andrews, he again sought out Marines and teamed up with a sergeant. At one point during his stay at Andrews, Hayter and the sergeant came across a wounded Marine who cut a Mohawk in his hair, a definite breach of regulations.
“I just looked at the sergeant who knew exactly what I meant. The sergeant went over and squared the Marine away. Good order and discipline existed among the wounded,” he said.
He arrived back at Camp Lejeune soon after and was promoted to first lieutenant as well as received countless visits from various Marines aboard base including Brig. Gen. Mastin M. Robeson, currently the III Marine Expeditionary Force deputy commanding general.
However, the newly promoted Hayter had a decision to make.
“Everyone was talking to me about medical retirement and what my options are after the Marines Corps. At [Naval Medical Center Portsmouth] I met a Navy SEAL who had had a limb amputated but was working toward going back on full duty with a SEAL Team and deployed with them. That’s when I decided to stay in the Marines,” Hayter explained.
His foot, however, was still a concern. He still had his heel and after numerous reconstructive surgeries would still be able to keep his foot. The other option given to amputate his leg at mid-shin. The recovery time would be faster and would get him back to work just as fast.
Hayter did what most people would abhor, he opted for amputation.
After spending only nine days at Portsmouth, he returned to Camp Lejeune and checked in to the 6th Marine Regimental Headquarters and immediately went to conducting his own physical training… getting back in shape.
“When I would go to the gym, other Marines would come up to me and say I motivate them. To me, it was the other way around. It’s what’s instilled, the ability to adapt and overcome. I hope all Marines can do the same,” he said.
The regimental headquarters started a football team, knowing Hayter’s love for the game. Hayter had played during his days at Carroll College in Wisconsin.
Three months after his amputation, he was back on the field.
“No one felt sorry for me, they basically told me to ‘suck it up’ which really helped,” said Hayter.
Lieutenant Col. Julian D. Alford, commanding officer, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, offered Hayter the command of a platoon in the battalion if he was able to get back on full duty status. Once Hayter felt he was able to return, he made the trip to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center where he was screened.
“I met a lot of wounded Marines there who wanted to return to full duty. I drew strength from them,” he said.
At Walter Reed, they gave him the final stamp of approval to return to full duty as an amputee. He then took command of a platoon in 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines as promised, where he serves today. With his most recent run time of 26:40 on his Physical Fitness Test, he should have no problem staying in the Marine Corps as long as he’s needed.
“When a Marine gets wounded, he doesn’t want to feel alienated, he wants to feel he still belongs and that he’s still able to be a value to the Marine Corps. The biggest thing we can do for our fallen is to take these guys in, not baby them, give them a challenge, and make them feel like Marines again,” Hayter said. “I love Marines. I think God’s greatest creation is the United States Marine Corps.”
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...88?opendocument
MCLB Albany celebrates National Kids Day
Submitted by: MCLB Albany
Story Identification #: 200581683741
Story by Lance Cpl. Rose A. Müth
MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. (Aug. 11, 2005) -- In areas all over America there are children being celebrated for their youth, spirit and imagination. Since 2001, National Kids Day has helped communities and families come together to help celebrate the gift of spending time together.
With National Kids Day usually celebrated on the first Sunday of August, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany celebrated in style on July 29 at Thomason Gym.
“National Kids Day is about family and quality time,” said Paula Caserio, MCLB Albany Youth and Teen Center director. “This is the third year we have held the event and the attendance rate keeps growing every year.”
Since the event is only a few years old, planning the event takes time to advertise and promote on and off base.
“We start planning the event about six months in advance with the Boys and Girls Club of America to get everything prepared for the actual event,” Caserio said. “We usually contract the vendors out about two to three months before the event.”
With various vendors around Albany attending the event, the information passed was geared to help inform parents of different things children can be involved in.
“We had the Albany Police Department Drug Unit, Outdoor Adventures, Wild Adventures, Preventative Education and Alcohol and Substance Abuse counselors, and some other vendors come out to the event,” Caserio said. “After the event was held in the gym, we had a pool party for the older kids at the base pool to help include them in the celebration.”
Policemen with the Albany Police Department set up a static display of drugs to help show parents what different drugs looked like and what kind of devices are being made with simple items found in the house to utilize the drugs.
“The drug display was very interesting,” said Staff Sgt. Derrick Washington, Financial Management Branch, Supply Chain Management Services, Logistics Command. “This was a good time for the kids to come out and see some different things and learn different stuff. To see how people made the devices for the drugs is really interesting.”
With National Kids Day being recognized as a time for families to come together and to spend meaningful time with each other, many families aboard MCLB Albany attended the event despite the state wide tax-free weekend at the surrounding shopping areas.
“I would say this year was very successful even thought it started on the tax-free weekend for back to school shopping,” Caserio said. “We try to plan more events for the children - young and old, and to give information to parents to help provide a better environment for their children, give them resources they can have or someone they can contact and have things for them to do with their children here also.”
Although National Kids Day is being celebrated nationally on Aug. 7, the event was held inside the gym due to the heat and thunderstorms usually encountered this time of year.
“The first year we held the event at Covella Pond and it was really hot outside,” Caserio said. “So we decided to bring the event indoors and the vendors and participants were relieved. But this year’s event went well and we are already looking forward to next year.”
For more information on National Kids Day, go to www.kidsday.net or call Paula Caserio at 639-7930.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...39?opendocument
Submitted by: MCLB Albany
Story Identification #: 200581683741
Story by Lance Cpl. Rose A. Müth
MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. (Aug. 11, 2005) -- In areas all over America there are children being celebrated for their youth, spirit and imagination. Since 2001, National Kids Day has helped communities and families come together to help celebrate the gift of spending time together.
With National Kids Day usually celebrated on the first Sunday of August, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany celebrated in style on July 29 at Thomason Gym.
“National Kids Day is about family and quality time,” said Paula Caserio, MCLB Albany Youth and Teen Center director. “This is the third year we have held the event and the attendance rate keeps growing every year.”
Since the event is only a few years old, planning the event takes time to advertise and promote on and off base.
“We start planning the event about six months in advance with the Boys and Girls Club of America to get everything prepared for the actual event,” Caserio said. “We usually contract the vendors out about two to three months before the event.”
With various vendors around Albany attending the event, the information passed was geared to help inform parents of different things children can be involved in.
“We had the Albany Police Department Drug Unit, Outdoor Adventures, Wild Adventures, Preventative Education and Alcohol and Substance Abuse counselors, and some other vendors come out to the event,” Caserio said. “After the event was held in the gym, we had a pool party for the older kids at the base pool to help include them in the celebration.”
Policemen with the Albany Police Department set up a static display of drugs to help show parents what different drugs looked like and what kind of devices are being made with simple items found in the house to utilize the drugs.
“The drug display was very interesting,” said Staff Sgt. Derrick Washington, Financial Management Branch, Supply Chain Management Services, Logistics Command. “This was a good time for the kids to come out and see some different things and learn different stuff. To see how people made the devices for the drugs is really interesting.”
With National Kids Day being recognized as a time for families to come together and to spend meaningful time with each other, many families aboard MCLB Albany attended the event despite the state wide tax-free weekend at the surrounding shopping areas.
“I would say this year was very successful even thought it started on the tax-free weekend for back to school shopping,” Caserio said. “We try to plan more events for the children - young and old, and to give information to parents to help provide a better environment for their children, give them resources they can have or someone they can contact and have things for them to do with their children here also.”
Although National Kids Day is being celebrated nationally on Aug. 7, the event was held inside the gym due to the heat and thunderstorms usually encountered this time of year.
“The first year we held the event at Covella Pond and it was really hot outside,” Caserio said. “So we decided to bring the event indoors and the vendors and participants were relieved. But this year’s event went well and we are already looking forward to next year.”
For more information on National Kids Day, go to www.kidsday.net or call Paula Caserio at 639-7930.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf...39?opendocument
Marine daughter displays exceptional strength
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification #: 2005818131320
Story by Lance Cpl. Alec Kleinsmith
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, CALIF. (Aug. 10, 2005) -- Ryley R. McLaughlin looks like any typical 2-year-old girl. She's outgoing, animated and has an energy level many adults would love to possess. But unknown to most, she is one of the many children in our country who suffer from mental and physical disabilities.
Fortunately for Ryley and her parents, there is a program offered to military families aboard Camp Pendleton that offers guidance and support to aid families trying to raise handicapped children.
Military families have a support system to lean on in the Exceptional Family Member Program - a non-profit organization which allows parents of disabled children to come together and share their experiences with each other.
"Parents use the program to network with other families so they can exchange parenting tips," said Samantha J. Holt, the family programs coordinator for Camp Flashhh (Families laughing and sharing happiness, hugs and hope), a separate program offered by the Armed Forces Young Men's Christian Association, which works in conjunction with EFMP and its participating families.
Through the EFMP and Camp Flashhh, families participate in free field trips, such as visiting museums, going to baseball games and bowling.
"The program also puts parents in a comfort zone because they know that they are in an organization with other military families who are dealing with similar parenting issues," said Holt.
The EFMP is geared primarily toward children and young adults, but adults with disabilities are not exempt from participation.
Some families even have a disabled parent as well as a disabled child, said Jenny L. Troyer, the Operation Hero facilitator for Camp Flashhh.
The program caters to almost every kind of disability, whether the disability is something as minor as asthma or as serious as Down's syndrome.
There are currently 30 families active in the EFMP, but there are more families who meet the programs criteria who could benefit from the available resources.
"Unfortunately, many junior Marines are afraid to enroll in the program because they are apprehensive about asking their staff NCOs for time off from work to participate in the different field trips and events the EFMP and Camp Flashhh offer," said Maj. Bret M. McLaughlin, 44, a logistics officer with I Marine Expeditionary Force and Ryley's father.
McLaughlin and his wife Deb know from experience that the EFMP is an extremely helpful resource. They have two daughters who are a part of the program, and on Aug. 10 the family was treated to complimentary tickets to Sea World San Diego courtesy of Camp Flashhh.
During the field trip, Ryley and her sister, Taylor Bower, 13, were treated to views of graceful dolphins, enormous killer whales and friendly sea lions.
What makes Ryley's trip to Sea World all the more prominent is the fact that Ryley was born prematurely and only weighed 2 lbs., 10 oz.
"During week 17 of my pregnancy, the doctors spoke to us about possibly terminating Ryley due to complications from the pregnancy," said Deb McLaughlin.
Instead the family kept their hopes high, and Ryley was finally brought into the world.
Now almost three, Ryley suffers from pulmonary stenosis and atrial septal, both heart defects affecting blood flow and appetite.
Mentally, Riley has speech-delayed disorder, which limits her to 15 spoken words and some sign language.
Fortunately for the McLaughlin family, the EFMP is there to help ease some of the obstacles that naturally comes with raising disabled children, such as increased medical care and personal attention.
When Maj. McLaughlin was deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, Mrs. McLaughlin found the EFMP to be helpful, but found most of her support through communicating with other military families in her neighborhood.
"The Pendleton EFMP has been extremely helpful in providing valuable resources to families for th
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification #: 2005818131320
Story by Lance Cpl. Alec Kleinsmith
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, CALIF. (Aug. 10, 2005) -- Ryley R. McLaughlin looks like any typical 2-year-old girl. She's outgoing, animated and has an energy level many adults would love to possess. But unknown to most, she is one of the many children in our country who suffer from mental and physical disabilities.
Fortunately for Ryley and her parents, there is a program offered to military families aboard Camp Pendleton that offers guidance and support to aid families trying to raise handicapped children.
Military families have a support system to lean on in the Exceptional Family Member Program - a non-profit organization which allows parents of disabled children to come together and share their experiences with each other.
"Parents use the program to network with other families so they can exchange parenting tips," said Samantha J. Holt, the family programs coordinator for Camp Flashhh (Families laughing and sharing happiness, hugs and hope), a separate program offered by the Armed Forces Young Men's Christian Association, which works in conjunction with EFMP and its participating families.
Through the EFMP and Camp Flashhh, families participate in free field trips, such as visiting museums, going to baseball games and bowling.
"The program also puts parents in a comfort zone because they know that they are in an organization with other military families who are dealing with similar parenting issues," said Holt.
The EFMP is geared primarily toward children and young adults, but adults with disabilities are not exempt from participation.
Some families even have a disabled parent as well as a disabled child, said Jenny L. Troyer, the Operation Hero facilitator for Camp Flashhh.
The program caters to almost every kind of disability, whether the disability is something as minor as asthma or as serious as Down's syndrome.
There are currently 30 families active in the EFMP, but there are more families who meet the programs criteria who could benefit from the available resources.
"Unfortunately, many junior Marines are afraid to enroll in the program because they are apprehensive about asking their staff NCOs for time off from work to participate in the different field trips and events the EFMP and Camp Flashhh offer," said Maj. Bret M. McLaughlin, 44, a logistics officer with I Marine Expeditionary Force and Ryley's father.
McLaughlin and his wife Deb know from experience that the EFMP is an extremely helpful resource. They have two daughters who are a part of the program, and on Aug. 10 the family was treated to complimentary tickets to Sea World San Diego courtesy of Camp Flashhh.
During the field trip, Ryley and her sister, Taylor Bower, 13, were treated to views of graceful dolphins, enormous killer whales and friendly sea lions.
What makes Ryley's trip to Sea World all the more prominent is the fact that Ryley was born prematurely and only weighed 2 lbs., 10 oz.
"During week 17 of my pregnancy, the doctors spoke to us about possibly terminating Ryley due to complications from the pregnancy," said Deb McLaughlin.
Instead the family kept their hopes high, and Ryley was finally brought into the world.
Now almost three, Ryley suffers from pulmonary stenosis and atrial septal, both heart defects affecting blood flow and appetite.
Mentally, Riley has speech-delayed disorder, which limits her to 15 spoken words and some sign language.
Fortunately for the McLaughlin family, the EFMP is there to help ease some of the obstacles that naturally comes with raising disabled children, such as increased medical care and personal attention.
When Maj. McLaughlin was deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, Mrs. McLaughlin found the EFMP to be helpful, but found most of her support through communicating with other military families in her neighborhood.
"The Pendleton EFMP has been extremely helpful in providing valuable resources to families for th